Curio Cabinet / Song Curio
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FREEMusic Song CurioFree2 CQ
It was written on the recommendation of a movie star and named for one of the world’s most iconic rock songs—that’s a lot for one musical! On this day in 2002, We Will Rock You, a musical based on the songs of legendary rock band Queen, opened at London’s Dominion Theatre. Its 12-year run made it the Dominion's longest-running musical. Perhaps more impressive is the way the musical got started. It’s title is obviously based on Queen’s 1977 rock anthem We Will Rock You, a bare-bones yet pulse-pounding song featuring Freddie Mercury’s signature yowling vocals atop rhythmic claps and stomps. As for the musical’s inspiration, it came from a meeting between Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor and actor Robert De Niro, whose daughter was a Queen fan. De Niro asked if the band had ever considered making a musical based on their songs. Afterward, May and Taylor teamed up with playwright Ben Elton to craft a story set 300 years in the future, in which counterculture youths fight to overthrow the corporate overlords that control their society. It seems like just the sort of romantic sci-fi story that Mercury himself would have loved.
It was written on the recommendation of a movie star and named for one of the world’s most iconic rock songs—that’s a lot for one musical! On this day in 2002, We Will Rock You, a musical based on the songs of legendary rock band Queen, opened at London’s Dominion Theatre. Its 12-year run made it the Dominion's longest-running musical. Perhaps more impressive is the way the musical got started. It’s title is obviously based on Queen’s 1977 rock anthem We Will Rock You, a bare-bones yet pulse-pounding song featuring Freddie Mercury’s signature yowling vocals atop rhythmic claps and stomps. As for the musical’s inspiration, it came from a meeting between Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor and actor Robert De Niro, whose daughter was a Queen fan. De Niro asked if the band had ever considered making a musical based on their songs. Afterward, May and Taylor teamed up with playwright Ben Elton to craft a story set 300 years in the future, in which counterculture youths fight to overthrow the corporate overlords that control their society. It seems like just the sort of romantic sci-fi story that Mercury himself would have loved.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
You may not remember The Seekers, but they were on top down under! The 1960s were a competitive time for musicians, and no one proves that more than Australian pop-folk group The Seekers. The four-person group boasted polished instrumentals and harmonies, but so did many other groups from countries with bigger music scenes, like the U.S. and England. To get their music on the radio, the Seekers sought out the help of Tom Springfield, Dusty Springfield’s songwriter brother, who penned them what would go on to be their best-remembered hit: I'll Never Find Another You. The bouncy lovesong, with its beautiful harmonies, folklife instrumentation, and sweet lyrics about lifelong devotion was just what the 1960s ordered. Not only did the song break The Seekers onto the radio for the first time, it reached number one in Australia and the UK, and number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. They went on to have several more number one hits throughout their career, though, so you could say they did find another tune.
You may not remember The Seekers, but they were on top down under! The 1960s were a competitive time for musicians, and no one proves that more than Australian pop-folk group The Seekers. The four-person group boasted polished instrumentals and harmonies, but so did many other groups from countries with bigger music scenes, like the U.S. and England. To get their music on the radio, the Seekers sought out the help of Tom Springfield, Dusty Springfield’s songwriter brother, who penned them what would go on to be their best-remembered hit: I'll Never Find Another You. The bouncy lovesong, with its beautiful harmonies, folklife instrumentation, and sweet lyrics about lifelong devotion was just what the 1960s ordered. Not only did the song break The Seekers onto the radio for the first time, it reached number one in Australia and the UK, and number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. They went on to have several more number one hits throughout their career, though, so you could say they did find another tune.
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FREESong CurioFree2 CQ
It’s not always better to burn out than fade away, but you couldn’t tell that to these Heartbreakers. On this day in 1991, 38-year-old American punk rocker Johnny Thunders died at the Inn on St. Peter hotel in New Orleans. While a drug overdose was listed as the official cause of death, some people, including none other than Dee Dee Ramone of the Ramones, seemed to believe that there was foul play involved. Either way, there’s no doubt that the music world lost a punk legend that day, as Thunders had helped found the New York Dolls, one of the first successful American punk rock bands, in the early 1970s. After going on to form the Heartbreakers (sometimes called Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers) he released one of his best-remembered songs in 1977: Born to Lose. The song features Thunders’ signature raw vocals over a surprisingly classic-rock-style beat, with lyrics that are as classically punk as they come. The song is about a young, disaffected man who can’t seem to succeed no matter what he does. That certainly didn’t describe Thunders himself though, who’ll always be revered as one of American punk’s founding fathers.
