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*The 2nd single released from this artist's 3rd album in 1974 wasn't exactly a huge hit so much as it was a fan favorite and turned out to be a very important song for him. It talks about disappointment, but in a forgiving way.as it acknowledges that people are always looking for something in each other that they may not find...but that...is OK. Name this great singer/songwriter from California...
*This incredible artist who got first recognition as part of a west coast band in 1968 is truly musically complicated. From his jazz, R&B-influenced start, he defied genres, particularly releasing a 1976 album that endeared him to the increasing pop rock fans at the time. Releasing an album in 2013, he and some incredible session musicians he assembled gave us soft Jazz & R & B soul grooves.on an album named after a city. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the album... *This artist released a hit single in 1971, something that was good enough to go all the way to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is about a guy running into his girlfriend who was with another guy and asking if she still cares for him. Her answer follows as the artist pounds out some rather entertaining Hammond B-3 strains. This song may be something you know that pegs him as a 1-hit wonder. Name the artist... *In 1976 Paul Rodger's Free and Jim Morrison's Doors were defining rock music styles including psychedelia, but this band also made huge contributions to the changing music scene at the time, combining country with southern blues rock, creating the sub-genre, swamp rock. One of their big hits is on tap late into this evening's show. Name the band... BATTLE OF THE BANDS All About Soul by Billy Joel vs You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon ANSWERS 1. Jackson Browne 2. Boz Scaggs, Memphis 3. Lee Michaels 4. Credence Clearwater Revival Battle of the Bands : Paul Simon won the Battle with 53% of votes
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* With her expressive soprano voice employing sudden alterations of volume and force, and her lyrical focus on Los Angeles street life, this artist comes on like the love child of say Laura Nyro and Tom Waits. We'll dip into her debut album from 1979, one that produced a big hit. We'll dig a bit deeper, however, for one that you'll be sure to enjoy. Name the artist...
*We'll play a title track from this band's last album in 1971, before the group's frontman passed away. The band released two more albums afterwards, both of which sold rather poorly. Name the band and the frontman... *For more than 50 years, this artist has entertained and gathered intense fan following from every corner of the U.S. and the world for that matter. His concerts always tended to sponsor a Mardi Gras party atmosphere wherever he performed. Name the artist... *This artist enjoyed two, six year stints as a member of a terrific band...the 2nd one ending in 2001. Although overshadowed for his songwriting prowess by his bandmates, he wrote or co-wrote some of the group's great tracks. More widely known for his fantastic guitar contributions, he released a wonderful compilation album this year...with a song that graces this evening's 5th segment. Name the artist... BATTLE OF THE BANDS White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane vs L.A. Woman by The Doors ANSWERS 1. Rickie Lee Jones 2. The Doors…Jim Morrison 3. Jimmy Buffett 4. Don Felder Battle of the Bands : Jefferson Airplane won the Battle with 51% of votes by Mike Podsedly
I have seen both film versions of Wicked. I attended a performance of this musical at the Fox Theater in Atlanta several years earlier and was eager to compare the two. Of course the movie version does not have the set limitations of live stages and this movie is both colorful and elaborate. But the main thread for me are the songs. I experienced the same emotional response to certain of the songs in both venues. I learned that there is a term for this response, Frisson. Frisson in music is an intense, often pleasurable sensation that listeners feel, often described as a "chill" or "shiver down the spine." It can be triggered by specific moments in a piece of music that evoke a sudden emotional or physical reaction. The sensation typically manifests as goosebumps, a racing heartbeat, or a tingling feeling, especially when something in the music surprises, excites, or deeply moves the listener. Frisson is a deeply personal and often fleeting experience that arises from a combination of musical elements and emotional responses. It’s one of the reasons music can have such a profound effect on us, offering moments of catharsis, surprise, and joy. Whether it’s the shift in harmony, a powerful crescendo, or a particularly moving passage, the ability of music to create frisson is one of its most compelling qualities. Frisson in modern music, including in film, musicals, and rock, still relies on the same emotional triggers—sudden dynamic shifts, harmonic surprises, and powerful emotional content—but these genres use more contemporary techniques to elicit that spine-tingling reaction. Below are some notable examples of frisson in modern music. Film Music John Williams – Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (Opening Theme)
In classic rock, frisson is often created through powerful guitar solos, unexpected shifts in musical dynamics, and emotional vocal performances. These moments of intensity, whether through soaring instruments, unexpected musical turns, or raw emotion, continue to resonate with listeners, creating unforgettable musical experiences. Here are some examples where classic rock songs create that spine-tingling effect: 1. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
Interestingly, not everyone experiences frisson - research suggests between 55-86% of people are susceptible to this response. Those who do experience it often find it occurs most intensely during their first few listens to a piece, though familiar music can still trigger the response when attention is focused on the experience. Broadway musicals excel at creating frisson through the combination of narrative context, lyrics, and musical climax. "Defying Gravity" from Wicked builds to its key change as the character embraces her power, while "One Day More" from Les Misérables layers multiple character themes into a goosebump-inducing finale. The amazing aspect of frisson is how it transcends genre boundaries - it's not the style of music that matters as much as how the music manipulates tension and release, expectation and surprise. Whether it's a classical symphony, a rock guitar solo, or an electronic beat drop, the fundamental mechanics of creating anticipation and delivering emotional release remain consistent across all forms of music. Do you have a song that creates a frisson moment when you listen? Please share with us the name in the comment section below. * Let's make it a small trivia event...deep trivia...I might add...
