The Rainmakers & Bob Walkenhorst: Top 100 Songs

The Rainmakers/ Bob Walkenhorst Top 100 Songs

The Rainmakers are a roots-rock band from Missouri. They started as a trio in 1983 named Steve, Bob & Rich for members Steve Phillips (guitar and vocals), Bob Walkenhorst (vocals, drums, and guitar), and Rich Ruth (bass and vocals). They released one independent album, Balls, in 1984. They signed to Polygram Records, added drummer Pat Tomek, and renamed themselves the Rainmakers. They released their self-titled debut in 1986. Four more studio albums followed from 1987 to 1997. Rich Ruth had left in 1994 and was replace on their 1997 album Skin by Michael Bliss. The band were then inactive for more than a decade, during which time frontman Bob Walkenhorst released a solo album and collaborated with Jeff Porter, who joined the Rainmakers when they reunited in 2011. Steve Phillips and Pat Tomek returned to the fold as well. After three more studio albums, the band again went dormant during which time Walkenhorst collaborated with his daughter Una for a 2018 album and released another solo effort in 2021. He has also recorded two albums, known as Spare and Spare Vol. 2, of stripped-down, acoustic versions of his songs with and without the Rainmakers. Also appearing on this list are a few cuts from the 1977 album The Last Adventure by the Walkenhorst Brothers. Click here to see other best-of lists from performers and here to see other best-of lists from songwriters and/or producers. Spotify Podcast: Check out Dave’s Music Database podcast: The Best of Bob Walkenhorst and the Rainmakers based on this list. It debuts August 24, 2021 at 7pm CST. Tune in every Tuesday at 7pm for a new episode based on the lists at Dave’s Music Database.

Awards:

Top 100 Songs Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards. DMDB Top 20%: 1. Let My People Go-Go (Steve, Bob, & Rich: 1984; The Rainmakers: 1986) 2. Snake Dance (1987) Beyond the DMDB Top 20%: 3. Downstream (1986) 4. The Wages of Sin (1987) 5. Big Fat Blonde (Steve, Bob, & Rich: 1984; The Rainmakers: 1986) 6. Small Circles (1987) 7. Nobody Knows (Steve, Bob, & Rich: 1984; The Rainmakers: 1986) 8. Spend It on Love (1989) 9. Government Cheese (1986) 10. Like Dogs (2011) 11. Suspicious Minds (2015) 12. Last Song of the Evening (2011) 13. Given Time (2011) 14. Primitivo Garcia (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 15. Drinkin’ on the Job (1986) 16. Information (Steve, Bob, & Rich: 1984; The Rainmakers: 1986) 17. Go Down Swinging (2011) 18. Half a Horse Apiece (2011) 19. Hoo Dee Hoo (1989) 20. America (2015) 21. Another Guitar (1984) 22. Reckoning Day (1989) 23. One More Summer (1987) 24. Suspicious Minds (2015) 25. The Lakeview Man (1987) 26. For Tomorrow (Bob & Una Walkenhorst, 2018) 27. Different Rub (1997) 28. No Romance (1987) 29. Long Gone Long (1986) 30. Missouri Girl (2011) 31. Thirty Days (1989) 32. Rockin’ at the T-Dance (1986) 33. Doomsville (1986) 34. Turpentine (2011) 35. The Battle of the Roses (1989) 36. Siamese Twins (1997) 37. The One That Got Away (1986) 38. Stick Together (live, 1989) 39. Baby Grand (2011) 40. Wild Oats (1989) 41. Kansas City Times (2011) 42. Skin (1997) 43. To the Hum (1997) 44. 13th Spirit (2014) 45. Rainmaker (1987) 46. Renaissance Man (1989) 47. Carpenter’s Son (1987) 48. Tattoo (1997) 49. Fool’s Gold (1994) 50. Shithole Town (2014) 51. Life Can Turn (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 52. Width of a Line (1994) 53. Miserable (2014) 54. Little Tiny World (1994) 55. Jan Vermeer (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 56. J-Walkers (Bob Wakenhorst, 2003) 57. Just Leaving (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 58. Shiny Shiny (1989) 59. Along Comes Mary (2015) 60. Tornado of Love (1987) 61. Just Another Joe (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 62. The Day We Hung Up the Flag (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 63. The Other Side of the World (1987) 64. Fly Over (Bob & Una Walkenhorst, 2018) 65. You Remind Me of Someone (1994) 66. Monster Movie (2014) 67. I Talk with My Hands (1987) 68. Greatest Night of My Life (1994) 69. Silver Lake (Bob Walkenhorst & Jeff Porter, 2009) 70. Remarkable (Bob Walkenhorst, 2006) 71. No Abandon (Bob Walkenhorst & Jeff Porter, 2009) 72. Mystery Road (1994) 73. Dry Dry Land (1989) 74. Sugartree (Bob Walkenhorst, 2020) 75. We Walk the Levee (1989) 76. Happy Enough (Bob Walkenhorst, 2020) 77. View from the Tower (1994) 78. Rock On (2015) 79. EGBDF (Steve, Bob & Rich: 1984) 80. A Million Miles Away (1997) 81. Punching Bag (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 82. Call a Wrecker (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 83. Stolen the Moon (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 84. Overland Hill (Bob Walkenhorst & Jeff Porter, 2009) 85. Burgers (Walkenhorst Brothers, 1977) 86. Spite (1994) 87. Winter Dreams (Walkenhorst Brothers, 1977) 88. Shenandoah (Bob Walkenhorst, 2016) 89. Kissin’ Time (Steve, Bob & Rich: 1984) 90. Good Sons and Daughters (1997) 91. Kissses from St. Louis (1993) 92. Rockin’ Around (1993) 93. Autumn Song (Walkenhorst Brothers, 1977) 94. When We Say Goodbye (Walkenhorst Brothers, 1977) 95. Vermillion (2011) 96. Who’s at the Wheel (2014) 97. These Hills (2011) 98. Broken Down (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 99. Too Many Twenties (1997) 100. Signs of a Struggle (2014) Resources and Related Links: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for The Rainmakers DMDB Encyclopedia entry for Bob Walkenhorst Dave’s Music Database: “Best-of Lists for Performers” Dave’s Music Database: “Best-of Lists for Songwriters and/or Producers First posted 6/17/2021; last updated 8/24/2021.

