SwingDJs

In Herrang last year I dj-ed "The Ultimately Bad Lindy Hop Music Showcase." This was an extravaganza on only the very worst songs I'd heard played at dances. Horrible neo-swing, hip hop swing, smooth jazz. I actually tossed in some artists that I like but the music just wasn't for lindy hop at all. It ended up being a nightmarishly awesome night!

I'd like to collect your suggestions as I am planning on doing it again this year. What are the absolute worst songs you've heard dj-ed at a lindy hop night?

Now there's a coincidence - I was just trying (and failing miserably) to edit a decent ending onto my main contribution to last year's showcase.

It was a fun evening that, although a little odd. The harder we all tried to find truly awful songs, the more everyone seemed to want to dance to them...

Apart from that - well - someone played Candyman at an event I attended this year, but apart from that, nothing yet comes to mind. I'll give it some thought.

Crabbuckit by K-OS (wasn't played by me or in my scene)

That stupid tune from the car commercial that some folks use for swing rueda.

Oh - and there's always Bananaphone. If you use that one, it'll make me feel (slightly) better about missing Herrang this year.

Ditto for Manamana.

Perhaps not THE worst, but one song that really makes me cringe is Swingin' Safari by not-so-swinging Bert Kaempfert. Ugh.

"Sex Bomb" by Tom Jones makes whatever is in my stomach rise to an uncomfortable level.

Stray cat strut?

djstarr wrote:Stray cat strut?

HA!

Is this a list for BEST songs ever?

I think the worst (best) I've heard is:

Portishead's "Glory Box" (love their music - just not for Lindy Hoppin') ;
Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" ;
Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" and;
"The Cantina Band" from the Star Wars Soundtrack

Blue Suit Boogie - Indigo Swing

Fire - Babyface

Grease Lightning - Grease

probably more to come...

I've heard Danke Shoen on more than one occasion.

Some of those songs are not really what I would call bad. Fire or Queen may not be certain DJs cup of tea, but no reason to get harsh, too many dancers like them for them to really be considered the worst. Maybe, they would fit a list of the cheesiest songs.

To me, I think songs that qualify are ones that have fundamental issues, they are too long, have solos, or are just have a rhythm that is hard to dance to. Probably some of the lower quality neo-swing that came out during the late 90s. There was some good neo-swing, but that era created plenty of opportunistic bands chasing the fad. I am not talking about Brian Setzer, Indigo Swing, or some of the more popular bands. I am thinking about those bands you only saw on compilation CDs marketed to the swing scene.

Also, songs with lyrical issues, like Asylum Street Spanker's "Scrotum Song"

Nathan

Add some Kenny G to that list. And some Jive Bunny. And the Hooked on Swing albums.

trev wrote:Add some Kenny G to that list. And some Jive Bunny. And the Hooked on Swing albums.

Ah, so this is another complain about Swifty djing thread.