Bad Reputation

I wasn't sure what to write about this evening, so I started browsing through some tunes from 1980.  Have to say that I wasn't too excited about any one of them in particular tonight.  In fact, I think I found some of them to be a little on the cheesy side.  It's no fault to the singers, though, because even someone like Diana Ross can get stuck with a tune that is just downright silly.  Sometimes, it just happens...

Anyway, somehow I came across Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation," which was written just one year later in 1981.  Now, this is a classic tune that just about sums it up for me.  Yeah, I don't give a d@mn 'bout my reputation either, so this is perfect!  I'm just a clarinet player and not anywhere near as rockingly awesome as Joan Jett, but this message is probably shared by more than you'd think.  I noticed recently that Miley Cyrus covered this tune, and I even saw a video of her performing with Joan Jett.  Poor Joan.  No offense to anyone's creativity or artistic freedom, but Miley Cyrus?  Come on.  All I can think about is bubble gum and popcorn.  I just don't see Miley coming anywhere close to the renegade spirit of Joan Jett.  Teenaged rebellion just isn't the same, and I don't think Miley's hairdos or tattoos really are all that shockingly rebellious.  Anyway, back to Joan Jett.  SHE ROCKS!  Yup -- that about says it all.  The song was inspired by her search for a record company and the advice given to her by her producer Kenny Laguna.  She wasn't going to change for anyone, regardless of how many companies wouldn't sign her because of her "bad reputation."  Yeah -- right on, Joan.  I hear you loud and clear.  That message is so meaningful today -- and probably shared by even more than it was in 1981.  Let's face it, there is so much nonsense in the world today, and so many people talking about what is politically correct or not. Sometimes, you just have to say, "I don't give a d@mn" about what people think.  "A girl can do what she wants to do, and that's what I'm gonna do!"  You can, too -- just turn this tune on and crank it up!

Fleetwood Mac Tour - "Dreams" Can Come True

The other day I was driving home from work and heard this fabulous Fleetwood Mac tune on the radio.  I've probably heard it a million times, and you know, I never bothered to find out what the name was.  Sheesh.  After all these years, all I knew was "Thunder only happens when it's raining..."  Well, those are the lyrics in the chorus, but the title is actually "Dreams."  Yup.  I'm sure just about everyone in the world knew this except me  -- until now!  But, the nice thing about Fleetwood Mac is that their songs are so amazing lyrically that the title can escape you from time to time.  Certainly not like canned pop where the title can be very obvious and perhaps even the most prevalent line.  Anyway, I thought it would be perfect to post this since it was just announced that Fleetwood Mac will be touring in 2013.  YES!  I have to see them.  I think their first dates are in April, and they will begin rehearsals in February.

Meanwhile, this song was written in 1977, so I cheat once again here, but hey, Fleetwood Mac is a legendary group that spans the decades.  They haven't had a dull moment in over 30 years, so it seems perfectly fine to include them here.  I have to say that I hadn't really listened to the lyrics carefully until this evening, but as I thought about it, I figured it would be something heavy.  "Thunder only happens when it's raining..."  Yeah, I should have known it was about heartbreak.  Amazing how they can mask that in this amazingly soothing tune that seems perfectly slotted musically.  Kind of like trumpet players when they talk about how a trumpet "slots."  Kind of hard to explain, but in a nutshell, it means everything falls into place.  I am mesmerized at how Stevie Nicks sings this in such a calming, soothing tone -- almost like a lullaby.  Hmmm...  maybe that was her remedy for a broken heart.  Anyway, this video of their live performance is more perfect than ever.  I hadn't realized Mick Fleetwood could tear up the drums like that.  Wow.  Amazing as always.  Hope I get to see them!

Pat Benatar Live in NH

Finishing up with the series of concert videos here.  Pat Benatar was actually the second act to go on for the concert with Loverboy and Journey.  There was quite a long intermission to change the stage set after Loverboy and before Pat Benatar, yet oddly enough, she did not have an elaborate stage set at all.  Nope -- just Pat and her husband Neil Giraldo (on guitar) as the main focus.  When she came out on stage, it was quite thrilling.  Such a tiny lady with a huge voice -- and so much mystique and rock and roll power!  I remember seeing an interview with her, and the interviewer asked, "So how can we be as cool as you?"  She said, "it's all in the pointing," and proceeded to demonstrate her famous awesomely cool pointing technique.  I believe she said that it "makes you look tough."  Works for me!  I'm going to practice that now.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these videos.  I am so glad I saw her -- finally!

Journey Live in NH

Well, somehow time has escaped me again, and I am ashamed that it has been a month since I went to see Journey, Loverboy, and Pat Benatar in Manchester, NH.  I took several short videos with my Blackberry but had trouble uploading them directly from my computer -- so I added them to my YouTube channel.  I know they aren't the clearest or the best quality, but I think they certainly capture the excitement and general essence of the concert.  I can't tell you how blown away I was when Journey took the stage.  They basically exploded onto the stage with "Anyway You Want It."  I honestly felt like I was going to pop out of my seat - which I did!  I stood for their whole set, just mesmerized in a Journey trance.  The new lead singer is so full of energy, and the veteran band members are nothing short of amazing.  I hope you enjoy the videos!

Loverboy Live!

So -- it has again been much too long since my last post.  I apologize and have something special to post now!  Last night, I went to hear Journey, Pat Benatar, and Loverboy.  I have about 8 videos total, so here is the one of Loverboy's "Turn Me Loose."  I thought I had recorded "Working for the Weekend," but it didn't record.  Oh well.  It was really my first try at recording anything in length with the Blackberry.  It was a GREAT show.  Go see them if you can!

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

This post is for Mike!  Mike had commented on my last entry that I hadn't written about Cyndi Lauper, who was an important fixture on the '80s scene.  Well, when I was in 5th grade, she released the album "She's So Unusual."  The year was 1984 I believe.  I absolutely LOVED that album and listened to it over and over.  That was about the time when I think I was first allowed to have slumber parties, which were SO much fun.  Yup -- just invite a handful of your closest (girl) friends over, have pizza, snacks, put the records on, and dance and sing (or lip sync) into the wee hours.  Sleeping bags were there, but not really for sleeping -- more for giggling and storytelling in the dark.  Boy, those were some fun times.  It was just after we had started band, so all of my closest girlfriends were in band with me.  Good times!  Needless to say, my "She's So Unusual" LP was full of skips -- you know, from when you're dancing around and the needle skips and scratches across the vinyl.

