Something Happened on the Way to Heaven

I have to admit that I wasn't a huge Phil Collins/Genesis fan in the 80s, but there were a couple of songs that sparked my attention back then.  Now that I am older, I can certainly appreciate his music and unyielding talent.  He is a true master of the musical craft.

So, something happened on the way to heaven, and the story unfolds through the lyrics.  Actually, it's quite simple -- he had a love, lost her, and now he wants her back.  How many times can he say he's sorry?!  Well, just a couple, and we hear it in the chorus -- which is also where Phil Collins is supported by the harmonies of his back-up singers.  Ah yes, the back-up singers...  Back in the day, many stars broke onto the scene via that route.  There certainly was no shame in that gig, because it either led to a solo career or the simple joy of joining forces with great singers day after day.  In addition to the supporting vocalists in this song, there is an amazing brass section that I just could not miss as an instrumentalist myself.  Wow.  That is some terrific trumpet and a really tight section.  Blows my mind that they make it seem so easy...  And speaking of easy, the intro of this song sounds quite similar to "Easy Lover," giving you the feeling that something of epic proportions is about to happen.  Will it be Phil Collins flying in on a plane with Phillip Bailey like in the "Easy Lover" video?  No, but it is something better -- song writing of epic proportions with a dynamite instrumental and vocal ensemble to support Mr. Collins.  Kudos big time here.   I don't quite get the whole dog thing in the video, although s/he is pretty cute.  I think the live performance element in the video would have been just fine by itself, but maybe something happened on the way to production, and the dog's role was born.  I'm not sure, but I certainly am curious...

Couldn't help thinking of Rowlf when the dog played the piano in this video.

Easy Lover

Finally, Friday....ah....  It's the day I have been waiting for all week!  Time to celebrate, and what better way to do that than with an up tempo '80s classic?  I was thinking of a particular song by Toto, and then I did some browsing on the internet, ultimately finding the song "Easy Lover" by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey.  This was written in 1984, so it is perfect!  I forgot how much fun this song is--and the video as well.  If you watch the video, it begins with  Phil and Philip (wow, I just noticed they have the same name) riding up in a helicopter.  The opening synthesizer line kind of goes with the helicopter controls engaging, so it all sort of syncs up so to say.  Then, the two are in the studio, rehearsing and recording the song.  It looks like they are having so much fun, and I especially like the part where they are working in this "swap the mic" dance move.  But, it is not as funny as the segment where it looks like Philip Bailey is showing Phil Collins some of his classic Earth, Wind, and Fire dance moves.  Awesome! 

I can remember this song from back in the day, and I admit that I didn't pay too much attention to the lyrics.  I remember "she's an easy lover, she'll get a hold on you believe it," but that was about it.  I actually remember the opening keyboard lick more than the lyrics.  So, I looked at the lyrics this evening.  Yeah, I kind of remember now: "She's an easy lover, she'll get a hold on you believe it, she's like no other, before you know it you'll be on your knees..."  Aha!  That is pretty interesting.  And then it gets better: "She's an easy lover, she'll take your heart but you won't feel it, she's like no other, and I'm just trying to make you see."  Ouch!  She'll take your heart but you won't feel it?  That is heavy.  Reminds me of "Maneater" by Hall and Oates or "Evil Woman" by the Electric Light Orchestra.  The difference with this tune is that it is kind of upbeat and happy--so much so that you don't realize the words are telling you this woman will rip your heart out!  Ah...love...and heartbreak.  Well, the woman is an easy lover, so I guess it all makes sense.  Whatever the case, the song is well-written, and both of the Philip/Phils harmonize amazingly.  Philip Bailey has that awesome "falsetto" type voice, and coupled with Phil Collins, it is just a terrific song.  They could be singing about anything, and it would be terrific.  Enjoy!

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!

Do They Know It's Christmas?

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

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

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