Motown – Page 2

1973 Hall of Songs Nominees: The Beginnings of Punk, Disco, and Bruce

On Hall of Songs, the 1970s have truly arrived.

Tim and Chris unveil their picks for the 12 best tunes of 1973, a wild year where musicians continue to stretch the limits of popular song. There’s the sneering punk of the New York Dolls and the lush dancefloor proto-disco of “TSOP.” Then there are massive stars who will come to define the decade: Elton John, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, and Bruce Springsteen.

After listening to our nominees, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1973, plus tunes from 1972, ’71, ’70, ’69, ’68 and ’67 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on December 17 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1973 nominees:

“Dixie Chicken” as performed by Little Feat
- Written by Lowell George and Fred Martin; recorded late 1972; released January 1973
“Ooh La La” as performed by Faces
- Written by Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood; recorded January 1973; released March 1973
“Let’s Get It On” as performed by Marvin Gaye
- Written by Marvin Gaye and Ed Townsend; recorded March 1973; released June 1973
“I Can’t Stand the Rain” as performed by Ann Peebles
- Written by Ann Peebles, Don Bryant and Bernard Miller; recorded spring 1973; released July 1973
“Personality Crisis” as performed by New York Dolls
- Written by David Johansen and Johnny Thunders; recorded April 1973; released July 1973
“Midnight Train to Georgia” as performed by Gladys Knight and the Pips
- Written by Jim Weatherly; recorded summer 1973; released August 1973
“Living For the City” as performed by Stevie Wonder
- Written by Stevie Wonder; recorded spring 1973; released August 1973
“Free Bird” as performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Written by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant; recorded April 1973; released August 1973
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as performed by Elton John
- Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; recorded May 1973; released September 1973
“Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” as performed by Bruce Springsteen
- Written by Bruce Springsteen; recorded summer 1973; released September 1973
“Jolene” as performed by Dolly Parton
- Written by Dolly Parton; recorded May 1973; released October 1973
“TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” as performed by MFSB
- Written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff; recorded summer 1973; released late 1973

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 December 31, 2021 to find out the voting results, and January 2, 2022 for our discussion on 1974.

18th Election Results! No Spoilers! But the End is Near For a Few Big Names …

After our 1972 episode, we asked you to vote for the songs that you thought were worthy of the Hall of Songs. After that election … we have results. But we’re not giving anything away. Not this time! (You’ll have to listen to find out more.)

That said, we will say that a few songs that we expected better of are either off the ballot or very close to their end. Which songs? Again, you’ll have to listen.

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

…

Alright. Let’s congratulate the following song on making the Hall of Songs …

Let’s Stay Together / Al Green – 66.67%

Continuing to the next round of voting

Superstition / Stevie Wonder – 56.67% (1st round)
You Can’t Always Get What You Want / The Rolling Stones – 53.33% (2nd round)
Won’t Get Fooled Again / The Who – 53.33% (2nd round)
Rocket Man / Elton John – 53.33% (1st round)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman / Aretha Franklin – 50% (6th round)
Ain’t No Sunshine / Bill Withers – 50% (2nd round)
Layla / Derek and the Dominos – 46.67% (3rd round)
Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone / The Temptations – 46.67% (1st round)
You’re So Vain / Carly Simon – 46.67% (1st round)
All Along the Watchtower / The Jimi Hendrix Experience – 43.33% (5th round)
Walk on the Wild Side / Lou Reed – 43.33% (1st round)
Bridge Over Troubled Water / Simon and Garfunkel – 40% (2nd round)
Here Comes the Sun / The Beatles – 36.67% (4th round)
Lean on Me / Bill Withers – 36.67% (1st round)

Eliminated from the ballot

Baba O’Riley / The Who – 33.33% (2nd round)
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes / Crosby, Stills & Nash – 30% (4th round)
You Are the Sunshine of My Life / Stevie Wonder – 30% (1st round)
Thirteen / Big Star – 26.67% (1st round)
I Can See Clearly Now / Johnny Nash – 23.33% (1st round)
Suspicious Minds / Elvis Presley – 16.67% (4th round)
The Harder They Come / Jimmy Cliff – 16.67% (1st round)
Go All the Way / Raspberries – 13.33% (1st round)
Back Stabbers / The O’Jays – 10% (1st round)

1972 Hall of Songs Nominees: Power Pop, Philly Soul, Elton and Carly

Subjectively, this was one of our favorite years to discuss.

