The Five Best Club-Ready George Michael Anthems
While not specifically a “dance” artist, the now sadly passed George Michael’s music was — and is still — enjoyed on dancefloors worldwide. In the era between 1980-2000, there were impressively very few artists who matched his ability to be able to create pop-as-dance songs that so immediately drove people’s feet to the dance floor worldwide. In honor of his amazing legacy, here are, statistically, his top five dance anthems ever.
5. Freedom ’90 (1990) (PURCHASE HERE)
By 1990, George Michael was entering his second decade as a pop icon and had yet to truly take the next level as a dance music superstar. However, it was with the release of his universally-appealing anthem “Freedom ’90” that he not only achieved club superstar status, but became a music legend on-the-rise. Most significant to “Freedom ’90’s” acclaim is a music video that, in featuring supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford, upon its launch on MTV was a mega-success.
4. Faith (1987) (PURCHASE HERE)
Guitar rock songs aren’t necessarily meant to drive dance floors crazy. However, not all guitar-driven rock songs are “Faith.” Similar to “Freedom ’90,” there’s a video that’s key to “Faith’s” excellence. George Michael morphing from neon-short and “CHOOSE LIFE” t-shirt wearing member of Wham into five o’clock shadow-having, leather jacket, sunglasses and cowboy boot-clad booty-shaking solo star was something else. In the era just past America’s roots rocker-to-dance maniac story Footloose being a huge hit, Michael’s song and look as an US star-maker makes sense.
3. Everything She Wants (1984) (PURCHASE HERE)
’80s Brit-pop duo Wham! were known for making everything from rap to pop during their six-year run. However, it’s their 1984-released tropical soul single “Everything She Wants” that revealed not only Michael’s standout solo voice, but as well the idea that Michael had much more to offer as a singer-songwriter. Production-wise it, alongside songs from the likes of Culture Club and The Police, amazingly showcased the Carribean influence on UK pop. It’s a (somewhat) hidden gem of a song that is absolutely deserving of praise.
2. I Want Your Sex (1986) (PURCHASE HERE)
Most pop songs about hooking up don’t include the lyric “sex is best when it’s one on one” to imply that monogamy is best. But, then again, most pop stars aren’t at George Michael’s level of appeal to both sexes in 1986. “I Want Your Sex” is Michael’s post-Wham! solo debut, and did everything to distance him from the finger-snapping pop of his former group. A top-ten dance song in every country in which it charted, it set a standard that he oftentimes met and amazingly enough, exceeded, during his career.
1. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (1985) (PURCHASE HERE)
In 1965, Motown legends Smokey Robinson and The Miracles released “Going To A Go-Go.” 20 years later, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley mirrored that song’s style and feel for “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” There’s something in how the 1985 song’s saxophones and guitars hop out of the speakers and attack the emotions of the listener that makes it a winner. Throw the brightest of pop vocals on top and it’s a next-level Michael smash that set the table for everything that followed.
My Favorite Pop Star Is Supporting WHO For President In 2016?!?!?
The debates are completed, all of the deplorables have been placed in their baskets, the emails have been checked twice, and the swatches of battle lines have been drawn in the most “bigly” (or is that “big league?”) manner possible. The 2016 American Presidential election is upon us, and if you’re on the fence, or remotely interested, here’s a last-second look at some of your favorite pop stars and who they’re supporting…
DONALD TRUMP
Aaron Carter
Aaron Carter’s come a long way from partying in his house and beating Shaquille O’Neal at basketball. These days, he’s done Dancing With the Stars, survived bankruptcy, recorded new music and yes, is voting for Donald Trump.
Azealia Banks
Indie pop’s angriest one-time darling is formerly NYC-based vocalist Azealia Banks. When not releasing critically-acclaimed underground albums and being kicked off Twitter for racist comments, she’s voting for Donald Trump.
Ted Nugent
“Cat Scratch Fever,” “Yank Me Crank Me,” “Wango Tango,” and an album named Penetrator are all the work of 1970s hard rock icon Ted Nugent. A noted Republican who has been quoted as saying “the whole world sucks, but America still sucks less,” he’s voting for Donald Trump.
Kid Rock
Impressively Kid Rock has rocked stages with Run DMC, R. Kelly, Ludacris, and Pharrell. Shockingly enough, while doing that, though having done that, he’s also voting for Donald Trump.
Mike Tyson
He defeated his first 37 boxing opponents, as well as prison, drug addiction, and yes, even the Fresh Prince. However, he’s most likely hoping that the nominee he supports, Donald Trump, defeats Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential election.
Hulk Hogan
Similar to Mike Tyson, Hulk Hogan defeated an impressive slew of foreign bad guys including The Iron Sheik, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper,” Nikolai Volkoff, Killer Khan, Andre the Giant, Earthquake, Sgt. Slaughter, and Yokozuna. However, noted international billionaire Donald Trump? That’s someone that The Hulkster would love to see as the American president.
