Greatest Hits

Paul Richardson · 20 Feb 2011, 00:27

Given the chart success of POTA, I wondered what Meat Loaf songs should be included on a new Greatest Hits album ?

In my opinion this shouldn't be the same answer as, 'what are your favourite Meat Loaf songs ?', as any Greatest Hits album should appeal to the non-fan general public.

In other words, what songs would you include which would have enough general appeal to persuade non-fans to become fans, and then perhaps get into the more obscure Meat Loaf songs ?

So if anyone, mentioning no names, includes Masculine then its a clear case of personal preference rather than trying to appeal to the mass audience !

To make it more realistic (& difficult) we should limit ourselves to a single CD ...

So my choice would be:

1. Bat Out Of Hell
2. Took The Words
3. Two Out Of Three
4. Paradise
5. Dead Ringer
6. Anything For Love
7. Rock & Roll Dreams
8. Objects In The Rear View Mirror
9. Home By Now / No Matter What
10. Its All Coming Back To Me Now
11. In The Land Of The Pigs

Evil One · 20 Feb 2011, 00:36

Is this a hypothetical scenario where all the record labels are working together instead of pissing in each others eyes?

Bat Out Of Hell
You Took The Words
Two Out Of Three
Paradise
Dead Ringer
Anything For Love (longer still but not as long as the album version)
Rock And Roll Dreams
Objects In The Rear View Mirror (single edit)
I'd Lie For You
No Matter What
Blind As A Bat
In The Land Of The Pig

Would fit nicely onto one CD, but probably in a more random order.

Paul Richardson · 20 Feb 2011, 00:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil One

Is this a hypothetical scenario where all the record labels are working together instead of pissing in each others eyes?

Hypothetical in the sense that the record companies work together, but very real in the sense that the song selection has as broad appeal as possible - but if anyone wants to challenge these assumptions with a good argument then by all means feel free ...

CarylB · 20 Feb 2011, 01:27

Your two new greatest hits albums each contain just two songs not already included in Meat's "The Very Best Of" album which can still be purchased/ordered via Amazon. I can see BOOH would be a must on any new compilation of greatest hits .. but just to include 2 not on that album seems a bit strange if it's not a list of our preferred songs.

So if you were to have a second version I'd be in favour of a two disc version (as before) .. a best of spanning his career including the 10 years since the previous one. Mine would probably be (not placed in order on each disc)

I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)
I'd Lie For You (And That's The Truth)
Dead Ringer For Love
Objects In The Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are
Bat Out Of Hell
Home By Now/ No Matter What
You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth
Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
Rock & Roll Dreams Come Through
Paradise By The Dashboard Light

Couldn't Have Said It Better
Did I Say That?
You're Right, I Was Wrong
Its All Coming Back To Me Now
Blind As A Bat
Bad For Good
The Future Ain't What It Used To be
Peace On Earth
Los Angeloser
Did You Ever Love Somebody

Caryl

AndrewG · 20 Feb 2011, 01:40

Caryl is right, I really don't see any point releasing a Greatest hits which doesn't include more of Meat's material from the last 13 years.

Certainly CHSIB and DIST should be on there, they mark the key Meat Loaf sound which I think together with BAAB are some of the best non Steinman but Steinman-esque songs ever written.

I think Caryl's list makes quite a bit of sense commercially though I'd prefer Man of Steel or Testify over You're Right, I was wrong, What About Love over Future and Madness over Did you Ever Love Somebody.

If PFL is really getting released as a single then it should be on there too. Pigs I've never been a huge fan of and don't see why it would need to be on a Greatest Hits collection at all considering it didn't exist in the live shows very long either.

Paul Richardson · 20 Feb 2011, 01:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarylB

... if you were to have a second version I'd be in favour of a two disc version (as before) ...

I just thought that a two disc version was way too easy.

I guess what I was driving at was what dozen or so Meat Loaf songs would you put on an album to get someone who wasn't a fan into the music ? Or which dozen or so songs would have the broadest appeal to the general public who are only prepared to buy a sub tenner CD for the car on the off chance ?

What songs would you include to grab their interest and then make them more likely to buy the 'real' albums ?

