Sunday, July 6, 2008

WE WITNESSED GREATNESS: STEVIE WONDER CONCERT RECAP

In our lives, it is always full of chaos. Full of moments of stress, work, and constant struggle. A lot of times, people just get so caught up in all of the madness that they forget to live and appreciate what life has to offer. They forget the simplicity of life. The happiness and appreciation for being in this world. Taking the time out to enjoy life. Spending it with your loved ones and good friends. Doing things you'd never dream of doing. Appreciating the little subtleties in life such as good company, music and history. Well Saturday night, two friends who appreciate music witnessed greatness and were caught up in his rich history. Me and MACTINO have always been the greatest Stevie Wonder fans out there. So during the spring when we were planning our summer, we both contemplated the idea of going to a bunch of concerts of artists we appreciated. This was our first stop, and to be quite honest it will be hard to top this. This pretty much is our recap of this concert. We didn't buy front row seats. We were in the depths of the lawn area of the Amphitheatre, but as fans of music and history, just being in the building listening to him was good enough. This was a video diary of the entire day.

It all started in the car. I made a playlist of his greatest hits and me and the MAC decided to sing one of his classics. Horribly, but we didn't care...



Who tailgates at a concert? We do!!! We had chips, beer, an iPod and floor mats to sit on. That's all we needed.



Ever since fellow NATION member Brandon told us about how delicious Coronas are with Bacardi Limon, a certain NCV member has yet to stop saying "LIMON." I'm surprised I didn't hit him.



This is us finally getting to our spot on the lawn. A little buzzed but ready to witness greatness!



The Greatest Of All Time Comes Out!



He starts of with a couple of newer tracks, but it was still music to our ears, but as the sun sets and nightfall hits, he brings out the heat from his collection...
(We apologize for the bad singing by us, but as fans you just don't care sometimes)

1. ISN'T SHE LOVELY: Song made about the birth of Stevie's daughter Aiesha (who is a backup singer). It makes it more special with her sitting next to him as he belts it!



2. RIBBON IN THE SKY: Such a beautiful slow jam. Before singing this he made jokes about how many people have made love to his songs? And that he wanted some sort of monetary gift in return. But no amount of money can top how beautiful this song is.



3. OVERJOYED: Shanezoola's favorite song. Not Stevie Wonder song. Favorite song ever! Do you know how exhilirating it is to hear your favorite song sung by your favorite artist LIVE? I just couldn't help but sing along.



4. MY CHERIE AMOUR: Probably one of the highlights of the evening as Stevie wanted the crowd to sing the first verse. Me and Tino just couldn't help ourselves.



5. UPTIGHT (EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT): A song that just simplifies life. Just a happy tune.



6. I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU: Music nowadays have become so complex that artists forget to just simpify matters and make things a little more complicating for the average fan. Now take this song, it is just a simple ballad about your feelings about a girl. Now take an extraordinary artist to sing it and it equals= Brilliance!



Those were just the ones we got on video, we could not forget DO I DO, HIGHER GROUND, THAT GIRL, SIR DUKE and SUPERSTITION. But when he played Superstition in the end, we just can't help stand up and take it all in.

Overall, it is safe for us to say that Stevie Wonder (to us) is the greatest musician of all time. I know that's probably a BOLD statement, but it is strictly how we feel. Imagine a person making such brilliant music and doing it with one less sense than all others? Its not only a story of perserverance, but he continues to produce hit after hit, one equally or even better than another. You know at most concerts, they always end the night with their most popular track and most well known track? Well for Stevie's case, we were debating probably fifteen songs on that list. Many more probably unaccounted for.

Like stated above, sometimes in life we have to appreciate the little things in life. This was one of them. At the end of the day, it turned out to be a pretty good day. I got to go to a concert with my best friend. Witnessed greatness and history, and shared some unbelievable tunes and constant laughs. We're not saying our next concert (Hall and Oates) is going to be better, but as long as there is a consistent trend, everything's going to be alright.

Friday, July 4, 2008

100 Greatest Songs Of The 80's...20-1

Ok here is where is the countdown ends and before we continue, the Nutcheck Videos crew would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July and would like to thank the men and women in the military who are fighting for our independence and freedom to this day. Your service will always and forever be appreciated by all.

Also we made this countdown a special one for the 4th and as a reminder to join us at Chitiva's tonight for another Session with your favorite party peoples!













Now ladies and gentlemen... THE FINAL 20!

20. Danger Zone: Kenny Loggins
This song was immortalized in Top Gun, but this hit was sheer 80's. Everytime you ride the coaster at Great America or watch the movie, you always remember this hit.



