Tunes Du Jour Presents 1974

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The music of 1974 proved that the pop charts could be both wildly fun and profoundly moving. It was a year where novelty songs like Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting” and Ray Stevens’ “The Streak” shared space with deeply resonant tracks like Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City” and Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do).” While it’s easy to dismiss the year as a playground for lighthearted hits, a closer listen reveals a wealth of outstanding singles that still resonate today.

Take “Rock Your Baby” by George McCrae, for example. Often credited as one of the earliest disco hits, its smooth groove helped usher in a new musical era. Meanwhile, Paul McCartney & Wings offered rock escapism with “Band on the Run,” a mini-suite that felt cinematic in scope. Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” with its pleading urgency and timeless melody, has become a cultural touchstone, while David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” gave glam rock an anthem for the ages.

It was also a year of musical storytelling. Terry Jacks’ “Seasons in the Sun” might be remembered as saccharine by some, but its tale of farewell struck a chord with listeners. In a completely different vein, Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City” painted a vivid picture of systemic inequality, blending sharp social commentary with impeccable musicianship. These songs showcased the versatility of 1974’s music, capable of being both personal and political.

Of course, 1974 also gave us unabashedly joyful hits that simply aimed to make us feel good. The Hues Corporation’s “Rock the Boat” was an irresistible call to the dance floor, while ABBA’s “Waterloo” introduced the Swedish group’s knack for crafting pop perfection. On the romantic front, Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” and The Stylistics’ “You Make Me Feel Brand New” showcased lush, heartfelt soul.

For every “The Streak,” there was a “Help Me” by Joni Mitchell—a song of intricate vulnerability. For every “Kung Fu Fighting,” there was a “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” by Steely Dan—an effortlessly cool fusion of jazz and rock. The pop charts of 1974 reflected a fascinating duality, where silly and sublime coexisted, creating a year of music that remains as memorable as it was diverse.

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Tunes Du Jour Presents 1986

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Looking back at 1986, what stands out isn’t just the quality of the music, but how effortlessly genres merged and boundaries dissolved. Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” wasn’t just a collaboration – it was a statement about how rock and hip-hop could amplify each other’s strengths. Prince, at the height of his powers, stripped everything down to bare essentials with “Kiss,” proving his superstardom could take any form. Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” became inescapable, powered by one of the era’s most iconic videos, while Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” merged art rock with soul and funk, accompanied by groundbreaking stop-motion animation.

The women of pop music wielded particular influence that year. Madonna continued pushing buttons with “Papa Don’t Preach,” tackling teenage pregnancy in a way that sparked national conversation. Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” showcased her extraordinary vocal range while proving dance-pop could be both sophisticated and irresistible. Janet Jackson asked “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” establishing herself as a force independent of her famous family. Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” transcended its moment, becoming an enduring anthem of self-acceptance that would be covered for decades to come.

The underground was rising to the surface, but keeping its edge. The Smiths’ “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” brought literary depth to alternative rock, while New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle” helped blueprint the future of electronic dance music. The Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls” married street-smart observations with pristine synth-pop, and Public Image Ltd.’s “Rise” proved post-punk could evolve without losing its bite. Even The Cure, with “In Between Days,” found a way to make melancholy sound surprisingly radio-friendly.

Soul and R&B were experiencing their own renaissance. Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” brought sophisticated quiet storm to the mainstream, while Cameo’s “Word Up!” demonstrated funk’s continuing vitality. Grace Jones’ “Slave to the Rhythm” showcased the artist’s commanding presence, and James Brown reminded everyone he was still the Godfather of Soul with “Living in America.” The year also saw George Michael step out of Wham!’s shadow with “A Different Corner,” proving he could hold his own as a solo artist.

The year proved fertile ground for both established and emerging voices. Bruce Springsteen’s “My Hometown” painted a portrait of a changing America, while Billy Bragg’s “Levi Stubbs’ Tears” showed how personal stories could carry political weight. Elvis Costello’s “I Want You” pushed the boundaries of what a love song could express, and R.E.M.’s “Fall on Me” managed to be both cryptic and urgently relevant. Meanwhile, LL Cool J’s “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” brought hip-hop closer to the mainstream while maintaining its street credibility. In retrospect, 1986 wasn’t just a great year for music – it was a moment when artists across the spectrum proved that innovation and accessibility weren’t mutually exclusive.

