A lot of new songs to talk about, history made on the Hot 100 (for the wrong reasons), but of course, I have to address the elephant in the room first.
As I mentioned last week, February contains the "big three" events in music, resulting in a lot of controversy. Last week, there was turmoil over Beyonce winning the Grammy for Country Album of the Year, and this week, it's Kendrick Lamar's turn. The third event, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025 nominations, came out today as I'm writing this, which already has grumblings, but that's for next week.
Meanwhile, we had Lamar, and depending on who you ask, it's either the greatest halftime show of all time, or one of the worst. As they say, everyone has an opinion.
 |
| Kendrick Lamar headlined the halftime show for Super Bowl LIX |
I've said it often, but I am not a fan of current, hip hop, and to be honest haven't been one for thirty years. I am just not getting why this genre is still so popular.... it's essentially spoken word, with no appreciable musical backing. While yes, the message is in the lyrics, the sounds from these songs are often the same, and unless you can really understand the words, it's a few minutes that you will never get back.
I remember saying a few years ago that Kendrick Lamar is one of the better rappers out there in the modern day. That being said, one of his songs actually made the SNS 100, that being "I" which reached #47 in 2015. But that is largely because it sampled "That Lady", the awesome 1973 song by The Isley Brothers. I know sampling, especially early in hip-hop was often frowned upon but at least if it's a backing track you know, it makes listening to what the rapper has to say, a little more appealing. It's sort of what John Lennon used to say about his protest songs, that he realized that you need a "little more honey" to get the message across.
I haven't listened to Lamar's latest work, even those the songs have been fixtures in the upper part of the Hot 100 lately. In the latest chart week ending February 15, he has two songs, both with featured performers. "Luther" with SZA is #3, while "TV Off" with Lefty Gunplay is at #10. "Not Like Us", his former #1 track dissing fellow rapper Drake moves back up from 29 to 15. No doubt that all of these three songs might occupy the top three in a few weeks, if "news" items are any indication with all those streams. Well, that chart lost me decades ago.
But anyway, this isn't really about the charts, it's about the halftime show. In a word, boring. Reading my friends posts on my Facebook News Feed, comment after comment about how horrible the halftime show was. Yet, I read elsewhere that it's the greatest and most-watched show ever? Supposedly there was a message about unity and it had a patriotic theme. You had actor Samuel L. Jackson in an Uncle Sam outfit, and the dancers accompanying Lamar in red, white and blue in the shape of an American flag. Flashing and flamboyant, however, it wasn't. A rather calm demeanor as Lamar's rapping really doesn't sit well during a halftime Super Bowl show. And I'm not knocking this because it's hip-hip; the show a few years back with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem was very entertaining. I can't say the same thing about this one. Apparently, he played ten songs during halftime, all from his current album. That included "Not Like Us". That's right, on national television, he did a song putting down a fellow rapper. That's hip-hop for you, dissing another artist in their genre in public. Yes, it has been done in rock, but can you imagine Paul McCartney singing "Too Many People" (a jab at his Beatles bandmate John Lennon) in his show? Or how about Lynyrd Skynyrd doing "Sweet Home Alabama". OK, I would believe that, but I'd also believe Neil Young, who gets dissed in that classic, would come out singing with them (Young actually had performed it on one of his shows).
The two best moments were the two songs he did with SZA: The above mentioned "Luther", as well as "All the Stars". I like SZA a lot and she added class to those songs, and it was great to see her out there. But the message purported in the other songs were drowned out by the crowd and many couldn't hear what he was rapping about. And if there was a message intended, well, it just didn't come through.
I listen to music based on not only the lyrics, but the feelings involved as well as the production and instrumentation which can only add to the emotions of the song. While these lyrics may be thought-provoking, they come on as empty.
For those who appreciated the halftime show, more power to you. You saw and heard something that I just couldn't comprehend. I am open-minded when it comes to music, I really don't care about the gender, sexual orientation, nor the race of the artist, just that it hits home, and hits the soul. You can feel the vibe that is going on when you hear such a song. The emotion that, for example, the top two debuts on this week's SNS 100 emit. More on that below.
Sorry.
HOT 100: While hip-hop was a "triumph" according to the "powers that me" at the halftime show, on the charts, one of its artists sets a dubious record, which I will get to.
