AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Sisqo

Artist:Sisqo

Song:Incomplete

Album:Unleash the Dragon

Mark "Sisqo" Andrews was a member of the R&B group Dru Hill when he scored two really big hits from his 1999 debut album Unleash the Dragon. His lack of success since then is mostly due to inactivity. He was born Nov. 9, 1978 in Baltimore. He formed Dru Hill in 1995 with his high school buddies Larry Anthony, Woody Green and Tamir Ruffin and they signed with Island Records and had immediate success. After Green left in 1999 to be a gospel artist, Dru Hill split up and Andrews released Unleash the Dragon on Def Soul Records. Thong Song was the second single and it reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Incomplete was the fourth single and it topped the Billboard Hot 100. I think Thong Song was more memorable because it was a novelty song. But Incomplete was a slightly bigger hit. Unleash the Dragon was certified 5XPlatinum. There was even a plush Sisqo doll. That's how big he was at the time. Andrews wrote most of the Unleash the Dragon with various producers including Beanie Sigel, Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary) and his buddies from Dru Hill. He wrote and produced Thong Song with Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson AKA the production team Tim & Bob. Incomplete was written by Montell Jordan and Shep Crawford and Crawford produced. He also produced the 1998 Deborah Cox hit Nobody's Supposed to Be Here. Crawford and Jordan work together frequently. Both guys are ministers which is why Incomplete has a gospel vibe. Incomplete was first recorded by R&B singer Sam Salter in 1997. The girl in the video is actress LisaRaye McCoy from the 1998 film The Players Club. Supposedly Andrews didn't like Incomplete as he thought it was too similar to the kind of music he recorded with Dru Hill. I think it shows how good a singer he can be. The problem with Thong Song is it's hard to build longevity from a novelty song. Unleash the Dragon is available as a budget CD. When Andrews' 2001 album Return of Dragon didn't do nearly as well and there were no hit singles, Andrews tried acting and wouldn't record again until 2015. So a lot of folks remember Thong Song but have forgotten about Sisqo. Andrews' acting career hasn't gone so well either. He last made a film in 2006. Mostly he has done reality TV like Celebrity Big Brother UK. Andrews reunited with Dru Hill a couple of times. He released a solo album in 2015 and he has a new album Platinum Thrones coming out on his own label in July. I guess it could be said that Mark "Sisqo" Andrews is a one album wonder. Here's the video for Incomplete by Sisqo.

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Nancy Walker

Artist:Nancy Walker w/Cris Alexander

Song:Come Up To My Place

Album:On the Town: Members of the Original Cast

Nancy Walker is best known as Rhoda Morganstern's mother on the 70s TV shows The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda. But she started out in Broadway musicals like the 1945 show On the Town. She spent over two decades on Broadway. She was born Anna Myrtle Swoyer May 10, 1922 in Philadelphia. Her father Dewey Barto was one half of the comedic acrobat act Barto and Mann. BTW, he was 4'11". Her mom was a dancer. So Nancy grew up in show business. As Nan Barto, 15 year old Nancy Walker appeared on the 1937 NBC radio shows Coast to Coast on a Bus and Our Barn. Nancy made her Broadway debut in the 1941 musical Best Foot Forward. This got her a contract with MGM and she appeared in the 1943 film of Best Foot Forward, with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in the 1943 film Girl Crazy and singing with Tommy Dorsey in the 1944 film Broadway Rhythm. When Nancy's MGM contract ended, she returned to Broadway as Hildy in the musical On the Town. Most folks are familiar with the 1949 film version. It's great. My parents went to see it on their first date. But you probably don't know that MGM changed most of the songs for the film version. How could they do that? They financed the play to get the film rights. So they could do what they want with it. So Nancy's big number I Can Cook, Too is not in the movie. Unfortunately, there is no video clip for that song. There is a video for Come Up to My Place. Cris Alexander was a Broadway actor who retired in the 60s to be a photographer. Of course there were no original cast albums in 1945. So in 1960, Adolph Green and Betty Comden, who wrote the songs and also appeared in the show, decided to record an album of the original songs from the 1945 version of On the Town and Nancy Walker and Cris Alexander appear on the album. It's available on CD. Nancy continued to appear on Broadway until the late 60s. Her biggest show was Wonderful Town in 1958 also written by Leonard Bernstein, Adolph Green and Betty Comden. She also made regular appearances on The Garry Moore Show. After Nancy moved to Hollywood, she was a regular on McMillan & Wife along with The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda. She starred in The Nancy Walker Show and Blansky's Beauties which only lasted one season each. She got into directing TV episodes. Her only film as a director was the 1980 Village People bomb Can't Stop the Music. Nancy Walker died on Mar. 25, 1992 at age 69. Here's Nancy Walker with Cris Alexander performing Come Up to My Place from On the Town. This film entertained soldiers in WWII.

 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-3 Doors Down

Artist:3 Doors Down

Song:Kryptonite

Album:Icon: The Greatest Hits

The 2000 debut single Kryptonite was the biggest hit for 3 Doors Down. They scored three top ten hits and faded by the mid 00s. 3 Doors Down is from Escatawpa, MS which is in Jackson County. They were formed in 1995 by Brad Arnold on lead vocals and drums, Matt Roberts on guitar and Todd Harrell on bass. The band name came from a sign they saw that was missing letters and it said "doors down". There are three band members so they called themselves 3 Doors Down. They recorded a demo that was played on local radio. It was sent to Phin Daly of De Goot Entertainment. 3 Doors Down played a showcase at CBGB in New York. Daly signed them and got them a record deal with Universal's Republic label. Meanwhile guitarist Chris Henderson joined the band. Their debut album A Better Life  was released in 2000. It was certified 7XPlatinum mostly on the strength of the first single Kryptonite which reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band wrote all the songs. Arnold wrote the lyrics and he says he wrote Kryptonite when he was 15 years old. The superhero imagery of the song was a big reason the record was a hit. Paul Ebersold produced. He had success producing Sister Hazel and their 1997 hit All for You. 3 Doors Down brought in a drummer for touring so Arnold could perform out front. 3 Doors Down's 2002 album Away from the Sun was certified 4XPlatinum and the singles When I'm Gone and Here Without You were top ten hits. That album was produced by Rick Parashar who had success with Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains. 3 Doors Down went into decline after that. Each subsequent album sold fewer copies. Universal released this comp in 2012 and rereleased it in 2015 with the Icon branding. It's available as a budget CD. Matt Roberts left 3 Doors Down in 2012 due to health problems. He died in 2016. Chet Roberts replaced him. Todd Harrell was fired in 2013 after being charged with vehicular homicide. He was jailed for two years and replaced by Justin Biltonen. 3 Doors Down last released an album in 2016. Brad Arnold talked about recording a new album in 2019 but that has not happened. I don't know if they are still on Republic as they self released a 2019 EP. They are touring with Creed this summer. So I guess 3 Doors Down is a nostalgia act at this point. Here's the video for Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down.