Bob Walkenhorst: Artist Profile

Bob Walkenhorst: Artist Profile

Born: June 1, 1953 Where: Norborne, Missouri Known As: roots-rock singer/songwriter and musician from the Rainmakers Significant Bands/Collaborations: Steve, Bob & Rich (1983-85) The Rainmakers (1986-1997) With Steve Porter (2009) With daughter Una Walkenhorst (2018)

Awards (Rainmakers): Quotable: “The Rainmakers are the Georgia Satellites with Doctorates in Theology” – Jonathan Rundman, Showcase Music Magazine

The Albums: Hover over an album for the name and year of release. Click to see its DMDB page. Compilations: Live Albums: Key Tracks: Let My People Go-Go (Rainmakers, 1986) Downstream (Rainmakers, 1986) Big Fat Blonde (Rainmakers, 1986) Snake Dance (Rainmakers, 1987) Small Circles (Rainmakers, 1987) The Wages of Sin (Rainmakers, 1987) Spend It on Love (Rainmakers, 1989) Another Guitar (Rainmakers, 1994) Different Rub (Rainmakers, 1997) Primitivo Garcia (2003) Life Can Turn (2003) Silver Lake (with Jeff Porter, 2009) Given Time (Rainmakers, 2011) Go Down Swinging (Rainmakers, 2011) Like Dogs (Rainmakers, 2011) 13th Spirit (Rainmakers, 2014) For Tomorrow (with Una Walkenhorst, 2018) Fly Over (with Una Walkenhorst, 2018)

Overview: “Missouri has long boasted of being the home of two of America’s greatest artists, Mark Twain and Chuck Berry. However, it wasn’t until The Rainmakers thundered into the national music spotlight in 1986, had anyone combined the guitar power of Berry with the social wit of Twain to form a unique brand of Missouri rock n’ roll.” AZ “Even at the height of their popularity in the late ‘80s, The Rainmakers never got the respect they deserved. Their rootsy rock not only included keen musicianship but also some of the most memorable lyrics of the era. While Michael Stipe was mumbling through his too-much-integrity phase, this Kansas City-based foursome were having a blast with singer Bob Walkenhorst’s story-telling tunes, which were equal parts humor and social commentary.” EH These “prototypical Midwestern roots-rockers…ironically achieved their greatest commercial success overseas, despite generally good reviews in their homeland. Chief songwriter Bob Walkenhorst’s playful wit and topical lyrics set the Rainmakers apart from their Heartland bar band peers, though musically they drew from the expected roots rock influences (Chuck Berry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bruce Springsteen, etc.).” SH Steve, Bob, & Rich (1983-1986): The band was “originally formed in 1983 as the 3 piece bar band Steve, Bob, & Rich;” AZ “the lineup consisted of guitarist/vocalist Steve Phillips, guitarist/vocalist Bob Walkenhorst, and bassist Rich Ruth.” SH “These Kansas City rockers became an instant favorite throughout the Midwest. Soon fans stood in line to see this trio they described as ‘energetic,’ ‘intense,’ but most importantly ‘fun.’” AZ “This group recorded an independently released album (titled Balls).” SH “Within months…, Steve, Bob, & Rich had signed a multi-album contract with Polygram,” AZ “upon which point they added drummer Pat Tomek and changed their name to the less specific Rainmakers.” SH America’s Next Great Band (1986-1990): “Their self-titled official debut was released in 1986.” SH “Heralded as ‘America’s Great Next Band’ by Newsday, The Rainmakers were drenched in critical acclaim. Feature articles in Newsweek, Rolling Stone, CMJ, USA Today and others poured in singing the praises of this hard working band breathing new life into the rock format.” AZ Stephen King even “twice quoted lyrics from Rainmakers songs in his best seller The Tommyknockers, and again in his 1991 novel Gerald’s Game.” AZ “Critics particularly enjoyed the unique writing style of lead vocalst Bob Walkenhorst, whose talent for choosing unusual and sometimes controversial subjects provided an eye opening perspective of life – sprinkled with sarcastic humor. The Rainmakers received notoriety for their songs’ lyrical content, including Music Connection’s award for Lyric line of the year: ‘The generation that would change the world is still looking for its car keys.’” AZ 1987’s “follow-up Tornado didn’t attract as much critical attention in the U.S., but the Rainmakers’ European audience continued to grow.” SH “Let My People Go-Go gave the Rainmakers their first Top-20 single on the British charts.” AZ “By the time of 1989’s The Good News and the Bad News, the band was concentrating mostly on that area.” SH “As critics abroad sang the band’s praises, with feature articles in New Musical Express, Kerrang, Rock Power, etc. Frequently, The Rainmakers could be spotted on European television with live appearances on Top of the Pops, The Tube, and MTV Europe. European concert dates grew in number each year, with The Rainmakers often enjoying headline status on festival bills. Their reputation as an electrifying concert act eventually led to the recording of a live album at a sold-out show in Oslo, Norway.” AZ Hiatus and Return (1990-1998): “In 1990, after 4 albums, 5 videos, 500,000+ records sold, and countless concert dates,” AZ “the Rainmakers disbanded, ostensibly for good. However, Scandinavian interest in their music held strong, and Polygram’s Norwegian division requested a new Rainmakers album in 1994. The band obliged and recorded Flirting with the Universe on their own in Steve Phillips’ basement. The album was a smash in Norway, achieving that country’s equivalent of gold sales within two months, and the band was encouraged enough to stage a full-fledged reunion.” SH “Overwhelmed by the response to Flirting...,” AZ the band “signed with the independent Kansas label V&R,” SH and “returned to the studio to record, Skin. As with previous releases, Walkenhorst proved that no subject matter was too controversial choosing to take aim at pornography and its societal impact.” AZ “Ruth left the band during the recording sessions, with accounts divided as to whether it was due to the lyrical content or the fact that he had moved from Kansas City to Nashville; regardless, he was replaced by Michael Bliss. The resulting album, Skin, was released…[in 1997] to mostly good reviews.” SH Bob As a Solo Artist (2003-2010): Bob Walkenhorst released his solo debut The Beginner in 2003, maintaining the same lyric and vocal style that made The Rainmakers one of the most distinct band of the ‘80s and ‘90s, even if most of the world wasn’t paying attention. In 2009, he paired with fellow Kansas City musician Jeff Porter for the release of No Abandon. The Reunion (2011-2015): With the 25th anniversary of the Rainmakers debut album coming in 2011, Walkenhorst thought the timing would be perfect for a Rainmakers’ reunion. Steve Phillips was busy with his band The Elders, but bassist Rich Ruth and drummer Pat Tomek both came on board. Walkenhorst’s duo partner from No Abandon rounded out the quartet for the band’s first studio album in 14 years – 25 On. A series of reunion concerts followed and they followed up with the Monster Movie and Cover Band albums in 2014 and 2015. Back to Solo Work (2015-2021): After Cover Band, the Rainmakers did shows sporadically and Bob recorded the album For Tomorrow (2018) with his daughter Una. The title cut was voted the #1 song of the year by Kansas City’s 90.9 The Bridge radio station. Bob was back with his official second solo album, A Thousand Words, in 2021. Resources and Related Links: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for Bob Walkenhorst DMDB Encyclopedia entry for the Rainmakers BobWalkenhorst.com (official site) Rainmakers.com (official site) AZ Amazon.com (nearly the same content as what appears on Rainmakers.com – FAQs EH Erin Hawkins (6/12/1997). Eye Weekly SH Steve Huey, All Music Guide JR Jonathan Rundman (Dec. 1997). Showcase Music Magazine First posted 3/17/2011; last updated 6/5/2021.

