The Power of Lists – By Michael Edwards

For most DJs, the relatively slower winter months provide an excellent opportunity to work on improving your DJ equipment, stage setup, lighting and even fine-tuning the way you run your office. With so many important things to work on, we often neglect to allot sufficient time to improve the way we organize and access our music. When you stop to think about it, as a DJ, your music should actually be your top priority, because without it, everything else is useless.

Most of you now use hard drives to store your music collections and software that allows you to create playlists. This provides a unique opportunity to create—in advance—hundreds of new playlists, music sets and sub-sets that will really come in handy in the “heat of battle” when you have a packed dance floor in front of you.

Traditionally, the most basic way to separate different types of music has been by genre, similar to the organization of the music we purchase from subscription services. It’s convenient to simply follow their lead and set up comfortable, familiar categories for Rock, Top 40/CHR, Country, Hip Hop/Urban, Dance/Remix, Adult Contemporary, Reggae etc. Back when we used records or CDs, most of us would organize them by Genre and then by Artist, within that Genre. You’d know right where to look for Alan Jackson in the “Country” genre, or Donna Summer in the “Disco/Dance” genre.

MAKING THE LISTS

If the only way you still organize your music is by Genre, Artist and Title, there’s a whole new world of micro-organization just begging to elevate your game to a whole new level. The old, familiar format will still be there for you, but the “go to” songs and “can’t miss” dance floor packers should also be separated out into well-thought out subsets without any weaker non-hits or filler songs that can always still be found in the main collection.

If you do weddings, you should have massive sub-sets of all the most popular songs needed for ceremony music (sets for prelude, processional, recessional etc), cocktail hour music (sets of smooth jazz, rat pack, contemporary etc), introduction music (a list of pre-made intro loops and instrumental versions of the most requested, popular intro songs), dinner music (younger crowd, older crowd and mixed audience sub-sets), cake cutting favorites, centerpiece giveaway set, garter/bouquets favorites, a ton of dance sets and a set of good-bye/exit music. You can subtract or add to each set as new material comes out and use them not just “on the fly” at the event, but to draw from, in advance, when creating a unique new playlist based on your future clients’ preferences.

Ever research the music for a class reunion? If you are booked for the class of ’92, you’d better know that “Jump” by Kris Kross held number one on the charts for eight weeks in a row, right smack dab in the middle of their prom and graduation time from 4/25/92 to 6/20/92…probably a big hit when played at their senior prom. You wouldn’t have to think about it if you pre-organize all major hits in advance by the month and year they came out. That class would also love hearing music from all four of the years they were in high school, not just the year they graduated.

A “#1 Hits Only” list sorted by year and month is also very handy when playing for an anniversary. Imagine the response you’ll get by saying, “This song was #1 on the charts the day you were married in 1977.” Billboard currently publishes a useful book of all #1s from 1955 to 2009.

What about top hits organized by both Type AND by Decade? I found that merely dumping all the ‘70s or ‘80s hits into their own huge list wasn’t specific enough. Fine-tuning larger Decade lists into smaller sub-sets from that decade will make finding the right song in a hurry a lot easier. Instead of just ‘80s, how about ‘80s Dance Music, ‘80s Slow R&B, ‘80s Hair Band hits and ‘80s Hip-Hop hits. Same holds true for ‘80s-’90s Boy Bands, ‘80s Female Artists, ‘80s Movie Themes, ‘80s Line Dances/Novelty, etc.

Once you have an organized music collection, smaller sub-sets can easily be combined so that you can instantly glance at over 60 years worth of a specific type of music. For example: All Line Dances or just “#1 Country hits by female artists.”

How about cross-genre dance sets based on similar BPM? We all use certain songs that mix very well together, but sometimes browsing a longer list of dance songs that are all close to 120 BPM or close to 128 BPM will spark an idea for a brand new mix or set that is perfect for that evening’s audience. This type of dance tempo list is not necessarily limited to any particular decade or genre, thus providing an ideal source for transition songs that will keep the dancers on the floor as you smoothly switch genres or decades as needed.

Needless to say, a good DJ is always watching the crowd and selecting which songs to play next to satisfy the entire audience… including those who might get up and dance if you’d just play their type of dance music too. Having a great list of similar tempo songs at your fingertips is a valuable tool, especially if you’ve already been playing for four or five hours and may be starting to get a bit fatigued.

I even store pre-formatted five-hour playlists for “types of functions,” organized and saved in advance, so that if a call comes in for a last-minute retirement, Sweet 16 or holiday party, I already have a basic music template handy to provide the typical music for that type of event. Such “template” lists do not limit spontaneous musical decisions, since you still have the needed flexibility to replace any number of songs that may not fit the specific needs or requests of that crowd.

I’ll sometimes save the songlist from a particularly successful “specialized” event and rename it as “Country 50th B’Day,” or “Latin/Reggaeton Wedding” so that a similar future event doesn’t take quite as long to format in advance.

I invite you to comment and share ideas on how you organize your music collections. Working together, we can learn from each other and all become better at what we do.

Here’s looking forward to another great year of staying “Ahead of the Curve”!

 

Michael Edwards is the owner of AllStar Entertainment & UpLighting, located in Andover, MA. He can be contacted at 978-470-4700 or emailed at info@getadj.com. A Member of the American Disc Jockey Assoc. and the Mobile Beat Advisory Board. His company websites include: www.GetaDJ.com and www.GetUplights.com.

 

All The Right Moves – Dance & DJ Competition

Do you have “all the right moves” to be a Dance or DJ Champion? William Young and Golden Touch DJ Entertainment are hosting a dance and DJ competition, and he wants you to be a part of it. “All The Right Moves – Dance & DJ Competition” will be taking place on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the VIP Olmeca Events Center, 1927 West Burnsville Parkway, Burnsville, Minnesota. We are looking for any DJ’s or Dancers who would like to participate in this event. The contest is going to be open to all styles of dance and the plan is to open it up to solo dancers and groups in this category where the first prize winner would receive $1,000. The Deejay contest will have two DJs battling it out with their own unique mixing styles, where the winner would move on to the next round until we crown a Champion. The first place winner would win $500. There would be 2nd and 3rd place prizes for both the dancers and the deejays as well.

I am hoping to have a lot of dancers and deejays participating in the event. This event would be a first of its kind and would have the best of both worlds. EMI and Mobilebeat would be our main sponsors. Registration for the event starts on March 15th, 2011 and you can register to participate at the following website: www.alltherightmovesdancedj.com.

If you need more information, call 763-557-6462

The Chime of the Wedding Bells by Jay Maxwell

The Chime of the Wedding Bells

BY JAY MAXWELL

When most people ask you what you do for a living and you tell them that you are a mobile disc jockey, they probably think of you spinning tunes and playing songs that people can dance to. Of course, if you had to explain to someone what a mobile DJ does, you would likely give them that same one sentence explanation. There are times though when a DJ’s musical expertise expands beyond the dance floor and into other avenues where music is needed for the occasion. One such venue is providing music and sound amplification for wedding ceremonies. If you are not currently offering this service to brides, I highly recommended adding it to enhance your appeal when couples are deciding which professional DJ service to employ for their big day.

In the past few years, we have seen a definite trend of brides and grooms getting married in nontraditional settings, where they prefer to have a DJ play the music rather than have musicians on-hand. When brides do get married in a church, they rarely hire a DJ to provide the music. Instead, they will opt for traditional instruments played by musicians, usually piano or organ, or perhaps a string quartet. But many brides now choose to get married outside under grand oak trees, in a garden, in their backyard, or even on the beach. Others get married at the facility where the reception will be held to save both money and travel time, especially if it is designed to handle both parts of their big day.

