We Don't Have to...

Take our clothes off to have a good time?  Correct!  I heard this song while shopping at BJ's and just had to write about it this evening.  It seemed to go on forever, and everytime I hear it, it just seems cheesier and cheesier to me.  I do remember when it came out in 1986.  I was pretty young -- had just been playing clarinet for about 2 years.  All of my 6th grade buddies and I giggled over it.  Of course, we really had no idea what the song was about.  To this day, I am still baffled by "cherry wine," so I did a bit of research.  Seems that many of the cherries for this type of drink are grown in Michigan, and Jermaine Stewart was from Chicago -- so it kind of makes sense.  I lived in Elkhart, IN for a long time, and I know that Chicago, Michigan, and Northern Indiana are all kind of in the same area -- so I guess they share certain regional foods and beverages.

Anyway, back to the song.  I had no idea that Jermaine Stewart died at such a young age.  Yes, he passed away in 1997 at the age of 39.  Very sad.  I saw a couple of references to Jermaine as a "one hit wonder" because of this song, which is probably true.  I can't think of any other songs by Jermaine.  This one will forever live in the minds of those of us who grew up in the 80s, and those who happen to be shopping in BJs or a similar store will get hit with this tune from time to time.  The message for the song is clear -- well, sort of.  I get it.  People can have fun without "going too far too fast," but again, I am stuck on the cherry wine.  "We can dance and party all night...and drink some cherry wine...uh huh..."  Well, okay.  Dancing seems to be pretty important in this song.  "Take my hand, let's hit the floor...shake our bodies to the music, maybe then you'll score..."  Hmmm.... maybe a bit of a mixed message.  Guess this girl better show some class and start groovin' on the dance floor before she has a chance at a romantic relationship here.  Wait -- I know there is a girl in the video, but maybe the song isn't about a girl now that I think about it...  Well, the song is fun, cheesy, and silly all at the same time.  My favorite parts: (1) trumpet lines, and (2) "na na na-na na-na...na na..."  Hope you enjoy this one!

Is This Love? Yes, and It's Survivor...

When you hear the song title "Is This Love," you probably think about Whitesnake, right?  I know I do, and I looked at Whitesnake's song with the same title in a previous post.  Meanwhile, I completely forgot about the song "Is This Love" by Survivor.  It was written in 1987, and after I heard it again this evening, I remembered it.  I didn't think it got much airplay back in the day, but it hit number #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It's definitely a great song, and I'm not sure why it is less than a stellar memory in the Survivor discography.  It has the unmistakable Survivor sound, with Jimi Jamison's distinctive vocals.  It also has wonderful lyrics about a man who is obviously in love, but it seems that he is questioning himself or maybe even fighting it a bit.  "Is this love that I'm feelin'?  Is this love that's been keepin' me up all night?"  Yup -- it's love.  Love is at the door, making you toss and turn and lose sight of your clear thinking.  That is what love does to us, and luckily, we have some terrific Survivor songs to express this!  I'm a big Survivor fan and truly enjoy all their songs.  Their songwriting is really first rate and maybe a bit underestimated today.  Survivor's "Is This Love" is probably eclipsed by the Whitesnake "namesake" tune, but this song really is terrific.  Signature Jamison vocals, awesome guitar solo, and an excellent modulation make this one a keeper in my book.  Hope you enjoy it as well!

Virtually Endless Publicity

It's me -- just plugging another article I wrote for MusicianYou magazine - http://www.musicianyou.com/articles/virtually-endless-publicity

The Stroke

Hmm...so, I was reading about "The Stroke" by Billy Squire and was a bit surprised by the meaning behind the lyrics.  Obviously, this song has many interpretations -- well, maybe not so many.  The obvious is kind of, well, you know.  People interpret this song to be about something that would seem obvious from the title.  But, alas, I found out that he wrote it about the dirtiness of the record industry.  That makes perfect sense to me.  I can see how the music business could be corrupt.  It's a business that I work in, so I can visualize the "deals" and sleaziness that Squire portrays through the lyrics.  Although I don't work on the recording side of the business, I understand how that side could be extremely corrupt.  We have seen what it does to artists once they become a commodity--a commercial product.  Yup, one's artistry and integrity are often compromised.  I think Squire captures "the deal" perfectly in this song.  Now that I understand the meaning, it becomes quite apparent in the lyrics.  The driving, edgy guitar line and drums really add to the overall feel of what Billy Squire is trying to portray.  It's a pretty intense instrumental track, and again, it helps support the picture that is clearly painted by the vocals.  Bravo.  I give props to Mr. Squire for raging against the machine with this one.