 

 

Big Bad Blog Video Theater-Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes

Here's the fight video of Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes from Saturday's UFC show in Mexico City. This fight is at Strawweight. Yazmin is 24 years old from Tijuana, Mexico. She trains at Entrim which is the biggest gym in Mexico. She's 2-1 in the UFC but she was knocked out in 20 seconds in her last fight. Sam is 31 years old from Everett, WA. She trains at Fortis MMA in Dallas with Saif Saud. She's 3-4 in the UFC. Sam has improved since training with Saud. But I still don't think she belongs in the UFC. I figured she was brought in to Mexico to lose and give Yazmin a happy moment in front of her home country fans. And The fight went as I expected. Yazmin used her quickness to win the fight 30-27. Sam could never get close enough to land anything. Yazmin is young. It's too early to say if she will ever be a good fighter. But I already knew that Sam doesn't belong in the UFC. Enjoy the video! 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Dallas Holm

Artist:Dallas Holm

Song:Here We Are

Album:The Early Works

Dallas Holm is a pioneer of what is now called Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). When Holm started out it was called Jesus Music. His success was mostly in the early days of CCM. He was born Nov. 5, 1948 in St. Paul Park, MN. He was inspired by Elvis Presley and The Byrds to get into music. He had a band in high school. He was 16 years old when his pastor convinced him to give his life to Jesus. He started writing songs and performing anywhere, even on the street. He was in a band called The Tri-Tones and they released an album in the late 60s. While working as a youth pastor in Dallas, he met evangelist David Wilkerson and joined his crusade. Wilkerson is the author of The Cross and the Switchblade. As part of the crusade, Holm started releasing albums on Zondervan and then Benson's Impact label. Benson was an early adopter of CCM. Holm formed the band Dallas Holm & Praise and released several albums on Benson's Greentree label. Their first album was Live in 1977 which featured Holm's best known song Rise Again. Here We Are is from the 1978 album Tell 'Em Again. The band was Tim and LaDonna Johnson on keyboards and Randy Adams on bass. Holm's music did very well in Christian bookstores. Holm's music is best described as soft rock. This comp is available as a digital download. Holm continued to record for Benson until the company was sold in the 90s. Holm last released an album in 2011 but he still performs. Here's Dallas Holm performing Here We Are on TBN 1985.

 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Whitecross

Artist:Whitecross

Song:In the Kingdom

Album:Very Best of Whitecross

The Christian metal band Whitecross probably would have been a lot more successful if they had a stable lineup. Guys bouncing in and out of a band is never a good thing. They had success in the early 90s and their videos were played on MTV. So they had crossover potential. In the Kingdom is probably their best known song. Whitecross was formed in Waukegan, IL in 1985 by lead singer Scott Wenzel and guitarist Rex Carroll. They signed with Pure Metal Records and released the 1987 album Whitecross. Whitecross was favorably compared to Ratt. Whitecross released four albums and then Pure Metal went out of business. They signed with Star Song for the 1991 album In the Kingdom. Star Song had been around since the mid-70s. But by that time they had a distribution deal with EMI's Sparrow label. This was at a time when CCM acts were crossing over to pop. MTV played the video for In the Kingdom. Along with Wenzel and Carroll, the band at the time was Butch Dillon on bass and Mike Feighan on drums. Wenzel and Carroll wrote most of the songs. But In the Kingdom was written by Prince's guitarist Dez Dickerson. And he was also executive producer. Whitecross won a couple of Dove awards. By the time the album High Gear was released in 1992, the band personnel had turned over and Wenzel and Carroll weren't getting along. Carroll left in 1994 to form the band King James. Wenzel continued to release Whitecross albums until he went to do missionary work in Paraguay in 1998. When he returned in 2000, he reformed Whitecross with Carroll and they have toured ever since. It looks like Wenzel retired in 2018 and Carroll continues to lead Whitecross. This comp is available as a digital download. Here's the video for In the Kingdom by Whitecross. 

 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Michael Johnson

Artist:Michael Johnson

Song:Bluer Than Blue

Album:Rock On 1978

The 1978 single Bluer Than Blue was the biggest hit and most memorable song in the long and varied career of Michael Johnson. This song topped the Adult Contemporary chart. Johnson also had country music success in the 80s. He was born Aug. 8, 1944 in Alamosa, CO and he grew up in Denver. Johnson was studying music at Colorado State College when he won a  talent contest that included a record deal with Epic. After one unsuccessful single, Johnson moved to Barcelona, Spain to study classical guitar at the Liceu Conservatory. When he returned to the US, Johnson joined former New Christy Minstrels leader Randy Sparks in the group New Society for a tour. When that was over, Johnson joined The Chad Mitchell Trio and wrote songs with John Denver. Then he was in the off-Broadway production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Johnson signed with Atco Records and released the 1973 album There Is a Breeze produced by Peter Yarrow. Not only did the album not sell but Johnson was unhappy with it. He released his next two albums on his own Sanskrit label. He was happy with the albums but Johnson realized that he needed to be on a major label. So he went to Nashville and recorded a demo with producer Brett Maher and guitarist Steve Gibson. He signed with EMI America and released the 1978 album The Michael Johnson Album. Bluer Than Blue was the first single and it reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart. Bluer Than Blue was written by veteran Nashville songwriter Randy Goodrum. He wrote Anne Murray's 1978 chart topper You Needed Me. Johnson recorded five albums for EMI America without further success. You can get Bluer Than Blue on this various artists budget comp. Maher was producing country singer Sylvia and he suggested Johnson record a duet with her. When the single I Love You By Heart was a top ten country hit, that got Johnson a record deal with RCA.  He recorded two albums for RCA. He had success with the first one, But the second one stiffed and he left RCA and released albums on Atlantic and Vanguard. And that was pretty much the end for Johnson. He recorded for a couple of small labels. His final album was released in 2012. Michael Johnson died on July 25, 2017 at age 72. Here's the video for Bluer Than Blue by Michael Johnson.

  

