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Thursday Coffee Break: You Call That Singing?

Posted at 8:46 AM on July 28, 2011 by Steve Seel (110 Comments)
Filed under: 9:30 Coffee Break

Today's 9:30 Coffee Break topic was suggested on The Morning Show's Facebook page by listener Tara, who writes, "I'm at my desk grooving to Lou Reed and thinking how some singers are brilliant, but aren't really trying or, when you get down to it, not even very good singers. Maybe you should do a Coffee Break about that?" A fine suggestion, Tara. Who are some "singers" who are recognized as significant artists, but who's "singing voices" are hardly awesome?

Songs played:
Lou Reed "Peggy Sue"
Marianne Faithful "In the Factory"
The Smashing Pumpkins "Today"
Bob Dylan "Beyond Here Lies Nothin"
Liz Phair "Never Said"
The Flaming Lips "A Spoonful Weighs a Ton"

Comments (110)

Stephen Malkmus

Posted by BD | July 28, 2011 9:00 AM

How about Tom Waits?

Posted by Adam | July 28, 2011 9:00 AM

Don't get me wrong, I love him. But definitely Bob Dylan.

Posted by Jessi | July 28, 2011 9:01 AM

The Pogues' Shane MacGowan -- also a lot of "huh? wha?" with him

The Hold Steady's Craig Finn

Tom Waits

The Clash's Joe Strummer/Mick Jones

Ringo!

Posted by lou | July 28, 2011 9:02 AM

Anything by Bob Dylan and Tom Waits (in truth, later Bob Dylan I frequently get confused with Tom Waits, it's just never quite weird enough). Do I really need to explain this?

Also, Neil Young and Tom Petty I've always thought had... unique voices, to put it nicely.

Oh! And Krist Novoselic from Nirvana has virtually no voice. He sings the intro on "Territorial Pissings".

Posted by Topher Boyd | July 28, 2011 9:02 AM

Bono of U2 - I Will Follow
John McCrea of Cake - No Phone

Posted by ken | July 28, 2011 9:02 AM

Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
And I second Tom Waits! Anything by him would be awesome, one of my favorites is Somewhere from West Side Story

Posted by Deb | July 28, 2011 9:02 AM

Craig Finn, Tom Waits, late Dylan...

Posted by Peter Welter | July 28, 2011 9:02 AM

Bob Dylan (of course)

Richard Buckner (brilliant musician and songwriter, but not the greatest singer, but I love him nonetheless)

Dave Simonette from Trampled by Turtles (not the greatest singer, but great lyriics, music and live shows)

Posted by Swan | July 28, 2011 9:02 AM

Jeff Tweedy - Anything, but preferably something from Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, or perhaps "Late Greats"

Posted by rob | July 28, 2011 9:03 AM

First one that popped into my head was Biz Markie - Just a Friend.

Also, maybe something by Liz Phair? Great artist, average singer.

Posted by Greg L | July 28, 2011 9:03 AM

Lay Lady Lay - Bob Dylan, his voice sounds like two cats fighting in a bag.
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash, better singer, didn't always put in the effort
Polly - Nirvana, Dave always had more talent compared to Kurk

Posted by Sarah Marie James | July 28, 2011 9:03 AM

Bob Dylab, Tom Waits.

Posted by Maize | July 28, 2011 9:03 AM

The guy from Cracker
The guy from Modest Mouse
The guy from Clap your hands say Yeah
The guy from Lifter Puller (can't remember his current band)
And soooo many more!

Posted by rob | July 28, 2011 9:04 AM

Anything by Bob Dylan. I just can't stand his nasally voice. While you playing my suggestion would be nifty, I'll likely turn the radio down till the song is over if anything by Bob Dylan is played.
Otherwise, thanks for being so awesome everyday :)

Posted by Beccy | July 28, 2011 9:04 AM

Bob Dylan (of course)

Richard Buckner (great musician, writer but not the best singer, brilliant nonetheless)

Dave Simonette from Trampled by Turtles (not the best singer but great music, lyrics and live shows)

Posted by Swan | July 28, 2011 9:04 AM

Agreed on Tom Waits. A song by him is a must.

