Real Music Project  Also Special Music Moments ABBA, B-52's, Beatles, U2,  Depeche Mode, Sarah McClachlan, Whitney Houston, Imogen Heap, Pavarotti, Celtic Woman, Carpenters, Pink Floyd, Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, Kesha, etc. etc.

              
                                
Best Name Comment
artist/band Beatles hard to argue with the numbers
performance Pavarotti Nessun Dorma
aria/song Puccini Nessun Dorma
male T-40 vox Johnny Mathis  
female T-40 vox Karen Carpenter Note: Rock voice-Ann Wilson(Heart)
male vox song John Lennon *Twist and Shout
female vox song LuLu *To Sir With Love
music video Michael Jackon Thrilller
personal favorite artist/band ABBA  
performance TV Celine Dion Tonite Show-My Heart Will Go On
Comedy 3 Stooges Alphabet Song
National Anthem Whitney Houston *Boys 2 Men
Longest Album on Charts Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon, note: beat out Johnny Mathis
* Denotes hard decision

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

  GREAT CONCERTS - quick reference
U2  1984
Depeche Mode  1988
Sarah McLachlan  2004
Pink Floyd  1994
   
   
   
song band/artist category Comment year
Chopping Broccoli,  2nd version Dana Carvey Comedy This Project started as a response to students over the years commenting, "I never heard that song", "music stinks now-a-days", or "I wish I was born in the 80's-meaning they like the music of the 80's".. They are responding to the prepackaged product.. Billboard is valuable to understand business outcome- most on the charts, records sold, etc.. some good songs can get through.. but many don't and we have to search them out, usually "alternatively". .  youtube and other sites make this very much possible, whereas before it was harder.. you often had to find a DJ at a college radio station to help.. many people just listen to whatever is being played as evident by records sold by some artists.. I know music is subjective, but it is like many have no taste at all...  you can sell people a "pet rock" and millions will buy it- many are too young to remember this craze.. this site is hopefully for those who have more interest in music... This list currently is done piecemeal... This first song cleverly exemplifies a certain aspect of he industry which is quite distasteful.. Hope you enjoy this Project!! :) 1986
 My Sharona The Knack New Wave The first band to bring the New Wave sound into the mainstream.. successfully..  note: not a fan of this song but billboard represents sales and this was number 1 in 1979 1979
 Astroboy Beangrowers  Space Pop/Rock   from Malta 1999
You Are The One Shiny Toy Guns Space Pop/Rock   2007
Everything Counts(remixed)      Rosebowl Version, in 1983 Depeche Mode New Wave  "most successful electronic band in history" EMI.. I put 3 up for the many DM fans.. Rosebowl version is for all you KROQ fans in LA.. may be one of the most underrated bands along with the B52's 2006
I'm Insane but so are you Moonbabies Space Pop from Sweden, Album is "Junes and Novas".. sorry no video, just a pic.  great album 2000
One thing leads to another The Fixx New Wave one can hear the jangly single-coiled fender sounds typical 1983
Cuts You Up Peter Murphy New Wave from Bauhaus 1990
Rock Lobster B-52's New Wave so many great songs 1978
Girl from Ipanema B-52's New Wave great dance tune 1978
Roam B-52's New Wave great harmony... hard to find 1990
Eruption Van Halen Rock this song stopped almost every guitarist in their tracks, nothing like that since..  Sgt. Pepper Album did this too 1986
Respect The Wind Van Halen brothers Rock at the end of the movie TWISTER 1996
Just Because Janes Addiction Rock "Janes Says" How any band can make a song with 2 chords go?  This is probably their biggest hit.. 2001
Something Going On Frida Rock Frida is from ABBA-One of the Worlds Greatest Bands and richest 1982
Ah Leah Donnie Iris Rock Part of Wild Cherry "Play that Funky Music" 1981