HILLARY CLINTON
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has seven #1 hit singles. Maybe supporting Hillary Clinton’s run for #1 in the US Presidential election could lead to number eight.
Jay Z
From Pusha T to J. Cole, Big Sean, and more, many rappers #arewithher. However, the one-time Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder and Def Jam Records president being a Hillary Clinton supporter could be bigger than all of those combined.
Beyonce
Drake says that “Girls Like Beyonce,” and Kanye West has even stormed stages in defense of Queen Bey’s success. Who does Beyonce like and who has she performed on stages supporting? Hillary Clinton.
Ja Rule
We know that he’s all about “always [being] on time.” Let’s presume that he was also right on time in his support at the polls for Hillary Clinton, too.
Rupaul
In 1993, the New York City-based drag icon had a hit single with “Supermodel.” Do supermodels rock pantsuits? Maybe we’ll see at the Inaugural Ball…?
Katy Perry
Katy Perry once ”Kissed A Girl” (and liked it), and we know that she’s a fan of “Dark Horse”s, too. Given her clear appreciation for liberal initiatives like same-sex coupling and enabling society’s underdogs, it makes obvious sense that she’d be a supporter of Hillary Clinton, too.
Top Ten Pop-Meets-Rap Collaborations Of The Decades Eras
At Decades, Panorama Productions’ newest club, celebrating the pop music of the greatest-selling eras in music history is exactly what’s being done at all times. One of the keys to the music of these eras selling so well is that oftentimes genres were blended and blurred in ways that created fresh sounds and fanbases for hit singles. Notably, it’s when hip-hop and mainstream cultures merged when the hits were the biggest. Here’s the ten biggest-selling pop-meets-rap collaborations in the past thirty years.
All songs listed are also available for purchase by clicking them!
10. Eve feat. Gwen Stefani – Let Me Blow Ya Mind (2001)
#1 – 5 countries, 7 million singles sold
By 2001, Ruff Ryders’ affiliated rapper Eve had broken out from the considerable shadow of fellow “Double R” clique members DMX and Swizz Beatz to be rap’s top-selling female performer of that era. Dr. Dre and Scott Storch co-produced this heater, which was the second single from Scorpion, Eve’s breakthrough second album. For Eve and Gwen, it was the bigger-selling of their two Dre-produced collaborations, the other being, “Rich Girl,” a 2004 Stefani single.
9. Flo Rida feat. T-Pain – Low (2009)
#1 – 5 countries, 9 million singles sold
Before his debut 2009 single “Low,” Flo Rida was an appropriately-named emcee from Carol City, Florida. Comparatively, T-Pain had released three albums that had sold nearly two million copies in the United States alone, with five top-ten singles including 2007’s “Buy You A Drank (Shawty Snappin’).” T-Pain delivers on the hook for “Low,” as “Apple Bottom jeans, and boots with the furrrr” is probably one of the era’s most iconic moments.
8. Katy Perry feat. Juicy J – Dark Horse (2013)
#1 – 8 countries, 20 million sales and streams
Katy Perry goes electro-trap alongside a member from Three Six Mafia? That’s exactly what happened on this extremely surprising hit 2013 pop meets rap collaboration. Regarding working with Perry, one-time “Stay Fly” Three Six Mafia hit-maker Juicy J said, “My verse I did on that song, she was singing it. She’s really a genius, she was by the mixing board and telling the guy what to take in and take out. She’s really hands-on with her music, she knows music.”
7. Nelly feat. Kelly Rowland – Dilemma (2002)
#1 – 10 countries, 8 million singles sold
When St. Lunatic Nelly and Destiny’s Child member Rowland combined forces on 2002 R & B ballad “Dilemma,” the result was a Grammy-winning smash. In the same way that ‘80s heavy metal’s “rules” meant that every huge band needed a power ballad, rappers enlisted the aid of pop/soul divas to make their largest waves. Throw in a sample from Patti LaBelle’s 1983 R & B smash “Love, Need and Want You,” and the song had just enough OG soul legitimacy and pop power to make an impact.
6. Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland – SexyBack (2006)
#1 – 10 countries, 9 million sales
Following up partnering with Pharrell Williams for his 2002 album Justified, Justin Timberlake paired with another Virginia-born producer in Timbaland for 2006’s FutureSex/LoveSounds. Leading the charge on the album was this soulful electro-pop jam that featured Timbo in a role similar to Diddy, cheering on JT’s vocals from the background. Similar to so many Bad Boy hits of the late ‘90s, “SexyBack’s” mix of party chants, sexy soul lyrics, and a thumping beat are undeniable.
5. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg – California Gurls (2010)
#1 – 12 countries, 8 million sales
The standard setter for Katy Perry and Juicy J’s “Dark Horse” is her “surprising” collab with none other than Snoop Dogg for 2010’s “California Gurls.” Regarding the mega-hit’s inspiration, Perry noted, “it’s been a minute since we’ve had a California song and especially from a girl’s perspective. We took the references of Prince, which is always a great reference, and we took a lot of the ’90s, … almost that house music, some of those references.”
