Monthly Archives: December 2016

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Top 100 Songs of 2016 (Part 6) #50-41

FOR THE FIRST FIVE LISTS CLICK BELOW.

#100 – 91       #90-81     #80-71       #70-61       #60-51

50. “Singing In The Rain” – Simple Plan

Canadian rock band, Simple Plan released their 5th studio album this year titled Taking One For the Team. Their second single off the album, “Singing in the Rain” is a story of how no matter how shitty life may be, they will not let anything drag them down.

“I got a song in my heart and I’m bulletproof,
There’s nothing in the world that’s gonna kill this mood.
No matter what life wants to throw my way,
I’ll be singing, I’ll be singing in the rain.”

His car won’t start, his girlfriend broke up with him, a fortune-teller tells him that he is doomed, but he doesn’t care because there is a storm coming and he is going to sing in the rain and make the best of his awful, miserable life.

Whenever you are having a bad day, “Singing in the Rain” will help you realize that you need to man up, move on, and make the best of what you have.

49. “You Look Like I Need A Drink” – Justin Moore

One of the most clever breakup songs of the year is Justin Moore’s “You Look Like I Need A Drink.” It’s country, rock and pop all rolled into one incredibly fun song.

When his girlfriend walks into the house Moore can tell something is up, and has a feeling that he is about to be dumped. His response: “you look like I need a drink.” This will now be my go to phrase whenever I feel as though I am about to get bad news. Or good news. Or any news at all, I suppose.

 

48. “Soundcheck” – Catfish and the Bottlemen

“Soundcheck” is the first single off Catfish and the Bottlemen’s second studio album, The Ride. It is a tale of the lead singer of a band being so in love that he rushes through his soundcheck just to be able to catch his girl on her fag break. Needless to say, Catfish and the Bottlemen are Welsh.

“And I raced through soundcheck
Just to meet you on your fag break
And you convinced me
To put life aside and want you.”

The song is pure rock with a catchy melody and fist-pumping chorus, which makes it one of, if not the best Catfish and the Bottlemen song to date.

47. “Peace Of Mind” – The Killers

“Peace of Mind” was recorded ten years ago when The Killers released Sam’s Town, which in my opinion is the greatest album of all time, and many believe to be the most underrated album of the decade. But, then again, I am very Killers biased as they are my favorite band.

“Peace of Mind” never made the album, but when the band re-released the album for the ten-year anniversary, they included the bonus track of “Peace of Mind.” And of course it is, like everything else The Killers do, perfect.

46. “Figuring It Out” – SWMRS

SWMRS formed after drummer Joey Armstrong (son of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong) and lead singer Cole Becker watched the movie School Of Rock together in school.

“Figuring It Out” is one of the most infectious songs of the year, and by the second or third time you listen to it, you will be singing along. The song is punk rock meets rock and roll, with a dabble of very tolerable pop. It is anthemic and meant to be played as loud as your radio (or iPhone) can go.

The band may be young, but it sure seems like they are figuring out this whole music thing with ease. Expect to hear much more from SWMRS in the coming years.

45. “Parlor” – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats could sing about boiling water and make it into one of the most addictive songs of the year. Case in point, “Parlor” is insanely fun and begs for you to get up and dance. You won’t care what Rateliff is saying, nor what the song is about because you will be too busy pushing loved ones aside as you make your way to the dance floor if you ever get invited to another wedding in your life.

44. “Life Itself” – Glass Animals

Glass Animals had a huge year in 2016 thanks to their breakout hit, “Life Itself.” The band told Variance magazine back in May that the song was about “a “guy who was born a bit strange, and struggles to become part of society. Because of that, he spends more time alone in his own head, getting stranger, and it becomes an awful cycle of doom.”

I can’t get a job so I live with my mom/I take her money but not quite enough/I sit in the car and I listen to static/She said I look fat but I look fantastic

Yikes! That sounds way more depressing that one would assume based on how fun and catchy the song is. So next time you have a huge smile on your face while bee- bopping around to this infectious track, remember the sad story of what it is about and have some decency, you insensitive jerk.

 

43. “Not Easy” – Alex Da Kid

Alex Da Kid may be a newcomer in terms of being known as a solo artist, but he has produced many hit songs for some of the biggest names in music. The 34-year-old out of England has produced massive hits for artists like Dr Dre, Enimem and Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Imagine Dragons, just to name a few.

“Not Easy,” released just a few weeks ago, is about to take the world by storm and will surely be one of the biggest hits of 2017. It is about breaking the heart of someone you love and feeling awful about it. Alex Da Kid is about to be a household name, and “Not Easy” will put him on the map as the solo artist that all others will strive to be.

