Maren Morris’ new album “Humble Quest” finds the pop and country star leaning heavily toward the latter and embracing the Nashville of it all. In this episode of Modern Songs, Tim and Chris discuss lead single “Circles Around This Town,” a memoir of sorts about Morris’ early days as a country songwriter. Then our two middle-aged guys get nostalgic about LCD Soundsystem’s iconic 2007 jam “All My Friends.”
Plus, we review some tracks we’ve been into lately, including stuff by The Regrettes, Pup, Pusha T and Louis The Child.
Modern Songs is a music discovery podcast reviewing new music and songs released since 2006.
Lists of the greatest songs of all-time will typically feature a few songs from 1967 at the very top. These are the songs we’re talking about in this episode of Hall of Songs, from “Respect” by Aretha Franklin to “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles.
Plus, it’s the year Jimi Hendrix becomes a star, proving a lone guitarist can change the way we hear rock ‘n’ roll.
After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1967, plus tunes from 1966, ’65 and ’64 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on October 1 to find out which song or songs get in!
Our 1967 nominees:
“Light My Fire” as performed by The Doors
Written by Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, Robby Krieger and Jim Morrison; recorded August 1966; released January 1967
“Ruby Tuesday” as performed by The Rolling Stones
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards; recorded December 1966; released January 1966
“Strawberry Fields Forever” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded December 1966; released February 1967
“Purple Haze” as performed by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Written by Jimi Hendrix; recorded January 1967; released March 1967
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” as performed by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson; recorded December 1966; released April 1967
“Respect” as performed by Aretha Franklin
Written by Otis Redding; recorded February 1967; released April 1967
“Waterloo Sunset” as performed by The Kinks
Written by Ray Davies; recorded April 1967; released May 1967
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” as performed by Procol Harum
Written by Keith Reid, Gary Brooker and Matthew Fisher; recorded April 1967; released May 1967
“A Day in the Life” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded February 1967; released May 1967
“Brown Eyed Girl” as performed by Van Morrison
Written by Van Morrison; recorded March 1967; released June 1967
“Ode to Billie Joe” as performed by Bobbie Gentry
Written by Bobbie Gentry; recorded March 1967; released July 1967
“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” as performed by Aretha Franklin
Written by Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Jerry Wexler; recorded summer 1967; released September 1967
Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on October 1, 2021 to find out the voting results, and October 3, 2021 for our discussion on 1967.
That’s right: A second Beatles song joins “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in the Hall of Songs. But which is it? “Ticket to Ride”? “Yesterday”? “In My Life”? “Tomorrow Never Knows”?
Plus, another artist gets its second Hall of Songs inductee, and Tim and Chris also discuss the newest version of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.
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Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …
In My Life / The Beatles – 64.77% (2nd round) My Girl / The Temptations – 55.34% (1st round) When a Man Loves a Woman / Percy Sledge – 53.45% (1st round) You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ / The Righteous Brothers – 52.20% (3rd round) Paint It Black / The Rolling Stones – 48.42% (1st round) The Times They Are a-Changin’ / Bob Dylan – 44.02% (3rd round) Reach Out I’ll Be There / The Four Tops – 41.50% (1st round) Ticket to Ride / The Beatles – 40.25% (2nd round) Mr. Tambourine Man / The Byrds – 39.62% (2nd round) My Generation / The Who – 35.22% (2nd round)
Eliminated from the ballot
Eight Miles High / The Byrds – 33.33% (1st round) You Keep Me Hangin’ On / The Supremes – 28.93% (1st round) Louie Louie / The Kingsmen – 25.78% (4th round) I’m a Believer / The Monkees – 25.78% (1st round) I Got You (I Feel Good) / James Brown – 22.64% (1st round) Tomorrow Never Knows / The Beatles – 19.49% (1st round) River Deep – Mountain High / Ike and Tina Turner – 18.86% (1st round) Wild Things / The Troggs – 18.23% (1st round)
1966 is when the long player becomes the way to listen to music, and massive albums like “Pet Sounds,” “Revolver” and “Blonde on Blonde” demonstrate that. Hall of Songs, though, isn’t so concerned with the album, so what are the top 12 songs from this groundbreaking year of music?
After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1966, plus tunes from 1965, ’64 and ’63 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on September 17 to find out which song or songs get in!
