[Kace Presents]The Alphanumerics Of Modern Music: The Kace Era

[Kace]

L is for Lily Allen.

Lily Allen has such a friendly voice and an equally friendly sound yet the content is either angry, rebellious or defiant...or perhaps a mixture of the three. Since 2006, both of her full length albums have become major successes, especially in the United Kingdom. She has also been a force in the UK on the Singles side. While the success hasn't translated equally in the United States, Lily has still managed a following. From her less than pleasant profile of London in "LDN" to some very public advice to her brother, Alfie in the song "Alfie" (of course) to "Not Big" which could be a slam on any number of ex-boyfriends to her emphatic "F*** You" that serves as a critique of society at-large, Lily hasn't had much issue with being bitterly vocal in her lyrics. Yet it sounds so sweet when she does it. Maybe that's part of the idea.

"Alfie" is the music video of choice and has a great beat. Don't worry, this is the censored version, both in lyrical and visual content. Lily's brother is portrayed as a puppet and it's advice she wishes to give both the puppet and her actual brother, Alfie at the time. I wonder how Lily and Alfie are getting along nowadays?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RgOm_WJKpE
"Alfie" by Lily Allen

[Kace]

L is for Limp Bizkit.

At one point in 1998, this cover of a George Michael song started getting attention. It was called "Faith" and it was by some rap-rock band with a funny name. The conventional notion at the time was that it would pass and everyone would go back to enjoying their Sugar Ray songs. Fred Durst had other ideas.

Limp Bizkit became an option for anger release through music. Songs like "Nookie," "Break Stuff" and "My Way" would be played lots of times and usually really loud. Having a bad day? Play some Limp Bizkit. Having a good day? Have a beverage of some sort and play some Limp Bizkit. Fan of the WWF's Undertaker? Here, have some Liimp Bizkit. Like the Wu-Tang Clan? Here's Method Man performing "N2 Together Now" with Limp Bizkit. It became easy. Limp Bizkit became commonplace. At least for a little while. There was their performance at Woodstock '99 that's still one of the best remembered from that event. Well, next to the riot at the end of the whole thing and MTV's Kurt Loder being scared half to death. But hey, it's still a place in music history and sometimes, you take what you can get.

"Break Stuff" is the music video of choice and yes, it's the censored version so the cuss words are edited out. It doesn't take much imagination though to know what's being said. Cameos galore in the video, including Jonathan Davis of Korn, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem and even Pauley Shore manages to say hi. And skateboarding. Lots of skateboarding. As for the song itself, it's what I consider Happy Music. But then I'm weird.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpUYjpKg9KY&ob=av2n
"Break Stuff" by Limp Bizkit

[Kace]

L is for Linkin Park.

It's okay to admit when you're wrong, at least most of the time. Linkin Park is such a time for me. In 2000, I heard them, saw their "One Step Closer" music video and figured that they sounded alright, but struck me as a bunch of kids being paid to act all mad and that they wouldn't last long. Heading into 2012, it's safe to say I was wrong. It's a good thing, too, because had I turned out to be right then the world would have missed out on some good music.

Throughout the 2000s, Linkin Park utilized their hybrid of rock, electronic and hip hop, fusing together a quality sound that could be appreciated by more than just one generation. Chartwise, they've been a force in the Alternative realm, scoring ten different #1's while also scoring #1's singles in Mainstream and Rock. They've also scored well internationally. They're able to record new music, tour the world and practically mature in front of a microscopic lens of the media. Not bad for a bunch of guys I was willing to dismiss way too early. For what it's worth, I'm glad I was wrong.

"Shadow Of The Day" is the music video of choice and what made me appreciate their sound, once and for all. Throughout the 2000s, they obviously had good stuff, but in 2007 I heard "Shadow Of The Day" and was blown away by it. The music video itself I suppose is up for interpretation. For me, it's just about that song. I see "Shadow Of The Day" being one of those songs that winds up defining the 2000s as a decade. Then again, I could be wrong as this entry proves, it wouldn't be the first time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1PCW0C1aiM&ob=av2n
"Shadow Of The Day" by Linkin Park

[Kace]

L is for Lionel Richie.

Once Lionel Richie left the Commodores, the Commodores were never really the same. The days of "Brick House" were gone and now it was time for Lionel to try his hand at dominating 1980s Pop. Before striking out on his own, he had already worked with Kenny Rogers, helping Kenny record the crossover monster, "Lady." Lionel had also recorded a duet with Diana Ross, "Endless Love." It was the Only the beginning. Between 1981 and 1986, Lionel Richie's residence was the Billboard Hot 100's Top 10. He scored 5 #1's during that span while also dominating the Rhythm & Blues and Adult Contemporary charts. His music videos were harmless, cheesy fun and in the years since, has become one of the Music Industry's more revered talents.

The music video of choice is "All Night Long (All Night)" and is one of the great cheesy fun dance videos of the 1980s. It may have even inspired some of Janet Jackson's music video work a few years later in terms of the choreography and overall jovial attitude. And only in the 1980s would outfits such as the ones in that music video exist. Speaking of cheesy music videos, Lionel's apex for that would have to be "Hello." However, you can look that one up on your own, but if you do then you have to follow up with Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)." You just have to. It's in the rulebook and everything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLWHuxtcYeo
"All Night Long (All Night)" by Lionel Richie

[Kace]

L is for Lisa Loeb.