42. Glitter & Gold – Barns Courtney

Much like “Fire,” Barns Courtney’s other song that made this year’s countdown, “Glitter and Gold” is about overcoming rejection and not giving up on your dreams. Whatever Courtney did to help him get over his rejection from a record label worked because 2016 was his biggest year yet with two radio hits that are equally enjoyable.

It may sound terrible, but let’s all hope that Barns Courtney gets rejected more often so he can reward us with more incredible music in the new year. No offense Barns.

41. “The Driver” – Charles Kelley feat. Dierks Bentley

“The Driver” is far and away this years best song with the use of multiple perspectives. The song tells the insanely beautiful story about a musicians life on the road.

Stage 1 is from the perspective of the driver of the equipment.

“I’m the driver, bringing their circus to town
First one in and the last rolling out, shutting down
The up all-nighter, all the stars and sunrises I’ve seen
Every corn field and town in between
West to east”

Stage 2 is from the perspective of the “dreamer.” The fans that attend the shows and wait for hours to get in the first row.

“I’m the dreamer, soaking up every line
Searching for truth all the time, oh yeah
The believer, that music can save a soul
The one who’s at every show in the front row, singin'”

And the final stage is the perspective of the singer. The star of the show that used to be exactly where the dreamers are standing.

“I’m the singer, pouring out all that I had
Every love song and heart break gone bad
And looking back, when I was younger
Sitting right there where you are
Sending a prayer to the highest star
And here we are”

The song is all tied together with a chorus so be

autiful that it will send chills down your spine. Charles Kelley (with the help of Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay) hit the ball out of the park on this track, making it one of the best country songs of the year that even a rock and roll guy will appreciate.

Top 40 coming this week!

Top 40 coming this week!

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Top 100 Songs of 2016 (Part 5) #60-51

FOR THE FIRST FOUR LISTS CLICK BELOW.

#100 – 91       #90-81     #80-71       #70-61


 

60. “Spinning” – Grouplove

“Spinning,” off Grouplove’s third studio album, Big Mess is “kind of like a push and pull dialogue. It’s a song about overcoming struggle” the band told iHeartRadio. Grouplove has used male-female back and forth storytelling previously, but have perfected the art with “Spinning.”

“Say here I stand
I was broken, now I’m brave
Say here I am
Found my colours in the grey”

The songs relatable lyrics combined with beautiful vocals help solidify Grouplove’s place in modern mainstream rock.

59. “East Coast Girl” – Butch Walker

From spoken verses to a fist-pumping chorus, “East Coast Girl” is arguably the best track yet from what Rolling Stone magazine calls “one of America’s Best Singer-Songwriters,” Butch Walker.

Butch Walker is one of the music industries hardest working men, as he not only performs and produces his own music, but has written/produced hit after hit for some of the biggest names in the industry.

“East Coast Girl” is a story about Walker’s move to LA and the inevitability of getting older. Walker told Rolling Stone…

“I don’t know if there is a category for people that write songs [about midlife crisis] but i’ll probably be the spokesperson for helping guys get through their mid-life.”

Walker, lead singer of the 90’s band Marvelous 3, which produced the massive hit, “Flavor of the Week,” has proven time and time again that he is anything but the flavor of the week, and one of the most talented all-around musicians of the time.

58. “Lemonade” – Adam Friedman (feat. Mike Posner)

Co-written with Mike Posner, “Lemonade,” by Adam Friedman is about the search for love and the hope that there is still somebody for you out there.

“California, you’re my last hope/Give me someone I can take home/And, I don’t how much longer that I can wait/So make her 5’5″, big brown eyes and sweet like lemonade” sings Friedman as he desperately pleads with the universe to help him in his search for love.

Released around the same time as Beyonce’s hit album, Lemonade, Friedman welcomed the attention with open arms as he told People’s Choice, “It’s actually kind of nice because Lemonade was trending on Twitter. If one person discovered [my version of “Lemonade”] because they were looking for Lemonade by Beyoncé, and they happened to stumble upon it, I think that’s a win for us.”

And just like lemonade the song is fun, addicting, and meant to be enjoyed while kicking back and relaxing.

57. “Woman Woman” – AWOLNATION

Front-runner for video of the year, “Woman Woman” by AWOLNATION is about being comfortable in your own skin, man or woman. The video is simple, but genius. It shows a group of fully naked woman of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnicities singing along with the song and preforming it as a band.

If you can watch this video and not want to rock out along with the ladies, you better check your pulse. Because you are probably dead.

