How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Bryan Ferry, Meat Loaf, Aloe Blacc, Morrissey, Don McLean, Frank Sinatra, Akon, Gilbert O’ Sullivan, Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Barry Manilow, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Leon Russell, Chris Martin, John Hammond
They are the Male Balladeers selected among the 403 Posts we publish this week.
1. On which television show did Bryan Ferry perform “Loop De Li” live in 2014?
- A Later… with Jools Holland
- B The Tonight Show
- C Top of the Pops
2. Which musician’s theatrical introduction is featured in “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth”?
- A Jim Steinman
- B Todd Rundgren
- C Roy Bittan
3. Aloe Blacc performed “Tracks of My Tears” at which prestigious event?
- A Grammy Awards
- B Library of Congress Gershwin Prize
- C Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
4. Morrissey’s song “Spent the Day in Bed” critiques what aspect of modern life?
- A Climate Change
- B Economic Inequality
- C News Negativity
5. Which painting is referenced in Don McLean’s song “Vincent”?
- A The Night Cafe
- B The Starry Night
- C Sunflowers
6. What was significant about Frank Sinatra’s performance of “Lonesome Road” on television?
- A It was his television debut
- B Included a live orchestra
- C First colored TV broadcast
7. Akon’s “Never Took the Time” primarily explores which theme?
- A Financial Loss
- B Romantic Regret
- C Political Turmoil
8. Gilbert O’Sullivan’s mimed performance of which song appeared on “Top of the Pops” in 1973?
- A “Why, Oh Why, Oh Why”
- B “Alone Again (Naturally)”
- C “Clair”
9. Gary Barlow collaborated with which artists for “Could It Be Magic” at Children in Need Rocks Manchester?
- A Elton John and Robbie Williams
- B Robbie Williams and Barry Manilow
- C Barry Manilow and Elton John
10. Which 2003 concert celebrated Willie Nelson’s 70th birthday with Ray Charles and Leon Russell?
- A The White House
- B Beacon Theatre
- C Grand Ole Opry
11. What venue hosted Coldplay’s acoustic performance of “Fix You” in 2015?
- A The Royal Albert Hall
- B Wembley Stadium
- C The Belasco Theater
12. Who originally wrote the song “She’s Tough,” later covered by John Hammond?
- A Willie Dixon
- B Jerry McCain
- C Muddy Waters
Tracklist
1 . Bryan Ferry . Loop De LiBryan Ferry releases his fifteenth album . ‘Avonmore . (2014) |
2 . Meat Loaf . You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth |
3 . Aloe Blacc . Tracks of My TearsAloe, Jojo, Ledisi et al pay tribute to Smokey Robinson (2016) |
4 . Morrissey . Spent The Day in Bed |
5 . Don McLean . Vincent |
6 . Frank Sinatra . Lonesome Road |
7 . Akon . Never Took The Time |
8 . Gilbert O’ Sullivan . Why Oh Why Oh WhyOn British TV today , Gilbert O’ Sullivan at ‘Top Of The Pops’ (1973) |
9 . Gary Barlow , Robbie Williams , Barry Manilow . Could It Be Magic |
10 . Willie Nelson , Ray Charles , Leon Russell . A Song For You |
11 . Chris Martin . Fix You (w/ Coldplay) |
12 . John Hammond . She’s in Tough |
And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Bryan Ferry performed “Loop De Li” on the BBC show Later… with Jools Holland. The appearance coincided with his album “Avonmore” release, adding to Ferry’s history of UK television sessions.
2. Jim Steinman and Marcia McClain’s spoken dialogue introduces “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth.” This distinctive theatrical element is a hallmark of Steinman’s collaborations with Meat Loaf.
3. Aloe Blacc performed “Tracks of My Tears” at the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize event honoring Smokey Robinson. Blacc’s rendition acknowledged Robinson’s Motown legacy.
4. Morrissey’s “Spent the Day in Bed” addresses the negativity of news media. The song advocates for a personal retreat from daily monotony, resonating with Morrisey’s characteristic social critiques.
5. Don McLean’s “Vincent” references Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” The song reflects McLean’s poetic interpretation of the artist’s tragic life and enduring legacy.
6. Frank Sinatra’s TV performance of “Lonesome Road” featured a live orchestra. Part of The Frank Sinatra Show, it underscored the live music aspect of 1950s variety television.
7. Akon’s song “Never Took the Time” explores romantic regret and emotional introspection. It highlights feelings of misunderstanding and missed chances in relationships.
8. Gilbert O’Sullivan mimed “Why, Oh Why, Oh Why” on “Top of the Pops” in 1973. The show bolstered his presence in the pop scene, showcasing his music to a wider audience.
9. Gary Barlow performed “Could It Be Magic” with Robbie Williams and Barry Manilow at Children in Need Rocks Manchester. This collaboration melded Barlow’s pop roots with Manilow’s classic hit.
10. Willie Nelson celebrated his 70th birthday in 2003 at the Beacon Theatre. Nelson performed with Ray Charles and Leon Russell, honoring Russell’s song “A Song For You.”
11. Coldplay’s “Fix You” was part of their 2015 acoustic set at The Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Despite its intimate setting, the song made a lasting impact as a setlist staple.
12. Jerry McCain originally penned “She’s Tough,” later covered by John Hammond. The track continues to showcase Hammond’s dedication to authentic blues through his distinctive style.
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