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Marian McPartland

Artist:Marian McPartland

Song:Willow Weep for Me

Album:On 52nd Street

Marian McPartland was a jazz pianist when it was very difficult for women in jazz other than singers. She started out in the 50s and was active until her 2013 death. This recording of the jazz standard Willow Weep for Me is from 1952. She was born Mar. 20, 1918 in Slough, Buckinghamshire, England. Marian didn't study piano as a child but she learned how to play by ear. She studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Marian's parents wanted her to be a classical pianist. But she liked jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Fats Waller and especially Mary Lou Williams. Her family wanted her to earn her degree at Guildhall. But she went to music hall pianist Billy Mayerl and toured with him. After the tour, she joined ENSA to entertain troops during WWII and then the USO. While on tour in Belgium, she met cornetist Jimmy McPartland, joined his band and got married. After WWII, they moved to New York. Marian started her own trio in 1950. She was positively reviewed by Downbeat Magazine's Leonard Feather but he questioned if fans would accept a woman in jazz. Musicians didn't care. She could play so they liked her. Marian signed with Savoy Records in 1951 and had a regular gig at New York's Hickory House. Duke Ellington was frequently in attendance. Willow Weep for Me is from Marian's 1952 album Lullaby of Birdland. This was Marian's second album. Musicians are Bob Carter on bass and Joe Morello on drums. Of course Morello is best known for his days with Dave Brubeck. Carter worked with Charlie Ventura. Willow Weep for Me is a jazz standard that was popularized by Stan Kenton and singer June Christy in 1946. This 2000 album On 52nd Street is mainly a live recording from 1953. But Willow Weep for Me is from the 1952 album Lullaby of Birdland. That album has also been rereleased. Both albums are available as digital downloads. Marian moved to Capitol Records in 1954. She also recorded for Argo, Sesac, Time, Dot and she started her own Halcyon label in 1969. In the mid-60s, she started reviewing albums and doing interviews for Downbeat. This led to her own radio show and she started her long running NPR show Piano Jazz in 1978. This ran until 2011. Marian closed her label in 1979 and recorded for Concord until her death on Aug. 20, 2013 at age 95. Here's Marian McPartland performing Willow Weep for Me at her 1986 International Jazz Association Hall of Fame induction. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Gilberto Santa Rosa

Artist:Gilberto Santa Rosa

Song:Conciencia

Album:20th Anniversary

Gilberto Santa Rosa has been one of the most popular salsa singers since his 1991 breakthrough single Conciencia. And he's still going strong. He's currently on tour. He was born Aug. 21, 1962 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He was interested in music as a child and started performing as a teen. He made his recording debut in 1976 as a backup singer with the Mario Ortiz Orchestra. Then he was lead singer of La Grande Orchestra for two years. In the early 80s, Santa Rosa sang with Tommy Olivencia and Willie Rosario. He started his own band in 1986 and signed with Combo Records. Santa Rosa had some success. But the turning point came when he signed with Sony Latin in 1990. He has spent most of his career there. He was using the same musicians as before. But the wider distribution really helped Santa Rosa. Conciencia was his first really big hit for Sony. It's from the 1991 album Perspectiva. The song was written by Omar Alfanno and arranged by Ramon Sanchez. You can get it on this budget comp that covers Santa Rosa's 90s recordings. The key to Santa Rosa's success and longevity is he is equally adept at the Tropical and Romantica styles of salsa. And he is also a tremendous live performer. Santa Rosa continues to record and he is currently on a US tour. Here's the video for Conciencia by Gilberto Santa Rosa. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Jack White

Artist:Jack White

Song:Love Interruption

Album:Blunderbuss

Jack White is best known as the leader of The White Stripes. Since they split up, White has recorded solo in addition to recording with a couple of other bands. The end of The White Stripes came while they were on a 2007 tour. Meg White's anxiety attacks were getting so bad that the tour was cancelled about halfway through. White announced plans for a new White Stripes album in 2009 and they did tour. But when there was no progress on the album, White announced they were disbanding in 2011. In the meantime, he recorded a 2008 album with his other band The Raconteurs. And he started a new band with The Kills lead singer Alison Mosshart called The Dead Weather. Alison toured with The Raconteurs. The Dead Weather released albums in 2009 and 2010. White produced other artists for his label Third Man Records. White was supposed to record with RZA of Wu-Tang Clan. When RZA cancelled at the last minute, White decided to record anyway rather than send the musicians home. The result was the 2012 album Blunderbuss. White signed a distribution deal with Columbia. The album did well. It topped the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold. He toured to support it. When you watch the video, I'm sure you will notice it's an all female band. They were on the album too. They are Ruby Amanfu on vocals, Brooke Waggoner on electric piano and Emily Bowland on clarinet. All are Nashville session musicians. They toured with White too. This album is available as a budget CD. White has recorded five solo albums. The latest was released in 2022. He still records and tours with The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather. And he runs Third Man Records. So he's a busy guy. Here's the video for Love Interruption by Jack White.

  

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-The Czars

Artist:The Czars

Song:Paint the Moon

Album:Goodbye

The Czars was a folk rock band that had modest success in the late 90s. After disbanding, Czars leader John Grant has recorded solo. He was born July 25, 1968 in Buchanan, MI. His family moved to Parker, CO when he was 12 years old. Grant is gay and his parents were conservative Methodists. The conflicts were enough that Grant moved to Germany in 1988 to study languages. He was a big fan of 80s bands like The Cocteau Twins. Grant returned to Denver in 1994 and formed the band Titanic with Chris Pearson on bass and Jeff Linsenmaier on drums. Grant was lead singer and he played piano. Guitarists Andy Morley and Roger Green were added later. Grant changed the band name to The Czars. They released the 2006 album The La Brea Tar Pits of Routine on their own Velveteen label. Grant wasn't happy with it so he sent it to bassist Simon Raymonde of his favorite band The Cocteau Twins for tips. Raymonde had just started his Bella Union label so he agreed to help Grant and release The Czars albums on Bella Union. That led to the 2000 album Before...But Longer followed by the 2001 album The Ugly People vs The Beautiful People. At that point, Raymonde wasn't willing to continue to finance The Czars' albums with little return. So Grant raised the money to record the 2004 album Goodbye. This turned out to be The Czars' most successful album. Then they split up. Goodbye is available as a budget CD. Grant quit the music business and moved to New York. But a chance encounter with the folk rock group Midlake convinced him to record solo. And that's what Grant has been doing since 2010. He moved to Iceland in 2013. His latest album was released in 2021. Here's The Czars performing Paint the Moon. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Nuala Kennedy

Artist:Nuala Kennedy

Song:Asturias 

Album:Noble Stranger

Nuala Kennedy is an Irish flutist who has been in several bands but these days she usually leads her own band. She was born Jan. 30, 1977 in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland where she played piano and flute in a local ceili band and studied classical piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She moved to Scotland to study Design at the Edinburgh College of Art. She has a post graduate diploma in Education from the University of Edinburgh and a Master of Music from Newcastle University in England. She played regularly in the trio Fine Friday with Kris Drever and Anna-Wendy Stevenson and they released a couple of albums. She also recorded with the Scottish folk band Harem Scarem. Nuala signed with the roots music label Compass Records and the 2011 album Noble Stranger was the third of her three albums for Compass. Musicians include her singer husband AJ Roach, Mike Bryan on guitar, Iain MacLeod on mandolin and Donald Hay on drums. The record is a mix of traditional Irish music and contemporary sounds. At the time Nuala was touring a lot in the US but she and her family have returned to Ireland. Nuala released an album on her own label last year. But she seems to be concentrating on raising her family. Here's Nuala Kennedy performing Asturias at The Institute of Musical Traditions in Rockville, MD Feb. 17, 2014.