Bob Walkenhorst released A Thousand Words

A Thousand Words Bob Walkenhorst

Released: June 1, 2021 Peak: -- Sales (in millions): -- Genre: roots rock

Tracks: Song Title [time] (single/video release date) Happy Enough [3:15] (1/16/20, --) Sugartree [4:15] (Feb. 2020, --) Wrapping Around [3:56] (Mar. 2020, --) This Is the Darkness [3:56] (4/21/20, --) Indigo Wind [4:11] (7/11/20, --) Blue Satellites [3:43] In the Middle Distance [5:19] (5/15/20, --) Secret Life [3:46] (9/26/20, --) Back to Mono [3:11] (8/15/20, --) Day After Tomorrow [3:43] Much Obliged [3:58] (12/15/20, --) Shenandoah [4:09] (8/26/16 --) Irene’s Interlude [0:52] Autumn Song [3:13] (1977, --) Burgers [2:05] (1977, --) Winter Dreams [3:57] (1977, --) Remarkable [3:11] (5/24/12, --) When We Say Goodbye [3:06] (1977, --)

Rating: No rating yet

About the Album: On his website, Bob Walkenhorst explains that all of these songs were written and recorded in 2020. As he says, “You can hear the echoes of that difficult year in a lot of these songs. Sometimes very directly, like on This is the Darkness and Day After Tomorrow, which address the pandemic, the national election, the protests in our streets.” BW While Bob says these were all written in 2020, some date back farther. Autumn Song has a video posted on YouTube of Bob performing the song in 2013. ES1 According to Discogs.com, that song as well as Burgers, Winter Dreams, and When We Say Goodbye were all on the Walkenhorst Brothers’ album The Last Adventure, released in 1977. Shenandoah dates back to at least 2016 when Bob performed it at a house concert in Norway. ES2 Similarly, a video on YouTube of Remarkable was released in 2016 on Spare Vol. 2, a collection mostly of stripped-down versions of previously-released Rainmakers and Walkenhorst songs. It also dates back to at least 2006 when Bob performed it at the Record Bar in Kansas City. Bob said other songs grew out of “the places we found comfort - home, memory, family – Sugartree, Wrapping Around, Much Obliged.” BW Bob also says on his website that some of these songs grew out of “the needed fun of rockin’ out a bit” BW such as Back to Mono and Indigo Wind. Many of these songs were initially released via Patreon and videos have subsequently been posted on YouTube. Dates of single releases listed above reflect when those songs were first made available via Patreon. As explained at BobWalkenhorst.com, the service allows listeners to sign up for a $5.00 monthly subscription to directly support the artist and get access to a dozen songs and ten videos from 2020, plus a new song every month. The below videos have been posted on YouTube:

Resources and Related Links: DC Discogs.com: Walkenhorst Brothers – The Last Adventure MJ Musical Joy & Memories (10/13/2007). Bob Walkenhorst – Burgers… ES1 Eddie Silvertone (3/1/2014). YouTube video for Bob Walkenhorst – Autumn Song ES2 Eddie Silvertone (5/7/2017). Bob Walkenhorst – Shenandoah (Norway 2016) ES3 Eddie Silvertone (9/1/2012). Bob Walkenhorst – Remarkable) BW BobWalkenhorst.com First posted 6/17/2021.

