Starting Point playlist for Friday, April 13, 2012

STARTING POINT PLAYLIST 4/13/12

Today’s playlist started with a pick from political commentator Abby Huntsman. She chose the 1995 Green Day song “When I Come Around.” The band maintains its popularity to this day and just released the news that a trilogy of albums is in the process of being recorded. ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and ¡Tré! will be released between September 25, November 13 and January 15, respectively.

Next was “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division as chosen by John Fugelsang. The song debuted in April 1980, a month before singer Ian Curtis committed suicide. Several re-releases have helped this song stay current, and it often shows up in pop culture; it’s been featured everywhere from the Jake Gyllenhaal film Donnie Darko to the animated television show American Dad.

Will Cain chose “Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, the first of three number one hits for the country duo. Cain also played “Hi-ilawe” by John Cruz. That song was featured on the Hawaii Five-O soundtrack, along big names like Bob Dylan, the Foo Fighters and Train.

Soledad’s first pick of the morning was “Souled Out” by Hezekiah Walker. The Grammy award-winning pastor and bishop first found fame in 1995 while singing with his choir. Since then, his multi-faceted career has included a book, a radio show and a fellowship program that gives guidance to churches throughout the country.

Also chosen by Soledadwere two Mary J. Blige songs: “Family Affair” and “No More Drama.” Blige has been in the news lately because of a Burger King ad that many fans have dubbed as racist. The fast food favorite pulled the ad, but blamed it on “music licensing” and never said whether any changes would be made before the ad was re-released. Blige has said that she isn’t happy what was the final product.

Abby Huntsman’s second song was one that features some music industry heavyweights. Dr. Luke adds “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida to his writing repertoire of pop hits that include songs by Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Ke$ha. Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” is sampled in “Good Feeling.” And in the video, Snoop Dogg makes a brief cameo.

The last song of the show was one we’re probably all singing this Friday morning. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor was suggested for the playlist by Judy Smith. This is one of the most popular disco songs of all time, although it’s certainly transcended genre and has proven its staying power. Recently, the musical dramedy Glee covered Gaynor’s hit song, only as a mash up with Destiny Child’s “Survivor.”