 

Big Bad Blog Video Theater-Miranda Maverick vs Andrea Lee

Here's the fight video of Miranda Maverick vs Andrea Lee from last night's UFC show in Anaheim, CA. This fight is at Flyweight. Miranda is 28 years old from Missouri but she currently trains at Elevation in Denver. Her coach is former Bellator fighter Eliot Marshall. Miranda is 5-3 in the UFC. So far she's a midcard fighter. A win here should get her ranked but she needs to beat better competition. Andrea is 35 years old from Shreveport, LA. She's 5-6 in the UFC and she is on a three fight losing streak. When she last won in 2021, she trained at Fortis in Houston. She looked great. Since than she has trained with her UFC fighter boyfriend Tony Kelley and she has looked awful. And all he does between rounds is swear at her. She will probably get released if she loses this fight. Round one was close but I scored it 10-9 for Miranda. Same with round two but Miranda won more decisively. So Andrea needs a finish and she's not a finisher. So I scored the fight 30-27 for Miranda. Two of the three judges scored it the same and the third scored round three for Andrea. The result was exactly as I expected. The question is can Miranda beat better fighters. She's getting better coaching now so it is possible. Enjoy the video! 

Big Bad Blog Video Theater-Amanda Lemos vs Mackenzie Dern

Here's the fight video of Amanda Lemos vs Mackenzie Dern from last night's UFC show in Anaheim, CA. This fight is at Strawweight. Tatiana Suarez was supposed to be Amanda's opponent. But she got injured and Mackenzie filled in on short notice. Both are flawed elite fighters. Amanda is 36 years old from Para, Brazil. She trains at Marajo Brothers which is the Alcantara brothers. She is 7-3 in the UFC. She got a title shot in her last fight but lost. Winning this fight is not going to get her another title shot and she knows it. Amanda is a hard puncher but Zhang Weili outclassed her. Mackenzie is 30 years old. She says she is training again with Jason Parillo but he wasn't in her corner. Mackenzie is 8-3 in the UFC. She lost her last fight to Jessica Andrade. Mackenzie has elite BJJ but her striking is subpar. That's why she needs Parillo. Winning this fight will not get her a title shot. She's a placeholder until Tatiana is healthy. It was a great fight. They won the Fight of the Night bonus. Round one was close but I thought Amanda won it 10-9. I thought Amanda was going to get a finish in round two but I scored it 10-8. Mackenzie won round three 10-9. But she needed a finish. So I scored it 29-27 for Amanda. All three judges scored it 29-28 for Amanda. Amanda said she still wants to fight Tatiana. And I expect that to happen as soon as possible. Enjoy the video. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Relient K

Artist:Relient K

Song:Be My Escape

Album:MMHMM

Relient K is a pop punk band similar to Blink-182 except they are CCM like MxPx. But that's how CCM works. The Christian labels are looking for Christian bands that sound like popular secular bands. You probably wouldn't know that Relient K is CCM if I didn't tell you. Relient K was formed in 1998 in Canton, OH by high school classmates Matt Thiessen (lead singer), Matt Hoopes (guitar) and Brian Pittman (bass). At the time Hoopes' car was a Plymouth Reliant K. They changed the spelling so they wouldn't get sued. Relient K went through a couple of drummers before Dave Douglas joined in 2000. dc Talk guitarist Mark Lee Townsend produced their demo. His daughter was friends with the band and she went on to marry Hoopes. Townsend took the demo to dc Talk bandmate tobyMac who signed Relient K to his Gotee label. They released their debut album Relient K in 2000. At first they had a pop punk sound similar to Blink-182. They softened their sound for the next couple of albums. But they returned to form for the 2004 album MMHMM. It was around this time that Pittman left to join the Christian metal band Inhale Exhale and was replaced by John Warne. They also added guitarist Jon Schneck so Thiessen could concentrate on playing piano. Be My Escape was the first single and it reached #16 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart. The video went into heavy rotation on MTV and Relient K appeared on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. As with all Relient K songs, Be My Escape was written by Thiessen and produced by Townsend. The album was certified Gold. It's available as a budget CD. That's probably the height of Relient K's success. They last released an album in 2016 but they still tour led by Thiessen and Hoopes. At one point they were on Capitol for the secular market and then they were on Gotee's subsidiary Mono vs Stereo and Jive. They aren't on tour right now so I don't know what they are doing. They last posted on Facebook in November. Here's the video for Be My Escape by Relient K. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Hedley

Artist:Hedley

Song:For the Nights I Can't Remember

Album:Famous Last Words

Typical of Canadian bands, Hedley had success at home but were unable to break through in the US. They were on three different labels in the US and never charted. Hedley was formed in 2003 in Abbotsford, BC. They were named after a local town. Jacob Hoggard was lead singer and pianist. After the band formed, Hoggard auditioned for the 2004 season of Canadian Idol where he finished third. When he returned home, he formed an all new Hedley with guitarist Dave Rosin, bassist Tommy Mac and drummer Chris Crippin. They were in the band Everything After. After appearing at a 2005 Canadian Music Week showcase, Hedley signed with Universal Canada. Their debut single On My Own topped the Canadian Singles chart. The album Hedley was certified 2XPlatinum and they were nominated for a couple of Juno awards. Then Hedley signed a US record deal with Capitol and the album was released in 2006. It didn't sell and Capitol dropped them. Hedley continued to have success in Canada. For the Nights I Can't Remember is from the 2007 album Famous Last Words. It reached #6 on the Canadian Singles chart. So again, the album did well in Canada. In the US, Universal's Fontana label restructured the album and retitled it Never Too Late. It was released in 2009 and the album went nowhere. This pattern continued with the 2009 album The Show Must Go. Again it was successful in Canada. Hedley signed with Island in the US. The album was released in 2010 and again went nowhere. I guess it's three strikes and you're out because that was Hedley's final US release until they signed again with Capitol for the 2013 album Wild Life. That didn't sell either. Then after the 2017 album Cageless, Crippin was fired. Though Hoggard was a control freak, his behavior was getting worse. Then sexual assault allegations surfaced. Hedley went on hiatus, Canadian radio stopped playing their music and Hedley was dropped by their management. In 2018, an Ottawa woman accused Hoggard of sexual assault. He was charged and was found guilty. Hoggard was sentenced to five years in prison. So that's the end of Hedley. I probably shouldn't even be writing about them. Their success was mostly due to CRTC CanCon regulations propping them up. That's why they were played on radio. Their lack of success elsewhere tells the real story. Hedley was an OK band but nothing special. Here's the video for For the Nights I Can't remember by Hedley. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Lakeside

Artist:Lakeside

Song:Fantastic Voyage

Album:Fantastic Voyage

Fantastic Voyage topped the R&B charts in 1980. It was the biggest hit by the funk band Lakeside. They were very similar to bands like Ohio Players but not as successful. Lakeside is from Dayton, OH. After guitarist Stephen Shockley left the band The Monterreys, he formed The Young Underground in 1969. After singers Thomas Shelby, Mark Wood and his sister Shirley joined, the band name was changed to Ohio Lakeside Express. After Eddie Thomas left Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label, he started his own Lakeside label and Ohio Lakeside Express was his first signing. Nothing came from that. They were spotted by manager Dick Griffey. He got them a record deal with Motown producer Frank Wilson. Lakeside recorded an album but Motown shelved it. When Wilson left Motown for ABC in 1976, he took the band with him and changed the name to Lakeside. They released the 1977 album Lakeside. They appeared on Soul Train. Griffey started Solar Records with Soul Train owner and host Don Cornelius. Lakeside had an offer from Norman Whitfield. They signed with Solar because Griffey let them write and produce their own music. They started to have success with the 1978 album Shot of Love and the top five R&B single It's All the Way Live. Then they really hit it big when the 1980 single Fantastic Voyage topped the R&B Singles chart. The album Fantastic Voyage was released last year with bonus tracks. They continued to have success on the R&B charts until leaving Solar in 1990. Lakeside is still around with the same leadership. But they haven't recorded new music in years. Here's the video for Fantastic Voyage by Lakeside. Yes, they are in pirate costumes. Lakeside dressed in costumes depending on the album theme.