Dave’s Faves: #1 Albums in the 2010s

Dave’s Faves: #1’s: 2010-2019

These were my personal #1 albums during the 2010s. Check out my #1 albums from other decades here. 2010: Jan. 9: Foo Fighters Greatest Hits (1 wk) Jan. 16: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers The Live Anthology (2 wks) Jan. 30: Seal Hits (1 wk) Feb. 6: The Flaming Lips Dark Side of the Moon (1 wk) Feb. 13: Peter Gabriel Scratch My Back (4 wks) Mar. 13: Kevin Gilbert Toy Matinee Live (aka “Live at the Roxy”) (2 wks) Mar. 20: Jimi Hendrix Valleys of Neptune (2 wks) Apr. 10: The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights (2 wks) Apr. 24: Asia Omega (2 wks) May 8: Melissa Etheridge Fearless Love (1 wk) May 15: Justin Currie The Great War (2 wks) May 29: The Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street (Deluxe Edition) (2 wks) June 12: Crowded House Intriguer (3 wks) July 3: John Mellencamp On the Rural Route 7609 (3 wks) July 24: Hooters Five by Five (1 wk) July 31: Aha 25 (1 wk) Aug. 7: Sheryl Crow 100 Miles from Memphis (2 wks) Aug. 21: John Mellencamp No Better Than This (4 wks) Sept. 18: Chris Difford Saturday Morning Music Club (2 wks) Oct. 2: Robert Plant Band of Joy (2 wks) Oct 16: Chris Difford Cashmere if You Can (4 wks) Nov. 13: Eric Clapton Clapton (2 wks) Nov. 27: Elvis Costello Pomp & Pout: The Universal Years (3 wks) Dec. 18: Indigo Girls Holly Happy Days (2 wks) 2011: Jan. 1: Styx Regeneration (1 wk) Jan. 8: Bruce Springsteen The Promise (4 wks) Feb. 5: Michael Jackson Michael (2 wks) Feb. 19: Adele 21 (4 wks) Mar. 19: The Rainmakers 25 On (8 wks) May 14: Todd Rundgren Todd Rundgren’s Johnson (1 wk) May 21: The Cars Move Like This (2 wks) June 4: Journey Eclipse (2 wks) June 19: Eddie Vedder Ukulele Songs (2 wks) July 2: Arctic Monkeys Suck It and See 1 wk) July 9: Yes Fly from Here (2 wks) July 23: Various Artists Rave On: Buddy Holly (3 wks) Aug. 13: Bob Walkenhorst Spare (1 wk) Aug. 20: Keb’ Mo’ The Reflection (1 wk) Aug. 27: Tim Finn The View Is Worth the Climb (2 wks) Sept. 10: Various Artists Listen to Me: Buddy Holly (3 wks) Oct. 1: Neil Finn The Pajama Club (2 wks) Oct. 15: Sting 25 Years (1 wk) Oct. 22: Bangles Sweetheart of the Sun (1 wk) Oct. 29: Indigo Girls Beauty Queen Sister (1 wk) Nov. 5: Various Artists The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams (3 wks) Nov. 26: Various Artists The First Rock and Roll Record (1 wk) Dec: 3: Glen Tilbrook & Nine Below Zero The Co-Operative (2 wks) Dec. 17: Various Artists Achtung Baby Covered (AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered) (3 wks) 2012: Jan. 7: Journey Greatest Hits 2 (1 wk) Jan. 14: Pink Floyd Foot in the Door: The Best of (1 wk) Jan. 21: The Rolling Stones Some Girls (Deluxe Edition) (1 wk) Jan. 28: Various Artists Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International (5 wks) Mar. 3: Van Halen A Different Kind of Truth (4 wks) Mar. 31: Lyle Lovett Release Me (1 wk) Apr. 7: Bruce Springsteen Wrecking Ball (6 wks) May 19: Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls (3 wks) June 9: Jack White Blunderbuss (2 wks) June 23: The Beach Boys That’s Why God Made the Radio (1 wk) June 30: Eric Bazilian & Mats Wester What Shall Become of the Baby? (4 wks) July 28: Asia XXX (4 wks) Aug. 25: The Gaslight Anthem Handwritten (2 wks) Sept. 8: Melissa Etheridge 4th Street Feeling (3 wks) Sept. 29: Bob Dylan Tempest (1 wk) Oct. 6: Alanis Morissette Havoc and Brigth Lights (2 wks) Oct. 20: Marillion Sounds That Can’t Be Made (4 wks) Nov. 17: Frank Ocean Channel Orange (4 wks) Dec. 15: The Rolling Stones Grrr! (3 wks) 2013: Jan. 5: Led