Lisa Loeb spent her time in the spotlight, let everybody enjoy "Stay (I Missed You)" for about two years while working on the rest of her Tails album and eventually became at least a footnote in 1990s music. She only had 3 Top 40 hits, but 3 is all she needed. After that, it was back to strumming her guitar and recording music not necessarily aimed at the mainstream audience. She would even record some Kid Pop (or Children's Music or whatever they wish to call it). She's done some acting, some reality showing (nobody's perfect) and given part of her fame is her look with the glasses, wound up starting her own eyewear company. Lisa's kept busy, to say the least.

"I Do" is the music video of choice and her last major hit. After that, she was pretty content with her mainstream accomplishments. The video itself is cute, but also appears to be the result of a producer being unable to decide which concept to go with, so, "You know what? We'll just do 'em all!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM4uwLTiDPU
"I Do" by Lisa Loeb

[Kace]

L is for Live.

That's Live and it rhymes with, "hive," for the unfamiliar.

When I was in high school, Live was kinda under the radar until the latter part of my Junior year. That was when I heard "Selling The Drama" for the first time and became a fan of the group. Their 1994 album, Throwing Copper is a fine piece of work and judging from its #1 status on the Billboard 200, I wasn't alone in thinking that. Live would have some notable songs from that album including the aforementioned "Selling The Drama." There was also "I Alone," and the apocalyptic conversation that takes place in "White, Discussion." I can still remember getting chills while listening that song and its intensity that builds to a rage by the end. Of course I can't leave out their most notable song of all, "Lightning Crashes." In 1997, Live would unleash another Billboard 200 #1 album in Secret Samadhi which would have songs like "Lakini's Juice" and the slightly disturbing "Freaks." From 1999 to 2009, Live would release some more material, including a Best Of compilation. There were songs like "The Dolphin's Cry" and "Heaven." Overall, it was just that sound of Live that echoed a haunting aura with its own uniqueness. Eventually, Live's lead singer, Ed Kowalcyzk would leave and sure, Live's still around. Not really the same, though. There will always be the 1990s, where Live was an alternative to practically everything else.

"Lakini's Juice" is the music video of choice and really, I could have gone with any number of videos. I went with this one in the hopes of eventually figuring out what's going on. Then again, I maybe I don't want to know. ...Oh, who am I kidding?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnFKaU8H4v8&ob=av2e
"Lakini's Juice" by Live

[Kace]

L is for Living Colour.

In the late 1980s, when Mainstream Rock needed a swift kick in the rear, Guns N' Roses was there to deliver. Alternative Music was in need of a kick themselves at the time. Living Colour was happy to oblige. With Corey Glover on vocals and a band able to properly focus its energy, Living Colour would serve as one of the bridges between the Talking Heads and Nirvana. Songs like "Cult Of Personality," "Glamour Boys" and "Elvis Is Dead" were attention getters. There was "Love Rears Its Ugly Head" tackling the fear of being in love. There was also "Bi" which addressed the issue of bisexuality, still a taboo topic in the 1990s...and apparently at times still is (and I would know).

Living Colour would break up for a time, allowing Corey Glover to do some solo stuff, which would lead to a great song by him called "April Rain." Eventually Living Colour would get back together, releasing their most recent album in 2009.

"Cult Of Personality" is the music video of choice, though I admit, "Love Rears Its Ugly Head" and "Bi" were tempting to go with. But let's face it, "Cult Of Personality" is Living Colour's signature song. It's the first song (and for a few, the only) that fans think of when their name is mentioned. For my generation, it was part of the upbringing. For the younger generation now, I'm guessing CM Punk may have played a role. And that's just another example of how great CM Punk is. The song's subject matter is also one that continues to resonate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xxgRUyzgs0&ob=av2e
"Cult Of Personality" by Living Colour

[Kace]

L is for Liz Phair.

When talking about Liz Phair, it's a matter of where and when one would like to focus. A fan of the early 1990s might be more interested in her landmark debut, Exile In Guyville which had "Never Said" and which also became the music critics' choice when trying to figure out where to place Liz Phair in terms of 1990s lists.

There's the mid-to-late 1990s and songs like "Supernova" and "Polyester Bride." There's that time she covered a Banana Splits song. Then there's the 2000s where she flirted with the mainstream with her self-titled album, including her big hit, "Why Can't I?" as well as "Extraordinary" which would become an anthem for ESPN's WNBA coverage for a time. And there's also Girly Sound.

So instead of trying to figure out a focal point, I'll just say that it's better to appreciate Liz and her overall work. And all while being so darn cool.

I could have went with "Never Said" or "Why Can't I?" for the music video of choice, but instead decided to go with "Supernova." I remember it from my Senior year in high school and it was something nice to rock out to while contemplating what kind of future I had ahead of me. Of course, seventeen years have passed since then and I guess I'm still contemplating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM60GAPIXTY&ob=av2e
"Supernova" by Liz Phair

[Kace]

L is for LL Cool J.