4. Puff Daddy, 112, and Faith Evans – I’ll Be Missing You (1996)
#1 – 14 countries, 10 million sales
Alongside his Bad Boy artists 112 and mourning widow Faith Evans, Puff Daddy bittersweetly honored the memory of his slain protege The Notorious BIG with 1996’s “I’ll Be Missing You.” The sample of The Police’s 1983 hit “Every Breath You Take” added to the song’s appeal, which made it to that point, Diddy’s biggest-selling artist single. An iconic songs that’s instantly recognizable as a part of hip-hop culture, it has a legacy that’s larger than the number of copies it’s sold overall.
3. Rihanna feat. Jay Z – Umbrella (2007)
#1 – 15 countries, 9 million sales
Amazingly enough, one of Rihanna’s biggest hits ever was originally written for Britney Spears. Of course, given that Jay Z was the president of Rihanna’s label Def Jam, there’s no guarantee that Hov would’ve appeared on Brit’s version of “Umbrella,” but still, what a fact in general, right?!?!? In one epic smash, “Little Miss Sunshine” broke out from being the child known for “Pon De Replay” into being the woman known for hits like “Work.”
2. Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean – Hips Don’t Lie (2005)
#1 – 16 countries, 6 million sales
When Caribbean dancehall mixed with Puerto Rican salsa on Haitian vocalist Wyclef Jean and Colombian singer Shakira’s 2005 hit “Hips Don’t Lie,” there’s the influence of two continents, 30 countries, 25 islands, and an American territory at play. Therefore, the song being a global smash makes sense. Throw in a music video with hip-shaking dancing, and there’s literally something in it for absolutely everyone.
1. Usher feat. Lil Jon – Yeah! (2004)
#1 – 16 countries, 7 million sales
“Peace up, A Town down.”
By 2004, Usher had already sold 17 million albums, and had nine top-ten singles. At the same time, Lil Jon had released two #1 indie albums, had two top 10 Billboard hits, and had produced three other smash singles for artists including the Ying Yang Twins. Jon’s street stardom mixed with Usher’s mainstream success on a single that used Jon’s signature catchphrase to make the most successful pop/rap collaboration of all time.
Top Five Max Martin Productions Of The 2000s-2010s
At Decades, we celebrate a ton of amazing pop songs from the past 30 years. If you were told that there was a producer who’d written and produced songs for everyone from the Backstreet Boys and Celine Dion to Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. Overall this same creative force produced 22 #1 Billboard songs for 13 different artists. Well, that producer’s name is Max Martin, and if you come to Decades, you’re more than likely to hear any of those 22 #1 hits, or his 43 Top #10 jams with 22 different artists as well. However, of those 65 top songs, there are five that were easily not just Martin’s five best sellers, but moreover five of the most memorable songs of the eras that Decades spans.
5. The Weeknd – I Can’t Feel My Face (2015) – #1 in 10 countries, 7 million in sales and streams
Prior to his breakthrough 2015 hit, the man born Abel Tesfaye would easily rank somewhere near the bottom of the list of artists you’d want to hear sing an early 80’s-era Michael Jackson-style disco ballad. However, it’s in the brilliance of Max Martin to discover the amazing range of The Weeknd’s falsetto, and the result was a “eee heee, wooo” away from basically being “Billie Jean.” The throwback vocal style of “I Can’t Feel My Face” being accented by a slow-mo bassline and delightful melody? It’s a total winner.
4. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg – California Gurls (2010) – #1 in 12 countries, 8 million in sales
The last tandem that anyone would ever expect to see together is one-time gospel singer Perry and cannabis king Snoop D-O-double gizzle. However, on 2010’s “California Girls,” the Long Beach County native’s bars somehow slide comfortably into place next to racing synths and a pounding electro bassline. One of Martin’s greatest gifts is knowing how to create tracks that have “just enough” funky swing and power pop influences to sound similar to, yet different than everything on the radio.
3. Taylor Swift – Shake It Off (2014) – #1 in 13 countries, 15 million in sales
There’s great reason to believe that Taylor Swift could put out anything and make every #1 chart hit #1 on every pop chart in the world. That’s not exactly true, but in figuring out how to wrap a song around Swift’s unique vocal tics, Max Martin produced a #1 hit here. On “Shake It Off,” Swift’s voice is actually less of a human thing and more of an actual instrument. Turning a voice into a hook machine is totally a trick from Eurodance and EDM that the Swedish-born producer knows all-too well, and he mixes it with straight-ahead classic US 80s to great effect.
2. Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl (2008) – #1 in 19 countries, 7 million in sales
So…yeah. You’re Columbia Records. You have an ex-Christian pop star on the label, and you’d ideally like to see her cross over as a pop star. So, you call on Max Martin and get him to craft “I Kissed A Girl,” a song that not only COMPLETELY re-brands her as possibly the furthest thing from having any religious affiliation whatsoever. 80s rock meets electro pop here, and the final product is a total winner. Sometimes kissing a girl means more than you think it does, and this, in a business sense, is one of those cases, lol.
1. Britney Spears – Baby One More Time (1998) – #1 in 23 countries, 5 million in sales
In 1997, Britney Spears was a can’t-miss star supernova in the body of a 16 year old ex-Mickey Mouse Club member who needed the *right* song to stake her claim on the top of the charts.
Enter Max Martin…
“Baby One More Time” does everything that a debut single for a new artist needs to do. Foremost, It showcased the full range of Spears’ vocal ability. Also again, as do so many Martin hits, has “just enough” funk, jazzy swing, and dance influence to excite any potential listener. Throw in a video with the not-quite 18-year old Britney dancing in a schoolgirl uniform. 23 countries later, it’s a level of hit song that’s completely unforgettable in every way.
Timbaland’s Ten Best Productions Have Spanned The Decades
In arguably Decades’ favorite era between 1994-2013, Timbaland produced 36 singles that hit #1 on ten different American pop charts, as well as having a hand in production on 50 different releases that hit the top of five different American album charts, too. From Jay Z and Missy Elliott, to Madonna and Aaliyah, to Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, he’s made hits with seemingly just about everyone. Here, we take a look at, statistically, the ten best #1 singles he ever produced.
Summer 2000’s biggest rap single could easily also be known as one of rap and pop music’s most culturally impacting hits of all time. Jay Z pairs with legendary Port Arthur, Texas born “southern rap impresario” duo UGK on the track, which for the tandem was also their most significant reach onto the Billboard rap charts. Timbaland’s notable sample here is from “Khosara Khosara,” an Abdel Halim Hafez song, performed by Hossam Ramzy, from a CD compilation entitled The Best of Bellydance from Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey.
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, Lil’ Mo, Nas, Eve, and Q-Tip’s collaboration for 1999 single “Hot Boyz” is one of those rap moments when, even before there’s a voice on the track, hands are in the air and screams are audible from the crowd. In fact, the song was such a club crusher that it spent roughly one-third of 1999/2000 as the number one rap single on Billboard’s “Hot Rap Singles” chart. The synth pulses that open the production? Instantaneously iconic hip-hop sonic blasts.
Timbaland’s work as a solo artist isn’t exactly on the same level as his work as a producer, except for the case of his Shock Value album lead single “The Way I Are.” The dance-ready club heater features additional vocals from Keri Hilson, and has a sound that’s very similar to a song we’ll see later in this countdown from Justin Timberlake. A wonderful mix of Motown-style songwriting, disco-esque soul and then-modern electro pop, it’s a futuristic hit that’s still relevant in the modern age.
As if to prove that there’s nothing that Justin Timberlake and Timbaland couldn’t do as a collaborative unit, with 2008’s “4 Minutes,” they provided Madonna her first American top ten hit since 2002’s James Bond soundtrack single “Die Another Day,” and her first top five hit since 2000’s “Don’t Tell Me.” The dance single is described by Madonna as being about “saving the environment and hav[ing] a good time while we are doing it,” it’s certainly one of the most notable superstar moments in Timbaland’s career.
Timbaland’s produced his fair share of “suggestive” tracks, but none are quite Beyonce’s 2013 ode to her love of all things related to her husband Jay Z. The song is unique in that it’s one of Timbaland’s few forays into producing trap-style beats, which he accomplishes with his usual flair for both the unique and dramatic. Gypsy folk-meets-urban soul here in the most amazing of ways and hits home with a monster hit that likely impacted pop culture more than the music industry.
In the fun piece of trivia attached to this song, it was included on the soundtrack of 2000 film Romeo Must Die, which also featured Aaliyah starring alongside kung fu master Jet Li. The synth heavy R & B that Timbaland became synonymous with later in his career is somewhat on display here as this is a happy point in-between a song like Ginuwine’s 1997 smash “Pony,” and his work on Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds album.
When Timbaland was finished weaving his magical sounds around the talent of Canadian folk-soul vocalist Nelly Furtado, what emerged was sexed-up electro pop anthems like her 2006 Timbaland collaboration “Promiscuous.” Somehow Furtado rap-singing the verses while Timbaland performs the hook works here. There’s something completely catchy about absolutely everything in this song, from the melody that merry-go-rounds in your head and more. Timbaland definitely “[had] what [we needed]” on this one.
Timbaland’s been quoted in interviews as saying that his sounds are responsible for dubstep’s innovation. While that may not be true, when Kanye West needed to find someone to re-track the drums on his Daft Punk-inspired Graduation lead single, he called electro-soul pioneer Timbaland, and he weaved his magic into the track’s bottom end. There’s a richness in the quality of the sound on this one that arguably influenced everyone from Steve Aoki to David Guetta and more.