56. “Everybody We Know Does” – Chase Rice

Whether or not you consider yourself a fan of country music, “Everybody We Know Does,” by Chase Rice is an anthem for anyone that considers themselves a hard worker. Simply put, it is a song about working hard and playing even harder.

Fun fact: In the seven years of “Top Songs of the Year,” Chase Rice has more songs included than any other artist. “Everybody We Know Does” is Rice’s tenth song in seven years to make the cut on a very rock heavy countdown.

Regarding this song in particular, I am not sure if “everybody I knows does” like it, but I know for damn sure that everybody I know should.

55. “Move” – Saint Motel

The best use of horns this year goes to the first track off of Saint Motel’s latest album, saintmotelevision, “Move.”

With a dynamic dance pop beat and an impossible to not sing along with chorus, “Move” is one of the most contagious songs of 2016. The only drawback is that I already hear “got to get up/got to get up/MOVE” about 9 times a day from my Fitbit telling me how inactive I am. I don’t need to be scolded by my music too.

54. “Sweet Disaster” – DREAMERS

“Sweet Disaster” by DREAMERS is presumably about the feeling you get when you know you are heading into a wild and crazy night. “Sweet Disaster” is a must-have on any playlist for bachelor or bachelorette parties heading to NYC or Vegas for the weekend.

“And so it goes/ we found our sweet disaster/ In a river of champagne/ Swimmin’ through the morning after/ We float away.”

2016 was anything but a sweet disaster for “Dreamers” as they are continuing to make a name for themselves in the alt rock world.

53. “Waste A Moment” – Kings Of Leon

What I would personally say is easily their best track in years, Kings of Leon’s “Waste a Moment” is proof that the band still has what it takes to produce radio hits and killer rock tracks.

The band told EW back in August that they are “in the best place they’ve ever been.” On the first track off their seventh studio album, Walls,  the band begs listeners to step away from the daily grind and enjoy life, or as they call it, “waste a moment.”

Hopefully now that the band is in the “best place they have ever been” they will not waste a single moment to get back in the studio and work on creating more gems like this track.

52. “Nothing Personal” – Night Riots

This song rocks. Hard. That’s all I have to say about that. Sorry, Night Riots. Nothing personal.

51. “All We Ever Knew” – The Head and the Heart

“All We Ever Knew” is folk-rock band The Head and the Heart’s biggest radio hit to date and their highest charting single so far. The song is about trying your hardest to mend a relationship that you know isn’t going to work out.

The band told radio.com that “Everyone’s gone through a relationship where things didn’t work out… you try it again and it doesn’t work out. “That feeling of ‘Why are we doing this to ourselves? We know it’s not going to work out. We’ve tried it before. Just let it go.”

The Head and the Heart have secured themselves as leaders in modern day American folk-rock, and with their success of “All We Ever Knew,” they are only further distancing themselves from the rest.

For #50-41 Click here.

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Ranking the Characters of “It’s A Wonderful Life” (Part 2)

For part one of “Ranking the Characters of It’s A Wonderful Life click here.

8. Pa Bailey

Pa Bailey calming telling Young George to get the hell out of his office. (aveleyman.com)

 

Unfortunately for George, Pa Bailey had to go and have a massive stroke and not only ruin George’s plans for his epic trip, but also ruined his game with Mary, just as he was about to get some action. And unfortunately for us, we only got to know Pa briefly.

But what we do know of the Bailey patriarch is that he was a stand up guy that used his business of the Building and Loan to help his neighbors and the Bedford Falls community.

Pa Bailey is a man’s man that doesn’t command respect, but gets it anyways. The way his sons, George and Harry stand up for him, respect him, and honor his memory makes Pa the most underrated character in the movie.

George’s epic monologue in which he tears into Mr. Potter and stands up for his deceased father, is one of my favorite monologues in cinematic history. Absolutely brilliant.

Bottom line: While it would be difficult for Pa Bailey and I to maintain a friendship due to our lack of common interests, I would be more than happy to use his business for all my loaning needs. And I would be sure to make prompt payments to the best of my ability.

 

7. ZuZu

ZuZu, the rebel with the open coat.

 

First off, ZuZu is a bad ass. ZuZu was so nervous that she was going to crush her flower that she won at school that she decided to not button up her jacket on her way home. Plus, there is the whole issue of the timing it would have taken her to button up her coat. Ain’t nobody got time for buttoning up coats when they are itching to get home and stare at their flower. So I get it, ZuZu.