Wario · 20 Feb 2011, 01:51

as a ONE DISK SET

Objects
You Took The Words
Out Of The Frying Pan
It Just Won't Quit
Testify
Where The Rubber Meets The Road
California Isnt Big Enough
Did I Say That?
Read 'Em and Weep
Everything Louder
Modern Girl
Los Angeloser
Two out Of Three
Masculine

as a TWO DISK SET

Disk 1:

Objects in The Rear View Mirror
You Took The Words
Out Of The Frying Pan
Bad For Good
It Just Won't Quit
What You See Is What You Get
Piece of the Action
Testify
Where The Rubber Meets The Road
Midnight at the Lost and Found
I'm Gonna Love Her For Both Of Us
Paradise
Rock & Roll Dreams
California Isnt Big Enough

Disk 2:

I'd Do Anything For Love
Jumpin' the Gun
Did I Say That?
Read 'Em and Weep
Everything Louder
Priscilla
Dead Ringer For Love
Modern Girl
Amnesty Is Granted
Los Angeloser
Two out Of Three
Bat Out Of Hell
Masculine

Paul Richardson · 20 Feb 2011, 01:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarioLoaf

Masculine

Jesus

Sarge · 20 Feb 2011, 08:15

The Very Best Of is a pretty good compilation, how about an updated, expanded version of it? I'd probably put a few more Bat II songs like Everything Louder or Frying Pan on it though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

Certainly CHSIB and DIST should be on there, they mark the key Meat Loaf sound which I think together with BAAB are some of the best non Steinman but Steinman-esque songs ever written.

That would be my choices, too. DIST is one of the strongest songs on CHSIB, and CHSIB (the song) appears to be quite popular and has gotten a lot of clicks and praise on YouTube. BAAB is a complex, varied song. Maybe it would have gotten more attention than COM if it had been released as a single.

From Bat III, I'd also add IACBTMN. It's not my favorite version of the song but it was a hit so it can't be a bad choice for such a compilation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

If PFL is really getting released as a single then it should be on there too.

It definitely should. It's a rather unusual song for Meat and might get the attention of people who are more interested in singer/songwriters and who think he can only sing over-the-top rock operas. I'd also like to see Song Of Madness and If I Can't Have You on such a compilation. I like compilations that provide a good overview of what an artist has done over the the years and that aren't restricted a certain style, period of time or to the actual "greatest hits". It's often songs that weren't hits that are the most interesting ones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Richardson

Jesus

"Masculine, masculine, masculine..."

(Can someone get the Goffs out of my head, please?)

Evil One · 20 Feb 2011, 11:01

If we're playing the two CD game then I'll just quote myself from this thread: http://www.mlukfc.com/forums/showthr...255#post513255

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil One

Bat Out Of Hell
Dead Ringer For Love
Blind As A Bat
It Just Won't Quit
I'll Kill You If You Don't Come Back
Modern Girl
Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
Everything Louder Than Everything Else
I'm Gonna Love Her For Both Of Us
Bad For Good
Objects In The Rear View Mirror

I'd Do Anything For Love
The Monster Is Loose
Not A Dry Eye In The House
You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth
Surf's Up
Testify
Lost Love
Read 'Em And Weep
Paradise By The Dasboard Light
Prize Fight Lover
Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through
For Crying Out Loud

Honourable mentions go to Frying Pan, Original Sin, Pig and the remix of MATLAF.

Paul Richardson · 20 Feb 2011, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil One

If we're playing the two CD game then I'll just quote myself from this thread: http://www.mlukfc.com/forums/showthr...255#post513255

Its interesting that you included Pigs in your single CD in this thread but not in you double CD in the previous thread.

I think Pigs is a great song and the vocal and guitar performances are just stella. I also liked the animal farm inspired video which they played on the big screens on the 3 Bats tour, which I guess will also be kicking round the internet somewhere.

nikox1 · 20 Feb 2011, 11:59

17 of hes best known songs, plus 3 brand new songs

all on two disks.

Wario · 20 Feb 2011, 20:46

actually my dream GH set would contain all of this:

YouTube Video

Evil One · 20 Feb 2011, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlackHole

actually my dream GH set would contain all of this:

Would we have to endure a 30 second animation every time we picked up the box?

Paul Richardson · 20 Feb 2011, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarioLoaf

actually my dream GH set would contain all of this

You say on your YouTube descriprtion bit that you expect lots of WTF's for no. 12. I think MATLAF is actually the least of your problems - Masculine at no.2

, Bat Out Of Hell only at no.14

, and no Anything For Love or Paradise at all

, although I can almost believe that Took The Words is a contender for the greatest Meat Loaf song of all time (just) ...

Wario · 20 Feb 2011, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Richardson

You say on your YouTube descriprtion bit that you expect lots of WTF's for no. 12. I think MATLAF is actually the least of your problems - Masculine at no.2

, Bat Out Of Hell only at no.14

, and no Anything For Love or Paradise at all

, although I can almost believe that Took The Words is a contender for the greatest Meat Loaf song of all time (just) ...

number 12 was originally Priscilla. But changed it last minute cause I re-listened to MATLAF and deleted and reuploaded the video copying the description. thats fixed.

Number 2 really shouldn't be a surprise/wtf moment, Number 14 was honest placement, and Paradise/AFL being in the video wasted space and prevented my countdown from standing out.