Perhaps it's a bit much to make a Babe Ruth comparison, but LL Cool J called his shot and made good on it. His goal was to dominate the world of Rap. Four consecutive albums reaching #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop album chart, plus two more later on is a good argument that he was successful. Eight different #1's on the Hot Rap Songs chart. Numerous Billboard Top 40 hits in their Hot 100 and being a staple of Yo! MTV Raps...also really good arguments that LL Cool J was indeed able to dominate.

It's not just the charts that made LL Cool J a big deal, but also his ability to throw down, verbally in various rivalries in the industry. He gave the world Hip Hop anthems in the form of songs like "I'm Bad," "Around The Way Girl" and arguably his most famous, "Mama Said Knock You Out." LL Cool J (or, longform that's Ladies Love Cool James) was not one to be trifled with on the microphone. It didn't matter if you were Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane or Cannispinach or whatever that dude's name was, if you battled LL Cool J, it had to be understood that you were going to lose.

LL Cool J has always been an enigma in Rap. While others in the game could be seen as either sellouts or, "too pop," for appealing to the mainstream audience, few dared throw those same bombs at LL. LL Cool J earned and commands respect. Whether he's rapping, on tour, running a business or acting, because he can, LL Cool J continues onward.

I could have went with "Mama Said Knock You Out," but "I'm Bad" is its own brand of special. The song serves as both a manifesto and a prophecy for LL Cool J and his career. He called his shot and the moment he announces he's done for good, he will indeed be, "worshiped like an old battleship."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVDfyc2lh4Q&ob=av2e
"I'm Bad" by LL Cool J

[Kace]

L is for Local H.

Local H is proof that a band can make it with just two members. Granted, when Scott Lucas started the band, it was a trio. Then the bassist left, leaving just Scott and his drummer, Joe Daniels. Eventually, Joe would leave and in his place would be Local H's current drummer, Brian St. Clair. Throughout the history of Local H, the Chicago area band's existence has involved thriving on such a small membership and Scott playing an electric guitar with a bass pickup.

In the late 1990s, Local H garnered some mainstream attention with rock hits like "Bound For The Floor" and "All The Kids Are Right." In the 2000s, Local H would continue recording and touring and at one point even recorded a Britney Spears cover, "Toxic," which kinda has to be heard to be believed.

"Bound For The Floor" is the music video of choice and it reminds me of a time in late 1996 where radio and MTV were dominated by Los Del Rio's "Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)." There was also some quality rock out at the time like Bush's "Swallowed," the Red Hot Chili Peppers' cover of "Love Rollercoaster," Weezer's "El Scorcho" and Metallica's "Hero Of The Day." In the midst of all that was Local H and "Bound For The Floor." This was also the time Nirvana's From The Muddy Banks Of The Wishkah album was released for any Nirvana fans looking to timeline this. All this while staying in a place called Fayetteville, TN and spending the occasional Saturday in Huntsville, AL, complete with its mall with the Alabama and Auburn stores side-by-side. Sometimes, watching people argue over the rivalry there was entertainment enough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2Oe5YKhzCE&ob=av2n
"Bound For The Floor" by Local H

[Kace]

L is for Loverboy.

There was a time in the 1980s where Hair Metal hadn't quite taken over, leading to the Glam Rock that would define the decade. This was also a time where the sounds of bands like Led Zeppelin and the Who were starting to become past tense. During this interregnum phase, Loverboy helped lead the charge into the mainstream. It was Early Era MTV, who loved their Rock & Roll and especially cheesy music videos to accompany it. Whether it was Journey's hilarious "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" or the spy peril classic, "Twilight Zone" by Golden Earring, chances are if you tuned in back then you were going to see good rock mixed with unintended comedy for the visual. Loverboy became a big part of this.

Loverboy was loved in the United States and also loved in their native Canada. Their decade was the 1980s. Eventually artists like Loverboy, Aldo Nova and Survivor would find themselves being shoved aside in favor of Motley Crue, Ratt and Poison. It happens. Mike Reno, Loverboy's lead singer would also score a duet hit with Ann Wilson of Heart, "Almost Paradise." I prefer to not hold that against either.

"Lovin' Every Minute Of It" is the music video of choice and not only is it pure 1980s cheese with sex appeal thrown in, but the song itself is a reminder of the greatness that is Mutt Lange. Mutt was the writer of the song so if you get to the, "ready, aim, fire," sequence in the song and suddenly picture Shania Twain singing it, don't feel bad. It happens to me all the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bohVV_KlSHw&ob=av2n
"Lovin' Every Minute Of It" by Loverboy

[Kace]

L is for Luther Vandross.

Wrapping up the letter L is Luther Vandross. There are previous generations that can recall wistfully, the memories of classic crooners. The days of singers like Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis and so on. My generation didn't really need that. We had Luther Vandross. To understand what I mean by this, let me put it this way. Luther had that voice and that smile. He had that charm. Only Luther Vandross was allowed to have that voice and that smile and that level of charm with those two put together, because any other man would be too tempted to condense these into pure evil. What's more amazing is that Luther had the ability to make it look easy. For him, it was.

From the moment Luther arrived in 1981 with "Never Too Much" until his death in 2005, he was the smoothest. He recorded "One Shining Moment," the NCAA Basketball Tournament theme and made it his, to the point where anyone trying to record it now (see Hudson, Jennifer) is booed loudly in favor of hearing Luther's voice again. Luther Vandross had that effect. He had that voice and that smile and there was no one who stood a chance in bettering him.

