Myth and Legend in Song Trivia

1. Shocking Blue released the song "Venus" in 1969 and took it to number one on a number of charts including the Billboard Hot 100. From which country do they hail?

From Quiz Mythical Beats

Answer: Netherlands

Shocking Blue were a Dutch band formed in The Hague in 1967 and disbanded in 1974. They released eleven albums in that time and had five number one hits on various international charts, but none were as successful as "Venus" which went to number one on eleven different charts including the U.S. Cash Box Top 100 and U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts. The most successful cover version of this song was released by Bananarama in 1986 and achieved top position on seven different international charts, including the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play, U.S. Cash Box Top 100 and U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts. Venus is the Roman goddess of love, fertility and prosperity.

From Quiz Sing a Song of Folklore

Answer: Alice Cooper

"Hey Stoopid", "Feed My Frankenstein" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy" are all Alice Cooper songs. "Ghouls Gone Wild" was recorded in 2011 by Cooper for the album "Welcome 2 My Nightmare" which was his twenty-sixth studio album. Mark Volman, vocalist of the 1960s/70s band The Turtles sings backing vocals for the song. The album charted at position twenty-two on the US Billboard album chart.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths: Three Times a Labour

Answer: Peter Stumpp

Stumpp was accused of killing 18 people, including his son whose brain he purportedly ate. The band, Macabre, has dubbed their music "murder metal" and the majority of the tracks on this album are dotted with the misdeeds of various serial killers. In a rather macabre twist some of the band members took the opportunity to meet with the "Killer Clown", John Wayne Gacy. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member zonko.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths: The Second Labour

Answer: A Whiter Shade of Pale

Vesta was the Roman goddess of the home and hearth and the six high priestesses who maintained her flame were the Vestal Virgins. "And they would not let her be One of sixteen vestal virgins Who were leaving for the coast". I will acknowledge that the song says sixteen but in mythology only the six senior women of the Vestal school were selected. The song was the band's debut single and was released in 1967. It has sold in excess of ten million copies worldwide, reached number five on Billboard's Hot 100 and topped the UK charts in its year of release. Lyrically the track deals with an encounter between a man and a woman, seduction and, finally, sex. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member pollucci19.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths

Answer: The Ark

The song "The Unicorn" was original written by Shel Silverstein in 1962 but The Irish Rovers made the song popular six years later. In the song God asks Noah to build a "floating zoo" and not to forget about the unicorns. However the unicorns are not very obliging and mess about too much until the inevitable happens. According to the song this is what befell them; "The Ark started movin', it drifted with the tide, Them unicorns looked up from the rock and they cried, And the waters came down and sorta floated them away, That's why you'll never see a unicorn, to this very day." This question was created by Phoenix Rising member zonko.

From Quiz The Chinese Horoscope in Songs

Answer: Survivor

'Eye of the Tiger' is from the album of the same name by the rock band Survivor. It was released as a single in 1982, which was not a year of the Tiger, but of the Dog. Sylvester Stallone who played the main part in the movie 'Rocky III' requested the song because he was unable to get 'Another One Bites the Dust' from the British rock band Queen. 'Eye of the Tiger' is listed as number 21 on Billboard's All Time Top 100.

From Quiz Rock 'n Roll Mythology

Answer: All three would be correct

Baal-Hadad was the thunder god of Syrian legend, Raijin (also known as Raiden) is of Japanese origin, and Thor was the god of thunder in Norse and Germanic pagan mythology. "God of Thunder" (Paul Stanley), from the album "Destroyer" (1976), was performed by Kiss.