Timbaland’s first solo-billed single #1 Billboard single is this boast-filled electro-meets-club jam that features the voices of both Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. As with many Timbaland productions from this era, there’s an almost disco-like desire to get people on the floor here, as the stomping drums are aided by keyboard-led melodies that just insist that dancing to them is both the only and best answer.
When Justin Timberlake paired with Timbaland, pop music moments that were on a level that had not been heard since Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones collaborated together in a studio occurred. The best of these iconic times was FutureSex/LoveSounds’ lead single “SexyBack.” Intriguingly, pop music one year prior was actually hurting for alpha male pop sex appeal. 50 Cent and Kanye West were rappers, and Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was an epic moment for pop-aimed rock and roll. Enter JT and Timbo to change the pace and tenor of the times.
Timberlake himself refers to the song as “David Bowie-meets-James Brown,” which is amazing in and of itself. However, throw in Timbaland listening to The Rapture’s indie rock breakthrough “House of Jealous Lovers” and Prince hits from the era of “Controversy” into the mix, and what results is something exactly in the middle of all four of those influences that still slays dance floors like Decades’ to the modern day.
DCClubbing’s Guide To Halloween Weekend 2016
Halloween falls on a Monday in 2016. However, if you’re thinking that the weekend prior to the big day, or the day itself isn’t going to be a SERIOUS party weekend in the Nation’s Capital, that’s where you’re wrong. From bars, to clubs to haunted houses and more, this year’s Halloween won’t just be scary, it’ll absolutely be lit! Here’s DCClubbing’s suggestions for making this coming Halloween weekend one to remember.
Saturday, October 29
There’s two state-of-the-art, award-winning, and completely indoor haunted houses in the parking lot of RFK Stadium. “Exorcism Estate” is said to have been “owned by the parents of the spawn of Satan himself,” while the “Slaughter Factory” is owned by a cruel man who “slaughtered his staff like livestock one fateful night and displayed them like sides of beef hanging on rusty meat hooks stabbed through wrists and ankles.” Intense, right? Scared yet? Check it out!
Saturday night is Ladies Night at Ultrabar, which, on Halloween Fright Fest Weekend means that one can only expect nothing short of the wildest of times with the most amazing of costumes. The party is 18+, and features four floors of music from dance and hip-hop, to Latin, International, Top 40 and mashups. Definitely expect that, given it being Halloween weekend, that there will be epic events planned to match the theme.
DC’s only retro-themed nightclub truly gets into the swing of things on Halloween weekend with a fright-filled fun-overload of a double feature of party action. “Halloween Unrated” takes place on both Friday and Saturday night, and it being “unrated” is meant as a“take it to mean what you will” welcoming with open arms. From slush machines and video games to retro hits from the ‘80s-’10s, there’s always something for everyone at Decades and in adding costumes to the mix, this should be nothing short of an absolutely wild night.
Sunday, October 30
If looking for another area staple haunted house, Laurel’s House of Horror is built inside of an abandoned movie theater, and has been visited in the past by the likes of Texas Chainsaw Massacre series actor “Leatherface” R.A. Mihailoff. The space has had it’s own paranormal experiences as determined by Chesapeake Ghost Hunters. If horror movie superstars in *actual* haunted houses aren’t enough to get you excited, then the 2016’s “Zombie Apocalypse” house theme should do the trick (or treat).
Rising house music superstar Oliver Heldens pushes throwback and club-ready vibes via his Hi-Lo side project. If looking to hear very familiar dance sounds updated with kicking basslines and techno-style grooves, look no further. If a true dance fanatic, seeing a top performer like Heldens in such an intimate space is an opportunity not-to-be missed. Add in the promise of what Soundcheck is calling “Hi-Lo-Ween” has in store, and it’s a surefire recipe for a great night on the town.
Rocky Horror Picture Show At E Street Cinema
Being in your seats by 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 30 makes this annual showing of 1975’s most wild film and one of the most uniquely entertaining movie-viewing experiences ever. From getting dressed in costumes to literally throwing bread slices at the movie screen, it’s an amazing time. If you’ve never seen the on-screen antics of Brad, Janet, Dr. Frank-N-Furter and crew, this film is playing from the 15-31 at E Street, and is well worth taking the time to check out, maybe even twice.
Monday, October 31
Aside from being likely scared beyond belief by it’s four haunted attractions, Olney’s “Field of Screams” has 15 bonfires, smores, funnel cakes, fried Twinkies, and Oreos. The nighlight of making the trek could be the “Trail of Terror,” which for 2016 is themed as a “Camp Fear” where “a group of 20 year old campers once laughed, played and brutally died.” It’s recommended that nobody over the age of 13 head out to the Field of Screams, so definitely expect something that’s a bit more over-the-top and adult-aimed in presentation.