In this episode of Hall of Songs, Tim and Chris get to talk about some of their favorite artists and styles of music as 1972 brings a wealth of new sounds to the growing tapestry of rock ‘n’ roll. Which 12 songs will we decide are the best of this year?

After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1972, plus tunes from 1971, ’70, ’69, ’68 and ’67 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on December 17 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1972 nominees:

“Go All the Way” as performed by Raspberries
- Written by Eric Carmen; recorded early 1972; released April 1972
“Rocket Man” as performed by Elton John
- Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; recorded January 1972; released April 1972
“Lean on Me” as performed by Bill Withers
- Written by Bill Withers; recorded early 1972; released April 1972
“Thirteen” as performed by Big Star
- Written by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell; recorded late 1971; released April 1972
“I Can See Clearly Now” as performed by Johnny Nash
- Written by Johnny Nash; recorded late 1971; released June 1972
“The Harder They Come” as performed by Jimmy Cliff
- Written by Jimmy Cliff; recorded early 1972; released July 1972
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” as performed by The Temptations
- Written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield; recorded June 1972; released July 1972
“Back Stabbers” as performed by The O’Jays
- Written by Leon Huff, Gene McFadden and John Whitehead; recorded spring 1972; released August 1972
“Superstition” as performed by Stevie Wonder
- Written by Stevie Wonder; recorded summer 1972; released October 1972
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” as performed by Stevie Wonder
- Written by Al green, Willie Mitchell and Al Jackson Jr.; recorded summer 1972; released October 1972
“Walk on the Wild Side” as performed by Lou Reed
- Written by Lou Reed; recorded August 1972; released November 1972
“You’re So Vain” as performed by Carly Simon
- Written by Carly Simon; recorded summer 1972; released November 1971

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 December 17, 2021 to find out the voting results, and December 19, 2021 for our discussion on 1973.

17th Election Results! The Most Surprising Cut Yet

Yes, there are new inductees in the Hall of Songs. Maybe they’re the songs you most expected after listening to the 1971 episode.

But the big news is what’s on the other side of the ballot: Tim and Chris discuss some shocking cuts — songs that didn’t get enough support to stay on the ballot any longer.

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

…

Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

What’s Going On / Marvin Gaye – 66.67%
Stairway to Heaven / Led Zeppelin – 66.67%

Continuing to the next round of voting

Layla / Derek and the Dominos – 54.16% (2nd round)
Let’s Stay Together / Al Green – 54.16% (1st round)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman / Aretha Franklin – 50% (5th round)
You Can’t Always Get What You Want / The Rolling Stones – 50% (1st round)
Ain’t No Sunshine / Bill Withers – 50% (1st round)
All Along the Watchtower / The Jimi Hendrix Experience – 45.83% (4th round)
Here Comes the Sun / The Beatles – 45.83% (3rd round)
Bridge Over Troubled Water / Simon and Garfunkel – 45.83% (1st round)
Won’t Get Fooled Again / The Who – 45.83% (1st round)
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes / Crosby, Stills & Nash – 41.67% (3rd round)
Baba O’Riley / The Who – 41.67% (1st round)
Suspicious Minds / Elvis Presley – 37.5% (3rd round)

Eliminated from the ballot

Wichita Lineman / Glen Campbell – 29.16% (1st round)
Angel From Montgomery / John Prine – 29.16% (1st round)
Imagine / John Lennon – 29.16% (1st round)
Fire and Rain / James Taylor – 25% (2nd round)
River / Joni Mitchell – 25% (1st round)
Family Affair / Sly and the Family Stone – 25% (1st round)
Without You / Harry Nilsson – 25% (1st round)
Life on Mars? / David Bowie – 25% (1st round)
Ohio / Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – 20.83% (2nd round)
Hey Jude / The Beatles – 12.50% (4th round)
No Matter What / Badfinger – 0% (1st round)

1971 Hall of Songs Nominees: The Greatest Year in Music History?

We had to narrow down an insane pool of contenders from 1971 to 12 nominees for the Hall of Songs.

