Sunday, December 26, 2021

Music History Today: December 27, 2021

December 27, 2002: The movie Chicago, distributed by Miramax Films, was released in the USA.

"Chicago" continues the reinvention of the musical that started with "Moulin Rouge." 

Chicago 2002 movie poster
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Although modern audiences don't like to see stories interrupted by songs, apparently they like songs interrupted by stories. The movie is a dazzling song and dance extravaganza, with just enough words to support the music and allow everyone to catch their breath between songs. 
Read more: Roger Ebert

December 27, 1975: The new number 1 song in the US was "Let's Do It Again" by The Staple Singers.

Curtis Mayfield had gold and platinum success with the movie soundtracks of Superfly and Claudine. Because of this, his service was tapped to write and produce the soundtrack of the Sidney Poitier/Bill Cosby/Jimmie Walker/John Amos movie comedy Let's Do It Again.

Let's Do It Again movie poster

He gave the singer/songwriter/producer a chance to work with his fellow Chicagoans the Staple Singers, whom he'd lost in a contract contest with Warner Bros. Records. It sort of worked out anyway, with Mayfield's Curtom label being distributed by Warner Bros. and him having the opportunity to produce what would turn out to be one of their biggest and most enduring hits.  
Read more: Allmusic

December 27, 1979: Pretenders released their self-titled debut album. 

Few rock & roll records rock as hard or with as much originality as the Pretenders' eponymous debut album.

Pretenders' self-titled debut album 

A sleek, stylish fusion of Stonesy rock & roll, new wave pop, and pure punk aggression, Pretenders is teeming with sharp hooks and a viciously cool attitude. Although Chrissie Hynde establishes herself as a forceful and distinctively feminine songwriter, the record isn't a singer/songwriter's tour de force -- it's a rock & roll album, powered by a unique and aggressive band.  
Read more: Allmusic

December 27, 1980: Bruce Springsteen peaked at number 5 in the US with "Hungry Heart." 

When Springsteen met Joey Ramone in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Ramone asked him to write a song for The Ramones.

Bruce Springsteen

Springsteen composed "Hungry Heart" that night, but decided to keep it for himself on the advice of his producer and manager, Jon Landau. Previously, upbeat and catchy Springsteen songs such as "Blinded by the Light", "Because the Night", and "Fire" had been given away and become hits for others, and Landau preferred the trend not continue. 
Read more: Wikipedia

December 27, 2003: "Milkshake" by Kelis made it to the Top 3.

Unlike '60s rock or '80s R&B, the decade wasn't fraught with antigovernment anthems or profound power ballads.
Kelis
Kelis

But that doesn't mean it came and went without lessons learned. Case in point: A milkshake — delicious as it may be — is nothing if it doesn't bring all the boys to the yard. 
Read more: Delish

When You're Good to Mama
Queen Latifah

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