Paul Richardson · 20 Feb 2011, 22:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarioLoaf

number 12 was originally Priscilla. But changed it last minute cause I re-listened to MATLAF

PRISCILLA

*AndyK* · 21 Feb 2011, 12:33

Some interesting diverse choices appeared so far, limiting myself to the idea of aiming to attract more people to becoming fans and hence exploring the rest of Meat's back catalogue i'd go with something along the lines a chronological history covering all of Meat's career:

What You See Is What You Get
Bat Out Of Hell
Two Out Of Three
Deadringer For Love
I'll Kill You If You Don't Come Back
Midnight At The Lost and Found
Don't Leave Your Mark On Me
Rock and Roll Mercenaries
Everything Louder
Anything For Love
Amnesty Is Granted
If This Is The Last Kiss
Not A Dry Eye
Testify
Did I Say That
Land Of The Pigs
Alive
Prize Fight Lover
Los Angeloser

Yes, I know it'll span well over one disc, but in my fantasy land record company this morning a single CD can have many many more minutes of music than currently available in the real world. I'd say Bat, AFL and Deadringer are the three givens on a best of collection.

robgomm · 21 Feb 2011, 12:46

LMAO at Masculine again!

AndrewG · 21 Feb 2011, 13:56

If Meat had to put anything from BBIS on a Greatest Hits I think it is likely his choice of song(s) would/should be limited to one or more of these:

"Blind Before I Stop"
"Rock 'n' Roll Mercenaries"
"Gettin' Away with Murder"
"Execution Day"
"Special Girl"
"Rock 'n' Roll Hero"

Evil One · 21 Feb 2011, 14:00

Execution Day is the only one even close to being on a par with the rest of his albums.

AndrewG · 21 Feb 2011, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil One

Execution Day is the only one even close to being on a par with the rest of his albums.

Indeed I would probably say go with that one too. Even though I personally like Soft Parade I think it would be crazy to put that one on the same CD set as songs like Bat and AFL, as would be putting the studio version of ~~~~~~~~~ on there.

*AndyK* · 21 Feb 2011, 15:24

A good application of the De-Farian Process could turn any of BBIS songs back into the rock song that it was originally recorded as.

Evil One · 21 Feb 2011, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyK

A good application of the De-Farian Process could turn any of BBIS songs back into the rock song that it was originally recorded as.

Do you possess such a device?

*AndyK* · 21 Feb 2011, 15:35

Yes. It's somewhat crude and ineffective though ... The volume control or power button.

20 Feb 2011, 00:27	#1
Paul Richardson Super Loafer Join Date: 16.05.2010 Posts: 535	Greatest Hits Given the chart success of POTA, I wondered what Meat Loaf songs should be included on a new Greatest Hits album ? In my opinion this shouldn't be the same answer as, 'what are your favourite Meat Loaf songs ?', as any Greatest Hits album should appeal to the non-fan general public. In other words, what songs would you include which would have enough general appeal to persuade non-fans to become fans, and then perhaps get into the more obscure Meat Loaf songs ? So if anyone, mentioning no names, includes Masculine then its a clear case of personal preference rather than trying to appeal to the mass audience ! To make it more realistic (& difficult) we should limit ourselves to a single CD ... So my choice would be: 1. Bat Out Of Hell 2. Took The Words 3. Two Out Of Three 4. Paradise 5. Dead Ringer 6. Anything For Love 7. Rock & Roll Dreams 8. Objects In The Rear View Mirror 9. Home By Now / No Matter What 10. Its All Coming Back To Me Now 11. In The Land Of The Pigs Last edited by Paul Richardson; 20 Feb 2011 at 00:49.

20 Feb 2011, 01:51	#7
Wario Monstro helps me spell things... Join Date: 05.01.2007 Location: Masculine, Pennsylvania Posts: 9,105	as a ONE DISK SET Objects You Took The Words Out Of The Frying Pan It Just Won't Quit Testify Where The Rubber Meets The Road California Isnt Big Enough Did I Say That? Read 'Em and Weep Everything Louder Modern Girl Los Angeloser Two out Of Three Masculine as a TWO DISK SET Disk 1: Objects in The Rear View Mirror You Took The Words Out Of The Frying Pan Bad For Good It Just Won't Quit What You See Is What You Get Piece of the Action Testify Where The Rubber Meets The Road Midnight at the Lost and Found I'm Gonna Love Her For Both Of Us Paradise Rock & Roll Dreams California Isnt Big Enough Disk 2: I'd Do Anything For Love Jumpin' the Gun Did I Say That? Read 'Em and Weep Everything Louder Priscilla Dead Ringer For Love Modern Girl Amnesty Is Granted Los Angeloser Two out Of Three Bat Out Of Hell Masculine Last edited by Wario; 20 Feb 2011 at 01:59.