Don't Ever Want To Lose Ya New England Rock one of the lost treasures 1979
Fox on the Run Sweet Early Glam Rock Famous for Ballroom Blitz, Love is like oxygen, Little Willie 1973
Ballroom Blitz Sweet Early Glam Rock Many can name this tune after the drumbeat intro alone.. Note:  I'm NOT AT ALL into the Glam thing-It's kind of sick actually Just great music.. so I put up the old guys 2004.. got to love the customized strat..  probably in the top-10 greatest pop/rock songs of all time 1973
Lunatic Fringe Red Rider Rock Canadian Band, poor video 1981
Wake me up inside Evanescence Rock VIOLENT VIDEO: I'm not a fan of WWF but great video for a great song.. someone should make this guy into a movie.. take away his bat though 2007
How Soon Is Now The Smiths New Wave Featured Morrissey 1985
Winter Valley Song Fountains of Wayne Acoustic Rock I discovered this on a commercial 2005
Cheap Sunglasses ZZ top Southern Rock Don't know of a "Cooler" song, the way a Les Paul should be played. Note: I have the same gutiar 1974, but modified 1979
Flirtin' with Disaster Molley Hatchet Southern Rock video is best I could find, solo too low 1979
Walk like an Egyptian Bangles New Wave pretty good concert video 1986
More than a Feeling Boston Rock 1st major hit, MIT grads, sad to see Brad Delp pass how he could sing that high is amazing, love the Gibson, "hitch a ride"-great song 1976
Ghost in You Psychedelic Furs New Wave fun song.. I perform this song on acoustic 1984
Magic Man Heart Rock , great solo 1976
Crazy on You Heart Rock The Wilson sisters showing what women can do.. no "idol's" here..  Nancy Wilson- not too shabby on the guitar 1976
Barracuda Heart Rock to me the greatest rock female vocalist-bar none, some skips in vid 1977
Godzilla Blue Oyster Cult Rock Fun song, great vid, not a fan of the cult, but of Godzilla, good solo, I think he's speakin Japanese in middle of vid, drum solo 1977
Shining Star Earth, Earth, and Fire Funk saw these guys... fantastic 1975
25 or 6 to 4 Chicago Early Rock interestingly, a young lady, 21ish at the time, said chicago was the best concert she went to--this was about 2001 1970
Enjoy the Silence Depeche Mode New Wave audio has slight delay.. crowd must have about 1/2 million 1990
Fascination Human League New Wave again, not into the guy makeup thing, great song 1983
Miss America STYX Rock no animation just pic 1977
ABACAB Genesis Rock from which Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel came 1981
Metro Berlin New Wave I spoke with Terri Nunn when I was in LA, amazingly she was the only star I wanted to meet.. skimpy outfit.. old vid 1983
Masquerade Berlin New Wave Their best song Hideaway I can't find.. 1983
Love in a Vacuum Til Tuesday New Wave   1983
Coming Up Close Til Tuesday Acoustic Rock Beautiful - a hint of country, perfect job from soundman 1996
Voices Carry Til Tuesday New Wave Their Megahit, Something to Feaaa!! love the accent 1985
Comfortably Numb Pink Floyd Rock probably best light show, longest album on the charts "Dark Side of the Moon". by way way far. after 31+ years it is still on the charts.. great solo, sad song.. I play this acoustic, The Wall Great Theme Album.. note: many have adversions to this band?.. 1979
Soul Meets Body Death Cab for Cutie Acoustic Rock  sometimes I play this, great vid 2008
Destination Unknown Missing Persons New Wave hidden treasure 1982
D'ya Know What I mean Oasis Rock hard to classify, hints of new wave, great front vocals 1997
Things Can Only Get Better Howard Jones New Wave many hits from this artist 1985
Stray Cat Strut Stray Cat Rockability Most Fun Concert.. my Favorite guitarist, I use to play this, still do.. how these guys got through with retro stuff is amazing 1981
Drummer Boy Bingo Crosby & David Bowie Christmas odd combination.. but it worked quite well 1977
Moonglow Tony Bennet/KD Lang Swing this blew me away.. another odd combo.. KD so impressive in this song 2007?