Ancient Artifact - Corded Telephone

Anyway, this song is so notorious.  I read that this video won the very first award for best video by a female artist on the 1984 MTV Video Music awards.  I am not surprised.  I probably watched the show, too.   I remember waiting anxiously every year for it.  Seems that around that time, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna were neck and neck competitors.  Newsweek thought that Cyndi would eclipse Madonna, who they called the "Trash Heap Queen."  Ah, yes, well, Madonna was also queen of re-invention and crafty marketing, so I think she gained more notoriety and sold more records, but Cyndi was always my idol.  Her hair was just so amazing with its flaming red color (along with all the other colors throughout time).  The video is terrific, too.  I think I read somewhere that Cyndi's mother is in all of her videos, and it's true.  Her mom always looked so kind and endearing.  Captain Lou Albano played her father, and the video is one giant feel-good dance party.  In fact, at the end of the video, she brings all of Manhattan into her bedroom for a dance party.  I know it isn't all of the city, but it seems like it to her parents.  I love the part where the guy comes in with flowers looking for her.  He says, "Cyndi? Cyndi?"  You can really see him mouth the words.  Then, as was the case in the '80s, we see Captain Lou peeking through the keyhole to see what's going on in there.  The vision of Cyndi and the boy embracing makes him irate, he opens the door, and everyone falls out.  It's pretty funny.  But, I really think aside from the guy mouthing "Cyndi," my favorite part is the telephone sequence.  Remember telephones with cords?  Amazing.  I also think this is a perfect video in the midst of all the "binders full of women" satires.  Yup, this is one video binder full of women.  So, Governor Romney, if you are looking for some female "folks," call Cyndi!

Time (Clock of the Heart)

This evening I was looking for an '80s song with a saxophone solo -- only because I just felt like hearing some good ol' '80s style pop sax.  Seems like every song in the decade had saxophone, but when I looked up a list on Songfacts, I was quite disappointed.  Seemed like the list was way too short.  Somehow, I stumbled on to Time (Clock of the Heart) by Culture Club.  This tune has a huge sax solo which I had forgotten about, so bingo -- I fulfilled my wish.  I had guesstimated that the song was released in 1985, but boy was I off.  It was released in 1982, which meant I was pretty young.  In fact, it was my pre-clarinet time, and I think I was in the third grade.  That all may seem inconsequential, but it helps make sense of my perspective.  I remember when Culture Club came out in the U.S., and they seemed really different.  Boy George was a guy?  Woman?  We didn't really know.  Funny thing was, it didn't seem to matter back then.  There were plenty of male rock and pop singers wearing make-up, and that was alright.  They looked good.  Boy George wore a bit more color, and I guess we knew he was a guy, but he was a pop singer, so really, rules didn't exactly apply.

Anyway, I listened to the song this evening and couldn't believe how awesome the bass guitar line was in this.  How could I have missed this all these years?  Well, as mentioned, the song came out before my clarinet playing, so I wasn't really keen on things like that.  In fact, a "bass line" would have been completely foreign to my ears and musical knowledge at that time.  Now, it is certainly prominent, and it's a darn good one.  I also like the synthesized strings in the beginning with a touch of bells.  I bet Culture Club could perform with a live orchestra, and this would sound terrific.  It's hard to put your finger on just what makes British music from this time so distinctive, but I think it's difficult because the music seems to have a mix of so many stylistic elements.  The vocal harmonies (complete with back-up singers) seem to hint at R&B style, and the relaxed strings are almost reminiscent of '70s dance music.  And, of course, the saxophone solo definitely gives it a Top 40, pop feel.  I really like this song, regardless of everything that one might think about the group now -- and Boy George.  The lyrics are pretty straightforward, too.  Sounds like it's about a relationship that didn't work out, but the cool bass line makes it seem all okay.  "And time makes lovers feel, like they've got somethin' real..."  Yeah!  You know how much I love when song lyrics include words like "lovers" and "romance" or "romancing."  It's all so glamorous and unrealistic for regular speech.  Thank goodness for the '80s...  Gotta love those clocks in the video, too.  Swatch watch, anyone?  Let me grab my three and put them all on the same arm ;)

These little plastic watches were so expensive, but we had to have them!

Sister Christian

This Night Ranger tune from 1983 is undoubtedly one of THE absolute best '80s anthems.  I can't believe I haven't already posted about it, but there's no time like the present -- especially since it's late at night and the song is by Night Ranger ;)  Anyway, this song was written by the band's drummer, Kelly Keagy, about his younger sister. She was 10 years younger, and so he wrote about how she was growing up so fast -- just like the lyrics say.  Yeah, I can understand this since I have two siblings who are much younger.  So, this particular tune is poignant and sweet, or maybe bittersweet.  It's hard to watch your little sister or brother grow up, but hey, what better way to express yourself than in song, right?  This song has such a beautiful piano intro, and the vocals are strong and clear.  As we get further along toward the chorus, the guitar comes in with a kind of "motoring" pulse accompanied by the drums, and then bam!  "You're motoring...what's your price for flight...in finding Mister Right...you'll be alright tonight."  I have to say, that is right on.  It gets everyone up and rocking, but I have to say that this part of the song was kind of ruined for me with "Boogie Nights."  You know the scene I'm talking about?  The drugged up crazy dude playing air guitar and singing to this?  Well, I am going to listen to this song over and over and push that image further and further away!

The video for this tune is also nicely produced and goes well with the song's lyrics.  I always wonder, though, why is it that high school always looks so much cooler on film?  Whether it's a movie, television show, or music video, I tell you -- high school in those arenas looks so much more exciting and glamorous than mine ever was.  Oh well.  I guess if I really use my imagination, I can think of my high school days in slow motion or some other cinematic way to make it better.  Well, no motoring for me when I was that age.  I took the bus and spent my nights at home playing clarinet -- oh, and listening to '80s music :)

Broken Arrow

Well, it's pretty late here in Becky's World, but I wanted to make sure to write this evening.  I am trying to get back into the habit of writing daily.  So, I think I can just sneak in if I type pretty fast!

This weekend, I found an entertainment news page on the web that had excerpts from Rod Stewart's new book.  Unfortunately, I am not sure of the title, but it's his memoir.  In the article I read, there were several snippets of Rod discussing the women in his life, including his first and second wives.  The excerpts in his article ended with him meeting Rachel Hunter, who was his third wife.  He talked about all the women he romanced -- and how he just couldn't seem to stop, no matter how hard he tried or how much he loved his wives.  Well, I guess I can't say I feel badly for him, but if he was really that weak, I guess maybe...  Anyway, we know his discography is huge and spans several decades.  I thought it would be nice to look at "Broken Arrow," which was written by Robbie Robertson in 1987 and recorded by Stewart in 1991.  Low and behold, I found out yet again that I had the wrong lyrics in my head all these years.  I thought he sang, "Who else is gonna bring you, a broken arrow...who else is gonna bring you, a bottle of wine..."  Yeah, but the end of the second line is "who else is gonna bring you, a bottle of rain."  Well, now I am not sure what to think.  A bottle of rain?  Still sounds overall like a love song.  You know, typical scenario -- he's deeply in love with a woman, he wants to breathe when she breathes, he'll get to her if he has to crawl, he can't be held with these iron walls...  You get the point even with me taking bits and pieces of the lyrics and putting them together.  Since it's Robertson's song, it is definitely different in a poetic sense, but I think it matches Rod's persona and artistic style just perfectly.  Check out the video above -- you'll notice Rachel Hunter there.  So, maybe this all came together as he was falling for her (I've lost track).  Whatever the case, great song, nice video, and kudos to Mr. Stewart on this cover.  Nicely done.

