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| Ten Thousand Motels |
Top 25 Greatest Vegas Songs Ever
Posted Aug 6th 2007
Filed under: Dry Heat, Weird Vegas, Rants & Raves
Vegaspopular.com
The criteria for judging a city's value should include the number of songs written about it. Sure, real estate, job market and schools are important metrics of a city's worth, but a city without a song is a city I don't want to live in. If a city can't inspire enough passion in someone to write a song about it (good or bad), then what is the quality of life like in that city?
Vegas has hundreds of songs written about it. It seems everybody has a Vegas tale to tell.There are tales of lament and tales of triumph, but when the jukebox stops, one thing is clear: Vegas is in the eye of the beholder.
Here are the top 25 songs ever written about or inspired by Vegas:
25. Sheryl Crow - 'Leaving Las Vegas' - This song should be higher, but when she went on late night TV and said the song was autobiographical (she didn't write it), it kind of just loses some appeal.
24. Stereophonics - 'Vegas Two Times' - If you like sloppy Welsh spelling bees, this is your jam.
23. Jimmy Ray - 'Goin' to Vegas' - Part genius, part fool, Jimmy Ray of 'Are You Jimmy Ray?' fame infuses a lot of excitement in this anticipatory song about a Vegas vacation.
22. Chumbawamba - 'Jesus in Vegas' - Yes the 'Tubthumping' kids wrote more than just that one song. This one isn't as catchy and seems angry more along the lines of their punk beginnings. according to the song, "Andrew Lloyd Weber is doing the lights."
21. Charlie Clouser - 'Let It Ride' - This is the theme song to NBC's 'Las Vegas' as shown in the UK. It has a Vegas sounding name and since Elvis already has two other songs on the list., this beat out "Little Less Conversation' -- the theme for the US broadcasts of 'Las Vegas.' Had there been a song called, 'Nikki Cox Rocks,' that probably would have made the list over these two.
20. Buck Owens - 'Big in Vegas' - Country legend sings about his aspirations to have his name in lights when he "turns 'em on in Vegas."
19. Hootie & the Blowfish - 'Las Vegas Nights' - It's only fitting that H&TBF has a song about Vegas since the band has the Shady Grove Lounge in Vegas at the Silverton.
18. Who Da Funk - 'Shiny Disco Balls' - This is a great dance song and had it been more about Vegas (or at least had more than three lines), it would have easily been at the top.
17. Geggy Tah - '''Las Vegas With the Lights Out' - This ditty is from the same album that had their big radio/TV commercial song 'Whoever You Are.'
16. Southern Culture on the Skids - '40 Miles to Vegas' - Another of the anticipatory songs about the actual journey to Vegas.
15. Gram Parsons - 'Ooh Las Vegas' - Also covered by the Cowboy Junkies and Emmylou Harris, this is a pretty song about the consequences of Sin City.
14. Nico - 'Vegas' - You either love Nico's voice or hate it and with this instrumentation, the same can be said about this song. I love it.
13. Barenaked Ladies - 'Conventioneers' - Alcohol and off-site work functions? Inhibitions don't stand a chance. This song proves what happens in Vegas, does not necessarily stay in Vegas.
12. The Thrills - 'Your Love Is Like Las Vegas' - I've been saying Vegas is getting too expensive. When an Irish rocker equates lost love to a "city that burnt me good," because he can only afford one weekend, I think I may be on to something. Either that, or he was dating an arsonist or a call girl.
11. Frankie Yankovic - 'Vegas Polka' - If accordions don't turn you're on, maybe you're just dead on the inside.
10. Clubstrophobia - 'Vegas' - Dance song with a fun Vegas video - worth the look.
9. Gomez - 'Las Vegas Dealer' - Nice English rock band making a nice English rock song about lost love that's not entirely clear if Lauren Lee's departure is due to her running off to deal blackjack or if there was a nasty incident with a Las Vegas drug dealer.
8. The B-52s - 'Queen of Las Vegas' - The schtick never grows old. This "Momma, rockin' on the roulette wheel" song is from 1983 and can hold it's own with any beehive-inspired new wave songs of today.
7. Size 14 - 'People Get Really Drunk in Las Vegas' - Their big hit was 'Claire Dane's Poster' but this song has a truthness to it that deserves a Top 10 induction on this list. Nothing like alcohol and no cutoff time to drown the sorrows of a busted romance.
6. Tori Amos - 'Don't Make Me Come to Vegas' - Kind of a different take on the Vegas songs. The beautiful read-headed piano chick is threatening to come to Vegas and yank someone out of bed. Nice.