Funky vibe-man Griz brings his unique brand of festive celebration to DC on Halloween. The soul-stirring bass lover oftentimes plays a like saxophone during his set, which puts the whole presentation over-the-top. The Detroit-based DJ/producer’s latest album is entitled Good Will Prevail, and with tracks featuring the likes of future-forward hip-hop adoring producers like Louis Futon and Cory Enemy, it’s possibly his most mainstream-ready release-to-date.
Monday Night Football at Barcode
If fright and fear aren’t exactly your cup of tea, the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears will be playing each other in a game with huge implications if the Vikings remain undefeated and/or one of the most surprising stories in the NFL in 2016. As well, the matchup is one of the NFL’s oldest, and the teams have played each other 12 other times on Monday night. Checking it out at Barcode’s long-standing Monday night event is definitely one of the premier spots in town for checking it out.
Gwen Stefani Made 80s Hits Into Timeless Classics
From starting her career as No Doubt’s lead singer to a solo pop career that’s spanned four albums with 10 million albums sold overall, Gwen Stefani is a pop dynamo whose songs defined both the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
Breaking down her success though, there’s a very clear formula at play that involves, like Diddy once did, “taking hits from the ‘80’s” making them “sound so crazy.” Of his many hits, these are the five that really exemplify what made her sound be so infinitely catchy and define one of the biggest pop-hit decades of all time.
1. Hollaback Girl – #1 US single released in 2005 – PURCHASE HERE
Sound-alike: “Mickey” by Toni Basil – #1 US single released in 1982 – PURCHASE HERE
Dancer/vocalist Toni Basil’s ode to teenage love and cheerleading has been sampled for numerous songs, including Gwen Stefani’s super-catchy 2005 hit that was her first solo number one song. The success of “Hollaback Girl” is made even more impressive when noting that with nearly three million digital and physical copies of the song sold to this day, it’s literally twice as commercially successful as it’s sound-alike. This beat, unquestionably bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
2. Wind It Up – Top 10 single in 17 countries released in 2006 – PURCHASE HERE
Sound-alike: “Lonely Goatherd” by Julie Andrews – from the 1965 film version of The Sound of Music – PURCHASE HERE
While not a hit from the 80s, Julie Andrews’ yodel-centric ballad from the Sound of Music was definitely sampled by both the Muppets and Weird Al Yankovic in the 80s. Regarding some public push-back against the Pharrell-produced single, Stefani noted, “I still think it’s brilliant and I stand by it. Why can’t you do something weird for a while? These songs are all about having fun, silly records that are to be enjoyed and not taken too seriously.” The “weird” smash spawned a mashup with the original take that was a viral YouTube sensation.
3. Luxurious – European hit single released in 2005 – PURCHASE HERE
Sound-alike: “Between The Sheets” by The Isley Brothers – Top 10 R & B single released in 1983 – PURCHASE HERE
“Between The Sheets” has been sampled 44 other known times including for A Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 jam “Bonita Applebum” and Notorious B.I.G’s 1994 breakout smash “Big Poppa.” For Gwen Stefani’s duet with Houston-based emcee Slim Thug, digging into the song’s rap roots make sense and allowed for a song that married Stefani’s pop-meets-hip-hop chic branding with Thug’s well-established rap superiority.
4. Hella Good (by No Doubt) – #1 US Dance chart single released in 2002 – PURCHASE HERE
Sound-alike: “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen – #1 American Pop, #2 Disco and Soul Chart single released in 1980 – PURCHASE HERE
No Doubt’s pop/rock flexibility allowed the band to have hit singles in genres including, but not limited to ska, reggae, punk and in the case of “Hella Good,” vamping disco-soul. Interestingly enough, the song has been both a platinum release in it’s physical form and reached gold status in the digital age. The song’s sales pale by comparison to it’s sound-alike, but as a concept, No Doubt going disco allowed for an an unexpected chart topper.
5. It’s My Life (by No Doubt) – Top 10 single in 14 countries released in 2003 – PURCHASE HERE
Sound-alike: Talk Talk’s original version of “It’s My Life” was released in 1984 – PURCHASE HERE
“It’s My Life” was released as new, unreleased material on No Doubt’s 2003 Greatest Hits album. The release was the last No Doubt album until 2008. English new wave band Talk Talk’s original was a #1 Billboard dance single, No Doubt’s cover hit #1 on the Adult charts, which is interesting only in the sense that the songs are separated by 20 years. Likely the same people that danced to the song in their 20s make it a hit in their 40s. Amazing.
Five Times When Michael AND Janet Jackson Had Hits At The Same Time
Yes, it’s true. Janet Jackson, one of Decades’ favorite artists, is amazingly pregnant with her first child at the age of 50. In order to celebrate this incredible occurrence, we at DC Clubbing have put together a list of five occurrences when both Janet AND her brother Michael had top ten songs that were popular at roughly the same time. For most of the eras when both Michael and Janet were releasing music, they oftentimes staggered releases so as to likely not step on each other’s toes. However both the “King of Pop” and “Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty)” were such massive stars that they did have some overlapping hits. Here are those five times.
