Song of the Day #3,272: ‘Colorblind’ – Counting Crows vs. David Bowie

It’s Week Two of Round Two of Montauk Madness, and we start with a showdown between Counting Crows and David Bowie.

Counting Crows advanced following a unanimous decision over Morrissey in Round One, while David Bowie faced stronger competition in U2 but still won easily with 82% of the vote. Continue reading

Song of the Day #3,271: ‘Cowboy Casanova’ – Carrie Underwood

First things first… Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers out there, especially my own! Your randomly selected Song of the Day is a serenade by Carrie Underwood. Not bad.

Speaking of Underwood… American Idol is returning to TV less than a year after its cancellation by Fox. Today’s Random SOTD is a reminder that, unlike its cooler cousin The Voice, Idol has actually produced some stars over the course of its run. Continue reading

Song of the Day #3,270: ‘Country Nation’ – Brad Paisley

Here’s another track by a recent contender in Montauk Madness. Brad Paisley held an early lead over Lana Del Rey, but did he hang on to win? And will those turned off by this full-throated celebration of beer-swilling, football-watching country music fans regret voting for him over the enigmatic chanteuse?

This song is a good example of why I ultimately voted against Paisley. He’s good for one or two of these anthems per album, and that feels way too much like a formula. Continue reading

Song of the Day #3,269: ‘Diane Young’ – Vampire Weekend vs. Ben Folds Five

Two innovative indie bands face off today in Round Two of Montauk Madness.

Vampire Weekend got here by defeating Pink Floyd with 70% of the vote. Ben Folds Five had a slightly harder path, taking down Aimee Mann with 60%. I voted for Vampire Weekend and against Ben Folds Five in the first round, but would have reversed those votes had they switched their opponents. Continue reading

Song of the Day #3,268: ‘Brand New Day’ – Sting vs. Paul Simon

Sting and Paul Simon lived in the same New York apartment building in the 80s, and collaborated on a concert tour in 2014. Now they come together again for a Montauk Madness Round Two death match.

Much to my chagrin, Sting defeated Sinead O’Connor in Round One rather easily, earning 70% of the vote. Paul Simon, surprisingly, had an even easier time dispatching Elton John, with 73%. Continue reading