Zeppelin Celebration Day (3 wks) Jan. 26: Imagine Dragons Night Visions (4 wks) Feb. 23: Stephen Stills Carry On (2 wks) Mar. 9: Jimi Hendrix People, Hell & Angels (3 wks) Mar. 30: David Bowie The Next Day (3 wks) Apr. 20: Eric Clapton Old Sock (2 wks) May 4: Eric Woolfson Somewhere in the Audience (3 wks) May 25: Simple Minds Celebrate: The Greatest Hits (1 wk) June 1: The Strokes Comedown Machine (1 wk) June 8: Various Artists Ghost Brothers of Darkland County (1 wk) June 15: John Fogerty Wrote a Song for Everyone (3 wks) July 6: The Gaslight Anthem Singles Collection: 2008-2011 (2 wks) July 20: Curt Smith Deceptively Heavy (2 wks) Aug. 3: Michael Franti All People (3 wks) Aug. 24: Justin Currie Lower Reaches (3 wks) Sept. 14: Fish A Feast of Consequences (5 wks) Oct. 19: Sting The Last Ship (3 wks) Nov. 9: Pearl Jam Lightning Bolt (3 wks) Nov. 30: Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs Under the Covers Vol. 3 (2 wks) Dec. 14: Garth Brooks Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences (2 wks) Dec. 28: Boston Life, Love & Hope (2 wks) 2014: Jan. 11: Kevin Gilbert Toy Matinee Acoustic (2 wks) Jan. 25: Bruce Springsteen High Hopes (3 wks) Feb. 15: Mike + the Mechanics The Singles 1985-2014 (2 wks) Mar. 1: Neil Finn Dizzy Heights (3 wks) Mar. 22: Asia Gravitas (3 wks) Apr. 12: Glen Tilbrook Happy Ending (2 wks) Apr. 26: Bruce Springsteen American Beauty (1 wk) May 3: The Rainmakers Monster Movie (4 wks) May 31: Toni Childs Citizens of the Planet (3 wks) June 21: Jack White Lazaretto (2 wks) July 5: Sam Smith In the Lonely Hour (1 wk) July 12: Yes Heaven & Earth (3 wks) Aug. 2: Eric Clapton The Breeze: An Appreciation of J.J. Cale (3 wks) Aug. 23: Pilot Pilot Project: Return to Alan Parsons Project (3 wks) Sept. 13: U2 Songs of Innocence (3 wks) Oct. 14: John Mellencamp Plain Spoken (3 wks) Oct. 25: Melissa Etheridge This Is M.E. (2 wks) Nov. 8: Taylor Swift 1989 (1 wk) Nov. 15: Flaming Lips With a Little Help from My Friends (2 wks) Nov. 29: Various Artists Lost on the River: The New Basement Tapes (4 wks) Dec. 27: Marillion A Collection of Recycled Gifts (3 wks) 2015: Jan. 17: David Bowie Nothing Has Changed (2 wks) Jan. 31: Various Artists The Art of McCartney (4 wks) Feb. 28: Kurt Cobain Montage of Heck: The Home Recordings (1 wk) Mar. 7: Imagine Dragons Smoke + Mirrors (3 wks) Mar. 28: Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly (4 wks) Apr. 25: Alabama Shakes Sound & Color (2 wks) May 9: Eric Clapton Forever Man (1 wk) May 16: Pat Benatar 35th Anniversary Tour (1 wk) May 23: Chris Stapleton Traveller (1 wk) May 30: The Rainmakers Cover Band (4 wks) June 27: Faith No More Sol Invictus (3 wks) July 18: Indigo Girls One Lost Day (2 wks) Aug. 1: Toni Childs It’s All a Beautiful Noise (4 wks) Aug. 29: The Strypes Little Victories (2 wks) Sept. 12: Aha Cast in Steel (2 wks) Sept. 26: Ryan Adams 1989 (2 wks) Oct. 10: Shawn Colvin Uncovered (2 wks) Oct. 24: Don Henley Cass County (2 wks) Nov. 7: Squeeze Cradle to the Grave (3 wks) Nov. 28: Bruce Springsteen The Essential (2 wks) Dec. 12: Adele 25 (4 wks) 2016: Jan. 9: Bruce Springsteen The Ties That Bind (4 wks) Feb. 6: David Bowie Blackstar (5 wks) Mar. 12: Violent Femmes We Can Do Anything (3 wks) Apr. 2: Brian Fallon Painkillers (2 wks) Apr. 16: Sturgill Simpson A Sailor’s Guide to Earth (3 wks) May 7: Beyoncé Lemonade (3 wks) May 28: Eric Clapton I Still Do (2 wks) June 11: Bob Dylan Fallen Angels (1 wk) June 18: Michael Franti & Spearhead Soul Rocker (6 wks) July 30: Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle Colvin & Earle (2 wks) Aug. 13: Paul McCartney Pure