In the "more things change", the more they remain the same, "Die with a Smile" returns to the top spot, for a fifth, non-consecutive week. We have a debut at #2, that being the latest from Morgan Wallen, "I'm the Problem". Because of that ranking, it's now the new #1 on the Country Songs artist, ending (for now), the 40-week run of "A Bar Song (Tipsy)", which incidentally is still #5 this week on the Hot 100. "Lose Control" is STILL in the top ten at #8 in week 77. "Birds of a Feather" is still #4, and "Beautiful Things" moves back into the top ten at #9. For heaven's sake, PLAY ALL OF THESE ARTISTS' NEWER SONGS!
Anyway, last week's #1 song, "4X4" by Travis Scott? It drops all the way to #57, smashing the dubious record for the biggest fall from the top spot, destroying the 1 to 45 drop of "Like Crazy" by Jimin, from 2023. By the way, the record for the biggest drop from any position on the chart came in 2022 when the aptly named "We Cry Together" dropped from 16 to 97. The artists? Kendrick Lamar and Taylour Page. Sorry, I just had to get that one in.
SNS 100: We have a new number one on my chart, which is "Sage Motel" by the psychedelic soul outfit Monophonics, knocking out Don West's "Small Change" after two weeks. Moto Bandit's "Private Pile drops 2-3, while The Palms' "Ghost" advances 6-4. New in the top ten this week are Fitz and the Tantrums' "Steppin' on Me" which moves 11-7, becoming the outfits first top ten since 2022's "Sway", and Thee Sacred Souls' "My Heart is Drowning", moving 25-10 and gaining this week's Impact award. Barry Walsh's "Rescue Me" is the only other entry into the top twenty. Last week's Top Debut is one this week's Movers, that being My Morning Jacket's "Time Waited". The other Co-Mover is The Six Piece Suits' "Lovers Into Strangers" (75-43).
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| The duo Tennis has the Top Debut this week with "Weight of Desire" |
DEBUTS: The blog favorite heavyweight artists are releasing songs this week and over the next several weeks. They include a husband-and-wife duo which have amassed four blog number ones, as well as the two hottest Internet collectives, and finally a remake of a great song by one of my favorite 1970's bands, by one of my favorite 1980's bands.
Let's start with the Top Debut, "Weight of Desire" by Tennis, the group containing the husband-and-wife duo of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley, from Colorado. The new song, which debuts at #40, is a very emotional and rather dreamy ballad. Ms. Moore's voice is very suited to this song, it conveys the feeling that the song purports. While they have done ballads in the past, like "My Emotions Are Blinding", this one, because of her voice and the production, I think this is their best. It's a plea for wanting to be with someone, to rescue them from being "two steps from the water". There is an emotion stirring inside of me when I hear this song, and Alaina's voice just enhances it. Tennis had the first new blog #1 of the 2020's with "Runner", but hasn't been to the top since. This one should make it their fifth blog topper.
Orbis Max returns with their new song, "Follow". The Internet collective is fronted once again by Dw Dunphy on vocals, as well as band regulars Don Baake on guitar, Craig Carlstrom on bass and Bruce Walker on keyboards. Italy's Daniele Silvestri returns to play the drums. An original member of Orbis, Dale Breeden returns to the band; he wrote the new song and also contributed guitar tracks.
As for "Follow", Orbis have outdone themselves. This is indeed a rock ballad of exciting proportions; with excellent vocals (Dunphy's is in his best form and is very emotional in his delivery). The guitar work just adds to the ambience of the song. I am going out on a limb here and saying this is their best song; it rivals or even beats "R U OK", with a bit more of a rock stance than that song. The song simply sends chills up my spine when I hear this. The sound is very refreshing; it's sort of a throwback to rock's best moments but it can also set a course for its future. Very recommended.
 |
| Ruth E. Music leads the new Einsteins Dad single, "Black Doves" |
Not to be outdone, the other big Internet contingent, Einsteins Dad, debut with "Black Doves". Ruth E. Morayniss, better known as Ruth E.Music, who provided vocals on "After the Rain", returns to the fold on their new song. It's an acoustic, down to earth song, sung entirely by Ruth. Einstein regulars Steve Shouse, Mario Licata and Richard Bradley return for this one (there is no drum part on this, thus it's minus Daniele Silvestri, who as mentioned above is on the new Orbis track). The song is Ruth's own, and she shows off her down to earth artistry here. If you like "After the Rain", you will love this one.