Got to Be Real

This afternoon, I heard "Got to Be Real" by Cheryl Lynn while I was out shopping.  I always find the variety of music in some stores fascinating, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear this tune.  Don't think I've heard it since, well, maybe sometime in the late '70s when I was very young.  Nah, I probably heard it on some television show or movie about the '70s -- maybe even "Boogie Nights" or something.  Anyway, I did a search on YouTube and found a clip of Mariah Carey and Patti LaBelle performing this song on a Patti LaBelle tribute.  I've included the clip just because -- and Patti is truly infused with the groove vibe.  It seems so much more inspiring than Mariah's performance.  No offense to Mariah, because she does have a great voice, but...when you put Mariah next to Patti LaBelle and her contemporaries, it's just really clear who is real!!!!

I realize this song was released in 1978, so it's not an '80s tune by any stretch of the imagination.  The Patti/Mairah version was performed in 1998, so the average date between the two would be 1988.  That counts, right?  It really doesn't matter, because the song is awesome and timeless.  If  you look at the song, it really is quite simple lyrically, "What you think now? (I think I love you, baby) What you feel now? (I think I need you, baby)  What you know now?  To be real!  Ooh, your love's for real now...You know that your love is my love...My love is your love...Our love is here to stay..."  Pretty simple, yet the song has an awesome vibe.  I really think the instrumentals add a ton to the groove.  Just listen to the bass guitar line---it really sets things up.  Drums keep it grooving, and the brass section is out of this world.  As much as I love the songs from the '80s, it is always refreshing to hear these masterful horn sections from the '70s.  Just ads some kick to a tune that you forget about until these songs resurface.  I remember string sections in the songs from this genre, too, and that is always nice, but...the brass sections are for real.  Excellent, excellent playing.

Open Arms

I was thinking about what to write this evening and was at a standstill.  Did some searching, and for some reason, "Open Arms" by Journey came to mind.  If you haven't noticed, I absolutely LOVE Journey.  They are my favorite group--not only from the '80s, but from all time.  Steve Perry's voice is completely unmatched--it's pure, clear, beautiful, and powerful.  He is equally at home with ballads and hard rockin' tunes.  Even their "fun" songs long "Anyway You Want It" really showcase his vocal talents.  Anyway, "Open Arms" is a gorgeous ballad about a couple who "sailed on together" and "drifted apart"-- but then they found each other again.  I think the fact that they found each other again is what really makes it touching.  The opening piano line is beautiful, and when Steve Perry comes in, it is true simplistic vocal beauty.  Just his voice and piano.  You know how much work vocalists go through in school to get that voice/piano accompaniment perfect?  It's astounding, and some vocalists never really achieve that perfect musical union.  Clearly, we have it hear.  When the rest of the band comes in, the instrumentals are strong, firm, yet not overpowering.  I really love this song.  It is true beauty.  A real gem in the Journey discography that shines throughout time.

One Night in the Summer of...

So, I have to say that I've always been a fan of songs by Bryan Adams for many reasons.  From an instrumental standpoint, his songs are terrific, and for a music geek like me, there is nothing more spectacular than the huge modulation at the bridge in "Summer of '69."  That is amazing.  Probably the best modulation I've ever heard in a rock song.  In layman's terms, it's a key change.  Anyway, I read about the song, and there are so many discussions about the meaning of the song and the "numerical reference."  So, I am going to say that whatever the listener wants to think is alright with me.  Some people think it is about the year, some think it references a car, and the rest of us, well...yeah.  Let's leave it at that.  Awesome song, giggly title, but all in all a terrific tune that makes you want to crank up the radio and sing along.  Touching lyrics, too, especially, "and when you held my hand...I knew that it was now or never..."  Very sweet and endearing to hear that in a rock song.

Meanwhile, one of his lesser-known songs from the same album is "One Night Love Affair."  It definitely has a Bryan Adams signature sound, but it can seem a little obscure.  The lyrics are probably not something that people would relate to with the same vigor as "Summer of '69" (with the whole reminiscing thing).  Anyway, I think this song is a good one, and I give props to anyone who puts "love affair" in the title--or the lyrics.  It is kind of unique and something from days gone by.  Certainly wouldn't read about a "love affair" today, but back in the golden days of Hollywood, it would seem perfect.  I think it works really well with the song, too.  It fits the rhythmic frame perfectly.  Low and behold, I went along for 28 years thinking the wrong lyrics in my mind -- again!  I always thought the words were "one night love affair...tryin' to make life we don't care..."  Seemed fitting for a song about a one night stand -- kind of.  But, I found out the lyrics are "tryin' to make like we don't care."  OKAY!  That makes much more sense.  Whew.  Yeah, they try to shrug off the feelings they are hiding.  Could be a billion things going on.  Maybe the feelings are that they are each trying to shrug off a broken heart.  Maybe they are falling in love.  Whatever the case, well, I am just glad I found out the real lyrics :)

Walk on Water?

