Winston + Rufus 2014-07-22 10.28

The #39 Album Of All-Time: Rufus Wainwright

Winston + Rufus 2014-07-22 10.28
In 1998, Rufus Wainwright released his debut album, which he named Rufus Wainwright. By 2011, he had released six studio albums, so naturally the time was right for a box set. House of Rufus contained 19 discs. It included each studio album, two previously-released live albums, collections of songs performed with other artists, songs from soundtrack albums, DVDs of concerts and a documentary about the opera he wrote. It also included a hard cover 90 page book.

Rufus seldom does anything small. His motto seems to be “Go big or go home.” Sometimes I find that off-putting the first couple of times I hear a song of his, but after repeated listenings the melody and the lyrics sink in and I no longer notice the ornate production.

His first album didn’t grab me on my initial listen. Some months after I bought it, MTV was having a special weekend during which they showed music videos. They showed Rufus’ “April Fools” video a handful of times that weekend, and it hit me. I put the album back on and its magic came through. It was practically glued to my CD player for months to follow.

Today Rufus Wainwright turns 41 years old. To celebrate, Tunes du Jour presents a Rufus Wainwright playlist, focusing on his debut album, my #39 album of all-time.

doggies + Gwen 2014-07-18 11.34

It’s Friday And I Need To Dance!

Gwen Stefani, the lead singer and lyricist of the band No Doubt, wanted to do a dance-oriented solo album, but when the band finished its Rock Steady tour in November 2002, all she wanted to do was sleep. “I wanted to take a break and was really burned out, but the record company were ready to go.” Her label, Interscope, wanted her to work on her solo album with singer-songwriter Linda Perry, who was available for only five days.

Without the time to recharge, Stefani’s anxieties about doing the record rose to the surface and she spent a lot of time crying in bed. She’d been with the guys in No Doubt for seventeen years at that point; could she do a record without them?

On their second day in the studio together, Perry presented Stefani with the music of a song she stayed up the previous night to write. Stefani was to come up with lyrics, and she took the speed with which Perry came up with the song as a dare, as if to ask her “What are you waiting for?”

That was the inspiration Stefani needed. She wrote the lyrics to “What You Waiting For?,” addressing her fears about doing the record, her lack of inspiration, and the pressure the felt her label was putting on her. The song opens with Stefani referencing her bandmates and their years together – “What an amazing time / What a family/ How did the years go by?/ Now it’s only me.” Then the repeated background vocals of “tick tock” suggest the clock is ticking and she needs to get to work on this solo venture. Her nervous side sings “I’m worried if I go it alone,” to which her confident persona responds “You never know, it could be great” and “Take a chance, you might grow.”

“What You Waiting For?” was the first single released from Stefani’s first solo venture, Love, Angel, Music, Baby. The album sold seven million copies worldwide and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Hit singles from the album were “Hollaback Girl,” “Rich Girl,” “Cool” and “Luxurious.”

Of the experience making the record, Stefani said “I think it’s very important to put yourself in a situation that’s uncomfortable to be able to grow.”

Is there something you wish to do but have not yet started to tackle? What you waiting for?
doggies + Gwen 2014-07-18 11.34

Friday is dance day at Tunes du Jour. We kick off this week’s party with Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?”

Glenn’s Ten – 7/16/14

There are two new entries in Glenn’s Ten this week – Spoon’s “Do You” and Beck’s “Heart is a Drum.” They replace Conor Oberst’s “Hundreds of Ways” and Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun.” The Oberst track had a ten-week run. The Paramore track entered Glenn’s Ten the first week in April and spent two weeks at #1.

Glenn’s Ten for this week is:
1. “Every Time the Sun Comes Up” – Sharon Van Etten
2. “Somethin’ Bad” – Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood
3. “Control” – Broken Bells
4. “Do You” – Spoon
5. “West Coast” – Lana Del Rey
6. “Heart is a Drum” – Beck
7. “Just One Drink” – Jack White
8. “Do It Again” – Röyksopp and Robyn
9. “Come Get It Bae” – Pharrell Williams
10. “Love Never Felt So Good” – Michael Jackson

Rounding out today’s playlist are ten tunes that were #1 on this date in Glenn’s Ten history, in reverse chronological order.

Paris001

Your Bastille Day Playlist

Paris001
In seventh grade we were given the option of taking Spanish or being expelled. I opted for the former. I did well in Spanish class. When I moved on to high school in ninth grade, we had a foreign language requirement, our options being Spanish, French or Swahili. I stayed with Spanish.

