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Whitney Houston – Didn’t We Almost Have it All (1987)

Here’s what I loved about Whitney Houston (and it’s something that has been missing from pop music for far too long): Pop music has become more and more sexual over the years. It should be said, I’m all for the art of theatrics and the spectacle of what Lady Gaga, Rhianna or Katy Perry have become known for, there is a place for it in music, but Whitney never needed to do that, she never needed to shock people. Whitney is one of the most successful artists of all time, something she accomplished on the strength of her voice and how she connected with the song.

Whitney Houston – Saving All My Love For You (1985)

Over her amazing career Whitney Houston amassed sales in the hundreds of millions and won countless music awards. But in the 80’s she accomplished something that still to this day nobody has been able to do (although Katy Perry is getting close)….she scored 7 consecutive # 1 singles, she was a hit machine. That incredible streak began with this song written by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin and was originally released in 1978 by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr…but it was Whitney Houston’s voice that brought it to #1. Her first #1.

Wilco – Dawned on Me (2011)

At the risk of making (anymore) enemies in the music industry please allow me to soapbox for a moment: there is a lot time, effort, and money put into the type of marketing for an artist that is borderline musical propaganda. The thinking is the more you hear about someone (aka shoved down your throat) the more chance you will buy it; regardless of how it sounds. Then there is the old fashion and honest way of getting heard, which is slugging it out on the road and constantly releasing great music. Wilco has thrived as one of the most respected bands in music with minimal radio success, no magazine covers…..just great songs.

The Band Perry – You Lie (2010)

Another Grammy Awards show has come and gone and once again the overwhelming dominant vibe was real music, from real people. You’ll remember Mumford & Sons along with The Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan stealing the show last year, and this year ( *cough* as I predicted) The Civil Wars walked away everyone’s new favorite band. However, The Band Perry also turned some heads and managed to convert anyone who thought they were just a straight up country band. Siblings Kimberly, Neil, and Ried Perry prove that you just needs instruments and a good melody to make an impact. It’s that simple Nicki Minaj.

Suicidal Tendencies – Institutionalized (1983)

Bands like Black Flag, Bad Brains, and DOA are names that you have perhaps at least heard of before, even if you are not familiar with their music. These were among many of the early and influential bands making hardcore music which came out of “late 70’s punk” but mixed more elements of metal (for anyone interested a good place to start is the book “Our Band Could be Your Life, it’s not JUST about hardcore but will ease you into). Suicidal Tendencies were part of this movement and remain one of the most influential even though musically, they eventually became more of a thrash metal band. Despite the fact that as a hardcore band they didn’t have the same longevity as others they were one of the first hardcore bands to get massive play on MTV…and it was with this song

enjoy,
=maw