The Alphanumerics Of Modern Music: The Kace Era

somewheregirrl · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:02 am Post subject:

KACE, my man!!! Look at these hits on your thread!!!

Do you want to make this into a blog here for appropriate ease of access, etc?

Congrats, dude. Very cool reading.
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somewheregirrl · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:09 am Post subject:

As I'm sharing your full thread with my sig/other, who is not a TvHeader, and who is an R&R lover and trivia dude .... he said, where's Allman Brothers, Cream, Blind Faith?

Did I miss those, did you leave them off on purpose? If so why?

I love your thoughts, mister.
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

Yeah, if you wanna throw in a blog feed thingy that's cool. I'll be happy to post them there.

As for the omissions. It really sucked when it came time to figure who would be axed for the sake of keeping the list at 365. The starting point for, "The Kace Era," is 1977, my first full year alive after being born near the end of 1976. So everyone accounted for is based on 1977 onward.

The Allman Brothers Band's biggest push of relevance was the early 1970's. They were still kicking at the end of the 1970's and on into the 1980's, but nothing that really stood out for me. Lynyrd Skynyrd got plagued with the same, but I wanted to make sure 38 Special was on the list so there'd be someone with a Southern rock heritage on the list.

Blind Faith and Cream were 1960's. Eric Clapton however will be accounted for a little later on.

Thanks for reading and liking. Smile

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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Elvis Costello.

1977 was a Tale Of Two Elvises. One, Presley had a health that was fading and by the end of the year he would be dead. The other, Costello created his name and began his journey into modern music history. 1977 proved that the world could not handle two good Elvises in the same calendar year. Less than a month after Costello debuted in the UK with his album, My Aim Is True, Presley, the original, the King as it were died. Maybe that's just a coincidence, but it's an example of how 1977 proved to be such a pivotal year in popular music. With the fall of one Elvis came the rise of another and much like the original, Mr. Costello had no intention of playing it safe. He was the new Elvis. He was the new rebel on the scene.

While his native United Kingdom audience appeared to embrace him just fine, in the United States he proved to be more of an underground sensation. The kind of artist one would listen to as a way to thumb one's nose at the establishment or just mainstream radio. Speaking of radio, Elvis had a song about that, "Radio Radio" and playing it live on Saturday Night Live caused Lorne Michaels to flip out. He didn't gyrate his hips, but he did manage to cause controversy worthy of the name he had decided to call himself. Elvis Costello was Alternative before Alternative had a name. Punk, New Wave, Subterranean Anti-Pop, Elvis Costello was determined to break through conventions and bring the world with him. His commitment would pay off chartwise in the States in 1989 with "Veronica." "Veronica" scored high on the Billboard chart, even higher on the Mainstream Rock chart and scored the #1 spot on the Modern chart. Elvis Costello could have wiped his hands and declared mission accomplished. Instead, he continues to record and be Elvis. He'll never be the King, but this Elvis never needed to be.

The music video is "Accidents Will Happen" which was Elvis Costello & The Attractions. This video is really ahead of its time as this was done in 1979, two years before MTV launched. What the Buggles did for music video with "Video Killed The Radio Star," Elvis Costello did for music video with "Accidents Will Happen." It was a warning shot to the rest of the music industry that this was the future. Elvis Costello was not a King. Instead, he was the Rebel Prophet and "Accidents Will Happen" is a testimony to that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lCqBDiio8c
"Accidents Will Happen" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
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DT · 5,000 Or More Posts Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 8137

I bought a hat a few weeks ago in New Orleans where Elvis buys hats. I love him.

Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Elvis Presley.

Somewhere in Fayetteville, there was a lonely arena with no show for the evening. Elvis Presley's death on August 16, 1977 was one of those, "where were you," moments. I wasn't even a year old, but it's always been fascinating to listen to the stories. In 1977, Elvis Presley had accomplished pretty much everything he was going to in his lifetime. He was the King of the Rock & Roll with success crossing over into Country Music. He was a lightning rod of rebellion in the 1950's and would eventually be known for being Elvis. He was Rock, R&B, Country, a little bit of Rockabilly and he dug karate. His look was inspired by Captain Marvel Jr. and he had fans everywhere. In 1977, his health was fading.

Elvis had a concert tour planned for 1977. Among the venues selected was the old Cumberland County Memorial Arena, a place which for me is remembered for when it hosted Jim Crockett Promotions wrestling events on a regular basis. It's also remembered though as one of the places Elvis was supposed to play, but didn't as a result of his death. His legacy is everywhere, from Elvis Costello to Eminem. As long as there is Pop Music. As long as there is music that's a little too loud. As long as there are parents wondering what's wrong with today's youth. As long as there is music one can dance to or enjoy and not care who doesn't like it, there's Elvis. Presley had his own inspirations, including the various country, rockabilly and rhythm & blues artists and in turn, he inspired an industry.