McCartney (2 wks) Aug. 27: Neko Case, k.d. lang, & Laura Viers Case/Lang/Viers (2 wks) Sept. 10: Bob Walkenhorst Spare Vol. 2 (2 wks) Sept. 24: Bruce Springsteen Chapter and Verse (3 wks) Oct. 15: Marillion F.E.A.R. (Fuck Everyone and Run) (5 wks) Nov. 16: Melissa Etheridge Memphis Rock and Soul (3 wks) Dec. 10: Sting 57th & 9th (4 wks) 2017: Jan. 7: Prince 4Ever (2 wks) Jan. 21: Marillion Singles Night (3 wks) Feb. 11: The Rolling Stones Blue & Lonesome (3 wks) Mar. 4 David Bowie No Plan (2 wks) Mar. 18: Guns N’ Roses Not in This Lifetime (Live in Tokyo) (2 wks) Apr. 1: Bob Dylan Triplicate (1 wk) Apr. 8: Mike + the Mechanics Let Me Fly (1 wk) Apr. 15: Kendrick Lamar Damn. (1 wk) Apr. 22: Sheryl Crow Be Myself (1 wk) Apr. 29: John Mellencamp Sad Clowns & Hillbillies (2 wks) May 13: Keb’ Mo & Taj Mahal Taj Mo (1 wk) May 20: Justin Currie This Is My Kingdom Now (3 wks) May 27: Chris Stapleton From a Room, Volume 1 (1 wk) June 17: Roger Waters Is This the Life We Really Want? (4 wks) July 15: Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie (2 wks) July 29: Styx The Mission (5 wks) Sept. 2: Arcade Fire Everything Now (2 wks) Sept. 16: Emily Saliers Murmuration Nation (2 wks) Sept. 30: Tori Amos Native Invader (1 wk) Oct. 7: The Killers Wonderful Wonderful (1 wk) Oct. 14: Squeeze The Knowledge (4 wks) Nov. 11: Tears for Fears Rule the World: The Greatest Hits (2 wks) Nov. 25: Greta Van Fleet From the Fires (2 wks) Dec. 9: U2 Songs of Experience (5 wks) 2018: Jan. 13: Eminem Revival (3 wks) Feb. 3: Simple Minds Walk Between Worlds (2 wks) Feb. 17: Toto 40 Trips Around the Sun (1 wk) Feb. 24: Brandi Carlile By the Way, I Forgive You (2 wks) Mar. 10: Shawn Colvin The Starlighter (2 wks) Mar. 24: Jack White Boarding House Reach (2 wks) Apr. 7: Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour (3 wks) Apr. 28: Various Artists Revamp: The Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin (4 wks) May 26: Sting & Shaggy 44/876 (3 wks) June 16: Arctic Monkeys Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2 wks) June 30: Courtney Barnett Tell Me How You Really Feel (2 wks) July 14: Neko Case Hell-On (1 wk) July 21: Guns N’ Roses Appetite for Destruction: Locked and Loaded Edition (4 wks) Aug. 18: Prince Anthology 1995-2010 (2 wks) Sept. 1: Neil & Liam Finn Lightsleeper (3 wks) Sept. 22: Fish A Parley with Angels (2 wks) Oct. 6: Steve Perry Traces (2 wks) Oct. 20: Bob & Una Walkenhorst For Tomorrow (2 wks) Nov. 3: Greta Van Fleet Anthem of the Peaceful Army (1 wk) Nov. 10: The Struts Young & Dangerous (1 wk) Nov. 17: Imagine Dragons Origins (1 wk) Nov. 24: The Police Flexible Strategies (2 wks) Dec. 8: John Mellencamp Other People’s Stuff (3 wks) Dec. 29: Bruce Springsteen Springsteen on Broadway (4 wks) 2019: Jan. 26: Michael Franti & Spearhead Stay Human Vol. II (5 wks) Mar. 2: Gary Clark Jr. This Land (2 wks) Mar. 16: Tom Petty The Best of Everything (3 wks) Apr. 6: Mike + the Mechanics Out of the Blue (1 wk) Apr. 13: Melissa Etheridge The Medicine Show (2 wks) Apr. 27: The Rolling Stones Honk (2 wks) May 11: Alan Parsons The Secret (4 wks) June 8: Prince Originals (2 wks) June 22: Bruce Springsteen Western Stars (5 wks) July 27: Violent Femmes Hotel Last Resort (2 wks) Aug. 10: Berlin Transcendance (2 wks) Aug. 24: ZZ Top Goin’ 50 (1 wk) Aug. 31: Shery Crow Threads< (3 wks) Sept. 21: The Highwomen The Highwomen (3 wks) Oct. 12: Brittany Howard Jaime (2 wks) Oct. 26: Sturgill Simpson Sound & Fury (2 wks) Nov. 9: Marillion With Friends from the Orchestra (5 wks) Dec. 14: Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (3 wks) First posted 2/5/2022.