Luther Vandross would also become known for being the go-to guy for love songs. If planning for a romantic evening and there isn't enough time for a mixtape, no need to panic...just throw in some Luther Vandross. It was easy. He made it easy. It was all part of what made Luther so darn good. Songs like "Here And Now" and "Power Of Love/Love Power" along with covers of songs like "Always And Forever" made Luther synonymous with the concept of the love song for a generation. He also had a Christmas album, This Is Christmas that would score well with the audience. I'm convinced the only reason Luther's dead is because we're not good enough to keep him here forever. Seriously, who's going to replace that voice or that smile? And also make it look so easy? And so smooth?

I can't think of anyone, either.

"Never Too Much" is the song and music video that got it all started for Luther Vandross in 1981. The concept of the music video being a popular way to go was still rather young and it was the year MTV debuted, just adding to the newness of it. And there Luther was, debuting with his first single from his first album with an accompanying music video. I'll let others argue whether Luther was ahead of his time, but for my generation, he was definitely on time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RzgOt4eppQ
"Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross

[Kace]

M is for Madness.

Kicking off the letter M is Madness. For anyone hoping the letter M would start off with M, sorry. Madness captured quite a few fans in the 1980s and would inspire various ska bands in the 1990s and beyond. They were also a great party band, especially with their single, "One Step Beyond." Madness was a prominent fixture in the first half of the 1980s in the UK with 6 albums that would score in the Top 20 British album chart. While they're remembered mainly as one of those crazy 1980s groups in the United States, Madness has remained constant in the United Kingdom. Their lead singer, Suggs also managed to score some success as a solo act in the UK in the 1990s, which was around the time ska bands started popping up in the United States. You may remember a few...and by few, I mean Reel Big Fish. But there were others!

"Our House" is the music video of choice and Madness's biggest hit in the United States, their lone Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also their furthest reaching hit, scoring high in various European countries as well as Australia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwIe_sjKeAY
"Our House" by Madness

[Kace]

M is for Madonna.

Thirty years. Thirty years practically non-stop. That's a long time to be at the top. That's a long time to remain very relevant. Keep in mind there are other artists who made their splash in 1982 and they're either past tense or clinging to whatever, "classic," status they can maintain. There are artists who have debuted after 1982 in the same boat. And there's Madonna. To explain Madonna's impact on music since she left the Breakfast Club and Emmy behind to become a solo artist would drain the English language of superlatives. Loved by many and probably even hated by many, Madonna has kept a steady finger on the pulse of Pop Music and Pop Culture.

To explain her musical career in a way dice roleplayers can understand, Madonna has continued to roll successes at each turn while also equipped with a merit of Clairvoyance. She has constantly redefined her image while evolving with the pop music and dance sounds without missing a beat. At the risk of a bad pun, she's been in a league of her own. She has more Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 singles than anyone else. She has 12 #1's on that same chart. Madonna would head into 2012 with 39 #1's on Billboard's Dance chart including 18 consecutive singles reaching #1 there. She's also been popular worldwide as her concert tours and albums and singles sales would indicate. There's also her albums success on the Billboard 200, scoring #1 on eight occasions. Madonna also has been one of the top players in the art of the music video, including some that became controversial like her videos for "Like A Prayer" and "Justify My Love," to the more iconic ones like "Lucky Star," "Material Girl," and "Vogue."

All in the span of thirty years. Say what you will about Madonna, but even if you're not a fan of hers, there is no doubting her success or consistency. This is just a brief summary as I realize I'm leaving so much out discussing her here. However, there is one last thing I wish to mention when it comes to Madonna. She has been the rare occasion where Weird Al Yankovic parodied a song based on the suggestion of the would-be parodied artist, leading to Weird Al's "Like A Surgeon." Take that, Coolio.

"Bad Girl" is probably my favorite music video by Madonna. It's got Christopher Walken in it as the Angel of Death and what's not to like about that? "Vogue" was a great video and also led to one of her better performances for MTV's Video Music Awards (back when I used to pay attention to those things). Then again, there was Madonna's performance of "Hollywood" at the VMA's that led to her kissing Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera...but whatever. It's Madonna. And Madonna can do whatever she wants. Why? She's Madonna. And you're not. Never forget that.

"Lucky Star" winds up being the music video featured here. I still remember as a young boy, there being young girls who wanted to dress just like Madonna in this video so it's a nice childhood flashback to a simpler time of...well...girls wanting to be like Madonna. The song itself would be Madonna's first Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was one of her first hits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThHz9wlBeLU&ob=av2e
"Lucky Star" by Madonna

[Kace]

M is for Mariah Carey.

From the very beginning, it was evident that Mariah Carey was going to be a major player for years to come. Debuting in 1990 with a voice of soulful vengeance and an octave range that could soothe, invigorate or even operate a garage door, Mariah hit the ground running with her first 5 consecutive American singles reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her Billboard success is something to behold. Her duet with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day" still holds the record for most weeks at #1 on the Hot 100. She's tied with Elvis Presley for Most Cumulative Weeks at #1 on that chart and only the Beatles can claim more #1 hits on the Hot 100 (and she only needs 2 more to tie that mark). Remember where I mentioned Mariah debuting with 5 consecutive #1's? There have only been a handful of artists that can claim a similar record throughout their career. Whitney Houston, the Beatles, the Bee Gees, the Supremes, Michael Jackson and Katy Perry. Not a bad company of artists to be in. Mariah however still manages to stand out from this exclusive group by accomplishing the 5 Consecutive #1's streak twice, her second time occurring in the latter half of the 1990s.

