coronavirus

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2021 Songs of the Year

Well, folks, congratulations for making it to 2022!

My traditional first post of each year is an analysis of my music listening trends for the previous year. I know you have been waiting anxiously to learn about these numbers, and there were a few surprises in the 2021 data.

Out of exactly 5,000 Elvis Presley tracks in my digital collection on iTunes, the one I played most often in 2021 across all devices was a shocker…

Credit: Vevo’s Elvis Presley channel (YouTube)

I did not backup the undubbed/unedited version of “Merry Christmas Baby,” as released on Back In Nashville, to iTunes until December 8, 2021, and I stopped playing Christmas music after December 25 – so it was at a huge disadvantage to Elvis tracks that I have been playing all year. However, it still took the prize for my most-played song of the year with 14 plays.

In a tie for second place with 13 plays each were the master versions of “Mystery Train” (1955), which of course inspired the name of my blog, and “Any Day Now” (1969).

The win for the alternate version of “Merry Christmas Baby” is even more remarkable considering the track clocks in at over 8 minutes, whereas “Mystery Train” is about 2 and a half minutes, and “Any Day Now” is about 3 minutes.

This means the alternate “Merry Christmas Baby” played for about 114 minutes total in 2021, while runners-up “Mystery Train” came in at about 33 minutes and “Any Day Now” at 39 minutes for the whole year.

I listened to 3,333 Elvis songs on my devices in 2021 (including duplicates). That is an average of 9 Elvis songs a day. I listened to 1,747 different Elvis tracks during the year.

Out of 6,663 non-Elvis tracks in my collection, my most played song overall in 2021 was Bethel Music’s “It Is Well,” with lead vocals by Kristene DiMarco. Featured on the 2014 album Live At The Civic: You Make Me Brave, this recording played 11 times on my various devices this year.

Credit: Bethel Music channel (YouTube)

My other top-played songs by artists not named Elvis Presley were:

  • “Joy” by for KING & COUNTRY, Burn The Ships, 2018, 10 plays.
  • “God Only Knows” by for KING & COUNTRY, Burn The Ships, 2018, 9 plays.
  • “Fine Fine Life” by for KING & COUNTRY, Crave, 2011, 9 plays.

Overall, I listened to 6,350 recordings using my digital devices last year (including duplicates). That works out to 17 songs a day. I listened to 3,751 different tracks during the year.

My music listening was way down in 2021 compared to previous years. These numbers are about half of what they were in 2020. I would chalk it up to the ongoing global pandemic (i.e., not having a commute to work greatly reduces my music listening time), but this was also true of 2020. So, I am not sure what is going on in my music listening habits. I know I still love music, though, especially by Elvis!

As we continue to face the surging virus, I pray that you and your family have a 2022 full of health and peace.

Blessings,
TY

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:1-2

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Back on the Track: The Mystery Train Runs Again

Elvis Presley plays electric guitar for fans during taping of 1968’s ELVIS special (NBC)

Greetings Elvis fans & other travelers,

Welcome to The Mystery Train Blog. Please find your seats quickly and secure all loose articles.

When I parked The Mystery Train Blog six years ago and walked away, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever return. While I remained a fan of Elvis Presley, I was burned out on writing about him. Other things affected me as well.

Since then, just about every facet of my life has changed. Most notably I accepted Jesus Christ, and life began again for me. In many ways, I became a new creation. I had heard such stories, but never really believed them.

One of the few constants through the ongoing changes has been Elvis headlining the soundtrack of my life. I have discovered a lot of new (to me) music to love by other artists, but Elvis remains in that grand mix, continuing to lead the pack with his incredible gift.

After much prayer, I was recently led to write more and fire up The Mystery Train Blog again. The primary focus will be on Elvis as an entertainer, meaning his music (including television appearances) and his movies. I will offer my thoughts and opinions on related topics, old and new, often with a personal perspective. It will be interesting to see how my new outlook on life affects my views. As before, I’ll definitely be looking for you to chime in as well. While there’ll be an occasional bonus post, my goal is to maintain a weekly cadence this time around.

I have been an Elvis fan for as long as I can remember. I am a second generation fan, and Elvis passed away before I could experience him live in concert. His death when I was 2-years-old is actually one of my earliest memories.

I can find something to enjoy in most aspects of his career, though my favorite span is 1966-1970 if pinned down. There is no doubt that his influential peak was 1954-1958, and those years represent some of his finest work as well. I play almost all of it, though, and I love much of it. There is a stretch from 1964 to 1965 that I find tough to slog through. I also tend to avoid his 1976 concerts. Though I will call things as I see them, I generally prefer to bring a positive approach, as there is certainly enough negativity already in this world.

Speaking of the world, it has almost completely changed as well since The Mystery Train Blog last came ’round the bend. The most stunning of those changes have occurred this year, with the COVID-19 crisis that continues to disrupt everything and everyone. When will we return to normal, and what will “normal” look like once we get there?

Dramatic social movements are also underway here in the United States. Will the current generation finally be the ones to solve the systemic problems that have plagued this nation since its very inception?

Friends, I pray for your health and well-being during this time and going forward. May we all be the change that is needed.

All aboard! This train is leaving the railway station once more. Please keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Hold on tight, and enjoy your ride.

Your conductor,
TY

“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
from 2 Corinthians 5:17