It’s not always better to burn out than fade away, but you couldn’t tell that to these Heartbreakers. On this day in 1991, 38-year-old American punk rocker Johnny Thunders died at the Inn on St. Peter hotel in New Orleans. While a drug overdose was listed as the official cause of death, some people, including none other than Dee Dee Ramone of the Ramones, seemed to believe that there was foul play involved. Either way, there’s no doubt that the music world lost a punk legend that day, as Thunders had helped found the New York Dolls, one of the first successful American punk rock bands, in the early 1970s. After going on to form the Heartbreakers (sometimes called Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers) he released one of his best-remembered songs in 1977: Born to Lose. The song features Thunders’ signature raw vocals over a surprisingly classic-rock-style beat, with lyrics that are as classically punk as they come. The song is about a young, disaffected man who can’t seem to succeed no matter what he does. That certainly didn’t describe Thunders himself though, who’ll always be revered as one of American punk’s founding fathers.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
There was a whole lot of rock in this orchestra. On this day in 1972, legendary British rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) made their debut at a small London pub. Within a few short years the band, which specialized in classically-inspired rock music, was churning out hits, including their best-remembered song, 1977’s Mr. Blue Sky. It features a bouncy tune and very literal lyrics (it’s about the joy of seeing a blue sky after a period of bad weather) yet the layers of electronic instrumentation and intricate harmonies (which may well remind listeners of The Beatles) lend it a maturity that made it instantly popular. In a 2014 interview with Hi-Fi News & Record Review, songwriter Jeff Lynne said, “All the bits that come in and out, the backing vocals, the cellos sliding, all the little naughty bits, the sound effects, everything is exactly what I imagined ELO to be.” The song has been featured in commercials, as a T.V. show theme song, and is even played at the beginning of every soccer match featuring the Birmingham City Football Club. It seems that everyone everywhere can agree that nice weather is worth singing about.
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There was a whole lot of rock in this orchestra. On this day in 1972, legendary British rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) made their debut at a small London pub. Within a few short years the band, which specialized in classically-inspired rock music, was churning out hits, including their best-remembered song, 1977’s Mr. Blue Sky. It features a bouncy tune and very literal lyrics (it’s about the joy of seeing a blue sky after a period of bad weather) yet the layers of electronic instrumentation and intricate harmonies (which may well remind listeners of The Beatles) lend it a maturity that made it instantly popular. In a 2014 interview with Hi-Fi News & Record Review, songwriter Jeff Lynne said, “All the bits that come in and out, the backing vocals, the cellos sliding, all the little naughty bits, the sound effects, everything is exactly what I imagined ELO to be.” The song has been featured in commercials, as a T.V. show theme song, and is even played at the beginning of every soccer match featuring the Birmingham City Football Club. It seems that everyone everywhere can agree that nice weather is worth singing about.
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FREEMusic Song CurioFree2 CQ
Break out the Aqua Net and shoulder pads; in honor of yesterday's total solar eclipse, we're revisiting Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart. The power-ballad, by songwriter Jim Steinman, slipped out of the late Meat Loaf's grasp and Steinman's own planned musical called Vampires in Love before it landed in Bonnie Tyler's lap. With a new voice and lyrics drained of all bloodsucker references, Tyler took the song to a different sort of mythical place. The song’s music video was filmed at Holloway Sanitorium, an abandoned British asylum, and it featured ninjas, nocturnal angels, and a possessed boys' choir. Luckily, the bizarre visuals didn't overshadow the song's popularity. In 1983, Total Eclipse of the Heart was the first song by a Welsh performer to hit #1 on the U.S. charts, selling over six million copies in the process. Tyler continues to perform the song live over 30 years after its release, because even if it’s not about the immortal undead anymore, it still has bite—especially during an actual eclipse!
Break out the Aqua Net and shoulder pads; in honor of yesterday's total solar eclipse, we're revisiting Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart. The power-ballad, by songwriter Jim Steinman, slipped out of the late Meat Loaf's grasp and Steinman's own planned musical called Vampires in Love before it landed in Bonnie Tyler's lap. With a new voice and lyrics drained of all bloodsucker references, Tyler took the song to a different sort of mythical place. The song’s music video was filmed at Holloway Sanitorium, an abandoned British asylum, and it featured ninjas, nocturnal angels, and a possessed boys' choir. Luckily, the bizarre visuals didn't overshadow the song's popularity. In 1983, Total Eclipse of the Heart was the first song by a Welsh performer to hit #1 on the U.S. charts, selling over six million copies in the process. Tyler continues to perform the song live over 30 years after its release, because even if it’s not about the immortal undead anymore, it still has bite—especially during an actual eclipse!