  

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Gorillaz

Artist:Gorillaz f/Del the Funky Homosapien

Song:Clint Eastwood

Album:The Singles Collection 2001-2011

Blur frontman Damon Albarn created Gorillaz as a solo project to record music that he couldn't record with Blur. He decided to turn it into a virtual band with the help of Tank Girl creator Jamie Hewlett. The big surprise was when the 2001 single Clint Eastwood was a top five hit in England. Albarn met Hewlett in 1990 when Blur guitarist Graham Coxon asked Hewlett to interview Blur. Albarn and Hewlett became friends and started sharing a flat in 1997. The idea for Gorillaz came while the two were watching MTV and Hewlett thought that creating a virtual band could be commentary about MTV's emptiness. Albarn says this was when there were a lot of boy bands making contrived music. The idea was for Albarn to create the music and Hewlett to create the characters for Gorillaz. The EP Tomorrow Comes Today was released in 2000 followed by the 2001 album Gorillaz. The single Clint Eastwood reached #4 on the British Singles chart and it was a hit across Europe. It reached #57 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was certified Platinum worldwide. Albarn wrote and produced everything with the help of veteran producer Dan the Automator. The rapper is Del the Funky Homosapien. The song is called Clint Eastwood because it is based on the theme from the film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Albarn decided to tour. He performed behind a screen with projected animation. He turned them into a real band led by Mike Smith of Blur on keyboards and Simon Katz of Jamiroqai on guitar. The 2005 album Demon Days did even better. It was certified 2XPlatinum in the US and the single Feel Good Inc. reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. You can get all of Gorillaz' hits on this comp. That was the peak of their success. Albarn continues to record and tour as Gorillaz but they don't sell as well as they used to. One indication that Albarn should end Gorillaz is he announced in 2021 that Netflix was going to produce an animated Gorillaz film. This was cancelled last year. Netflix must have been looking at his record sales figures. Here's the video for Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz featuring Del the Funky Homosapien. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Egberto Gismonti

Artist:Egberto Gismonti

Song:Magico

Album:Works

Brazilian jazz musician Egberto Gismonti is best known for playing guitar though he also plays piano. He has recorded for the German label ECM since the 70s. He was born Dec. 5,1947 in Carmo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His father and grandfather were musicians from Lebanon. His mother is from Sicily. Gismonti studied piano at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music as a child. After studying classical music, he moved to Paris to study contemporary music. Gismonti played piano but he moved back to Brazil to learn guitar. And he liked the idea of multi string guitars. So he learned to play a regular six string classical guitar and then he had custom 8 and 10 string guitars made and that's what he plays today. Guitar freaks love that. Gismonti signed with the German label ECM in 1973 and he has recorded for them for most of his career. He met Brazilian percussionist Nana Vasconcelos in Europe and they have recorded a few albums together. Magico appears to be an attempt by ECM owner Manfred Eicher to take three ECM artists and turn them into a permanent band. Gismonti plays guitar with Charlie Haden on bass and Jan Garbarek on sax. The album Magico was released in 1980 followed by the 1981 album Folk Songs. They also toured together and ECM released a live Magico recording in 2012. Gismonti wrote the song Magico and you can get it on this comp covering his 70s recordings. It looks like Gismonti may be retired. He hasn't recorded in a long time. But I know jazz guitar fans will want to check him out. Here's Egberto Gismonti on guitar with Charlie Haden on bass and Jan Garbarek on sax performing Magico in Italy in 1981. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-The Statler Brothers

Artist:The Statler Brothers

Song:Flowers on the Wall

Album:The World of The Statler Brothers

The Statler Brothers were a Southern Gospel group that hit a home run when the 1965 single Flowers on the Wall was not only a country music hit but it crossed over to pop. There was renewed interest in Flowers on the Wall when Quentin Tarantino used it in his 1994 film Pulp Fiction. When The Statler Brothers started out in Staunton, VA in 1955, they were called The Four Star Quartet and then The Kingsmen. The original members were Joe McDorman on lead, Lew DeWitt on tenor, Phil Balsley on baritone and Harold Reid on bass. McDorman left in 1960 and was replaced by Reid's brother Don Reid. This was the lineup until 1982. They sang in local churches. After Louie Louie was a hit for The Kingsmen, they became The Statler Brothers. They got Statler from a brand of facial tissue. The Statler Brothers became Johnny Cash's backup singers in 1964 and he got them a record deal with Columbia. Flowers on the Wall was on their 1965 debut album also called Flowers on the Wall. The single reached #2 on the Country Singles chart. But the big surprise was when it crossed over to pop and reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lew DeWitt wrote Flowers on the Wall and the record was produced by Columbia Nashville house producers Don Law and Frank Jones. This was the only pop hit for The Statler Brothers but they continued to have success in country music for the next two decades. The Statler Brothers left Columbia for Mercury in 1969. This budget comp covers the Columbia years. This is the original recording. There are plenty of Mercury comps but The Statler Brothers re-recorded Flowers on the Wall in 1975 and that is the version that is on the Mercury comps. It is also the version that Quentin Tarantino used in Pulp Fiction. Lew DeWitt retired in 1982 due to ill health. He died in 1990. He was replaced by Jimmy Fortune. The Statler Brothers recorded for Mercury until 1992. They hosted their own variety show on TNN from 1991-98. They retired in 2002. Here's The Statler Brothers performing Flowers on the Wall on The Porter Wagoner Show 1966.  