Her album success is also impressive. Between 1990 and 2010, Mariah released 13 studio albums (2 of which were Christmas related and 1 that was a Soundtrack to a movie). 6 of those reached #1 on the Billboard 200 and her lowest charting of those, the Soundtrack to Glitter peaked at #7. And even there I can kinda throw her a mulligan since Glitter's release date was September 11, 2001 and let's face it, there were more important things on our minds at that point. Still, the worst of the bunch reached the Top 10 which is impressive.

Outside of all of the statistical stuff, Mariah's managed to matter for a reason. Turns out, she's really good at this whole singing thing and while I admit to not being too big a fan of her 2000s material, in the 1990s she really was one of the best around, especially between 1990 and 1996.

"Vision Of Love" is featured for the music video and it's notable for at least two reasons. It was her first single, starting her tour de force through Billboard Hot 100 history (and that's not even taking into consideration her success in more genre specific charts). It also provides one of those rare glimpses of the left side of her face. Don't blink or you'll miss it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tov22NtCMC4&ob=av2e
"Vision Of Love" by Mariah Carey

[Kace]

M is for Marilyn Manson.

He wasn't born with the name, Marilyn Manson of course. He chose it for himself. He and the rest of his band would choose similar monikers, using names that mixed someone known for beauty with someone known for evil. Thus, young Brian Warner would become Marilyn Manson. Plus, it had a better ring to it than Charles Monroe.

He was something of an underground sensation in the mid-1990s, that is until 1996 and his cover of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" started getting airplay. For a few months, it seemed Marilyn may be destined to become a 1990s One-Hit Wonder version of Alice Cooper. Then the album, Antichrist Superstar was released along with its hit, "The Beautiful People." Since then, Marilyn has been a disturbing, artistic, grotesque and methodical star in rock music. Not once did he seemed too concerned about that. He liked being able to record music and perform in front of an audience. He even grew to like having a platform to share various opinions on various things. His band and the music they would play would become his outlet for the narrative. Albums like Antichrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals and The Golden Age Of Grotesque, among others would craft together his stories and the characters within.

Outside of that, Marilyn Manson also became one of the recurring characters in Celebrity Deathmatch and even had a music video with his character in that claymation form, "Astoshing Panaroma Of The Endtimes." There was his uneasy collaboration with the Sneaker Pimps for "Long Hard Road Out Of Hell" which would also be the title of his autobiography. Perhaps that title lends to Marilyn's mindset for his work, crafting himself as perhaps the anti-AC/DC. Whereas AC/DC nicknamed their constant life on the road, "Hell," for Marilyn, his music and dedication to his craft was his way out of the Hell that Marilyn perhaps envisioned himself trying to escape.

Perhaps. Or it just sounded cool at the time. One of the side effects of Marilyn Manson being who he is in the music industry is winding up with Judas Priest Syndrome. Judas Priest had been accused of inspiring young men to kill themselves. Marilyn would eventually be viewed as a similar scapegoat for whenever young men would feel the need to go on a murderous rampage in their local school.

Perhaps that's why I went with "Man That You Fear" as the music video of choice. There's a very religious sacrificial nature to it with Marilyn portraying the one chosen by chance for execution by the community. The video draws inspiration from different sources, including a short story called The Lottery. Someone has to bear the blame for the bad things that happen. There was a time where Marilyn Manson was that someone and that's assuming the self righteous have found another target for their angst by now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rthl_O4_G2o&ob=av2e
"Man That You Fear" by Marilyn Manson

[Kace]

M is for Maroon 5.

Maroon 5 not only serves as what could arguably be the example of what Pop Rock sounds like in the early 21st Century, but they also serve as a reminder that my Mom will always be more cool and in tune to pop culture than I could ever hope to be.

Since somewhere around 1999, I admit to being a bit in and out of music fads. As the years progress, I continue to find myself becoming the bitter old man in the room, wondering why music isn't as good as it used to be. I've accepted being part of that generation that somehow got mad that Poison was no longer a big deal, but Heaven forbid I have to sit through some song by Taylor Bieber or who or whatever that is, singing about Fridays or something. I don't know, I usually just tune that stuff out. However, when I do feel the occasional urge to get an idea of what's actually good nowadays, I can always count on Mom.

I credit a lot of my eclectic taste in music as being some genetic thing passed down from Mom. Growing up, it was nothing unusual for Mom to go through the record collection of 33's and 45's, sifting from one genre to the next. On any given afternoon or evening in those early childhood years, the music could range from Percy Sledge to the Grass Roots to the Embers, Drifters, some Beach Boys and at some point, maybe some Van Halen. She also dug Iron Butterfly and Black Sabbath, but loved her some Archies or whatever other Bubblegum Pop she could get her hands on. As music progressed, Mom's ears progressed with it.