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FREEMusic Song CurioFree2 CQ
That piano intro alone is enough to get the waterworks started. The late, great American songwriter Leon Russell was born on this day in 1942, but it was in 2018, two years after his death, that he accomplished one of his most impressive career feats. A Song for You, which Russell wrote in the 1960s and recorded in 1970 for his self-titled debut album, was named to the Grammy Hall of Fame. The iconic rock ballad has been covered by more than 200 artists—a testament to its enduring ability to tug at the heartstrings. Though Russell’s version remains the most famous, with its raw vocals and stripped-down, piano-heavy instrumentation, it was originally written with a very different singer in mind. Throughout his career, Russell worked with some of the most famous artists in the industry, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and George Harrison. He envisioned A Song for You being sung by Frank Sinatra. The crooner never ended up recording it, but that certainly didn’t stop any other artists from taking a crack at it, including Russell. Sometimes, if you want something done right you’ve got to do it yourself…alongside 200 others.
That piano intro alone is enough to get the waterworks started. The late, great American songwriter Leon Russell was born on this day in 1942, but it was in 2018, two years after his death, that he accomplished one of his most impressive career feats. A Song for You, which Russell wrote in the 1960s and recorded in 1970 for his self-titled debut album, was named to the Grammy Hall of Fame. The iconic rock ballad has been covered by more than 200 artists—a testament to its enduring ability to tug at the heartstrings. Though Russell’s version remains the most famous, with its raw vocals and stripped-down, piano-heavy instrumentation, it was originally written with a very different singer in mind. Throughout his career, Russell worked with some of the most famous artists in the industry, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and George Harrison. He envisioned A Song for You being sung by Frank Sinatra. The crooner never ended up recording it, but that certainly didn’t stop any other artists from taking a crack at it, including Russell. Sometimes, if you want something done right you’ve got to do it yourself…alongside 200 others.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
This Beach Boys song hit number one before the Beach Boys ever did! While the instrumentals (and famous opening line) of Surf City were created by Beach Boys songwriter Brian Wilson, he allowed a different doo-wop-flavored surf band to record it: Jan & Dean. This duo was made up of young singers and former high school friends Dean Torrence and Jan Berry, the latter of whom passed away on this day in 2004. Jan & Dean’s vocals could have easily been confused for the Beach Boys’, with their spunky, upbeat harmonies. They seemed to be on a similar road to success, too, when they recorded the song in 1963. It immediately jumped to the top of the charts. However, though the duo ended up with 27 charting songs, Surf City was their only number one hit, and while the Beach Boys went on to have a relatively long career, Jan & Dean’s success was fairly short-lived. Still, for the brief time that the two groups overlapped, the beach was plenty big enough for the two of them.
This Beach Boys song hit number one before the Beach Boys ever did! While the instrumentals (and famous opening line) of Surf City were created by Beach Boys songwriter Brian Wilson, he allowed a different doo-wop-flavored surf band to record it: Jan & Dean. This duo was made up of young singers and former high school friends Dean Torrence and Jan Berry, the latter of whom passed away on this day in 2004. Jan & Dean’s vocals could have easily been confused for the Beach Boys’, with their spunky, upbeat harmonies. They seemed to be on a similar road to success, too, when they recorded the song in 1963. It immediately jumped to the top of the charts. However, though the duo ended up with 27 charting songs, Surf City was their only number one hit, and while the Beach Boys went on to have a relatively long career, Jan & Dean’s success was fairly short-lived. Still, for the brief time that the two groups overlapped, the beach was plenty big enough for the two of them.
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FREEMusic Song CurioFree2 CQ
It’s not June yet, but it’s still a good time to review this song’s history! On this day in 2022, British indie rock band Glass Animals were enjoying an unprecedented musical achievement. Their song Heat Waves was in the middle of a record-breaking run atop the Billboard Hot 100, which ended with it claiming the title of the longest-charting Hot 100 song of all time at 91 weeks. Although the song’s lyrics are self-reflective and focused on heartache, it has a steady beat and overall mellow feel. Frontman and songwriter Dave Bayley described writing the song as a “reflective” experience as he struggled to get over a real-life relationship. Although the song was released in June, Bayley has explained that that’s not the reason for the song’s emphasis on that particular month. Rather, the unnamed person who inspired the song was born in June. With as often as this song is played on the radio (especially during the summer) there’s little doubt that Bayley’s mystery muse has heard the tune.