The alphabet song Three Stooges Comedy Best TV comedians bar none 1969
Just a Bill Jailhouse Rock Children's Most should listen to this song as we give up our freedoms to the Executive Branch and Judicial Branch 1981
Conjunction Junction Jailhouse Roack Children's 2mill+ on youtube, I'm not the only one, maybe some of the teachers' Union can learn some of these? 1973
Mahna Mahna Muppets Children's what can I say 1969 + 1976
To Sir With Love LuLu Pop Ballad In conversations about greatest female pop ballad song vocals, this song comes up often as number 1, Karen Carpenter comes up as best vocalist..  this song comes from a great movie I wish some of my students would watch..  1967
Put Down The Duckie Sesame Street Children  Celebrity version.. 1988
Close To You Carpenters Pop Ballad Like above, Karen Carpenter, is often discussed as being the best female pop ballad singer of all time..  such purity.. can't find it nowadays-too bad.. taken from a movie regarding hollywood "they have corrupted themselves"... Richard is underrated as a songwriter 1973
Wichita Lineman Glen Campbell Acoustic Ballad This song comes up in conversation as one of the best written for this category.. Jimmy Webb 1968
Stayin Alive Bee Gees Disco Sorry, this song started a craze and it is well written.. some thought I looked like John Travolta when I was younger, probably 'cause of my pasty white skin--haha 1977
My Heart will Go On Celine Dion Pop Ballad Audio delay.. Best part of the movie was when the titanic sank.. this song may have made the movie like the Bee Gees Music made SNF.. A great song  matched with a great vocalist.. Celine Dion also is a cut above as a singer and she seems to exhibit a humbleness-one of the most attractive qualities I find in a woman-- this is extremely rare, especially when you have such a gift.. Canada should be proud.. . hollywood doesn't recognize certain things maybe, they put her in a skimpy dress... probably the best live performance by an artist on a talk show.. this performance was bigger than the show, The Tonite Show mind you.. 1997
Star Spangled Banner Whitney Houston Patriotic Music She, not the superbowl was the talk of the nation 1997
Nessun Dorma Paul Potts Classical  Nessun Dorma by Puccini is arguable the best aria.. granted noone could sing it like Pavarotti-see below.. but this was great 2007
Tik Tok Kesha (Chipettes version) Dance many are sick of this song, so I put the chipettes version, but it is a great hit by Kesha and another huge hit for Dr. Luke..biggest single-week sum of all time for a female artist selling 610,000 digital downloads in one week 2009
Girlfriend Avril Lavigne Teen Pop another huge hit for Dr. Luke again, clearly the best writer of modern times, may be one of the best teen pop songs ever..  with its cheerleading type quality. However,  if any gals are trying to emulate this character(it may not be who the singer really is), a modern day this Veruca Salt, you may find the guys a tad distant.. I would give this character till 18 before she would land in jail.. 2007
I Dream a Dream Susan Boyle Broadway 1 year she had best-selling Christmas album 2009
Walking in the Air Alex Chorley Children's Ballad A star in the future??.. 9 yrs old.. 2009
Meeped Ode to Joy Beaker (muppets) Children sorry had to .. Meep is/was banned in Danvers, MA???.. 10mill and counting on you tube 2008
Star Spangled Banner Anthony Gargiula Patriotic Music A star in the future?.. 7 when he sang this 2007
Mairi's wedding Rankin Family Celitic/Folk Irish diddy.. sorry.. my roots are showin' 1993
King Tut Steve Martin Comedy This song started a craze.. 1978-79?
Jumpin at the Wayside(version) Gene Gene Dancin' Machine Comedy This version of a Count Basie Song started a dance craze.. no singing 70's
Dead Man's Party Oingo Boingo new wave?? this song was part of strange music. 1985
Turning Japanese The Vapors New Wave Probably the one song which pushed the new wave sound.. it was in contrast to rock, disco, t-40.. clean fender sound 1-2 beat.. brit influenced 1980
Best Friends Girl The Cars Comedy ahead of their time..  Big in LA (KROQ) even though from Boston. 1978
Sedated Ramones Punk Was never into the punk think.. this song crossed over.. 1978
Let The Sun Shine In Pebbles and Bamm Bamm Children Those who don't like the words.. you may have some other issues 1965-66?