I was inspired to look at more music from the late '80s after I wrote my last post, so I did a bit of browsing.  Looked at songs from 1987 and 1988 and came across this Eddie Money classic.  I'm not sure what it is about his songs, but I really like all of them.  His voice is kind of raspy, but I think that is what makes him distinctive.  He also had this kind of rock and roll, working man look.  Not too edgy, just a guy who looks like someone you'd know--someone you'd go to sports games with or something.  I like the whole jeans and blazer look.  Still works for folks today!  It is cool, chic, stylish, and relaxed.  Nothing crazy or pretentious.  I love that his whole band is wearing jeans in the video--or at least I think they are.  The keyboard player and guitar player next to him look like they are both wearing black jeans.  Yup, I remember those.

Anyway.....The video is interesting.  Gotta love "Night Tracks," too.  Does anyone else remember that show?  I used to watch it religiously on my little 13 inch television.  As for this video, I just love watching the band perform and sing together--- "na na, na-na, na, na-na-na-na..."  Perfect!  The harmony is really refreshing, and I admit that I could just sit and watch videos of bands performing all day.  But, alas, there is another character in the video.  It is a woman--a scorned woman.  She is angry with someone--someone we never see.  But, it is pretty clear from the lyrics.  A man is singing to a woman who feels cheated, hurt, and upset.  He screwed up a few times--it's alright.  Does he have to walk on water?  Find some way to prove?  If he could walk on water, would she believe in him?  His love is so true....  Well, maybe he does.  The woman in the video is pretty upset.  Not sure why she is always in a swimsuit.  Guess it has to do with the whole water thing.  I'm not a fan of the skirted, ruffly swimsuit, but that was very '80s.  I'm surely not a fan of the white shorts in the video that kind of look like a diaper.  Not certain what's going on there.  She just is yelling and angry through most of the video, which is sad in my opinion.  They should have just let the cameras roll on the band.  Yup, that would be perfect.  Lyrics, bah--you don't have to follow them for the video, really.  It's alright...  Just show the band :)

Giving in to the Monkey

So, this evening I was listening to an '80s weekend program on the local rock/pop station and heard "Monkey" by George Michael.  I have to say that I have not heard this song in YEARS....  I think the last time I heard it, I was in middle school--probably on the bus, too.  So, I had this immediate middle school flashback.  You see, back in the day, we had no idea what this song was about, because we were just kids.  I was probably 13 years old.  Kind of scary.  Makes me wonder how many 13-year-olds are out there listening to Lady Gaga and memorizing every word--yet having no idea what her songs are about.

Don't look now...

So, I think I figured out this "Monkey" tune.  I never realized what a good song it was!  Lyrics were perfect, and although it is pretty much 100% synthesized as far as the "instrumental" tracks, it is pretty good.  Very upbeat and catchy.  To me, it's about George being in a relationship with someone who keeps going back to an ex-lover, or "monkey."  That is what it sounds like to me.  The expression, "monkey on your back" refers to any sort of burden that keeps you back--or something that keeps haunting you so to say.  Something you can't get away from.  I read some people's interpretations, and the seem to think the "monkey" is an addiction of some sort (like drugs or alcohol).  That could certainly be the case.  "Monkey on your back," can refer to being addicted to something.  I guess we'll never know, but that is okay.  Whatever your interpretation, I think it would probably fit just perfectly.  The video is pretty straightforward--not a staged scene or mini "story."  Nope.  Just George Michael singing and dancing on stage at an arena only the way he could.  Really pretty engaging, I have to say.  No matter what his orientation, he really had us captivated back in the day, and he still seems to have that effect...  There is just something so cool, so "tongue-in-cheek" about his songs.  "Well I'd write your heart a lettah....but I think you know me bettah..."  Okay, so its "letter" and "better," but it sounds so suave when he sings it--I wrote it the way I hear it.  Hope you enjoy this tune--and don't give in to the monkey!

Separate Ways with Journey

I've heard Journey's "Separate Ways" a couple of times this week and thought it would be a great song to look at.  I read that it was written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain (Journey's keyboardist).  Two of the guitar players in the band were in the midst of very messy and difficult divorces, so Perry and Cain wrote this song to, well, I guess channel the pain and heartbreak into something creative and healing.  I'm not sure how they did it, because it really is heart wrenching if you listen to the lyrics.  It basically says, "Hey, we're done, but I will always love you."  I get the image of a man whose heart was broken and who goes through life still loving the woman who caused so much pain--ready to come to her aid at a moment's notice.  Kind of a lifelong pledge.  Difficult concept to grasp.  Could go for women, too, and that being said....well, okay, I think I understand now.