It’s not June yet, but it’s still a good time to review this song’s history! On this day in 2022, British indie rock band Glass Animals were enjoying an unprecedented musical achievement. Their song Heat Waves was in the middle of a record-breaking run atop the Billboard Hot 100, which ended with it claiming the title of the longest-charting Hot 100 song of all time at 91 weeks. Although the song’s lyrics are self-reflective and focused on heartache, it has a steady beat and overall mellow feel. Frontman and songwriter Dave Bayley described writing the song as a “reflective” experience as he struggled to get over a real-life relationship. Although the song was released in June, Bayley has explained that that’s not the reason for the song’s emphasis on that particular month. Rather, the unnamed person who inspired the song was born in June. With as often as this song is played on the radio (especially during the summer) there’s little doubt that Bayley’s mystery muse has heard the tune.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
These songs were both about dolls, but neither one was playing around at the 96th Academy Awards. Oscar night saw a showdown between two songs from 2023’s Barbie: I’m Just Ken and What Was I Made For?, both of which were nominated for Best Original Song. Both tunes explore the tribulations of what it means to be a doll: the first, performed by Ryan Gosling, is a purposefully cheesy romp in which Ken, Barbie’s ever-present male companion, opines about his second-best status. The second, performed by Billie Eilish, is a haunting, poignant ballad about finding one’s place in the world while being constantly commodified. Both songs were performed with great gusto at the Academy Awards, but Eilish, along with her songwriter brother, Finneas O'Connell, ultimately won the night. The win makes Eilish the youngest person ever to have won two Oscars. Of course, both songs represent different facets of the film from which they come, and all of Barbie’s stars, including Gosling, celebrated the victory. Ken has to be used to playing second fiddle by now.
These songs were both about dolls, but neither one was playing around at the 96th Academy Awards. Oscar night saw a showdown between two songs from 2023’s Barbie: I’m Just Ken and What Was I Made For?, both of which were nominated for Best Original Song. Both tunes explore the tribulations of what it means to be a doll: the first, performed by Ryan Gosling, is a purposefully cheesy romp in which Ken, Barbie’s ever-present male companion, opines about his second-best status. The second, performed by Billie Eilish, is a haunting, poignant ballad about finding one’s place in the world while being constantly commodified. Both songs were performed with great gusto at the Academy Awards, but Eilish, along with her songwriter brother, Finneas O'Connell, ultimately won the night. The win makes Eilish the youngest person ever to have won two Oscars. Of course, both songs represent different facets of the film from which they come, and all of Barbie’s stars, including Gosling, celebrated the victory. Ken has to be used to playing second fiddle by now.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
When things get litigious in musicland, they get really litigious. Fans of 1970s pop-rock duo Hall and Oates are probably aware of their recent falling out, which culminated in Daryl Hall getting a restraining order against John Oates to prevent Oates from selling a share of their joint business. But even diehard fans may not know that this isn’t the first time Hall and Oates have been at the forefront of legal drama. Despite the pair’s famously upbeat musical catalog, which includes hits like 1980’s You Make My Dreams Come True, a bouncy, poppy earworm featuring a chorus of “ooo-oos”, Hall and Oates have always been a bit litigious. In fact, on this day in 2015, the pair were in the middle of a lawsuit they had brought against cereal maker Early Bird Foods & Co. for naming one of their granola bars “Haulin' Oates.” While Early Bird did agree to change the name of their granola, it didn’t work out entirely in the band’s favor, as the name was changed to “Kiss My Oats.” Hey, we’re all fans of upbeat pop…can’t we just learn to get along?
When things get litigious in musicland, they get really litigious. Fans of 1970s pop-rock duo Hall and Oates are probably aware of their recent falling out, which culminated in Daryl Hall getting a restraining order against John Oates to prevent Oates from selling a share of their joint business. But even diehard fans may not know that this isn’t the first time Hall and Oates have been at the forefront of legal drama. Despite the pair’s famously upbeat musical catalog, which includes hits like 1980’s You Make My Dreams Come True, a bouncy, poppy earworm featuring a chorus of “ooo-oos”, Hall and Oates have always been a bit litigious. In fact, on this day in 2015, the pair were in the middle of a lawsuit they had brought against cereal maker Early Bird Foods & Co. for naming one of their granola bars “Haulin' Oates.” While Early Bird did agree to change the name of their granola, it didn’t work out entirely in the band’s favor, as the name was changed to “Kiss My Oats.” Hey, we’re all fans of upbeat pop…can’t we just learn to get along?
