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.

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.......

Don't Stop Believing

So, let me just say that I absolutely LOVE Journey, and this is one of my favorite songs.  I think my favorite Journey song is actually "Anyway You Want It," just because it is so up-tempo and fun, and I love when Steve Perry sings about "the lovin' things."  But, alas, "Don't Stop Believing" is probably their most popular song of all time.  I've avoided writing about it at the risk of making folks tired of the tune, because I would not want that to happen.  It has gotten tons of airplay over the years, and I just read that it has been downloaded 2 million times - the most of any song that was recorded in the "pre-digital age."  It's an excellent song, as we know.  It has been in movies, on television, in political campaigns and rallies, and the list goes on.  Why is it such an awesome song?  Well, there are many reasons.  I can think of a few: Steve Perry's voice, the amazing guitar lines, the beautiful and very cool piano part, and...the lyrics!

The lyrics are ultra positive and inspiring, especially the chorus - "Don't stop believing, hold on to that feeling...."  However, the chorus only comes at the very end, after three verses and a repeated section that is similar to a chorus in principle, and come to find out, this particular "semi-chorus" section has caused quite a debate.  Is it "streetlight people" or "streetlights, people?"  To me, it sounds like he is singing "streetlights, people," but if you read some history and discourse on the song, you'l find that Steve Perry was interviewed for a magazine and talked about seeing people on the street under streetlights when he was in Detroit.  He said he liked the line "streetlight people" to describe them.  I guess you'll have to decide for yourselves.  The other part of the lyrics that has caused a HUGE debate is "South Detroit."  Yeah, uh, there is no such place.  I think we all know that, but come on folks, he just wrote it because it sounded good with the line.  Really.  No big deal.  Just like Billy Joel and the title/lyrics to"Allentown," which we discussed in my earlier post, "Into the Night."  Wow, people get really animated about this whole South Detroit thing.   It just makes a good line, that's all.  So, hopefully, we can all settle our differences, whether we are from Detroit or not, and enjoy the song--because it is awesome!

Foolish Heart

I can't believe it has been almost a week since my last post.  I apologize.  I'm not sure how I got this far behind.  I was traveling a bit and am just about ready to leave again for the NAMM show in Anaheim.  That show is where everyone in the music business converges at the Anaheim Convention Center to show off all their latest goods -- and by goods, I mean products.  Anyway...  I was in a thrift store the other day and heard Steve Perry's "Foolish Heart."  It always amazes me what great music you can hear at places like that or drugstores like Walgreen's or CVS.  I've also heard some awesome '70s and '80s tunes in Michael's craft store, too.  You never know where you might catch excellent tunes while doing a bit of leisurely shopping.

So, I had to write about "Foolish Heart," which was released in 1984.  I didn't realize it was in the first half of the decade, but nevertheless, it is another timeless classic.  I hadn't paid much attention to the lyrics over the years.  I just remember, "Foolish heart, hear me calling...stop before, you start falling."  Then, I thought the lyrics went on to say, "foolish heart, hear my worries..." but it is actually, "foolish heart, heed my warning."  Ah, yes--sometimes we make up the most interesting lyrics in our minds...  Alas, I read some background information about the song, and it is about a man who wants to be in a relationship but is a bit hesitant, because he doesn't want his heart broken.  Makes perfect sense to me.  Regardless of the scenario, I am simply in love with Steve Perry's voice.  It is like magic.  Nothing else compares.  His voice has such beauty, intensity, control, and character.  He could sing about taking out the garbage or raking leaves or something, and it would be amazing.  The video is also very simple, which is terrific.  It lets you really focus on the beauty of Steve's voice and the pure, delicate sentiment of the song.  Very fitting as we approach Valentine's Day.  Hope you enjoy this Steve Perry classic!

Song of the Day - "Any Way You Want It," Journey

Of all songs from the 80s, this has to be one of my all time favorites.  So simple yet completely full of energy, and Steve Perry's voice is always amazing.  I hope one day he will come back just for a reunion concert.  If you listen to the song and notice how powerful Steve's voice is, well, it just truly rocks.  The chorus is harmonized by all members of the band to really add some kick.  Steady beat, a couple of guitar "punctuations," and that famous cowbell really put this on the high octant list.  Of course Steve's voice carries like a powerhouse when he is singing extended "ohs" throughout.  Awesome song.  It will start your day and lift your spirits.  I probably enjoy listening to this song the most when I am driving.  It is the 6th song on my Amazon mp3 player to the right.  Enjoy!