Name the artist who passed in 2025 for these songs... 1. I've Got To Use My Imagination...cover version recorded on a 1974 album and another version with a band in 2016... Barry Goldberg 2. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Garth Hudson 3. No Matter What Joey Molland 4. In The Wake Of Poseidon Jamie Muir 5. Boys Are Back In Town John Sykes 6. Get Together Jesse Colin Young 7. Bark At The Moon Ozzie Osborne 8. Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo Rick Derringer 9. Rock And Roll All Night Ace Frehley 10. Everybody Is A Star Sly Stone 11. All The Way To Memphis Mick Ralphs 12. The Logical Song Rick Davies 13. Tuesday Afternoon John Lodge 14. Lemon Tree Peter Yarrow 15. Thorn Tree In The Garden Bobby Whitlock BATTLE OF THE BANDS Bad Company by Bad Company vs So Into You by Atlanta Rhythm Section Battle of the Bands : Atlanta Rhythm Section won the Battle with 54% of votes *This 1968 song is one that lends itself to the good vibes of Springtime (something I already yearn for). Written by the 2 lead members of the band, it was the 1st single released after the band shortened their name. They wrote the song while touring in Hawaii with the lyrics reflecting the peacefulness they were experiencing at the time. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song...
*This great American singer/songwriter released a song in 1977 that gave him his first hit single that he always craved. The topic was somewhat controversial and insulting, and for his next album in 1979, he promised an even larger insult. Sure enough that album released in 1979 was packed full of losers and misfits for whom the artist's contempt was unmistakable and somewhat predictable. Name the artist... *When this album first appeared on record store shelves, many fans had a thankful reaction. Thankful because the band (and their famous frontman) they knew and loved had made it into the decade of the 90's. Sadly, for those fans, there would be only one more album from this great band. The frontman would go on for a most significant solo career. Name the band and frontman... *The vocals for this excellent Beatles song from the Abbey Road album had a bit of history to it. Paul McCartney wrote it and had a particular sound in mind. John Lennon wanted to sing it, as he felt he could provide just the right sound, but McCartney went the extra yard for a full week to get his intended vocals...strained and raspy. McCartney was pleased with the end result...Lennon...not so much. Name the song... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Mr. Soul. by Buffalo Springfield vsThe Weight. by The Band ANSWERS 1. The Rascals...It's A Beautiful Morning 2. Randy Newman 3. Dire Straits...Mark Knopfler 4. Oh! Darling Battle of the Bands : The Band won the Battle with 54% of votes *This excellent 1976 song needed some Spanish guitar and it came from an unlikely source. The artist had hired a piano player for the session for this Alan Parsons produced album, when Parsons declared that Spanish guitar would work nicely. The problem came that they didn't think they had anyone who could play the instrument until the piano player shared...he could do it...and do it...he did. Name the artist, the song and extra credit for the name of the Spanish guitar contributor...
*This excellent track from 1967 is sung from the perspective of a child addressing an unnamed man. The vocals and music border on idyllic and a bit of subtle darkness, typical of the songwriter's style. The artist is not really one to explain his lyrics, choosing to encourage listeners to form their own opinions. Name the artist and the band that released this song. Oh, and extra credit for the name of the song... *This 1974 album by this progressive British band came after 2 chart-topping efforts. The album saw a return to standard length songs following the two epic-length pieces. Name the band... *As some would say, a change is as good as a holiday and a change in musical direction is either going to make you...or break you. After stints with two, excellent 70's Irish bands, this artist became a most awesome and accomplished solo blues artist. Name the artist... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix. vs Outside Woman Blues by Cream ANSWERS 1. Al Stewart, On The Border, Peter White 2. Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young, I Am A Child 3. Jethro Tull 4. Gary Moore Battle of the Bands : Jimi Hendrix. won the Battle with 56% of votes * A 1991 album by this legendary singer/songwriter came with a most considerable cast of invited contributors. They included members of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers, an Everly brother, Bonnie Raitt and the Boss, Mr. Springsteen. The artist in question was 24 at the time of his 1st album release in 1971. Name the artist...