The Search is Over

Okay, I realize I am delinquent again in my blogging.  Bad, bad Becky...  I have no excuse.  In fact, I blog for my company every week -- four blogs in fact.  I think that's why I get so pooped out by the time I get home.  What's funny is that I started that part of my job because of this blog, so...  I better get back to this!

Anyway, I have wanted to write about Survivor's "The Search is Over" for quite some time.  It is truly a beautiful song, and the more I listen to it, the more I like it.  I thought the lead singer had written it, but it turns out that Jim Peterik did.  I didn't know much about Jim, so I did a bit of research.  Of course, I came across his Facebook page and several photos with Mindi Abair, which made me very jealous.  I am a single reed player, too, but I will probably never have the chance to hob-nob with rock royalty like she does now.  Alas, I will get over my jealousy.  There's still time.  Ann Wilson plays flute, and I work for a flute company, so...

Anyway, back to the song.  Can you believe that for the longest time, I had the wrong lyrics in my head?  Yeah, amazing, I know.  Just kidding.  I think by now we all know that this often times happens to me.  In this tune, I always thought at the chorus Jamison sang, "I was living for Audrey...."  I thought, "Well, who's Audrey?"  Then, I realized it was, "I was living for a dream..."  A ha!  The search was over for the lyrics!  Now it all made sense.  The song is about a man who is searching for love just about all over the place when it really was in front of him the whole time.  Yup, he had a very good female friend whose love and devotion he took for granted so to say.  He really considered her to be "just a friend" and not a "girlfriend."  Finally, he realized she was "the one," and the search was over!  Just like that!  And, even to this very moment in time, I find myself correcting another lyric.  Yup -- "taking on the world...that was just my style."  I always thought the lyric was "taking our love away...that was just my style."  Wow.  Living for Audrey and taking our love away?  Sheesh.  I'm glad I listened to this a few more bazillion times.  I hope, at least, that I have listened to it more times than the man in the song searched for love...

Rock of Ages

Somehow time has escaped me again, and it has been two weeks since my last post.  Yikes.  Well, at least I can say that this evening I have found a timeless '80s rock anthem to remedy my bad sense of time as of late.  "Rock of Ages"was released by Def Leppard in 1983 and has always been one of my favorites.  "I'm burnin', burnin', I got the fever -- I know for sure, there ain't no cure."  Indeed!  Rock on, Def Leppard!  I have to say that that is my favorite line from the whole song.  The video for this is also pretty interesting and is full of all kinds of religious and mythological symbols.  Yup, we've got monks, a reverse time-lapse broken chalice of wine, a sword in a stone, and well, I think Joan of Ark (I can't really tell).  It's all cool and very fun, although Joe Elliott wrote retrospectively that he found the video to be rather silly.  I disagree.  Well, maybe it is kind of silly, but it still rocks.

OWWW -- or owl?

The video ads quite a bit to the song, too, especially when you watch the whole band chanting the chorus.  I'm also completely jealous of the lead guitarist's ability to lip sync along with his guitar solo.  Now, that is something that is just not possible with wind instruments.  Anyway, I really do enjoy this video, and there's a whole lot of hub-ub out there about the introductory four words.  I think the words really are gibberish, so I won't debate, dissect, or split hairs about what is going on with that intro.  Sometimes, you just need some nonsensical line to keep people guessing.  But, I do wonder it Joe Elliott is really singing "owwwww" in the beginning or "owl" -- especially since the image of an owl appears right before this exclamation.  Hmm.... Now that is something I will ponder...

I Can't Wait - Nu Shooz

Well, it's getting pretty late, and I wanted to write about something this evening.  I guess I got distracted chatting on the phone with friends, but that is always a nice distraction in my opinion!  I thought about a couple of songs but still had the Stevie Nicks "I Can't Wait" on my mind, so I thought I would take a look at the Nu Shooz version.  Somehow, I thought the group was international (from Sweden or something) but in actuality, they are from Portland, Oregon.  I read that they were picked up by a Dutch record label, who did a re-mix and then helped them top the charts in the U.S. and around the world.

This song was released in 1986 -- when I was in middle school.  I was probably in 6th grade, and I loved this tune.  Listening to it always makes me smile and think of school dances.  Watching the video today was a bit sad though, because I found myself becoming bored about two-thirds of the way through.  The dog with goggles in the beginning of the video is neat, but that's about it.  The rest of the video is a bit odd and disjunct, with magnets floating around and so forth.  The lead singer did have some amazing shoulder pads in her jacket, though.  I guess all in all this song is best on the radio.  It's the kind of tune you have to enjoy without a video.  It has some very interesting sonic elements -- chimes, bells, all kinds of synthesizers, interjections of an awesome brass and sax section, and a pretty groovy guitar ostimato (with a nice little bass guitar bit thrown in the mix).  Not much else I can say other than I think it must have been fun to mix this all up in the studio!

I Can't Wait - Stevie Nicks

I had to make sure to put "Stevie Nicks" after the title of this song, because there is another song with the same title which was released around the same time by the group Nu Shooz.  Stevie's song was released in 1985 just four weeks before the Nu Shooz tune (in 1986).  In fact, I hate to say it, but the Nu Shooz song comes to mind when I hear the title.  I happened to find the Stevie Nicks song on YouTube courtesy of YouTube's shuffle o' suggested videos based on my browsing.  I couldn't believe that I had forgotten about this song.  I think I may have heard it once before in 1985 -- maybe twice.  It was definitely familiar, although I don't recall it being in heavy rotation on MTV.

So, if you do not know this song -- check it out.  It is electrifying.  In fact, I would consider it "Stevie Nicks plugged in" -- as opposed to "unplugged."  It is pretty heavy on the synthesizers and drum machines, but it still seems to work for her.  I wonder how it would sound in an acoustic performance with lots of percussion and just a guitar and keyboard.  I know that's not really truly acoustic, but it would be interesting.  Stevie has such a powerful voice, and it doesn't get lost here, but I think it would be great to hear it leading the instrumentals.  In this version, her voice is truly electric -- powerful and exciting, as if it was amplified by some magic electricity.  The synthesizers added to her vocals make the song burst with energy.  Meanwhile, the lyrics are very classic for Ms. Nicks.  She sings about a man she can't wait to see.  She's sitting there thinking about him -- talking to him in her dreams.  The tempo of the song coupled with the lyrics makes the listener feel just as full of anticipation as the singer.  I think my favorite part is when she sings, "she wonders how many more hours her heart will feel broken."  It's interesting, because the song is so upbeat -- that lyric just kind of sneaks in.  Anyway, check out this tune -- not much more I can say other than WOW.  If you like "Stand Back," this video is like that times 10.  In fact, I think she may have on the same dress that she wore in the "Stand Back" video.  So, stand back and get ready to be blown away by the electrical fire of Stevie Nicks in this tune!