Now, I get that ZuZu is only like six, but is she really that naive to think that George was going to be able to paste the pedals back on the flower? Come on, ZuZu, you’re better than that.

You got to hand it to ZuZu though. She went from feeling like a million bucks and winning prizes at school, to being so sick that a Dr. had to come pay her a visit, and back to feeling like a million bucks again, all in the matter of a few hours. Plus, even so late at night when she should have been in bed, she had the wherewithal to take her school learnings and make real life connections when she heard the bell ring and proclaimed that her teaching said that “every time a bell rings and angel gets its wings.”

Luckily for ZuZu, she does not have much in the way of competition as far as being the favorite child is concerned. Little Tommy and Pete couldn’t be any more annoying, and Janie is a crybaby that won’t stop butchering “Hark! The Heralds Angels Sing” on the piano.

Bottom line: I despise coats and only wear them when it is extremely necessary. So, ZuZu and I could really have hit it off. However, due to my supernatural ability to kill a basil plant in just days, ZuZu would want nothing to do with my friendship. There is no way in hell I would follow her on Instagram because I would imagine it would be littered with boring flower shots. But, ZuZu’s Twitter would be hopping because she would be shooting off facts left and right about what she learned in school. We could all learn a lot from ZuZu’s twitter account.

6. Adult George Bailey

George Bailey in full on meltdown mode. (salon.com)

 

First off, if I had a nickel for every time I said the following sentence by George Bailey, I would have enough money to take care of George Bailey’s $8000 mistake myself…..

While I whole-heartedly love the guy, a friendship with adult George Bailey would be exhausting. You would have to deal with his anger issues, depression, mood swings, self loathing and nonstop complaints about his children and how much he hates Bedford Falls.

With that being said, I think it is pretty safe to say that a friendship with George post-suicide attempt would be amazing. He is a changed man that has learned a valuable lesson, and will have an entirely new outlook at life. As long as he doesn’t hold over his family and friend’s heads how awful (or dead) they would be if it wasn’t for him, he is going to come out of this a much better man, and a hell of a lot more fun to be around.

Bottom line: I would want to have drinks at Martini’s with George when he is in a good mood. I would steer clear of him when he is having a bad day. And I would avoid any and all social media accounts of George’s. Can you imagine his complaining and rants that he would go on? No thanks, buddy. But I still love you.

5. Mr. Potter

Mr Potter is NOT happy. (thinglink.com)

 

Mr. Potter is pretty much the worst person imaginable. He has absolutely no empathy for others, he uses his power and fortune to further himself at the expense of his community, and he is an all around miserable prick with zero redeeming qualities.

Mr. Potter flashing his best attempt at a smile. (aveleyman.com)

But…….. HOLY HELL, did you see what Pottersville would have looked like if George was never born? It looked AMAZING! Bar after bar, pool rooms, clubs, dancing, live music, and burlesque clubs. Mr. Potter sure knows how to liven a town up.

https://youtu.be/zCFePlm0Gkw

Bottom line: It’s been established that Mr. Potter is a complete jerk, and like George says, is a “warped, frustrated old man.” But his hatred for the human race is actual quite comical, and it would be entertaining as hell to work with him. Unlike George, I would not be above working for Mr. Potter. Especially if it meant that I would get a hefty salary, and free business trips to Europe every once in a while.

4. Mary

Mary and Mary, being quite contrary. (photo credit: popgoesthelibrarian.wordpress.com)

 

Mary is grade A marriage material. She is a supportive wife, a loving mother, and was actually quite fun back in the day. Mary and George fell into the pool at the school dance but, like most other girls would, she didn’t have a meltdown and cry about her hair and makeup being ruined, she went with the flow and kept on dancing.

When George was in a bind because of the rush at the bank, she didn’t whine and complain about missing her honeymoon, she whipped out the cash and helped her husband appease his customers.

When George was out and about getting drunk at Martini’s and contemplating suicide, it was Mary that called all the townspeople and saved the day.

So…. why isn’t Mary ranked higher than #4? Well, did you see “If George was never born, Mary?”

Good Lord, she was awful. I understand that it would be very creepy for a stranger to come up to you and call you their wife, but the screaming and fainting was all a bit too much if you ask me. Knowing that Mary is only as awesome as she is because of George is a bit of a disappointment.

With that being said, even though he may be a pain in the ass at times, Mary needs to thank her lucky stars Ma and Pa Bailey had little George Bailey.

Bottom Line: If Mary was single, I would snatch her up quicker than you can say “Buffalo gals won’t you come out tonight, won’t you come out tonight, won’t you come out tonight. Buffalo gals won’t you come out tonight annnnnnnnnnnndddddddddd dance by the light of the mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon.”