Rocky Mountain High John Denver Acoustic Kind of in a category of his own..  Denver, Colorado, Mountains.. natural beauty.. great songwriter, great vocals, rare natural vibrato for a male 1972
All I Want for Christmas Shania Twain Country/New Country/Pop   not into the show the belly thing and in fact I think it tainted the clean image of country .. nasally voices do well in pop (Suzanne Hoffs, Shania, etc).. she was married to one of the most successful producers Mutt Lange who also co-wrote some of her stuff maybe making her a megastar.. HER PERSONAL TRAGEDY is even more impressive than her music  represented in this interview.. she assisted with "new country" becoming more mainstream" 1998
Nessun Dorma Pavarotti Aria *Sometimes this gets pulled off of youtube* Greatest Performance Bar None, It is rare for me to cry as a guy from a song.. this song does it.. the beauty is too much..  in discussion about music overall, this pops up as the probable  greatest song ever written (short length) Puccini.. I think this is one of the most watched concert ever (800 mill worldwild)..  sung by probably the greatest opera singer .. and my favorite conductor Zubin Mehta..  2nd greatest outdoor performance possibly. hard to beat the great architecture-but of course-Roma.. but one did.. see below 1990
Vesti La Giubba and in the opera Domingo Aria I had to put this performance in.. Bravo.. sends chills down my spine..  "in the opera refers to video of his performance"...  Pavarotti couldn't do this as well as Domingo 1994
Lumberjack song Monty Python Comedy "And now for something completely different", so many sang this song from arguably their greatest skit.. song starts at 3:40 if you want to FF..        Note: this humor is not for everyone. 1969
Macarena Los Del Rio Dance, Latin First of all, I hate to dance.. 2nd, this one of the most seductive songs I know--I know there are far worse.. young ladies think it's "fun" and "cute".. esp. at weddings..but stop it - you're torturing the guys or giving them a cheap thrill.. this song is not something for "good girls"..  anyway, I can't deny the craze and it's influence..  I can't even watch the vid.. if this makes you want to dance it more.. you may have an attention problem.. 1995-6
The Hustle Van McCoy Disco Excellent documentary vid.. possilby this song had some influence on interracial marriages.. quite remarkable.. a feat even bigger than the craze itself 1975
thriller, prison version, I want you Back Michael Jackson Dance Best Video Bar None.. The King of Pop.. There are some amazing things going on in these times, this prison dance is one of them.. 3rd Best Selling artist of all time.. Ahead of ABBA.. People were amazed.. Who is this kid with the voice..  1983(vid), 2007
December Tribute Vid George Winston New Age This will probably be a point of contention because it taps into belief and faith.. this represents a perception based on observation (being science- minded, since it's what I teach at college level) when I first heard the term "New Age" referring to music, it represented a movement toward quiet contemplative non-Christian type (it incorporated other religions like Hindu and Buddhist, minimally Islam) and occult (Wicca, cystal power, etc).. George Winston was what "new age" folk that I knew enjoyed 1982
May it Be Enya New Age  One of the most sung New Age songs ..  incredible beauty for a beautiful Movie Series from a beautiful series of Children's books, Lord of the Rings.. Orinoco Flow put Enya on the map 2002
Kung Fu Fighting Carl Disco Another Popular dance move.. may have also influenced the demand for martial arts in part.. 1974?
Africa Perpetuum Jazzile Light rock / chorus Great Song by Toto, but done here in an extra-ordinary way.. Rain and thunder done by Choir in a little country called Slovenia.. Amazing times we live in.. A must see for all 2008
Whip It Devo New Wave Another huge song to usher in New Wave 1980
funky town Lipps, Inc. Disco had to put this in.. song was huge.. techno/disco merge? 1979
The Entertainer Scott Joplin Piano Song was a huge hit from the movie, The Sting 1973 1902
Pink PantherTheme Mancini Jazz Name that song in 1 or 2 notes.. amazing songwriter/composer.. many works.. this is probably most notable. and "Moon River" second 1924-94
Dreams Cranberries Rock a fan of the cranberries, but not of this song.. however, this is the first time I heard this "breathy style" that is now mimicked by other female artists 1993
Surf City Jan and Dean Rock and Roll Beach sound which was later magnified by the Beach Boys 1963
Jeremy Pearl Jam Grunge Not a fan but have to admit the influence of Eddie Vedder being the first I know to come up with this singing style ..  this style has been mimmicked 1991
Smells like Teen Spirit Nirvana Grunge seattle?.. the first time I heard Nirvana I thought music  would take a turn but grunge was short lived.. 1991
Beatles 1st Arrival in US, 1st US press conference, Twist and Shout Beatles Rock and Roll NOTHING EVEN CLOSE to the hysteria caused by these 4 lads from  England. When they arrived in US, In discussion, John Lennon comes up as the number 1 male vocalist of  Rock/Rock and Roll 1965
1st time seen on US TV, Limo ride,  Ed Sullivan Show Beatles Rock and Roll the greatest band bar none..  #1 Best selling artist of all time 1964?