5. Elvis Presley - 'Viva Las Vegas' - I put this in the top five because I had to otherwise my inbox would fill up with hate mail. Since I didn't put it number one, I think there are some anti-Fletch e-mails in my future, but the heart wants what the heart wants. I have to admit, before living in Vegas, this song was the first song I played to get pumped up for a trip to "bright light city" and I shouldn't rag on it too much because people like the Dead Kennedys and Johnny Ramone have covered it, but I guess it's a case of saturation for me and the fact that there's another song on the "Viva Las Vegas" music soundtrack that is better than this one. Yes, I said it.
4. Tom Waits - 'Straight to the Top (Vegas)' - This is a nice pseudo-swinging affair from "gravel throat."
3. Cocteau Twins - 'Heaven or Las Vegas' - Man, most of the time I don't know what she's singing or even what language she is singing it in, but this song (the whole album really) is transcendent.
2. Elvis Presley - 'Night Life' - Taken from the same soundtrack as "Viva Las Vegas," this song wins because of a universal truth that the album's namesake song doesn't have. Both songs do a great job of capturing the moment. 'Viva Las Vegas' is hyperactive just like the action on a casino floor and 'Night Life' slinks around with sex appeal. It all comes down to one lyric. If you adopt it as a mantra, your time in Vegas, and life, could be more successful: "You can't be a quitter when you're caught up in the glitter of the night life."
1. Dean Martin - Medley 'Drink to Me Only' - 'The Rat Pack Live at the Sands' captured probably the greatest live performances in the history of live performances. Even if you don't like this kind of music or have never heard of Dean Martin (or Maybe Frank or Maybe Sammy), this medley captures the essence of old-school Vegas which is the Vegas our collective consciousness longs for.
Interestingly enough, none of the songs cobbled together were Vegas songs. Dean Martin added Vegas bits here and there. 'I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine' gets a non-Disney twist. 'I Love Paris' becomes 'I Love Vegas' and is the rocking part of the medley.
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels] |
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
Old Dudes Who Still Rock
Posted Aug 2nd 2007 6:29AM by Tony Jenkins
Filed under: Shows, Celebrity, Event Finder
Vegaspopular.com
http://www.vegaspopular.com/2007/08/02/vegas-shows-headliners-old-dudes-who-still-rock/
Vegas turned 100 a couple of years ago, but Vegas today is nothing like Vegas from 1907. Heck, when you stand under the glorious pink neon of the Flamingo and stare out across at Caesar's Palace, you'll see that Vegas from the '60s was much different than the Vegas of today. The irony is that many of the performers who top the marquees in today's Vegas, and also topped them in the '50s, '60 and '70s, haven't changed.
Vegas mainstays such as Tom Jones and Wayne Newton may have sold millions of records and played to millions of people throughout the world, but they refuse to rest on their laurels. Despite being well over 60-years-old -- an age when many people may think it's time to kick back and relax -- they have continued performing as much as they did in their heyday. It seems to be their way of telling us, "Hey, I can still get down and throw down, and I'm not about to retire!"
But Tom and Wayne aren't the only old dudes who are still rockin'. Check out these tireless and timeless performers over the age of 60.
Tom Jones
Age: 67
See Him Rock: Aug. 9-Sept. 22 at MGM Grand
You may as well call Tom Jones Mr. Charisma because, even with a cheesy goatee and bad dye job, the Welsh Wonder still rocks like no other. Sure, he's pushing 70, but Tom still has the smooth moves and powerful voice that have caused panties to fly for more than 40 years. And who else could do a Prince song and make it cooler than the original? If you haven't seen Tom live, 'Help Yourself' to one of the greatest performers of all time during one of his MGM Grand performances throughout the year.
Elton John
Age: 60
See Him Rock: Oct. 16-Nov. 5 at Caesars Palace
Yes, 'Candle in the Wind' is one of the most non-rocking songs of all time and can cause one to consider reaching for a firearm and ending it all, but Elton John still rocks. If you've seen 'The Bitch' in his Red Piano show at Caesars Palace, you know he still has more energy and attitude than performers a third his age, even without dressing up like Donald Duck. If you haven't seen the show, what are you waiting for?!?
Tony Orlando
Age: 63
See Him Rock: August 3-5 at South Point
The man who once asked you to knock three times on the ceiling if you love him is still causing knuckles to hurt. He may not be backed by Dawn anymore, but that hasn't slowed Tony down one bit. He still spends most of his year on the road, entertaining both young and old audiences who can't get enough of his energetic performances and Tom Selleck-ish moustache.
