How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Jimmy Ray, Suede, James, The Flaming Lips, Metallica, Primal Scream, Jewel, Stereophonics, Enya, Fields of the Nephilim, John Parish, PJ Harvey, The Smashing Pumpkins
They are the performers of twelve vintage amusing, puzzling and sometimes shocking videos of songs that were ranked in various charts, this week (47/52) BUT… in the Nineties 90s.
1. Which notable personalities are name-dropped in Jimmy Ray’s “Are You Jimmy Ray?”
- A James Dean and Marilyn Monroe
- B Johnnie Ray, Link Wray, and Fay Wray
- C Ray Charles and Ray Liotta
2. Who directed the UK music video for Suede’s “Can’t Get Enough”?
- A Max Beesley
- B Simon Gilbert
- C John Hillcoat
3. For what reason was the lyric in James’ “Laid” altered for U.S. radio play?
- A It was too provocative
- B It was too long
- C It referenced a trademark
4. What type of instruments open Metallica’s 1992 single from their self-titled album?
- A Traditional orchestral instruments
- B Asian instruments
- C Electronic synthesizers
5. Who contributed a notable remix of Primal Scream’s track “Swastika Eyes”?
- A Trent Reznor
- B Jagz Kooner
- C Moby
6. What incident inspired the lyrics of Jewel’s “Hands”?
- A A financial scandal
- B Troublesome health issues
- C A happy family event
7. What sets “Hurry Up and Wait” by Stereophonics apart in their setlist?
- A Its live-only guitar solo
- B Its introspective reflection
- C Its exclusive choir backing
8. Which historical theme is central to Enya’s track featured in the BBC series?
- A Roman empires
- B Ancient Greek philosophy
- C Celtic history
9. What is a defining characteristic of Fields of the Nephilim’s “Sumerland (What Dreams May Come)”?
- A A reggae breakdown
- B Themes of Sumerian religion
- C Acoustic ballad style
10. Where was PJ Harvey’s “That Was My Veil” recorded?
- A Abbey Road Studios
- B Many-Worlds Mansion and Small World
- C Sunset Studios
11. What notable guitar tuning feature does The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Thirty-Three” include?
- A Tuned to drop D
- B Guitars tuned to EGBGBE
- C Open G tuning
12. Which cover version of “Waitin’ for a Superman” by The Flaming Lips is not widely known?
- A Coldplay’s rendition
- B Scott Weiland’s version
- C Taylor Swift’s cover
For TWELVE more ‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ – Vintage 90s Music Videos – week 47/52 – click here
Tracklist
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1 . Jimmy Ray – Are You Jimmy Ray?Featured on the 1998 album “Jimmy Ray”.
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2 . Suede – Can’t Get EnoughFeatured on the 1999 album “Head Music”.
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3 . James – LaidFeatured on the 1993 album “Laid”.
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4 . The Flaming Lips – Waitin’ For SupermanFeatured on the 1999 album “The Soft Bulletin“.
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5 . Metallica – Wherever I May RoamFeatured on the 1991 album “Metallica“.
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6 . Primal Scream – Swastika EyesFeatured on the 2000 album “XTRMNTR”.
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7 . Jewel – HandsFeatured on the 1998 album “Spirit”.
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8 . Stereophonics – Hurry Up And WaitFeatured on the 1999 album “Performance and Cocktails”.
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9 . Enya – The CeltsFeatured on the 1992 album “The Celts”.
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10 . Fields of the Nephilim – SumerlandFeatured on the 1990 album “Elizium”.
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11 . John Parish, PJ Harvey – That Was My VeilFeatured on the 1996 album “Dance Hall at Louse Point”. |
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12 . The Smashing Pumpkins – Thirty-ThreeFeatured on the 1995 album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Jimmy Ray’s “Are You Jimmy Ray?” drops names of Johnnie Ray, Link Wray, and Fay Wray. This mix of references adds to the song’s unique blend of nostalgia and pop.
2. The UK video for Suede’s “Can’t Get Enough” was directed by John Hillcoat. It’s noted for its story-driven style, starring Max Beesley and Laura Fraser.
3. The lyric in James’ “Laid” was altered due to its provocative nature, ensuring it would be fit for U.S. radio, showcasing the challenges of crossing cultural boundaries.
4. Metallica’s single is distinctive for its Asian instrumental introduction with a gong and sitar, setting a global tone before the heavy-metal kicks in.
5. Jagz Kooner contributed a prominent remix of “Swastika Eyes” by Primal Scream. It became a standout track, adding a dance-electronic edge.
6. Jewel’s “Hands” was inspired by personal health issues, which led to a contemplation between despair and creative expression instead of desperate acts.
7. Stereophonics’ “Hurry Up and Wait” reflects the album’s duality—restless energy intertwined with introspective moments, quintessentially capturing the human condition.
8. Enya’s song focused on Celtic history as part of a BBC documentary series. This brought ancient cultures to light with her signature ethereal sound.
9. Fields of the Nephilim’s track centers around Sumerian religion themes. It combines mystical lyrical references with a heavy gothic rock sound.
10. PJ Harvey’s “That Was My Veil” was recorded at Many-Worlds Mansion and Small World, highlighting her and John Parish’s collaborative synergy.
11. The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Thirty-Three” uses guitars tuned to EGBGBE, a country-influenced tuning contributing to its unique, stripped-back sound.
12. While Coldplay and Scott Weiland covered “Waitin’ for a Superman,” a Taylor Swift version would surprise many yet remains non-existent.