How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : The Pale, Travis, Gomez, Pet Shop Boys, David Bowie, Pulp, Sonic Youth, Placebo, Faith No More, Annie Lennox, Oasis, R.E.M.
They are the performers of twelve vintage amusing, puzzling and sometimes shocking videos of songs that were ranked in various charts, this week (24/52) BUT… in the Nineties 90s.
For TWELVE more 'Vous Avez Dit Bizarre' - Vintage 90s Music Videos - week 24/52 - click here
Tracklist
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1 . The Pale - Dogs With No TailsA unique fusion of alternative rock and pop rock, "Dogs With No Tails" by The Pale, released in 1992, is an emblematic track by the Irish band formed in 1990. This song showcases the eclectic style characteristic of the band. The original members, including Matthew Devereux on vocals, Shane Wearen on mandolin, and Sean Molloy, honed their musical skills playing on the streets of Dublin, notably on Grafton Street, a famous spot for street musicians. Writer(s) : Columb Farrelly, Edward Lee, Sean Derek Molloy, Shane Wearen, Topher Devereux, Matthew Chris Featured on the 1990 album "Here's One We Made Earlier".
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2 . Travis - Driftwood"Driftwood" by Travis, released in 1999, is one of the Scottish band's most iconic singles. The song tackles themes of loss and emotional drift, often interpreted as a metaphor for modern alienation, with Healy recounting that the inspiration came from observing branches floating down a river. The track's producer, Nigel Godrich, known for his work with Radiohead, adds depth and a distinctive sonic texture to the song. The music video is directed by Garth Jennings. Writer(s) : Francis Healy Publisher(s) : Sony Music Publishing Featured on the 1999 album "The Man Who".
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3 . Gomez - Get Myself ArrestedAn energetic blend of blues and alternative rock, "Get Myself Arrested" is a track by Gomez released in 1998. One of Gomez's unique features is the use of multiple lead singers, providing a unique vocal variety. Members Ian Ball and Ben Ottewell are also known for their unconventional recording and production approach, often using vintage equipment to create an authentic and timeless sound. Writer(s) : Benjamin Jose Ottewell, Paul Blackburn, Ian Thomas Ball, Oliver James Peacock, Thomas William Gray Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd Featured on the 1998 album "Bring It On".
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4 . Pet Shop Boys - Can You Forgive Her?Released in 1993, "Can You Forgive Her?" by Pet Shop Boys, the duo formed by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, is an iconic track that explores themes of guilt and reconciliation, inspired, according to Neil Tennant, by a novel by Anthony Trollope, adding a literary layer to their pop music. This single was produced by Stephen Hague, who also worked with artists like New Order and Erasure. The music video is directed by Howard Greenhalgh. Writer(s) : Chris Lowe, Neil Francis Tennant Publisher(s) : Cage Music Ltd Featured on the 1993 album "Very".
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5 . David Bowie - Black Tie White Noise"Black Tie White Noise" by David Bowie, released in 1993, marks Bowie's return to musical experimentation after a less prolific period. Influenced by his marriage to Iman, this track blends jazz, funk, and soul. Longtime collaborator Nile Rodgers brings his distinctive groove to the track. Rodgers, also known for his work with Chic and Madonna, adds rhythmic sophistication that enhances Bowie's voice. The music video is directed by David Mallet. Writer(s) : David Bowie Publisher(s) : Tintoretto Music Featured on the 1993 album "Black Tie White Noise".
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6 . Pulp - Common People"Common People" by Pulp, released in 1995, is an anthem of the British working class, told with irony and passion by Jarvis Cocker, who says he was inspired by a real conversation with a Greek student. The song has become emblematic of the Britpop movement, and Pulp, with members like Steve Mackey and Candida Doyle, remained a pillar of the 90s music scene. The music video is directed by Pedro Romhanyi. Writer(s) : Stephen Patrick Mackey, Russell Senior, Nick Banks, Jarvis Branson Cocker, Candida Doyle Publisher(s) : Island Music Ltd, Steve Mackey Publishing Limited, Bmg Rights Management Uk Limited Featured on the 1995 album "Different Class".
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7 . Sonic Youth - Bull In The HeatherReleased in 1994, "Bull In The Heather" is a perfect example of Sonic Youth's avant-garde approach to alternative rock. With Kim Gordon on lead vocals, the song stands out for Thurston Moore's dissonant guitars and unconventional structures. The song's title is reportedly inspired by the name of a racehorse. The music video is directed by Tamra Davis. Writer(s) : Steve Shelley, Kim Althea Gordon, Lee M Ranaldo, Thurston Joseph Moore Publisher(s) : Sonik Tooth Music Featured on the 1994 album "Experimental Jet Set, Trash".