Often brides will hold their wedding ceremony where there is no electricity (the beach for example) and still expect the DJ to play music and amplify the officiant with a microphone. You need to provide battery-operated equipment, preferably with built-in wireless microphones, along with either a CD player or other way to play music. (See sidebar for our specific solution and other audio considerations)

PLAY SOMETHING WE CAN…TIE THE KNOT TO

Many brides know what song they want for their first dance and the type of music for the reception, but need our assistance for choosing music for the ceremony. We have often encountered couples who have not given any thought to the prelude music, or even to what song to play as the mothers are seated. During the consultation with the bride and groom, they rely on our experience to guide them to make their choices. We help them by asking certain questions and also by having the music choices ready to play for them, so they can get a feel for what we are talking about. After all, how many brides know what “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” or “Arioso” really sound like until they hear them?

One of the first questions we ask is what type of instrumentation they prefer (strings, brass, harp, piano, flute, guitar, etc.). For an outdoor setting we recommend staying away from a “full” sound like an orchestra or organ because those would not sound natural outside.

Another important consideration is whether or not anyone else will be providing any music during the ceremony. (See sidebar for some thoughts on PA options.) Also, ask if anything “extra” is to occur during the ceremony like a unity candle or sand ceremony (the latter being an alternative to the unity candle ceremony, suitable for windy beaches!). If so, there is usually music played in the background during this parts.

MUSIC, AT YOUR SERVICE

Naturally the biggest question to ask is about the service or ceremony music. There are three different sections to consider: prelude music, music for participants to enter, and the recessional. For the prelude music the majority of brides still prefer the traditional classics that have been played for generations. But one recent variation is to play music by a group called The Vitamin String Quartet. In the past year, many brides have both requested this group or have been highly receptive to the idea when we suggest it to them. The VSQ has hundreds, if not thousands, of contemporary songs that are played in a classical style. Based on brides’ requests, we have nearly 100 of their songs in our library now and add more each month as more brides discover this opportunity to have some of their favorite contemporary songs (Lady Gaga’s hits for example) played—classical style—during the prelude portion.

The music will change when the participants enter. People will know that the wedding is starting when the mothers (and sometimes the grandmothers) are being seated. Traditionally, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Arioso,” (both by Bach) or “Ave Maria” (various) are played, but other selections are also given in this issue’s list. The groom, officiant and groomsmen will then enter, if they are not escorting the bridesmaids in. When the bridesmaids enter, they will usually enter to Pachelbel’s famous “Canon in D” or “Spring” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. A recent contemporary song used for this entrance is “Over the Rainbow, What a Wonderful World” by Iz (Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole).

For the all-important bride’s march down the aisle, she will either want the traditional “Bridal Chorus” (from Wagner’s opera, Lohengrin; aka “Here Comes the Bride”) or… “Anything other than that song!” Brides are clearly in one of two “camps” on this choice. Either they have always dreamed of walking down the aisle to the traditional tune, or they want to be sure to choose something different. Other frequent requests are “Canon in D,” or the various versions of “Trumpet Voluntary,” or “Trumpet Tune.”

The final section of music is the recessional. As for knowing when to start the recessional song, to be on the safe side, ask the officiant what their final words will be. Often it is, “Ladies and Gentleman, may I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. ___.” However, they may close in a final prayer or have another short statement to make. Although most brides and grooms are still choosing traditional music for the prelude and entrance songs, about half our couples in the past year chose modern songs for the recessional. Many popular choices are “All You Need Is Love” (Beatles), “I’m Yours” (Jason Mraz), “Hey, Soul Sister” (Train), “How Sweet It Is” (James Taylor) and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” (Stevie Wonder).

Though the ceremony will take between 15 and 30 minutes, you will likely spend much more time helping the couple plan this very important stage of their day. During the consultation, finish the ceremony planning first. Then, turn attention to the reception where you can then assist them in creating the rest of their memorable event—by choosing music that will keep their guests smiling and dancing when they say “Play Something We Can Dance To!”

* Processional

1. Bridal Chorus “Here Comes the Bride” (Wagner)

2. Canon in D (Pachelbel)

3. Trumpet Voluntary-Prince of Denmark (Clarke)

4. Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell)

5. Trumpet Tune (Purcell)

6. Trumpet Tune (Stanley)

7. Spring “Four Seasons” (Vivaldi)

* Recessional (traditional)

1. Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

2. Trumpet Voluntary-Prince of Denmark (Clarke)

3. Ode to Joy (Beethoven)

4. Hornpipe-Water Music (Handel)

5. Rondeau (Mouret)

6. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel)

7. Hallelujah Chorus (Handel)

* For expanded wedding ceremony song lists, check out a copy of Mobile Beat’s January 2011 issue (#133). Subscribe today to receive a hard copy magazine 7 times a year, plus instant access to online issues!

US Karaoke Alliance Karaoke Charts – Updated Top 500 Karaoke Songs of All Time

compiled by US Karaoke Alliance and Karaoke2Night Network

Congratulations to Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
on keeping the number one spot for this year!

Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow performing Picture

Our survey this year had some interesting results.  Our first survey completed 18 months prior was only done with 2 companies and a total of 30 bars and 1000 shows.  We opened this one up to all companies submitting data from across the USA.  We had results provided from Pennsylvania, Michigan, California, Florida, Nebraska and Arizona.  Most of the companies outside our area do not update music weekly like we do and they do not have the selection of harder rock that we do.. This resulted in a more mainstream result in the survey and more traditional or classic music did better.

Much to the dismay of many Karaoke Jocks around the country, Picture by Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow maintains it’s hold on the top spot.  Most of us love the song, and both artists, but honestly we are getting tired of hearing it.  It was sung at over 60% of all shows polled this year!  Maybe if we are allowed to screen the singers and only allow it to be sung by singers we approve, we might handle hearing it nightly a bit better.

7 of our top 10 songs remained the same.  Behind an internet youtube parody-fest, Bohemian Rhapsody crashed back into the top 10.  The Fugees keep killing us softly with this song!  And yes, people, Baby still got BACK!
Look out top 10, the Ladies, Gaga and Antebellum are knocking hard at the door to the top and will probably be there next year!  Pink, the Black-Eyed Peas, Taylor Swift, and Toby Keith all hit the list repeatedly and Carrie Underwood keeps notching hits.  Lady GaGa, Lady Antebellum, Ke$ha,  Toby Keith, Taylor Swift and Pink had multiple hits and all moved up greatly..

Florida and the heartlands of the USA made artists like John Mellencamp, George Strait, Jimmy Buffet, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bob Seger all do much better this time around.  Harder rock groups like Metallica, Guns N Roses, Stone Temple Pilots, AC-DC and Pearl Jam, all moved down slightly to make room for more mainstream acts.

NR* – Previous survey results are shown if artist was in the top 500. 

The top 500 songs in our survey account for over 50% of all songs sung at Karaoke shows.

Top 1000 songs – over 70% of all performed songs

Top 1500 Songs – 79% of all performed songs

Top 2500 Songs – 93% of all performed songs

**These ratings are based on actual singers from actual Karaoke locations.  None of these results are base on opinion in any way.  If you would like your results included in the survey for next year, export your singer history from your karaoke program and send it to info@uskaraokealliance.com. If you do not submit your numbers, you can not complain about the results!