St. Pepper Beatles Rock The Greatest Rock/Rock and Roll Album because it made rock/rock and roll an acceptable form of music to the classical and jazz communities.. as well as other reasons.. it is important to note the influence of the "5th Beatle" here, George Martin 1967

 
Come As You Are Nirvana Grunge In discussion, Kirk Colbain comes up as possibly 2nd best male rock vocals.. shame to see him go so early..  Great lick in this song 1991
Sound of Silence, Bridge over Troubled Water Simon and Garfunkle Folk Frank Sinatra singing "New York, New York" was a great tribute to the Big Apple but there was probably no other band more beloved to New Yorkers than Simon & Garfunkle, witnessed in this concert of half million in Central Park.. Bridge over troubled water- RARE SWEETNESS 1981
Video killed the Radio Star Buggles New Wave MTV.. was a venue that alternative music would get airplay other than college radio stations or stations like KROQ in LA, WBCN, Boston(known for introducing U2) 2003
Possession and Sweet Surrender Sarah McLachlan New Age/Rock Putting her here is a personal thing.. though not a great fan of hers, the truly outstanding Afterglow performance inspired me to get back into music after a long respite.. I also think it made her a true star after many years of hard work...thank you Sarah.. For those who don't know, Sarah was adopted.. 2004
Walking in the Air and Last Rose of Summer Celtic Woman New Age? A huge phenomenon after Riverdance.. sadly, one could only find this on public TV..  with all the money they made this should be a "wake up"  call to Hollywood.. but it won't.. the grace and beauty of this music and voices squashes the packaged stuff.. Hollywood has corrupted themselves and many with them Note: David Downes one of the greatest arrangers of our time 2005-07
Hide and Seek and Can't Take It In Imogen Heap New Age My Favorite modern artist.. 2 songs of great influence.. I expect many hits from this jewel from the UK.. she happens to have the best video blogs.. a rare but true artist.. for those who don't know.. she basically does everything 2005
Impossible Dream Richard Kiley play From Man of La Mancha 1966
Reel Around the Sun Riverdance Performance The Original in Dublin.. Again sadly, arts here are pretty banal.. This performance swept the world.. the music was a large part of the show. 1995
I have Nothing Jennifer Hudson American Idol When American Idol lost a good chunk of its credibility.. the year many probably turned off Idol-as I did..  Simon seemed to recognize the flaw..  She should have won.. she was not even a finalist.. Some suggest with reason Kelly Clarkson is the most successful Am Idol.. time may test this.. Dreamgirls has skyrocked this lady 2004
She Bangs William Hung American Idol One of the most brilliant modern comedians.. after being kicked off..100,000 fans signed a petition to get him on again... he was also offered a $25k record deal.. everyone was talking about him 2004
Fernando, Chiquitita, SOS, Honey Honey, I have a Dream ABBA Swedish Pop One may ask, what is your favorite pop/rock band.  The obvious answer would be The Beatles, however, I liked the childlike quality and simplicity of the early Beatles as well as the harmony, vocals, songwriting, and George Martin.. as they got into the drugs, while they still possessed great song writing talent, and remain the greatest band bar none.. They are not my favorite.. People think I'm crazy-while this is true- I'd have to go with ABBA as my favorite pop/rock type band.. one may say.. surely you jest.. Hard to say why but I think it is the innocence and sweetness,  as well as their songwriting, lyrics, vocals.. that make them so.. yes, as they went on they too lost that touch..  Also, let the figures speak for themselves, I'm not alone..  4th best selling music artist OF ALL TIME (Beatles 1, Presley 2, Jackson 3).. re: Honey Honey.. rare to find sweetness and childlikeness in music.. so long as the words aren't perverted from their original intention.. fantastic songwriting, bridges, hooks, chorus, upbeat and fun.. Chiquitita one of the most beautiful songs written and extremely rare sweetness..  Fernando- beautiful outfits showing off the the beauty of the women-quite charming.. US entertainment is about sex and trying to be "cool"- boy are they missing it.. 1979