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
Which song is better, the original or the cover? Sometimes, it depends where you’re from! On this day in 1964, British singer Cilla Black was just beginning to enjoy what would turn into a three-week run at the top of the UK Singles chart with her cover of Anyone Who Had a Heart. The song had originally been performed by American singer Dionne Warwick, whose version was a hit in the U.S. and several other countries…but the UK had their own preferences. Black’s version of the dramatic, soaring ballad leaned into its over-the-top orchestral instrumentation, making it sound like a number from a stage musical. Warwick’s version had been more grounded, but British hearts want what they want. Black also had a backstory that gave her plenty of British-style street cred—she used to work as a hat-check girl at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, where the Beatles often played. In 1963, she sang for John Lennon, who praised her voice. But she truly rose to prominence during the Merseybeat era, a musical movement centered around Liverpool’s River Mersey area. By 1968, she was the host of her own variety show. It sure beats checking hats!
Which song is better, the original or the cover? Sometimes, it depends where you’re from! On this day in 1964, British singer Cilla Black was just beginning to enjoy what would turn into a three-week run at the top of the UK Singles chart with her cover of Anyone Who Had a Heart. The song had originally been performed by American singer Dionne Warwick, whose version was a hit in the U.S. and several other countries…but the UK had their own preferences. Black’s version of the dramatic, soaring ballad leaned into its over-the-top orchestral instrumentation, making it sound like a number from a stage musical. Warwick’s version had been more grounded, but British hearts want what they want. Black also had a backstory that gave her plenty of British-style street cred—she used to work as a hat-check girl at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, where the Beatles often played. In 1963, she sang for John Lennon, who praised her voice. But she truly rose to prominence during the Merseybeat era, a musical movement centered around Liverpool’s River Mersey area. By 1968, she was the host of her own variety show. It sure beats checking hats!
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
This song was written for a good time, not a long time! In February of 1970, The Plastic Ono Band released Instant Karma in the UK just ten days after the song was written, making it one of the fastest-released songs in modern music history. The song's vocals had been recorded in just 24 hours. The band, which was formed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono and included a roster of other rotating musicians, was created for the express purpose of musical experimentation, so members were used to working on unusual music with unconventional timelines. Besides its ultra-fast release, Instant Karma also boasted a cheerful sound complete with a danceable beat punctuated by handclaps. This is likely due to the fact that Lennon left much of the song’s final arrangement to Phil Spector, and told him to give it a 1950s sound. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually about someone getting their comeuppance. Rather, its lyrics focus on peace and positivity, encouraging listeners to connect with others and telling them that they shine “like the moon and the stars and the sun.” Upon its international release, the song quickly became a Ton Ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Impressive for something whipped up on such a tight timeframe.
This song was written for a good time, not a long time! In February of 1970, The Plastic Ono Band released Instant Karma in the UK just ten days after the song was written, making it one of the fastest-released songs in modern music history. The song's vocals had been recorded in just 24 hours. The band, which was formed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono and included a roster of other rotating musicians, was created for the express purpose of musical experimentation, so members were used to working on unusual music with unconventional timelines. Besides its ultra-fast release, Instant Karma also boasted a cheerful sound complete with a danceable beat punctuated by handclaps. This is likely due to the fact that Lennon left much of the song’s final arrangement to Phil Spector, and told him to give it a 1950s sound. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually about someone getting their comeuppance. Rather, its lyrics focus on peace and positivity, encouraging listeners to connect with others and telling them that they shine “like the moon and the stars and the sun.” Upon its international release, the song quickly became a Ton Ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Impressive for something whipped up on such a tight timeframe.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
It's a boastful song with surprisingly humble origins. 1978’s Sultans of Swing, by British rock band Dire Straits, was a breakout hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features famously funky and lackadaisical guitar riffs and lyrics about a ragtag-yet-extremely-talented London band. Yet, the song’s real-life inspiration was anything but inspiring. Mark Knopfler, who wrote all the songs on Dire Straits’ first, self-titled album, came up with the song’s title after watching a mediocre band play in a small bar in the British town of Ipswich. At the end of their show, the band said goodnight and reminded the small crowd of their name: the Sultans of Swing. In an interview years later, Knopfler said, “...there was something really funny about it to me because Sultans, they absolutely weren't. You know they were rather tired little blokes in pullovers.” Of course, Knopfler’s song painted a much more flattering picture of the band, and helped propel Dire Straits to superstardom. Their first album went double-platinum in both the U.S. and the U.K., thanks in large part to Sultans of Swing. Not bad for a song that got its start in a small town bar.