This is the year of landmark releases by Marvin Gaye, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, the Who, and Sly and the Family Stone. Plus there’s Harry Nilsson, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, and David Bowie. And that’s just scratching the surface.

In this episode, you’ll hear the 12 songs we feel are the best of an incredible year of music.

After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1971, plus tunes from 1970, ’69, ’68 and ’67 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on December 3 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1971 nominees:

“Angel From Montgomery” as performed by John Prine
- Written by John Prine; recorded winter 1970; released January 1971
“What’s Going On” as performed by Marvin Gaye
- Written by Al Cleveland, Renaldo Benson and Marvin Gaye; recorded summer 1970; released January 1971
“Ain’t No Sunshine” as performed by Bill Withers
- Written by Bill Withers; recorded spring 1971; released May 1971
“River” as performed by Joni Mitchell
- Written by Joni Mitchell; recorded spring 1970; released June 1971
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” as performed by The Who
- Written by Pete Townshend; recorded May 1971; released June 1971
“Baba O’Riley” as performed by The Who
- Written by Pete Townshend; recorded April 1971; released August 1971
“Imagine” as performed by John Lennon
- Written by John Lennon; recorded spring 1971; released September 1971
“Family Affair” as performed by Sly and the Family Stone
- Written by Sly Stone; recorded spring 1970; released October 1971
“Without You” as performed by Harry Nilsson
- Written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans; recorded summer 1971; released October 1970
“Let’s Stay Together” as performed by Al Green
- Written by Al green, Willie Mitchell and Al Jackson Jr.; recorded summer 1971; released November 1971
“Stairway to Heaven” as performed by Led Zeppelin
- Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant; recorded December 1970; released November 1971
“Life on Mars?” as performed by David Bowie
- Written by David Bowie; recorded summer 1971; released December 1971

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 November 19, 2021 to find out the voting results, and November 21, 2021 for our discussion on 1971.

16th Election Results! Vengeance and Vindication

It’s a thrilling episode of Hall of Songs, in which Tim and Chris discuss the results of the latest round of voting.

One song definitely gets into the Hall, and that makes one of us very happy. Any more songs? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

…

Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

My Girl / The Temptations – 66.67%
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay / Otis Redding – 66.67%
Let It Be / The Beatles – 66.67%

Continuing to the next round of voting

Hey Jude / The Beatles – 53.33% (3rd round)
Suspicious Minds / Elvis Presley – 53.33% (2nd round)
Layla / Derek and the Dominos – 53.33% (1st round)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman / Aretha Franklin – 43.33% (4th round)
All Along the Watchtower / The Jimi Hendrix Experience – 40% (3rd round)
Here Comes the Sun / The Beatles – 40% (2nd round)
Fire and Rain / James Taylor – 40% (1st round)
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes / Crosby, Stills & Nash – 36.67% (2nd round)
Ohio / Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – 36.67% (1st round)

Eliminated from the ballot

Paranoid / Black Sabbath – 33.33% (1st round)
I’ll Be There / The Jackson 5 – 30% (1st round)
Move on Up / Curtis Mayfield – 30% (1st round)
Sympathy For the Devil / The Rolling Stones – 26.67% (3rd round)
Big Yellow Taxi / Joni Mitchell – 26.67% (1st round)
Lola / The Kinks – 26.67% (1st round)
Proud Mary / Creedence Clearwater Revival – 23.33% (2nd round)
Fortunate Son / Creedence Clearwater Revival – 23.33% (2nd round)
Heartbreaker / Led Zeppelin – 23.33% (2nd round)
A Day in the Life / The Beatles – 20% (4th round)
Iron Man / Black Sabbath – 20% (1st round)
Sweet Jane / The Velvet Underground – 20% (1st round)
War / Edwin Starr – 13.33% (1st round)

1970 Hall of Songs Nominees: The Last of the Beatles, The Best of Black Sabbath

We’re in a new decade on Hall of Songs, the podcast that attempts to determine the greatest songs of all-time.

