VH-1 offers its list of the “100 Greatest One Hit Wonders” of all time — a snarky* attempt by the Video Musak station to denigrate some wonderful, lasting ditties.
Included on VH-1’s list, for instance, are such great tunes as David Soul’s (yes, that David Soul) “Don’t Give Up on Us, Baby,” Suzie Quatro’s (aka “Leather Tuscadero,” for you “Happy Days” fans) “Stumblin in,” the Musical Youth’s “Pass the Dutchie,” Debbie Boone’s “You Light Up My Life,” and Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ “Come on, Eileen.”
Audio clips included. Memories of french kissing your first gradeschool squeeze to the strains of the Starland Vocal Band’s “Afternoon Delight,” yours to relive at your own peril.
*[update: AC Douglas would prefer I not use “snark” so inexactly; as such, you may wish mentally to change the phrase “a snarky attempt by the Video Musak station” (above) to something more precise (such as, “the Video Musak station’s attempt — born of the irascible spirit so frequently found in failed artists — to denigrate those who, unlike themselves, have produced a lasting pop-cultural text” — ed.]
I always get a laugh out of those on the sidelines dumping on people who actually create. So Debbie Boone’s a one hit wonder, huh? That’s exactly one more than VH-1 has, by my reckoning.
Afternoon Delight! Man, how did you know?
What a bogus list!
a) How could they omit “Baby Come Back” by Player??
b) How about “Sentimental Lady” by Bob Welch?
b) A-Ha had more than one hit. “The Sun Shines on TV,” “The Living Daylights,” and “Cry Wolf” were also big hits in the US. I guess VH-1 forgot to check the billboard charts.
c) Good lord, “The Night Lights Went Out in Georgia” was freaking HUGE and should be in the top 10, or at least top 20.
This only goes to show the staff at VH-1 are a bunch o’ WANKERS!
How about “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor? “Venus” by Shocking Blue? “Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam? The Loco-Motion” by Little Eva? “Johnny Angel” by Shelly Fabares? “I Miss You” by Klymaxx? “Joey” by Concrete Blonde? I can go on…
VH-1 offers its list of the “100 Greatest One Hit Wonders” of all time—a snarky attempt by the Video Musak station to denigrate some wonderful, lasting ditties.
I’ve another candidate for your Word of the Day series: snarky.
I leave you to look up its meaning.
ACD
Sure thing.
…as such, you may wish mentally to change the phrase “a snarky attempt by the Video Musak station” (above) to something more precise (such as, “the Video Musak station’s attempt—born of the irascible spirit so frequently found in failed artists—to denigrate those who, unlike themselves, have produced a lasting pop-cultural text”
Doesn’t quite cut it, does it.
If I’ve judged the intended meaning of your original use of ‘snarky’ aright, might I suggest as replacement,
VH-1 offers its list of the “100 Greatest One Hit Wonders” of all time—a snide attempt by the Video Musak station to denigrate some wonderful, lasting ditties.
ACD (The Grammar & Syntax Nanny)
Actually, I was trying to suggest a mean-spritedness born from the congenital irritability many failed artists feel toward the object of their criticism. “Snide” serves to elevate these critics to an implied position of cultural superiority from which to malign the objects of their interest—‘t least as I’ve come to use the word.
“Snide” serves to elevate these critics to an implied position of cultural superiority from which to malign the objects of their interest—‘t least as I’ve come to use the word.
An accusation of snide never serves to elevate the one so charged. Such elevation would have to come from the frame within which the charge is leveled.
As to your,
Actually, I was trying to suggest a mean-spritedness born from the congenital irritability many failed artists feel toward the object of their criticism.
There is no single word available to suggest any of that; certainly neither snide nor snarky, neither of which suggest any of it. If the above is what you want to say, you can’t suggest. You simply have to say it.
(Are we having fun yet?)
ACD
“An accusation of snide never serves to elevate the one so charged. Such elevation would have to come from the frame within which the charge is leveled.”
Correct—which is why were I to replace “snarky” with “snide” to refer to the critics’ (the chargERS) attitude, that would be elevating their stature at the expense of the objects of their scorn (which I didn’t wish to do).
The closest single available word I could come up with to express the short-tempered, irritable attitude affected by jealous critics toward the objects of their criticism, was “snarky” (irritable, short-tempered—with the implied subject being the critics at VH-1 who compiled the list). But fret not, because as you’ve noticed, I added an update to the original post for those who continue to find themselves either confused or upset by my less than precise usage.
And no. I’m not having fun. Buy me something and I’ll be having fun.
And no. I’m not having fun. Buy me something and I’ll be having fun.
But I’ve already given you a gift. Bet you’ll never again use snarky when snide is what you intended to communicate.
But then, I could be wrong in my judgment. It’s been known to happen.
ACD
“But then, I could be wrong in my judgment. It’s been known to happen.”
Could be wrong in your judgment? Why, don’t sell yourself short! You’ve just spent the past several days showing yourself to be absolutely wrong.
As for your gift of “snide”… thank you, but I’m afraid I must return it. You see, I already have a comfortable and longstanding familiarity with the term—which it’s taken me many years to break in just to my liking, and which I put on when I feel the occasion merits it. Here’s an idea, though: perhaps you revisit that gift shop and exchange “snide” for a nice new “pedantic” or “pretentious,” say—which you can keep for yourself, and consider it my gift to you…?
I mean, I’d hate to think you’ve wasted all the intellectual capital you’ve been spending on this…
Why, don’t sell yourself short!
I never do. It’s an appalling habit.
If you’ll just remember in future that snarky does not snide equal, my time here will have been well spent.
See how that works?
Why, of course you do.
“See how that works?
Why, of course you do.”
If you say so.
By the way, glad to see you took my advice and picked up “pretentious.” Suits you perfectly…
The Night Chicago Died – Paper Lace.
In their old special, they included the great Nick Lowe for “Cruel to Be Kind”, which is one of his hits, but not his only one.