2010 Survey	Artist Name	Title Name	2009 Survey
1	Crow, Sheryl & Kid Rock	Picture	1
2	Diamond, Neil	Sweet Caroline	8
3	Duets-Travolta, John & Newton-John, Olivia	Summer Nights	3
4	Brooks, Garth	Friends In Low Places	6
5	Underwood, Carrie	Before He Cheats	2
6	Journey	Don’t Stop Believin’	4
7	Myles, Alannah	Black Velvet	5
8	Queen	Bohemian Rhapsody	24
9	Sir Mix-A-Lot	Baby Got Back	14
10	Fugees	Killing Me Softly	18
11	Sublime	Santeria	7
12	Wilson, Gretchen	Redneck Woman	13
13	Lady Antebellum	Need You Now	NEW
14	Joel, Billy	Piano Man	42
15	Bon Jovi	Wanted Dead Or Alive	12
16	B 52′s	Love Shack	9
17	Benatar, Pat	Hit Me With Your Best Shot	16
18	Radiohead	Creep	19
19	Buffett, Jimmy	Margaritaville	28
20	Morissette, Alanis	You Oughta Know	11
21	4 Non Blondes	What’s Up	17
22	Bon Jovi	Livin’ On A Prayer	90
23	Sublime	What I Got	82
24	Wilson, Gretchen	Here For The Party	112
25	Lady GaGa	Bad Romance	NEW
26	Seger, Bob	Turn The Page	71
27	Gray, Dobie	Drift Away	158
28	Stone Temple Pilots	Plush	20
29	Lambert, Miranda	Gunpowder & Lead	80
30	Vanilla Ice	Ice Ice Baby	95
31	Raitt, Bonnie	Something To Talk About	31
32	Tyler, Bonnie	Total Eclipse Of The Heart	23
33	Mcbride, Martina	Broken Wing	70
34	Morrison, Van	Brown Eyed Girl	110
35	Skynyrd, Lynyrd	Sweet Home Alabama	51
36	Evanescence	Bring Me To Life	25
37	Madonna	Like A Virgin	65
38	Dixie Chicks	Goodbye Earl	139
39	Guns ‘n’ Roses	Sweet Child O Mine	63
40	Joplin, Janis	Me & Bobby Mcgee	29
41	Mellencamp, John	Jack & Diane	117
42	Keith, Toby	I Love This Bar	155
43	Chapman, Tracy	Give Me One Reason	37
44	Roth, David Lee	Just A Gigolo	125
45	Turner, Ike & Tina	Proud Mary	108
46	Snoop Dogg	Gin And Juice	111
47	Alice In Chains	Man In The Box	424
48	Carter, Deana	Strawberry Wine	162
49	Warren G & Nate Dogg	Regulate	322
50	Sinatra, Frank	Fly Me To The Moon	102
51	Sinatra, Frank	New York, New York	27
52	Cline, Patsy	Crazy	35
53	Red Hot Chili Peppers	Under The Bridge	30
54	Pearl Jam	Black	41
55	Def Leppard	Pour Some Sugar On Me	109
56	Tenacious D	F@@@@ Her Gently	493
57	Benatar, Pat	Heartbreaker	45
58	James, Etta	At Last	39
59	Digital Underground	Humpty Dance	50
60	Mcentire, Reba	Fancy	103
61	Tunstall, Kt	Black Horse And Cherry Tree	107
62	Cohn, Marc	Walking In Memphis	157
63	Gaynor, Gloria	I Will Survive	15
64	Temptations	My Girl	67
65	Fleetwood Mac	Dreams	60
66	Madonna	Like A Prayer	75
67	Jett, Joan &  Blackhearts	I Love Rock ‘n Roll	10
68	No Doubt	Just A Girl	62
69	Spears, Britney	Baby One More Time	252
70	Cash, Johnny	Folsom Prison Blues	21
71	Apple, Fiona	Criminal	34
72	Divinyls	I Touch Myself	32
73	Loeb, Lisa	Stay (I Missed You)	79
74	Pink	Who Knew	56
75	Charlie Daniels Band	Devil Went Down To Georgia	151
76	Poison	Every Rose Has It’s Thorn	297
77	3 Doors Down	Kryptonite	48
78	Sonny & Cher	I Got You Babe	251
79	Dixie Chicks	Sin Wagon	53
80	Etheridge, Melissa	I’m The Only One	76
81	Brooks & Dunn	Neon Moon	69
82	Jefferson Airplane	White Rabbit	269
83	Adkins, Trace	Honky Tonk Badonkadonk	1108
84	Brooks, Garth	Dance	91
85	Jewel	You Were Meant For Me	22
86	Travolta, John & Newton-John, Olivia	You’re The One That I Want	187
87	Steve Miller Band	Joker	73
88	Kid Rock	All Summer Long	NEW
89	Green, Al	Let’s Stay Together	890
90	Green Day	Basket Case	148
91	Beatles	In My Life	NR*
92	Ke$ha	Tik Tok	NEW
93	Springfield, Dusty	Son Of A Preacher Man	57
94	Montgomery, John Michael	Sold	121
95	Righteous Brothers	You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’	54
96	Kings Of Leon	Sex On Fire	NEW
97	Black Eyed Peas	Imma Be	NEW
98	Twain, Shania	Man I Feel Like A Woman	190
99	Meatloaf	Paradise By The Dashboard Light	58
100	Aerosmith	Dream On	262
101	Ke$ha	Your Love Is My Drug	NEW

Top 101 songs are shown above – For complete listings of top 500 Karaoke songs go to the
US Karaoke Alliance Website

We hope you find this list interesting.. If you are a KJ and you have data that includes singer names, song titles and number of times sung please send it to us and we will include your shows in our next chart!

When the Lights Come On

When the Lights Come On

WHEN THE LIGHTS GO ON, ARE YOU ON?

Mobile entertainers are show business performers. Like comedians, actors, singers, musicians, hypnotists, public speakers, improvisation players, and more, mobile entertainers are on stage—albeit a fluid, ever-evolving, not always ideal performance platform. It may not usually be a stage with curtain and footlights, but it’s show business nonetheless.

LIVING IN THE LIMELIGHT

So how do you prepare for the moment when the “curtain” rises and the lights illuminate? How do you prepare during “the half”—the sacrosanct 30 minutes just before a performance when the actor is in the dressing room, preparing to go on stage?

As Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey explains, “It can be 30 minutes of quiet contemplation or utter fear, depending on how the performance has been going.” How has your “half” been lately?

A TALE OF TWO ACTORS

Last the spring, I appeared in a local production of Couple Dating, an engaging comedy about a New York couple with a young child seeking to connect with other couples in similar circumstances—with unexpected results, insights gained and generous hilarity for the audience

Eight actors comprised the cast—the primary story couple (Bobby and Tess) and the three couples they “date.” I played the husband in the couple in the second to last scene of the play. Thus, we did not appear on stage until about 90 minutes into the production for what turned out to be a memorable 12-minute scenes.

I was paired with a very talented actress, Jenny MacKenzie, with whom I connected well during auditions. Our call time was generally 30 minutes before the proverbial lights went on, so Jenny and I had about two hours to wait before our scene.

The backstage machinations of many theatrical productions organically develop their own preparation rhythm. Jenny and I developed ours with each other and the other actors during our 16-show run.

We rarely said two words to each other for the two hours backstage before we did our scene. Jenny often read, texted, did her makeup, dressed for the scene and, occasionally, quietly chatted with the other actors. I usually completed work on a laptop, reviewed my lines, blocking and cues, read, changed clothes and helped do the dishes at intermission (it’s community theater—actors are often the crew, too!) Just before we entered the stage together, we each made our final preparations.