So now, we're here in the 2010s. I'm in my mid-30's. My Mom...a little older than that. We both appreciate the older stuff, yet she seems to have a better appreciation of the newer stuff in music than I do. Part of the Saturday Morning routine for her is to watch VH1's Top 20 Countdown, which is where one of those music video channels actually plays music videos. There's a pretty good chance about every other week, she'll hear something new or recent and suddenly it's on her cellphone, either as a ringtone or just something to listen to. Also, thanks to her I get to understand a little better why Maroon 5 is such a big deal.

All of their studio albums have reached Top 10 on the Billboard 200 and since 2002, they've been a prominent fixture for Pop Rock. I have quite a few songs by them, too and most of them are enjoyable. Yet for some reason, I feel like this is one of those bands I've never bothered to really get into, because again...I'm becoming that bitter old man in the room that longs for simpler times that truthfully never existed in the first place. My Mom seems to get that and that's why she's cool.

"Makes Me Wonder" is the music video of choice and one of the first videos I can remember seeing on Logo's NewNowNext. The song itself would also become Maroon 5's first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Prior to that, their #1 success was in the form of "This Love" and "She Will Be Loved" getting to that spot on the Adult Pop chart. In 2011, Maroon 5 would actually outdo themselves in terms of singles success when they would team up with Christina Aguilera and unleash "Moves Like Jagger" on everyone. I still haven't quite gotten into that song yet. My Mom, on the other hand thinks it's great. Ha. Kids, these days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAebYQgy4n4&ob=av2e
"Makes Me Wonder" by Maroon 5

[Kace]

M is for Martina McBride.

I've always had this fascination with 1990s Country. Really, the fascination could go back to the 1980s where artists like Alabama, Hank Williams Jr. and Dolly Parton, among others were doing their best to prepare listeners for what the 1990s would be like. Then the 1990s arrived. Sure, there was George Strait and Garth Brooks. Sure there was George Jones, but take a listen to George from the first half of that decade. "High Tech Redneck" doesn't really sound like something George would have run with in any prior decade.

That's just how it was in the 1990s. With the advent of music video and the growing popularity of it as a promotional artform, Country Music was slowly, but surely starting to get the grasp of it. The Nashville Network (nowadays Spike TV, so yeah times have changed) did their part. Then CMT showed up and at least for a while, it was all country music videos, all the time. Pam Tillis, Patty Loveless, Dwight Yoakam and others started getting more into it. The days of the Forester Sisters were becoming a thing of the past. The Judds were becoming just Wynonna (or as you also may know her, Dario Franchitti's Sister-In-Law). Things were progressing. Maybe for the better. Maybe for the worst. Maybe it depends on your opinion of Shania Twain, I don't know. Maybe it comes down to whether you enjoy "No News" Lonestar or "Amazed" Lonestar.

Either way, Country's popularity was growing. Reba McEntire was a household name and man, did she have lovely eyes. In 1992, another lovely eyed lady would appear on the scene and she too would become a big part of the genre. That lady was Martina McBride.

I still remember hearing "My Baby Loves Me" for the first time and becoming a fan of hers. Then in 1994, Country Music received arguably its most powerful and striking music video since Garth Brooks decided to show off his...acting...talents in "The Thunder Rolls." "Independence Day" became one of those videos people still talk about when it comes to the 1990s and its dealing with domestic abuse. In 1995, Martina would show that she could still go in a happy direction with songs like "Safe In The Arms Of Love" and "Wild Angels." On into the 2010s, Martina is still doing her thing. Good for her.

Originally, I was going to have "Safe In The Arms Of Love," but I try to shy away from featuring covers on here for the most part. Plus, let's face it, "Independence Day" is just too powerful to be ignored. At one point, it shows not just artistically, but perhaps even prophetically when it comes to our society just how fine the line can be between entertainment and reality. There's the abuse taking place being interspersed with the playfight and people laughing at it. As a society, we like the entertainment. We even like when the entertainment is portrayed as violence. There's even an appreciation for the entertainment of the taboo nature. The key word though...entertainment.

So many things we can draw a strange pleasure from when it comes entertainment and I'm no exception. But when the violence is real, it's no longer entertainment. No matter how desensitized news coverage can attempt to make us, there's never the same entertainment value in suffering. We can cheer punching and kicking and mindless explosions in scripted form. We can put up with weird things. When it's real though, it's not fun anymore. It goes straight to tragedy and travesty along with a headshaking moment of someone mistaking the fantasy and reality. It's no wonder the crowd in the music video is laughing obliviously. They're oblivious, after all. Cut to the little girl running back home to see her home in flames, the reality of her situation made all the more real...and all the less funny. Chances are, the other characters had no idea. "Independence Day" is a good representation of society at large. Maybe we know people are being hurt. Maybe we don't care. Maybe because it's happening elsewhere. At least until it happens to us, or it happens in a setting where it could be us. Only then do we seem to pay better attention.

Until then, we'll remain happily oblivious. Aloof for our own protection and sanity. "Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VPpAZ9_qAw&ob=av2e
"Independence Day" by Martina McBride

[Kace]

M is for Master P.

I tend to think that Master P really meant no harm. It just sorta went in that direction. In terms of music, 1998 was a bit murky. For Hip Hop, 1997 was the death knell for Rap As We Knew It. The Notorious B.I.G.'s death earlier in the year was the end of the glory days. Who would be there to pick up the slack? Who would come along to shake things up again? Jay-Z did his part. And there was Eminem, along with Nas, DMX and some others. And there was Puff Daddy, but whatever. For some reason, there was a sense that something was still missing. Enter Master P.