Let the Music Play

I think anyone who has not heard Shannon's "Let the Music Play" must have been hiding under a rock during the 80s -- and maybe even beyond.  This song was a huge hit when it was released in 1983, and I honestly think it has not lost one bit of momentum since that time.  It was considered the first "freestyle" song due to it's Latin-inspired rhythms, synthesizer, and drum machine beats.  I still struggle with what "freestyle" is, but that's okay, because this song is a winner.  I challenge anyone to listen and not get up and dance!

Meanwhile, I paid some attention to the lyrics back in the day -- although I reviewed them again this evening.  Aside from the chorus, I distinctly remember, "Guess he discovered we are truly lovers, magic from the very start..."  Something about "magic" and the word "lovers" in songs does it for me.  I mean, they are both great -- right?  I love the idea of "magic," and "lovers" is just kind of a word that can live in a song lyric.  We don't really use it much in casual speech, though.  I mean, you wouldn't hear someone say, "yes, they are lovers" or "hello, I'd like you to meet my lover" -- although it works really well in songs.  And, little did I know that love actually speaks in this song as well!  Shannon sings, "We started dancing and love put us into a groove...but now he's with somebody new...what does love want me to do?  Love said -- let the music play...he won't get away...just keep the groove and then he'll come back to you again..."  WOW!  I must have missed "love said" after all these years -- or maybe I heard it and assumed it was the wrong lyric.  Well -- thank goodness!  Love has spoken.  Listen to love -- love knows best!  Let the music play!  From now on, I will listen to love.

As for the video, it's pretty simple.  As a young girl, I was mesmerized by Shannon putting on lipstick with a brush in the beginning.  Simple things wowed me as a child.  The video is pretty simple, too, with Shannon front and center and some ballet-type dancers in the background.  The simplicity makes sense, because the song stands oh-so-well on its own.  She could be singing outdoors in the streets of New York, and it would be just as amazing.  This groove you can't ignore -- that's for sure.  Enjoy!

Good, Bad, and Love Sensations

This evening, I decided to look at some songs from 1983.  It seemed like a quiet year to my recollection, because I didn't seem to remember anything really big from that time.  So, I looked at a list of songs and was surprised to see so many that I can remember scaring the daylights out of me when I was younger.  Granted, I wasn't even 10 in 1983.  In fact, I hadn't started playing clarinet yet, so I was pretty young.  Needless to say, many songs from that year scared me for various reasons.  I revisited one this evening and decided to pass -- because I was still scared -- almost 30 years later!

Oddly enough, what scared me in a figurative sense was that somehow I stumbled upon the music of Samantha Fox.  Yeah.  Back in '87 and '88, when I was in middle school, she was the bomb for sure.  Guys drooled over her, and all the girls wanted to be just like her.  We danced around and sang her songs -- we had no idea what they were about.  I distinctly remember that we found it to be so cool that she was from England.  Back in the '80s, it was also very hip to have short spoken parts in songs -- and she always had those.  It was just too cool to have spoken words by someone from England!  (Well, at least for us teeny boppers stateside).  Unfortunately, I listened to her songs once again tonight and watched the videos.  Yeah, I could see why we thought they were cool.  She always had this hip jeans jacket and lots of great dancing in the videos (although nothing nearly as complex as Janet Jackson).  She even had blond hair that was dyed pink underneath in her "Naughty Girls Need Love" video.  I watched that one, "Touch Me," "I Wanna Have Some Fun," and "Love House."  I have to say that they were all pretty awful (I hope I don't get struck by lightening for saying that!).  Thank goodness she had the group Full Force to back her up in some of those.  Whew.  At least that made things somewhat more vocally and musically complex.  Meanwhile, I forgot that "Love House" creeped me out.  There's a spoken part in it -- kind of Vincent Price-esque -- that says, "Want to visit the house?"  CREEPY!  Of course, then Samantha Fox says, "Ici Samantha! Oui oui!"  Well, that did it.  Fright was scared away by cheese.  Anyway, I felt my ears had melted a bit after all this terrible pop.  To think that I loved it when I was in middle school!  Gosh -- what did I know?  Thank goodness I went on to become a trained musician.  I read that "I Wanna Have Some Fun" sampled Loleatta Holloway's "Love Sensation," which I had never heard (the tune, that is).  I actually heard bits of it sampled in Marky Mark's "Good Vibrations" and in some Black Box tune.  "Love Sensation" was released in 1980, so it just made it to this blog!  I had to listen to it a few times to cleanse my ears, and I decided to put it in this post.  Now, this is a real tune with awesome, full-bodied vocals and amazing instrumentals.  I thought my computer was going to pop from that awesome trombone playing.  If this tune doesn't make you want to get up and dance -- or at least jam in your Lazy Boy, then there may be no hope.  Enjoy!

Careless Whispers

Okay -- I did that on purpose.  We ALL know that the name of this tune is "Careless Whisper" -- especially after all the recent attention it's gotten from "Sexy Sax Man."  Can you believe that when I was at the 2012 NAMM Show, "Sexy Sax Man" came by our booth and did his schtick right across the aisle?  I thought, "UGH."  Not sure if it was his sax playing or the fact that I was sick from the infamous salmonella incident.  I apologize -- please do not let me ruin your opinion of the song with that image.  I have to say that I do enjoy the song and feel that George Michael's voice is so smooth and beautiful -- and versatile.  I can't think of one George Michael or Wham! tune that I didn't like.  Yeah, I'm not embarrassed to admit it -- even "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go."  I guess it all boils down to the fact that I was in middle school in 1984.  Can you believe George Michael and Tina Turner were on top of the charts at the very same time?  Amazing  And, just for the record, I titled this post "Careless Whispers" because that is what a caller on the Delilah show requested this evening.  We all know what he meant.  Seems kind of charming in a sense -- sort of like when you hear people say "Victoria's Secrets."

Anyway, George Michael had some terrific tunes -- "Freedom," "Father Figure," "Faith," and the list goes on.  Inspite of the extremely cheesy sax solo in this tune, there are some wonderful additional instrumentals -- like the beautiful acoustic guitar.  It compliments George's voice so perfectly, and I swear I even hear some soft bongos in the tune.  But that sax solo -- I guess we love to hate it and hate to love it.  I don't think I love it, although I do admit it's ensnaring.  Grabs a hold of your ear and won't let go!  Meanwhile, this is a simple tune about a man who cheated on his girlfriend/fiancée and now feels so, so incredibly sad and guilty.  "Guilty feet have got no rhythm..."  I never realized those were the words.  I always thought it was "guilty feeling's got no rhythm."  Makes so much more sense now!  I also hadn't seen the video in a long time -- maybe since '84!  Check it out.  George Michael looks terrific, and the ladies in the video are sporting some really '80s styles.  I don't think I have ever seen a more perfectly '80s swimsuit than the one worn by "the other woman" in this video.  Wow.  Don't see many like that on the beach anymore, but you also don't see many women who aren't pumped full of silicone in videos now.  Oh well...  Take a look at this video if you are longing for more natural times...