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Wishbone Ash

Artist:Wishbone Ash

Song:Blowin' Free

Album:The Best of Wishbone Ash

The 70s band Wishbone Ash had success mostly in their native England. Their music is a mix of hard rock and progressive rock with two lead guitarists similar to The Yardbirds. Wishbone Ash never had a hit single so they are a second tier band. Wishbone Ash is from Torquay, Devon, England. Lead singer and bassist Martin Turner and drummer Steve Upton formed the band The Empty Vessels in 1966. The third member was Turner's brother Glenn Turner on guitar. After a couple of name changes, Glenn Turner left and guitarists auditioned. They couldn't decide between Andy Powell and Ted Turner so both were hired and the band name was changed again to Wishbone Ash. They opened for Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore introduced them to Deep Purple's producer Derek Lawrence and he helped them get a record deal with Decca. Their debut album Wishbone Ash was released in 1970. Blowin' Free is from the 1972 album Argus. This was Wishbone Ash's third album. The album had a medieval theme. The album was certified Gold in England so Argus was their most successful album commercially. For the 1973 album Wishbone Ash, the band self produced. Ted Turner left the band because they moved to the US. Laurie Wisefield replaced him. After experimenting with soft rock, they returned to England and a hard rock sound with the 1978 album No Smoke Without Fire. This also marked a return to producer Derek Lawrence. MCA was pressuring them to make more commercial music. The plan was to replace Martin Turner as lead singer and just have him play bass. Turner left and was replaced by John Wetton of King Crimson. He didn't stay long and went on to form Asia. After other personnel changes followed, Wishbone Ash left MCA for I.R.S. This budget comp covers the MCA years. By the early 90s, Andy Powell was the only original member of Wishbone Ash. He still leads them today. In 2004, Martin Turner started touring as Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash. Andy Powell successfully sued Turner and the band is now called Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash. One thing is for sure. For a second tier band, Wishbone Ash has been around for a long time. Here's Wishbone Ash performing Blowin' Free on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert 1973.

Big Bad Blog Video Theater-Loma Lookboonmee vs Bruna Brasil

Here's the fight video of Loma Lookboonmee vs Bruna Brasil from last night's UFC show in Las Vegas. This fight is at Strawweight. Loma is 28 years old from Thailand. She's gone 5-2 in the UFC. Of course she is a kickboxer. I don't think she has fought good enough competition to know if she's a decent fighter. I was hoping Bruna would give her a test. She is 30 years old and she owns her own gym in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She's gone 1-1 in the UFC since winning on Contenders Series with a highlight reel headkick. The way to beat Loma is to be aggressive and don't let her do her kickboxing shtick. For some reason, Bruna does the exact opposite and does nothing for three rounds. I don't know what she was thinking. The fight laid a big fat egg. I scored it 30-27 for Loma. The judges scored it 29-28. This didn't tell me if Loma is a good fighter. I need to see her against better competition. Enjoy the video! 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Robert Miles

Artist:Robert Miles

Song:Children

Album:Dreamland

The 1995 single Children was a worldwide hit except in the US. It was the only big hit for Italian DJ Robert Miles. This kind of trance music is usually played in dance clubs at the end of a set to calm down the crowd. So it was a surprise hit and a fluke. Miles was born Roberto Concina Nov. 3, 1969 in Fleurier, Switzerland but he grew up in Fagagna, Italy. He started DJing in the 80s and saved enough money to open his own recording studio and pirate radio station in 1990. Miles wrote Children in 1994 in response to some photos of Yugoslavian war victims that his father took on a humanitarian mission. And as I said, he wanted a song that would calm down the crowd at the end of a set. Children was released on the 1995 EP Soundtracks by DBX Records owner Joe Vannelli. Vannelli took Children to Miami where record company owners heard it and told him Miles should record an album and Children could be the lead single. The main label that spread it across Europe was England's Deconstruction Records. Arista picked it up in the US. Children topped the charts across Europe and it even reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped Billboard's Hot Club Tracks chart. The album Dreamland did well in Europe and it's available as a budget CD. For his 1997 album 23am, Miles brought in guest singers like Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge. So it wasn't all instrumental like the first album. I guess Miles wasn't happy with how the album was promoted as he left Deconstruction and recorded for his own label until he died of cancer on May 9 2017 at age 47. It's like I always say. One hit is better than none though this one is very odd. Here's the video for Children by Robert Miles. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Green Day

Artist:Green Day

Song:Working Class Hero

Album:Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur

Green Day recorded John Lennon's Working Class Hero for this 2007 album produced by Amnesty International to benefit their campaign to ease the crisis in Darfur. It qualifies as a discography orphan because Working Class Hero was released as a single. It charted and there was a video. The key to this album was Yoko Ono donated Lennon's songwriting and publishing royalties to Amnesty International's Make Some Noise campaign. The album has two CDs and it's available as a budget CD. Green Day performed Working Class Hero on the season finale of American Idol. It reached #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and then it got a Grammy nomination. It does not appear on a Green Day album. So the only way to get it is from the Instant Karma album and it is a charity album. Other artists on the album include U2, R.E.M., Aerosmith and plenty of others. Warner Bros. distributes it. It may be Green Day's only discography orphan. Songs have appeared in films but none have charted. So I don't know if any would qualify. Here's the video for Working Class Hero by Green Day. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Billy Walker

Artist:Billy Walker

Song;Charlie's Shoes

Album:Well, Hello There: The Country Chart Hits and More 1954-1962

The 1962 single Charlie's Shoes was the only #1 country hit and the signature song for Billy Walker. He was around for decades mostly at the Grand Ole Opry. But he had most of his chart success in the 60s. He did not cross over to pop. He was born Jan.14, 1929 in Rails, TX. After his mother died, Walker and his two brothers were placed in an orphanage in Waco. When their father remarried, they moved in with him. While in high school, Walker won a talent contest and appeared on the radio in New Mexico. He was also a big Gene Autry fan. After graduating from high school, Walker joined the Big D Jamboree on KRLD radio in Dallas. When Hank Thompson heard him, he got Walker a record deal at Capitol. After two singles for Capitol, Walker signed with Columbia in 1951 and remained there until 1965. Walker joined the Louisiana Hayride radio show in Shreveport. Of course that's where Elvis Presley got his start. Walker also appeared on the ABC TV show Ozark Jubilee. And he scored a top ten country hit with the 1954 single Thank You for Calling. After playing the Texas bar circuit, Walker moved to Nashville in 1959 and joined the Grand Ole Opry. After releasing the 1961 album Everybody's Hits But Mine, Walker finally got that big hit when the 1962 single Charlie's Shoes topped the Country Singles. Columbia only released it as a single which makes me think that they were thinking of getting rid of Walker if his chart performance didn't improve. It was on the 1963 album Billy Walker's Greatest Hits. You can get Charlie's Shoes on this Jasmine Records CD of Walker singles. Charlie's Shoes was produced by Columbia Nashville house producer Don Law and written by Roy Baham. It was Baham's only number one country hit. After leaving Columbia in 1965, Walker recorded for Monument, MGM and RCA. He had some success but faded by the mid 70s and then recorded for small labels. He also recorded gospel for Word. Walker continued to appear regularly on the Grand Ole Opry until he died in a van accident on May 21, 2006 at age 77. His wife and band members also died. Here's Billy Walker performing Charlie's Shoes on the TV show Country Style U.S.A.