Our 1966 nominees:
“Eight Miles High” as performed by The Byrds
Written by Gene Clark, Jim McGuinn and David Crosby; recorded January 1966; released March 1965
“When a Man Loves a Woman” as performed by Percy Sledge
Written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright; recorded February 1966; released March 1966
“Wild Thing” as performed by The Troggs
Written by Chip Taylor; recorded early 1966; released April 1966
“Paint It Black” as performed by The Rolling Stones
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards; recorded March 1966; released May 1966
“River Deep-Mountain High” as performed by Ike & Tina Turner
Written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich; recorded March 1966; released May 1966
“God Only Knows” as performed by The Beach Boys
Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher; recorded March-April 1966; released July 1966
“Tomorrow Never Knows” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded April 1966; released August 1966
“Reach Out I’ll Be There” as performed by The Four Tops
Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; recorded summer 1966; released September 1966
“Good Vibrations” as performed by The Beach Boys
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love; recorded February-September 1966; released October 1966
“You Keep Me Hangin’ On” as performed by The Supremes
Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; recorded June-August 1966; released October 1966
“I’m a Believer” as performed by The Monkees
Written by Neil Diamond; recorded October 1966; released November 1966
“For What It’s Worth” as performed by Buffalo Springfield
Written by Stephen Stills; recorded December 1966; released December 1966
Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on September 17, 2021 to find out the voting results, and September 19, 2021 for our discussion on 1966.
Some of the songs regarded by many as the biggest of all-time were on the ballot heading into our 11th round of voting for the Hall of Songs, including “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones, “Yesterday” by the Beatles, “My Generation” by the Who, “My Girl” by the Temptations, and “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan.
One of those tracks is Bob Dylan’s seminal 1963 recording “Blowin’ in the Wind.” What’s the other What are those songs? Are the Beatles involved? And what about Did any of these songs get inducted in after this round? If so, how many? Any others? All these questions are answered in this results episode.
Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.
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Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …
Yesterday / The Beatles – 62.5% (1st round) My Girl / The Temptations – 58.92% (1st round) In My Life / The Beatles – 58.92% (1st round) You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ / The Righteous Brothers – 55.35% (2nd round) My Generation / The Who – 55.35% (1st round) Ticket to Ride / The Beatles – 53.57% (1st round) Mr. Tambourine Man – 50% (1st round) The Times They Are a-Changin’ – 44.64% (2nd round) Louie Louie / The Kingsmen – 42.85% (3rd round) I Got You (I Feel Good) / James Brown – 37.5% (1st round)
Eliminated from the ballot
Twist and Shout / The Beatles – 33.92% (3rd round) A Hard Day’s Night / The Beatles – 33.92% (2nd round) The Tracks of My Tears / The Miracles – 30.35% (1st round) Wonderful World / Sam Cooke – 21.42% (6th round) Where Did Our Love Go / The Supremes – 21.42% (2nd round) Gloria / Them – 21.42% (2nd round) Leader of the Pack / The Shangri-Las – 14.28% (2nd round) Wooly Bully / Sam Sham & The Pharaohs – 8.92% (1st round)
What a year! 1965 is a year of incredible creativity throughout American and British music.
We naturally hear from the Beatles a few times in this episode of Hall of Songs, but we also nominate some massive tracks from fellow Brits the Rolling Stones and the Who. Also, Motown raises the game once again, and Bob Dylan and others help usher in an entirely new genre.
After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1965, plus tunes from 1964, ’63 and ’60, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on September 3 to find out which song or songs get in!
Our 1965 nominees:
“My Girl'” as performed by The Temptations
Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White; recorded fall 1964; released January 1965
“Wooly Bully” as performed by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
Written by Domingo Samudio; recorded January 1965; released March 1965
“Ticket to Ride” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded February 1965; released April 1965
“Mr. Tambourine Man” as performed by The Byrds
Written by Bob Dylan; recorded January 1965; released April 1965
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” as performed by The Rolling Stones
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards; recorded May 1965; released June 1965
“The Tracks of My Tears” as performed by The Miracles
Written by Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, and Marvin Tarplin; recorded spring 1965; released June 1965
“Like a Rolling Stone” as performed by Bob Dylan
Written by Bob Dylan; recorded June 1965; released July 1965
“Yesterday” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded June 1965; released August 1965
“My Generation” as performed by The Who
Written by Pete Townshend; recorded October 1965; released October 1965
“I Got You (I Feel Good)” as performed by James Brown
Written by James Brown; recorded May 1965; released October 1965
“In My Life” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded October 1965; released December 1965
“California Dreamin'” as performed by The Mamas and the Papas
Written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips; recorded November 1965; released December 1965
Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on September 3, 2021 to find out the voting results, and September 5, 2021 for our discussion on 1966.
