Making Love Out of Nothing at All

So, I apologize once again for my long hiatus.  It's not like me, really, and I feel very guilty.  That being said, I really wanted to write about a show-stopping tune this evening.  "Total Eclipse of the Heart" came to mind, since I love that song.  It's definitely a monstrous tune and has enjoyed huge popularity--even to the point of being re-recorded in a dance version (which, I admit, is epically tragic in my opinion).  Anyway, I love that tune, and Bonnie Tyler is amazing.  As I was researching the tune, I discovered that it was written by Jim Steinmann, who wrote songs for Meatloaf.  Steinmann also wrote "Making Love Out of Nothing at All"  and offered it to Meatloaf, but there was some kind of conflict with the record company.  Ultimately, "Making Love Out of Nothing at All" was recorded by Air Supply.

I admit that I am not a huge Air Supply fan.  I think they are a terrific band, and some of their songs are really memorable -- like this one!  So, it all came back to me when I heard it.  It is definitely one of those classic ballads with beautiful vocals and hugely romantic lyrics.  If you read the lyrics, well, they are pretty intense.  Lots of contradictions and interesting mental imagery -- all because of love.  Yup.  I never really heard anything other than "making love out of nothing at all."  In fact, it's still hard for me to concentrate on the lyrics when I hear this song, because I am spellbound by the piano and the quality of Russell Hitchcock's voice.  But, alas, the song is about someone who is deeply in love with another person and can never let him/her go.  It say "him/her" because the song was actually covered by Bonnie Tyler in 1996.  Check out her video.  It's interesting.  Actually, I think it is kind of creepy, but she looks beautiful, and the video production is great.  Air Supply wins the contest (in my opinion) for the champions of this song.  It would be interesting to hear yet another reincarnation by today's singers.  I wonder who would really have the voice to make it work.  Hmmm...let's ponder that one.  In the meantime, please enjoy the video for this tune.  Albeit kind of cheesy, it is a perfect peek into the fashions, style, and video direction of 1983.  

No One Like You

Indeed, there is no one like the Scorpions when it comes to an awesome rockin' ballad like "No One Like You."  This song really nips it in the bud.  If you listen to the lyrics, you will notice the most intense, urgent feeling that comes from someone who is madly in love...and the guitar just kicks it up a notch.  Kind of funny, actually, because the guitar line is quite delicate under the main verses--- but, when the chorus comes in, it is electrifying.  The lead singer's voice has a certain edge to it that really gives the song gusto and almost a bit of tension.  Very, very cool.  I heard this song a few times (once again) on "Nights with Alice Cooper" (thank you, sir, for playing such great tunes!).  Oddly enough, I have rarely heard it on the radio.  I usually hear "Rock You Like a Hurricane," which is also a good song, but...."No One Like You" wins the prize for the most amazing rock ballad in the history of songs--or perhaps the history of tunes covered by Becky's World blog posts. 

The video is pretty interesting...  The lead singer is in jail and on death row, or so it seems.  But, alas, in the end, it is only a dream.  I wonder what this song would be like with a different video--maybe something kind of mystical and supernatural.  I think that would make for an interesting effect.  Kind of a juxtaposition of fantasy and reality, heaven and earth, darkness and light.  Just a thought.  In the meantime, this song stands terrifically on its own, video or not.  So, ladies and gentlemen, start your radios, computers, iPods, or whatever else you have to enjoy this awesome classic tune!

Hard to Say I'm Sorry

Ahh...a nice quiet evening at home, and Chicago's music is here to make me smile--or cry.  I've heard "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" many times on the radio when I'm driving, and without fail, it makes me cry everytime.  When Peter Cetera gets to the chorus and sings, "and after all that's been said and done, you're just a part of me I can't let go."  It's like a bittersweet melody that just lingers and makes you tearful.  But, alas, Peter Cetera's voice is magical, so most of the song makes me smile.

I found two videos that I wanted to share.  One is from 1982 (when the song was released) and the other is from 2004.  These videos are very different.  In the first one, it's not hard for me to say that I was mesmerized not only by Peter Cetera's voice but his looks as well.  Wow.  I don't think I've ever seen anyone with such perfect hair and teeth.  It is amazing, and I mean that honestly.  I do believe I have a video crush now.  Before I had seen this, I was simply in love with the melody, piano, and lyrics.  So delicate, so heartfelt.  Now, I can't stop watching this video!  So, I wondered if there were more, and I stumbled one with a LIVE ORCHESTRA!  BRAVO!  I am so happy to have found this video.  The brass really crank things up at the end, and the strings are kickin' with their funky, syncopated '70s licks.  If only I could get a gig like that...  Anyway, Peter Cetera looks somewhat different in this video, and I do believe that the key has changed to accommodate time and his graceful aging.  But, alas, Mr. Cetera still has it.  Too bad I didn't realize until today that he hasn't been in the band since 1985.  Oh well!  His beautiful voice and music transcend time, so it's okay if I am a bit behind...