 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Courtney Barnett

Artist:Courtney Barnett

Song:Need a Little Time

Album:Tell Me How You Really Feel

Singer songwriter Courtney Barnett has had success mostly in her native Australia. Her singing style is probably too laconic and deadpan for her to ever be a big star. With that in mind, I don't think a big record company would spend money to promote her. But she is doing what she wants and performs all over the world. I suppose it depends what her ambitions are. Courtney was born Nov. 3, 1987 in Sydney, Australia. Her family moved to Hobart, Tasmania and she attended high school there and the Tasmanian School of Art. Courtney moved to Melbourne and played guitar in the band Rapid Transit. She started her own band The Olivettes. Then she was a member of Immigrant Union led by Brent DeBoer of The Dandy Warhols. Courtney started her own label Milk! Records with singer songwriter Jen Cloher. Courtney then signed with London based indie label Marathon Artists to get global distribution and with Mom + Pop to get US distribution. Courtney released her 2015 debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit. She toured to support it and appeared on Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Then she released the 2017 album with Kurt Vile Lotta Sea Lice on his label Matador. Need a Little Love is from Courtney's 2018 album Tell Me How You Really Feel. As with all her albums, she wrote and produced with Burke Reid. Courtney has been positively reviewed by the music press though there are complaints that she is a little too languid. That's how I feel. Courtney's music is not for me but it might be for you. Not everybody wants to be famous. She released her latest album in 2021. And there is a 2023 documentary about Courtney called Anonymous Club. Here's the video for Need a Little Love by Courtney Barrett. 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Pete Rock & CL Smooth

Artist:Pete Rock & CL Smooth

Song:They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)

Album:Maximum R&B

The duo of producer Pete Rock and rapper CL Smooth had very brief success when the 1992 single They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) topped the rap chart and was a top ten R&B hit. They didn't stay together very long. They only recorded two albums. Rock continues to have success as a producer and remixer. He was born Peter Phillips June 21, 1970 in The Bronx, NY but he grew up in Mount Vernon. His parents are Jamaican immigrants. His father was a part time DJ and Rock would frequently go to gigs with his dad. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Rock knew CL Smooth in high school. Smooth was born Corey Penn Oct. 8, 1968 in New Rochelle, NY. His mother was in high school and his father wasn't around. So he was raised by his grandparents. Pete Rock first had success producing Heavy D and the Boyz. Smooth appeared on those albums. So the two decided to record together. Rock handled the production. Smooth did the rapping. They signed with Elektra and released the 1992 album Mecca and the Soul Brother. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) would turn out to be their signature song. It topped the Hot Rap Tracks chart and reached #10 on the R&B Singles chart. The song was written to memorialize Troy "Trouble T Roy" Dixon of Heavy D and the Boyz who died at age 22 when he feel from a ramp at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis. The sax riff is from the song Today by saxophonist Tom Scott. This record frequently appears on lists of greatest rap songs of all time. You can get it on this various artists budget comp. Pete Rock & CL Smooth split up in 1995 after recording two albums. They have reunited occasionally to tour. But they have not recorded new music. Rock continues to be a very busy producer. Smooth was inactive for a long time. Since releasing a 2006 solo album, he has made several guest shots on singles. Here's the video for They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y) by Pete Rock & CL Smooth.

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-I Monster

Artist:I Monster

Song:Daydream in Blue

Album:Neveroddoreven

At first look at the album cover, you might think this is a lost Daft Punk album. But I Monster is a British duo that were inspired by Daft Punk and trip hop acts like Portishead. Daydream in Blue is their best known song. The name I Monster and their label name Twins of Evil are after two Peter Cushing horror films. Sheffield, England natives Dean Honer and Jerrod Gosling worked on other artists including Moby before they released an album as I Monster in 1997. They were part of the production group All Seeing I. They released the 1999 album These Are Our Children but Daydream in Blue was not released as a single until 2001. After it reached #20 on the British Singles chart, it was rereleased on the 2003 album Neveroddoreven on the indie label Instant Karma. Daydream in Blue samples Daydream by the Gunter Kallman Choir. How's that for an obscure song. They look like Daft Punk on the album cover probably because like Daft Punk, they want to remain anonymous. Obviously they play all the electronic instruments themselves. Daydream in Blue has appeared in films and TV shows. I Monster has released a few albums. But for the most part, they are so busy producing other artists or doing live shows as guest DJs that they don't have time to promote the band. If you're a trip hop fan, you may want to check I Monster out. Here's the video for Daydream in Blue by I Monster.

 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Dylan LeBlanc

Artist:Dylan LeBlanc

Song:If the Creek Don't Rise

Album:Paupers Field

Singer songwriter Dylan LeB;anc grew up in the music business. So not surprisingly, he writes and produces his own music. LeBlanc has been touring since 2010. He was born Mar. 9, 1990 in Shreveport, LA. His father is Muscle Shoals session guitarist James LeBlanc. His parents divorced when he was an infant. He lived with his mother in Louisiana and then moved to Muscle Shoals to get a musical education from his father. Then he moved back to Louisiana to live with his grandmother and attend high school. He started writing songs while in a band during high school. He also had substance abuse problems and went to rehab. He left high school and formed a band with Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes. LeBlanc signed with the British label Rough Trade and released the 2010 album Paupers Field. LeBlanc wrote and produced with Tanner. His dad plays guitar on several tracks. And Emmylou Harris sings harmony on If the Creek Don't Rise. LeBlanc released two albums for Rough Trade and then switched to Dave Matthews' ATO label. He released the album Coyote last year. Paupers Field is available as a budget CD. So if you are a fan of Americana, you might like Dylan LeBlanc. Here's Dylan LeBlanc performing If the Creek Don't Rise at Daytrotter in Davenport, IA July 1, 2016.

 

Big Bad Blog Video Theater-Luana Carolina vs Julija Stoliarenko

Here's the fight video of Luana Carolina vs Julija Stoliarenko from last night's UFC show in Las Vegas. This fight is at Flyweight. Luana is 30 years old from Sao Paulo, Brazil. She trains at Capital Da Luta. Luana is 4-3 in the UFC. She missed weight for this fight. Julija is 30 years old from Lithuania. She trains at Fighter House. Her UFC record is 2-5. Both are low level fighters but Julija is worse. Round one was pretty close because Julija got an armbar attempt at the end of the round. But I thought Luana was winning anyway when she won with ground and pound with eight seconds left in the fight. It looked like Julija hurt her leg just before the finish. Again, I don't like either fighter. But I expect Julija will be released. Enjoy the video! 

Big Bad Blog Video Theater-Molly McCann vs Diana Belbita

Here's the fight video of Molly McCann vs Diana Belbita from last night's UFC show in Las Vegas. This fight is at Strawweight. Molly is 33 years old from Liverpool, England. She trains at Next Generation MMA. Paddy Pimblett is one of her teammates. Molly is 6-5 in the UFC. This is her first fight at Strawweight. Her previous fights were at Flyweight. Diana is 27 years old from Romania but she trains at House of Champions in Stoney Creek, ON which is near Hamilton. She's 2-4 in the UFC. This week she talked about retirement. But she took this fight because she beat Molly in 2019. I don't think either of them are very good but Diana is probably worse. And that proved to be true in this fight as Molly won with an armbar with one second remaining in round one. Molly got a $50,000 bonus for that. I'm sure we will see Molly when the UFC returns to England later this year. But she has to show me that she can beat a ranked fighter. She has yet to do that. I guess Diana will retire now. Enjoy the video! 