19. Take My Breath Away: Berlin
I (Shanezoola) will always remember when I was a kid in the Philippines and I would come home from school and my mom or aunt(s) would clean and have the radio on and Berlin's Take My Breath away would come on. It would repeatedly play and no wonder I know all the words to it.



18. Beat It: Michael Jackson
His songs proved his "coolness" at the time. He fantastic moves made him arguably the greatest dancer of all time. His videos were little mini movies in which had stunning choreography. This was one of them.



17. Power Of Love: Huey Lewis
Another MACTINO favorite. Many people couldn't understand how well Huey Lewis did in the 80's but he is was a fantastic musician. Plus Back to the Future was a sweet ass movie too.



16. One More Night: Phil Collins
This is why I always compare the excellence of one in his profession to Phil Collins success in the 80's. He was outstanding during this decade. His songs was magical and got better one after the other.



15. With Or Without You: U2
Before U2 was a phenomenon, they were just another band, but we still feel their older tracks were much better than their lastest hits. This one was our personal favorite.



14. Broken Wings: Mister Mister
A solid one hit wonder. And the impact of this song continues to reverberate through our minds today.



13. All Out Of Love: Air Supply
If you grew up in the 80's you knew this song. You knew the words. Most even have felt it before. Air Supply's music produced hit after hit during the 80's with this one being the most popular.


NOTHING HEARING IT LIVE!!!

12. Can You Feel The Beat: Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam
Our personal favorite Freestyle song ever. She produced countless gems and will still get down on it to this day.



11. Overjoyed: Stevie Wonder
Brilliance defines Stevie Wonder. His lyrics is above all others. His abilities obliterate all others and does it with one less sense. He is sheer amazement when in front of a microphone or in front of an instrument. By the way Shanezoola's favorite song ever. Not just Stevie Wonder. EVER!



10. Livin On A Prayer: Bon Jovi
Ridiculous in popularity! Bon Jovi defined all hairspray bands, but this rock goldmine is still one of the greatest of all time.



9. Planet Rock: Afrika Bambaataa
This song in our opinions started a hip hop transition. A lot in the game would probably tell you their impact this song has on the scene. That's why its top 10 worthy.



8. Don't You Forget About Me: Simple Minds
This movie soundtrack song will always be in our hearts. Perhaps it even defined a generation and their loved ones. Cause if you didn't watch Breakfast Club...



7. I Can't Go For That: Hall and Oates
Face it, we're addicted to any Hall and Oates track. Their musical abilities resonates to even better songs when played. We think this song is on the top of the Hall and Oates list.



6. I Just Called To Say I Love You: Stevie Wonder
Probably Stevie's most popular song in the 80's. This song is simple to the point and is pretty much just expressing the love one has for another. Songs try to be so complex, but simplify it, and Stevie still makes it so brilliant



5. Thriller: Michael Jackson
The video wrote its own history. We are just speechless!



4. In The Air Tonight: Phil Collins
The song was odd but in a brilliant sense. Phil Collins could not do no wrong with anything in the 80's. This was one of those moments.



3. Glory Of Love: Peter Cetera
Of course its our song! The story itself between why two of NCV's finest are best friends. Plus no one can touch Cetera's voice... Maybe Freddy Mercury can give him a run for his money. But no matter what. Brilliant song from a fantastic movie.



2. True: Spandau Ballet
No wonder this beat has been sampled over and over again. The song is amazing. Every aspect of it is worthy of this spot. Plus you gotta factor in popularity and how kickass you would be singing it on karaoke.



1. Don't Stop Believing: Journey
Look, before the song became popular again, let us tell you that growing up Filipino, that this song is always a staple to any karaoke events. So we have been introduced to this song at an early age and it will always be embedded in our brains forever. I guess it is just fitting that the lead singer now is one of us.



*****Prince had 3 songs on this list but due to copyright laws, all his videos were automatically muted, but he was another icon in the 80's******

Thursday, July 3, 2008

100 Greatest Songs Of The 80's...40-21

Down to the nitty gritty...

40. Here I Go Again On My Own: Whitesnake


Hairspray bands had a ball during the 80's and Whitesnake's hit was considered by us as the best and most popular. And we get introduced to Tawny Kitaen



39. Eternal Flame: The Bangles


This song will always be embedded in our heads forever. I know there are many a people who know all the words. Don't be scared. We do to.



38. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go: Wham


Such a popular song. I don't get why it is so mocked? Its very upbeat and you can dance gay-ly to it.



37. Through The Fire: Chaka Khan


This song would probably make our top list of all-time favorite songs. Every facet of this song is brilliance. Chaka was solid gold with this song.