Barry Manilow
Age: 64
See Him Rock: Ongoing at the Las Vegas Hilton
His name is Barry. He is a showman. With a lifetime's worth of flair, and a hip that's been repaired... No, not even a bum hip could keep Manilow from rockin' the Vegas Hilton, where he's been amazing Fanilows with his over-the-top 'Music and Passion' show since 2005. And it's not just devoted Fanilows who love Barry. Rolling Stone Magazine has called him, "a giant among entertainers" and, "the showman of our generation." Check out 'Music and Passion' and you'll understand.
Wayne Newton
Age: 65
See Him Rock: July 27-Aug. 4 at Harrah's
You don't get the nickname Mr. Las Vegas for nothing. Wayne Newton has performed more than 30,000 shows in Vegas over the past 40 years, and there's no reason to believe that number won't eventually reach 40,000. Simply put, the tireless performer IS Vegas. Whether he is singing, dancing, playing guitar or just interacting with the audience, Wayne is always "on." This is especially true during his famous holiday shows in Vegas, which are not to be missed. After one of his performances, you'll surely be saying, 'Danke Schoen' for Wayne Newton."
Kenny Rogers
Age: 68
See Him Rock: Sept. 22 at Aquarius Casino
OK, so, Kenny looks freaky these days. Thanks to all the crazy Botox action, he looks less like Kenny Rogers than the guys on this site. But, that doesn't change the fact that he's, well, Kenny Rogers! Since fronting The First Edition and dropping in to see what condition his condition was in, 'The Gambler' has been one of the most successful country crooners of all time. With a Grammy nomination this year, Kenny proved that he won't be counting his money anytime soon, because the dealing is far from done.
Willie Nelson
Age: 74
See Him Rock: Sept. 28 at Hard Rock
He has smoked weed on the top of the White House, fought for America's farmers and survived a financial beating by the all-powerful IRS. In other words, Willie Nelson is rock personified. And it's not just his outlaw ways or unforgettable songs that make Willie Nelson a giant; it's also his unmatched devotion to his fans. After every show, Willie hangs around outside his bus until every last fan who wants to meet him has gotten the chance. All celebrities could learn a thing or two from the Red Headed Stranger.
Tony Bennett
Age: 80
See Him Rock: Oct. 12-13 at the Las Vegas Hilton
Frank Sinatra may have been the Chairman of the Board, but Tony Bennett is undoubtedly the First Vice President. And unlike Sinatra in his later years, Tony's voice is as amazing today as it was 50 years ago. There's nothing quite like sharing a glass of wine with your significant other while hearing Tony belt out classics like 'Rags to Riches,' 'I Left My Heart in San Fransisco' and 'My Funny Valentine.' He's classy, he's the last of the great crooners and he's great, great, great!
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels] |
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
>Kenny Rogers
Age: 68
See Him Rock: Sept. 22 at Aquarius Casino
OK, so, Kenny looks freaky these days. Thanks to all the crazy Botox action, he looks less like Kenny Rogers than the guys on this site. But, that doesn't change the fact that he's, well, Kenny Rogers!<
Kenny uses Botox? |
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| Jumacfly |
quote:
Ten Thousand Motels wrote:
Top 25 Greatest Vegas Songs Ever
1. Dean Martin - Medley 'Drink to Me Only' - 'The Rat Pack Live at the Sands' captured probably the greatest live performances in the history of live performances. Even if you don't like this kind of music or have never heard of Dean Martin (or Maybe Frank or Maybe Sammy), this medley captures the essence of old-school Vegas which is the Vegas our collective consciousness longs for.
Interestingly enough, none of the songs cobbled together were Vegas songs. Dean Martin added Vegas bits here and there. 'I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine' gets a non-Disney twist. 'I Love Paris' becomes 'I Love Vegas' and is the rocking part of the medley.
I love Dino and his Vegas stuff is great and very funny to hear.
the sounds of champagne glasses on the table, the mood,the sound and the duets with Sammy Davis and Franckie, I love it! |
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
quote:
Jumacfly wrote:
I love Dino and his Vegas stuff is great and very funny to hear.
the sounds of champagne glasses on the table, the mood,the sound and the duets with Sammy Davis and Franckie, I love it!
Yep. Cool fucking shit to be sure.
(I'm not sure about the bowties though.)
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[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels] |
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| Jumacfly |
Dino is hated by many Stones fans TTM. |
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
quote:
Jumacfly wrote:
Dino is hated by many Stones fans TTM.
I don't give a fuck.
Why because of that joke about the low foreheads?
If that calls for "hate" then that's pretty petty shit.
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels] |
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
I was kind of puzzled by this song list though. I couldn't find any song or mention of the show girls and the strippers. You're not going to find anywhere on Earth with the population density of high end beautiful women than in Las Vegas.
