STREAMING HAS ITS pros and cons. A few weeks ago, I talked about how canned playlists on Spotify and other streaming services enable the same songs to stay in the top ten for months---and now even years. But there's other advantages to it, of course, access to a lot of music, past and present, with just as much access for new, obscure and developing artists. And then there's sharing music.
Back in the 1960's, boomers like me would "share" new 45s with friends. You would head on over to a friend's house and play some of their new single records, often stacked up on the record player. And in turn, you would head to the store and buy a copy for yourself. In the 1970's, that would translate to albums as well, be in vinyl or 8-track, where you listen and then buy for yourself.
And then came a tape recorder. And a recession. By the late 1970's, record sales were declining, in part do to a collapsing economy and other forms of entertainment, such as video games. But the recording industry targeted instead, "home taping"--the process of taking a bought recording and creating a copy for your friends, saving them some money in buying. As cassettes became the norm in the 1980's that made it much easier to do. When CD's became the norm in the late 80's and 1990's, it escalated.
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| Streaming sites make it easier to share music during the current era. |
And then came Napster.
The Internet and technology made it possible to "share" mp3 files---usually derived from digitally coping CD's (or older configurations). While file-sharing sites like Napster were originally intended for people across long distances with music interests to "share" their music--much like friends did with physical recordings, it became an outlet for burning the shared songs onto a CD of their own. Record labels unfoundedly let this happen in the first place by making a lot of single releases unavailable unless you bought the whole album, which by that time was selling for fifteen dollars. It was easy to create a "mix tape" (or mix CD), thanks to file-sharing.
Of course, the record industry was up in arms, initiating lawsuits and of course, shutting down the sites. But in its wake came legal mp3 sites such as Apple's iTunes and Amazon. But it was the next innovation---streaming, thanks to sites such as Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music that increased the variety of listening. The sites are free with ads, or you can pay a monthly fee to eliminate the ads. And for the most part, a vast library of music is available without actually "buying" it.
But, how does that translate into sharing music? Well, a lot, actually.
You can make playlists public that you can share with followers, and even post links for friends. I brought up this because last week, I asked a friend, Deepti what she was listening to these days. She is a blog follower and several years ago, I shared music with her. She got me into artists like Black Pumas, but also, I found out that we shared some favorite artists as well. One of them was Mayer Hawthorne, whose "The Walk" was a #1 blog hit.
For people like me in the 2020's who still follow current music, I feel very alone. Most of my friends left listening to new music in the 70's and 80's. Several were also into 90's alternative but many of them I lost contact with. On friend, Brian Sniatkowski, who I've known since 1990 (we worked at two different companies at the same time over the years) was into current music and would post his "song of the week", which got me into some new artists, but he stopped that several years ago.
So, it was nice that Deepti shared music she was listening to with me. Artists that I was introduced to include Grace Bowers and The Hodge Podge, and Bartees Strange, whose songs I will add in the coming weeks. But many of the other artists she shared I am definitely familiar with, with many of them reaching the top of the SNS 100. "Default" by Django Django, "I Get No Joy" by Jade Bird, and songs by Kurt Vile, My Morning Jacket and Fontaines DC. She sent me Spotify links to these songs, which is an easy way to share music these days.
A big thanks to Deepti for sharing theses. I also invite any other readers of the blog to share their music they are listening to. Many artists have shared their own compositions (many of those currently adorn the chart), but I hope regular music fans can do so as well. As a person interested in many genres, nothing is off limits.
BACK TO THE CHARTS, and the stagnation continues on the Hot 100, with Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA's "Luther" #1 for a twelfth week. It holds off Alex Warren's "Ordinary" which is still #2, giving more cred to my theory that a song has to debut at the top or the best they can do is #2. Mainstays "Die With a Smile" and "A Bar Song" are still 3 and 4. And forget about Shaboozey's duet with Jelly Roll, "Amen" that they performed on the ACM awards. That song drops a notch to #78. Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" is still #6 after 47 weeks, and I finally add the song this week.
Then there's "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims, still #7 in week 90. That ties The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" for second place, just one week behind "Heat Waves", by Glass Animals, which will undoubtedly tie it next week, and then some. And forget about Teddy's duet with Thomas Rhett, "Somethin' 'About a Woman" that debuted a few weeks ago. It's off the chart. Shaking my head. At least "Bad Dreams" is #30. It should be higher, where "Lose Control" is. End of rant.
ON TO MUCH NICER NEWS, we have a new #1 on the Scenes n' Soundwaves 100, but a familiar face. "I Never Wanted To" by Deb Browning and Michael Fite ascends 2-1. While it's Michael's first blog topper, it's Deb's seventh. Four of them are duets: Besides Michael, Deb also topped the chart with The Six Piece Suits (twice), and Marlisa Kay Small.
