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ATRL: BoTB 90s Style Week 13: Smells Like Lonely Teen Creeps
ATRL Moderator
Member Since: 2/19/2003
Posts: 34,484
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BoTB 90s Style Week 13: Smells Like Lonely Teen Creeps
Where it gets really hard. Arguably the most important song of the last twenty years battles up against TLC's first number one single, and a song good enough to earn BSB a Grammy nomination. Oasis tags along for the ride.
TLC, performing Creep
Nirvana, performing Smells Like Teen Spirit
Backstreet Boys, performing Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely
Oasis, performing Stand by Me
It should be interesting, as three of these four acts have cruised into round three - BSB had a bit of an uphill battle - but, chances are, only one is making it out of these week alive. Who takes it?
Let's end this by Sunday.
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ATRL Moderator
Member Since: 3/18/2009
Posts: 35,164
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Nirvana, performing Smells Like Teen Spirit: 4
From the moment that guitar line kicks in, nothing else matters. Moody, atmospheric, powerful, hooky—I know it's kind of cliche to say at this point, but I think it's one of the greatest pieces of rock composition ever. The song definitely feels like it could be over after that instrumental bridge (which adds a sufficiently climactic punctuation), but perfection is a difficult state to achieve for anyone.
TLC, performing Creep: 3
As I've confessed numerous times, I'm a sucker for horns. And when they're used this well, what's not to love? The production conveys everything furtive and sexy about the ladies' down-low lovin'. I mean, that trumpet... (On a side note: Whoever is singing those verses [T-Boz?] sounds kind of a mess. But I do love the subtle harmonies on the chorus).
Backstreet Boys, performing Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely: 2
I think what ultimately makes the Backstreet Boys a musical act worth taking seriously is their plethora of great, memorable ballads. BSB's discography goes impressively deep in that regard, from the soulful, boppy "All I Have to Give" to the darkly bombastic "Incomplete." I love how weighty and mature they sound on this track, both lyrically and vocally. It's completely unexpected for a bubblegum boy band, but they nail it.
Oasis, performing Stand by Me: 1
This is actually a great track with a lot about it to admire; in particular, the guitar work is really impressive. But as someone not intimately familiar with Oasis' catalog, it doesn't feel remarkably distinguished from their other work that I've heard. I fully admit my own nostalgic biases here, but I simply find myself unable to rank it ahead of these three other songs that I've loved for so long.
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Member Since: 2/26/2006
Posts: 62,897
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A very strong and diverse week: Grunge, Pop ballad, R&B, Brit-pop. I love the 4 songs so it's really hard to rank them but here it goes:
Nirvana, performing Smells Like Teen Spirit: 4
This song is so powerful, it truly is the anthem of a generation.
Backstreet Boys, performing Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely: 3
This song always makes me feel a little nostalgic, it's also my favorite ballad of BSB.
TLC, performing Creep: 2
A great representation of the classic R&B sound of the 90's.
Oasis, performing Stand by Me: 1
The verses always have been my favorite part of this song.
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ATRL Moderator
Member Since: 2/19/2003
Posts: 34,484
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Thanks for bringing this back guys~!
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Member Since: 11/3/2010
Posts: 14,422
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4. TLC - Creep
3. BSB - Show Me The Meaning...
2. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
1. Oasis - Stand By Me
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Member Since: 8/23/2010
Posts: 16,089
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I'm really sorry I took so many time but I was really busy and barely had time for me lately.
Anyway amazing week. Gutted that Oasis actually have the weakest entry of the week, so I won't comment much.
TLC, performing Creep 3
Nirvana, performing Smells Like Teen Spirit 4
Backstreet Boys, performing Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely 2
Oasis, performing Stand by Me 1
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 6/23/2008
Posts: 14,330
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Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit (4)
Backstreet Boys Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely (3)
TLC Creep (2)
Oasis Stand By Me (1)
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ATRL Moderator
Member Since: 3/18/2009
Posts: 35,164
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New round soon? I don't want this to die when we're so close to the end!
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Member Since: 10/9/2008
Posts: 9,835
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Oasis, performing Stand by Me (4)
Nirvana, performing Smells Like Teen Spirit (3)
Backstreet Boys, performing Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely (2)
TLC, performing Creep (1)
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ATRL Moderator
Member Since: 2/19/2003
Posts: 34,484
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TLC - Creep
It's fitting that on ATRL, their poppier, more "messagey" songs would come in first and second place - but it feels like only now are we seeing what made TLC stand out from the crowd. "Creep" finds three strong women, led by one of the most unusual voices of the 90s in T-Boz, navigating uncertain sexual and gender divides on their own terms. They're strong, without losing vulnerability - or, more importantly, their cool. Their CrazySexyCool. The only "problem?" It goes on for about a minute too long. Credit their power that radio never played the radio edit. 4
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Obviously a classic, and unbelievable that it's twenty years old. Let's get into how strong the band was - I mean, Dave and Krist were kind of sick. Damn, this **** kicks. YES. 3
Backstreet Boys - Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely
Such strong vocals. Such impeccable harmonies. Such twaddle that they're forced to sing (beauty lies in a crimson world? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN.) Lyrics that could have only come from a Swede and almost oppressive production threaten to capsize the Boys' valiant efforts, but they almost turn the ship around by singing as earnestly as possible. 2
Oasis - Stand by Me
The end of the road, and quite fitting - Beatles/Stones pastiches can only go so far, especially in the face of bands/groups that were genuinely exciting, and also the Backstreet Boys.
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ATRL Moderator
Member Since: 3/18/2009
Posts: 35,164
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Quote:
Originally posted by Ace Reject
especially in the face of bands/groups that were genuinely exciting, and also the Backstreet Boys.
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I can't...
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