1987
Janet Jackson – Pleasure Principle – PURCHASE HERE
Amazingly the SIXTH single released from Janet’s third studio album Control, the very dance-able “Pleasure Principle” hit #1 on Billboard’s dance charts. The song’s lasting legacy may be that none other than Britney Spears referenced “Control’s” video in her performance in the video for her own 2000 hit “Stronger.”
Michael Jackson – The Way You Make Me Feel – PURCHASE HERE
This funky Quincy Jones production also bears a blues-meets-synth pop feel and was the third single from Michael’s 1987 mega hit album Bad. AllMusic reviewer John Erlewine notes about the song that “out of all of Bad‘s songs, ‘only three can stand alongside album tracks from [Jackson’s 1983 breakout album Thriller].’” “The Way You Make Me Feel” is counted alongside “Bad” and “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” in that statement.
1987
Janet Jackson – Control – PURCHASE HERE
“Control” was produced by frequent Prince collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and is often pointed to as a perfect example of the “Minneapolis sound” that they were applauded for creating in pop music of that era. The song’s subject matter deals with Janet wanting to finally take control of her life, and, when released, was her biggest hit-to-date.
Michael Jackson – Bad – PURCHASE HERE
Amazingly, both Michael and Janet released two of their most iconic songs at roughly the same time. Bad is inarguably a pop/rock masterpiece of a jam, as funky bass guitars and magnificent synth-work highlight a jamming groove. The lead single from Jackson’s legendary seventh solo album, which to-date, has sold nearly 50 million copies worldwide.
1989
Janet Jackson – Miss You Much – PURCHASE HERE
“Miss You Much” was the lead single from Janet’s 1989-released album Rhythm Nation 1814. It was easily the song that best defined the summer and close of 1989, hitting #1 in September and staying in the Top 10 until December of that year. As far as the song’s legacy, it’s inspired everyone from Britney Spears and Pink to the Backstreet Boys, Akon and more.
Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal – PURCHASE HERE
When the suit that you wear in the music video for a song is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and positioned at a 45 degree angle to match one of your best non-dance and virtually imposible dance moves, you’re on another level of stardom. That’s the case for the seventh single from Michael Jackson’s album Bad, which hit Billboard’s Top 10 in January 1989.
1995
Michael AND Janet Jackson – Scream – PURCHASE HERE
By 1995, Michael and Janet Jackson had 55 global top 10 hits and seven platinum-selling albums between them. Therefore, an epic collaboration was in order. “Scream”’s music video cost a rumored $7 million to make, and had three separate premieres on on MTV, BET and the next evening on ABC’s “Primetime Live.” The production was a collaboration between Michael, Janet and Ms. Jackson’s frequent collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. A #1 single in 17 countries worldwide, it also topped American Billboard’s Dance charts.
2001
Janet Jackson – All For You – PURCHASE HERE
By 2001, it’s an easy-to-argue point that Janet Jackson had become a bigger pop icon of that moment than Michael. Proof of this comes in Janet’s lead single from All For You. This platinum-selling disco-funk jam zoomed to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 and Dance charts, and was Janet’s 10th overall number one hit.
Michael Jackson – You Rock My World – PURCHASE HERE
Here’s the answer to the trivia question of “when did Jay Z, Chris Tucker and the ‘King of Pop’ collaborate on a remix?” Released in 2001, Invincible was Michael’s last album of original material, and the original version of “You Rock My World” was arguably the last “huge” hit of Jackson’s life.
FIVE THINGS TO DO IN DC IN FALL 2016
The Nation’s Capital and its suburbs has a jam-packed schedule of goings on for Fall 2016. From the opening of a long-awaited museum to entertaining seasonal events and hotly-anticipated gigs for global music superstars on tour, here’s five of the best events in the region over the next few months.
Visiting The National Museum of African American History and Culture
The latest-to-open museum in the Smithsonian’s collection opens on September 24 with significant fanfare that includes a three-day music festival. However, weekend passes are not available again until December 4, so we advise possibly waiting until the winter to snap up one of the passes that will be available on a first-come and first serve basis during the week at 9:15 AM. From Michael Jackson’s fedora to numerous key artifacts from the civil rights struggle and so much more, the museum is the only national museum totally devoted to the story of African-Americans and likely to be the National Mall’s most must-see location of Fall/Winter 2016.
Field of Screams – September 30 – November 5
For just over a month, there’s a field in Olney, MD that’s transformed from forest land to a Halloween attraction that won a 2014 A& E competition for the best Haunted House Design/Build. Field of Screams features four main attractions, including a 3D haunted house, plus fifteen bonfires, zombies, the “Trail of Terror,” and a menu including smores, fried Twinkies, Fried Oreos and more. If you’re not at peak freakout, there’s also Field of Screams’ sister venue “Scream City” which holds both an “Exorcism Estate” and “Slaughter Factory” near the DC Armory and RFK Stadium in Southeast DC.