From Quiz Mythical Beats

Answer: Aphrodite

"She's So High" was a wildly successful single released in 1999 by Tal Bachman from his eponymous album. The song reached third position on the RPM Top Singles and RPM Rock/Alternative charts in his native Canada and top position on the U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. The song won a BMI and Juno award as well. Bachman was inspired to write the song as a result of a high school experience: "I attempted to bribe the hottest girl in our high school to go out on a date with [my stepbrother]," Bachman told MTV News. "So as the conversation between me and what I thought was this godly, exalted woman progressed, I began to feel more and more uncomfortable and awkward, and so I just remember that feeling... I don't want to say fear, but just kind of being in awe of her." "Cause she's so high High above me, she's so lovely She's so high Like Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or Aphrodite She's so high High above me"

From Quiz Sing a Song of Folklore

Answer: The Ghost of Tom Joad

Tom Joad is a character from John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath" published in 1939. "The Ghost of Tom Joad" is the title track to the album of the same name recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1995. The was inspired by the novel as well as the song "The Ballad of Tom Joad" done by Woody Guthrie in 1940. The song was covered by the rap metal band Rage Against the Machine in 1997 and the re-recorded by Bruce Springsteen together with Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine for Springsteen's album "High Hopes" in 2014. Lennie Small ("Of Mice and Men"), Caleb Trask ("East of Eden") and Lee Chong ("Cannery Row") are all characters created by John Steinbeck.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths: Three Times a Labour

Answer: Kraken

"Release the Kraken" draws similarities between the swift and silent attack of a kraken on unsuspecting ships and pain that is felt when betrayed at love. It is the first track on The Daysleepers' debut full album, which was released in May of 2008. The mythological kraken is said to live off the waters of Norway and Greenland. A leviathan is a large serpentine sea monster. A zaratan is colossal sea turtle. A kelpie is a Scottish mythical water horse. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member purelyqing

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths: The Second Labour

Answer: Kate Bush

The lyric in the question comes from the title track of Kate's debut album "The Kick Inside", which was released in 1978. Dubbed as progressive art rock the album received production assistance from such luminaries of the genre as Andrew Powell, Stuart Elliott (The Alan Parson's Project) and Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd). The record spawned five singles, including the number one hit "Wuthering Heights", inspired by the novel of the same name of which Heathcliff and Catherine are the main protagonists. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member pollucci19.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths

Answer: Odin

Odin's name features on the songs titled "Odin," "Overture to Odin," "The Blood of Odin" and "The Sons of Odin". Loki is the only other Norse god who scores a mention for the track titled "Loki God of Fire". The album "Gods of War" was released in 2007 and contained a bonus track "Die for Metal", which was used in the 2009 video game "Brutal Legend". This question was created by Phoenix Rising member zonko.

From Quiz The Chinese Horoscope in Songs

Answer: Al Stewart

In 1976, Al Stewart came out a year late with 'Year of the Cat' which was 1975. Nevertheless, his song was a huge success. The song itself was the fourth track on side 2 of the seventh album by Al Stewart. Alan Parsons played the sax solo on the theme track and produced the album.

From Quiz Rock 'n Roll Mythology

Answer: "Phoenix"

The legend of the Phoenix originated in ancient Phoenicia, but many cultures have their own "Firebird" mythologies. At the end of its particular life-cycle (which would be quite lengthy, since the Phoenix was practically immortal, as it was capable of regeneration when wounded), the Phoenix was said to set fire to itself and its nest. Its offspring would rise from the remaining ashes, and the life-cycle would start over again. The Hydra was a multiple-headed creature killed by Heracles (Hercules); the Chimera was a three-headed monster (a lion, a dragon, and a goat) slain by Bellerophon and Pegasus; Scylla was a sea creature with six necks and heads, and 12 legs, which would lie in wait for ships to pass by. "Phoenix" was Grand Funk's sixth album, notable for the guest appearance of Doug "The Ragin' Cajun" Kershaw on electric fiddle.

From Quiz Rock 'n Roll Astrology

Answer: Gemini

Gemini the Twins (May 22 to June 21, 3rd House). Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Air; Positive Traits: Intellect, Versatility, Communicative. "Nelson" was founded by Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, the twin sons of the late Ricky Nelson ("Hello Mary Lou"). Their debut album, "After The Rain" (1990) contained their number one hit "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection". Currently, they are enjoying a successful career with Royal Caribbean Cruises.