Hurts So Good

Yeah, I think we all know this John Cougar Mellencamp song from 1982.  I mean, how could you not have heard this at least a few dozen times?  It's got an excitingly naughty title and... well, is it really what we think?  I'm not so sure.  In fact, when I think about the tune and remember hearing it back in the day, I can't really say that I paid much attention to the lyrics.  As usual, I was distracted by the amazing guitar playing and John's voice.  "When I was a young boy..."  is basically all I hear, and then I stop listening to the lyrics.  His voice is really quite unique and seems to capture the American sound.  Yeah, he pretty much is the voice of America, or at least the "Heartland" as they say.  Anyway, back to the song.  So, I can think back to the chorus and note "sometimes love don't feel like it should." and it still doesn't convince me that this song is about what people might speculate.  In fact, I always thought it was a bit tongue-in-cheek and almost a parody.  I read some background information on the song, and it seems as though the song really was a joke.  It was kind of a dare from a friend -- a joking suggestion to write a tune with that title.  Well, in the end, the song came out quite well.  I always forget that so many of Mellencamp's songs have hand clapping, which really makes it cool.  Makes you want to get up and sing your heart out with him!  I know people have commented that the song is terrific and the video is "awful," but even the video is comical and a bit of a parody in my mind.  I say, "Kudos, Mr. Mellencamp,"  It is awful-ly funny in my opinion.

Only Time Will Tell

I realized that I had not posted at all in August, which is very unlike me.  Not sure why I have been so absent, since that is pretty much the opposite of my mission with this blog.  So, I've decided to get up off my posterior and write!  Actually, I am sitting as I type, so I am not really off my derrière.  Anyway, I've heard this one tune on Nights with Alice Cooper several times, and I had no idea of the title or the group.  I just knew that I liked the song and seemed to have the lyric "your insincerity" stuck in my head.  I did a bit of searching and discovered that the song was by Asia, and the title was "Only Time Will Tell."  Hmm...  I don't think I ever realized that!  I watched the video and sort of vaguely remembered it.  It came out in 1982, and I suppose I may have seen it once or twice.  The television sets in the video seemed familiar, but I don't think the video received much airplay back in the day.  Watching it this evening, I'm not sure I completely follow the concept, but early videos didn't always have a theme/concept/plot that matched the song's lyrics or message.  Nope.  I think this one was merely a "hey, this new music video thing is cool and modern" -- hence the many televisions.  I think it was pretty new technology to have one image spread over the multiple t.v. sets, which was pretty cool.  I'm not sure I follow the gymnast idea, either, but I think there were a few videos with gymnasts in the '80s.  It does kind of give a sense of perpetual motion, and hey, only time will tell...

So, what will time tell?  Well, the song is about a man who was in a relationship with a woman who just used him and pretended to be in love.  It was all a lie.  Her insincerity is the part of the lyric I remember!  I guess only time will tell what happens with this woman.  I have no idea.  Sounds like it was a good thing that the man discovered "the lie" and ended this thing.  Or maybe she did.  I don't know.  It doesn't really matter, anyway, because it's just a good tune.  It may be one of few songs I can remember where the guitar has a really melodic line that sort of echos the singer.  Now that is cool.  Cooler than television sets and gymnasts...

Take Your Time (Do It Right)

I can't believe I haven't written about this tune yet, because it is one of my absolute favorites.  It was also released in 1980 -- which means it just sneaks in as an "80s" tune.  You may argue this point since it doesn't really sound very "80s," but 1980 was just the turning point of the new decade.  So, there may have been some residual disco and funk in the early songs of the decade, and this is probably a good example.  But you know, whenever there is a good tune, it really doesn't matter when it was written or how it is classified.  I would certainly agree that this S.O.S. band tune qualifies as a classic for any decade.

There are just so many elements that make this song a hit.  There are also many different layers going on at the same time from an instrumental standpoint.  It's truly amazing.  I must say, the glockenspiel really does it for me.  I mean, how cool is it to have a glockenspiel in a pop/disco/funk/dance song?  It really works!  Then, there is this awesome guitar riff that is like a '70s funk motor, and it just cranks along all the way through -- keeping your body moving to the beat.  If you zone in on that riff, it could leave you in the most excellent funky daze.  There's also a terrific horn section with trumpet and sax -- very typical of the 70s.  They don't make wind sections like that in bands anymore.  I tell you -- those were some great gigs for brass and sax players, and those guys knew how to play.  I'm still jealous!  Anyway, the video is a classic, and I guess I didn't really hear the hand clapping until I watched the video.  The band is really happening, and they do so many things -- clap, play glockenspiel and sax, and just generally keep the groove going.  Mary Davis's voice is pure and smooth with depth and a wonderful soulful sound.  She sings about taking time when you get home to relax and, well, you know, have some couple's time -- "take the time to be alone...lock the door, pull out the phone."  Couldn't agree more.  I always thought in the chorus that she was singing, "Baby we can do it, take your time, do it right...we can do it baby...do it tonight."  In actuality, it's "Baby we can do it, take the time, do it right..."  Yeah, I guess I got confused from the title or just took it for granted.  Makes just a slight shade of difference between "take your time" and "take the time."  Whatever the case, this tune is the best!  I still have that guitar riff in my head...

Stand Back

Wonder Woman: Amazon, not witch.

I heard "Stand Back" by Stevie Nicks this afternoon while driving and thought, "Hey, why haven't I written about this?"  You see, "The Wild Heart" was the very first album I purchased.  When I say album, I mean exactly that -- vinyl LP.  Anyone remember those?  Well, I was pretty young when this came out in 1983, but I had to have it.  I was truly mesmerized by Stevie Nicks -- especially in the video.  She had this amazingly perfect hair and the most stunning, flowing outfits.  She'd have these translucent shawls that she would drape around her shoulders and then lift her arms and spin around -- kind of in a mystical variation of Wonder Woman's transformation spin.  In the video, there must have been a huge wind machine blowing right at her, and I swear it looks like she is about to take off and soar -- which in my mind is a good thing.  Yeah, lots of people talk about her being (supposedly) a witch, but come on.  That is just nonsense.  Capes and shawls and gypsies and so forth mean you're a witch?  Of course.  Yeah.  What about capes on superheros?  Aha!  Philosophical question...

