Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm – Crash Test Dummies
And now, dear friends, a candidate for worst one-hit wonder ever. “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” by Crash Test Dummies is a love-it-or-hate-it ditty by beloved Canadian band, Crash Test Dummies (at least they were beloved in Canada for a few years). Hear more: Canadian one-hit wonders The lyrics focus on kids with abnormalities (white hair, birthmarks and Pentecostal parents). A bold move since the song potentially offends all people with white hair, birthmarks and “lurch and shake” religious … Read entire article »
An American Trilogy – Mickey Newbury
There aren’t many patriotic one-hit wonders. “Dawn of Correction” by The Spokesmen is one. But “An American Trilogy” by Mickey Newbury has to top this fairly small and exclusive list. Based on three 19th century songs (“Dixie” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” from the Civil War and an African American spiritual in “All My Trials”), “An American Trilogy” was first arranged and performed by Mickey Newbury who reached #26 on the Billboard Top … Read entire article »
Fireflies – Owl City
The first time I heard “Fireflies,” I told my friends: “That’s the best song The Postal Service or Death Cab for Cutie never wrote.” In fact, I had to listen closely to be sure it wasn’t a new song by The Postal Service. It wasn’t. “Fireflies” was and is a synthpop hit in the same spirit as great synthpop one-hit wonders from artists as diverse Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me with Science” or “Perfect Way” by Scritti … Read entire article »
A Whole New World – Regina Belle and Peabo Bryson
If you have young kids in the house. If you have young kids in the neighborhood. If you were a young kid in the 1990s, you know this song. That’s because “A Whole New World” is the title track to Disney’s animated 1992 film, Aladdin, that has earned more than $500 million dollars worldwide. That’s half-a-billion dollars for an animated movie. That’s simply astounding. It’s also the kind of broad reach and wide appeal that can transform … Read entire article »
I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony) – The Hillside Singers
It’s one of the most influential and well-regarded TV commercials ever. A bunch of young, fresh-faced, multi-cultural kids singing “I’d like to buy to world a Coke/and keep it company.” Remember the Coca-Cola ad from 1971? Even if you weren’t alive then, you’ve probably seen the ad or at least heard the song since variations on the theme have popped up in Coke ads in 1971, 1990, 2006, 2007 and 2010. But I’ll bet you an … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1970s
Clarence Clemons, Sax Player for Springsteen, Lady Gaga and One-Hit Wonder, Suffers Stroke
Saxophone player Clarence Clemons reportedly suffered a massive stroke on Sunday, June 12. He is in the hospital in serious condition. Clemons has been part of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band since its earliest days and “The Big Man” as fans know him is a beloved part of one of America’s most beloved bands. Although the 69-year-old Clemons has recently struggled with health concerns, he contributed saxophone to Lady Gaga’s most recent album, The Edge of … Read entire article »
Filed under: 2000s
Shake You Down – Gregory Abbott
“Shake You Down” by Gregory Abbott is a complete mystery to me. It’s a number one hit. It’s soulful. It’s smooth. It evokes the spirit of Marvin Gaye and Al Green, two of my favorite soul singers. In fact, one of my favorite albums is What’s Goin’ On by Marvin Gaye. Yet in the 1980s and today, “Shake You Down” leaves me cold. I’m simply indifferent about the song. I don’t like it. I don’t hate it. I could care less … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1980s
Cruel To Be Kind – Nick Lowe
“Cruel to be Kind” is one of my favorite songs of the 1970s. It doesn’t have a perfect hook. It’s rarely heard these days. Nic Lowe’s voice doesn’t soar or span multiple octaves or anything particularly spectacular. But “Cruel to be Kind” remains spectacular, more than 30 years after it was released. It lives in the same zip code as late 1970s or early ’80s songs from Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, Graham Parker and many other guitar-driven … Read entire article »