• Sandwich Rock
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• Mandopop

There is nothing cooler than picking a sandwich as your moniker, which is exactly what MC Hotdog (熱狗) did.  Currently a household name both in Taiwan and China, he won the Golden Melody Award for Best Mandarin Album, and in recent years, has appeared on a multitude of rap battle and reality TV shows.

Did we also mention that he has awesome music?  And some of the songs are even named after his moniker, hotdogs!  So, we decided to spend some time listening to his music and making a list of our favorite MC Hotdog (熱狗) songs.

So, without further ado, here is our Top 25 List of MC Hotdog (熱狗) music.

Top 25 Songs By MC Hotdog (熱狗)

Music Videos

Our number one song was actually made for a movie, and we have two versions of it.  The original one sung by MC Hotdog (熱狗) and featuring Yue Yunpeng (岳云鹏), and another remixed version from a popular Chinese television show.  Both versions are awesome!

The Original - Ode to Beijing’s Fifth Ring Road 五環之歌 (MC Hotdog 熱狗 Ft. Yue Yunpeng 岳云鹏)

 

Here is a Cover Version (Remix) by Jeff Chang (张信哲) for a Chinese Singing Competition Show. (Plus, Karen Mok is a judge/contestant too.  We have to find out if she sings any Sandwich Rock songs!)

【单曲纯享】《五环之歌》-张信哲 《天籁之战》第6期【东方卫视官方高清】



Finally, as a bonus, here is another awesome song MC Hotdog (熱狗) called No Breakfast for Hip-Hoppers 不吃早餐才是一件很嘻哈的事 (Ft. 蛋堡 Soft Lipa).



MC Hotdog (熱狗) is awesome!!  We hope he continues to make great Sandwich Rock in the future!!

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Few artists can tug on the heart strings singing about a Hot Dog Stand, but Begonia has that one in a million voice that can pull it off.  She added all the perfect ingredients for a great song... romance, love, and hotdogs.  

Begonia is the stage name for Alexa Dirks, who is also in a Canadian Band called Chic Gamine, which won a Juno Award for their self-titled album in 2009.  So, recently Alexa branched off on her own and released a solo album called Fear in 2019.  

Hot Dog Stand

Then in 2020, she realease the Fear Tour Live album, which included the song we are sharing today, called "Hot Dog Stand".  There's something about Begonia's voice that just sounds amazing live.  Hearing this song for the first time, it felt like angels were gently massaging our souls, the vibe her singing eminates is the epitome of cool.

So, whether it is a Vendor Stand or the actual treat themselves, we love listening to songs about Hot Dogs.  Whether it's Chicago style, New York style, or even Canadian toppings from the streets of Winnipeg, Hot Dogs are the quintessential Sandwich.

So, in honor of Begonia and Hot Dog Stands everywhere, please listen to this amazing song.

Hot Dog Stand by Begonia (2018)




We've added the information about her album "Fear" below.  If you want to check it out, the links are below the album cover.  

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Out of New Zealand in the 60s and 70s, The Le De Da's created an album in 1973 that was best known for it's incredible title.  Which leads us to the eternal question, what exactly is a Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich?  Does it contain cheese?  Is it tangy, sweet, sour, or very bland?  What type of dressing does it have?  So many questions about what constitues a Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich.

What is a Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich?

Maybe the album's songs would provide us with some clues.  The highest charting song from Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich was "The Place", released in 1974, and it reached #48 on the New Zealand charts.  The song's highlights are the robust guitar playing, and the singer's raspy vocals.  However, the song doesn't contain any lyrics about sandwiches, in fact, none of the songs do.  So, why call it Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich?  It's quite the conundrum.

We promise to solve this musical pickle, and figure out the ingredients of a Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich in a future article. Or maybe we'll just make our own rockin' two-breaded treat, with honey mustard and a guitar pick on the side.