Jenny would check her purse for the items needed in the scene, review her clothes and ensure that she had a finger ready to ring the doorbell on cue. Typically, I engage in some physical movement to get into character. So, just before Jenny rang the doorbell, I would round out my shoulders, cock my head slightly back and stand as erect as possible to become the confident persona of Scott.

And, after we completed our scene? We were often as chatty as two long-lost friends on a chance meeting.

Far from the result of deliberate planning, the rhythm evolved during rehearsals and the show’s run, becoming a comfort zone of preparation for Jenny, myself and the rest of the cast.

SHOWTIME!

How do you prepare for your entrance on the mobile “stage,” the moment when you are in the “spotlight” of the party guests’ attention at your event? What is your rhythm in preparing for a gig? What do you do during your version of the half?

A significant part of your preparation may be tied to the primary role you are playing that evening. Are you an emcee? A music programmer? A director? Gamemaster? Dancer?

YES AND…

For the last six years, I’ve been a member of Triage, a local improvisational troupe. When we are in the half, we do a variety of exercises and short games to get the blood flowing, elevate the energy and sharpen our minds for the performance. Our final activity before heading out on stage? We form a circle, put our hands together in the center and look each other in the eye as we declare, “Got your back!”

Our preparation is a combination of best practices in the art and organically developed activities that work for our group. What works for you?

CATCH THE RHYTHM

Some entertainers may meditate, seek quiet time, exercise, or eat a small meal before a performance. In my twenty-plus years as a mobile entertainer, I’ve developed a pre-event rhythm of setting up 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled start of the event or, at least, well in advance of guest arrival. Then, I walk the entire entertainment space checking not only sound, but perspective and feel.

After making any necessary tweaks in the sound, I review my notes, agenda and any other information about the event to refresh the energy I need to portray. Then, I visit the facilities to freshen up and just before I depart, look in the mirror, make sure my smile is keen, flash a Hawaiian shake hand sign to the mirror, and give a chuckle. Now, I am ready to entertain.

FIND YOUR SPACE

There is no single correct method to prepare for an event, to work the half. But, like Jenny and me, if you do not have yours yet, look for the right formula to put yourself in the best frame of mind to offer your clients a memorable event!

It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas by Jay Maxwell

It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas

A MUSICAL REALITY CHECK ABOUT THE VENERABLE “HOLIDAY” PARTY

BY JAY MAXWELL

Several years ago I was scheduled to play a party in December for a state-supported college. It wasn’t the first time that I had played for this particular school, but on this occasion I was told to be sure and not say “Christmas party” any time during the event, but to refer to the celebration as a “holiday party.” There was no doubt that this request was due to the organizers trying to be politically correct. I complied with the request since I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. When it came time for the president of the school to give her welcome though, in her opening statement she warmly greeted everyone to the annual “Christmas party” and never once claimed that it was a holiday party.

This was not an isolated incident. Many companies will call up to schedule us for their “holiday party.” “What holiday?” I want to ask them. “Is it Thanksgiving, Ground Hog Day, President’s Day?” If there’s an evergreen tree in the room with lights and decorations on it, a holly wreath, or decorations consisting primarily of red and green on the table, I’m betting that they are set for a Christmas party.

Even if a company calls a party held in December by a name other than “Christmas,” the majority of the time they will also want some traditional Christmas tunes played to set the mood and get into the (dare I say it) Christmas spirit. Usually the sponsor of the event will want Christmas songs played during the social hour and/or the dinner hour. One thing that should be determined beforehand is whether they want only Christmas tunes during this time (one to two hours at the most) or to mix in Christmas songs with other songs as well. If given a choice, I recommend beginning the event with mostly Christmas songs and begin to mix in other lively, toe-tapping songs as the dinner hour progresses.

KEYS TO CHOOSING CHRISTMAS TUNES

Regardless of the event, I’ve had people tell me that they want a specific genre played. That is, they may come up and simply request “some rock & roll.” That is too broad of a category to know what they want. Do they want The Beatles or do they want Dave Matthews? Sometimes, when they say rock & roll, they actually want an artist that I wouldn’t consider in that category, such as Prince or Michael Jackson. Their definition of rock & roll may be from the early days of the 1950s or what they are hearing on today’s Top 40.

The same is true for Christmas tunes. All Christmas songs are not created equal. The songs listed in this issue’s Top 40 list are all uplifting, well-known, and songs that adults actually want to listen to.

Too much of a good thing is like too many slices of a birthday cake. One piece is delicious, but two pieces will give you a stomach ache. Each year we seem to get bombarded with Christmas songs on the radio and in the malls many weeks before December 25th. Some songs are so beautiful that we don’t mind hearing them several times in the weeks before Christmas and hearing them at the office party would also get people in the festive spirit. Other musical selections, though, are overplayed after only one spin. These are the ones that we would not want to play at the event because they’ve worn out their welcome after only one time per season. For starters, Elmo and Patsy’s “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” “The Chipmunk Song,” (let’s all scream “Alvin”) and “Dominick the Donkey” should be banned from the playlist of any mobile DJ. After typing these song titles, I realized that all three have animals in their title and two of the three are animals that are not even traditionally associated with Christmas.

AVOIDING THE HOLIDAY BLUES

Christmas is about celebrating the good times of family and friends gathered together to share in life’s greatest joys. While many office parties have speeches by the CEO or president and perhaps door prizes to be given away, the real reason for the event should be to celebrate the camaraderie of the work force team. Keeping this in mind, we should steer clear of playing sad and often downright depressing songs as we play our Christmas songs. In Tom Reynolds book, I Hate Myself and Want to Die he lists the top 52 all-time most depressing songs and ranks the number one song as “The Christmas Song” by the group Newsong. This is the one about a boy buying a pair of shoes for his dying mother because he wants her to look good as she enters heaven. Sad, very sad—a sure party killer. Other downers are “Blue Christmas” by Elvis and Wham’s “Last Christmas. Let’s also include The Eagles’ “Please Come Home for Christmas” with the line “my baby’s gone, I have no friends.” Playing that one would have people doubling their dose of Prozac for the night.

People also want to be treated as an adult during the night. Certainly you wouldn’t torture them with “The Chicken Dance” or “The Hokey Pokey,” so don’t tickle their ears with children’s favorites like “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” or “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” You especially would not want to dedicate that last song to anyone there even if requested—the “Grinch” is likely to be the boss. The party should be lively, yet classy at all times.

Each year, we sort through our huge collection of Christmas songs only to find that many of them are not suited for office parties. Some of my favorite songs are sacred favorites like “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” and “The First Noel.” But these tunes should probably be reserved for worship time in a church service and not played at an office event.

CHRISTMAS PARTIES SURVIVE

Many companies have tightened their budgets over the past few years and have slimmed down their elaborate Christmas parties…including the entertainment. Fortunately, though, leaders at many companies, even during hard times, recognize the importance of showing their appreciation for their employees and still throw a grand event towards the year’s end. Some may even still boldly call it a “Christmas party,” while others have caved in to using the term “holiday party.”

But regardless of the label, the mobile DJ still has the opportunity to show his or her craft by playing the right type of positive, uplifting, and age-appropriate music to set the mood. Of course, know when enough is enough of the Christmas melodies and it’s time to transition into traditional party music. The key is to make this transition BEFORE someone comes up while you are playing “White Christmas” and yells, “Play Something We Can Dance To!”