3. Bert and Ernie

Bert and Ernie chillin’ in Bedford Falls. (commons.wikimedia.org)

 

I don’t know about you, but if you could have two friends in Bedford Falls, having the only taxi driver, and one of the only cops as your BFFs is the way to go.

Not only are Bert and Ernie funny guys, but they will do anything for their buddy George. The fact that they helped Mary turn 320 Sycamore into their honeymoon suite was about the nicest thing two buddies could do for a guy that got caught in a bank run on his way to his honeymoon.

Bottom Line: I would be best friends with Ernie because he is the funniest and would be able to drive me back and forth to Martini’s every day. But Bert and I would hit it off just fine as well. I would be Facebook friends with both, and would follow Ernie on Twitter, as I am sure he would have some fantastic zingers.

2. Clarence

Clarence talking to the big man upstairs. (quotesgram.com)

 

I agree with George that Clarence “looks like about the kind of guardian angel I would get.” Despite the fact that my reputation may take a hit with being seen walking around town with Clarence, he would be an amazing friend to have.

Anyone that has the ability to do what Clarence did is someone that you want on your side. Plus, he was just about ready to start throwing back some hot mulled wine at Martini’s when he and George got kicked out. This leads me to believe that I could get Clarence to loosen up a little and hang with the big boys on a night out on the town. How awesome would it be to get drunk with your guardian angel? My guardian angel has been watching me do it for almost two decades. It would be so special to be able to return the favor.

The only downside to Clarence? I would feel awfully judged while hanging out with him. We would be out at a bar watching the Redskins game, and I would make some sort of throwaway comment like… ” if the Redskins lose this game in the final seconds after winning the entire game, I am going to kill myself.” Clarence would get all pissed and start telling me all deep shit like, “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, it leaves an awful hole, doesn’t it?” And I would be like, “Clarence, I just want The Redskins to win the Superbowl like really bad. Chill out. Ok buddy?”

Bottom line: Clarence and I would be best buddies, but we would bicker like an old married couple.

1. Young George Bailey

I wish I was best friends with Young George Bailey. Hot Dog!

 

Little George Bailey is so cool that he had to be separated from the older version of himself. Still confident, charming, and charismatic, he has not yet been tarnished by the world around him. He was also quite observant as he remarkably saved druggist Mr. Gower from a life in the slammer by stopping him from accidentally poisoning a kid to death.

Little George was born older (as Pa Bailey put it) and at a young age he had big dreams, and ambitions. He wanted to get the hell out of dodge and see the world.

All the girls wanted a piece of little George, as evidence by the fact that at just nine years old both Violet and Mary were already fighting over him. Yet George did not let the attention of the ladies, nor title of being a hero get to his head. He thought Violet was a insane for her asking him to help her down from her seat, and he thought Mary was brainless for not liking coconut, to which I couldn’t agree more. He told it like it is. Good or bad.

Just watch this 4 second video below for a reminder of how amazing young George is.

… And this is 25 seconds of young George Bailey that summarizes me as a bartender.

In addition to being a complete stud, young George was not afraid of anyone. He stood up to Mr. Potter when the mean old man was talking about his Pa. Nobody talks about Pa Bailey and gets away with it if George Bailey is around.

Young George is also loyal, as he promised Mr Gower that he would never tell a soul that Mr Gower put poison in the pills. Despite the fact that Mr Gower smacked him upside the head and made his sore eat bleed.

And finally, and most importantly, young Harry would have died in the river that day had George not been so heroic. Without skipping a beat young stud muffin George Bailey hopped into the water to save his brothers and took on the leadership position in the rescue.

….. and just remember, for all those naysayers out there that may say, “but if George was never born, wouldn’t have Harry’s friends saved him from the river that day when he fell in the ice?” That question, quite simply, can be answered by watching the TWO SECOND clip below. (Focus on the kid running to help and you tell me if you want him saving you from anything.)


May “It’s A Wonderful Life” always remind us that no matter how bleak and awful our lives may seem at the moment, that things could always be worse, and we should be grateful for the loved ones we have, even if they are terrible at playing the piano or lose $8000 of your money. And even if your house is cold and drafty and your staircase is broken, remember that there are people that don’t have drafty houses and broken staircases.

And even if your brother is cooler than you, you’re about to lose your business, your about to go to jail for a long time, your children’s teacher’s husband punches you in the face in front of all your friends, and you crash your car into the oldest tree in your town…… remember this…. no man is a failure that has friends.

Happy Holidays!