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Song of the Day #6,611a: ‘Crazy’ – Gnarls Barkley

Continuing my look at the albums of 2006…

The blog recently featured some discussion about what constitutes a “supergroup”, with one contention being that the collaboration must include more than two people. By that definition, Gnarls Barkley isn’t a supergroup, but it sure put out some super music.

Producer Danger Mouse and Goodie Mob member CeeLo Green created the Gnarls Barkley persona as a lark, giving the character an elaborate and humorous backstory. That sense of humor is evident on their debut album St. Elsewhere, but it doesn’t get in the way of the music sounding great.

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Song of the Day #6,611: ‘Sunny’ – Bobby Hebb

The Lovin’ Spoonful held on to the top spot of Billboard’s Top 100 the week of August 23, 1966, for the third and final week, with ‘Summer in the City.’

At #2 that week was Bobby Hebb’s ‘Sunny,’ which peaked in that spot for two weeks. This track, written by Hebbs after the death of his brother in 1963, became an international hit for him and his only song to crack the Billboard Top 20.

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Song of the Day #6,610a: ‘Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)’ – Doris Day

Throwing back to the week of August 22, 1956, we find The Platters’ ‘My Prayer‘ hanging on to the top spot of the Billboard singles chart.

Tied for #2, where it would surprisingly peak on the Top 100, was Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog.’ ‘Hound Dog‘ would top the ‘Best Sellers in Stores’ chart for a then-record 11 weeks, but it was outperformed by Presley’s ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ on the Top 100, which accounted for radio and jukebox play in addition to sales.

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Song of the Day #6,610: ‘I Got Trouble’ – Christina Aguilera

Continuing my look at the albums of 2006…

If I were making my list of favorite 2006 albums in 2006, I’m certain Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics would have made the cut. I was very impressed by this album at the time, particularly because I had zero appreciation for Aguilera prior to its release.

I haven’t listened to it much in the last 20 years, not because it doesn’t hold up but because it fell off the way so many things do as new interests arise. Playing it this week, I was reminded how much I enjoy it.

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Song of the Day #6,609a: ‘The First Song’ – Band of Horses

Continuing my look at the albums of 2006…

Something was up with animal names in 2006, with this week featuring Arctic Monkeys, Cat Power, and now Band of Horses. Everything All the Time is the debut release of the Seattle-based indie rockers.

Fronted by Ben Bridwell, the band’s one consistent member over the past two decades, Band oF Horses has released a half dozen albums recorded by a shuffling lineup. This one is the best-known.

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