It's a boastful song with surprisingly humble origins. 1978’s Sultans of Swing, by British rock band Dire Straits, was a breakout hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features famously funky and lackadaisical guitar riffs and lyrics about a ragtag-yet-extremely-talented London band. Yet, the song’s real-life inspiration was anything but inspiring. Mark Knopfler, who wrote all the songs on Dire Straits’ first, self-titled album, came up with the song’s title after watching a mediocre band play in a small bar in the British town of Ipswich. At the end of their show, the band said goodnight and reminded the small crowd of their name: the Sultans of Swing. In an interview years later, Knopfler said, “...there was something really funny about it to me because Sultans, they absolutely weren't. You know they were rather tired little blokes in pullovers.” Of course, Knopfler’s song painted a much more flattering picture of the band, and helped propel Dire Straits to superstardom. Their first album went double-platinum in both the U.S. and the U.K., thanks in large part to Sultans of Swing. Not bad for a song that got its start in a small town bar.
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FREESong CurioFree2 CQ
Sometimes all it takes for a song to catch on is an equally catchy dance! During this month in 1982, Massachusetts-based rock band The J. Geils Band was enjoying two simultaneous musical achievements. Their playfully-scandalous tune, Centerfold, had just become a number one hit while, at the same time, their song Freeze Frame was also climbing the charts. While the latter peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is arguably the band’s best remembered song. This is not only thanks to its earworm tune but its extreme danceability. While its beat isn’t as strong as most danceable songs (the song focuses more on synthesizer than on drums) the lyrics in its chorus naturally gave rise to an oddly specific dance. Namely, people would bop to the beat until the words “freeze frame”, at which point they would strike a pose and freeze in place. It may be simple and somewhat silly, but it was enough to help Freeze Frame become a rock sensation. Play it at a wedding and see if people don’t strike a pose!
Sometimes all it takes for a song to catch on is an equally catchy dance! During this month in 1982, Massachusetts-based rock band The J. Geils Band was enjoying two simultaneous musical achievements. Their playfully-scandalous tune, Centerfold, had just become a number one hit while, at the same time, their song Freeze Frame was also climbing the charts. While the latter peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is arguably the band’s best remembered song. This is not only thanks to its earworm tune but its extreme danceability. While its beat isn’t as strong as most danceable songs (the song focuses more on synthesizer than on drums) the lyrics in its chorus naturally gave rise to an oddly specific dance. Namely, people would bop to the beat until the words “freeze frame”, at which point they would strike a pose and freeze in place. It may be simple and somewhat silly, but it was enough to help Freeze Frame become a rock sensation. Play it at a wedding and see if people don’t strike a pose!
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FREEPiano Song CurioFree2 CQ
Plenty of studio musicians work in Nashville, but few had the legendary reputation of Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins, who passed away on this day in 2022 at the age of 84. Blinded at the age of three due to a knife accident, Robbins poured his heart and soul into his art, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated keyboardists in Music City. Known for his boisterous, improvisational style, Robbins first made his mark on the industry after playing for George Jones’ White Lightning, a playful, jumpy country tune about moonshining. Although it took Jones around 83 takes to get the song right (due to his real-life habit of drinking while recording) Robbins remained inexhaustible. His keyboard added colorful, braggadocious life to the track, and soon he became a go-to studio musician for country greats like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. Robbins even went on to work with folk legend Bob Dylan. Not bad for a guy with “pig” for a nickname!
Plenty of studio musicians work in Nashville, but few had the legendary reputation of Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins, who passed away on this day in 2022 at the age of 84. Blinded at the age of three due to a knife accident, Robbins poured his heart and soul into his art, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated keyboardists in Music City. Known for his boisterous, improvisational style, Robbins first made his mark on the industry after playing for George Jones’ White Lightning, a playful, jumpy country tune about moonshining. Although it took Jones around 83 takes to get the song right (due to his real-life habit of drinking while recording) Robbins remained inexhaustible. His keyboard added colorful, braggadocious life to the track, and soon he became a go-to studio musician for country greats like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. Robbins even went on to work with folk legend Bob Dylan. Not bad for a guy with “pig” for a nickname!