As for the band, The La De Da's were also famous for launching what many consider to be the first Australasian rock concept album, The Happy Prince, in 1969.  After that, they released one more studio album, Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich, before breaking up in 1975.  The parting band members ended up playing with other bands and even released solo records of their own.

Ranking The Album's Songs

So, without further ado, here is our ranking of all the songs from Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich.  For an LP from the 70s, it has an exceptionally cool vibe and we highly recommend it for any classic rock affinado.

Songs From The La De Da's Album, Rock 'N' Roll Sandwich, Ranked (From Best to Average)

Bonus Video

For your listening pleasure, here is our favorite song from the album, "To Get Enough".



Side Note:  We left out the album's cover because we weren't sure exactly what was depicted in the artwork.

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We have been trying to figure out the meaning of Tanita Tikaram's song, Hot Pork Sandwiches, for a while now.  Is she cooking the sandwiches?  Or is it an analogy for something else?  We were hoping that by analyzing the song further, it would gives us some clues.

Who are Sandwiches For?

In the chorus, she sings the line, "Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?"  It's clear that she talking to someone, maybe a small gathering at her home with family or friends.  Then again, it might be an outdoor patio barbecue, or even the yearly family picnic. Wherever it may be, it must be a group setting, that much is clear.  

On the other hand, maybe she was cooking for herself, made too many, and now she's trying to give them away to random strangers on the street.  However, that part is unlikely.  In any event, it would really help to know who the Hot Pork Sandwiches are for, since it would help us interpret the song so much better.  So many questions and so few answers.

Hot Pork Sandwiches

One thing is certain, this is one of our Top 5 Favorite Sandwich Songs.  It's one of those songs we can play over and over, and not get bored.  Have a listen to it below.

Tanita Tikaram and Hot Pork Sandwiches (1990)



The Lyrics

Here are the lyrics to the song:

We don't talk about our better selves
As it is, I survive and survive so well

Yes, why'know it, hovering on the edge of life is so exciting
Baby, you can take me home
Because dinner is, dinner served alone

Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

And in the darkness of the avenue
Boys in sharp suits and smiles
Girls with their recipe for romance
Are wide-eyed to the child

And as the stars shine brightly over them
Love will blossom once again
It's hot, got that sizzle
It's sizzle, sizzle, sizzle 'til then

Taking home new apprentice
Clearer bubble always very hard to do
Because dinner is, dinner served for two

Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

And every mother, father and son
Chant little lullaby
For one and all to see
What life should be

Waiting for the chance to hear your life has changed
When baby you can take me home
Because dinner is, dinner served alone

Now I wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

Now, I wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled
Yes, I trust it's been freshly boiled, boiled

 

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How would we describe Hot Tuna?  Let's put it this way, if the Grateful Dead were a Sandwich, they would probably be called Hot Tuna.  They are a great band, started by former Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen (guitarist/vocals) and Jack Casady (bassist) in 1969¹. 

Humble Beginnings

It began as a side project to Jefferson Airplane, intended to mark time while Grace Slick recovered from throat node surgery that had left her unable to perform. The band's name came from someone Jorma Kaukonen referred to as a "witty wag" who called out, "hot tuna" after hearing the line 'What's that smell like fish, oh baby,' from the song "Keep On Truckin'."¹

Currently, Jorma Kaukonen and Vanessa Kaukonen own what is called The Fur Peace Ranch, located in Southeast Ohio, in Meigs County.³  They offer a series of courses including guitar playing and song writing. 

In addition, Jorma currently has a Quarantine Concert Series every Saturday night at 8 pm on Youtube.⁴   Check out their Youtube channel, the Quarantine Concerts are pretty amazing.

Bonus Videos

Now, here's the mellowest background music to play in your gazebo while cooking grilled hamburgers on an early Sunday afternoon.

The Water Song by Hot Tuna (1972)



Fire up that grill in the backyard, here's another classic Hot Tuna song, "True Religion".

True Religion by Hot Tuna (1972)