Like Bon Jovi, Duran Duran is still making the charts in the 2020's, although like Jon and the gang, it's relegated to the Adult Contemporary Chart. When I saw that Simon Le Bon and crew's new song is "Evil Woman", I wondered if it's a cover of the Electric Light Orchestra's awesome 1975 hit. It is indeed one and the same song. The production of this new cover is a bit offbeat compared to DD's heyday, but after the intro, it's pretty much faithful to the original, but with a fresh take on it. Their use of synthesizers and guitar, as they did in the 80's, is intact and adds to the song. While nothing touches the original, Duran does a great job in resurrecting the song. Duran's blog-era best has been 2011's "Leave a Light On", reaching #35, this should beat out that one.
Among the other debuts, we have "No One Noticed" by The Marias, following up last year's "Run Your Mouth". It's sort of an understated but dreamy mid-tempo confection; they are led by Maria Zaryoda, hail from Los Angeles and perform in both Spanish and English. Guster returns with "When We Were Stars". This straddles the indie-pop and jangle pop subgenres, but it's also a bit haunting. It's a bit tasty as well, thanks to the guitar work, and Adam Gardner's vocals. Guster hit blog number one blog way back in 2010 with "Do You Love Me"; this is their best since. Very catchy.
OneRepublic returns with the rather Maroon 5-ish (latter version) "Sink or Swim", which might have a shot, Fontaines DC which has been successful at alternative lately, entering with "Favourite" which is a driving slice of alternative, and in my opinion, better than their alt hit, "Starburster". Pom Pom Squad, featured a few weeks back on The Kelly Clarkson Show, with the sort-of-new wave-ish power pop "Street Fighter". Takes a few listens but it has the goods.
UP AND COMING: It's a great time for new music from artists that have scored on the SNS 100. Last week, The Six Piece Suits started things off, and this week, we had Tennis, Orbis Max and Einsteins Dad. Coming up (and on the Murmurs list) include new songs from Sylvia Johns Ritchie, The Pozers, Starbuck, Juliet Callahan, Sir Prize and the Twomorrow Knightz, Whiskey-Chitto Ramblers, Dani Zanoni, and soon, a new duet from Deb Browning and The Mac Daddy's Band's Michael Fite.
It's nice to have my own "core artists"!
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
February 9, 2024
|
This Week |
Last Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks on List |
|
1 |
3 |
NUMBER ONE:  Album: Sage Motel |
11 |
|
2 |
1 |
9 |
|
|
3 |
2 |
11 |
|
|
4 |
6 |
10 |
|
|
5 |
4 |
18 |
|
|
6 |
8 |
13 |
|
|
7 |
11 |
8 |
|
|
8 |
7 |
22 |
|
|
9 |
12 |
9 |
|
|
10 |
25 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  Album: Got a Story to Tell |
4 |
|
11 |
13 |
12 |
|
|
12 |
5 |
10 |
|
|
13 |
9 |
15 |
|
|
14 |
15 |
11 |
|
|
15 |
10 |
13 |
|
|
16 |
14 |
23 |
|
|
17 |
18 |
15 |
|
|
18 |
17 |
11 |
|
|
19 |
16 |
14 |
|
|
20 |
27 |
5 |
|
|
21 |
24 |
10 |
|
|
22 |
21 |
12 |
|
|
23 |
30 |
4 |
|
|
24 |
23 |
23 |
|
|
25 |
19 |
10 |
|
|
26 |
22 |
15 |
|
|
27 |
33 |
5 |
|
|
28 |
28 |
7 |
|
|
29 |
46 |
CO-MOVER OF THE WEEK  Album: is |
2 |
|
30 |
20 |
11 |
|
|
31 |
38 |
4 |
|
|
32 |
44 |
3 |
|
|
33 |
39 |
4 |
|
|
34 |
45 |
3 |
|
|
35 |
37 |
5 |
|
|
36 |
31 |
21 |
|
|
37 |
29 |
21 |
|
|
38 |
48 |
3 |
|
|
39 |
43 |
5 |
|
|
40 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  Album: Face Down in the Garden |
1 |
|
41 |
36 |
7 |
|
|
42 |
41 |
10 |
|
|
43 |
75 |
CO-MOVER OF THE WEEK:  THE SIX PIECE SUITS featuring NINA STARSONG (Single Release) |