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FREESong CurioFree2 CQ
In 1984’s Footloose, a teenage protagonist played by Kevin Bacon moves to a small town only to discover that the local government has outlawed dancing. The movie was possibly based on a real-life scenario that played out on this day in 1956 in Cleveland, Ohio, when the city banned anyone underage from dancing unless they were accompanied by an adult. While the ban didn’t last, we got a great movie—and a great signature song of the same name—out of it a few decades later! Kenny Loggins was a natural choice to write (alongside co-writer Dean Pitchford) and sing the movie’s accompanying song, since he had also co-written, sang, and made a hit out of 1980’s I’m Alright for the movie Caddyshack. Footloose proved to be just as big of a hit; the bouncy, relentlessly upbeat soft-rock bop topped the Billboard charts for three weeks straight upon its release. The song’s most unlikely source of inspiration? Paul Simon. It was the folk singer’s 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover that inspired Loggins and Pitchford to list rhyming names in their lyrics, like “Whoa, Milo” and “Please, Louise.” Regardless of genre, great musical minds think alike!
In 1984’s Footloose, a teenage protagonist played by Kevin Bacon moves to a small town only to discover that the local government has outlawed dancing. The movie was possibly based on a real-life scenario that played out on this day in 1956 in Cleveland, Ohio, when the city banned anyone underage from dancing unless they were accompanied by an adult. While the ban didn’t last, we got a great movie—and a great signature song of the same name—out of it a few decades later! Kenny Loggins was a natural choice to write (alongside co-writer Dean Pitchford) and sing the movie’s accompanying song, since he had also co-written, sang, and made a hit out of 1980’s I’m Alright for the movie Caddyshack. Footloose proved to be just as big of a hit; the bouncy, relentlessly upbeat soft-rock bop topped the Billboard charts for three weeks straight upon its release. The song’s most unlikely source of inspiration? Paul Simon. It was the folk singer’s 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover that inspired Loggins and Pitchford to list rhyming names in their lyrics, like “Whoa, Milo” and “Please, Louise.” Regardless of genre, great musical minds think alike!
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FREEMusic Song CurioFree2 CQ
As their name implies, The Killers aren’t a band that’s known for touching tributes or poignant lyrics. Yet their most enduring hit, Mr. Brightside, is famously one of their saddest songs. On this day in 2005, The Killers’ debut album, Hot Fuss, had just begun a two-week stint atop the UK album chart. For many, Mr. Brightside was the album’s standout track. While it boasts the same echoey vocals and distorted, indie-rock sound as most of The Killers’ other songs, Mr. Brightside tells the sad story of a man walking into a bar to find his girlfriend there with another guy. The song is actually based on a true story, as The Killers’ lead singer, Brandon Flowers, wrote it to soothe his pain after he discovered his then-girlfriend cheating at a Las Vegas bar. The catharsis paid off, as it has remained so popular that it was named “Song of the Decade” by UK radio stations Absolute Radio and XFM, and remains the most streamed song on Spotify from the 2000s. Not bad for a track from a debut album.
As their name implies, The Killers aren’t a band that’s known for touching tributes or poignant lyrics. Yet their most enduring hit, Mr. Brightside, is famously one of their saddest songs. On this day in 2005, The Killers’ debut album, Hot Fuss, had just begun a two-week stint atop the UK album chart. For many, Mr. Brightside was the album’s standout track. While it boasts the same echoey vocals and distorted, indie-rock sound as most of The Killers’ other songs, Mr. Brightside tells the sad story of a man walking into a bar to find his girlfriend there with another guy. The song is actually based on a true story, as The Killers’ lead singer, Brandon Flowers, wrote it to soothe his pain after he discovered his then-girlfriend cheating at a Las Vegas bar. The catharsis paid off, as it has remained so popular that it was named “Song of the Decade” by UK radio stations Absolute Radio and XFM, and remains the most streamed song on Spotify from the 2000s. Not bad for a track from a debut album.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
Rock music isn’t all heavy guitar and repetitive lyrics. On this day in 2002, Irish rock singer and songwriter David McWilliams passed away. Though his career was short, lasting only from the late-60s to the mid-70s, his musical contributions greatly impacted Ireland’s at-the-time evolving rock scene. His best known song, The Days Of Pearly Spencer is not your usual rock fare. It’s a heartfelt song about the struggles of a homeless man, and it was written based on McWilliams’ own experiences with a homeless friend in Ballymena, a town in Northern Ireland. McWilliams’ empathy for those who were struggling helped the song strike a nerve with the public. Unfortunately for McWilliams, the song was banned by the BBC upon its release—not because of its content, but because McWilliams had connections with several Irish pirate radio stations. These were stations that operated without a license and were popular in Ireland at the time due to a lack of radio infrastructure. Luckily, the song still gained notoriety thanks to its unusual sound featuring distorted vocals and megaphones, though it didn’t officially become a hit until it was covered by British singer Marc Almond 25 years later. Better late than never.