Splendid Sounds of the Season
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU	MARIAH CAREY	FAST
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE	LADY ANTEBELLUM OR MERCER/WHITING	SLOW
CAROL OF THE BELLS	LOS LONELY BOYS	INSTRUMENTAL
CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE	ALABAMA	SLOW
CHRISTMAS SONG	NAT KING COLE	SLOW
CHRISTMAS WRAPPING	WAITRESSES	FAST
DECK THE HALLS	OTTMAR LIEBERT	INSTRUMENTAL
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR	WHITNEY HOUSTON	SLOW
FELIZ NAVIDAD	JOSE FELICIANO	FAST
GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN	BELINDA CARLISLE	FAST
HAPPY HOLIDAY	PEGGY LEE	FAST
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING	AMERICA	FAST
HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS	HARRY CONNICK, JR.	INSTRUMENTAL
HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS	ELVIS PRESLEY	FAST
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS	PERRY COMO	FAST

The rest of this Christmas Top 40 list can be found in the print and online editions of Mobile Beat’s November 2010 issue (#131).

The Promo Only Hitlist Music Chart for SEPTEMBER 2010

Per Your request, The Promo Only Hitlist Music Chart for SEPTEMBER 2010.

This Chart along with previous charts are available for viewing at

http://www.promoonly.com/magazine/hitlist.php

NEW: PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE ADDED THE BPM OF EACH SONG PER YOUR REQUEST!!

—————————————————————–

Chart Compiled from National Airplay Charts and Promo Only Feedback.

Sections indicate top hits and their locations on Promo Only cds and

dvds.

—————————————————————–

SEPTEMBER 2010 – AUDIO Hitlist Music Chart

—————————————————————–

—————————————————————–

SEPTEMBER 2010 – VIDEO Hitlist Music Chart — BELOW AUDIO HITLIST

—————————————————————–

Radio Top 40

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Main Radio – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Dynamite Taio Cruz 120 MSR0710

2 I Like It Enrique Iglesias f./ Pitbull 129 MSR0610

3 Teenage Dream Katy Perry 120 MSR0910

4 DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love Usher f./ Pitbull 120 MSR0810

5 Just The Way You Are Bruno Mars 109 MSR0910

6 Take It Off Ke$ha 125 MSR0810

7 Cooler Than Me Mike Posner 130 MSR0610

8 Club Can’t Handle Me Flo Rida & David Guetta 128 MSR0710

9 Airplanes B.o.B. f./ Hayley Williams 93 MSR0610

10 Ridin’ Solo Jason Derulo 90 MSR0610

11 Magic B.o.B Aka Bobby Ray f./ Rivers Cuomo 164 MSR0810

12 Just A Dream Nelly 90 MSR0910

13 California Gurls Katy Perry f./ Snoop Dogg 125 MSR0610

14 If I Had You Adam Lambert 131 MSR0610

15 Animal Neon Trees 148 MSR0810

16 The Only Exception Paramore 46 MSR0510

17 Half Of My Heart John Mayer w./ Taylor Swift 115 MSR0610

18 Find Your Love Drake 96 MSR0710

19 La La La Auburn w./ Iyaz 112 MSR0610

20 2012 (It Ain’t The End) Jay Sean 127 MSR0910

Modern Rock

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Modern Rock – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

1 Animal Neon Trees 148 MRR0210

2 Lay Me Down The Dirty Heads 85 MRR0310

3 In One Ear Cage The Elephant 85 MRR0410

4 Lisztomania Phoenix 195 MRR0409

5 Impossible Anberlin 160 MRR0810

6 Little Lion Man Mumford And Sons 139 MRR0910

7 Crossfire Brandon Flowers 120 MRR0810

8 The Sound Switchfoot 104 MRR0810

9 Maybe Sick Puppies 84 MRR0710

10 Say You’ll Haunt Me Stone Sour 140 MRR0810

Urban

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Urban Radio – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Love All Over Me Monica 69 UR0710

2 Deuces Chris Brown f./ Tyga & Kevin McCall 74 UR0910

3 There Goes My Baby Usher 77 UR0610

4 Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready) Alicia Keys 86 UR0510

5 Bottoms Up Trey Songz f./ Nicki Minaj 74 UR0910

6 Miss Me Drake f./ Lil Wayne 77 UR0710

7 Fancy Drake f./ T.I. & Swizz Beatz 88 UR1010

8 Got Your Back T.I. f./ Keri Hilson 74 UR0710

9 Champagne Life Ne-Yo 96 UR0810

10 Your Love Nicki Minaj 95 UR0610

Rhythm

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Rhythm Radio – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love Usher f./ Pitbull 120 RR0910

2 Dynamite Taio Cruz 120 RR0810

3 Just The Way You Are Bruno Mars 109 RR0910

4 Deuces Chris Brown f./ Tyga & Kevin McCall 74 RR0910

5 Bottoms Up Trey Songz f./ Nicki Minaj 74 RR0910

6 Find Your Love Drake 96 RR0710

7 Break My Bank New Boyz f./ Iyaz 91 RR0910

8 I Like It Enrique Iglesias f./ Pitbull 129 RR1010

9 Airplanes B.o.B. f./ Hayley Williams 93 RR0610

10 Hot Tottie Usher f./ Jay-Z & Ester Dean 88 RR1010

Country

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Country Radio – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Our Kind Of Love Lady Antebellum 112 CR0810

2 Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer Billy Currington 107 CR0810

3 The Boys Of Fall Kenny Chesney 73 CR0910

4 All Over Me Josh Turner 85 CR0610

5 Roll With It Easton Corbin 124 CR0610

6 Love Like Crazy Lee Brice 78 CR0110

7 Smile Uncle Kracker 71 CR0410

8 All About Tonight Blake Shelton 118 CR0710

9 Little White Church Little Big Town 107 CR0510

10 Come Back Song Darius Rucker 89 CR0910

Dance Radio

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Location – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Stereo Love Edward Maya f./ Vika Jigulina 127 DR0310

2 The Radio Get Far f./ H-Boogie 127 DR0710

3 We Speak No Americano Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP 125 DR0810

4 Dynamite Taio Cruz 128 DR0810

5 I Like It Enrique Iglesias f./ Pitbull 129 DR0810

6 Restlessness Bastien Laval f./ Layla 128 DR0410

7 One (Your Name) Swedish House Mafia f./ Pharrell 125 DR0810

8 Dirty Talk Wynter Gordon 130 DR0410

9 I’m In Love Alex Gaudino f./ Maxine 126 DR0810

10 California Gurls Katy Perry f./ Snoop Dogg 128 DR0710

Contemporary Christian

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Location – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Lead Me Sanctus Real 99 CC0710

2 Born Again Newsboys 85 CC0610

3 Our God Chris Tomlin 105 CC0410

4 Get Back Up tobyMac 92 CC0410

5 Starry Night Chris August 86 CC0610

6 Jesus Saves Jeremy Camp 132 CC0710

7 All Of Creation MercyMe 86 CC0310

8 Hold Us Together Matt Maher 86 CC0210

9 No Matter What Kerrie Roberts 104 CC0710

10 Light Up The Sky The Afters 71 CC0710

Latin

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Latin – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