From Quiz Mythical Beats

Answer: Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka, together with Howard Greenfield, wrote "Stupid Cupid" in 1958. Connie Francis would be the first to record it and took it to number one on the UK Singles chart and fourteenth position on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Neil Sedaka himself recorded the song and released it in Italy in 1959. Other cover versions of this song have been performed by Patsy Cline and surprisingly the English rock band Queen. Mandy Moore recorded this song for the soundtrack to the 2001 film "The Princess Diaries".

From Quiz Sing a Song of Folklore

Answer: Wings

"Venus and Mars' was the fourth studio album released by the band Wings, formed by Sir Paul McCartney together with his wife at the time, Linda, after the break-up of The Beatles. The album did extremely well, achieving a first place on the Canadian, French, New Zealand, Norwegian, Spanish, UK and US charts. "Spirits of Ancient Egypt" featured Denny Laine, formerly of the band The Moody Blues, on vocals. Plastic Ono Band featured John Lennon, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band is obvious and even though George Harrison did not form the Travelling Wilburys, he was a member of the band.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths: Three Times a Labour

Answer: R.E.M.

Critics fell in love with "Murmur" and, at the end of 1983, it figured at the top of many of their "Best of the Year" lists. One of the features of the album was Michael Stipe's "left of everything" lyrics and "Laughing" is a track that presents us with a good example; "Lighted, lighted, laughing, Laocoon and her two sons". The Laocoon is a Trojan priest from Greek mythology who, along with his two sons, is strangled and consumed by a giant sea snake. You may have noted that Stipe has changed the gender of the priest in his lyric from a male to a female. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member pollucci19.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths: The Second Labour

Answer: Leprechaun

Chick Corea released two albums in 1976, the first one being "Leprechaun" and the second "My Spanish Heart". He is an American jazz pianist and composer and has released numerous albums and been nominated for over fifty Grammy Awards. In addition he has also worked with a wide range of artists that includes Miles Davis, Chaka Khan and Bobby McFerrin. A leprechaun, according to Irish myth, spends his day making shoes and hiding his gold in a pot near a rainbow. A Banshee foretells death, a Peg Powler is a hag that supposedly lives in the River Tees and Bono, far from being an Irish fairy, is the lead singer of U2. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member zonko.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths

Answer: Tori Amos

One of Tori Amos' well known songs is "Cornflake Girl". "Hey Jupiter" was a single released from her album "Boys for Pele" in 1996. Her fifth album was called "To Venus and Back" and was released in 1999. Both Jupiter and Venus are gods from Roman mythology. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member zonko.

From Quiz The Chinese Horoscope in Songs

Answer: Peter, Paul and Mary

A year ahead of the Year of the Dragon (1964), recorded and released in 1963, 'Puff, the Magic Dragon' was written by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow, and was made famous by Peter, Paul and Mary in a 1963 single from their album 'Moving'. The song has later been released by a great number of recording artists.

From Quiz Rock 'n Roll Mythology

Answer: Icarus

Icarus and his father, Daedalus, were exiled on Crete by King Minos. To attempt an escape, Daedalus created two pairs of wings made of wax, and warned Icarus that flying to near to the sun would mean death. However, after taking off, Icarus became so entranced with flight that he forgot his father's warning. Icarus flew so high the sun melted his wax wings, and he fell into the ocean and perished. (The area is known today as the Icarian Sea). Hermes was the Greek god of shepherds and travellers; Circe, a queen goddess of the island Aeaea; Theseus, hero-king of Athens, who eventually killed the Minotaur. "The Flight of Icarus" (Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith), is from the album "Piece of Mind" (1983), performed by Iron Maiden.