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My Favorite Songs Of 2024

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  1. Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan
  2. HOT TO GO! – Chappell Roan
  3. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM – Beyoncé
  4. Houdini – Dua Lipa
  5. I KNOW ? – Travis Scott
  6. Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
  7. girl, so confusing – Charli xcx & Lorde
  8. Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
  9. I Guess Time Just Makes Fools Of Us All – Father John Misty
  10. Like That – Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
  11. Training Season – Dua Lipa
  12. Jerkin’ – Amyl and The Sniffers
  13. Nothing Matters – The Last Dinner Party
  14. Water – Tyla
  15. Guess – Charli xcx feat. Billie Eilish
  16. Broken Man – St. Vincent
  17. Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter
  18. Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
  19. Starburster – Fontaines D.C.
  20. Abigail – Soccer Mommy
  21. Step Into Your Power – Ray LaMontagne
  22. What About the Children? – Gary Clark Jr. feat. Stevie Wonder
  23. LUNCH – Billie Eilish
  24. WILDFLOWER – Billie Eilish
  25. MY HOUSE – Beyoncé
  26. Mamushi – Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
  27. Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
  28. yes, and? – Ariana Grande
  29. My Golden Years – The Lemon Twigs
  30. All In Good Time – Iron & Wine feat. Fiona Apple
  31. Taste – Sabrina Carpenter
  32. Lights Camera Action – Kylie Minogue
  33. The Architect – Kacey Musgraves
  34. That’s How I’m Feeling – Jack White
  35. Dancing in the Flames – The Weeknd
  36. BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish
  37. Femenine – Empress Of
  38. Saturn – SZA
  39. Once in a Lifetime – Joshua Idehen with the Social Singing Choir
  40. Capricorn – Vampire Weekend
  41. The Door – Teddy Swims
  42. Calling You Out – Charly Bliss
  43. Mess It Up – The Rolling Stones
  44. Eusexua – FKA twigs
  45. x-ray eyes – LCD Soundsystem
  46. Grace – IDLES
  47. Too Sweet – Hozier
  48. Young Lion – Sade Adu
  49. Baddy on the Floor – Jamie xx and Honey Dijon
  50. Euphoria – Kendrick Lamar
  51. Life – Jamie xx & Robyn
  52. Mother Nature – MGMT
  53. JOLENE – Beyoncé
  54. The Rest of Me – Michael Kiwanuka
  55. Worth It. – RAYE
  56. Dream Job – Yard Act
  57. Mood Swings – Little Simz
  58. All You Children – Jamie xx & The Avalanches
  59. The Light Nights – Camera Obscura
  60. J CHRIST – Lil Nas X
  61. Weightless – Romy
  62. 360 – Charli xcx featuring Robyn and Yung Lean
  63. LEVII’S JEANS – Beyoncé featuring Post Malone
  64. Sinner – The Last Dinner Party
  65. Sticky – Tyler, the Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
  66. Too Much – girl in red
  67. Well, Alright – Johnny Cash
  68. Peaceful Place – Leon Bridges
  69. Clams Casino – Cassandra Jenkins
  70. Sympathy Is a Knife – Charli xcx feat. Ariana Grande
  71. Take Me Home, Country Roads – Lana Del Rey
  72. Racist Piece of Shit – Fishbone
  73. While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Lucinda Williams
  74. Classical – Vampire Weekend
  75. Bells and Whistles – Bright Eyes
  76. Alimony – Miranda Lambert
  77. Genesis. – RAYE
  78. Neva Play – Megan Thee Stallion feat. RM of BTS
  79. Disease – Lady Gaga
  80.  BLACKBIIRD – Beyoncé with Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy
  81. Flea – St. Vincent
  82. Friend of a Friend – The Smile
  83. HIND’S HALL – Macklemore
  84. HISS – Megan Thee Stallion
  85. Timeless – The Weeknd with Playboi Carti
  86. 16 CARRIAGES – Beyoncé
  87. we can’t be friends (wait for your love) – Ariana Grande
  88. On My Mama – Victoria Monét
  89. Death Valley High – Orville Peck featuring Beck
  90. Tennessee Rise – The Tennessee Freedom Singers
  91. The Feminine Urge – The Last Dinner Party
  92. Surround Sound – JID feat. 21 Savage & Baby Tate
  93. Talk Talk – Charli xcx
  94. Cinderella – Remi Wolf
  95. Afterlife – Sharon Van Etten
  96. Real Good – Homeboy Sandman
  97. Sexy To Someone – Clairo
  98. Beaches – Beabadoobee
  99. Favourite – Fontaines D.C.

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Tunes Du Jour Celebrates World Kindness Day

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Today is World Kindness Day. While every day would be a great day to practice basic human decency, some people are nasty assbags with no regard for others. If you’re one of those walking masterpieces of jackholery, here’s a wild idea: try being kind for ONE WHOLE DAY and see what it does. For example, let’s say you’re the personal assistant to someone who lives in a building with other residents. When you’re walking out of the building’s front door just in front of a neighbor who is holding his 17-year-old blind dog and leading his other pupper on a leash, maybe – and I’m just spitballing here – don’t let the door slam in their face, you self-absorbed piece of human garbage. And if said neighbor thoughtfully moves your precious Tesla charging cable to prevent damage (gasp – the audacity of helping!), perhaps, don’t show up at his door and berate him for protecting your property. Wild concept: Show some gratitude for his thoughtfulness. Consider saying “thank you,” you self-important, unreasonable, entitled, high-handed weenie.