**** TROPICAL LATIN

1 La Despedida Daddy Yankee 122 TL0910

2 Cuando Me Enamoro Enrique Iglesias f./ Juan Luis Guerra 126 TL0810

3 El Malo Aventura 125 TL0710

4 Bachata En Fukuoka Juan Luis Guerra 440 133 TL0610

5 Corazón Sin Cara Prince Royce 128 TL0810

**** POP LATIN

1 Cuando Me Enamoro Enrique Iglesias f./ Juan Luis Guerra 126 PL0710

2 Aléjate De Mí Camila 72 PL0810

3 Yerbatero Juanes 96 PL0910

4 I Like It Enrique Iglesias f./ Pitbull 129 PL0910

5 Labios De Miel Luis Miguel 124 PL1010

**** REGIONAL LATIN

1 Dime Que Me Quieres Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizarraga 75 RL0610

2 Te Recordaré Trono De Mexico 135 RL0410

3 Al Diablo Lo Nuestro Espinoza Paz 70 RL0810

4 Millionario De Amor Sergio Vega ‘El Shaka’ 51 RL0910

5 Amarte A La Antigua Pedro Fernandez 72 RL0610

**** CARIBBEAN SERIES

1 Danza Kuduro Don Omar & Lucenzo 130 CRB1010

2 Estoy Enamorado Wisin Y Yandel 101 CRB0910

3 La Vida Es Así Ivy Queen 78 CRB0710

4 Descontrol Daddy Yankee 93 CRB0310

5 Quiere Pa’ Que Te Quieran Dyland Y Lenny 104 CRB0510

Dance/Club

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Location – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Beautiful Monster Ne-Yo 128 MSC0910

2 One Swedish House Mafia 125 AC1010

3 Dynamite Taio Cruz 126 MSC0910

4 I Like It Enrique Iglesias f./ Pitbull 129 RC0910

5 We No Speak Americano Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP 125 MSC1010

6 Body Shots Kaci Battaglia f./ Ludacris 128 MSC0910

7 Round & Round Selena Gomez & The Scene 128 MSC1010

8 Lately Macy Gray 130 UC0810

9 Teenage Dream Katy Perry 128 RC1010

10 I’m In Love Alex Gaudino 128 RC0810

11 Club Can’t Handle Me Flo Rida & David Guetta 128 RC1010

12 Don’t Turn The Lights On Chromeo 116 AC0910

13 Closer Jes 129 MSC1010

14 Dirty Picture Taio Cruz f./ Ke$ha 128 MSC1010

15 Spaceship Benny Benassi f./ Kelis & apl.de.ap & Jean-Baptiste 128 MSC0810

16 Chica Bomb Dan Balan 128 MSC0810

17 Get Outta My Way Kylie Minogue 128 MSC1010

18 Animal Neon Trees 132 AC1010

19 Saturday Basshunter 128 MSC1010

20 Plastic People Anane 125 UC0810

—————————————————————–

SEPTEMBER 2010 – VIDEO Hitlist Music Chart

—————————————————————–

Video

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Videos – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

1 DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love Usher f./ Pitbull 120 DMV1110

2 Dynamite Taio Cruz 120 HV0910

3 One (Your Name) Swedish House Mafia f./ Pharrell 125 HV0910

4 Bad Company Five Finger Death Punch 114 HV0810

5 Your Love Nicki Minaj 95 HV0910

6 We No Speak Americano Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP 125 DMV1110

7 The Catalyst Linkin Park 135 HV1010

8 2012 (It Ain’t The End)/Break Ya Back Jay Sean f./ Nicki Minaj 127 EV0910w1

9 The Boys Of Fall Kenny Chesney 73 CT0910

10 Club Can\’t Handle Me Flo Rida & David Guetta 128 HV0910

11 Porn Star Dancing My Darkest Days f./ Ludacris & Chad Kroeger 80 EV0910w2

12 Booty Bounce Dev 125 CL1010

13 Trailerhood Toby Keith 98 CT0910

14 Blowin’ Money Fast (B.M.F.) Rick Ross f./ Styles P 70 UV0910

15 Lay Me Down The Dirty Heads f./ Rome 85 HV0810

16 Teach Me How To Dougie Cali Swag District 85 HV0910

17 Ayo Hyper Crush 129 EV0910w2

18 Lotta Money Diamond 78 EV0910w2

19 Dirty Talk Wynter Gordon 128 HV0910

20 Fire With Fire Scissor Sisters 132 PM1010

Can “F**K You” be cleaned up?

They’ve tried. The clean version of the most blatantly unplayable song comes in the reincarnated form as: “Forget You”. (Some versions have just edited to be “FU”) Does that make it playable at schools? I’d love to get your feedback. It remains on the National DO NOT PLAY list. If you do schools, can you bring yourself to playing it? Please leave your comment.
The tough part about this song is that it has “hit” written all over it. Catchy tune, incredible hook and wild vocals by the man you’ll recognize as the lead singer from Gnarls Barkley: Cee Lo Green. Radio is playing the new version, but it was a mega hit, starting in England, in its original form on I-Tunes. No question teens know its origins and can and will sing it (loud and proud) in the school gym.

Shortest Route to the Dance Floor: 5 Essential Top 20 Lists

By Jay Maxwell

I have always enjoyed following music charts and listening to weekly top 40 countdowns. When I was a radio station DJ in the 1970s and 80s, I would scan all the charts during my air shift to see what songs were moving up the lists and which ones had already peaked. Some songs had incredible staying power and would remain on the charts for weeks on end while others would barely crack the top 40 and then fall into oblivion.

Each year, mobile DJs around the country look forward to the annual Mobile Beat Top 200 to compare that list to their own experiences. Many long-time favorites are always expected to be in the Top 200. And often a new song like “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas comes on the scene that you bet will not just be a seasonal favorite, but will remain on the chart for years to come. You may also look at the chart and wonder how one of your most-played songs did not make the top of the charts. Or maybe there are songs on the chart that you had not thought to try out yet.

LICENSE TO THRILL

Personally, the one thing I enjoy more that reading charts is creating them. Often I am a bit lost for an idea for a chart theme. However, for this issue I decided to create five top 20 charts that are useful for those times when the client leaves the playlist entirely up to the DJ. I appreciate and welcome input from our clients and give them both a paper version and an electronic version of a play list booklet with about 2000 songs to begin their song selection process. Lately though, it has been surprising how many clients do not give much input into what music they want to hear and leave it entirely up to us. For those times, it is useful to rely on what “always” works until you can size up the crowd to see what particular music they want to dance to. After playing the obvious choices of “The Cha Cha Slide,” “The Cupid Shuffle” and “The Electric Slide,” the direction a DJ takes the party in is a question that each of us must be ready to answer at every party. That is essentially the reason for this issue’s charts—to give some reminders of the basics to start a party and to keep the party energized throughout the evening.

CHARTING PARTY SUCCESS

The Boogie’s Best chart contains some of the all time great songs with a strong danceable beat. From the disco period of the 1970s to Lady Gaga and Flo Rida singing today’s thumping tunes, this chart is a must-play list for solid action on the dance floor. Any of these songs would be like adding kindling to a fireplace, sure to start a fire on the dance floor and make the party hot. Just like adding kindling to start a fire, you don’t add more kindling to keep the fire going. Instead you add solid wood. So, after playing Brick House and Super Freak, add either some more 70s disco or early 80s music to the heap to continue the flame. When the spark and sizzle begin to wane, then add another piece of Boogie to again intensify the action.

Although not quite as funky, the Good Time Grooves contains selections that every seasoned pro knows are essentials to a good party. It’s interesting that all the songs are over 20 years old, but they are just as much a part of the party scene today as the day they were first recorded. There has never been a time when I played “Shout” that people did not get on the dance floor. If it’s the type of party where the guests seem glued to their seats, I’ll play “Love Shack” or “Play That Funky Music” and the glue miraculously melts away and like magic, people suddenly appear on the dance floor. Some of these songs have stood the test of time for nearly 50 years and all these jams will most likely still be rocking the good times 50 years from now.

