Keeping Boomers In Touch With Today's Music
We connect a song from back-in-the-day to a current hit that has a similar sound/content/style. You’ll be up to speed in 90-seconds.
Curated by Dave Sholin | Written by Lee Wade
“Baby” as a Term of Endearment in a #MeToo World
Carla Thomas opened her 1966 hit “B-A-B-Y” with a breathy, girley, highly pitched: Baby, ooh, baby. I love to call you baby... Selena Gomez’s also opens her current hit, “Rare,” with a breathy “baby” but it’s not girlish, rather, it’s grown up and sensual, and quickly...
“Honky Tonk Part 1 & 2” / Props for King Records
Memphis had Sam Phillips’ Sun Records; Detroit, Berry Gordy’s Motown; Philly boasted Leon Huff/Kenny Gambles’ Philadelphia International Records; Cincinnati’s King Records was home to James Brown, Hank Ballard & The Midnighters, Little Willie John, and one of...
“Shine a Little Light” / “Shine a Little Love”
The title of the Black Keys latest hit, “Shine a Little Light,” reminds us of Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra’s “Shine a Little Love” (Top 10, 1979), and even though their subject matter differs, both songs embody “rock energy,” have some similar phrasing, and...
The Talent Known as The Weeknd
The Weeknd has a (highly anticipated) album drop planned, albeit without a title or release date, so fans are making-do with two new, single tracks, "Heartless" and Blinding Lights"—each song generated millions of Youtube views and streams within hours of its...
Spotlight: Ingrid Andress
Earlier this week, hundreds of Country radio programmers, music executives and artists convened in Nashville for the annual Country Radio Seminar. Daytime sessions on various issues facing the industry were discussed, and at night, stars performed at the "invitation...
Some #1 Songs Are More Equal Than Other #1 Songs
"Colors" by Black Pumas, continuing at #1 on the Alt chart, echoes the moving, street-feel rhythm of Marvin Gaye's now classic 1971 "Inner City Blues"--both songs use urban life as a backdrop--"Colors," however, has a more positive point of view.....it's a delicious...
Love at First Sight. Country Style.
13 years ago, Jimmie Allen left Delaware, moved to Nashville, did the usual dues paying i.e. sometimes so broke he lived in his car, got his big break, and voila, “Best Shot,” a Country hit in 2018. And, now, he’s got his second Top10 and still ascending hit:...
For Valentine’s Day: Sam Cooke’s “Cupid”
Although it was a hit almost 60-years ago, Sam Cooke's lovely, lyrical "Cupid" is still a go-to song for Valentine's Day. Here's Sam's own 1961 version, and a 1980 cover by the Spinners. ...and here's a Boomer Music Update Valentine's Day toast to all the different...
What the World Needs Now Is…A Really Good Pop Song!
The appeal of an up-tempo pop song has not diminished since Wham! reached #1 in 1986 with "I'm Your Man," written and produced by the late George Michael. Filling the niche this music cycle are the Jonas Brothers, who took advantage of their performance at the recent...