Through music I was able to pick up bits and pieces of other languages. I picked up some French phrases from Labelle and Talking Heads. I learned some Japanese from The Police and Robyn. The Rolling Stones and Dusty Springfield recorded Italian-language versions of a couple of their hits, and The Beatles recorded “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You” in German.

Limited as it was, this knowledge of foreign languages served me well when I moved into Sony Music’s International division. I could converse with our affiliates and licensees around the world. Sure, all I knew how to say to the folks in our French office was “Would you like to go to bed with me tonight?” and “What is it?,” but that’s all I needed to say. They appreciated the effort.

As today is Bastille Day and this blog has a French name, I created a playlist to help you with your French and your French kissing. Amusez-vous!

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doggies + McVie 2014-07-13 11.15

Why Not Think About Times To Come?

I’m glad it’s Sunday, the start of a new week. Last week was trying.

I followed up with a company that was interested in hiring me as a consultant, but they have no room for me at the moment.

After reaching out to every appropriate music supervisor and music executive I can think of, I got no takers for the two acts I’m pitching for television and film uses. I received a lot of positive feedback about the tracks I sent, one a stripped down soulful piano ballad and the others EDM bangers, but no deals.

I’m frustrated with a class I am taking. Though the teacher is smart and knows his stuff, there are times when his focus seems misplaced.

I had to call the customer service departments of Anthem Blue Cross, Verizon Wireless, Express Scripts mail order pharmacy and Hewlett Packard. All have lousy customer service, and each call left me angry (or as close as I get to angry).

I had lunch with a former co-worker I haven’t seen in years on Friday. The lunch was nice, but I didn’t realize how awful the parking situation in downtown LA is. It’s insane that what I paid to park for fewer than ninety minutes was the same as what I paid for this nice lunch.

I don’t have dental insurance at the moment. My insurance broker suggested I ask my dentist what insurance plans he accepts and what he would recommend for coverage, as he know my dental situation better than anybody. I emailed my dentist and he wrote back that “there are literally thousands of plans” and it doesn’t make sense for me to get insurance. Really? His office accepts thousands of plans?

It was one of those weeks where at times it seemed like nobody was the least bit helpful or caring. However, I’m an optimistic guy. Despite all of the annoyances I think “things will get better.” Another company will hire me as a consultant. A deal for the songs I’m pitching will come through at some point. I switched my medical insurance coverage – there is no possible way any company could be worse than Anthem Blue Cross. I’ll fill my prescriptions at my local pharmacy. Everything will work out.

Last night I went with a friend to the opening night performance of a new musical entitled Beguiled. Afterwards my friend described it as “the worst grade school production I’ve ever seen.” I didn’t like it as much as he did. The humor fell flat (how any times must you say the word ”penis” hoping for a laugh?), the plot was full of holes, and the music was stolen from Broadway shows, with no credit in the program to the composers. The highlight of the show was near the end, when one of the actors climbed up to the balcony and, while stretching out his arms, smashed a window in the theater, sending shards of glass flying all over. I didn’t see that coming. Bravo!

While I hate sitting through awful shows, they do inspire me. If that load of crap could get produced and have a multi-performance run on Saturday nights at a known theater in Hollywood, then I need to finish my script/book/whatever. There is an audience out there starved for entertainment. That thought is what I needed to be back on a positive track. This week will be great.

doggies + McVie 2014-07-13 11.15
With all the time I spent arguing with poorly-trained customer service reps and looking for parking, I didn’t get a chance to post a blog entry about Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, who turned 71 yesterday. Better late than never. Given the theme of this post, it makes sense to kick off today’s playlist with “Don’t Stop.” It’ll be better than before. Yesterday’s gone.

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Winston + Suzanne 2014-07-11 15.15

It’s Friday And I Need To Dance!

I’m at a place in my life where I very much wish to try new things. To enter into places not completely familiar. I’ve accomplished a lot utilizing my knowledge of popular music and negotiation skills. From college graduation until last September I’ve always worked at record companies. Is there somewhere else where I can use these attributes?

Figuring out the next step on one’s own can be challenging. Having a career coach is helpful. Better yet would be meeting someone who sees what you (or, in this case, I) have to offer and gives you (me) a job, or, optimally, collaborates with you (me) on a new venture.

I think about this fairly often. This morning it occurred to me that it came to be for me a couple of weeks ago, though not directly related to my record company jobs.

