Great post - as always. Coming late to this, but the first two songs that came to mind were ‘Two of Us’ (The Beatles) and - the brilliant - ‘Smoke Two Joints’ (Sublime).
Your contract has been renewed! I’m speaking with your union rep right now regarding your demands for a retirement fund, so stay tuned! Which of the BU2B tracks would you prefer included in the bonus mix?
I’m not on Threads but thanks for the tip! Yeah, Synchronicity II is fantastic but does break my strict rules.😛 That JJ was suggested by 3 folks so it’s getting first billing on the bonus mix. I’m excited to see him live in exactly one month.
When I saw you post the note about this column I committed to come up with a list of ten songs before I’d allow myself to sit down and read this. I ended up having 4 in your top 11 (spin doctors, suzie q, frankie, and rob base) and 1 in 12-22 (u2)
Here are the other five that came to my mind (a couple already mentioned by others):
Just The Two of Us - Grover Washington
Love Me Two Times - The Doors
Two Hearts - Phil Collins
2 Wicky - Hooverphonic (breaks your rule about using the number)
Two Timer - Kiss
That last one I probably haven’t heard since the late 70s or early 80s. It only came to mind because KISS’s 1975 album Dressed to Kill is the first album I ever owned on vinyl. To this day I’m not sure how that managed to be my first album!
Thanks, Mark. The Grover Washington was the #1 suggestion by readers, so that’s for sure in the bonus playlist. And The Doors and Phil were also suggested. I will check out the Hooverphonic track and add that in. I’ll consider Kiss — haha — as I’m not familiar with that one, I don’t think. Your first album is definitely more cool than my Air Supply!
I hope you enjoy Pain of Salvation, Steve - I've enjoyed following their career as their releases have been varied, challenging, and engrossing. And I've got my tix already to see Beat in October!
Nice! We will have to compare notes on our respective Beat shows. I really liked Pain of Salvation a lot. I only listened to that one album so far, but that alone was quite varied and dynamic. Definitely right up my alley.
Great list - I especially love the Minutemen and King Crimson tunes. My addition would be "Of Two Beginnings" by Pain of Salvation, which kicks off their masterpiece Remedy Lane album.
Thanks for the POS suggestion, Matt! Listening to it now as I’m unfamiliar with the band. I’m kind of surprised as I’m definitely a fan of progressive metal, especially the stuff that leans in a djent-ish direction.
I wanted to move Minutemen and KC earlier to write about them but was
trying to keep a particular flow in the playlist. I’m excited to see Beat in September to get my King Crimson fix. Especially as those three Belew albums are my favorites.
‘Two Tribes’ is of its time and yet remains relevant. It’s scary and yet somehow, exciting.
What came to mind for me was ‘Two of Us’ by The Beatles. The opening track on the Let It Be album, and topical as the film is restored and out again. A little different from ‘Two Tribes’, except The Beatles were two tribes in 1969.
Just saw this post, haven't had a chance to sit down and listen, but any list that includes both Thelonious Monk and King Crimson is ok by me! Now if I can only think of Three Dog Night's sequel to "One"....
I was torn between "Breaking Us in Two" and "Be My Number Two" to represent Joe Jackson, and went with the sweeter one. Though both are so good. "Torn Between Two Lovers" is a great pick! I haven't thought of that one in decades! And Two People as well. The Beatles and Grover Washington were already suggested and added to my alternates playlist. Thanks, Dan!
Great post - as always. Coming late to this, but the first two songs that came to mind were ‘Two of Us’ (The Beatles) and - the brilliant - ‘Smoke Two Joints’ (Sublime).
First off -- Congrats on two years! Your blog is a delight and I'm so glad to have met you!
Second: "Two Princes" is the most earwormy of earworms, truly. Inspired pick :)
Third: You know I'm contractually obligated to mention Rush here, so, I nominate: "BU2B" and "BU2B2"
Your contract has been renewed! I’m speaking with your union rep right now regarding your demands for a retirement fund, so stay tuned! Which of the BU2B tracks would you prefer included in the bonus mix?
Although I prefer BU2B2, I think most people would like BU2B better!
First, congrats again on two years! Here's to many, many more.
Might be bending the rules, but 'Synchronicity II' by The Police is a good one. 'Breaking Us In Two' is a good 2nd choice for Joe Jackson.
On a sidenote, Chris Barron posts quite a bit on threads, and is worth a follow if you're on there.
