A used unwashed black t-shirt worn by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong during the promotion of the band’s American Idiot album sold for $2500 at a charity auction, with the proceeds going to the Oakland School of the Arts. I would love to dispose of my laundry pile the same way, but I doubt anybody would pay more than $400 for my sweat-stained socks.
Billie Joe Armstrong was born on this date in 1972. Tracks from his band are included on today’s playlist.
1972. The Vietnam War raged on, Watergate loomed, and the social landscape shifted beneath our feet. Amidst this backdrop of upheaval, our ears tuned in to a soundtrack that transcended mere melodies—it pulsed with the countercultural spirit and the burgeoning individuality of an era. Let us step back in time, dust off the record player, and explore the timeless tunes that wove themselves into the fabric of our lives—a kaleidoscope of genres and voices that defined a generation.
Al Green crooned “Let’s Stay Together,” his velvet voice weaving an unwavering plea for commitment.
Roberta Flack tenderly sang “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” etching raw vulnerability into our hearts.
Don McLean painted a poignant picture of a generation in transition with his epic “American Pie.”
Alice Cooper’s rebellious anthem “School’s Out” became the rallying cry for youth liberation, its raucous energy echoing through high school corridors.
Across the pond, T. Rex electrified listeners with glam rock swagger in “Bang a Gong (Get It On).”
Johnny Nash offered optimism with “I Can See Clearly Now,” a beacon of hope cutting through the haze.
Meanwhile, Elton John’s cosmic odyssey “Rocket Man” and David Bowie’s otherworldly anthem “Starman” transported us to distant galaxies, reflecting the era’s fascination with space exploration and introspection.
Jimmy Cliff addressed racial injustice and social struggles in “The Harder They Come.”
Big Star captured the bittersweet angst of adolescence in “Thirteen.”
The bluesy, swaggering classic “Tumbling Dice” by The Rolling Stones left an indelible marks on musical history.
And let’s not forget Elvis Presley, who still had magic to spare with “Burning Love.”
From the introspective musings of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” to the raw energy of Led Zeppelin, each track on this playlist embodies the spirit of its time while transcending it—a symphony that continues to resonate across generations.
The music of 1972 continues to evoke nostalgia and stir emotions across generations. These iconic tunes remind us of the enduring legacy of artists who dared to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. So turn up the volume and let these timeless tunes whisk you back to celebrate the enduring beauty of music that transcends generations.
Five years after then president of The Recording Academy proclaimed that women need to step up, the ladies have responded with “How’s this, jerkface?” Women dominate this year’s Grammy nominations. More importantly, all but two of the top 20 songs on my year-end list are led by female artists (with one guy showing up to provide guest vocals). That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. I don’t have a deep analysis for this phenomenon, but I do have a deep appreciation for the talent and diversity of these women (not that women have ever been underrepresented in my annual tallies). The highest placing male acts on my 2023 list are none other than The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Yes, you read that right. The legends are back, and they still can show the young-uns how it’s done. With their song “Angry,” The Rolling Stones have achieved a remarkable feat: the longest span from first appearance to most recent appearance in my year-end surveys. In 1981, my first year of making such lists, the group placed with “Start Me Up.” The 80s are also well represented by Kylie Minogue and Madonna, each of whom made a triumphant return to my list after long absences. Welcome back, ladies! And last but not least, let’s give a round of applause to Megan Thee Stallion, who has been in my top five for five years in a row. That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. Now, without further ado, here is my list of the best songs of 2023. Enjoy!
Ice Cream Man. – RAYE
vampire – Olivia Rodrigo
Kill Bill – SZA
Bongos – Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Not Strong Enough – boygenius
Flowers – Miley Cyrus
Escapism. – RAYE & 070 Shake
Paint the Town Red – Doja Cat
Lipstick Lover – Janelle Monáe
Nobody Gets Me – SZA
Dance the Night – Dua Lipa
Shirt – SZA
AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue
Cobra – Megan Thee Stallion
Brenda Put Your Bra On – Ashley McBryde, Caylee Hammack & Pillbox Patti
Angry – The Rolling Stones
Now and Then – The Beatles
Cool About It – boygenius
RATATA – Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey
