Do They Know It's Christmas?

Since I know it is already Christmas Eve in many places around the world, I thought "Do They Know It's Christmas" would be the perfect song for today.  Yes, it is Christmas time -- very magical, very happy, and I think the mere thought of the holiday brings a bright smile to the faces of so many of us as we think about gathering with our families and celebrating.  It definitely brings a smile to mine!

So, "Do They Know It's Christmas" was essentially a mega-hit in 1984.  As I listened to it a few times this evening in HD on YouTube, I realized that I never had the chorus correct in my mind!  I always thought they said, "We know....whoah oh oh...Let them know it's Christmas time."  But, in actuality, it;s "Feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time," or as it sounds to me when they sing the chorus, "Feed the wooooo---oooor---orld, let-them-know-it's-Christ-mas-time..."  I can't believe I had those lyrics wrong in my mind since 1984!  Wow.  The other amazing part with the HD version is that I could actually hear the bass line (on bass guitar).  This could be because of the HD, or because I am so much older know then when I was a 9-year-old beginning clarinetist (and by no means would have understood a bass line).  It could be both my age and the HD now, but I tell you, that is a one nice bass line.  And Phil Collins is really tearing it up on the drums! He must have had so much fun.

I think the best part of the song, for me at least, is the unique sound of each singer's voice.  They are each so distinctive and have such character.  As they sing in succession and then harmonize together, it's literally like a box of chocolates or a beautiful collage.  Each voice is a unique gem.  Paul Young, Boy George, George Michael, Sting, Simon Le Bon, Bono...and then some.  It's amazing.  As you watch the video, you can see instrumentalists from the various bands playing guitar and percussion together.  Gotta love that one member from Culture Club playing maracas at the end.  It's also nice to see everyone gathering with their kids, spouses, and significant others as the video progresses.  When the video first came out, I thought it was so cool when they showed the singers getting out of their cars all "dressed down and incognito" to go to the recording studio.  Now, I think the best part of the video is the music, so thank goodness for maturity!  Hope you enjoy this, and Merry Christmas!

(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection

So, I was looking on YouTube for some good acoustic versions of songs from the 80s when I stumbled upon the classic hit "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection" by Nelson.  I'm technically cheating again since it was released in 1990, but that's okay.  You can tell by the clothing styles in the video that the 1990s had arrived -- but with just a hint of '80s flare.  I think the first year of a new decade is kind of like a crux or a pivot.  So, you'll see lots of long, awesome rock star hair, tight jeans, leather, boots, and all that good stuff from the 80s, but with different colors and less teasing in the coiffures (more 90s).  I am still completely ga-ga over these guys' hairdos.  Their hair is amazing.  Hard to get past that, but...  

The song is really awesome.  Love that acoustic guitar, and the lyrics are really well-composed.  It's kind of like a nice narrative of this guy who is feeling ignored by a girl.  He's fallen for her, and she doesn't even know he exists.  But, he can't live without her love and affection.  He can't spend another night on his own.  How many times do we hear this in a song?  Well, probably quite a bit, and mostly in metaphors.  But, this is straight and to the point.  I am sure that when this song came out (and I was in high school), there were tons of girls screaming for Nelson's love and affection.  Anyway, this is just a nice tune that can make you smile -- especially if you think back to when it came on the radio.  Were you in high school?  Middle school?  Perhaps grown and married?  Whatever the case, it was "back in the day," and it is always nice to reminisce over a good tune with acoustic guitar and happy lyrics about love...and affection.

Jon Bon Jovi - Dead or Alive?

So, yesterday, a story broke out all over the web about Jon Bon Jovi's death.  Low and behold, it was a hoax.  Whew.  That is good news, but that was certainly not funny!  Can you imagine?  For all the die-hard Bon Jovi fans out there, well, this hoax was blasphemous.  I am so glad he is alive and well - and looking quite good, too.  He was not "shot through the heart."  Nope, he is at home in New Jersey getting ready for Christmas.  Meanwhile, "You Give Love a Bad Name" would be a good song for this event, but my favorite Bon Jovi song is "Livin' On A Prayer."  The story of Tommy and Gina is one that is so romantic, and all the women out there who were in love with Bon Jovi fell even more deeply in love after hearing this song.  The story of these two kids surviving tough times together on love and not money is just really sweet.

The video is pretty cool, too.  All those members of Bon Jovi flying around in harnesses -- wow!  I wish I could have seen them live back in the '80s.  Their hair was amazing, and those outfits were the pinnacle of rock and roll glamour.  They were one truly rockin' "hair band."  They were not all just good looks, though.  Jon's vocals were powerful, and the guitar and drums were pure '80s magic.  My absolute favorite part of the song is the awesome modulation at 3:52.  "We've gotta hold on...ready or not.  You live for the fight when it's all that you've got." KEY CHANGE!  "Whoah...we're halfway there... WHOA OH...livin' on a prayer..."  Totally awesome!  Hope you enjoy this tune.  Praise to Bon Jovi!

Heat of the Moment

This is definitely one of my favorite songs from the 80s.  For the longest time, I only paid attention to the chorus and assumed it was about a guy cheating on his girlfriend -- and perhaps asking for forgiveness.  I admit that I didn't really listen to the rest of the lyrics or even hear them (other than the line "and now you find yourself in '82").  I thought that line about "'82" was pretty cool since the song was released then, and it sounded so "futuristic."  Now it seems like ancient history...  Nevertheless, I read the lyrics to the song and some commentary, and now I realize that it is about a teenaged couple.  They must have had a very intense relationship, or at least as intense as teenaged relationship can be.  Anyway, the lead singer is sort of reminiscing about their younger days, and now they find themselves in '82 as adults.  He mentions some of her hopes and dreams from the past - "What were the things you wanted for yourself?  Teenage ambition you remember well..."  So, I think it conveys a message of encouragement for the woman to not grow old and loose sight of what was important to her.

Superfreak

Sorry I have been away for so long.  I was in Chicago all of last week for the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.  Yes, I realize I am a band geek.  Anyway, I came back this afternoon to find a reminder on Facebook about a "Rick James Behind the Music" episode airing tonight on VH-1.  Thought it would be the perfect opportunity to look at "Supefreak."

I imagine everyone in the world has heard this song - or at least the bassline.  MC Hammer sampled it in his hit "You Can't Touch This," so I am sure there are 80s and 90s kids who have heard this song in one way, shape or form.  Always amazes me when you hear sampling or a "remake" and the younger generation does not recognize the 80s tune within.  Anyway, "Superfreak" is kind of silly and giggly to those of us who grew up in the 80s.  We all know it is about an "adventurous" girl, but mostly, this song just has a very cool bassline.  It also has a pretty decent saxophone solo, which in the video clip I've included from "Solid Gold" is played mysteriously by someone not moving any fingers but rather his hips.  Hmmm.....   I think I have two favorite parts of this song: (1) the opening two lines, and (2) the "she's alright" operatic break.  I think I actually stopped listening carefully to the lyrics after the first to lines, because the word "mother" just resonated in Rick's delivery.  "She's a very kinky girl, the kind you don't take home to mothaaaaahhhh."  Yup, that is what I hear.  I then read a bit about the song, and Rick James described the "she's alright" part as "operatic." and I suppose it is.  I always thought of it more as "gospel" style.  "She's alright, she's alright, that girl's alright with me yeah."  Definitely a cool part.  Makes me wonder what the rest of the song would be like in that style, or maybe how his voice would have sounded on some gospel songs.  Well, I do hope you enjoy this song.  There is an official video, but I thought the "Solid Gold" one was pretty fun.

Anyway You Want It - Revisited

I wrote about the Journey song "Anyway You Want It" very early on when I first started this blog, because I absolutely love Journey - and this is my favorite of their songs. They have so many good tunes, most with more complex instrumentals and heavier (or more narrative) lyrics. But, alas, this is my favorite. It just has such kick with the tempo, the awesome guitar solo, the blend of the vocals from the band on the chorus, and of course, Steve Perry's lead vocals. Oh - I forgot about the cowbell. "More cowbell!" The cowbell is pretty cool. Definitely a must in 80s songs.

Of course, everyone knows what this song is about, which I really don't think is a big deal. I think the lyrics are perfect, and when you look at them, there are only two verses. The rest is all chorus. Kind of makes it like a chant or an anthem. The verses are also catchy, clear, and certainly easier to remember. I love when they sing "about the lovin' things." The "lovin' things" is just so awesome. Simple, cool, perfect - and still creative. Yeah! What a great expression. Steve Perry's voice is so powerful, and he has such a distinctive tone quality/color. I think the best vocalists really are those who have a unique sound. His is amazing. No matter what he sings, you know it's Steve Perry. And, even if he is singing an extended line of "ohhhh ohhhhh oh oh-oh oh-ohhhh" it really kicks. It would be my dream to see him perform live one day. Wow. The video for this song is very simple as well. Gotta love the jukebox and vinyl in the beginning. I had this album on vinyl! The rest of the video is simply Journey in the studio kickin' up some amps with this little tune. The band looks great, too. Steve Perry's hair is as almost as amazing as his voice. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this song and video. I could listen to it a million times. Never gets old. Enjoy!

9 to 5

Ahh...finally the work week has come to an end, and it is time to relax. I can't think of a better song to celebrate the week's end than Dolly Parton's "9 to 5," which was released in 1980. This song has always been one of my favorites because it has the best lyrics of any tune I've heard pertaining to working for the man. The movie is also hysterical, and it is at the top of my list of favorite movies as well. If you have not seen this movie, you should! Go rent it or watch it on your computer - it is one of the best comedies in the history of comedic films.

Lovin' Every Minute of It

I had completely forgotten about this song by Loverboy, and now all I can do is giggle. I seem to remember the chorus but hadn't paid much attention to the lyrics, which is often the case when I think about songs from the 80s. Often times, the chorus is so catchy - and it's all you remember. That's okay with this song, because the chorus really says it all. I took a look at the lyrics, and there are a couple of references to motors starting and rockets launching, so you get the picture. All in all, it's a fun song. Definitely kicks into overdrive and gets you going.

The video is most certainly a snapshot of the 80s in all its glory. Can you believe there is a telephone ringing in this video? A corded telephone, nonetheless. Wow. It seems like a million years ago that we were talking on telephones with cords - and even a real bell inside the phone. Anyone notice that the buttons actually made different pitches when you pushed them? I think that was the ultimate "cool" factor for those phones in the eyes of band geeks such as myself.

So, "Lovin' Every Minute of It" is really a fun tune that you can crank up when you are feeling like having a good laugh or just feeling kind of silly - or raunchy. Obviously, the lyrics have some funny metaphors, but there is no deep or hidden meaning. They were just lovin' every minute of writing this. I enjoy Loverboy's music, and this tune was a pleasant surprise from the time capsule. I have to say that "Working for the Weekend" is not only my favorite Loverboy song, but one of my favorite songs in general. I'm throwing the video into this post as well because I can't resist. "You want a piece of my heart? You better start from the start? You wanna be in the show? Come on baby, let's go!!!!"

Family Man

It's a quiet evening again in Becky's World. I wasn't sure what type of 80s song would be good for the night, but I wanted to find something different. There are so many choices between rock, pop, rap, R&B, dance - and the list goes on. Alas, I thought it would be interesting to look at something kind of quirky, so I was listening to "Family Man" by Hall and Oates. I always loved this song - probably because it had such a unique sound and was catchy in sort of a mysterious way. The song was released in 1983 and paints a picture of an encounter between a married man and a prostitute - hence the chorus. "He said 'leave me alone, I'm a family man, and my bark is much worse than my bite'..." When you read the lyrics alone, it's kind of funny. I suppose the phrase "leave me alone" could be delivered in many scenarios. I think about kids who are throwing a tantrum, or perhaps someone who is upset and stewing in self-pity. In this case, "leave me alone" is a cry of defense, which I think is sort of comical. After the story is basically done, and the prostitute walks away, the chorus says "then he screamed 'leave me alone, I'm a family man'..." So, I'm just picturing this stonewall married guy standing his ground and screaming to the prostitute. Leave me alone!!!! Hmm...

From a musical perspective, there are some excellent guitar lines in this song. In the video, you'll see (and hear) lead guitarist G.E. Smith, who later led the Saturday Night Live Band. I think my favorite element of the song is this sort of mysterious reverb/echo on the vocals. We hear this in Daryl Hall's lead vocals and also in parts of the chorus toward the end: "leave me alone.... ah ahah..." Catchy, strange, and cool all at the same time. The video is also pretty interesting - close up shots of Hall conveying the intrigue as he sings, lots of dancing by the family, and two video game-type characters (man and woman) to link the story. I still really enjoy this tune and the video. It's a unique sound and a very interesting story to portray in an 80s song. With all our political scandals today, it's funny to look back at this song and think about the screaming family man. Just kidding. Enjoy!

Kiss - Forever

Well, I have to say that I was curious to hear more Kiss songs after watching the clip of "I Was Made for Loving You" from the Kiss Symphony. I saw a clip of the song "Forever" from the Kiss Symphony performance, and I thought it was a beautiful song. For a song with such tenderness in the melody and lyrics, it was perfect to see the reduced orchestra for this one. The strings add so much in this setting - from the momentum in their swiftly pronounced steady quarter notes to the beauty of their sustained legato lines (especially the short counter melody and gorgeous harmonies).

After watching the performance with the Melbourne Symphony, I found the original video for the song, which I read was recorded in 1989 and released in 1990.  Doesn't really matter since Kiss is pretty much timeless with their body of musical works. The video really surprised me. It was so simple and so very touching. It was perfect. I really enjoyed seeing the group without make-up, playing together in a rather subdued setting. Looked like a group of friends really enjoying making music together. You'll catch Gene Simmons smiling several times, and it seems like such a warm smile. Of course, these are all my interpretations, but the music is great. The guitar solo is truly gorgeous, and the vocals are, well, simply perfect. One thing that really stood out to me was the drum playing. Wow. That was definitely some virtuoso drumming. I read that the drummer, Eric Carr, passed away at a very young age, which is truly sad. But, his legacy continues. He really rocked that set of Ludwigs - which also made me smile since I used to work for the company that owns Ludwig :) Their drums are terrific.

I Was Made for Loving You

Those crazy boxed Halloween costumes...

Okay - I have to admit that I was always a bit afraid of Kiss. When they were really at a highpoint in the music world, I was in kindergarten. I remember that year, and I was only 5. All of the boys in my kindergarten class dressed up as Kiss for Halloween, and it honestly scared the daylights of out me. Back in 1980, we had these horrible Halloween costume "sets." It was basically a plastic mask held on by a thin elastic strap stapled to each side and then a big, smelly, plastic/rubber smock as the costume. Ugh, they were awful, and the smock/dress costume thing always ripped. But, we had to have them!

That being said, I think it's alright to put "I Was Made for Loving You" into this blog, even though the song was released just a year earlier (1979). As I mentioned, I was always afraid of the band, so I didn't listen to much of their music even as an adult. Old habits die hard. Anyway, I was looking around the internet and discovered that Kiss performed in Australia in 2003 with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The performance was recorded, and a live album was released titled Kiss Symphony: Alive IV. Low and behold, I saw some videos from the show, and I was blown away by the performance of "I Was Made for Loving You." I read that the conductor of the Melbourne Symphony arranged the orchestral parts, which I am sure was no small task. The orchestra sounds AMAZING in this performance - powerhouse brass section, awesome strings playing swiftly together with perfect intonation. If was incredible. The orchestra really seemed to amp up the performance to a level that you wouldn't normally expect from a classical instrumental ensemble. Even better, the orchestra members were all wearing Kiss makeup! Even the wind players. It is so amazing. Wish I had that gig! There are just so many layers and tonal colors that orchestras have in and of themselves. When you add that to a rock band live on stage, well, the results are unbelievable.

Meanwhile, the song itself needs no interpretation. Lyrics are to the point and very clear, although it is kind of neat to think about two people being made for each other. We hear that as a cliché expression: "Oh, those two were made for each other." Kind of sounds syrupy-sweet and kind of cutesy. But, when Paul Stanley is up there with Kiss singing "I was made for loving you baby, you were made for loving me...I can't get enough of you baby, can you get enough of me..." it really packs a punch!!! Yeah! The performance is truly amazing in the video - orchestra, guitar solo, drums, vocals. It's insane. I especially love the punctuation of the lyrics with pyrotechnics toward the end..."I was made" BOOM, "You were made" BOOM, "Can't get enough" BOOM, "No I can't get enough" BOOM! Hope you enjoy this incredible performance!

867-5309

I heard this song twice today within one hour, so I thought it was definitely the perfect song of the day.  It's pretty straightforward.  There is a girl - this poor, poor girl named Jenny - and well, she is unfortunate enough to have her phone number on the wall in a men's bathroom.  How it got there, well, I suppose that can be debated.  Traditionally, if a girl's phone number is on the bathroom wall, well, she is (uh, shall we say) less than reputable.  However, I suspect that it only takes one unhappy camper to put a girl's name on the wall.  In fact, maybe a jealous girl snuck in to the bathroom and put Jenny's name there...

link to the 867-5309 video

Regardless of the case, we can follow the story through the video.  The video is really quite funny.  We see the band playing, which back in 1982 seemed just fine for a video.  They look like they are having fun, and I have to admit that it's been a while since I saw someone wear a bandana as a scarf.  That was definitely something stylish in the 80s.  We also see Jenny right in the beginning of the video.  She is beautiful for sure - looks like a real life Barbie with her long blond hair and pretty face.  The lyrics tell us that the lead singer could not muster up the courage to call Jenny because he was just too nervous.  Later in the video, we see him on the couch at his psychiatrist's office (played by his band mater).  He's talking about Jenny of course and recounts going to her house to peek into her window.  She's getting ready for bed - brushing that long, luxurious blond hair with a silver brush.  I've always wondered if anyone really did that.  I think it was just a staple for 80s movies and videos.  Anyway, he goes back to Jenny's house to peek in the window again, and he sees her kissing someone.  Low and behold, it's the psychiatrist.  The lead singer is carried off by the police and arrested for his peeping tom activity.

The video is on YouTube without sound, so I didn't paste it here.  But, you can see it on a different site.  If you'd like to watch it, here is the link to the 867-5309 video.  Enjoy!

To Be With You

I'm cheating a bit here since this song was written in 1991, but the band Mr. Big was formed in 1988, so I think it's okay :) "To Be with You" is one of my all time favorite songs of any decade.  It's definitely a tune that you can enjoy, and it won't have any intense or weird effects on you - no heart palpitations or feelings of anxiousness, no sadness, no sense of urgency to get up and run around or dance like a maniac.  Nope, it's just a nice little song with beautiful vocals, acoustic guitars, and a touch of bass drum (not a concert bass for fellow band geeks, but rather a drum set bass).  This song is really touching in its simplicity, and it is a perfect package of melody and harmony.  The guitar lines are played with such beauty and sensitivity - especially in the big guitar solo.  It's so crisp and clear, too.  The lead vocals are perfect.  The sound quality of the lead singer's voice is just perfect - mellow, strong, and delivered with sincerity.  Also, this song has one of the most awesome modulations ever (at 2:26 in the video).  For non-music geeks, that's a fancy term for "key change."

The video is simple as well, and it is completely fitting for the song.  When you hear the song on the radio, you can almost picture a band just sitting down to sing a nice, mellow tune about love.  The video captures that picture perfectly.  The guys in the band are really handsome as well, and their hair is amazing.  That's probably neither here nor there as far as the music is concerned, but it does show that they have a sense of uniqueness in their style.  I think they helped us transition smoothly from the 80s to the 90s with their look.  It's always a bit weird in the first year of a new decade.  Older styles seem to carry over a bit as new ones develop, but I really feel that the look and sound of this group is timeless. 

So, you've probably figured out the basic story line from the lyrics, which are delivered beautifully through the lead vocals.  A young woman is broken-hearted, and the guy is giving her reassurance that everything will be okay.  Not only that, but he is telling her to essentially keep her chin up, and.... drum roll please... he is the one who wants to be with her!  Yes!  Well, I hope she feels it, too.  It's not everyday that Prince Charming comes along and rescues you from heartbreak--extending his hand and carrying you off into the sunset.  So, go for it!  Hold on little girl, this guy is the one who wants to be with you.  So let him be the one to show you... You can make his life worthwhile...he can make you start to smile.  Sounds good to me! :)

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Tonight felt like a great night for something different as far as a tune of the day.  I looked through a couple of things on YouTube, and there were endless possibilities.  So much repertoire from the 80s and so many genres.  I thought about someone whose name "ain't baby - it's Janet...Ms. Jackson if you're nasty..."  Of course, I am referring to the one and only Ms. Janet Jackson.  I was so completely crazed by her music back in the 80s.  I think we all were to some degree.  We watched her musical style develop throughout the decade and well into the 90s - and then into the 21st century.  Long before her musical career, she played Penny on "Good Times" and Charlene on "Different Strokes."  I loved watching those shows.  Penny was so cute, and I think every teenaged girl wanted to be as pretty and sophisticated as Charlene.  Ms, Jackson is a legend indeed.  I could probably pick a good dozen of her songs, because they are all terrific.  Thought I would take a look at "What Have You Done for Me Lately" just for fun.

This song is still as fresh and vibrant as it was in 1986.  The beat is crisp and really contagious.  It's hard to listen to this song and not want to pop out of the chair and break it down.  I had forgotten about the video and how it is basically a "dance off" between Janet and the "deadbeat boyfriend" - although who can be a deadbeat if they dance that well?  Perhaps Ms. Jackson wrote the lyrics with great accuracy and attention to the attributes (or lack thereof) of the deadbeat dude.  When it came time to plan the video, maybe she wanted to just have some fun.  It's a really interesting juxtaposition of fun, upbeat dancing and lyrics about some guy who you'd just want to kick to the curb.  I also did not realize that Paula Abdul was in this video.  I knew she was in the "Nasty" video, playing the role of Janet's best bud.  Once again, Ms. Abdul appears in this video as Janet's friend, conversing with her in the beginning and asking, "what has he done for you lately..."  Paula Abdul worked with Janet for several years as her choreographer, so it was pretty cool to see her in the video as one of the "characters."  We all know that she went on to release some of her own recordings, but that will be a topic for another day.

I hope you enjoy this video.  It is truly a classic with the fashions and dancing.  I am still amazed at that crazy shoulder move.  In fact, I am in awe.  My shoulders would not move like that even if I asked them politely.  The outfits are pretty funny, too - especially the "big shirts."  Anyone remember "big shirts?"  I absolutely had to have them when I was in middle school.  We looked high and low for them, and when I found them at the local department store, I grabbed two (one pink with blue geometric shapes, and one blue with pink geometric shapes).  Pretty awesome!  Today they seem a bit odd, and I hope they don't come back in style, but if they did, well...yeah, I'd be the first in line.  No shoulder pads, please.  Those can stay in the time capsule of fashion.