He had aspirations of playing in the National Basketball Association, but the NBA dreams never panned out. His career as a rapper had garnered him some minor attention initially. He had been around since at least 1991, but it wasn't until 1996 that he seemed to get noticed. With 1997 becoming an up-for-grabs setting, Master P gathered his No Limit Soldiers and marched toward the battlefield of Hip Hop, determined to change the game.

In his own way, he did. Not necessarily for the better. The problem was that Master P had a style that could be duplicated, but not really in a way that was enjoyable. Before anyone could understand what this meant, Rap became infested with the likes of Nelly and a host of others who at their best, could only aim for mediocrity. Ushered in was a time of kindasorta style over substance, though I credit those rare moments where someone like Eve would come along and try. KRS-One was "Underground" and the more Independent talents like Fokis wound up too under the radar. Instead, people chose to dial Mike Jones' cell phone number, though if nothing else, Mike did have "Back Then" and he can always be proud of that.

But what about Rap now? What about Hip Hop? I remember a time in 1998 where instead of feuding with another rapper, Master P's big rivalry was with Curt Hennig. I'm beginning to wonder if, even in death Curt wound up in the winner in that debate over what Rap is. All I know is that it wasn't always like this. I can still remember a time where I could think of talented rappers with great songs and not have to mention Weird Al Yankovic or John Cena as some of the more decent of the bunch. It's quite possible that for all his effort, Master P still wound up being a little too ahead of his time. The result is years of people lacking the ability to comprehend those Soldiers.

"Make 'Em Say Uhh!" is the music video of choice and aside from Shaquille O'Neal making a cameo (thankfully in a non-rapping role), there were other rappers helping Master P out with the lyrics. Silkk The Shocker, Mia X, Fiend and Mystikal all contribute here. Mystikal would go on to record a fun song of his own about shaking mule-like creatures...or something really fast. Yes, I was tempted to go with "Kenny's Dead," but nah. By the way, as a quick warning, this is the uncensored version so...lots of bad words being yelled and at other times being grunted out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGZZRUKPLQ
"Make 'Em Say Uhh!" by Master P f/ Silkk The Shocker, Mia X, Fiend & Mystikal
WARNING: Naughty Language...and lots of it!

[Kace]

M is for Matchbox Twenty.

At the time I started compiling this list to give myself an excuse to type, I felt this need to place Matchbox Twenty on it. As I started going through the list in December 2011, it became a subconscious tug-of-war. There's always been this war inside my head, though it may be fair to think of it more as a battle royale. When it came time to figure out who was going to be cut from the list so it would be 365, Matchbox Twenty made the cut. Other artists didn't make that last cut and most all of them could have made it on the same idea as Matchbox Twenty's, which was having some sort of impact and success.

Was it their chart success as a band? Was it Rob Thomas being able to shine as a solo artist while also providing vocals for one of Santana's biggest hits? Was it the insistence on, "Twenty," being spelled out instead of being typed out in numerical form when it came to their band name? Why were they on this list?

Then I remembered. Suddenly I found myself in a very dark place. This is where I find myself staring at a blinking cursor, waiting patiently for me to continue. I remember that album, Yourself Or Someone Like You. I recall it being owned by different people. I remember certain lyrics being recited. I don't care to remember much else, because after that it's a reminder of times and places I've done pretty well to get away from. As I've mentioned in other entries, there's always the chance of that deeply personal element kicking in. There are songs that can trigger memories, be they pleasant or unpleasant.

"I'm sorry 'bout the attitude I need to give when I'm with you. But no one else would take this s*** from me. And I'm so terrified of no one else, but me. I'm here all the time, I won't go away."

Yeah you will. And it won't be me. Just someone like me.

"Push" is the music video of choice and oddly enough it's one of those songs I still feel the need to sing along with. Most of the time I do. I also remember this song scoring #1 on a Top 500 thing at a rock station years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAkHqYlqops&ob=av2e
"Push" by Matchbox Twenty

[Jane Craig]

Just promise that when you get to N, that Nickelback didn't make the cut.

[Kace]

Oh. Nickelback has to be on there. That one will be a lot of fun.

[Kace]

M is for the Matthew Good Band.

If you're not sure who Matthew Good is or have never heard of the Matthew Good Band, don't feel bad. After all, Matthew doesn't. In the 1990s, the Matthew Good band provided a counter to both culture and counterculture alike. Punches were not pulled and the art of being an antisocial agent provocateur was ratcheted up with Matthew leading the way. Eventually the band would split up, but Matthew has continued on with a solo career in Canada and is still willing to fight the world every inch the way.

"The Future Is X-Rated" is the music video of choice and while other songs certainly fared better on the Canadian charts, this is the song that along with the corresponding music video served as a warning and a commentary on humanity.

"And now Christmas is for shopping and the Shopping God is everything."

Be warned though. While nudity is covered up, the lyrics aren't so for the easily offended, religious-wise...this is a heads up before you decide to take in "The Future Is X-Rated," because you know you want to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWJYVyx5eRw
"The Future Is X-Rated" by the Matthew Good Band

[Kace]

M is for Matthew Sweet.