Anyway, back to the video and tune.  The video is simple, and we see Stevie singing right before our eyes, looking straight at us.  I think she also spins around in the "rain," too, which always made me sad as a child.  Now I think it's cool.  She has a group of perfectly choreographed dancers, which was very typical of the time.  They move together in synchronicity with the dance moves.  Today's videos can have much more complex dancing, but this sure was cool.  It was like a dance team.  As for the song, I think the first thing that struck me this afternoon was the awesome synthesizer in the beginning.  Later in the song, we hear this really cranking kind of electro-funk guitar line.  Between the synthesizers, guitar, and drums, I like to think of this tune as "Stevie Plugged In" or "Stevie Electrified."  It's kind of like plugging a giant power cable into her music.  Oh, and her voice sounds terrific on this, too.  My absolute favorite part is at the very end where she sings "why don't you taaaaaaaaaaaaaake me hoooooooome."  I swear she goes from chest voice to head voice -- just like an opera singer.  You can actually hear bits of this chest/head voice switch right before, when she sings, "well I need a little sympathy...STAND BACK...well I need to be standin' in...STAND BACK..."  It is just completely awesome.  When I was a little girl, I didn't even realize that it was her voice through this entire sequence.  Wow.  Still blows me away.  Supposedly, the tune was inspired by Prince's "Little Red Corvette."  I could almost see the similarity with the use of a synthesizer, but uh, not much more.  I definitely prefer "Stand Back."  No offense, Prince.

Dirty Deeds Done With Sheep

Just found this on the Nights with Alice Cooper Facebook page.  It is hysterical.  Well done.

Can't Fight This Feeling

I had just written about "The Warrior," which came out in 1984, so I thought I would take a look at some other songs that came out that year.  Low and behold, there are so many terrific songs, and it was hard to choose.  Actually, I didn't get very far down the list before I saw REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling."  Okay, I know -- some people might find this song to be sappy, silly, or even "cheesy."  But, I heard it on the radio the other day and felt that it was particularly uplifting.  I read through a couple of comments on a music message board, and it seems that some younger folks (probably teenagers) are really, really into this song.  They feel it identifies their thoughts and sentiments perfectly.  I guess I take for granted how powerful lyrical music is, especially when we are at a certain stage in our emotional development. 

So, obviously this is a love song.  It is heartfelt, and the lyrics are very touching.  My favorite line is "it's time to bring this ship into the shore--- and throw away the oars -- foreverrrrrrrr."  Yeah, I realize that it might seem silly ("corny" is one comment I read).  I think it's beautiful and poetic.  It's striking in its simplicity -- and it is vivid.  It's a figurative line of speech, and of course, it can be interpreted many ways.  You may snicker over some.  Sometimes I do -- I admit it.  What I was mostly surprised about was that I had the wrong lyric in my head -- yet again -- but for only one word.  I always heard the lyric, "even as I wander," as "even as I wonder,"  Wow.  Sure makes much more sense now!  Whew.  Thank goodness I got that cleared up.  Listening to this song didn't really make me think about love because I was so hung up on the "wander/wonder" thing.  It actually made me think about life in the '80s and how we didn't have computers to look everything up instantly.  In fact, you'd have to have the album to know the lyrics (they were printed inside the cover).  Or, I seem to remember some magazines that published lyrics.  Not positive on that one.  Nevertheless, the '80s were a simpler time with less distractions.  Maybe that's why the music was so good!

Shootin' at the Walls of Heartache...

Okay -- so!  I am sure that everyone recognizes that line from Scandal's 1984 hit, "The Warrior."  I loved that song back in the day, and it seems to never get old for me.  But, alas, I didn't seem to remember the video very well.  Considering it came out in 1984, well, that's about the time I started clarinet -- so I must have been busy practicing.  Anyway, I had absolutely no idea what this song was about all these years.  I could only remember "shootin' at the walls of heartaaaaaaaaaache.... bang, bang...I am the warrior."  I seem to recall bits and pieces of the lyrics, "who's the hunter, who's the game" and something about breaking out of captivity.  So, I looked at the lyrics this evening and discovered that it's about love -- and how love is kind of primal.  It's primitive as Patty Smyth tells us.  She sings, "Well isn't love -- primitive?  A wild gift that you wanna give."  Hey, I can understand that.  In fact, yes, it's true.  Love is primitive.  It is surely a wild gift that you wanna give!  Hasn't everyone felt this way at some point?  So, it's a love song -- but not your typical heart-wrenching one or upbeat bauble like Janet Jackson's "When I Think of You."  Nope, this is the real (raw) deal.

The video is something that I definitely did not remember.  In fact, it creeped me out a bit at first.  After watching for a while, I settled into the sort of musical theater feel and finally relaxed.  It seems to have a "Cats" element to it.  If you've ever seen that Broadway show, you'll know what I mean.  Actually, it has the theatrics and dancing of many Broadway shows with all the slithering and stuff.  But, it's fun, and the stage make-up and costumes are extraordinary for the day.  Pretty cool I must say.  Hope you enjoy this, and heart to heart you'll win -- if you surviiiiiiive.....

Glamorous Life

I've wanted to write about Sheila E's "Glamorous Life" for quite some time, and I stumbled upon it this evening.  The song came out in 1984, and I admit that I never really knew the lyrics -- other than the chorus.  In fact,  I hadn't paid much attention, because I was always so mesmerized by the percussion.  As we all know, Sheila E is a percussionist, and she really tears it up in this tune.  Twenty-eight years after its 1984 release, it still sounds vibrant, fresh, and amazing.  I just can't seem to get that percussion out of my head!  The video always scared me a bit.  It's a weird juxtaposition of Sheila E on stage and Sheila E playing the woman who she sings about.  You know -- the one wearing the long fur coat of mink, even in the summertime.  I had always understood that lyric, but it wasn't until this evening that I discovered the rest.  "She's got big thoughts, big dreams, and..."  Well, I had no idea until tonight that it's "big thoughts, big dreams, and a big brown Mercedes sedan."  WHAT?!  A big brown Mercedes sedan?  Yikes!  That is intriguing and disappointing at the same time.  I mean, kudos to Prince for using "sedan" in a pop song, but, sheesh.  Sedan sounds a bit dull.  Wouldn't have expected it in the "Glamorous Life," but hey, it is a Mercedes.  So...  I guess it's alright.  This is a terrific tune, and I also never realized it was a soprano sax in the sax solo.  Guess I hadn't paid attention.  If you're looking to find a Mercedes in any other songs, well, check out "Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles.  This song was the coolest in 1988 when I was in 8th grade, but boy am I embarrassed to even admit that today.  Thank goodness for Sheila E!!!!

Just What I Needed

I'm going to cheat a bit here with "Just What I Needed" by the Cars.  The song was released in 1978, so it is shy of the '80s by just 2 years.  It has that distinctive Cars sound, though, and they were pretty popular in the '80s.  So, I think it's okay.  I've heard this song many times on "Nights with Alice Cooper," and it always cheers me up.  I hate to say it is "cheery" or "cheerful" because it is a rock song after all, but...  Well, it's just what I needed -- especially after a bad day.  This song should make everyone feel recharged and rejuvenated with its kickin' guitar lines and totally "new wave" keyboard licks.  Funny to think that I was kind of scared of the Cars when they came out with videos, but this song is a classic, and I am perfectly happy listening to it on the radio.