Posted by Rick | July 28, 2011 9:04 AM

the shaggs
john maus

Posted by s | July 28, 2011 9:05 AM

Craig Finn of the Hold Steady....I'd rather not hear anything of him singing however

Posted by ken | July 28, 2011 9:06 AM

Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah. "Pretty" voices have covered it but none can intrepret it like the writer and his unique vocals.

Posted by Virginia | July 28, 2011 9:06 AM

Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith

Posted by Lisa | July 28, 2011 9:07 AM


Lucinda Williams - love her, but sometimes her voice can sound pretty rough
.

Posted by Becky | July 28, 2011 9:07 AM

Randy Neuman fits. More talk-in-tune than sing.

Posted by Dave Gardner | July 28, 2011 9:08 AM

Best suggestion of the day is by Greg with Biz Markie! Made me laugh out loud with that one!

Posted by Deb | July 28, 2011 9:08 AM

My daughters and I always argue about the lead singer from The Walkmen...they love him; I think he's screaming.

Posted by Ann Q | July 28, 2011 9:10 AM

Dylan

John McCrea of Cake

Courtney Love

Billy Corrigan

Posted by Patrick | July 28, 2011 9:11 AM

While he's brilliant, Dylan absolutely falls in this category.

Jeff Magnum from Neutral Milk Hotel.

What about women? Liz Phair?

Posted by caryn | July 28, 2011 9:11 AM

No female singers mentioned yet? I nominate the singer from the Ting Tings.

Posted by Erin Erskine | July 28, 2011 9:11 AM

Anthony Keidis - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Breaking the Girl

My most favored all time band tho Anthony isn't a great singer.

Posted by JamieK | July 28, 2011 9:12 AM

Oh, jeez! Totally forgot Captain Beefheart!

Posted by Topher Boyd | July 28, 2011 9:12 AM

Tom Waits and Bob Dylan of course! And how about some Art Brut from Everybody Was in the French Resistance Now? Lovely British accent, most definitely not singing.

Posted by Maddy | July 28, 2011 9:12 AM

"You Are So Beautiful" -- Joe Cocker
"I Wanna Be Your Dog" -- Iggy Pop (The Stooges)
Anything off "Damaged" -- Henry Rollins (Black Flag)

Posted by (JL) | July 28, 2011 9:13 AM

Tom Waits, yes. Though some of his songs are more lyrical than others, you might play one of the rawer tracks like "The Piano Has Been Drinking."

My husband does a mean Bob Dylan impression - what about "Tangled Up in Blue"?

Peter Tork/The Monkees - "Auntie Grizelda." Oddly, I kind of like that track.

Posted by cal | July 28, 2011 9:13 AM

Connor Oberst for sure. Dude can write an amazing song (case & point: first day of my life) but can't sing to save his life.

Posted by Bethany | July 28, 2011 9:14 AM

Gotta second Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.

I'd also go with Katy Perry and Britney Spears, but please, for the love of God, don't play them.

Posted by Drae | July 28, 2011 9:14 AM

Another suggestion - Bright Eyes (Connor Oberst)

Posted by Becky | July 28, 2011 9:16 AM

push the little daisies - ween

Posted by jim bennitt | July 28, 2011 9:16 AM

Bruce Springsteen

Posted by Kevin | July 28, 2011 9:16 AM

haha, "Just A Friend" is classic! I'd also have to say Joanna Newsom and/or Bjork - both female artists with similarly weird and questionably aesthetic vocals. Thanks!

Posted by parkermb | July 28, 2011 9:17 AM

OMG! How could I forget Kurt Cobain?!

Posted by Drae | July 28, 2011 9:17 AM

Craig Finn of The Hold Steady -- yes.

