Frequent readers of this blog, especially those who know me offline, know that I’m as big a movie and TV fan as I am a music fan. Probably even more so.
Back in 2008, I started what I described then as “an occasional series” on Forgotten Gems, favorite movies of mine that never earned a spot in the popular consciousness as great films.
Every several months a Lyle Lovett song pops up on Random Weekends, and every several months I bemoan the fact that the man hasn’t put out an album worthy of his talents in nearly two decades.
The Road to Ensenada, Lovett’s best album, came out in 1996. In the 19 years since, he’s put out five studio albums, three of which consisted mostly of covers. The other two were pale imitations of the great albums he released during the first decade of his career.
In Billboard’s ninth spot is Ed Sheeran with ‘Thinking Out Loud,’ the only ballad in the top ten. Good song.
Rounding out the top ten is David Guetta with ‘Hey Mama,’ featuring Nicki Minaj. This is basically a Nicki Minaj song in the same way ‘Uptown Funk’ is a Bruno Mars song, but the DJs get top billing because the songs appear on their albums. It’s all about the singles these days, anyway.
In the seventh spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 this week is Maroon 5 with ‘Sugar,’ the throwback pop song that’s as ubiquitous as the band’s last few hits. At this point, Maroon 5 is one of the most successful acts of the modern era. Not sure anybody would have predicted that in the lean years following their first album.
Coming in at #8 is a song by T-Wayne called ‘Nasty Freestyle.’ I’m almost afraid to listen to this one. But hey, let’s give it a shot.
In Billboard’s fifth spot is Mark Ronson (and Bruno Mars) with ‘Uptown Funk,’ the smash hit that keeps on giving.
At #6 is one of my least favorite hitmakers, Jason Derulo. He’s come up a half dozen times on these Billboard posts and I couldn’t name (let alone hum) one of those songs. He’s the very definition of generic, bland R&B dance pop.
Meet Me In Montauk 