When I lived I New York I performed and-up comedy at night. I did well with it. I won contests, had an agent, and played to sold-out theaters. I understand comedy structure, know how to formulate a joke, and have good timing.

Two weeks ago a friend and I started working together on a TV sitcom pilot. I can write relatable characters and punchlines. My friend, who has a terrific sense of humor as well, can take what I do and add in his knowledge of script formatting and sitcom structure. I’m enthusiastic about our new venture.

Winston + Suzanne 2014-07-11 15.15
In 1987, singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega scored a huge hit with “Luka,” from her album Solitude Standing. Her biggest hit to date, the song went to #3 on the United States pop charts, and also hit the Top 40 in countries such as The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, The Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, New Zealand, Austria, and Ireland.

Vega can write great lyrics and catchy hooks. ”Luka” also performed well on the Rock chart. Vega is like me in this story, and the British production duo who called themselves D.N.A. are my friend with whom I am writing the television script.

D.N.A. took Suzanne’s skills, in particular the a capella track that opens the Solitude Standing album, and added a dance beat to it. The result was another top ten pop hit, this one credited to D.N.A. featuring Suzanne Vega. The song, “Tom’s Diner,” also brought Vega to the top 15 of the Dance Club chart, the Modern Rock chart, and the R&B chart.

Vega didn’t plan this success. By chance D.N.A. entered her life and together each reached new heights. Hopefully our sitcom pilot will have the same success.

Today Suzanne Vega turns 55. We’ll kick off our Friday dance party with the DNA mix of “Tom’s Diner.”

Jack + me 1069915_10151751737788582_422945744_n

In Which I Send Jack White A Copy Of “Muskrat Love”

Jack + me 1069915_10151751737788582_422945744_n

I met Jack White of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather at a barbecue a few years ago. He thought it was cool that I worked at Rhino Entertainment. He sold Rhino’s records at the store he had before his career as a musician took off. I told him I’d put together a care package of some Rhino releases for him. He told me he’d feel bad getting them for free. I told him it was fine and a few days later sent to him via his manager a package with a blues box set, the DVD of The Rutles’ made-for-television film All You Need Is Cash and a compilation entitled ‘70s Party Killers that included The Captain & Tennille, Starland Vocal Band and Dawn featuring Tony Orlando, among others. I don’t know if the package ever made it to him. Maybe the manager kept it for himself. Maybe the postal carrier stole it. Who wouldn’t want to own a compilation that featured “Muskrat Love,” “Afternoon Delight” and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Ole Oak Tree?” Those are the songs I think of when I think of Jack White. I mean that as a high compliment.

Today the tenth child of Teresa and Gorman Gillis, born John Anthony Gillis, turns 39 years old. As was the case with Beck yesterday and Ringo Starr the day before, the White Stripes offerings on Spotify are pretty slim. Nonetheless, I was able to cobble together this playlist of ten fine Jack White performances. I only hope that someday he covers “Muskrat Love.”

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doggies + Beck 2014-07-08 14.43

Bonding Over Beck

I met Michael at Nobody Beats the Wiz, a CD/Electronics store in Union Square in Manhattan, in 1996. We bonded immediately over a love of music. A lot of people love music, but Michael was the only other person I’d met who, like me, maintained a weekly listing of his favorite current songs. Like me, Michael had an imaginary radio station. (Now is a good time to mention that neither of us were children when we met – Michael was 23 and I was 33.) Though both of us shared the same intense passion for music, the music for which we shared a passion differed.

I listened to a lot of what Michael dismissed as “college rock,” while Michael enjoyed much of what I called “cheesy dance pop.” There were a few acts we both liked – Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and Beck.

Beck’s Odelay album was only a couple of months old when we met. Its intelligence, originality, sense of melody, adventure and fun appealed the both of us.

doggies + Beck 2014-07-08 14.43
Much like Madonna, Beck has worn many personas within pop music – the funky white guy, the folkie, the faux-folkie, the somber singer-songwriter and the comic songster among them. Impressively, he has succeeded at each, with albums ranging from good to great.

Today, Tunes du Jour pays homage to the man born Bek Campbell on his 44th birthday. I’m severely limited by Spotify’s spotty Beck selections, so I’m going to focus on Odelay, because it’s great and it’s there.

Ringos 2014-07-07 11.01

Happy Birthday, Ringo!

