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 :)

Totally Awesome Covers

I was wondering if anyone had released a version of Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" other than the kind of pop/techno one that came out recently (Nicki French from 1995 -- guess it's not that recent!).  So, as I was looking through YouTube, I found the most amazing version of "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" by Meatloaf.  The two songs do sound similar if you think about it, so I guess this isn't a surprise.  For me, it was a godsend.  I found an entire channel of videos by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.  Turns out that they have released several covers of songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond.  There are songs by ABBA, Queen, Phil Collins, The Police, U2, Pink Floyd, Bryan Adams, REM...and the list goes on.  It's amazing.  The Meatloaf one is definitely my favorite.  Too bad the video isn't better, but hey, a giant bat staring into the distance is still alright.  So, I've included both the Royal Phil's version and Meatloaf's video (which was from 1994, so I am technically cheating again).  Meatloaf's career has spanned several decades, so I guess it's okay to include this one.  Enjoy!

Heaven

I was looking for something kind of quiet this morning, and after a bit of surfing the web, I found a couple of versions of Bryan Adams' "Heaven."  I think there was a dance version of this released in 2002, and it was cute.  But, the original song was definitely much different and memorable for its sensitive and beautiful lyrics.  The melody is simple, and the vocal line rather delicate.  Written in 1983 and released on Bryan's 1984 album, "Reckless," it is a beautiful '80s ballad.  I read that Bryan was influenced by Journey when writing "Heaven," particularly by Journey's "Faithfully."

So, it is much too early in the day for me to compare and contrast a beautiful rock ballad with a dance version, so luckily, I found the original video and an acoustic "unplugged" version.  I have to say that the acoustic version surprised me -- I never knew it was out there!  When I first saw the video, I didn't even recognize Bryan Adams (mostly because of his hairstyle).  He has a different look in this video.  I guess I am used to his white t-shirt and jeans look from the '80s.  Anyway, the acoustic version has some truly beautiful vocals and acoustic guitar.  About two minutes into the song, the rest of the ensemble joins in, and a whole new color palette is produced.  It's almost like turning the lights on.  I really enjoyed the performance and thought the recorder was a nice touch, too.  At least, I thought I heard a recorder, but at the end I saw a man playing what appeared to be a metal tube.  Hmm....I imagine it is an electronic wind instrument of some sort.  It definitely does the trick.  I will have to find out more about that.  Anyway, hope you enjoy these two versions of "Heaven."