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels] |
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| Jumacfly |
quote:
Ten Thousand Motels wrote:
I don't give a fuck.
Why because of that joke about the low foreheads?
If that calls for "hate" then that's pretty petty shit.
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels]
100% agree mate!
I 've been watching the original"Ocean's Eleven" the other day, the rat pack is fantastic in this movie 
cheers and thanks again for this nice read!
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
Is it any wonder that Las Vegas is the #1 Convention City in the world?
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
Las Vegas is also a good place to die.
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Cocaine killed Who star
Wednesday, December 11, 2002 Posted: 2:35 PM EST (1935 GMT)
Entwistle died in a Las Vegas hotel room
TEWKESBURY, England -- The Who's bass guitarist John Entwistle died from a heart stoppage triggered by a "moderate" amount of cocaine, an inquest has been told.
Entwistle died in a Las Vegas hotel room on June 27, on the eve of a U.S. tour by the veteran band.
His bedroom companion at the time of his death was not identified during the inquest hearing.
The hearing, in Tewkesbury, England, on Wednesday, revealed the star had taken cocaine before his death and that he had an already weakened heart.
Toxicology tests showed no alcohol but two different types of cocaine.
It was said that the 57-year-old's death was also caused in part by a heart condition aggravated by years of smoking.
The UK's Press Association said coroner Lester Maddrell concluded that "he died from the effects of a single moderate usage of cocaine" coming on top of a heart condition.
Entwistle formed The Who with friend Pete Townshend, which became one of the most influential British bands of the late 1960s and 1970s.
The band had a string of hits, including Substitute, Who Are You and My Generation, and a enjoyed the rock-and-roll lifestyle.
Dr Jeremy Uff, consultant histopathologist at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, said that Entwistle's arteries were "very narrow" with one completely blocked by a clogging of fatty and scar tissue, in keeping with a history of high cholesterol levels, and compounded by smoking.
Entwistle's GP, Dr Tim Healey, said the star had been suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels for some years.
The doctor said that the rock star smoked 20 cigarettes and drank six to seven units of alcohol a day but kept regular checks on his blood and cholesterol levels.
Professor Alexander Forrest, of Sheffield University's department of forensic pathology, said Entwistle had taken cocaine within four hours of his death.
The amount of the drug would not be lethal for a person with a healthy heart, Forrest was quoted by the Associated Press.
He added: "It is likely that the use of a small amount of cocaine by someone with compromised coronary arteries can be associated with sudden death."
Maddrell concluded: "To summarise the amount of cocaine found to be present was not a huge amount but in someone with pre-existing and naturally occurring heart disease it could bring about a fatal stopping in the rhythm of the heart."
None of Entwistle's family were at the hearing in which the coroner went through written statements and evidence gathered by U.S. authorities.
In the U.S., an earlier inquiry into his death by Clark County Coroner Ron Flud said the cause was due to combination of cocaine and heart disease.
Flud concluded that the cocaine caused a heart attack by constricting Entwistle's coronary arteries.
The British inquest was required because Entwistle's body was returned to his home country for burial.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas stripper Alison Rowse, 32, has previously told reporters she was with Entwistle on the night he died.
"There were only two people in that room and one of those is dead," she said recently. "No-one knows about John's final hours except me."
Miss Rowse said she first met the musician in 1989 when his band arrived in Las Vegas during a U.S. tour.
Twice-married Entwistle was living with his long-time girlfriend Lisa Pritchard-Johnson at the time of his death.
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels] |
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| robpop |
quote:
Ten Thousand Motels wrote:
Yep. Cool fucking shit to be sure.
(I'm not sure about the bowties though.)
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels]
Where's Peter Lawford? |
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| gimmekeef |
What is sung in Vegas...should stay in Vegas...where even a no talent puff haired asstwat like Wayne Newton could become a big attraction for fuck sakes. |
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| BONOISLOVE |
This thread makes Bono die and go to heaven and speak to the big Lord and ask to be born again! |
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| Saint Sway |
The version of Sympathy with the horn section from the No Security Tour is the #1 Vegas tune ever.
Little T&A with horns is a close 2nd |
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| texile |
quote:
Ten Thousand Motels wrote:
3. Cocteau Twins - 'Heaven or Las Vegas' - Man, most of the time I don't know what she's singing or even what language she is singing it in, but this song (the whole album really) is transcendent.
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels]
they are sublime.
is this the one with the lines:
'are you the man for me, or are you toxic for me..' ?
i get their song titles confused. |
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| speedfreakjive |
gottta be Dino |
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