We Don't Need Another Hero

I'm not quite sure how I got to Tina Turner's "We Don't Need Another Hero" on YouTube, but it may have been the result of my browsing through Songfacts, looking at titles by year.  This song is the theme to the 1985 movie Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome -- which, by the way, I never saw.  It's okay, because I was young enough in 1985 that the movie would have scared the daylights out of me.  In fact, the video did at the time, which is why it is so ironic that 28 years later, I can't stop watching it!  Anyway, Tina Turner starred in the movie with Mel Gibson, and wouldn't you know, I never realized that until now.  I just thought the song was all Tina, singing about the movie's plot.  And, might I add, that Ms. Tuner looks fierce in this video.  That's right.  With all due respect, she was fierce long before Beyoncé... 

Taking a closer look at the video and song, they are a perfect match.  The song begins with what sounds like pan flute, accompanied by simple drum and bass guitar lines.  That is really all you need.  It's quite subdued, and as the video begins, we catch a glimpse of Tina Tuner.  I should say THE Tina Tuner.  Her legendary voice begins -- so controlled, focused, and mesmerizingly soulful.  We get through the first verse and onto a chorus which explodes with the power of Ms. Tuner's voice -- but this is only the beginning.  I was sure I heard timpani between her vocal lines in the chorus, too.  The musical fireball builds, and we get to the bridge, where Tina's voice could power an entire village.  "So what do we do with our lives?  We leave only -- a mark.  Will our story shine like a light? Or end in the dark?  Give it all or nothing!"  And boom!  Our of the ruins, a tenor saxophone!!!!!  Tina brings him in, matching his first line - "Doot-do, doot-do, doot-do, doooooo-dooooooo."  One more round of the chorus, and "All the children say -- We don't need another heee-ro."  Harken, there is a chorus of angels.  I mean, it's really the King's House School Choir from South London, but WOW!  Now that is one vocal supernova between the kids and Tina.  And then, the song ends with one last word from Tina, "Thunderdome..."  Well, we don't need another hero.  Nope, it IS Tina Turner!

Careless Whispers

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...

Beyoncé and Tina - Ouch!

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...