From Quiz Rock 'n Roll Astrology

Answer: Leo

Leo the Lion (July 23 to August 21, 5th House). Ruler: The Sun, Element: Fire; Positive Traits: Generosity, Enthusiasm, Faithfulness. "Pride": The second album by (appropriately enough) White Lion, released in 1987. "Pride" contained two top ten hits, "When the Children Cry", and "Wait". White Lion broke up in 1992, then reformed with new band members under the direction of original vocalist and founder Mike Tramp in 1999.

From Quiz Mythical Beats

Answer: Cornucopia

"Carmina Burana" is a collection of manuscripts, texts and poems written 11th to the 13th century of which "O Fortuna" is one. Carl Orff was a German composer active toward the latter part of the 19th century. He composed a cantata "Carmina Burana", based on works taken from the original collection and composed the music for "O Fortuna". Fortuna is a goddess in both the Roman and Greek pantheon and is usually pictured with a cornucopia. The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is a horn overflowing with produce. One origin story is of Heracles tearing off the horn of Achelous, the river god.

From Quiz Sing a Song of Folklore

Answer: Waiting for the Sirens' Call

"Waiting for the Sirens' Call" is the title track from New Order's eighth album in 2005. The album went to number one on the US Billboard Top Electronic Album chart. As a single, "Waiting for the Sirens' Call" reached twenty-first place on the UK singles chart. Sirens are from Greek mythology and according to mythology, lured sailors with their enchanting voices causing them to shipwreck their vessels on the rocks. Of the three incorrect titles, only "When Mermaids Cry" is an actual song, recorded by Eagle Eye Cherry in 1997.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths: Three Times a Labour

Answer: Calypso

Calypso lures Odysseus to her island where she holds him hostage for seven years in the hope that he will fall in love with her and become her immortal husband. Vega first encountered Calypso in Homer's "The Odyssey". The passage, according to Vega, is brief and one-sided which inspired her to write (and sing) the song from the sea nymph's perspective. She sets the song on the night before Calypso is forced to release Odysseus. The track appears on Vega's second album, the critically acclaimed "Solitude Standing", which was released in 1987. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member pollucci19.

From Quiz Hot Hits and Near Myths

Answer: Pele

The band Pele was a five piece unit fronted by Ian Prowse and "Megalomania" was a song that featured on their debut album "Fireworks". Their third single, "Fair Blows the Wind for France", from the same album, was their highest charting single in the UK peaking at number 62. Mount Kilauea is a volcano in Hawaii and, according to Hawaiian mythology, is the home of Pele the goddess of fire, volcanoes, wind and lightning. This question was created by Phoenix Rising member zonko.

From Quiz The Chinese Horoscope in Songs

Answer: Alan Parsons Project

'Snake Eyes' was on the album 'The Turn Of A Friendly Card' by Alan Parsons Project, which came out in 1980, the year of the Monkey. Chris Rainbow sang the lead vocals. It's the prayer of a gambler to the dice: "Snake eyes Seven eleven Don't let me down boys Gimme Snake eyes Seven eleven Don't let me down tonight No don't let me down tonight"

From Quiz Rock 'n Roll Mythology

Answer: Achilles

While there are several different accounts regarding the legend of Achilles, probably the one most people are familiar with is that he became invulnerable when his mother Thetis bathed him in the river Styx, leaving only his heel untouched by the water. Achilles went on to become a great hero to the Greeks, participated in the Trojan War, and defeated the Trojan hero-prince Hector in battle. Achilles was ultimately killed by Hector's brother Paris, who fatally wounded Achilles with an arrow to his unprotected heel. "Achilles Last Stand" (Jimmy Page, Robert Plant) is from the album "Presence" (1976) and is famed for John Bonham's powerful drum solos.

From Quiz Rock 'n Roll Astrology

Answer: Sagittarius

Sagittarius the Archer (November 23rd to December 21st, 9th House). Ruling Planet: Jupiter; Element: Fire; Positive Traits: Optimism, Honesty, Intellect. "Arrow" (Candlebox), from the debut self-titled album (1993), performed by Candlebox. This album also featured the hits "Far Behind" and "You".

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