Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 9-29-24

Shortly after British rock band Suede released their debut album in the US in 1993, they encountered a trademark issue. An American lounge singer named Suzanne deBronkart had been performing under the name “Suede” since the 1980s and had already trademarked the name for musical performances in the US. She sued for trademark violation.

Two years later, the British band reluctantly agreed to use the name “The London Suede” for all their US releases and performances. This compromise allowed them to maintain their original name in other parts of the world while respecting the existing trademark in the United States.

This name change applied to all their album releases, merchandise, and concert promotions in the US throughout their career.

(The London) Suede’s Brett Anderson was born on this date in 1967. A handful of the band’s tracks are included on today’s playlist.

Tunes Du Jour Presents 1999

As we look back on the musical landscape of 1999, it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer diversity and quality of singles that dominated the charts and airwaves. Straddling the end of one millennium and the dawn of another, this year produced an extraordinary array of hits that continue to resonate with listeners today.

Pop music was in full force, with young stars like Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys delivering earworms that would define the era. Spears’ debut “…Baby One More Time” and the Boys’ “I Want It That Way” became instant classics, their catchy hooks and polished productions setting a new standard for pop perfection. Meanwhile, Latin pop exploded onto the mainstream scene with Ricky Martin’s irresistible “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” a song that seemed to capture the exuberant spirit of the times.

But 1999 wasn’t just about glossy pop. Hip-hop continued its ascent, with Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” showcasing the genre’s growing crossover appeal. Eminem burst onto the scene with “My Name Is,” his irreverent wordplay and controversial persona signaling a new direction for rap. R&B, too, had a strong showing, with TLC’s “No Scrubs” becoming an anthem of female empowerment and Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor” demonstrating the genre’s capacity for emotional depth.

Rock music, far from being overshadowed, produced some of the year’s most enduring tracks. The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Scar Tissue” showcased their evolving sound, while The Offspring’s “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” brought punk-pop humor to the masses. Alternative and indie acts like The Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev pushed boundaries with “Race for the Prize” and “Goddess on a Highway” respectively, proving that innovative songwriting could still find a place in the mainstream.

Electronic music also made significant inroads in 1999. Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” and The Chemical Brothers’ “Hey Boy Hey Girl” brought big beat to the forefront, while Moby’s “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” hinted at electronic music’s potential for emotional resonance. From the dancefloor-filling “Sing It Back” by Moloko to the avant-garde “Windowlicker” by Aphex Twin, electronic artists were expanding the sonic possibilities of popular music in exciting ways.

The singles of 1999 paint a picture of a music industry in flux, embracing new sounds and technologies while still celebrating the timeless art of the perfectly crafted pop song. It was a year that laid the groundwork for the musical landscape of the 21st century, producing hits that continue to inspire and entertain listeners a quarter-century later.

Tunes Du Jour Presents 1991

The year 1991 was a remarkable one for music, as it saw the emergence of genres, styles, and stars that would shape the musical landscape for years to come. Today’s playlist consists of thirty of the songs that defined 1991.

We’ve got slick pop hooks and hip-hop beats, soulful ballads and dancefloor anthems, synth pop and alt rock, industrial angst and Prince.

In late September of 1991, a trio from Seattle released an album that soon became a phenomenon that transcended music and defined a generation. Its first hit single inaugurated a new wave of alternative rock that would dominate the 90s. That song peaked on the pop charts the following year, so look for it when Tunes Du Jour Presents 1992.

For now, take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the musical smorgasbord that was 1991. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more posts about music. 

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 9-11-23

Richard Ashcroft’s original plan was to release the songs he wrote for Urban Hymns under his own name, but he got cold feet. Shortly after the album’s release The Verve broke up, briefly reforming in 2007.

The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft was born on this date in 1971. The singles issued from his band’s Urban Hymns are included on today’s playlist.

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