Nike Air Pegasus - 1983

Anyway, I read many comments from folks about the video being extremely cheesy.  I didn't think it was that bad, although it most certainly could have been better with a different concept.  I still think Eddie Money's "I Think I'm In Love" wins the prize for the cheesiest video of all time--although the song is great (but the goofy vampire theme is really awful).  So, back to Journey.  They are dancing and rockin' out to air instruments in the beginning of the video.  Ultimately, real instruments appear by the end of the video, but we see the drummer playing oil cans and come kind of cymbals made from metal dishes for a bit.  This part through me for a loop.  I watched the video a couple of times over, and I think it's okay.  It's not very tough or "rock n' roll," but isn't it fun to see a group like Journey scaled down a bit, just wearing jeans and causal stuff?  You can even see Steve Perry and the drummer wearing some really classic Nike sneakers.  That is alright in my book.  Long live 1983!!!!  I really think the scariest part of the video is the woman's horrible outfit and mohawk-esque hairdo.  Yikes.  White leather pumps?  White leather jacket with the collar turned up?  Bad--but the outfit pales in comparison to the hair.  Yeah, it was 1983.  In all seriousness, the song is amazing--very touching and heart wrenching but in a good way, fueled by awesome guitar solos and keyboard riffs.  I do hope you'll enjoy this tune, but if you must go----ohhhh------they wish you love.......

And Now for Something Completely Different...

I wrote this article about a week ago and just wanted to share it with everyone.  Check it out on MusicianYou Magazine online.  It's called Looking for An Endorsement.  It's a bit of advice for musicians who are interested in getting an endorsement.  You'll even get to see me as a person and not just rainbow smoke.  Enjoy!

Love's Such an Old Fashioned Word

Okay--so that title is obviously part of "Under Pressure" by Queen with David Bowie.  I heard it this evening on Alice Cooper's show (once again--I listen to this program every night because it is awesome!).  I was pleased to find that the song was released in 1981--because for some reason I thought it might have been earlier.  I can't remember when I first heard this song, but I certainly don't remember it from '81.  I must have heard it much later when I was in high school or college.  Anyway, it is truly an amazing song.  Freddie Mercury and David Bowie's voices are so unique, and the qualities are hard to describe.  I think of Bowie's voice as a rich, deeply colored jewel--because it is truly deep, pure, and very rich.  Freddie Mercury's voice is a gift that he left to the world.  It has a timbre that is very powerful yet inviting and very distinctive.  Hard to place exactly, but again, it is very pure.  I think of it more like a focused laser--brilliant and bright.  I'm not sure why I am babbling on about the quality of their voices, but the vocal quality is what strikes me the most about this song.  The video frightens me and makes me feel a bit anxious.  But, the lyrics really are terrific.  Obviously, it is about the pressures of life.  Let's face it, life is not easy.  This tune sums things up perfectly.  But, the good thing is that there is a message in the song about love and how love can help with the pressures in life.  I agree. "'Cause love's such an old fashioned word, and love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night, and love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves...this is our last dance...this is our last dance...this is ourselves..."  Yes, please, let us change our way of caring about ourselves and the world.  I think the world could use much more love.

We Belong

I was listening to Pandora radio this evening, and "We Belong" by Pat Benatar came on.  I had to check my facts, but I was right when I remembered it being from her album Tropico."  That album seemed quite different from her prior edgy, driving, super rock and roll releases.  In fact, when I think of this one, I think of how the album cover had colors and seemed a bit more, well, I'm not sure -- misty.  Not mystical, but just "misty" with the translucent colors and the gauzy, flowing fabric in the video.  It's amazing--everytime I listen to this song, Pat's voice actually cuts my feelings to the bone--but in a poignant way.  The lyrics to this song are really bittersweet and touching, so warning--tear alert!  Do not listen to this song if you are thinking about an ex boyfriend or girlfriend.  It will make you cry.  Luckily, the lyrics do seem to tell the tale of a couple who does stay together, but it can really make you tearful if you listen carefully.  "Don't want to leave you really...I've invested too much time...to give you up that easy...to the doubts that complicate your mind."  Wow.  Even the lyrics tell the tale of the over-thinking that can go on when you pay close attention to the lyrics...

Anyway, the video is pretty different for Pat.  The interesting thing about her music is that it truly is very diverse.  She explored so many different styles on her albums throughout the decades.  I guess we just seem to remember her hard rocking songs the most.  This one, although it is sad, is beautiful vocally and visually as well in regard to the video.  Again, interesting use of color.  Just a bit of green here and there (Pat's gloves, jewels in her earrings).  Her make-up is also very vibrant and typical of the day (1984).  Personally, I think she didn't need as much as she has in the video, but that was probably the call of the stylist and director.  She does look beautiful if  I must say so myself.  Pretty mesmerizing in fact.  She looks straight into the camera, which always amazes me.  I really don't like cameras, so I give her credit. She is one powerful lady.  I do hope you enjoy "We Belong."