The Rules: I reset the play counters for all the songs currently on my iTunes. Then at the end of every week, I check to see what the top five most played songs are. Whatever happens to be in this top five are then presented in order here from most played to least. If I have posted a particular song in the past, then I will bypass that song and post the next in line. If one artist dominates the list, then I will write about that artist in lieu of a Top Five list.
Just a quick note to remind you of the Mystery Download of the Day… you’ll find the banner for it right at the top of this page… I have no idea what the download is, as it changes every day, so click the banner to grab the download and find out for yourself!
Now on with the show… This Week’s Top 5 Most Played Songs From Swap’s iTunes…
Hurt Like Mine – The Black Keys
I gotta be honest – the only reason I first took a listen to The Black Keys is that I’m always interested in bands that call themselves “The Black (something).” I realize how ridiculous that sounds, but let’s face it: “The Black (something)” bands are usually pretty good. There’s The Black Crowes, The Black Eyed Peas, Black Sabbath…
So how could I resist a band called The Black Keys?
“Hurt Like Mine” is off The Black Keys‘ second album, Thickfreakness. Most of the album was apparently recorded in the basement of Patrick Carney, the band’s drummer. Pretty cool.
I just dig this band… and this song, as it ended up in my top spot this week.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: Hurt Like Mine (The Black Keys)
Buy The Black Keys on Amazon
Buy The Black Keys on iTunes
Lonesome Blues – Shooter Jennings
Shooter Jennings is the son of one of the most famous country singers ever, Waylon Jennings. “Lonesome Blues” is off of his debut album, Put the “O” Back in Country. I must admit that I bought this album without even realizing Shooter’s family lineage. I just thought the title of the album was cool.
It’s a great album and I’m glad I picked it up! Being completely unfamiliar with Waylon Jennings (aside from his work with The Dukes of Hazzard), I wasn’t able to compare Shooter to his father… which is probably a good thing.
Anyhow, if you dig on the more rock side of country, you’ll enjoy his debut album. He has since released two more records, but it’s his first record that I dig the mostest.
Just a bit of trivia: Shooter got his name after urinating on a nurse shortly after his birth. I wonder what his name would have been if he had pooped on her.
“Lonesome Blues” was the second most played song this week and feels so good to listen to… I hope you enjoy it!
Your Dig-It Download:
Download:
Buy Shooter Jennings on Amazon
Buy Shooter Jennings on iTunes
Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love – Trisha Yearwood
I’m afraid I don’t know much about Trisha Yearwood. What I do know is that she’s married to Garth Brooks (which ain’t too bad).
She’s had great success as a country singer with eleven albums certified either gold or platinum, and she’s the first female country singer to sell more than a million units of her debut album.
Her album, Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love, was released in 2007 and is just a fantastic album. I first heard the title track to the album on the radio while driving and enjoyed it so much I had to pick up the rest of the album. This track certainly kicks arse… so much arse that it ended up as the third most played song this week.
I got to see Trisha play an acoustic set in Nashville last year… she put on a fantastic performance… and to top things off, I got to walk BEHIND her. Not bad, huh?
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love (Trisha Yearwood)
Buy Trisha Yearwood on Amazon
Buy Trisha Yearwood on iTunes
Indifference – Ben Harper
I first came across Ben Harper through his album Fight For Your Mind. The first track, “Oppression,” took me by storm, and I was hooked ever since. He’s a wonderful songwriter and musician… LOVE his work with the Blind Boys of Alabama. Check out the Higher Ground record to see what I mean.
Cool trivia about Harper… he was born in Claremont, CA… just about 10 minutes from where I grew up in Upland, CA!!!!
Anyhow, I’ve been listening to his rendition of Pearl Jam’s song, “Indifference” quite a bit, which landed it at number four on the list this week. Harper’s voice sounds so cool in this acoustic performance.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: Indifference (Ben Harper – live acoustic)
Buy Ben Harper on Amazon
Buy Ben Harper on iTunes
The Mountain – Levon Helm
Finishing off this week’s list is Levon Helm’s “The Mountain”. Helm is best known for his work as the drummer and vocalist for The Band. His voice can be heard on such great songs as “The Weight”, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, and “Up On Cripple Creek”. I’ve always dug his drumming… very laid back, but with an almost funky feel. His drum sound in The Band’s second album, The Band, is SO awesome… just a natural, boomy sound that lets your HEAR the wood of the drum kit.
Anyhow, Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer in the 1990’s. His voice was reduced to nothing more than a rasp, and for years he was not able to sing. It wasn’t until 2004 that he was able to battle back and regain his voice… and the world is sincerely better for that.
In October of 2007, he released a solo record Dirt Farmer. His voice isn’t quite as strong as it was before, but the record is still a testament to the strength of the human spirit. I love his voice and am so grateful for this new record.
“The Mountain” reminds me of his earlier work with The Band… and that ain’t a bad thing.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: The Mountain (Levon Helm)
Buy Levon Helm on Amazon
Buy Levon Helm on iTunes
Now that you’ve read this and all other articles on TheFrontloader.com, zip on over to Blogness On the Edge of Town and check out their “Cover of the Week” post! This week’s cover is Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire.”
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