That enables Deb to take third place in SNS history for most number ones. ScreenAge also had six number ones, and now Deb trails The Black Keys (9) and Fitz and the Tantrums (12). And Deb can add to her total very soon as her solo "Does Your Baby Got Your Back" advances 9-6. But don't count out Michael Fite: His group, The Mac Daddy's Band, moves 6-4 with "Seaside in the Sand".
Last week's number one, Sylvia Johns Ritchie's "My Heart Knows You By Heart" drops to #2, after two weeks at the top. The Jay Vons hold at #3 with "Days Undone", and The Black Keys' "The Night Before", currently #1 on the alternative airplay list, hold at #5 for the third week, after notching their ninth blog topper. New to the top ten are Jerry Powell's "Dance With Me" (13-9), and Ashley Clark's "Liberty" (12-10). Two entries debut in the top 20: Former alternative #1 song "So Cold" by Balu Brigata moves 21-19 for the Impact award, and Ruth Moranyiss' "Any Day Now" joins her "Black Doves" already in there, as it moves from 25 to 20.
Further down, we have the Mover of the Week, which was last week's Top Debut, Moon Soul's "Don't Change". Other big movers include Starbuck (34-22). Rick Strickland and Lesa Hudson (37-27), Jackie Gore and Terri Gore (whose "Unforgettable" is #1 on five charts, 41-32) and Pepper Creek (54-35).
DEBUTS: Almost Monday, coming off a top ten with "Can't Slow Down" (holding at 16 this week), grabs Top Debut with "Jupiter". Slightly different from the prior song as it's more rhythmic and danceable. Assisted by Jordana, it is nonetheless infectious, and should be another hit. It enters at #79.
Not far behind is "Ladies Man" by The Tonez, with Sylvia Johns Ritchie. Both acts are very hot these days, with Sylvia coming off a #1 song and The Tonez knocking on the door to the top ten. Laura Kepley steps out in front on this one, but is aided by the song's writer Ms. Ritchie, who also contributes keyboards and shares vocals with Laura. Everyone is having a good time here, nice and up-tempo complete with horns and such. A carefree tour-de-force here that is already shaping up as a hit in the beach community.
I wasn't sure which new Suki Waterhouse track to add this week, as she has two new releases. I decided to go with "Dream Woman"; it's a bit more somber, with a Lana Del Rey vibe. Rather dreamy as well, but it hits home. A bit of a change-of-pace from last years hits, but it's a welcome one.
Next we have the latest from the band Too Much Sylvia (I always wondered about that name---does it have something to do with Ms. Ritchie?), "A Jukebox Playin' 45s". This is one of those songs that covers a lot of classics, in the guise of a new song. Familiar riffs of classic R&B songs, sort of reminiscent of Eric Carmen's "Make Me Lose Control". Set in nostalgia, it's laced with memories of the 1960's. In the middle of the song, there's an instrumental break featuring riffs from "Tighten Up", "Soul Man", "Shotgun" and other songs from back in the day.
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| New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde returns to the fold with "What Was That". |
Has it been almost twelve years since Lorde's "Royals" hit the top of both the Billboard Hot 100 and the SNS 100? She's been relatively quiet since but her new one, "What Was That?" seems to be picking up alternative airplay. She stretches out on this one, a more looser approach than that big hit. This is one of those songs that picks up steam as it goes on.
Finally, after being in the top ten for ages, I finally add Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club". Although "Good Luck Babe" scratched the SNS top 40, this one has a better chance to do well here. Unlike all the other songs permanently affixed in the Billboard Top 10, which have been played out, this one, currently #6 after 47 weeks on the chart, which I hadn't added until now, enabled me to get into this one. While it's considered pop, it's an imaginative one for these times. Last time, I sort of dismissed her for having a flashy image, but a listen to this song, it feels like a new artist making some good music.
In the Tremors section, new songs from Arcade Fire and Mt Joy enter. While Mt Joy's "Coyote" is straight-ahead alternative, Arcade Fire's "Pink Elephant" is sort of a somber, Cure-like effort.
SUMMERTIME MADNESS: This chart, is the first week of the annual "Song of the Summer" contest which will run through mid-September. Next week, the one dated May 18, may or may not be published as I plan to be away; otherwise the SNS 100 will be frozen for a week. We shall see!