I had forgotten that a while back I read about the song being sampled in "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne.  That song really cracks me up -- although it does have some enviable harmonies.  The video is hysterical and has bits of '80s pop culture -- namely the "fantasy scene" at the end which is reminiscent of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."  If you have never seen that movie, check it out.  If you have -- go watch it again!  Kudos to Rachel Hunter, too, because she does look pretty amazing in this video.  To think she had all those kids with Rod Stewart and still looks great -- wow.  Okay, it's actually only two children.  Guess he just has tons with a few different ladies.  No problem -- he's Rod Stewart, so he can have as many kids as he likes in my opinion.  He's a winner with the ladies.  Anyway, I digress.  I hope you'll enjoy both of these songs.  I'm not sure exactly what all the lyrics in "Just What I Needed" mean -- especially in the chorus when they sing "I needed someone to bleed."  Yeah, I have no idea.  But I do like the line "you look so fancy I can tell."  Pretty awesome.  Gotta look fancy!  Enjoy!

Blondie, Madonna, and Gaga

This weekend I spent quite a bit of time watching Blondie videos and listening to interviews with Debbie Harry.  I have to say that I was pretty shocked by the number of interviewers and reporters who compared her to Lady Gaga -- and actually had the guts to mention that to her.  No offense to anyone, but come on.  Blondie and Lady Gaga?  I am SURE that Debbie Harry must have had some influence on Lady Gaga, but is it really fair to compare them?  I often read about comparisons between Madonna and Lady Gaga -- and that seems more logical to me.  I'm still pondering the Blondie/Gaga connection.  Okay, both Debby Harry and Gaga were NYC natives, right?  They both started out sort of "underground" on the dance circuit, right?  Uh, wrong.  Blondie as a group seemed to be very anti-establishment and counter-culture, although punk was a "counter culture culture" in and of itself.  I actually found some videos of Debbie Harry when she was in her twenties, and she was singing '60s folk kind of stuff.  This made me think of Pat Benatar, who went through all kinds of genres with her band, and so did Debbie Harry.  So, it's fair enough to compare Debbie Harry and Pat Benatar, I think. 

Meanwhile, I guess there's more of a connection between Madonna and Gaga.  Madonna started as a dancer and was pretty broke when she moved from Michigan to NYC.  Her early hits were very "dancy," and so were Gaga's.  Remember "Holiday?"  How about "Just Dance?"  Okay, so the former was Madonna and the latter Gaga.  I think Madonna really paved the way for Gaga.  Madonna seemed really intrigued by commercialism and marketing, and I think Gaga does as well.  I don't think Debbie Harry cared one iota.  Both Madonna and Gaga like the "shock factor," too.  When Gaga first came out, I was pretty engaged by the quality of her music and her musicianship.  She seemed so incredibly talented for such a young woman.  I think it's getting a bit creepy now, and I may have lost touch with her message and direction.  Meanwhile, Madonna was always pretty straightforward.  She liked to shock people.  She loved to throw religious images into the mix just to cause a ruckus.  She also really liked to push her sexuality in everyone's face for shock value.  Hey, no problem.  At least it wasn't creepy.  Seems pretty mild in retrospect.  So, I thought it would be fun and nostalgic to share one of he big shockers, "Justify My Love."  It was written by Lenny Kravitz and basically features an awesomely provocative and "dirty" drum track underscoring Madonna whispering about sexual stuff.  It was extremely controversial back in the day (1990, just at the dawn of the new decade).  It has sort of R-rated images.  Yeah -- but the video is very artsy.  Not really creepy at all.  Just very Madonna.  I think Gaga's last equivalent was "Bad Romance," so I threw that in, too.  I absolutely love the hairless cat -- and the message of the tune.  So, enjoy these two -- I think they are light years closer than Gaga and Blondie (in fact, that comparison is a non-issue in my mind).

Rapture

I've wanted to write about Blondie's "Rapture" for quite some time, and I finally bit the bullet.  I've been searching and reading high and low trying to figure this song out, and I think I've thrown in the towel.  A while ago, I read all kinds of interesting conversation about "finger popping" and "twenty-four hour shopping," -- as in the fact that those were not the lyrics that Debbie Harry actually sings.  If you listen closely, you can definitely hear something other than "popping."  I won't say what it is that people claim to hear, but I think I agree.  Plus, I looked up "finger popping" in some urban dictionaries, and well, it's pretty much what it sounds like.  However, I did hear another performance of the song with Debbie Harry and Eve on VH-1's "Divas Live" from 2004, and I swear it sounds like she says finger snapping or something completely different.  Maybe it is something different each time.

I actually never knew what the lyrics were to this song at all.  All I could understand was "raaaaaaaaaapture....."  Or at least that's how it sounded to me.  I also could hear "Fab 5 Freddy told me" something or other.  Please, do not get me wrong here.  I absolutely love Blondie and would honestly pass out if I ever met Debbie Harry in person.  I think the group was genius, and I actually don't mind that I can't understand the lyrics.  No problem at all.  The video has always scared me, though.  I really think it's the guy in the white tux dancing around expressionless with sunglasses.  It creeped me out.  But, it's okay.  Now that I am older, what strikes me the most about the song is actually the instrumental part.  Sounds like chimes in the beginning, but I am guessing it's a synthesizer.  Then, the bass guitar and rhythm guitar lines are just intermingled perfectly.  To me, I really hear the bass and the brass section most prominently.  I swear I hear saxes, too.  It's quite the intricate instrumental backing for this awesome tune.  Of course, Debbie Harry's voice can put you in a trance with it's sweet and ethereal quality on this song.  I was really surprised to see her singing with Eve on the VH-1 special -- but surprised in a good way.  Debbie Harry truly is a rock legend, and she can sing with whomever she pleases across all genres -- and it kicks a--!!!!!  What else can I say?  Not much!  Enjoy -- I've added the original video and the clip from the 2004 Divas Live.

Talk to Me

I am in big, big trouble here...  Yeah, I know.  I had been blogging just about everyday, and then it seemed as though I fell into a black hole.  I apologize and agreeably put myself in the doghouse as my parents used to say.  Couple of things have happened since my last post -- including a nice, much-needed vacation.  In fact, as I was driving home for vacation, I heard "Talk to Me" by Stevie Nicks on the radio.  I hadn't heard this song in ages, and I really enjoyed listening to it again.  My favorite part is when she sings "you can set your secrets free, baby."  Yeah, how cool is that?  I can imagine someone holding a bird, maybe a dove, and just letting it go.  Or, perhaps opening a window and letting those pesky old secrets out.  Set them free, baby!  I just think that has to be another one of the absolute coolest lyrics ever in the history of pop/rock music.  I listened to the rest of the lyrics, and it's pretty clear what the song is about.  I like the angle of having Stevie sing to a man, because he is the one with the secrets for a change.  Seems like women are always the secret keepers.  Anyway, the song paints the picture of a couple, and they are having an awkward time because of his secrets.  Yeah, I think he's probably got another girlfriend that he's hiding, and it sounds like he may be doing this out of spite because he was hurt for some reason.