No matter how hopping the party happens to be, there will be times when you want to flavor the event with a few slow songs. Keep in mind that there will be some guests who will only dance to slow tunes. So have the Top 20 Slow Songs handy. There are few guarantees in the world of the mobile DJ, but this list is a near perfect way to ensure that the floor will be packed with couples arm in arm when any of these romantic cuts are spun on your players. It is recommended to play two slow songs in a row before going back to a party beat that will again energize the floor.

Party Pleasers is a unique genre you can use to “wow” your crowd. Most of these songs were not written specifically for dancing, but nonetheless have become staples for creating a party atmosphere. The majority of these songs fall into categories like sing-a-long, air guitar fest, or “let’s just jump around and get crazy” songs. It’s rare that a party is started with these tunes, but instead they are saved to spice up the event once the party is in full swing. Play “Jessie’s Girl” and “Your Love” back to back or try another great combo of “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” and then take the credit for totally taking the party over the top.

The final list, Don’t Ask, Don’t Play, is included to get an “amen” from everyone reading this article. These are songs that you hope people “don’t ask” for so you “don’t have to play” them. Some of these songs, like the Chicken Dance, Girls Just Want to Have Fun or the Hokey Pokey you would gladly play only if they are requested. But others on the list you hope no one ever asks to be played. My all time worst song has to be “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” True, no one has ever asked for that song at an event; but, it’s one of my worst fears that, when everybody is dancing, the father of the bride comes up and asks for this six-and-a-half-minute song about the sinking of an ore vessel where all 29 men drown. Recently at a wedding someone asked me to play Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” It’s an event to celebrate a couple’s happiest day of their life, and someone wants to hear a song about a man stuck in prison because he shot a man just to watch him die. Strange, but true.

It is essential to know what music to play as well as what music not to play. What you want at every event is to get people on the dance floor by playing the absolute best party music ever recorded. Whether the music was originally a hit 50 years ago or recently hot on today’s Top 40 radio stations, you should always be ready to spin the tunes that will please the crowd when they yell that famous line, “Play something we can dance to!”

[ 2 of the 5 lists from this article are included below. Subscribe to access the rest in MB's online edition, or purchase a back issue of MB #129, July 2010. ]

BOOGIE’S BEST
	SONG	ARTIST	YEAR
1	BILLIE JEAN	MICHAEL JACKSON	1983
2	I GOTTA FEELING	BLACK EYED PEAS	2009
3	BRICK HOUSE	COMMODORES	1977
4	WE ARE FAMILY	SISTER SLEDGE	1979
5	LOW (APPLE BOTTOM JEANS)	FLO RIDA	2007
6	SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT)	BEYONCE	2008
7	SEXYBACK	JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE	2006
8	HEY YA!	OUTKAST	2003
9	BOOM BOOM POW	BLACK EYED PEAS	2009
10	SUPER FREAK	RICK JAMES	1981
11	BABY GOT BACK	SIR MIX-A-LOT	1992
12	YEAH!	USHER	2004
13	LETS GET IT STARTED	BLACK EYED PEAS	2004
14	KISS	PRINCE	1986
15	PUSH IT	SALT-N-PEPA	1988
16	CALIFORNIA LOVE	TWO-2PAC	1996
17	BUST A MOVE	YOUNG M.C.	1989
18	JUST DANCE	LADY GAGA	2008
19	GET LOW	LIL JON-YING YANG TWINS	2003
20	IT TAKES TWO	ROB BASE	1988

GOOD TIME GROOVES
	SONG	ARTIST	YEAR
1	BROWN EYED GIRL	VAN MORRISON	1967
2	SHOUT	OTIS DAY	1978
3	LOVE SHACK	B-52’s	1989
4	CELEBRATION	KOOL & GANG	1981
5	OLD TIME ROCK & ROLL	BOB SEGER	1979
6	SWEET HOME ALABAMA	LYNYRD SKYNYRD	1974
7	YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT	AC/DC	1980
8	PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC	WILD CHERRY	1976
9	TWIST	CHUBBY CHECKER	1960
10	THRILLER	MICHAEL JACKSON	1984
11	BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP	FOUNDATIONS	1969
12	STAYING ALIVE	BEE GEES	1977
13	DON’T STOP TILL YOU GET ENOUGH	MICHAEL JACKSON	1979
14	BOOGIE SHOES	KC & SUNSHINE BAND	1978
15	DECEMBER ‘63 (Oh What a Night)	FOUR SEASONS	1976
16	RESPECT	ARETHA FRANKLIN	1967
17	TWIST AND SHOUT	BEATLES	1964
18	GET DOWN TONIGHT	KC & SUNSHINE BAND	1975
19	SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED	STEVIE WONDER	1970
20	ABC	JACKSON 5	1970

Promo Only Hitlist Music Chart for May 2010

Per Your request, The Promo Only Hitlist Music Chart for May 2010.

This Chart along with previous charts are available for viewing at http://www.promoonly.com/magazine/hitlist.php

NEW: PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE ADDED THE BPM OF EACH SONG PER YOUR REQUEST!!

—————————————————————–

Chart Compiled from National Airplay Charts and Promo Only Feedback.

Sections indicate top hits and their locations on Promo Only cds and

dvds.

—————————————————————–

May 2010 – AUDIO Hitlist Music Chart

—————————————————————–

—————————————————————–

May 2010 – VIDEO Hitlist Music Chart — BELOW AUDIO HITLIST

—————————————————————–

Radio Top 40

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Main Radio – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Nothin’ On You B.o.B Aka Bobby Ray f./ Bruno Mars 104 MSR0410

2 Break Your Heart Taio Cruz 122 MSR0210

3 Rude Boy Rihanna 87 MSR0310

4 Hey, Soul Sister Train 97 MSR0210

5 Your Love Is My Drug Ke$ha 120 MSR0510

6 Breakeven The Script 94 MSR1109

7 OMG Usher f./ Will.I.Am 130 MSR0510

8 Need You Now Lady Antebellum 108 MSR0210

9 Naturally Selena Gomez & The Scene 132 MSR0210

10 Not Myself Tonight Christina Aguilera 120 MSR0510

11 Tik Tok Ke$ha 120 MSR1009

12 Young Forever Jay-Z f./ Mr. Hudson 70 MSR0410

13 Eenie Meenie Sean Kingston f./ Justin Bieber 121 MSR0410

14 Solo Iyaz 130 MSR0310

15 Billionaire Travie McCoy f./ Bruno Mars 87 MSR0410

16 I Made It (Cash Money Heroes) Kevin Rudolf f./ Birdman & Jay Sean & Lil Wayne 93 MSR0210

17 Haven’t Met You Yet Michael Buble 122 MSR0210

18 Say Aah Trey Songz f./ Fabolous 93 MSR0310

19 Bedrock Young Money f./ Lloyd 74 MSR0210

20 Impossible Shontelle 90 MSR0210

Modern Rock

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Modern Rock – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

1 Lay Me Down The Dirty Heads 85 MRR0310

2 Between The Lines Stone Temple Pilots 137 MRR0410

3 Resistance Muse 135 MRR0110

4 Savior Rise Against 226 MRR0709

5 Mountain Man Crash Kings 78 MRR1209

6 1901 Phoenix 144 MRR1109

7 The Royal We Silversun Pickups 146 MRR0809

8 Sweet Disposition The Temper Trap 130 MRR0110

9 This Is War 30 Seconds To Mars 160 MRR0410

10 Give Me A Sign Breaking Benjamin 78 MRR0110

Urban

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Urban Radio – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Over Drake 76 UR0610