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
May 11, 2025
|
This Week |
Last Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks on List |
|
1 |
2 |
NUMBER ONE:  Album: The Pink Beach House (Various Artists) |
12 |
|
2 |
1 |
13 |
|
|
3 |
3 |
9 |
|
|
4 |
6 |
7 |
|
|
5 |
5 |
12 |
|
|
6 |
9 |
5 |
|
|
7 |
4 |
10 |
|
|
8 |
8 |
9 |
|
|
9 |
13 |
5 |
|
|
10 |
12 |
10 |
|
|
11 |
11 |
9 |
|
|
12 |
15 |
9 |
|
|
13 |
14 |
7 |
|
|
14 |
7 |
11 |
|
|
15 |
17 |
14 |
|
|
16 |
16 |
12 |
|
|
17 |
10 |
15 |
|
|
18 |
18 |
11 |
|
|
19 |
21 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  (Single Release) |
8 |
|
20 |
25 |
10 |
|
|
21 |
23 |
9 |
|
|
22 |
34 |
4 |
|
|
23 |
30 |
6 |
|
|
24 |
29 |
10 |
|
|
25 |
19 |
17 |
|
|
26 |
32 |
8 |
|
|
27 |
37 |
4 |
|
|
28 |
27 |
9 |
|
|
29 |
42 |
4 |
|
|
30 |
33 |
15 |
|
|
31 |
35 |
6 |
|
|
32 |
41 |
5 |
|
|
33 |
22 |
15 |
|
|
34 |
49 |
4 |
|
|
35 |
54 |
3 |
|
|
36 |
36 |
13 |
|
|
37 |
20 |
14 |
|
|
38 |
38 |
7 |
|
|
39 |
52 |
4 |
|
|
40 |
45 |
6 |
|
|
41 |
24 |
13 |
|
|
42 |
26 |
16 |
|
|
43 |
44 |
8 |
|
|
44 |
28 |
14 |
|
|
45 |
47 |
7 |
|
|
46 |
67 |
MOVER OF THE WEEK:  (Single Release) |
2 |
|
47 |
31 |
10 |
|
|
48 |
58 |
4 |
|
|
49 |
39 |
The Six Piece
Suits ft. Nina Starsong - Lovers Into
Strangers |
15 |
|
50 |
53 |
15 |
|
|
51 |
55 |
5 |
|
|
52 |
57 |
17 |
|
|
53 |
62 |
9 |
|
|
54 |
65 |
4 |
|
|
55 |
63 |
6 |
|
|
56 |
40 |
16 |
|
|
57 |
59 |
16 |
|
|
58 |
46 |
7 |
|
|
59 |
48 |
16 |
|
|
60 |
43 |
11 |
|
|
61 |
70 |
3 |
|
|
62 |
90 |
2 |
|
|
63 |
80 |
3 |
|
|
64 |
56 |
8 |
|
|
65 |
66 |
35 |
|
|
66 |
72 |
5 |
|
|
67 |
86 |
2 |
|
|
68 |
50 |
17 |
|
|
69 |
92 |
2 |
|
|
70 |
71 |
11 |
|
|
71 |
77 |
3 |
|
|
72 |
79 |
3 |
|
|
73 |
82 |
4 |
|
|
74 |
73 |
6 |
|
|
75 |
51 |
9 |
|
|
76 |
60 |
13 |
|
|
77 |
84 |
4 |
|
|
78 |
88 |
2 |
|
|
79 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  "Jupiter" Album: Dive |
1 |
|
80 |
68 |
10 |
|
|
81 |
87 |
3 |
|
|
82 |
98 |
2 |
|
|
83 |
|
1 |
|
|
84 |
96 |
2 |
|
|
85 |
61 |
14 |
|
|
86 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
87 |
69 |
18 |
|
|
88 |
100 |
2 |
|
|
89 |
102 |
1 |
|
|
90 |
74 |
5 |
|
|
91 |
91 |
15 |
|
|
92 |
94 |
5 |
|
|
93 |
64 |
12 |
|
|
94 |
103 |
1 |
|
|
95 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
96 |
85 |
22 |
|
|
97 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
98 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
99 |
101 |
24 |
|
|
100 |
75 |
5 |
Tremors:
101. Mt Joy, Coyote
102. The Pink Slips Band, God Is Great
103. Arcade Fire, Pink Elephant
104. Lucius, Do It All For You
Murmurs:
Linkin Park - Up From the Bottom
Michael Nau - Montrose Tape
MT Jones - Punching
Lord Huron - Nothing I Need
The Wombats - I Love America
Suki Waterhouse - On This Love
Moon Soul - Call
Fitz and the Tantrums - Man On the Moon
The Black Keys - Babygirl
Shaboozey and Jelly Roll - Amen
Balu Brigada - The Question
The Beths - Metal
Bartees Strange - Sober
Lucia Flores-Weisman - La Llorona
Rivermist - Lady Of the Island
Rhonda Hill McDaniel - Sad Girl
Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge - Going to California
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
●Songs garnering 25 plays
on Spotify (“Scrobbles”) according to Last.Fm (effective October 2024) ▲ Songs garnering 50 plays.
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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