"Way Down" is featured here and for good reason. It was his last single released prior to his death and in the true macabre nature of pop culture, "Way Down" got a second wind on the Billboard chart upon people finding out about Presley's death. The song would score #1 on the Billboard Country and make the Hot 100 Top 20, the last Elvis Presley single to do so. Elvis would have one last big hit in 1981, a remix of "Guitar Man." Through many re-releases in different forms of availability, Elvis Presley continues to be very relevant. Elvis Presley has inspired everything from tribute acts to impersonators, to flying impersonators to professional wrestling gimmicks and lyrics like, "I don't believe that Elvis is dead, no," in Bush's "Everything Zen," and a shout-out to his enlisting in the military in the film Dogma. "And that's why Elvis is the King!" Indeed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZqs1d-NHXk
"Way Down" by Elvis Presley
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Eminem.

Few have been able to harness so much anger and satire with the level of focus as Eminem. Never afraid to share his thoughts on the world or the turmoils of his own life, Eminem has been a force in the Rap scene since his debut in 1996. He's made people nervous, he's gone round and round with other artists and offered truces, he's performed on stage with Elton John and has had hit songs performing alongside the likes of Dr. Dre, Rihanna and Dido. He's gone socio-political, he's started a charity for disadvantaged youth and has even done some acting. Eminem has become an enigma.

"The Way I Am" is the music video of choice and features Eminem in his best element, sharing his frustrations with the world and daring the world to take issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQvteoFiMlg&ob=av2e
"The Way I Am" by Eminem
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somewheregirrl · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:57 am Post subject:

Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for En Vogue.

In the 1990's, someone needed to carry the torch for female R&B groups. Who better to do so than En Vogue? Between 1990 and 1996, the foursome managed to top the Billboard R&B chart six times. They also had the somewhat dubious distinction of topping out at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 three times. Their 1992 Funky Divas album was #1 on the R&B Albums chart and is arguably one of the better R&B albums from the 1990's. They teamed with Salt-N-Pepa and had a hit with "Whatta Man" which was played way too much on the radio, but that's how it is when they like you so who am I to argue? Without En Vogue around, 1990's R&B might not have been anywhere near as good.

The music video is "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)." Matthew Rolston is the Director and no one seems able to bring out the beauty out of people with his techniques quite like him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlP0m39xdI0&feature=related
"My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" by En Vogue
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Enrique Iglesias.

In the world of Latin Pop, there are two realms in particular one can hope to achieve lots of success in, the English and Spanish languages. Few have been able to master this like Enrique Iglesias. A son of Julio Iglesias, Enrique had the talent passed down to him, but it was Enrique himself was able to craft it into something special. Between 1995 and 2010, Enrique dominated the US Latin chart with over twenty different #1 songs. While not having anywhere near as many on the Billboard Hot 100, whenever Enrique has dedicated some of his time to the English language side of Latin Pop, he's still done quite well. His first English language single, "Bailamos," rocketed to #1 in 1999, the year Latin Pop broke fierce not just with Enrique, but also with the likes of Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony. In 2010, Enrique released a bilingual album, Euphoria reasserting his place in the industry as still one of the hottest around, not just in looks, but also in music.

"I Like It" is the music video and while Pitbull's involved, it still manages to be a great song. It samples Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" very nicely and caused me to take notice of Enrique for the first time in several years. Still looks great, too and there's nothing wrong with that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9_n8jakvWU&ob=av2e
"I Like It" by Enrique Iglesias f/ Pitbull
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Enya.

New Age Music, or that, "Pure Moods," stuff as I tend to call it from time to time is kinda hard to ignore. It has its popularity in the United States, sure, but there's something more International to it. And when done right, it can have a similar effect that old Blues Music can, which is conveying the feelings therein with the right notes. When done right, it can be felt. There have been some notable artists in the field, from Rick Wakeman to Yanni. From Loreena McKennit to Celtic Woman. And who can forget Vangelis? "Chariots Of Fire" did for slow motion running footage what "Yakety Sax" did for fast motion running and comedic scenes. So why Enya?

Enya doesn't necessarily consider what she does New Age Music. To her, it's just "Enya." So in a sense, she's kinda like the rebellion in a genre one might not expect to see one. That and she's had some really good songs over the years which also helps. "Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)" scored #1 in several European countries and even cracked the Billboard Hot 100's Top 25 in 1988. In 2001, "Only Time" and specifically the remix of it played quite a bit on radio stations, especially in the wake of the Terrorist Attacks, resulting in a Top 10 status on the Billboard chart. Her songs have had a calm reserve and for all the rock and rap and country and dance and everything else that we're so into, it's good to know that there's good stuff that can relax even the most tense of souls.

"Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)" is the music video of choice. I tend to think this song would have fared better chartwise and in terms of sales had listeners known the title of the song earlier. Originally, it was just "Orinoco Flow," but then "Sail Away" was eventually added on as a subtitle so consumers would know what to look for in stores. The imagery is peaceful, much like the song itself. On a meaningless personal note, in my personal remix of Disney's Fantasia, "Kacestasia," I have this song cued up to play when the Olympus segment begins. But I'm weird.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTrk4X9ACtw&ob=av2n
"Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)" by Enya
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Erasure.

When it comes to synth pop, fanbases may come and go, but Erasure is forever. They had some mainstream success, but for Erasure it was more about providing music for people to enjoy dancing to in a Post-Disco society. Since 1985, the Erasure duo of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have done just that. In terms of fandom, Erasure has become one of those groups that the fanbase goes out of its way to collect whatever they don't already have, be it albums, singles, bootleg stuff (allegedly) and so on. I've had friends and known of others whose Erasure collection can put the rest of their music library to shame.

"A Little Respect" was for me, the very obvious choice for music video. I think it's a great song and it reminds me of different things, like that scene in DEBS. And if you've seen DEBS, you know the scene I'm talking about without me needing to explain it. It's me standing on stage, singing part of this just to prove I had some kind of a voice. It's early 6th Grade and listening to this when looking for something different from the other pop and rock stuff. A little respect. It's what we all want, really.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOnWUVnK9kQ
"A Little Respect" by Erasure
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Eric Clapton.

Connecting excellent riffs that are in tune both in rhythm and feeling are as easy as breathing, maybe even easier for Eric Clapton. Well accomplished both as a solo act and also as a member of several bands and elsewhere by 1977, Eric was already having to deal with the expectations for greatness, especially from his admirers. He was even credited as God once according to some graffiti. Mr. Clapton took it all in stride and kept strumming his guitar. Throughout the 1980's, Eric continued to play, recording notable songs like "Forever Man" and "Bad Love." He was poised to continue marching on through the 1990's. Then tragedy struck.

In 1990, two of his roadies died in the same plane crash that would claim the life of another guitar king, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Less than a year later, Eric would lose his son who was only 4 at the time. The result of a grief no parent should have to face, Eric poured his soul into "Tears In Heaven," a poignant ballad dealing with the loss. In 1992, Eric would have one of the more revered MTV Unplugged performances, including a reworking of his Derek & The Dominos hit, "Layla." The 1990's really became a contemporary light period for Eric, having other softer hits like "Change The World" and "My Father's Eyes." Eventually though, Eric would find himself rocking out once again in blues inspiration form, even getting to team up with BB King along the way. And through every great solo and notable song, he made it look easy.

"Bad Love" is the music video of choice. It really highlights what that late 1980's adult contemporary mainstream rock sound was like. As a bonus made of win, Phil Collins plays drums and sings backup. Eric would also make an appearance in one of Phil's videos at the time, "I Wish It Would Rain Down."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0WO8XoVWes
"Bad Love" by Eric Clapton
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Eurythmics.

On their own, Annie Lennox was a heck of a singer and David A. Stewart was really good with instruments and production. Together, they were Eurythmics, a duo that helped shape 1980's Pop. The production put together with a powerful voice made for some great music. They utilized MTV, scoring a big hit with "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)," notable for Annie's powersuit in the video. From there, Eurythmics would spend the rest of the decade being a worldwide sensation. In the 1990's, the duo would split to pursue other projects. Annie Lennox would have a great solo career and David A. Stewart would have his own project that would include teaming up at one point with stellar saxophonist Candy Dulfer. Eurythmics would eventually reunite to some success, though they're still forever remembered for their great 1980's run.

"Here Comes The Rain Again" is the music video of choice and my favorite song by Annie and David together. Not only is it a great Eurythmics song in its design, but throw in the orchestral majesty of Michael Kamen and the great becomes even greater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzFnYcIqj6I&ob=av2e
"Here Comes The Rain Again" by Eurythmics
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

E is for Evanescence.

In 2003, Rock got a new wrinkle in the form of Evanescence. Amy Lee's voice combined with a style that's been described as everything from straight up rock to metal to gothic, the band has managed to become one of the more notable names of the 2000's. What the future holds for Amy and the gang is unknown as only time can tell with that. For what it's worth though, it's been a good run so far. They also had "My Immortal" which thankfully isn't being shoved down society's throat as much as it used to be. Great song, though.

The music video is "Bring Me To Life" which is the song that started it all. It started off as boredom in a restaurant and led to an epic little masterpiece with Graeme Revell (yes, fans of The Crow film, that Graeme Revell) leading the orchestra for this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YxaaGgTQYM&ob=av2e
"Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence
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