Tunes Du Jour Presents Run-D.M.C.

by with No Comment Uncategorized

If you’re looking for a playlist that captures the raw energy and cultural impact of Run-D.M.C., this is a great place to start.  This iconic rap group from Queens, New York, was a major force in bringing hip-hop to a wider audience in the 1980s. Their music wasn’t just catchy; it broke down barriers and redefined what popular music could sound like.

Tracks like “Rock Box” and “It’s Tricky” showcase Run-D.M.C.’s signature sound: hard-hitting beats, clever rhymes, and a streetwise swagger. They weren’t afraid to tackle social issues either. “Proud to Be Black” is a celebration of identity, while “Sun City” protests apartheid with the help of Artists United Against Apartheid.

But Run-D.M.C.’s influence goes beyond rap. Their collaboration with Aerosmith on “Walk This Way” became a massive hit, blending hip-hop and rock in a way that had never been heard so widely before. This genre-bending approach paved the way for future collaborations and helped both genres reach new fans.

The accolades tell the story of Run-D.M.C.’s lasting impact. They were the first rap act to be nominated for a Grammy, appear on MTV, and be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their influence continues to be felt today, with countless rappers citing them as inspiration.

So, crank up the volume and dive into this playlist. You’ll hear the sound of a legendary group that not only dominated the music scene, but also helped change the cultural landscape.  

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Twitter

Follow me on Instagram

Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 9-22-23

by with No Comment Uncategorized

“I love rock ‘n roll, so put another dime in the jukebox, baby”

Would the youth of today understand those lyrics from Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ cover of The Arrows’ “I Love Rock ‘n Roll?” “What’s a jukebox? What’s a dime?” I hear them asking. If that song were written today, how would it go?

“I love rock ‘n roll, so stream your favorite song on your smartwatch, baby”

“I love rock ‘n roll, so send payment via Venmo so you can unlock the playlist you want to hear, baby”

“I love rock ‘n roll, so tap your phone to connect to the speaker’s Bluetooth and hit play on your selection, baby”

“I love rock ‘n roll, so say ‘Hey Siri, play some rock ‘n roll and feel free to include women and Black artists because you’re not Jann Wenner, baby’”

“I love rock ‘n roll, so use your smartphone’s camera to scan the square-shaped QR code to be redirected to a website or an app where you can choose from a variety of songs and see the ratings, reviews, and popularity of each and select the song you want and it will be added to the queue and play when it’s your turn, baby / I love rock ‘n roll, so come and take some time and dance with me”

That last one just rolls off the tongue. So singalongable!

I love rock ‘n roll and I love Joan Jett, who turns 65 today. A handful of tracks by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts are on today’s playlist.

Follow Tunes du Jour on Facebook

Follow Tunes du Jour on Twitter

Follow me on Instagram

Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 5-28-23

by with No Comment Uncategorized

I tend to think there are three age groups – children, the elderly, and folks around my age. Children bang on about things I’ve never heard of. The elderly tell stories of how when they were kids nobody in the neighborhood owned a television set so the family would take the trolley downtown to Sears and watch The Lawrence Welk Show through the store window. Folks in my age group all share the same cultural references.

This morning when walking my dogs, Ringo and Winston, I was made aware that there are those who are older than children yet younger than I. We saw Jeffrey, who lives across the street, walking his dog Molly and another dog. We said hello (well, I said hello. Ringo and Winston didn’t say anything. They’re not morning dogs.) and I asked “And who is this?,” referring to the other dog. Jeffrey replied “This is Luka,” to which I said “Does he live on the second floor?” I know the three or four of you reading this were thinking the same thing. Jeffrey had a puzzled look on his face. “What?” “His name is Luka. Does he live on the second floor?” Jeffrey, still confused, said “No. He lives next door to me.”

I hadn’t thought about it, but now I know Jeffrey is a lot younger than I. Unlike me, I’m sure when filling out a form that asks in which age group he falls, he never has to color in the circle by the group that ends with “and over.”

Everyone should know Suzanne Vega’s song “Luka.” And everyone should absolutely know Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son.” If you aren’t familiar with it, put down your phone, then pick it back up because I just remembered that’s how young people listen to music nowadays, play the song (which kicks off the playlist below), and do this every day. Memorize the words. Scream along with it. It’s a great way to release your pent-up rage at The Man. Take my word for it. I’ve been doing so for <and over> years.

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty turns 78 today. I’ve never heard him mention The Lawrence Welk Show, though a show called Fortunate Son – A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival is now playing at the Welk Resort Theater on Lawrence Welk Drive in Escondido, California.

Follow Tunes du Jour on Facebook

Follow Tunes du Jour on Twitter

Follow me on Instagram