My Favourite Songs of 2012

These songs are the ones that I will remember most from this year.  It certainly appears that the world of music is beginning it’s move away from the pop artists that have been so prevalent and returning to the creation and production of some exceptional songs.  About time I’d say.  I attribute this to the web and the ability of many new artists to reach the public through such areas as Bandcamp, soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter etc.  The advent of these devices has greatly expanded my musical horizons and will continue to do so.

I have chosen not to do a finite top ten list as I appreciated all of these songs and at certain times would have been my number 1.  In addition, I have chosen songs new to me this year, meaning they could be from anytime, although the majority are 2012.  I hope you enjoy.

Emm Gryner – Ciao Monday

I see great things from this Canadian singer-songwriter.  Love this version, recorded live at CBC.

Graffiti6 – Free

This song reached and grabbed me by the ears and shook me to a musical high.  Phenomenally written song, reaching one crescendo after another.

The Lumineers – Ho Hey

Another tune that grabbed me.  The more I listened, the more I liked.  This song will be around for years, in movies, on TV, in commercials.  Instant classic.

Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks

Iceland’s contribution to music this year, and a great video as well.

Alabama Shakes – Hold On

What a voice.

Caro Emerald – Back It Up

My favourite find of the year.  I am really digging this act.  Great voice, and different in a great way.

That’s a start, still have some more to pass on and will do so tomorrow.  Don’t want to destroy your attention span.

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Remembering Herb Reed

Only You (And You Alone)
Only You (And You Alone) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RIP Herb Reed.  The last Platter passed away on June 4 at 83.  Enjoy this one and remember one of the classics.  One of the great voices of the time.

Music Trivia Question for the Day – September 19, 2012

Sun Records
Sun Records (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am going to make a small change to the format.  I am thinking that I can create milk 2 posts a week out of this feature.  Starting on Thursday (tomorrow, Friday in Australia and Thursday thirty in Newfoundland (that’s a Canadian in joke)) I will post the big question.  You will have a couple of days, three if I’m too lazy to post the answer.  I will then post the answer and the winner on Saturday morning.  Is It Possible To See It All, striving to maximize quality content for you the reader.  This leaves me the answer to Monday’s question to tie up the loose end of the old format.

The previous question was:

Q: Sun Records is famous for Sam Phillips discovering and recording Elvis, among others.  What was the first song released by Sun, and by who?

The answer is:

In March of 1952 Sun Records released “Drivin Slow’.  Johnny was a 16-year-old saxophone player and he sounds real good.  It starts a bit slow with some piano, then the sax comes in, and then it takes off.  Pretty good tune.

Drivin’ Slow

We had no winner this time, so Lisa at Gripping Life retains the award, at least until Saturday or Sunday, depending on the hangover.

A Gripping Life – 1 win and retains by default

Music Trivia Question for the Day – September 15, 2012

 

The first album to feature the group's name ch...
The first album to feature the group’s name change from “The Miracles” to “Smokey Robinson & The Miracles” was 1965’s Top 10 album Going To A Go-Go.Clockwise from top left: Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, Ron White, Smokey Robinson.(not shown: Claudette Robinson, Marv Tarplin) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The previous question was:

 

Q: What was Motown‘s first million selling hit?

 

The answer is:

 

“Shop Around” by The Miracles.  The song was recorded and released in 1960.  This was before they were known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.  The artist on this classic was credited as The Miracles (featuring Bill “Smokey” Robinson”.

 

Shop Around

 

 

 

We had no winner on this one, so Rebecca’s stupendous award has, once again, been forced to wait on it’s introduction to the world.

 

Today’s question will leave Motown and move on to Blackburn, Lancashire.

 

Q: In the song “A Day In The Life” by the Beatles, there is a line referring to a particular place.  What is Blackburn, Lancashire and why does it have 4,000 holes in it?

 

Music Trivia Question for the Day – September 15, 2012

The first album to feature the group's name ch...
The first album to feature the group’s name change from “The Miracles” to “Smokey Robinson & The Miracles” was 1965’s Top 10 album Going To A Go-Go.Clockwise from top left: Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, Ron White, Smokey Robinson.(not shown: Claudette Robinson, Marv Tarplin) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The previous question was:

Q: What was Motown‘s first million selling hit?