20 Feb 2011, 00:36	#2
Evil One Mega Loafer Join Date: 15.01.2007 Posts: 5,192	Is this a hypothetical scenario where all the record labels are working together instead of pissing in each others eyes? Bat Out Of Hell You Took The Words Two Out Of Three Paradise Dead Ringer Anything For Love (longer still but not as long as the album version) Rock And Roll Dreams Objects In The Rear View Mirror (single edit) I'd Lie For You No Matter What Blind As A Bat In The Land Of The Pig Would fit nicely onto one CD, but probably in a more random order.

20 Feb 2011, 01:27	#4
CarylB Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.04.2003 Location: Sheffield UK Posts: 5,910	Your two new greatest hits albums each contain just two songs not already included in Meat's "The Very Best Of" album which can still be purchased/ordered via Amazon. I can see BOOH would be a must on any new compilation of greatest hits .. but just to include 2 not on that album seems a bit strange if it's not a list of our preferred songs. So if you were to have a second version I'd be in favour of a two disc version (as before) .. a best of spanning his career including the 10 years since the previous one. Mine would probably be (not placed in order on each disc) I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) I'd Lie For You (And That's The Truth) Dead Ringer For Love Objects In The Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are Bat Out Of Hell Home By Now/ No Matter What You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad Rock & Roll Dreams Come Through Paradise By The Dashboard Light Couldn't Have Said It Better Did I Say That? You're Right, I Was Wrong Its All Coming Back To Me Now Blind As A Bat Bad For Good The Future Ain't What It Used To be Peace On Earth Los Angeloser Did You Ever Love Somebody Caryl

20 Feb 2011, 01:40	#5
AndrewG I hope your salmon sucks! Join Date: 18.01.2004 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 7,077	Caryl is right, I really don't see any point releasing a Greatest hits which doesn't include more of Meat's material from the last 13 years. Certainly CHSIB and DIST should be on there, they mark the key Meat Loaf sound which I think together with BAAB are some of the best non Steinman but Steinman-esque songs ever written. I think Caryl's list makes quite a bit of sense commercially though I'd prefer Man of Steel or Testify over You're Right, I was wrong, What About Love over Future and Madness over Did you Ever Love Somebody. If PFL is really getting released as a single then it should be on there too. Pigs I've never been a huge fan of and don't see why it would need to be on a Greatest Hits collection at all considering it didn't exist in the live shows very long either.

20 Feb 2011, 11:59	#12
nikox1 Mega Loafer Join Date: 05.07.2007 Location: Front line of the battle Posts: 2,657	17 of hes best known songs, plus 3 brand new songs all on two disks.

21 Feb 2011, 12:33	#18
AndyK Relentless Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Over the top..... seeing what's on the other side Posts: 18,694	Some interesting diverse choices appeared so far, limiting myself to the idea of aiming to attract more people to becoming fans and hence exploring the rest of Meat's back catalogue i'd go with something along the lines a chronological history covering all of Meat's career: What You See Is What You Get Bat Out Of Hell Two Out Of Three Deadringer For Love I'll Kill You If You Don't Come Back Midnight At The Lost and Found Don't Leave Your Mark On Me Rock and Roll Mercenaries Everything Louder Anything For Love Amnesty Is Granted If This Is The Last Kiss Not A Dry Eye Testify Did I Say That Land Of The Pigs Alive Prize Fight Lover Los Angeloser Yes, I know it'll span well over one disc, but in my fantasy land record company this morning a single CD can have many many more minutes of music than currently available in the real world. I'd say Bat, AFL and Deadringer are the three givens on a best of collection.

21 Feb 2011, 12:46	#19
robgomm Mega Loafer Join Date: 22.10.2006 Location: Hemel Hempstead, UK Posts: 1,671	LMAO at Masculine again!

21 Feb 2011, 13:56	#20
AndrewG I hope your salmon sucks! Join Date: 18.01.2004 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 7,077	If Meat had to put anything from BBIS on a Greatest Hits I think it is likely his choice of song(s) would/should be limited to one or more of these: "Blind Before I Stop" "Rock 'n' Roll Mercenaries" "Gettin' Away with Murder" "Execution Day" "Special Girl" "Rock 'n' Roll Hero"

21 Feb 2011, 14:00	#21
Evil One Mega Loafer Join Date: 15.01.2007 Posts: 5,192	Execution Day is the only one even close to being on a par with the rest of his albums.

21 Feb 2011, 15:24	#23
AndyK Relentless Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Over the top..... seeing what's on the other side Posts: 18,694	A good application of the De-Farian Process could turn any of BBIS songs back into the rock song that it was originally recorded as.

21 Feb 2011, 15:35	#25
AndyK Relentless Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Over the top..... seeing what's on the other side Posts: 18,694	Yes. It's somewhat crude and ineffective though ... The volume control or power button.