How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Vengaboys, Röyksopp, Crazy Frog, Gorillaz, Spiller, Grant Nelson, Stereolab, Mr. Scruff, Marmaduke Duke, Poker Pets, Different Gear, Mc Skat Kat & The Stray Mob
They are the performers of twelve (animated only) music videos that reached the charts from the eighties to the noughties.
1. Which distinctive feature sets “Cheekah Bow Bow [That Computer Song]” by Vengaboys apart?
- A Animated cartoon vocals
- B Computer-sung parts
- C Human choir chorus
2. What is notable about the vocals on Röyksopp’s ‘Remind Me’ ?
- A Performed by a guest artist
- B Entirely instrumental
- C Remix features animal sounds
3. What makes Crazy Frog’s rendition of “Popcorn” unique?
- A It features fully original verses
- B No “Crazy Frog” sound included
- C Includes a vocals feature by a pop star
4. What is the key visual theme of the music video for Gorillaz’s “19-2000”?
- A Space opera scenes
- B Wild west standoff
- C Surreal highway journey
5. Which musical technique is highlighted in Spiller’s “Cry Baby”?
- A Bossa nova rhythm
- B Modular assembly with ProTools
- C Use of bluegrass instruments
6. What sample characterizes Grant Nelson’s “Step 2 Me”?
- A Rolling Stones bassline
- B Michael Wycoff’s hit
- C Joe Cocker guitar riff
7. What distinguishes Stereolab’s “Miss Modular” in its production approach?
- A Live orchestra performance
- B Extensive use of analog synthesizers
- C Digital production with loops
8. Which musical style best describes Mr. Scruff’s ‘Honeydew’ ?
- A Jazz-fusion
- B Electronic trip-hop
- C Heavy metal
9. What piece from Billy Joel is sampled in Marmaduke Duke’s “Rubber Lover”?
- A Piano Man
- B Sleeping with the Television On
- C We Didn’t Start the Fire
10. “Lovin’ You” by Poker Pets involves what kind of musical fusion?
- A Rock and psychedelic blend
- B House and soul mix
- C Classical and jazz collage
11. What creates the atmosphere in Different Gear’s “A Little Bit Paranoid”?
- A Cheerful children’s choir
- B Dramatic string quartet
- C Playful lyrics about suspicion
12. What notable collaboration influenced MC Skat Kat & The Stray Mob’s “Skat Strut”?
- A Paula Abdul’s involvement
- B Animated characters from Disney
- C The Beatles’ songwriting
Tracklist
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1 . Vengaboys – Cheekah Bow Bow [That Computer Song]Featured on the 1999 album “The Platinum Album”.
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2 . Röyksopp – Remind MeFeatured on the 2001 album “Melody A.M.“.
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3 . Crazy Frog – PopcornFeatured on the 2005 album “Crazy Frog Presents Crazy Hits”.
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4 . Gorillaz – 19-2000Featured on the 2001 album “Gorillaz“.
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5 . Spiller – Cry Baby
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6 . Grant Nelson – Step 2 Me
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7 . Stereolab – Miss ModularFeatured on the 1997 album “Dots and Loops”.
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8 . Mr. Scruff – HoneydewFeatured on the 1999 album “Keep It Unreal”.
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9 . Marmaduke Duke – Rubber LoverFeatured on the 2009 album “Duke Pandemonium”.
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10 . Poker Pets – Lovin’ You
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11 . Different Gear – A Little Bit Paranoid
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12 . Mc Skat Kat & The Stray Mob – Skat StrutFeatured on the 1991 album “The Adventures of MC Skat Kat and the Stray Mob”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. The track is unique for featuring vocals by an animated computer character, leading to it being recognized as the first top 20 hit sung entirely by a computer. The Vengaboys took on supporting roles.
2. Röyksopp’s “Remind Me” features vocals by Erlend Øye. Unlike some versions, this single does not lack vocals, offering a dreamy, 1960s-inspired style.
3. Crazy Frog’s rendition of “Popcorn” is notable because it doesn’t include the signature “Crazy Frog” sound, differentiating it from earlier releases like “Axel F.”
4. The “19-2000” music video features the Gorillaz animated band on a surreal highway trip, aligning with the band’s unique virtual presence.
5. “Cry Baby” by Spiller is known for synthesizing club-friendly rhythms with downtempo and disco elements, presented through various formats including vinyl and CD.
6. “Step 2 Me” by Grant Nelson is distinguished by sampling Michael Wycoff’s “Looking Up to You.” This sample embeds key stylistic elements of 90s dance music.
7. “Miss Modular” by Stereolab uses digital techniques involving ProTools for loop-based music assembly, consistent with the “musique concrète pop” style.
8. Mr. Scruff’s “Honeydew” blends electronic, breakbeat and trip-hop elements, showcasing late 90s British nu-jazz influences with an uptempo rhythm.
9. “Rubber Lover” by Marmaduke Duke samples Billy Joel’s “Sleeping with the Television On,” adding a distinctive texture to the experimental rock track.
10. “Lovin’ You” by Poker Pets features a blend of house and soul, drawing from Silver Convention and Larry Graham samples while maintaining an easygoing vibe.
11. Different Gear’s “A Little Bit Paranoid” uses playful lyrics about suspicion and jealousy, paired with house beats and a piano hook, creating a slightly tense atmosphere.
12. “Skat Strut” was influenced by Paula Abdul’s popularity from “Opposites Attract,” integrating characters and producing the lead single from MC Skat Kat’s conceptual album.