*This artist was inducted into the Rock & Roll HOF in 2020 as part of a group he was with in the 70's. He did not record a solo album until 2022 and he had some excellent help from Clint Black, Jonny Lang and Michael McDonald. Name the artist and extra credit for the band he was with for the HOF induction... *2012 was the year of release of an album that if you were not listening to...you should have been. One of the best releases of that year, the album displayed great instrumentation, brilliant harmonies and first rate songwriting. Name the band that screams 'Americana' ... *Like many other rock artists whose careers began in the late '60's, by the early '90's this artist was struggling to find his place in contemporary music. Being a legendary guitarist aside, he struggled through a series of unfortunate events that affected his ability to create. A 1992 release changed it all. Name the artist... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears vs Games People Play by Alan Parsons Project ANSWERS 1. John Prine 2. Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter 3. Zac Brown Band 4. Eric Clapton Battle of the Bands : Tears For Fears won the Battle with 51% of votes *This artist's 1986 album saw him move to a more political direction in his songwriting. He gave voice to a particularly maligned Midwest cause expressing their burdens with a number of songs. That said, the track we'll enjoy is more of a romantic story set against a musical backdrop...typical of his earlier work. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of tha album...
*This big hit from 1984 is a fine bit of melancholy written from the perspective of a guy who's watching a woman (whom he presumably used to date), going down the tubes, trying to get her to take a hard look at what's going on in her life. The band's famous frontman and lead singer didn't take the lead vocals on it. The band's bass player handled it quite nicely. Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song... *This 1977 track makes mention of references of two institutions of higher learning, one was on purpose...the other was not about a school at all...but about a person. Name the band. Name the song...and extra credit if you can name the person the group was going for with the reference... *By 1997 this incredible band that made their huge splash in the late 60's and early 70's, prior to trending to solo careers...was a group without a label thanks to a perceived artistic slump. No real problem as they were able to pay for their own studio time and cut a beauty of an album in 1999. It was epic to have all 4 members back together. Name the band... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac vs Running On Empty by Jackson Browne ANSWERS 1. John Mellencamp Scarecrow 2. The Cars Drive 3. Steely Dan Deacon Blues Deacon Jones 4. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Battle of the Bands : Jackson Browne won the Battle with 53% of votes *In 2017, a couple of incredible blues artists collaborated for the very first time and upon listening...all thought...what took so long? The album then went on to garner the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues album that year. Name the two artists...
*A band that formed in New York City in 1965 had two members that moved on to another band 2 years later. One of those members actually started the new American band, cut the epic debut album and then split within the year due to 'creative differences' existing in the band at the time. Name the artist that founded the new band (can you name it?) and extra credit for the name of the musician that joined him... *Can you imagine that the Beatles created albums that sponsored negative, even hostile reviews. An album that was recorded, but not immediately released was turned over to Phil Spector to do some post-production additions, including strings. That alone, started the tirade of criticism. Name the Beatles album... *Imagine the resume as of 1977 of this artist...an incredible number of hits with 5 different bands (obviously short stints with each) and 4 rather epic solo albums. Those accomplishments all combined to create an album considered to be his 'magnus opus', something not lightly thrown out there casually. Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the 1977 release... BATTLE OF THE BANDS So Far Away by Dire Straits vs Refugee by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. ANSWERS 1. Taj Mahal & Keb Mo 2, Al Kooper Blood, Sweat & Tears Steve Katz 3. Let It Be 4. Eric Clapton Slowhand Battle of the Bands : Dire Straits won the Battle with 51% of votes *This current artist has a comfort zone and its name is country soul. Mixing a bit of blues into the equation makes his music even more intriguing. On his 2023 album, it became a family affair as his wife joined in with some keyboard and harmony vocals. Yep, Happy Wife, Happy Life! Name the artist...
*Offering music that is carefree and relaxed, this artist on his 1994 album.emphasizes a strong connection to nature and a desire for simplicity...a kind of 'embracing the beauty of the moment' kind of vibe. In actuality that was something that came through in much of his musical portfolio and with his legion of fans that had their own name. Name the artist... *This band, originating in Georgia, took to Memphis with their 2004 album and this track in particular. The song recounts the celebrated Sun Records label and the 'Million Dollar Quartet', that included Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and this artist whose name appears in the title of the song. The artist was the 1st of the 4 to sell a million records and received a nice gift as a result. Name the band and the 4th artist they sang about... *With his 2000 album, this incredible singer/songwriter/guitarist clearly stated his purpose for its release...to secure his own master recordings for these songs of his. As the artist had obviously aged, a number of the songs on the album dealt with aging, including the track we'll enjoy this evening. Name the legendary singer/songwriting artist... BATTLE OF THE BANDS Diamond Girl by Seals & Crofts vs Try A Little Tenderness by Three Dog Night ANSWERS 1. Chris Stapleton 2. Jimmy Buffett 3. Drive-By Truckers Singing about Carl Perkins 4. John Prine Battle of the Bands : Three Dog Night won the Battle with 51% of votes |
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