This was a rough day, the first one in a while that produced no viable contenders (loosely defined as a song that averaged in the high 7s or above 8).  Plenty of those in M1 and M2.  Nevertheless, today’s podium features an early hip-hop song, a reggae song, a grunge anthem, a melodic folk-rock tune or a ska song, and a nice mixture of classic and 90s rock in the remaining 2 matches.  That’s what this tournament’s all about.

Rapper’s Delight (Sugarhill Gang) def. Material Girl (Madonna), 98-87.  Like a Prayer will represent Madonna in the Round of 256.

The Harder They Come (Jimmy Cliff) def. I Can Hear Music (Beach Boys), 90-70.  Some of you questioned the inclusion of this Beach Boys song.  Since 4 of their songs are already advancing, I thought it would be a nice twist to include this sleeper tune from their mid-60s portfolio rather than a surfing hit.  The Violent Femmes agree with me- check out the fadeout coda from “American Music”.

California Stars (Wilco) def. The Impression That I Get (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) , 97-91.

Jeremy (Pearl Jam) def. Subterranean Homesick Blues (Bob Dylan), 88.5-87.  Dylan drops to 3-5 this round, with one song left.  Pearl Jam improves to 2-0.

Rock ‘n Roll N***** (Patti Smith) def. Heart Shaped Box (Nirvana), 89.5-87.5.

Brown Sugar (Rolling Stones) def. Peaches (POTUS).  95-90.5.