The Western New York Playlist at Mixtape.me
Want to help me round this out? I’m not a Buffalo/Rochester native, but a (nearly) 10-year veteran; this is just a quick thumbnail I dashed off. Leave your track suggestions in the comments, and I’ll update the playlist embedded above. Click the upper-right corner button for a bigger view.
What am I looking for? Songs that ring true with the WNY experience; hence “Livin’ on a Prayer,” which I’ve never seen fail at a Buffalo bar or concert, and which has lyrics that, sadly, resonate pretty well. Local artists and directly-related songs are great. Nearby Canadian stuff is cool, too. But I’m just looking for a wide net to cast around the music that defines the region.
Edit: Commenter Knile points out that this came up on MetaFilter last month, unbeknownst to me (but awesomely helpful).
(Disclosure: This awesome app was made by my boss at Lifehacker)
Lou Graham of Foreigner is a Rochester native. Teddy Gieger is a young musician from Rochester who’s had some national success lately. A lot of jazz greats have Rochester ties, including the Mangione family. If you like R&B, I could have sworn one of the members of Blackstreet was from Rochester. Hip Hop — I believe Chi-Ali, who gained fame for his work on Black Sheep’s “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” went to Buff State. Of course, he’s in jail in Elmira for killing his brother-in-law, so you may not want to include him in the fun
Love The Hip, but they’re Canadian. Bon Jovi?
Roger Mudd
21 Mar 09 at 11:05 am
I don’t follow where artists are from, but I did post in the WBER (wber.org) facebook group asking for help. Hard to beat a good crowdsource of music lovers.
WBER also has a show called “The Local Show” it’s 8 pm – 11 pm on Sunday.
I don’t follow where artists are from much, so I can’t directly help.
Scott H.
22 Mar 09 at 12:21 pm
I’ll through in a couple, not sure if you are only looking for local music– and if Toronto bands count–but here goes:
Better Days – Goo Goo Dolls
Make you a believer – Sass Jordon
If I had a Million Dollars – Bare Naked Ladies
Lay it on the Line – Triumph
Change your Ways – Shaking Smith
These are Days – 10,000 Maniacs
and of course anything from Rush.
I know–I am old.
Larry Roth
22 Mar 09 at 1:53 pm
This was popular when I was in high school in Rochester a few years back: (select the song Welcome to the ROC in the player – probably can’t embed in your player though
http://www.myspace.com/beneficial
Lots of good references to the ROC. Enjoy
Matt Mendick
23 Mar 09 at 10:18 am
Are you looking for songs from Western New Yorkers? Or about? There was a thread on AskMetaFilter recently regarding songs that mention upstate locations: http://ask.metafilter.com/114003/Songs-about-upstate-NY
Knile
23 Mar 09 at 2:37 pm
Shy Boy by Talas who were a local band and still reform now and then (or any Talas track you can find)
Shy Boy by David Lee Roth. Same song as above but was on his first full solo album (Eat em and Smile) after leving VH. The bassist in his band then was Billy Sheehan who was in Talas before Dave snapped him up.
Ladies Night in Buffalo also by David Lee Roth and on the same album. A nice tribute to the city and a WNY tradition back in the day.
Craig
1 Apr 09 at 8:10 am
I know this reply is a year late but I’m just discovering your blog. As a lifehacker devotee and ex-Buffalonian, I can see this as an important topic to revisit. Check out ex-Buffalo bands The Sheila Divine as well as the also defunct but wicked awesome Tugboat Annie. Both should be available on iTunes.
Brandon
22 Apr 10 at 11:07 am