How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Paul Young, Vinícius de Moraes, Jason Mraz, Jonathan Richman, Dave Gahan, Elton John, Leon Russell, Harry Chapin, Billy Bragg, Joe Henry, Elvis Costello, Randy Newman, John Martyn, Elvis Presley
They are the Male Balladeers selected among the 427 Posts we publish this week.
1. Which band originally wrote “Don’t Dream It’s Over” before Paul Young covered it?
- A The Smiths
- B Crowded House
- C Duran Duran
2. What imagery does “Tarde em Itapoã” focus on?
- A A bustling city
- B A tranquil beach
- C A forest cabin
3. On which TV show did Jason Mraz perform “Who Needs Shelter” live in 2003?
- A Saturday Night Live
- B MTV Unplugged
- C Austin City Limits
4. “Parties In The USA” by Jonathan Richman reflects on what theme?
- A American political history
- B Celebrations of American pop music
- C Rural landscapes
5. Which project includes the song “My Sun” by Dave Gahan and Soulsavers?
- A Playing the Angel
- B Angels & Ghosts
- C Delta Machine
6. What collaboration album did Elton John and Leon Russell release in 2010?
- A The Union
- B The Captain and the Kid
- C The Road to El Dorado
7. During which event did Harry Chapin perform “A Better Place To Be” in 1978?
- A The Grammys
- B Capitol Theatre Benefit Concert
- C Live Aid
8. What journey inspired the recording of “Gentle On My Mind” by Billy Bragg and Joe Henry?
- A A cross-country bus trip
- B A 2,700-mile train journey
- C A sailing trip around the Caribbean
9. In which German city did Elvis Costello perform “Clowntime Is Over” as recorded by Rockpalast?
- A Berlin
- B Munich
- C Essen
10. In which album does “She Chose Me” by Randy Newman appear?
- A Bad Love
- B Dark Matter
- C Good Old Boys
11. “Small Hours” by John Martyn, played at Reading University, features what form of sound engineering?
- A 5.1 Surround Sound
- B Floyd’s surround sound
- C Mono sound
12. “Love Me” by Elvis Presley achieved chart success despite not being released as what?
- A An album
- B A single
- C A movie soundtrack
Tracklist
1 . Paul Young . Don’t Dream It’s Over |
2 . Vinícius de Moraes . Tarde Em Itapoã (w/ Toquinho) |
3 . Jason Mraz . Who Needs Shelter |
4 . Jonathan Richman . Parties In The USA |
5 . Dave Gahan . My Sun (w/ Soulsavers) |
6 . Elton John & Leon Russell . Gone To ShilohElton John and Leon Russell celebrate their ‘Union’ in NYC (2010) |
7 . Harry Chapin . A Better Place to Be |
8 . Billy Bragg & Joe Henry . Gentle on My Mind |
9 . Elvis Costello . Clowntime Is Over |
10 . Randy Newman . She Chose Me |
11 . John Martyn . Small Hours |
12 . Elvis Presley . Love Me TenderRCA publish Elvis Presley second album . ‘Elvis’ featuring ‘Love Me’ (1956) |
And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” was originally written and performed by Crowded House in 1986. Paul Young’s cover preserves the song’s melodic pop style with his soulful vocal delivery.
2. “Tarde em Itapoã” paints a picture of a tranquil afternoon at a beach. The song captures vivid, sensory images of relaxing coastal life in Salvador, Bahia.
3. Jason Mraz performed “Who Needs Shelter” live on Austin City Limits in 2003. This marked his appearance on the well-known television music program.
4. “Parties In The USA” reflects Jonathan Richman’s commentary on American pop music celebrations with a straightforward melodic style typical of his work.
5. “My Sun” is part of the album *Angels & Ghosts* by Dave Gahan and Soulsavers. The collaboration blends alternative rock influences with gospel and soul.
6. Elton John and Leon Russell’s collaboration resulted in the 2010 album *The Union*. It features a blend of the duo’s songwriting and vocal styles.
7. Harry Chapin performed “A Better Place To Be” at the Capitol Theatre Benefit Concert in 1978. The live recording was later released on a limited edition vinyl.
8. Billy Bragg and Joe Henry recorded “Gentle On My Mind” during a 2,700-mile train journey. This venture became their 2016 album *Shine a Light*.
9. Elvis Costello performed “Clowntime Is Over” in Essen for Rockpalast Nacht in 1983. The event was broadcast by the German TV program Rockpalast.
10. “She Chose Me” by Randy Newman appears on his 2017 album *Dark Matter*. The song presents an emotional portrayal of romantic partnership.
11. The live performance of “Small Hours” by John Martyn used Floyd’s surround sound at Reading University. Its ambient qualities are characteristic of Martyn’s experiments.
12. “Love Me” by Elvis Presley reached significant chart success, hitting #2 on the Billboard Top 100, despite not being released as a single to avoid confusion with “Love Me Tender”.
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