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!
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...
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!
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.....
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!!!!
So, this may seem like an odd post for an 80s music blog, considering Beyoncé is popular now, and Tina Turner is - well - legendary. However, Tina had a huge comeback in the 80s. Her album Private Dancer, released in 1984, sold millions of copies. I absolutely loved that album. Had it on cassette tape and probably wore it out listening to every track. "What's Love Got to Do With It" is probably the biggest hit from the album, but my favorite is definitely the title track. I can hear the bridge right now..."Deutch marks or dollars, American Express will do nicely, thank you. Let me loosen up your collar, tell me, do-you-want-to-see-me-do-the shimmy again? Uhhhhhhh." That last extended "uh" reminds me a bit of Donna Summer's "Love to Love You Baby."
Anyway, Tina has had an illustrious career, so I'm not surprised that there are many videos with her on YouTube. I particularly like to see the tribute videos, and I came across one from the 2008 Grammys where she and Beyoncé performed together. At about 4:45 minutes into the performance, Beyoncé stepped on Tina's foot. Ouch. I wish I could say "I feel her pain," but I bet it was worse than anytime I have had my foot stepped on. Heels are dangerous. I wonder if the duo will perform again. I bet Tina will wear boots...
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!