Big Bad Blog Video Theater-Natalia Silva vs Viviane Araujo

Here's the fight video of Natalia Silva vs Viviane Araujo from last night's UFC show in Las Vegas. This fight is at Strawweight. Natalia is 27 years old from Minas Gerais, Brazil. She trains at Borracha MMA owned by Paolo Costa. She's 4-0 in the UFC but Viviane is a big step up in competition. Viviane is 37 years old from Brasilia, Brazil. She trains at Cerrado MMA. Gilbert Burns is one of her teammates. She's 6-4 in the UFC but she is ranked #7 so she is a gatekeeper in this situation. So I scored the fight 30-27 for Natalia. The judges scored it 29-28 for Natalia. Round one was close so it could have gone either way. But Natalia was much quicker in the other two rounds and won decisively but not dominantly. Now Natalia  will be ranked higher and could be headed for the title. I like Viviane but at 37 years old, she seems to be losing a step and retirement may be in her future. Enjoy the video! 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Percy Mayfield

Artist:Percy Mayfield

Song:Please Send Me Someone to Love

Album:The Singles Collection 1947-62

After Please Send Me Someone to Love topped the R&B charts in 1950, Percy Mayfield was on his way to be one of the top R&B stars of the 50s. Sadly, a 1952 near fatal auto accident put him in the hospital for two years. Though it left Mayfield facially disfigured, he continued to write songs for others. He was born Aug. 12, 1920 in Minden, LA which is near Shreveport. He started writing poetry as a child and that led him to songwriting and singing. Mayfield began performing in Texas and then moved to Los Angeles in 1942. Though he wasn't having much luck, that changed when he took his song Two Years of Torture to Supreme Records thinking Jimmy Witherspoon might like to record it. But they liked Mayfield's performance enough to have him record it with guys like Maxwell Davis on sax, Chuck Norris on guitar and Willard McDaniel on piano. This 1949 single got the attention of Specialty Records owner Art Rupe. He signed Mayfield and Please Send Me Someone to Love topped the R&B charts in 1950. They used the same band as the previous recording. Mayfield scored several top ten R&B hits over the next couple of years. These were mostly ballads suited to Mayfield's singing style. Mayfield performed at the Cavalcade of Jazz at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles July 8, 1951. Then in 1952, Mayfield was on his way from Las Vegas to Los Angeles in a chauffer driven car when it hit a truck. Mayfield was pronounced dead at the scene but he recovered after two years of convalescing. It left him with a facial disfigurement that ended his performing career. But Mayfield recorded in the 50s for Chess and Imperial. And then he really hit the jackpot when Ray Charles topped the charts with his song Hit the Road, Jack in 1961. Charles signed Mayfield to his Tangerine label. And as part of that deal, Mayfield wrote songs exclusively for Charles who recorded several of his songs. Later on Mayfield recorded for RCA and Atlantic. You can get all of Mayfield's Specialty recordings on this comp from Acrobat. Mayfield's final recordings were with former Paul Butterfield Blues Band keyboardist Mark Naftalin in the early 80s. Mayfield died of a heart attack on Aug. 11, 1984 at age 63. Little Richard sang at his funeral. My guess is most of you have never heard of Percy Mayfield. Here's your chance to discover a lost R&B legend. Here's a video of Please Send Me Someone to Love by Percy Mayfield.

  

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-The 77s

Artist:The 77s

Song:Ba Ba Ba Ba

Album:All Fall Down

On the surface, The 77s look and sound like a typical New Wave band from the early 80s. But they were performing Jesus Music or as it would become known, Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). As Jesus Music pioneer Larry Norman said about The 77s "They are too Christian for the Radio, too radio for the Church." In the early 80s, there was interest from secular record companies to sign CCM artists and cross them over to pop. But by crossing over to pop, acts like The 77s risked alienating their fanbase. Soul was a natural extension of Gospel so there wasn't the same problem. The 77s were formed in 1979 in Sacramento as Scratch Band. By the time they recorded in 1982, the band name was changed to The 77s. The lead singer and main songwriter of The 77s is Michael Rowe. Other members were Mark Tootle on guitar and keyboards, Jan Eric Volz on bass and Mark Proctor on drums. They performed every weekend at Warehouse Christian Ministries (WCM). In 1982, WCM started Exit Records and released The 77s debut album Ping Pong Over the Abyss. Singer, songwriter and producer Charlie Peacock was also at WCM but he already had a contract with A&M Records. He had Exit sign a distribution deal that would increase record sales. Other religious labels like Word had already started doing this. So The 77s 1984 album All Fall Down was released on A&M. Peacock produced the album. Rowe wrote most of the songs including Ba Ba Ba Ba. By this time, drummer Aaron Smith replaced Proctor. Smith had been with another Exit band Vector. Ba Ba Ba Ba reached #4 on the CCM Rock chart. In the video, they resemble other bands of the era. So they are trying really hard to cross over to pop. But it never happened. All Fall Down is available as a digital download. For the 1987 album The 77s, they switched to Island Records. And despite positive reviews from Rolling Stone among others, the album went nowhere possibly because Island spent all their promotion money on U2's The Joshua Tree. Of course U2 is the most successful CCM crossover band of all time. That was it for The 77s. They split up in 1992. Roe still leads a version of The 77s and he releases albums on his own label. He has also recorded several solo albums. He kept the band name to make it easier to get live bookings. Here's the video for Ba Ba Ba Ba by The 77s.

 

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Sandee

Artist:Sandee

Song:You're the One

Album:Freestyle's Greatest Hits

Sandra Tola Casanas was an original member of the Freestyle girl group that became known as Expose. But all three members left before Expose's first album was recorded in 1985. Sandra went on to have shortlived success recording as Sandee. She was born Jan. 19, 1962 in Hollywood, FL. When Expose was first formed in 1983, they were called X-Posed. Sandee was one of the three original members. The producer was Lewis Martinee. X-Posed released Point of No Return as a single on Pantera Records and it topped Billboard's Dance Club Play chart. This success got them a record deal with Arista. A second single was released and the group name was changed to Expose. Arista gave the OK to record an album. But things didn't go well and all three girls were replaced. Sandee recorded the 1986 single Let's Stay in Love for Gold Star Records in Miami. Then she signed with Pizazz Records with Atlantic distribution. You're the One charted on the Dance chart. It was written and produced by Avy Gonzalez who produced other Pizazz artists like Genuine Parts. You can get You're the One on this Thump Records various artists comp. Then Sandee signed with Fever Records owned by New York City nightclub owner Sal Abbatello. He got her an album deal with Columbia and the 1991 album Only Time Will Tell. The single Notice Me reached #9 on the Dance chart. It was written and produced by Clivilillies & Cole AKA C+C Music Factory. They produced half the album. And that was it Sandee continued to perform but she never recorded again. She died from a seizure on Dec. 15, 2008 at age 46. Here's Sandee performing You're the One.