1970 brings us new fare from artists we’ve previously featured, like the Beatles and the Jackson 5. It also showcases some new sounds in music, from the bulky heavy rock of Black Sabbath to the rhythmic vibes of Curtis Mayfield.

After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1970, plus tunes from 1969, ’68, ’67, ’66, and ’65 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on November 19 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1970 nominees:

“Fire and Rain” as performed by James Taylor
- Written by James Taylor; recorded December 1969; released February 1970
“Big Yellow Taxi” as performed by Joni Mitchell
- Written by Joni Mitchell; recorded January 1970; released April 1970
“Let it Be” as performed by The Beatles
- Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded January 1969; released May 1970
“War” as performed by Edwin Starr
- Written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield; recorded May 1970; released June 1970
“Ohio” as performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
- Written by Neil Young; recorded May 1970; released June 1970
“Lola” as performed by The Kinks
- Written by Ray Davies; recorded April 1970; released June 1970
“Paranoid” as performed by Black Sabbath
- Written by Tommy Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward; recorded June 1970; released August 1970
“I’ll Be There” as performed by The Jackson 5
- Written by Berry Gordy, Bob West, Willie Hutch and Hal Davis; recorded June 1970; released August 1970
“Iron Man” as performed by Black Sabbath
- Written by Tommy Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward; recorded June 1970; released September 1970
“Move on Up” as performed by Curtis Mayfield
- Written by Curtis Mayfield; recorded June 1970; released September 1970
“Sweet Jane” as performed by The Velvet Underground
- Written by Lou Reed; recorded June 1970; released November 1970
“Layla” as performed by Derek and the Dominos
- Written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon; recorded September 1970; released November 1970

15th Election Results! 2 Hall of Songs Inductees … 1 Host

It’s time to induct new songs into the Hall of Songs, bringing the total to 36.

Is it finally time for the Temptations’ “My Girl”? Did the Beatles or Elvis Presley get a third song in? What about Otis Redding or Aretha Franklin? Maybe The Jackson 5?

Join Tim (and only Tim) for this results show. That’s right, Chris isn’t around for this one. We’ll talk about it.

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

…

Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

Gimme Shelter / The Rolling Stones – 75%
The Weight / The Band – 66.67%

Continuing to the next round of voting

Suspicious Minds / Elvis Presley – 58.33% (1st round)
My Girl / The Temptations – 54.16% (5th round)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman / Aretha Franklin – 50% (3rd round)
Hey Jude / The Beatles – 50% (2nd round)
All Along the Watchtower / The Jimi Hendrix Experience – 50% (2nd round)
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes / Crosby, Stills & Nash – 50% (1st round)
Here Comes the Sun / The Beatles – 50% (1st round)
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay / Otis Redding – 45.83% (2nd round)
Proud Mary / Creedence Clearwater Revival – 45.83% (1st round)
Sympathy For the Devil / The Rolling Stones – 41.66% (2nd round)
Fortunate Son / Creedence Clearwater Revival – 41.66% (1st round)
A Day in the Life / The Beatles – 37.5% (3rd round)
Heartbreaker / Led Zeppelin – 37.5% (1st round)

Eliminated from the ballot

When a Man Loves a Woman / Percy Sledge – 33.33% (4th round)
Mrs. Robinson / Simon and Garfunkel – 33.33% (2nd round)
Paint It Black / The Rolling Stones – 29.16% (4th round)
I Want You Back / The Jackson 5 – 25% (1st round)
Walk on By / Isaac Hayes – 20.83% (1st round)
Both Sides, Now / Joni Mitchell – 16.66% (1st round)
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) / Sly and the Family Stone – 16.66% (1st round)
Piece of My Heart / Big Brother and the Holding Company – 12.5% (2nd round)
I Wanna Be Your Dog / The Stooges – 12.5% (1st round)

1969 Hall of Songs Nominees: Led Zeppelin, The Jackson 5, and Some Controversy?

You may have some questions after our 1969 picks for Hall of Songs nominees.