The video for this tune is also pretty neat.  Can't remember seeing it much back in 1985 when it was released, but I guess it was up against a lot of competition.  Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, etc...  You can see the fashion influence of the time, because Stevie is wearing red lace gloves at one point in the video.  I think it's terrific, and I love when she kind of "melts into a puddle."  I am thinking she did some of her own choreography, although other parts also seem very typical of the day (like when Stevie is joined by four other dancers in that "V" type figure).  And, alas, there is a saxophone solo in this tune.  I hadn't noticed it until I watched the video again.  No offense, saxes, but it was pretty nice when I was driving along and hadn't noticed that part...  However, a good ol' sax solo was also pretty standard for the '80s.  Come to find out the tune was written by Chas Sanford, who co-wrote John Waite's "Mising You."  Lots of similarities, but I think Stevie really makes this her own.  Kudos, Ms. Nicks!

Fading Like A Flower

Okay--I am long, long overdue for a post.  I apologize.  I had been thinking about Roxette's "Listen to Your Heart," and I was going to write about it.  It seemed to fit nicely since it was released in 1989 and would have just squeezed in to the '80s before they were over.  But, alas, my absolute favorite Roxette song is "Fading Like A Flower."  I have to cheat here since the song was released in 1991, but it is just such an awesome song.  Considering Roxette had some hits before this one, well, I think it's okay.

Roses beaten by the storm -- but still beautiful

So, back to the song.  I can remember writing about this tune in college for a rhetorical criticism class.  Not sure why, but it just spoke to me.  I watched the video again this evening -- after not watching it since (probably) 1991.  What a terrific song AND video!  Yeah, this is perfect.  The song itself has so many terrific elements.  I love that the intro is a beautiful piano line that has a cadence marked with a kicking explosion of guitar and drums.  Beautiful and explosive at the same time.  And, oddly enough, even though the group is from Sweden, I never had trouble understanding the lyrics.  I guess that shouldn't be an issue since there are plenty of American singers whose lyrics I can't understand.  Anyway, my favorite line from the song is "to get your face right out of my mind."  Yes!  I will try, but I need a little time -- to get your face right out of my mind!  That is probably the best ever in the history of lyrics.  It just expresses what the singer is feeling so perfectly.  Haven't we all felt that at some point?  And fading like a flower... well, yes.  I certainly have felt wilted from the pain of love.  This song is so perfect.  It's timeless.  Just fits the bill even after 21 years.  I can't believe it's been that long, because the video is so fresh and vivid -- fantastic video direction and imagery.  This song will never be dated in my opinion.  And it really is remarkable how perfectly everything works in the tune -- piano, guitar, drums, vocals, harmony.  I admit that I get wrapped up in the music, but if you sit down and listen to the lyrics, they really are quite expressive.  You could probably come up with a million different visual interpretations, but I still prefer Roxette's visual concept for the video.  I think everyone can find something to enjoy with this song.  Hope you do, too!

Come On Eileen

This has to be one of my all time favorite 80s songs without a doubt.  Didn't think I would ever get tired of listening to it, and well, I'm not!  Yup -- just listened to it again and watched the video.  When it came out in 1982, it was basically magical.  It put you into the crazy upbeat trance of hopping around, dancing a jig.  For young folks in the U.S. at the time, it was just such an amazing and different song.  Had a very catchy chorus, but I don't think I really understood any of the other lyrics.  I looked them up a few years ago just out of curiosity.  I think we all know the story.  The lead singer and Eileen were childhood friends, and he starts to notice her growing up and is drawn to her in a different way.  Now it's more of a girlfriend/boyfriend thing, and he's pretty much lusting after her.  With her in that dress, his thoughts verge on dirty.  Yeah, no big deal.   SO many people have written their thoughts on this song, but you know, it's just a good song!  I really enjoy the strings in it.  I mean, what other Top 40 song has banjo in it?  And, I never realized until tonight that the video opens with a woman playing violin -- although it's really more of a fiddle (same instrument, different technique).  Just captivating and very intriguing for us on this side of the Atlantic.  Thank goodness for MTV in this case -- it really helped bring "hands across the sea" and a sharing of cultures.  I also think it spawned a huge outbreak of fever for "overalls."  Yup, I had them.  I remember wearing them all through middle school because they were so cool.  Everyone in this band wears them.  I think Eileen is wearing them without a shirt underneath, which we would never be brave enough to do over here.  So, cheers to you, Eileen!  Thank you for inspiring this song -- whether or not you really exist.

And I Know... Animal

There are so many terrific Def Leppard songs out there that it's hard to choose a favorite.  Seems like some people have chosen lists of favorites by the group, which I can completely understand.  The top of my list would be "Photograph" without question.  But, there are a couple of others that are just fun, intriguing, and always full of rock magic.  "Animal" is a song that I don't think I've heard as many times as some of the others, like "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (which is funny, because that is actually my least favorite).  Nevertheless, this one is a hidden gem.  I think one thing it has in common with some of their other songs is that there is always a line that I can't quite understand.  I always thought they were singing, "and I want...and I need...and I know...animal."  But, alas, the mystery has been solved for me.  It is actually, "and I want...and I need...and I LUST...animal."  Makes perfect sense since the song is about animal-esque lust.  Can't believe I missed that all these years.  But, if you listen closely, it's really hard to hear the "t" when they sing "lust."  I think they should really dig into the word when they sing.  Let us all know it!

Anyway, the video is pretty interesting, too.  It's a cool concept with the band at the circus.  All kinds of interesting characters in there -- like the trapeze artist.  I actually wanted to be a trapeze artist when I was little, because I admired the fact that they got to wear sparkly outfits and fly through the air.  But, alas, I became a musician.  It's kind of the same.  I mean, we can fly through the air metaphorically--and sometimes even wear sparkly outfits.  But, I digress.  I also loved zebras when I was little because I thought they looked so cool with their stripes.  Low and behold, there is a zebra in this video.  So, I'm having all kinds of childhood flashbacks, which is weird given that the song is about lust.  Oh well...  Maybe the circus element is what conjures childhood memories.  Whatever the case, this song is awesome.  It's got sort of subdued, "undercurrent" vocals with the verses, which makes it really mysterious and enticing.  Just a bit of complimentary guitar lines and drums add to the mystique.  The chorus is full force and very animal.  Awesome song.  Hope you enjoy it!