The Visitors ABBA Space Pop Most do not know of this ABBA hit, they also were ahead of their time. 1981
How Great Thou Art Elvis Presley Gospel The King .. 2nd Best Selling Artist OF ALL TIME.. doing what he really loved.. Gospel 1935-1977
It's not for Me To Say Johnny Mathis Pop Ballad There is one who's voice needs no instruments to back it up, it itself is an instrument.. so much so that it transcended race.. even in 1957.. many young white ladies had this man's poster up.. The greatest vocalist bar none.  Johnny's Greatest Hits held the record for longest album on the charts until Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd).. so many bad songs written for him and he made them sound good..  I can't find it but I think he holds the record for longest note at least that I have heard.. he breaths in while he sings and can sustain notes for minutes.. 1957
1st TV Major Tom , Bowie in Long Hair Society Bowie Space Pop Made space pop/rock mainstream with Ziggy Stardust +.. ahead of his time.. again not into the glam.. Long Hair from 1964 for Bowie fans.. no it is not a Monty Python Skit.. Joe Meek is credited with first space rock song.. 1969
Acid House Documentary, Acid House DJ's Acid House Origins in Chicago in early 80's. A dance craze in the late '80's when I first encountered it and England.. what made this different was the following: the music itself often had a different beat at times, often people would dance by themselves, some took drugs-it was encouraged- many didn't including myself.. the movie "altered states" would play.. raves came out of these I think.. 1988
Flood Jars of Clay Christian Pop/Rock I first heard of this category around in the 70's with Petra.. Gospel and Religious folk songs and religious new country were well established.. Larry Norman is apparently considered the Godfather of this category..  this is the song that I thought finally crossed over into mainstream.. 1995
Stranded, Come to Jesus (crosses over many categories) Plumb, Mindy Smith Christian Pop/Rock It is important to note.  It is sad that many parents have to prevent their children from the corrupted songs advocating immoral living and have to choose "Christian Pop/Rock" so their children are "safe".. With this said, just because the song is moral or has Jesus or God in it doesn't mean it's a good song... there is so much bad music in this category.. however, I will leave you with 2 songs I think are good.. Mindy Smith was adopted and has OCD.. beautiful comforting words in an interesting folk rock style 2000, 2004
Blue, Crazy Lee Ann Rimes Ballad Who is this Patsy Klein-like voice and 14???.. It's been too long, now we have this beautiful gift.. 1999
Batman song* Smashing Pumpkins grunge *Title is really, "The End is the Beginning is the End".. note: Heath Ledger's performance, one of the best I've seen in a long time..  
Pass the Dutchie Musical Youth washed reggae This song was a megahit from left field  
Panis Angelicus Charlotte Church classical The Bread of Angels from a young angel herself-(about 14?)when she sang it  
Mary's Boy Child Boney M Christmas Besides White Christmas, may be the most requested Christmas song 1978
Mr Grinch Thurl Ravenscroft Christmas stink stank stunk.. When I was in LA I remember reading this at a party with some stars during Christmas time..  TIMELESS 1966
Thanksgiving, lunch lady, hannukah Adam Sandler Comedy a shout out to Manchester, NH.. from which he came.. chris farley another too bad he's gone..  It's funny how 2 songs have become part of tradition.. talent..  
National Anthem boys 2 men Patriotic Much Much Kudos.. why aren't more doing this..  
New Year's Day U2 New Wave Probably the second most energetic concert behind some of the beatles early concerts 1984