Let’s talk about a few songs from 1964 that are now part of the Hall of Songs. One is from Motown, one is from Britain, and one is a soul classic. After discussing the newest inductees, Tim and Chris converse over two more songs that they can nudge into their song hall of fame through their “golden vote.”
One of those tracks is Bob Dylan’s seminal 1963 recording “Blowin’ in the Wind.” What’s the other What are those songs? Are the Beatles involved? And what about Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti,” which has been on the ballot since the very beginning?
Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.
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Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ / The Righteous Brothers – 61.53% (1st round) Louie Louie / The Kingsmen – 50% (2nd round) The Times They Are a-Changin’ – 46.15% (1st round) Where Did Our Love Go / The Supremes – 46.15% (1st round) Leader of the Pack / The Shangri-Las – 42.30% (1st round) Gloria / Them – 42.30% (1st round) Wonderful World / Sam Cooke – 38.46% (5th round) Twist and Shout / The Beatles – 38.46% (2nd round) A Hard Day’s Night / The Beatles – 38.46% (1st round)
Eliminated from the ballot
Runaway / Del Shannon – 30.76% (4th round) Surfin’ USA / The Beach Boys – 30.76% (2nd round) She Loves You / The Beatles – 30.76% (2nd round) Rag Doll / The Four Seasons – 30.76% (1st round) Only the Lonely / Roy Orbison – 26.92% (5th round) In My Room / The Beach Boys – 26.92% (2nd round) Don’t Worry Baby / The Beach Boys – 23.07% (1st round) Tutti Frutti / Little Richard – 19.23% (10th round) Heat Wave / Martha and the Vandellas – 19.23% (2nd round) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) / Darlene Love – 3.84% (2nd round)
In 1964, everyone in popular music was trying to raise their game.
In this episode of Hall of Songs, we present our nominees from ’64, a year with a lot of sounds pushing rock ‘n’ roll and pop music in many directions … and also together.
Many artists were chasing the “Be My Baby” sound that Phil Spector mastered with his 1963 Hall of Songs inductee. A number of top songs either built upon the producer’s Wall of Sound or simply copied Hal Blaine’s iconic drum beat. Meanwhile, some songwriters decided to comment on the changes that felt possible as the Civil Rights movement continued onward. And of course, the Beatles hit America in early 1964; after their highly publicized arrival, other British artists were given a chance to shine across the pond.
After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1964, plus tunes from 1963, 61, ’60 and ’55, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on August 20 to find out which song or songs get in!
Our 1964 nominees:
“The Times They Are-A Changin'” as performed by Bob Dylan
Written by Bob Dylan; recorded October 1963; released January 1964
“A Change is Gonna Come” as performed by Sam Cooke
Written by Sam Cooke; recorded January 1964; released February 1964
“Don’t Worry Baby” as performed by The Beach Boys
Written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian; recorded January 1964; released May 1964
“Rag Doll” as performed by The Four Seasons
Written by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe; recorded spring 1964; released June 1964
“Where Did Our Love Go” as performed by The Supremes
Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; recorded April 1964; released June 1964
“House of the Rising Sun” as performed by The Animals
Traditional song, arrangement by Alan Price; recorded May 1964; released June 1964
“A Hard Day’s Night” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded April 1964; released July 1964
“Dancing in the Street” as performed by Martha and the Vandellas
Written by Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter; recorded June 1964; released July 1964
“You Really Got Me” as performed by The Kinks
Written by Ray Davies; recorded July 1964; released August 1964
“Leader of the Pack” as performed by The Shangri-Las
Written by George Morton, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich; recorded July 1964; released September 1964
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” as performed by The Righteous Brothers
Written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector; recorded October 1964; released November 1964
“Gloria” as performed by Them
Written by Van Morrison; recorded April 1964; released December 1964
Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on August 20, 2021 to find out the voting results, and August 22, 2021 for our discussion on 1965.
