January 22nd, 2012
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Inspired by a bar fight in 1895, southern black communities well-knew the song by the time folklorist John Lomax published it in 1910. First recorded in 1924, this song exemplifies the blues at the root of rock and roll. This week on Lyrics Undercover, I’ll talk about a tune that has gone by many names – ‘Stagolee,’ ‘Stakerlee,’ ‘Stack O’Lee’ and ‘Stack-a Lee’ – but the most familiar title is ‘Stagger Lee.’ |
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January 9th, 2012
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The 1990s gave us all sorts of female empowerment, from the more rock-derived independence of Alanis Morissette, Jewel, and Fiona Apple to the British sensation that swept both the UK and America, the Spice Girls. In 1996, a new era of “girl power” began when the Spice Girls recorded their debut album Spice, and released this week’s Lyrics Undercover: “Wannabe.”
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January 9th, 2012
I wanted to drop a quick note and apologize for the lack of shows in December. As some of you may know, our main writer, Robin, got a new job in December. Obviously, we’re happy for her, but adjusting to her new schedule has taken some time. To that end, I’d like to welcome our new writer, Marlissa, who will be sharing writing duties with Robin. Marlissa’s first episode will be recorded and uploaded this afternoon, so stay tuned!
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December 7th, 2011
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Before she was Madge, before Guy Ritchie said that making love to her was like ‘cuddling up to a piece of gristle,’ before her marketing machine was evident, she was a fresh face on the dance music scene. Her self-titled debut album in 1983 helped make Madonna one of the most exciting new artists of the ‘80s. She solidified that position in 1984 with “Like a Virgin.” This week on Lyrics Undercover I’m going to take a look at that album’s title song. |
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November 21st, 2011
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You have to wonder whether Lorne Michaels was deliberately trying to stir the pot when Rage Against the Machine was booked as the Saturday Night Live musical guest opposite former Republican presidential contender Steve Forbes. The pairing worked about as well as one might expect, with the band being disinvited from the NBC building after their performance of ‘Bulls on Parade.’
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November 9th, 2011
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Rod Stewart’s career has lasted more than 50 years. His most recent approach to performing—one that is as much or more about style than it is about substance – makes it easy to lose sight of the serious credentials that fueled his work at the beginning. The B-side of ‘Reason to Believe,’ from the 1971 album ‘Every Picture Tells a Story,’ made him a household name. That song is ‘Maggie May.’ |
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October 17th, 2011
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ThPhil Spector considered the result of his collaboration with Ike and Tina Turner his best work. Few recordings gave as effective voice to his distinctive ‘Wall of Sound’ than the 1966 single ‘River Deep – Mountain High.’ |
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October 5th, 2011
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This week’s song maxed out at #25 on the pop charts when Black Oak Arkansas included it on their 1973 debut, ‘High on the Hog.’ For all their volume, they couldn’t find the intensity of the original version of ‘Jim Dandy,’ recorded by LaVern Baker in 1956. |
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September 24th, 2011
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This week’s Lyrics Undercover focuses on what it might mean to be born American. In 1984, Bruce Springsteen answered that question with a hard and often misunderstood hit: “Born in the USA.” |
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September 16th, 2011
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The preceding episode of Lyrics Undercover focused on Jeff Buckley and his song “Grace.” His father, Tim Buckley, was often referenced in reviews of Jeff’s work. He was quick to say his father was not an influence, they’d only met shortly before his father died. This week on Lyrics Undercover, I’m going to focus on Tim Buckley and a song better known through cover versions: ‘Song to the Siren.’ |
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