I also second Bob Dylan & Tom Waits.

I've noticed the majority of singers suggested are male. Interesting. Perhaps male singers are more successfully able to work the gravelly, gritty, non-singer voices.

Posted by Cathryn | July 28, 2011 9:17 AM

Yoko Ono for sure.....

Posted by Kate | July 28, 2011 9:18 AM

Alec Ounsworth from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is one of my favorite singers, but is definitely not a crooner. What about Jeff Magnum of Neutral Milk Hotel? He's brilliant, but probably wouldn't be appreciated by the American Idol judges.

"The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth" - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

"In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" - Neutral Milk Hotel

Posted by Rachel Ahrndt | July 28, 2011 9:18 AM

And, since no mention has been made of Lou Reed yet....

Posted by rob | July 28, 2011 9:18 AM

Britney Spears. I cannot stand her voice.

Posted by Sue K | July 28, 2011 9:18 AM

Adam Young from Owl City. YUCK.

Tori Amos on her last two albums. Let's hope she really tries on the newest one.

Stevie Nicks today.

Posted by Andrew Leshovsky | July 28, 2011 9:18 AM

The BIZ....
The DIABOLICAL one..
Biz Markie.

Great case in point is his work with the Beasie Boys on their Anthology set.

Don't catch the Vapors on this one

Posted by Eli Olson | July 28, 2011 9:19 AM

Why I Cry - Magnetic Fields

I'll Be Your Mirror - Velvet Underground w/Nico

Rainin' Babies - Flaming Lips

Posted by wellst | July 28, 2011 9:19 AM

Tom Waits = yes, terrible voice. Beyond terrible.

Craig Finn (Hold Steady) = yes, annoying voice.

Liz Phair = yeah,. her voice is pretty bad - especially live - but she's cute.

Bob Dylan = rules.

Dave Simonett (Trampled by Turtles) = has an amazing voice, beautiful lyrics, and can play a mean guitar - so I don't agree with that posting.

Posted by Zoeanna | July 28, 2011 9:20 AM

Keef Richards, Before They Make Me Run

Posted by BD | July 28, 2011 9:20 AM

I resend Adam Young from Owl City. He's no "significant artist."

Posted by Andrew Leshovsky | July 28, 2011 9:20 AM

Tallest Man on Earth!

Posted by Nathan | July 28, 2011 9:21 AM

Cyndi Lauper

Posted by Todd | July 28, 2011 9:21 AM

J Mascis from Dinosaur Jr.
Leonard Cohen
Biz Markie!

Posted by Marissa | July 28, 2011 9:22 AM

Oh, I see you have Lou covered in the heading. I gotta agree with you Steve. I have been listening to a Velvet Underground box set lately, and I can't listen to anything sung by Reed anymore. Just can't take it, life is too short. (And I love Dylan!)

Posted by rob | July 28, 2011 9:22 AM

The Prodigy-Breathe
Animal Collective-Winter Wonderland
Beck-Bottle of Blues

Posted by Alyssa | July 28, 2011 9:23 AM

Kayne West - please do not play him.

Posted by Rocky Bottom | July 28, 2011 9:23 AM

David Byrne

Posted by Amy | July 28, 2011 9:23 AM

David Byrne

Posted by Amy | July 28, 2011 9:24 AM

I would say E from the Eels in "Tremendous Dynamite" and Gogol Bordello in "Start Wearing Purple" or "Illumination."

Posted by Matt | July 28, 2011 9:26 AM

David Byrne- He even recognized himself as "not being good singer" when he interviewed himself on the "Stop Making Sense" DVD.

Posted by Kyle | July 28, 2011 9:27 AM

Keef, yes! That one made me snort a little.

Posted by rob | July 28, 2011 9:27 AM

Nico with the Velvet Underground. "These Days".