Sure, you’ll hear some of the biggest songs of all-time, including selections by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and new stars like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Led Zeppelin, but we had to throw in some controversy this time around.

Get ready for a year of big rock and pop hits, massive soul jams, and pioneering folk rock and singer-songwriter fare.

After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1969, plus tunes from 1968, ’67, ’66, and ’65 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on October 29 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1969 nominees:

“Proud Mary” as performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Written by John Fogerty; recorded late 1968; released January 1969
“Both Sides, Now” as performed by Joni Mitchell
- Written by Joni Mitchell; recorded late 1968; released May 1969
“Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” as performed by Crosby, Stills & Nash
- Written by Stephen Stills; recorded February 1969; released May 1969
“Walk On By” as performed by Isaac Hayes
- Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David; recorded early 1969; released June 1969
“I Wanna Be Your Dog” as performed by The Stooges
- Written by Dave Alexander, Ron Asheton, Scott Asheton and Iggy Pop; recorded April 1969; released July 1969
“Suspicious Minds” as performed by Elvis Presley
- Written by Mark James; recorded January 1969; released August 1969
“Here Comes the Sun” as performed by The Beatles
- Written by George Harrison; recorded July 1969; released September 1969
“Fortunate Son” as performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Written by John Fogerty; recorded August 1969; released October 1969
“I Want You Back” as performed by The Jackson 5
- Written by Berry Gordy, Freddie Pirren, Alphonso Mizell and Deke Richards; recorded July 1969; released October 1969
“Heartbreaker” as performed by Led Zeppelin
- Written by John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant; recorded summer 1969; released October 1969
“Gimme Shelter” as performed by The Rolling Stones
- Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards; recorded February 1969; released December 1969
“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” as performed by Sly and the Family Stone
- Written by Sly Stone; recorded late 1969; released December 1969

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 29, 2021 to find out the voting results, and October 31, 2021 for our discussion on 1970.

14th Election Results! Did the Listeners Prove Tim Wrong and Put in The Doors?

Recently, and for the first time, Tim opted not to reward the Doors’ “Light My Fire” with entrance into the Hall of Songs via the Golden Vote. “Prove me wrong,” he told listeners, who were tasked with another election including songs from 1968, ’67, ’66, and ’65.

So … did the listeners prove Tim wrong?

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

…

Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

Light My Fire / The Doors – 69.56%
I Heard It Through the Grapevine – 69.56%

Continuing to the next round of voting

The Weight / The Band – 65.21% (1st round)
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay / Otis Redding – 65.21% (1st round)
Hey Jude / The Beatles – 65.21% (1st round)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman / Aretha Franklin – 56.5% (2nd round)
All Along the Watchtower / The Jimi Hendrix Experience – 56.52% (1st round)
My Girl / The Temptations – 52.17% (4th round)
When a Man Loves a Woman / Percy Sledge – 47.82% (3rd round)
Piece of My Heart / Big Brother and the Holding Company – 47.82% (1st round)
Sympathy For the Devil / The Rolling Stones – 47.82% (1st round)
A Day in the Life / The Beatles – 43.47% (2nd round)
Paint It Black / The Rolling Stones – 39.13% (3rd round)
Mrs. Robinson / Simon and Garfunkel – 39.13% (1st round)

Eliminated from the ballot

Turn, Turn, Turn / The Byrds – 34.78% (2nd round)
Everyday People / Sly and the Family Stone – 34.78% (1st round)
Strawberry Fields Forever / The Beatles – 30.43% (2nd round)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough / Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – 26.08% (2nd round)
Eleanor Rigby / The Beatles – 21.73.% (2nd round)
Street Fighting Man / The Rolling Stones – 17.39% (1st round)
Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud / James Brown – 4.34% (1st round)
Israelites / Desmond Dekker and the Aces – 0% (1st round)