I’m not on Threads but thanks for the tip! Yeah, Synchronicity II is fantastic but does break my strict rules.😛 That JJ was suggested by 3 folks so it’s getting first billing on the bonus mix. I’m excited to see him live in exactly one month.
Congrats on two years Steve, that’s awesome!
When I saw you post the note about this column I committed to come up with a list of ten songs before I’d allow myself to sit down and read this. I ended up having 4 in your top 11 (spin doctors, suzie q, frankie, and rob base) and 1 in 12-22 (u2)
Here are the other five that came to my mind (a couple already mentioned by others):
Just The Two of Us - Grover Washington
Love Me Two Times - The Doors
Two Hearts - Phil Collins
2 Wicky - Hooverphonic (breaks your rule about using the number)
Two Timer - Kiss
That last one I probably haven’t heard since the late 70s or early 80s. It only came to mind because KISS’s 1975 album Dressed to Kill is the first album I ever owned on vinyl. To this day I’m not sure how that managed to be my first album!
Thanks, Mark. The Grover Washington was the #1 suggestion by readers, so that’s for sure in the bonus playlist. And The Doors and Phil were also suggested. I will check out the Hooverphonic track and add that in. I’ll consider Kiss — haha — as I’m not familiar with that one, I don’t think. Your first album is definitely more cool than my Air Supply!
I hope you enjoy Pain of Salvation, Steve - I've enjoyed following their career as their releases have been varied, challenging, and engrossing. And I've got my tix already to see Beat in October!
Nice! We will have to compare notes on our respective Beat shows. I really liked Pain of Salvation a lot. I only listened to that one album so far, but that alone was quite varied and dynamic. Definitely right up my alley.
Congrats on the anniversary! Great selection. I live for Marvin Gaye.
With the same title as others you listed, this song came to mind. I hope you’ve got a grater handy ‘cause I’m bringing the cheese:
https://youtu.be/QzMNRBL1NSQ?si=WkZiO-YWLukw3xZE
So many good ones! I have to go with Spin Doctors—having seen them live several times playing in Tempe for small crowds.
Miles “Two Bass Hit” …. BTW, congratulations! 🎈🎉🎊
Miles Kane? Miles Teller? Miley Cyrus? Buddy Miles? Frequent Flyer Miles?
SMH
Townes Van Zandt’s ‘Two Girls’, here performed by Billy Strings: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wWrnBNsYTrE
Gorgeous version- thanks for sharing, Richard! I was late to Billy Strings but once I discovered him I was floored.
Love Meatloaf and Adam Ant. Let’s also remember Sublime’s “Smoke Two Joints” 💨💨 And “Two of Hearts” by Stacey Q is a total earworm!
I know about Stacey Q! lt somehow supplanted Spin Doctors as my earworm of the past two days.
"Two Hearts" (Stephanie Mills and Teddy Pendergrass).
Ooh, a great one! Added to the list. Thanks, David!
Great list - I especially love the Minutemen and King Crimson tunes. My addition would be "Of Two Beginnings" by Pain of Salvation, which kicks off their masterpiece Remedy Lane album.
Thanks for the POS suggestion, Matt! Listening to it now as I’m unfamiliar with the band. I’m kind of surprised as I’m definitely a fan of progressive metal, especially the stuff that leans in a djent-ish direction.
I wanted to move Minutemen and KC earlier to write about them but was
trying to keep a particular flow in the playlist. I’m excited to see Beat in September to get my King Crimson fix. Especially as those three Belew albums are my favorites.
‘Two Tribes’ is of its time and yet remains relevant. It’s scary and yet somehow, exciting.
What came to mind for me was ‘Two of Us’ by The Beatles. The opening track on the Let It Be album, and topical as the film is restored and out again. A little different from ‘Two Tribes’, except The Beatles were two tribes in 1969.
Just saw this post, haven't had a chance to sit down and listen, but any list that includes both Thelonious Monk and King Crimson is ok by me! Now if I can only think of Three Dog Night's sequel to "One"....
The Two of Us - Beatles
Breaking Us in Two - Joe Jackson
Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington Jr.
Torn Between Two Lovers - Mary MacGregor
Two People - Tina Turner
I was torn between "Breaking Us in Two" and "Be My Number Two" to represent Joe Jackson, and went with the sweeter one. Though both are so good. "Torn Between Two Lovers" is a great pick! I haven't thought of that one in decades! And Two People as well. The Beatles and Grover Washington were already suggested and added to my alternates playlist. Thanks, Dan!
Ruby Twosday...
Ha! Now that’s how you subvert the vote!