36. You Shook Me All Night Long: AC/DC


A rock and roll masterpiece. AC/DC scored one of their most popular tunes with this one. Its one of those songs that gets you amped before you do anything.



35. Take On Me: Aha


Everyone will remember their video. The cartoon drawing. But the song was equally catchy and something you can sing along too.



34. Time After Time: Cyndi Lauper


Beautiful song. Weird artist. But she makes this list because of her popularity in the 80's.



33. Every Breath You Take: The Police


What can you say about this song that hasn't been said yet? The only blemish was that Diddy redid this song so terribly. No one can ever hold a candle to the original.



32. How Will I Know: Whitney Houston


Let's face it. When you're in the car and this song plays. You sing along with it. This was Whitney's breakout song. She was so beautiful in the 80's which made us question what the hell happened.



31. Walk This Way: Aerosmith and Run D.M.C


You talk about a song that revolutionized music. This was it. No one has ever collaborated like this prior to this song. And both sounds of Steven Tyler and the rest of RUN DMC made for a historical song.



30. Come On Eileen: Dexys Midnight Runners


Behind it is a sexually laced song, but who cares. This song was popular in the 80's and will continue to sing it today.



29. You've Lost That Loving Feeling: Hall and Oates


No one could touch Hall and Oates in the 80's. Superb group. Fascinating stories. Fantastic lyrics. Just a set of brilliant minds producing one of a kind music.



28. You're The Inspiration: Chicago


Peter Cetera's back must be hurting constantly carrying Chicago with hit after hit. This one puts all love songs to shame.



27. Mr. Telephone Man: New Edition


Talk about bubble gum pop at the time. New Edition provided that for you. All they wanted to do was talk to their favorite girls. Thank God for anytime minutes!



26. Celebration: Kool and the Gang


Whatever the occassion, ballgame, wedding, party. It is the ultimate get-together anthem. Kool and the Gang created this immortalized song and will never ever die.



25. Careless Whisper: George Michael


George Michael was another artist in the 80's who just made his name and added it to the best artists of the decade. This song was his most popular.



24. Let's Wait Awhile: Janet Jackson


This song made Janet such a versatile artist. Her energetic, well choreographed videos were always entertaining and popular, but she was a very underrated slow jam singer. Everyone knows the words to this song.



23. Lady In Red: Chris Deburgh


You know for a long period of time after this song aired, any lady you saw in red, this song pops into your mind. Today, its still in our heads.



22. Eye Of The Tiger: Survivor


The Rocky theme was its name. Every one gets going to this song. You can run up the streets climb any stairs and drink raw eggs after listening to this song.



21. Lately: Stevie Wonder


Just listen to Stevie's songs and tell me you don't like it. If you do, you have no idea what music is about. The original shits on Jodeci's version



The FINAL 20 TOMORROW!!!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

100 Greatest Songs Of The 80's...60-41

The countdown continues...

60. Tender Love: Force MD


A very underrated slow jam in our opinions. This was such a sweet melody that always brought us back to listening to Sunday Night Slow Jams because this song would always come on.



59. Cherish: Kool and the Gang


This group made so many wonderful jams that we couldn't fit all of them in this countdown, but this secondary hit was a mainstay in a few wedding albums.



58. Like A Virgin: Madonna


We pretty much think Madonna was pretty overrated in the 80's but for the sake of the countdown, but we may as well put a song made by her that put her on the map.



57. The Promise: When In Rome


Another one hit wonder makes the list. It may come of as a cheezy song but it was actually a quality song in our minds.



56. Walk Like An Egyptian: The Bangles


The Bangles was such a popular group in the 80's that it sparked a trend of women groups absolutely dominating music. Plus who didn't do the Egyptian dance???



55. You Got It All: The Jets


The Jets was another group that quietly made some noise in the 80's. This song was our clear cut favorite. Plus we love the classic diner scene in the video.



54. I Wanna Know What Love Is: Foreigner


Another solid tune. Foreigner once again came through quietly in an era where lots of people made noise. Love this song!



53. Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore: REO Speedwagon


This was such a popular song during the 80's. This song would've been higher but REO's popularity fizzled. But still a solid karaoke song nowadays.



52. Sweet Child Of Mine: Guns and Roses


Our clear favorite G&R song. This song has been redone so many times, but Guns and Roses' way was clearly the best!



51. Another Day In Paradise: Phil Collins


You could not touch Phil Collins in the 80's. Sheer brilliance and dominance at the time. Whether solo or with his crew, you can never go wrong.



50. I've Had The Time Of My Life: Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes


The classic dance scene from Dirty Dancing. Yes it is that song. You know part of you wanted to act the Swayze dance where he lifts the lady in the air. Admit it.