Two songs have been inducted into the Hall of Songs after our ninth round of voting, putting the grand total at 17.
One of those tracks is Bob Dylan’s seminal 1963 recording “Blowin’ in the Wind.” What’s the other inductee? Was it a Motown song? Did the Beatles get in? What about the Beach Boys? The Wall of Sound? Or did Bobby Darin finally break through?
Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.
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Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …
She Loves You / The Beatles – 60.71% (1st round) I Want to Hold Your Hand / The Beatles – 57.14% (1st round) Louie Louie / The Kingsmen – 50% (1st round) Runaway / Del Shannon – 46.42% (3rd round) Surfin’ USA / The Beach Boys – 46.42% (1st round) Twist and Shout / The Beatles – 42.85% (1st round) In My Room / The Beach Boys – 42.85% (1st round) Only the Lonely / Roy Orbison – 39.28% (4th round) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) / Darlene Love – 39.28% (1st round) Tutti Frutti / Little Richard – 35.71% (9th round) Wonderful World / Sam Cooke – 35.71% (4th round) Heat Wave / Martha and the Vandellas – 35.71% (1st round)
Eliminated from the ballot
Wake Up Little Susie / The Everly Brothers – 28.57% (7th round) Green Onions / Booker T & The M.G.’s – 28.57% (2nd round) Georgia on My Mind / Ray Charles – 25% (4th round) I Fall to Pieces / Patsy Cline – 25% (3rd round) Up on the Roof / The Drifters – 25% (1st round) That’ll Be the Day / The Crickets – 21.42% (7th round) The Wanderer / Dion – 21.42% (3rd round) Love Me Do / The Beatles – 21.42% (2nd round) You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me / The Miracles – 17.85% (2nd round) Sherry / The Four Seasons – 14.28% (2nd round) Fingertips Pts. 1 & 2 (Live) / Stevie Wonder – 14.28% (1st round) It’s All Right / The Impressions – 14.28% (1st round) You Don’t Know Me / Ray Charles – 10.71% (2nd round) She Thinks I Still Care / George Jones – 10.71% (1st round) Mack the Knife / Bobby Darin – 7.14% (5th round) Think / James Brown and the Famous Flames – 7.14% (1st round) Turn on Your Lovelight / Bobby Bland – 7.14% (1st round)
Welcome to Season Two of Hall of Songs. And welcome to an explosion of creativity.
This is the year when music changes throughout the world. Early rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues gets pushed aside for an even louder, more exciting sound. Whether it’s impeccable studio polish or, finally, really good young musicians who sing and write their own tunes, what comes out from the radio speakers is truly wondrous.
Of course, you’ll hear the Beatles in this episode, as 1963 marks the first year of their dominance (though most of it is spent in Britain). We’ll also hear from the Beach Boys, the Wall of Sound, and Motown, along with a young folk musician whose lyricism sets a high bar.
After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1963, plus tunes from 1962, 61, ’60, ’59, ’57, and ’55, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on August 6 to find out which song or songs get in!
Our 1963 nominees:
“Surfin’ USA” as performed by The Beach Boys
Written by Brian Wilson and Chuck Berry; recorded January 1963; released March 1963
“Twist and Shout” as performed by The Beatles
Written by Bert Berns and Phil Medley; recorded February 1963; released March 1963
“Louie Louie” as performed by The Kingsmen
Written by Richard Berry; recorded April 1963; released May 1963
“Fingertips – Parts 1/2 (Live)” as performed by Stevie Wonder
Written by Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby; recorded May 1963; released May 1963
“Heat Wave” as performed by Martha and the Vandellas
Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; recorded June 1963; released July 1963
“Be My Baby” as performed by The Ronettes
Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector; recorded July 1963; released August 1963
“Blowin’ in the Wind” as performed by Bob Dylan
Written by Bob Dylan; recorded July 1962; released August 1963
“She Loves You” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded July 1963; released August 1963
“In My Room” as credited to by The Beach Boys
Written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher; recorded July 1963; released October 1963
“It’s All Right” as performed by The Impressions
Written by Curtis Mayfield; recorded summer 1963; released October 1963
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” as performed by Darlene Love
Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector; recorded September 1963; released November 1963
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” as performed by The Beatles
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded October 1963; released November 1963
Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on August 8, 2021, for our discussion on 1964.