Sia at Verizon Center – October 19
Get “Cheap Thrills,” but don’t “Bang Your Head” while swinging from a “Chandelier” when Sia comes to town at the Verizon Center on October 19. Yes, we’re well aware that the singer now notorious for hiding her face during live appearances won’t exactly be easy to see during her concert, but her hits are so undeniable that it might not matter. “Cheap Thrills” has been a Billboard #1 single in six countries in 2016, so that’s the performance you want to see, but if you’re looking for a dance party, it’s her songs produced by the likes of David Guetta, Axwell and more that are certain to get you to sticking around and up on your feet!
Maryland Renaissance Festival – Every weekend through October 23
Everybody likes taking a trip back to 16th century Europe, right? That’s exactly what has happened in Crownsville, MD for the past 40 years as everything from turkey legs and fair maidens to jousting and well, a very true-to-life take on village living during King Henry VIII’s rule of England. As far as what’s best to do at Renaissance Fest 2016? We’ll suggest either getting active in axe throwing, play acting and maybe hanging out at the White Hart Tavern. Or choose to go all out and rent a costume to enjoy the jousting tournament, Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and more. Either way, it’s a quality afternoon and well worth the trip.
Porter Robinson and Madeon at Echostage – November 10 AND November 16
The must-see event of EDM’s fall and winter months is the co-headlining tour by young melodic kingpins Porter Robinson and Madeon. The two have collaborated on “Shelter,” a single released just-in-time for their string of nationwide gigs together. In the past, both Porter and Madeon have expressed how much they love playing at Echostage. WIth recent improvements to the venue’s already impressive laser light show and LED technology, one can expect that the already impressive stage shows for the DJ/production tandem’s previous tours could be elevated to another level here.
The Undefeatable Britney Jean Spears
A 17-year old girl who’s an ex-Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeer is dressed up in a 13-year old’s schoolgirl uniform and cast in an instantaneously iconic music video. This same teen then releases three albums that would go on to sell 70 million copies, go on three world tours and have acting roles in three globally-released films by the time she was 21. If I then told you by the time this teen was 25 that this one-time child superstar of superstars would be shaving her head, living as a divorced single parent and “going crazy,” it could almost be expected. However, as she nears 35, and after nearly two decades of recording music, Britney Spears has evolved past being a girl, is now completely comfortable as a woman, and is impressively on her way to being a superstar yet again.
For as much as we at Decades love to talk about how cool the ‘90s are, it’s this 2000s era pop priestess who likely deserves as much love as we give the ‘90s. To showcase just how cool Britney is, there’s a very real arc between Britney Spears and Elvis Presley that isn’t just tied to performing in Vegas. This linkage showcases just how massive of a star she is. Similar to Spears, Elvis did the following:
- released three iconic albums and had roles in three films before his 21st birthday
- had four consecutive #1 albums
- after eight consecutive years of releases had a stress and pressure-induced recording hiatus
- has an undeniable mystique attached to his career that is tied to a generation of kids and teenagers loving his visuals as much as they loved his music
2016 finds Britney Spears releasing her ninth studio album Glory while also in the midst of her third year of her Las Vegas performance residency at Caesar’s Palace. What’s interesting is that for an artist that so many have believed to be in “decline,” let the record show that Spears has released four albums since 2007, done two limited tours, released perfumes via Elizabeth Arden, been active as a charity contributor and also is raising two children aged 10 and 12, respectively. Though her last Billboard #1 single was 2011’s “Hold It Against Me” and she’s removed from an era of having four consecutive number one albums, the idea that Spears ever “fell off” could be argued to be completely wrong. If anything, Britney’s the 21st century’s ultimate pop music survivor.
Since Britney’s Vegas performances haven’t been publicly aired, her magnificent Elvis ‘68 Comeback Special-similar performance was recently alongside G-Eazy at MTV’s 2016 Video Music Awards. These are the same VMAs where in 2007, her performance of “Gimme More” signaled to the world that her life was in possibly falling apart in front of our eyes. Regarding her performance of “Make Me,” Billboard noted that it was a “subdued victory for Spears” that “checks off another box on her way to a revived career — not just as a pop superstar who once was, but as a pop superstar who still is.”
In 2011, Entertainment Weekly summed up Britney Spears’ career as “an American institution, as deeply sacred and messed up as pro wrestling or the filibuster.” As well, when artists like Nicki Minaj say that Spears’ success drives them because “once you keep at whatever it is you’re doing, people may not like you, people may not love you, but they will have to respect you at the end of the day. And that respect is all that matters,” the need to see Britney Spears excel is not just an expectation, but a necessity.
At Decades, we’re proud of Britney’s ability to endure and excel. We’ll be playing tons of her music in celebration.