Posted by Noah | July 28, 2011 9:27 AM

YES for "Just a Friend" by Biz Markie.

How about "Ruby Soho" by Rancid?

Posted by Andrew S. | July 28, 2011 9:28 AM

Modest Mouse- Doin' the Cockroach

Isaac is amazing, especially live, but Randy Jackson isn't going to say, " I love it, Dawg."

Posted by b. | July 28, 2011 9:29 AM

Axl Rose = awful

But I would so love to hear some GNR this am

Posted by michelle | July 28, 2011 9:29 AM

MeWithoutYou: either "Goodbye, I!" or "The Fox, the Crow, and the Cookie"

Dylan, Neil Young, Hendrix, Tom Waits, Neutral Milk Hotel

Posted by Theo | July 28, 2011 9:29 AM

Fred Durst

Posted by Rocky Bottom | July 28, 2011 9:29 AM

Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam - Nirvana
Cover of the Rolling Stone - Dr. Hook

Posted by Brandon | July 28, 2011 9:30 AM

Leonard Cohen - good enough songwriter that we can overlook his lack of vocal skills.

Posted by Nate | July 28, 2011 9:30 AM

I agree with ken. Please, no Hold Steady. I'm eating breakfast. They are awful!

Posted by Patrick | July 28, 2011 9:30 AM

Devendra Banhart! In my opinion a beautiful voice, but definitely can sound a little funky and out of the ordinary. How about "Lazy Butterfly"

Posted by Christopher Olson | July 28, 2011 9:30 AM

Art Brut
Davey from the Promise Ring - "A Picture Postcard"

Posted by steph | July 28, 2011 9:30 AM

Wayne Coin of Flaming Lips... surprised he didn't come up yet!

Posted by KG | July 28, 2011 9:30 AM

anything by the Decemberists

Posted by ann | July 28, 2011 9:30 AM

Johnny Winter! He is a brilliant musician whose singing reminds me of nails on a chalk board.

Posted by crazygrl | July 28, 2011 9:31 AM

Okkervil River - Lady Liberty

Posted by mo steph | July 28, 2011 9:31 AM


freakin BOB DYLAN i couldnt think of any one to better describe this mornings coffee break. Phenomenal writer, but ehh, his voice is a bit not so great. i love it tho. but my critiquing friends beg to differ.

i just got to work and you guys definitely get me through my day, i thank you for that.

play some DYLAN pretty pretty please.

its all over now baby blue
subterraniean homesick blues (plz excuse my spelling)
anything of his will do =]

Posted by Michelle | July 28, 2011 9:31 AM

Devendra Banhart - Lazy Butterfly

Posted by Christopher Olson | July 28, 2011 9:32 AM

Big Audio Dynamite-Rush. It would HAVE to be the mix with the guy talking about rhythm and melody in the middle of the song.

Posted by Drew Brosi | July 28, 2011 9:32 AM

Liz Phair - Johnny Feelgood from Whitechocolatespaceegg. Her voice isn't great. But it's somehow perfect for what she does. She reaches down for some low notes on this one.

Posted by Erik | July 28, 2011 9:32 AM

I love this one because I'm sure to hear 2 of my favorites,,,,,Bob Dylan & Tom Waits.

You're Innocent When You Dream is one of my many favs of Tom's.

Posted by Kate | July 28, 2011 9:32 AM

I second Bruce Springsteen - especially in "Pink Cadillac", sooo painfully monotone

Posted by erin | July 28, 2011 9:32 AM

Can't believe more people haven't mentioned Leonard Cohen! Such a terrific songwriter. I strongly, strongly recommend Suzanne or Tower of Song or So Long, Marianne (which, when I was young, I always thought was a Dylan song).

Posted by tessa | July 28, 2011 9:33 AM

How 'bout Perry Ferrel (Jane Says) Great tune, but with all due respect to Perry writing ability, the dude just can't sing.