Ringos 2014-07-07 11.01Ringo, Star

In December of 2010 I adopted two rescue dogs, whose photos appear in posts throughout this blog. Being rescues, I have no idea when their actual birthdays are, so I decided to celebrate their birthdays on the birthdays of their namesakes, Ringo Starr and John Winston Lennon.

Today, Ringo Starr turns 74 and Ringo Schwartz turns 7. Here are some interesting factoids about the former:

• Ringo was the first former Beatle to have back-to-back #1 singles, with “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen,” both released in 1973. The only other former Beatle to have back-to-back #1s was Paul McCartney, who did so in the 80s with “Coming Up” and “Ebony and Ivory.”
• Between 1971 and 1975 Ringo racked up seven top ten singles. John Lennon didn’t have his seventh top ten single until 1981’s “Woman,” released after his death. George Harrison scored a total of five top ten solo hits.
• 1971’s “It Don’t Come Easy,” Ringo’s first top ten solo hit, was written by Ringo and George, though only Starr was credited on the record. The track was produced by Harrison, who plays on the record, as does Stephen Stills.
• The b-side of the “It Don’t Come Easy” single, “Early 1970,” was written by Ringo about his fellow Beatles. Verse one is about Paul, verse two is about John, and verse three is about George, who plays on the record.
• Starr’s second top ten solo single, 1972’s “Back Of Boogaloo,” was written by Ringo and produced by George as well.
• “I’m the Greatest” was written by John, who plays and sings on it. Ringo also recorded songs written by Paul.
• “Photograph” was written by Ringo and George, with the latter receiving a writing credit this time. George had an affair with Ringo’s then-wife Maureen.
• 1975’s top three hit “No No Song” was written by David Jackson and Hoyt Axton, the latter of whom plays on Ringo’s version. The song is about a man being offered drugs and alcohol after eschewing such vices. Said Ringo to Time magazine: “We were doing ‘No No Song’ [in the studio] with the biggest spliff and a large bottle of Jack Daniel’s.”
• “Snookeroo,” the flip-side of the “No No Song” 45 and listed with that song on the charts, was written by Elton Jon and Bernie Taupin specifically for Ringo at Ringo’s request.
• Ringo’s most recent top 40 single, 1981’s “Wrack My Brain,” was written by Harrison about his frustrations trying to come up with a pop hit.

Tunes du Jour wishes Ringo the Beatle and Ringo the doggie very happy birthdays! As the majority of Starr’s hits are not on Spotify, I present to you a YouTube playlist of his best work.

doggies + James Brown 2014-07-04 10.41

It’s Friday The Fourth Of July And I Need To Dance!

On July 4, 1982, I went with my then-friend Robin to see Diana Ross in concert at Giants Stadium. I hadn’t been to the stadium before, but I figured on a typical day it was about a half hour drive from my home in New Jersey. As this was a holiday, I assumed there would be a lot of traffic, so I allowed for extra travel time. I didn’t want to be late.

We got to Giants Stadium five hours before show time. We parked right by the stadium entrance, went in, and found our seats. It was a beautiful sunny day, so we tanned as we waited for others to join us.

After a few hours other people showed up. The stadium was mostly full when the first opening act took to the stage. The band’s lead singer introduced them. “We’re Frankie Beverly and Maze for all you white people who don’t know who we are because you don’t listen to black music.” He sure knew how to charm an audience and win over new fans! I was momentarily ashamed that I spent my money to see and hear the white music of Diana Ross.

After Maze, Miles Davis performed. Would it have killed him to finish writing the songs before he came out? And hello, the audience is over here, not behind the curtain.

While Davis was playing, the couple sitting next to my then-friend Robin and me snorted cocaine. I’d never seen anyone do that before. They left after Davis finished, skipping the Diana Ross show altogether. That’s all I needed to see to keep me from ever doing coke. I don’t ever want to get to a point where I lose control over my thoughts and whereabouts and miss Miss Ross.

Finally, the main event. Diana Ross. Live. She performed all her big solo hits, except “Love Hangover,” and 30+ years later that still irks me. She did a medley of Supremes hits. She changed her clothes a few times. It was great!

doggies + James Brown 2014-07-04 10.41
Friday is dance day at Tunes du Jour, and while I could open today’s playlist with “Love Hangover” (Why, Miss Ross, why didn’t you preform that song???), I’m going to go with a more traditional 4th of July choice, James Brown’s “Living in America,” one of the very few Brown hits that the man neither wrote nor produced. Happy holiday!