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8 . Placebo - 36 DegreesWith its title referencing normal body temperature, symbolizing a state of superficial normality contrasting with inner chaos, "36 Degrees" by Placebo, released in 1996, is a dark and introspective track exploring themes of despair and confusion. Brian Molko, known for his distinctive androgynous voice, leads the band while Stefan Olsdal, the bassist, adds melodic depth that reinforces the dramatic atmosphere. The music video is directed by Chris Cunningham. Writer(s) : Bo Stefan Alexa Olsdal, Brian Molko, Klas Rober T Schultzberg Publisher(s) : Bmg Fm Music Limited Featured on the 1996 album "Placebo".
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9 . Faith No More - Ashes to Ashes"Ashes to Ashes" by Faith No More, released in 1997, is a powerful track that combines elements of rock, metal, and funk. Mike Patton, the lead singer, known for his vocal versatility, delivers an intense and captivating performance. The song's title, not to be confused with Bowie's, reportedly echoes a biblical phrase. The music video is directed by Tim Royes. Writer(s) : Bill Gould, Michael Allen Patton, Michael Andrew Bordin, Roddy Bottum, Jon David Hudson Publisher(s) : Clnslate Music Publishing Featured on the 1997 album "Album of the Year".
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10 . Annie Lennox - A Whiter Shade of Pale"A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Annie Lennox, released in 1995, is a cover of the classic by Procol Harum. Lennox, with her powerful and expressive voice, transforms the song into a captivating soul ballad. David A. Stewart, her frequent collaborator and former Eurythmics member, produced this track, bringing depth and richness to the arrangement. The music video is directed by Joe Dyer. Writer(s) : Keith Reid, Gary Michael William Brooker, Andersen Publisher(s) : Tunecore Global Featured on the 1995 album "Medusa".
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11 . Oasis - Don’t Look Back In Anger"Don’t Look Back In Anger" by Oasis, released in 1996, is one of the British band's most recognizable anthems. Noel Gallagher, who sings lead vocals for a rare time, is heavily inspired by the Beatles, particularly John Lennon. The song's chorus is often sung by crowds at concerts, creating an unparalleled sense of communion and nostalgia. The music video is directed by Nigel Dick. Writer(s) : Noel Thomas Gallagher Publisher(s) : Oasis Music (Gb 3), Oasis Music (Gb 1) Featured on the 1995 album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?". |
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12 . R.E.M. - Everybody Hurts""Everybody Hurts"" by R.E.M., released in 1992, is an emotional song designed to offer comfort and hope. Michael Stipe, the lead singer, has said that the song was intended to help young people cope with difficult times. That's why ""Everybody Hurts"" has been used in many awareness campaigns and remains a symbol of support and empathy. The production by Scott Litt and the orchestral arrangements by John Paul Jones, former Led Zeppelin member, add a poignant dimension to the track. The music video is directed by Jake Scott. Writer(s) : Michael Mills, Peter Lawrence Buck, William Thomas Berry, Michael Stipe Publisher(s) : Night Garden Music Featured on the 1992 album "Automatic for the People".
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. "Dogs With No Tails" reached No. 51 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1992. It was one of three singles from The Pale's debut album. The band started busking on Dublin's Grafton Street.
2. The "Driftwood" music video was filmed at St Philomena's Catholic High School for Girls in Surrey. Travis braved the rain for the outdoor shoot, a memorable part of the band's visual history.
3. "Whippin' Piccadilly" is an energetic track on Gomez's debut album "Bring It On." It's the eighth track and showcases the band's signature eclectic style and harmony-driven rock fusion.
4. Pet Shop Boys' single “Can You Forgive Her?” borrows its title from Anthony Trollope's novel. The song captures themes of humiliation and unresolved emotions through Tennant's introspective lyrics.
5. Bowie's "Black Tie White Noise" addresses race relations following the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The song pairs social commentary with a sophisticated R&B and jazz fusion sound.
6. William Shatner covered Pulp’s hit from "Different Class" in 2004. He put his distinctive spoken-word style to the track, introducing it to a new audience.
7. Sonic Youth's "Bull in the Heather" alludes to a racehorse named Bull Inthe Heather. The band discovered the name on a bumper sticker, leading to the track’s creation.
8. Placebo's "36 Degrees 2005" is a slower rearranged version of the original. It was recorded to mark their tenth anniversary and featured in various live performances.
9. Mike Patton completed the lyrics for a lead single from "Album of the Year" while in Italy. The international completion speaks to Faith No More's out-of-the-box creative process.
10. Annie Lennox chose to cover Procol Harum's song because it was the first record she bought. Her version maintains the original's haunting melancholy with a contemporary touch.
11. The Oasis single released in February 1996 is notable for having Noel Gallagher as lead vocalist. It marked a departure from the usual, with Noel stepping into the spotlight vocally.
12. "Everybody Hurts" is distinct for Michael Stipe's clear and articulate vocal delivery. Its straightforward anti-suicide message represented a poignant, melodic comfort for fans and listeners alike.