2 |
|
44 |
26 |
10 |
|
|
45 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
46 |
35 |
10 |
|
|
47 |
51 |
4 |
|
|
48 |
50 |
4 |
|
|
49 |
32 |
13 |
|
|
50 |
34 |
15 |
|
|
51 |
49 |
5 |
|
|
52 |
55 |
4 |
|
|
53 |
63 |
3 |
|
|
54 |
69 |
2 |
|
|
55 |
42 |
24 |
|
|
56 |
59 |
4 |
|
|
57 |
62 |
3 |
|
|
58 |
60 |
5 |
|
|
59 |
72 |
2 |
|
|
60 |
54 |
6 |
|
|
61 |
68 |
3 |
|
|
62 |
77 |
2 |
|
|
63 |
61 |
5 |
|
|
64 |
67 |
3 |
|
|
65 |
40 |
18 |
|
|
66 |
52 |
26 |
|
|
67 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
68 |
71 |
3 |
|
|
69 |
64 |
5 |
|
|
70 |
66 |
4 |
|
|
71 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
72 |
65 |
5 |
|
|
73 |
53 |
Sylvia Johns Ritchie -I Don't
Care Who Knows ( I Love My Baby) |
18 |
|
74 |
73 |
3 |
|
|
75 |
47 |
12 |
|
|
76 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
77 |
80 |
2 |
|
|
78 |
89 |
2 |
|
|
79 |
56 |
19 |
|
|
80 |
84 |
3 |
|
|
81 |
85 |
2 |
|
|
82 |
76 |
20 |
|
|
83 |
88 |
2 |
|
|
84 |
57 |
16 |
|
|
85 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
86 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
87 |
83 |
4 |
|
|
88 |
87 |
2 |
|
|
89 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
90 |
58 |
9 |
|
|
91 |
70 |
20 |
|
|
92 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
93 |
91 |
2 |
|
|
94 |
74 |
9 |
|
|
95 |
78 |
14 |
|
|
96 |
79 |
13 |
|
|
97 |
82 |
5 |
|
|
98 |
81 |
23 |
|
|
99 |
86 |
3 |
|
|
100 |
90 |
10 |
Murmurs:
Jason Aldean - Whiskey Drink
Starbuck - Beach Radio
Sylvia Johns Ritchie - My Heart Knows You By Heart
Carly Pearce - truck on fire
Kathleen Turner Overdrive -Best Dog
The Early November - The Sand
Justice - Neverender
Franz Ferdinand - Night or Day
Mumford and Sons - Rushmore
kjband - The Outsider
Barry Walsh - The Sound
Juliet Callahan - Intoxicated
Justice - Neverender
Almost Monday - Can't Slow Down
Sir Prize and the Twomorrow Knightz - Glide to Arrive
Dead Poet Society ft The Warning - Hurt
The Warning - Hell Y0u Call A Dream
Sweet Unrest - How Are You Feeling
Whiskey-Chitto Ramblers - Bender Coming On
Dani Zanoni- Safe Space
Inhaler - Your Hour
The Pozers - What You Do To Me
Phantogram - Come Alive
Tommy James - Where Did Our Love Go/You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Morgan Wallen - I'm the Problem
Lady Gaga - Abracadabra
Billie Eilish - Wild Flower
Lucius - Gold Rush
Murmurs: Songs which are in the
queue for future adds onto the Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist.
|
|
Songs
with the greatest increase in favorite points over the prior week
|
|
Holiday
Songs
▲Song garnered most plays
on Spotify, for the month, with a
superscript following the symbol if most played for multiple months; or if a
song was among the top 5 most plays for two months. ● Song
among top 5 most plays on Spotify.
Awards given during the last blog of each month. To qualify, the song must be currently or
have peaked in the top 40. (Until September 2024)
●Songs garnering 25 plays
on Spotify (“Scrobbles”) according to Last.Fm (effective October 2024)
Songs
on the SNS 100 are included on the following public Spotify playlists
Scenes
‘n’ Soundwaves Top 40: Contains songs in positions 1-40 on the SNS
100
Scenes
Up and Coming: Songs From 41-100 that are moving up the
chart that have not reached the top 40
Scenes
Down and Going: Song formerly in the top 40 that are
descending but still on the SNS 100.
Scenes
Recurrents: Songs which had been in
the top 20 and/or songs on the chart 25 weeks or more, that have dropped off
the SNS 100.
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