Dave’s Faves: Top 100 All-Time Acts Based on Song Counts

These are my all-time acts based on song counts; that is, this is a list of those acts who have the most songs in my digital library. The number in parentheses indicates the number of songs by that act at the time of this list. Note: the high song counts are attributable to multiple versions of some songs – live renditions, alternate takes, etc. I’ll also point out that I posted images of some lesser known acts which rank amongst my favorites instead of more familiar faces. Perhaps it will prompt you to explore an act you know little or nothing about.

Marillion, the 1980s Fish era

1. Bob Dylan (1095)
2. Elvis Presley (703)
3. Bruce Springsteen (651)
4. The Beatles (617)
5. Marillion (565)
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Bob Walkenhorst, lead singer of the Kansas City-based Rainmakers

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the little-known and gone-too-soon Kevin Gilbert

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Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, the core of new-wave band Squeeze since the late ‘70s

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Melissa Etheridge

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Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears

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The Rainmakers Monster Movie released

Monster Movie The Rainmakers

Released: April 21, 2014 Peak: -- US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): -- Genre: roots rock

Tracks: Song Title (Writers) [time] Click for codes to singles charts. Shithole Town [3:56] Monster Movie [3:36] Who’s at the Wheel (Tomek, Walkenhorst) [2:24] Blue Museum [4:16] Miserable [2:54] Your Time Has Come [3:13] Save Some for Me (Porter, Walkenhorst) [2:34] Believe in Now (Porter) [3:27] 13th Spirit [3:26] Dogleg Ruth, Walkenhorst) [2:55] Signs of a Struggle [4:03] Swinging Shed [3:01] All songs written by Bob Walkenhorst unless noted otherwise. The Players: Bob Walkenhorst (vocals, guitar) Rich Ruth (bass, vocals) Pat Tomek (drums) Jeff Porter (guitar, piano, vocals)

Rating: 2.920 out of 5.00 (average of 9 ratings) Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

About the Album: The Rainmakers, “arguably Kansas City’s best known band,” DL returned in 2011 with 25 On, their first studio effort in fourteen years. Rather than it being a one-off, though, it launched a second wave for the band. They followed up that album three years later with Monster Movie. While not as strong as its predecessor, songs like Shithole Town, 13th Spirit, and Miserable are worthy additions to the Rainmakers’ repertoire and this is still “a band that is comfortable with itself and dares to still care about what can be done musically.” DL “Shithole Town” “starts out like a crowd-clapping sing-along, then morphs into a country-tingled tale of backwoods/back roads folks, bad country music, and small towns. Then it shifts gears again as the music moves from a country feel to a rock and roll song; as the story changes and moves forward, the music does, too.” DL “13th Spirit” touches on religious themes. As frontman Bob Walkenhorst says, the song “is just asking the big question…Can you please – YOU UP THERE! – please just give us a hint as to what this all means? Is there supposed to be some kind of secret code we’re supposed to be figuring out? Why does this all seem to make no sense at times?” KM The goal with the album was a record “that was loud and aggressive and rooted in its early style.” KM The album “examines the horrors and realities of everyday life.” KM Walkenhorst said, “There’s plenty of monsters and horrific ideas in our modern culture. I’ll address a few of them.” KM He also explained that the title came from bassist Rich Ruth’s “taste for B-grade terrible monster movies.” KM Regarding the title song itself, Walkenhorst said “I thought it would be a really funny song…about bad monsters and bad scientists and all that. Songs have a mind of their own. You can start with an idea…and the song will suddenly rear its ugly head and go, ‘No, I’m gonna be THIS!’ So this became more of a very blunt, social criticism.” DL Pat Tomek “provided the poetry that became the lyrics to Who’s at the Wheel, a lovely conspiracy song with Creedence-like chooglin’ guitar work from Walkenhorst and Porter. Like fellow Missouri resident Chuck Berry, who wrote similar Americana-themed songs, this song takes a wry look at human foibles and Internet-fueled paranoia.” DL Porter contributes the “mid-tempo, introspective’ DL Believe in Now and co-wrote Save Some for Me with Walkenhorst. The song “has a folk rock feel aided by Porter’s music and a great acoustic riff.” DL The album closer, Swinging Shed, is “a catchy song about a club in the town where Walkenhorst grew up.” DL The song “references music from the early ‘60s” DL and “sounds as catchy as something by Chris Kenner or Freddy Cannon.” DL

Resources and Related Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for the Rainmakers DL The Deli magazine review by Barry Lee KM KMUW review by Jeff Beaduoin (8/15/2014) Other Related DMDB Pages: First posted 8/19/2021.