I see that my trivia question was even less of a hit than Marc Cohn’s “29 Ways”. Now that we know the two-digit prime number in question is indeed 29, I’ll reveal the second song. It’s simply titled “29” and it’s from the Gin Blossoms, released in 1992 as part of their New Miserable Experience album. It’s easy to forget what a big deal these guys were for a few years, as the NME album went quadruple platinum. It featured hits such as “Hey Jealousy”, “Follow You Down”, and “Found Out About You”.
I saw the Gin Blossoms in concert a couple of times, since it felt like they were playing in Va. Beach or Norfolk about every other week. They were part of a steady rotation of post-grunge alternative rock acts that came through, including Toad the Wet Sprocket, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Better Than Ezra, Blues Traveler, the Bodeans, Smithereens, and others I’m sure I’m forgetting. I was rarely sober for any of these shows. I had a friend who didn’t drink and was happy to be designated driver, so I took full advantage. Those were my Roy Tucker-lite years. Ah, the (hazy) memories.
Sadly, songwriter and guitarist Doug Hopkins committed suicide in 1993 at age 32, following a long battle with mental health issues and alcoholism. The band would go on to have a few more hits but nothing approaching the success of New Miserable Experience.
https://youtu.be/Gq7psoiaBkw?si=gv71Wryo9jcu7c3c
The third and final song in answer to this question was released by an all-time rock icon. Can anyone name the song and performer?