2 Rude Boy Rihanna 87 UR0210

3 My Chick Bad Ludacris f./ Nicki Minaj 85 UR0410

4 Nothin’ On You B.o.B Aka Bobby Ray f./ Bruno Mars 104 UR0110

5 Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready) Alicia Keys 86 UR0510

6 Neighbors Know My Name Trey Songz 60 UR0610

7 Everything To Me Monica 112 UR0310

8 Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home) Usher f./ Plies 96 UR0110

9 Lose My Mind Young Jeezy f./ Plies 78 UR0610

10 I’m Back T.I. 77 UR0510

Rhythm

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Rhythm Radio – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Nothin’ On You B.o.B Aka Bobby Ray f./ Bruno Mars 104 RR0210

2 Rude Boy Rihanna 87 RR0210

3 My Chick Bad Ludacris f./ Nicki Minaj 85 RR0410

4 OMG Usher f./ Will.I.Am 130 RR0510

5 Over Drake 76 RR0610

6 Break Your Heart Taio Cruz 122 RR0210

7 In My Head Jason Derulo 110 RR0110

8 Say Aah Trey Songz 93 RR1209

9 Winner Jamie Foxx f./ Justin Timberlake & T.I. 90 RR0510

10 Say Something Timbaland f./ Drake 80 RR0110

Country

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Country Radio – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 The Man I Want To Be Chris Young 71 CR0110

2 Gimmie That Girl Joe Nichols 81 CR1209

3 Ain’t Back Yet Kenny Chesney 107 CR0410

4 Backwoods Justin Moore 79 CR1209

5 Keep On Lovin’ You Steel Magnolia 80 CR1009

6 The House That Built Me Miranda Lambert 82 CR0410

7 Unstoppable Rascal Flatts 78 CR0210

8 Crazy Town Jason Aldean 91 CR0410

9 Water Brad Paisley 97 CR0510

10 Hell On The Heart Eric Church 123 CR1209

Dance Radio

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Location – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Naturally Selena Gomez & The Scene 132 DR0210

2 Stereo Love Edward Maya f./ Vika Jigulina 127 DR0310

3 Heartbreak On Vinyl Blake Lewis 128 DR0110

4 Gettin’ Over You David Guetta f./ Fergie & Chris Willis & LMFAO 130 DR0510

5 OMG Usher f./ Will.I.Am 130 DR0510

6 Hate To Love Alex Sayz f./ Evi 128 DR0210

7 Sweet Disposition The Temper Trap 129 DR0310

8 Hey, Soul Sister Train 126 DR0410

9 Happiness Alexis Jordan 128 DR0410

10 Rude Boy Rihanna 126 DR0410

Contemporary Christian

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Location – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 All Of Creation MercyMe 86 CC0310

2 Get Back Up tobyMac 92 CC0410

3 Forgiven Sanctus Real 85 CC1009

4 Healing Hand Of God Jeremy Camp 73 CC0110

5 Something Beautiful Needtobreathe 96 CC0110

6 Better Than A Hallelujah Amy Grant 75 CC0310

7 Hold Us Together Matt Maher 86 CC0210

8 Beautiful, Beautiful Francesca Battistelli 66 CC0410

9 Until The Whole World Hears Casting Crowns 79 CC1009

10 More Like Falling In Love Jason Gray 90 CC0110

Latin

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Latin – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

**** TROPICAL LATIN

1 Estúpida India 88 TL0410

2 Mi Niña Bonita Chino Nacho 120 TL0310

3 Stand By Me Prince Royce 128 TL0110

4 Descontrol Daddy Yankee 93 TL0310

5 Dile Al Amor Aventura 124 TL0210

**** POP LATIN

1 Waka Waka (Esto Es África) Shakira 127 PL0710

2 Mientes Camila 57 PL0210

3 Guapa Diego Torres 140 PL0610

4 Cuando Me Enamoro Enrique Iglesias f./ Juan Luis Guerra 126 PL0710

5 Colgando En Tus Manos Carlos Baute f./ Marta Sanchez 120 PL0110

**** REGIONAL LATIN

1 Ando Bien Pedo Banda Los Recoditos 55 RL0410

2 Soy Enamorado Los Titanes De Durango 110 RL0510

3 La Peinada (La Peinadita) Chuy Lizárraga Y Su Banda Tierra Sinaloénse 154 RL0510

4 Sin Evidencia Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga 50 RL0210

5 Te Recordaré Trono De Mexico 135 RL0410

**** CARIBBEAN SERIES

1 Descontrol Daddy Yankee 93 CRB0310

2 Loco Jowell And Randy 115 CRB0510

3 Cuando, Cuando Es J-King Y Maximan 121 CRB0210

4 Besos De Amor Flex 100 CRB0310

5 Mala Conducta Alexis & Fido 88 CRB0210

Dance/Club

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Location – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

# Title Name Artist BPM Issues

1 Pyramid Charice f./ Iyaz 128 MSC0610

2 Dust In Gravity Delerium f./ Kreesha Turner 124 MSC0510

3 Freeze Bimbo Jones 128 MSC0410

4 Rude Boy Rihanna 130 RC0510

5 Something Like A Party School Gyrls 130 RC0510

6 Rocket Goldfrapp 131 AC0410

7 Gettin’ Over You David Guetta f./ Fergie & Chris Willis & LMFAO 130 RC0610

8 Take Control Julissa Veloz 130 MSC0310

9 Waves Of Change Samantha James 127 AC0410

10 Rise! Vernessa Mitchell 130 MSC0410

11 Break Your Heart Taio Cruz f./ Ludacris 126 RC0510

12 Sweet Disposition The Temper Trap 130 AC1109

13 Pretty Mess Erika Jayne 128 MSC0610

14 Not Myself Tonight Christina Aguilera 128 MSC0610

15 Insomnia Mike Candys & Jack Holiday 130 MSC0610

16 Let Me Sip My Drink Robbie Rivera f./ Fast Eddie 128 RC0510

17 Alligator Tegan And Sara 126 MSC0610

18 Be My #2 R. Kelly 125 UC0610

19 Insomnia Mike Candys & Jack Holiday 130 MSC0610

20 Finally Found Late Night Alumni 126 RC0410

—————————————————————–

May 2010 – VIDEO Hitlist Music Chart

—————————————————————–

Video

# TITLE ARTIST – Promo Only Videos – ISSUE DATE

—————————————————————–

1 This Afternoon Nickelback 80 HV0610

2 OMG Usher f./ Will.I.Am 130 HV0610

3 Rude Boy Rihanna 87 HV0410

4 Baby Justin Bieber f./ Ludacris 130 HV0410

5 All I Do Is Win DJ Khaled f./ T-Pain & Ludacris & Rick Ross & Snoop Dogg 75 HV0510

6 Ride Ciara f./ Ludacris 65 UV0610

7 Over Drake 76 HV0610

8 Ain’t Back Yet Kenny Chesney 107 CT0510

9 Animal Neon Trees 148 HV0610

10 Giddy On Up Laura Bell Bundy 108 CT0310

11 American Honey Lady Antebellum 86 HV0610

12 My Chick Bad Ludacris f./ Nicki Minaj 85 HV0510

13 Blah, Blah, Blah Ke$ha f./ 3OH!3 120 HV0510

14 Freak Estelle f./ Kardinal Offishall 128 HV0510

15 I’m Back T.I. 77 UV0610

16 Hey, Soul Sister Train 97 HV0210

17 Memories David Guetta f./ Kid Cudi 130 HV0410

18 Roger That Young Money 79 UV0510

19 Beamer, Benz Or Bentley Lloyd Banks f./ Juelz Santana 89 UV0610

20 Naturally Selena Gomez & The Scene 130 CL0510

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