FFS people, be kind! Rewind!

(Any resemblance to persons unfortunately living is purely intentional.)

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Tunes Du Jour Presents 1969

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The music of 1969 captures a unique crossroads in cultural history—a year teetering between optimism and cynicism, unity and rebellion. Looking at a playlist from this year reveals a blend of genres and voices, each reflecting a society in flux. The playlist’s tracks encompass themes of love, social change, disillusionment, and raw individualism, echoing the era’s contradictions and bold spirit.

On one end of the spectrum, songs like Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” and Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” echo traditional themes of love, loyalty, and heartbreak, though with a hint of modern skepticism. Presley’s soulful performance marked his return to chart-topping success, while Wynette’s hit became a polarizing anthem, embraced by some for its devotion and questioned by others for its apparent passivity. Meanwhile, Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” captured a more introspective side of the decade, blending pop and country into a haunting portrayal of loneliness and perseverance.

But 1969 wasn’t all about introspection; it was also a year of unrestrained expression and pushing boundaries. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” hinted at a sense of looming danger, with its ominous lyrics striking a nerve during a time of political upheaval. In contrast, “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones embraced the gritty allure of rock and roll without aiming for a larger societal message. Jagger’s tales of chance encounters and gin-soaked nights represent the Stones’ unapologetic celebration of indulgence, sidestepping introspection in favor of pure hedonism.

Amidst the wild spirit of rock, 1969 also offered more uplifting messages with a hint of idealism. Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” and The Youngbloods’ “Get Together” conveyed calls for unity that resonated deeply in an era fraught with political and racial tensions. Sly Stone’s anthem became a rallying cry for acceptance, emphasizing individuality while embracing common ground. Similarly, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension captured the essence of the countercultural movement in all its utopian ambitions, even if the optimism was a bit idealistic in hindsight.

Then there was the music that addressed disillusionment head-on, perhaps best captured by Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” and Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” Both songs offer reflective, sometimes jaded perspectives on life’s struggles and the disappointments that can accompany maturity. Where “The Boxer” tells the story of a young man grappling with hardship and loss, Lee’s dry wit in “Is That All There Is?” confronts the emptiness that can lie beneath life’s surface pleasures.

Ultimately, this playlist from 1969 feels like a time capsule of an era balancing between hope and disillusionment. From the raw proto-punk of The Stooges to the tender balladry of Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” the year’s music speaks to a generation grappling with unprecedented social changes. Through these songs, 1969 continues to resonate, reminding us that music often reflects the spirit of its time while challenging listeners to consider where they stand.

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Tunes Du Jour Presents Holland-Dozier-Holland

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Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland, collectively known as Holland-Dozier-Holland (H-D-H), are synonymous with the sound of Motown. Their string of hits in the 1960s and beyond fueled the success of the record label, shaping popular music and paving the way for R&B to dominate the airwaves. Each song on this playlist, from The Four Tops’ powerful “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” to The Supremes’ iconic “Where Did Our Love Go,” credits one or more members of H-D-H. With a blend of melody, rhythm, and hooks that remain timeless, the team’s work redefined what hit songwriting could accomplish.

This songwriting trio didn’t merely write songs—they crafted narratives of love, heartbreak, and resilience that resonated with audiences across generations. Tracks like “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)” by The Isley Brothers and Marvin Gaye’s “Can I Get a Witness” reveal the emotional depth in their compositions, supported by rhythms and production styles that have endured decades of cover versions. Their songs often feel instantly recognizable, whether it’s the infectious chorus of Chairmen of the Board’s “Give Me Just a Little More Time” or the stomping beat of Junior Walker & the All-Stars’ “(I’m A) Road Runner.”

The irony, however, is that Eddie Holland, despite being a key member of the team, had only one top 40 pop single as a solo artist, “Jamie”—and it wasn’t written by any member of Holland-Dozier-Holland. Instead, it was penned by Barrett Strong and William “Mickey” Stevenson, fellow Motown talents who contributed in their own right to the label’s powerhouse status. Though Eddie found his calling behind the scenes rather than as a performer, his experience as an artist gave him unique insight into the singer’s perspective, a quality that helped make H-D-H’s songs vocally compelling and relatable.

Beyond Motown, the trio’s influence stretched into rock, pop, and soul genres, as evident from covers and reinterpretations by artists like The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, and Bananarama. These renditions, like Linda Ronstadt’s cover of “Heat Wave” or James Taylor’s soulful take on “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” show how their music transcended genre boundaries. Each version emphasizes the versatility of H-D-H’s songwriting, capable of adapting to various musical expressions while retaining its core appeal.

Ultimately, the legacy of Holland-Dozier-Holland isn’t just in their impressive catalog but in their contributions to the very essence of popular music. They captured the spirit of a generation through music that continues to find new audiences, sounding as fresh today as it did over half a century ago. Their work endures, a testament to their genius, and is rightly celebrated by the many artists who’ve covered and revived their timeless songs.

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