Ah, the Summer of 1995. Graduation Night had come and gone as I said goodbye to that part of my life. Friendships and friendship circles would have their last hurrah over the course of those Summertime months. Meanwhile, I was still getting into the whole CD thing and one that I wanted and would eventually get would be Matthew Sweet's 100% Fun. Prior to this, I had basically known Matthew as that guy who helped usher in the concept of modifying anime with his music video for "Girlfriend." After "Girlfriend," anime geeks everywhere started tinkering with the idea of creating their own fan videos, something that would cross over into other forms of film and animation, eventually bringing about the AMV Hell series that's become popular on the Internet, not to mention a whole slew of TiBette videos on YouTube.

I first heard "Sick Of Myself" and then I heard and got to watch the music video for "We're The Same." Upon getting 100% Fun, I would wind up listening to it a lot over the next several months. It was one of the CD's I enjoyed as I ventured up to Maryland with the parents as I had nothing else to do except be around bad influences back home. Or whatever. Honestly, I didn't mind since the Senior year full of drama, melodrama and dark comedy had led me to believe that maybe it was time to get away for a while.

I find myself near a place called Aberdeen, MD (home of the Ripkens!) and when I wasn't walking down the road to a nearby shopping place that included a Party/Gifts store that sold magazines and comic books, I was usually drawing. I used to draw a lot. A lot of times during those days, it was to Matthew Sweet's 100% Fun CD. I also remember having a phone in my bedroom which was kind of a big deal for me. There were three people that I would talk with for a few minutes here and there during that time, of which I'm still friends with one (the other two is just a really long, drawn out story I'll have to save for the Tell-All Memoir book).

Matthew Sweet would go on to have other good stuff after 100% Fun, most notably "Where You Get Love." But when it comes to Mr. Sweet, both in terms of music and memories, nothing beats 100% Fun.

"Sick Of Myself" is from that 100% Fun album and is the featured music video here. I think it's arguable that "Girlfriend" had the greater overall impact, especially in terms of anime geekdom where as a result of fans getting to tinker with their favorite Japanese cartoons, we have evolved into the greatness that is Team Four Star and the ever awesome Muffin Button. All hail the Muffin Button!

However, I didn't feel like sharing memories of a certain time in my life and then play something from another time. "Sick Of Myself" became one of those songs I wanted to hear over and over and there have only been so many songs in my lifetime that have inspired that. And the whole album just seemed to capture that time in my life nicely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpPaf8zMib4
"Sick Of Myself" by Matthew Sweet

[Kace]

M is for Meat Loaf.

How can a man named after a supper meal be so epic? It's almost like there was a joke that somewhere got serious and the world became better for it.

In a way, he's both the ultimate underdog story and the ultimate comeback story all rolled into one. In the 1970s, he had tried his hand at the rock band thing. It didn't work out. Maybe he wasn't taken seriously due to his stage name. So he went into stage acting and as it turned out, he had a voice on him. He had the kind of voice that could literally shatter speakers at the right note. He was part of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and even did some lead vocals for Ted Nugent. This is all leading up to 1977.

In 1977, Meat Loaf teamed with Jim Steinman and unleashed a fury called Bat Out Of Hell. It was more than an album, it was a story from first song to last and caused Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto's voice to wind up being heard on Rock Radio stations, thanks to "Paradise By The Dashboard Light." While Bat Out Of Hell was a major success, the next several albums released in the 1980s weren't so much. Jim Steinman, Meat Loaf's cohort for Bat Out Of Hell released some solo work of his own while also helping out artists like Air Supply, Bonnie Tyler and...the World Wrestling Federation? I wonder how much money he made off of that Rock N' Wrestling cartoon theme anyway?

By the end of the 1980s, Meat Loaf was having to regroup. His finances, his voice, his confidence, everything. He was pretty much considered past tense. In 1993, it was back to work and Back Into Hell. Teamed up once again with Jim Steinman, Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell unleashed a second fury unto the world with another story of romance, wild times and reminisces thrown in. Among the circle of friends I was around during Senior Year, that album appeared to be a consensus favorite. We all had a favorite song or at least one we could best identify with. To this day, I still debate over whether it's "It Just Won't Quit" or "Everything Louder Than Everything Else."

Two years later, Meat Loaf set out to prove that he can make something great without Jim. The result was Welcome To The Neighborhood, featuring my favorite of the Meat Loaf collection, "I'd Lie For You (And That's The Truth)." Once again, another great album with another great story, this one of love, love lost and a peaceful ascension to the afterworld. Meat Loaf would eventually release more albums, including Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose and in 2011, Hell In A Handbasket. He's done some acting along the way and according to people who have watched The Celebrity Apprentice, can lose his crap in the blink of an eye when pushed to his limit.

For me, Meat Loaf represents some good stories, both fictional and non-fictional. In terms of the non-fictional ones that take up quite a bit of memory, some were good, others not so good. All memorable just the same.

"But it was long ago and it was far away. Oh, God it seemed so very far."

"I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" is the music video of choice and at 7 and a half minutes, it's the short version of the song. It was the song that launched Meat Loaf's comeback, scoring #1 on various charts in various countries. And given part of the theme of the music video I can't help but wonder if there's a connection between this and Aerosmith's "Janie's Got A Gun."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tuYKUgBZEc
"I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" by Meat Loaf