Posted by Barrie Fires | July 28, 2011 9:34 AM

Yes! They're playing MY COFFEE break! I am a rock-star!! (But if you play Randy Newman, I will turn it off. Please, no!)

Posted by Tara | July 28, 2011 9:35 AM

OMG, make it stop! lol

Posted by rob | July 28, 2011 9:36 AM

nico-these days juck kididng of course, hmm..?

Posted by Michelle | July 28, 2011 9:36 AM

Marianne Faithful in her later years

Posted by alice | July 28, 2011 9:38 AM

Neil Young. I remember listening to the Philadelphia soundtrack in my pre-teens and always skipping Neil's song because it was like nails on a chalk board. I respect him now as a song writer, guitar player and performer, but not a singer.

Posted by Jennifer | July 28, 2011 9:40 AM

Two songs in and my god is this painful.

Posted by ann | July 28, 2011 9:40 AM

Ah they are playing Marianne's lovely voice right now. Crank up the volume!

Posted by alice | July 28, 2011 9:41 AM

John Darnielle from the Mountain Goats...
Maybe "No Children"

Posted by Noah | July 28, 2011 9:42 AM

Liz Phair. Oh, the pain in my ears. But she is so smart and funny. Also, Sheryl Crow. Really?

Posted by Stephanie | July 28, 2011 9:42 AM

And, since no one's mentioned Lemmy Kilmeister yet he has to be mentioned!

Posted by rob | July 28, 2011 9:45 AM

Don't get me wrong - I love Nirvana, but Kurt couldn't sing. He belongs on this list.

Posted by Drae | July 28, 2011 9:47 AM

more rock lobster plz;).... or any Keith Strickland goodie

Posted by Cat | July 28, 2011 9:49 AM

Lucinda Williams. Lucinda Williams so much.

Posted by emy | July 28, 2011 9:50 AM

The singer of HOT HOT HEAT must be mentioned in this discussion. I'd love to hear "Bandages" or "Goodnight Goodnight". This is a somewhat lesser-known band whose singer has an abysmal voice.

Posted by Matt B | July 28, 2011 9:51 AM

Not exactly "brilliant", but is there a worse singing voice than Tiny Tim?

Posted by loran | July 28, 2011 9:52 AM

'A Spoonful Weighs A Ton.' Perfect, awesome selection from these guys. The Morning Show does it again. :)

Posted by Erik | July 28, 2011 9:57 AM

This. Is. So. Painful.
Terrible idea for a Coffee Break.. I mean, all these terrible voices in one little coffee cup.
Nails. On. A. Chalkboard.

Posted by Zoeanna | July 28, 2011 9:59 AM

Fun topic, thanks Tara. =)

Posted by rob | July 28, 2011 10:00 AM

DONT FORGET THE GUY FROM PERE UBU!

Posted by Donovan Bauer | July 28, 2011 10:01 AM

Iris DeMent

Posted by marie | July 28, 2011 10:02 AM

When I am banging the floor and reaching for a bottle of Jack Daniels or driving down a lonely empty road away from heartbreak it will always be Tom Waits on my radio.

Posted by Sophia | July 28, 2011 10:03 AM

last but not least...Doc Dart from the Crucifucks!

Posted by Donovan Bauer | July 28, 2011 10:05 AM

An incredibly bad singer is the lead of the song "Bully in the Alley" by Tom Lewis. Album is called Tinker, Tailor, Soldier and Singer!
Great topic.
April

Posted by April Paprocki | July 28, 2011 10:05 AM

Oddly enough I was just having a conversation about this topic with my father yesterday. I wish I had been able to listen today.

I think it's a topic you may need to revisit, just please dear god not on a Monday...

Posted by Coffeepillow | July 28, 2011 1:35 PM

I didn't listen yesterday, but just a note in case it wasn't mentioned on-air:

Definitely not Beatle-proof.

Oh, Ringo.

Posted by Ben | July 29, 2011 9:56 AM

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