The answer is:

“Shop Around” by The Miracles.  The song was recorded and released in 1960.  This was before they were known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.  The artist on this classic was credited as The Miracles (featuring Bill “Smokey” Robinson”.

Shop Around

We had no winner on this one, so Rebecca’s stupendous award has, once again, been forced to wait on it’s introduction to the world.

Today’s question will leave Motown and move on to Blackburn, Lancashire.

Q: In the song “A Day In The Life” by the Beatles, there is a line referring to a particular place.  What is Blackburn, Lancashire and why does it have 4,000 holes in it?

 

 

Song of The Day – Marvin Gaye – "Heavy Love Affair"

 

Marvin Gaye in 1973
Marvin Gaye in 1973 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Marvin Gaye.  Not much to say about one of the greats.  Terrific singer, smooth R&B guy who is missed to this day.  It is hard to believe he died in 1984, holy crap.  I heard this song on my way to work the other day and was blown away….again.

 

 

Heavy Love Affair

 

 

Music Trivia Question for the Day – September 12, 2012

 

The previous question was:

Q: What was Motown’s first hit?

The answer is

Money – Barrett Strong

Recorded in 1959, Money reached number 2 on the charts.  Beatle fans will instantly recognize this song as they did a cover version in 1962 with Peter Best on drums.

Money – The Beatles

Interestingly, Berry Gordy, Motown’s driving force and owner,  wrote this song, which helped turned Motown into the hit factory it was known for in the 1960’s and beyond.

No one guessed the answer, so I am unable to bestow my newly minted award on anyone.  Thanks to Rebecca for designing the award.

Today’s question, and we will continue in Motown mode is:

Q: What was Motown’s first million selling hit?

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Music Trivia Question for the Day – September 12, 2012

Motown 4 album set
Motown 4 album set (Photo credit: vintage_breda)

The previous question was:

Q: What was Motown’s first hit?

The answer is

Money – Barrett Strong

Recorded in 1959, Money reached number 2 on the charts.  Beatle fans will instantly recognize this song as they did a cover version in 1962 with Peter Best on drums.

Money – The Beatles

Interestingly, Berry Gordy, Motown’s driving force and owner,  wrote this song, which helped turned Motown into the hit factory it was known for in the 1960’s and beyond.

No one guessed the answer, so I am unable to bestow my newly minted award on anyone.  Thanks to Rebecca for designing the award.

Today’s question, and we will continue in Motown mode is:

Q: What was Motown’s first million selling hit?

Music Trivia Question for the Day

 

Mathematics homework
Mathematics homework (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I left you all with some homework.   The question was very subjective and the answers showed it.  Having said that, I did not see any that were anywhere near as disgusting as the one I have put up.  It blows away the competition, making all the other contenders smell badly.  Feast your eyes on Mr. Methane.

The question for today is:

Q: What was Motown’s first hit?

 

Music Trivia Question for the Day

 

I am trying to create an official award logo for this series.  I am having a blast finding these, then finding the videos to go with the answers.  Having said that, I don’t want to wear out the fun so will be changing up a bit on the presentation.  How??  I have no flipping idea.  I’m sure I’ll have an epiphany at some point.

Anyway on to the answers and a new question.

The previous question was:

Who did the original version of Soft Cell‘s classic “Tainted Love“.  Yes. it is a cover.  For bonus points, who wrote it.

First the cover version.  I kind of shudder when I hear this song as all I can think of is hair, lots of hair, and really goofy pants.

Tainted Love – Soft Cell

And now the winner.  Rebecca2000 guessed correctly that it was Gloria Jones.  She receives 17 bajillion points cause she is new to the blog and I kind of like her.    I will be emailing you the prize catalogue from which you can choose to spend your points.  You need only pay shipping and handling.

 

English: This is Gloria Jones performing with ...
English: This is Gloria Jones performing with T.Rex in March 1976 in Glasgow! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

No one guessed that it was written by Ed Cobb so no bonus points awarded.

=

Gloria Jones – The Original

And now a new question for you to ponder.  This question is very subjective, and there might be more than one right answer.  Who is (or might be) the most disgusting act in music today.  This one is for no points and no prizes, just curious to see if you find anything more ridiculous than the one I have chosen.

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