49. Rock You Like A Hurricane: The Scorpions


Such a rockin' jam. It always is on my list of rock and roll songs I can workout too. The chorus just gets me everytime! Here I am... Rock you like a Hurricane!



48. The Message: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five


No its not Diddy. The original beat was made by these guys. Such a classic tune. We can easily listen to this song anyday!



47. You're The Best Around: Joe Esposito


Karate Kid theme. Its our favorite movie! And this song always reminded me of when Daniel Laruso defeated the Cobra Kai.



46. Addicted To Love: Robert Palmer


This music video was memorable. The girls in this video were obscure weird and wore hella makeup. Might as well face it, we're addicted to this song.



45. Saturday Love: Cherelle


It felt like the 70's but this song was all 80's. One of those hidden gems that no one knew about.



44. Dr. Feelgood: Motley Crue


One of the most popular rock songs in the 80's. Motley Crue put themselves on the map with this jam and cemented their legacy as one of the best during the decade.



43. Push It: Salt and Pepa


This song revolutionized female rap with Salt N Pepa leading the way. This was such a sexually explicit song that at time was considered vulgar. We do love it though.



42. Shower Me With Your Love: Surface


A favorite slow jam of MACTINO. He had to make sure this song made this countdown. What better title for someone searching for love than this?



41. Always: Atlantic Starr


This song was arguably one of the best slow songs in the 80's. Everyone knows the lyrics, hell even danced it in their wedding. But one thing is for certain. Everyone can and will always love this song

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

100 Greatest Songs Of The 80's... 80-61

Here is the next set of songs on the countdown...

80. Africa: Toto


This was a solid song. It was just too bad that Toto only had a two hit wonder.



79. Hungry Eyes: Eric Carmen


A nice little ballad made famous by Dirty Dancing and Stewie Griffin from Family Guy. We can sing this song on the karaoke to the ladies all day!



78. Spring Love: Stevie B.


Stevie B had a miraculous but well deserved run during the 80's and this hit was a Nutcheck Video favorite.



77. Heaven: Bryan Adams


Not a lot of good things have come out of Canada, but this song by Bryan Adams is always a timeless classic in our eyes. BABY YOU'RE ALL THAT I WANT...



76. Never Gonna Give You Up: Rick Astley


This song was the ultimate one hit wonder. The sound was odd and weird but still catchy and if you grew up around Filipinos, they know this song. Plus Rick Astley is one pastey little bastard!



75. Whip It: Devo


This was a catchy tune, even though the sexual innuendo speaks for itself. But it was a great 80's song! Crack that WHIP!



74. Human Beat Box: The Fat Boys


Brrrr. Stick em. Brrrr Stick Em. Hip hop got this amazing sound from these guys. We can never get enough of the sound of a human beat box!



73. Just Like Heaven: The Cure


Of all the Emo bands, the Cure set the freakin' bar. And this hit was our dear dear favorite. If anyone asks, we're not conforming to any others' picks.



72. Melt With You: Modern English


Before it was the Taco Bell theme, this Modern English hit was a popular on eighties.



71. Slow and Easy: Zapp and Roger


This group was different. It was weird, but very very entertaining. We absolutely love Zapp and Roger's sounds.



70. Time Will Reveal: El Debarge


An NCV favorite as far as underrated in the 80s. Song and artist. We can sing this song in the car anytime anyday.



69. Colors: Ice T


Before he became an actor. Ice T was a gangsta rapper who was your nightmare in the 80's. His hit COLORS will always and forever be in our minds.



68. Tainted Love: Soft Cell


Man this song is embedded in our 80's hit list all day long. Another classic one hit wonder. Sometimes I feel like...



67. As We Lay: Shirley Murdock


This song has been remade a lot but nothing ever beats the original and Shirley Murdock wins one with this hit.



66. Secret Lovers: Atlantic Starr


Before a cell phone commercial brought this song back, Atlantic Starr produced hit after hit in the 80's. This was one of those classics.



65. Open Arms: Journey


This song by Journey is one of the best songs in the 80's that was sung by a tremendous group. Solid Ballad.



64. Welcome To The Jungle: Guns and Roses


Another sports related theme song as G&R rock it with this motivational hit. If this song doesn't get you amped, you sir or ma'am are in trouble. YOU IN THE JUNGLE BABY!!!



63. In Too Deep: Genesis


Behold the amazingness and awesomeness of Phil Collins in the 80's! His group made some life changing classics.



62. The B-52's: Love Shack


This was such a classic jam. It makes you wanna get up on your feet and dance!



61. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now: Starship


Cheesy. Yes. A lil gay yes. A favorite ours. Hell YEAH and we'll belt it loudly if we have to!