Rock music isn’t all heavy guitar and repetitive lyrics. On this day in 2002, Irish rock singer and songwriter David McWilliams passed away. Though his career was short, lasting only from the late-60s to the mid-70s, his musical contributions greatly impacted Ireland’s at-the-time evolving rock scene. His best known song, The Days Of Pearly Spencer is not your usual rock fare. It’s a heartfelt song about the struggles of a homeless man, and it was written based on McWilliams’ own experiences with a homeless friend in Ballymena, a town in Northern Ireland. McWilliams’ empathy for those who were struggling helped the song strike a nerve with the public. Unfortunately for McWilliams, the song was banned by the BBC upon its release—not because of its content, but because McWilliams had connections with several Irish pirate radio stations. These were stations that operated without a license and were popular in Ireland at the time due to a lack of radio infrastructure. Luckily, the song still gained notoriety thanks to its unusual sound featuring distorted vocals and megaphones, though it didn’t officially become a hit until it was covered by British singer Marc Almond 25 years later. Better late than never.
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FREESong CurioFree2 CQ
It seems that Old Blue Eyes can still bring the house down. Frank Sinatra recently made history as, 25 years after his death, the crooner re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 with his rendition of Jingle Bells. As of December 23, the song made it all the way to 20 on the chart, officially becoming Sinatra’s fourth Top 20 hit, and the first one to reach that spot since 1967. Though it’s a much-covered Christmas classic, there’s no denying that Sinatra’s Jingle Bells brought something different to the table. The rendition is most famous for its chorus of backup singers, who chime in throughout the track with lines like “I love those j-i-n-g-l-e bells!” as Sinatra does his characteristically swaggery thing. Unlike some holiday songs, Sinatra’s Jingle Bells never starts to drag or lose its steam, remaining lively to the very end. With Christmas being a famously nostalgic holiday, maybe it's not too surprising that people in 2023 are looking to enjoy a bit of vintage fun with the king of crooners.
It seems that Old Blue Eyes can still bring the house down. Frank Sinatra recently made history as, 25 years after his death, the crooner re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 with his rendition of Jingle Bells. As of December 23, the song made it all the way to 20 on the chart, officially becoming Sinatra’s fourth Top 20 hit, and the first one to reach that spot since 1967. Though it’s a much-covered Christmas classic, there’s no denying that Sinatra’s Jingle Bells brought something different to the table. The rendition is most famous for its chorus of backup singers, who chime in throughout the track with lines like “I love those j-i-n-g-l-e bells!” as Sinatra does his characteristically swaggery thing. Unlike some holiday songs, Sinatra’s Jingle Bells never starts to drag or lose its steam, remaining lively to the very end. With Christmas being a famously nostalgic holiday, maybe it's not too surprising that people in 2023 are looking to enjoy a bit of vintage fun with the king of crooners.
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FREEMusic Appreciation Song CurioFree2 CQ
This is one melancholy rock anthem. On this day in 1994, Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers played the first of a three-night concert series at the Astoria in London. It was the last time that songwriter and guitarist Richey Edwards, one of the band's most crucial members, would play live before he mysteriously disappeared in February of 1995. Edwards vanished after checking out of a London hotel that he and the rest of the band were staying in, on their way to a U.S. tour. His empty car was discovered nearby, but Edwards himself remains missing to this day. The band’s next studio album, 1996’s Everything Must Go, utilized lyrics and soundbites that Edwards left behind. Enola is one of the album’s most melancholy songs, with lyrics about loneliness and grief. Even the song’s title is “alone” spelled backwards. Yet, in the style of classic pop punk, the song’s beat and instrumentation are harsh, fast, and steady. Although other band members deny that the song (or any on the album) were direct tributes to Edwards, Enola makes it clear that his disappearance left a mark musically and emotionally.
This is one melancholy rock anthem. On this day in 1994, Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers played the first of a three-night concert series at the Astoria in London. It was the last time that songwriter and guitarist Richey Edwards, one of the band's most crucial members, would play live before he mysteriously disappeared in February of 1995. Edwards vanished after checking out of a London hotel that he and the rest of the band were staying in, on their way to a U.S. tour. His empty car was discovered nearby, but Edwards himself remains missing to this day. The band’s next studio album, 1996’s Everything Must Go, utilized lyrics and soundbites that Edwards left behind. Enola is one of the album’s most melancholy songs, with lyrics about loneliness and grief. Even the song’s title is “alone” spelled backwards. Yet, in the style of classic pop punk, the song’s beat and instrumentation are harsh, fast, and steady. Although other band members deny that the song (or any on the album) were direct tributes to Edwards, Enola makes it clear that his disappearance left a mark musically and emotionally.