Bad Reputation

I wasn't sure what to write about this evening, so I started browsing through some tunes from 1980.  Have to say that I wasn't too excited about any one of them in particular tonight.  In fact, I think I found some of them to be a little on the cheesy side.  It's no fault to the singers, though, because even someone like Diana Ross can get stuck with a tune that is just downright silly.  Sometimes, it just happens...

Anyway, somehow I came across Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation," which was written just one year later in 1981.  Now, this is a classic tune that just about sums it up for me.  Yeah, I don't give a d@mn 'bout my reputation either, so this is perfect!  I'm just a clarinet player and not anywhere near as rockingly awesome as Joan Jett, but this message is probably shared by more than you'd think.  I noticed recently that Miley Cyrus covered this tune, and I even saw a video of her performing with Joan Jett.  Poor Joan.  No offense to anyone's creativity or artistic freedom, but Miley Cyrus?  Come on.  All I can think about is bubble gum and popcorn.  I just don't see Miley coming anywhere close to the renegade spirit of Joan Jett.  Teenaged rebellion just isn't the same, and I don't think Miley's hairdos or tattoos really are all that shockingly rebellious.  Anyway, back to Joan Jett.  SHE ROCKS!  Yup -- that about says it all.  The song was inspired by her search for a record company and the advice given to her by her producer Kenny Laguna.  She wasn't going to change for anyone, regardless of how many companies wouldn't sign her because of her "bad reputation."  Yeah -- right on, Joan.  I hear you loud and clear.  That message is so meaningful today -- and probably shared by even more than it was in 1981.  Let's face it, there is so much nonsense in the world today, and so many people talking about what is politically correct or not. Sometimes, you just have to say, "I don't give a d@mn" about what people think.  "A girl can do what she wants to do, and that's what I'm gonna do!"  You can, too -- just turn this tune on and crank it up!

Only Time Will Tell

I realized that I had not posted at all in August, which is very unlike me.  Not sure why I have been so absent, since that is pretty much the opposite of my mission with this blog.  So, I've decided to get up off my posterior and write!  Actually, I am sitting as I type, so I am not really off my derrière.  Anyway, I've heard this one tune on Nights with Alice Cooper several times, and I had no idea of the title or the group.  I just knew that I liked the song and seemed to have the lyric "your insincerity" stuck in my head.  I did a bit of searching and discovered that the song was by Asia, and the title was "Only Time Will Tell."  Hmm...  I don't think I ever realized that!  I watched the video and sort of vaguely remembered it.  It came out in 1982, and I suppose I may have seen it once or twice.  The television sets in the video seemed familiar, but I don't think the video received much airplay back in the day.  Watching it this evening, I'm not sure I completely follow the concept, but early videos didn't always have a theme/concept/plot that matched the song's lyrics or message.  Nope.  I think this one was merely a "hey, this new music video thing is cool and modern" -- hence the many televisions.  I think it was pretty new technology to have one image spread over the multiple t.v. sets, which was pretty cool.  I'm not sure I follow the gymnast idea, either, but I think there were a few videos with gymnasts in the '80s.  It does kind of give a sense of perpetual motion, and hey, only time will tell...

So, what will time tell?  Well, the song is about a man who was in a relationship with a woman who just used him and pretended to be in love.  It was all a lie.  Her insincerity is the part of the lyric I remember!  I guess only time will tell what happens with this woman.  I have no idea.  Sounds like it was a good thing that the man discovered "the lie" and ended this thing.  Or maybe she did.  I don't know.  It doesn't really matter, anyway, because it's just a good tune.  It may be one of few songs I can remember where the guitar has a really melodic line that sort of echos the singer.  Now that is cool.  Cooler than television sets and gymnasts...

Take Your Time (Do It Right)

I can't believe I haven't written about this tune yet, because it is one of my absolute favorites.  It was also released in 1980 -- which means it just sneaks in as an "80s" tune.  You may argue this point since it doesn't really sound very "80s," but 1980 was just the turning point of the new decade.  So, there may have been some residual disco and funk in the early songs of the decade, and this is probably a good example.  But you know, whenever there is a good tune, it really doesn't matter when it was written or how it is classified.  I would certainly agree that this S.O.S. band tune qualifies as a classic for any decade.

There are just so many elements that make this song a hit.  There are also many different layers going on at the same time from an instrumental standpoint.  It's truly amazing.  I must say, the glockenspiel really does it for me.  I mean, how cool is it to have a glockenspiel in a pop/disco/funk/dance song?  It really works!  Then, there is this awesome guitar riff that is like a '70s funk motor, and it just cranks along all the way through -- keeping your body moving to the beat.  If you zone in on that riff, it could leave you in the most excellent funky daze.  There's also a terrific horn section with trumpet and sax -- very typical of the 70s.  They don't make wind sections like that in bands anymore.  I tell you -- those were some great gigs for brass and sax players, and those guys knew how to play.  I'm still jealous!  Anyway, the video is a classic, and I guess I didn't really hear the hand clapping until I watched the video.  The band is really happening, and they do so many things -- clap, play glockenspiel and sax, and just generally keep the groove going.  Mary Davis's voice is pure and smooth with depth and a wonderful soulful sound.  She sings about taking time when you get home to relax and, well, you know, have some couple's time -- "take the time to be alone...lock the door, pull out the phone."  Couldn't agree more.  I always thought in the chorus that she was singing, "Baby we can do it, take your time, do it right...we can do it baby...do it tonight."  In actuality, it's "Baby we can do it, take the time, do it right..."  Yeah, I guess I got confused from the title or just took it for granted.  Makes just a slight shade of difference between "take your time" and "take the time."  Whatever the case, this tune is the best!  I still have that guitar riff in my head...

Fading Like A Flower

Okay--I am long, long overdue for a post.  I apologize.  I had been thinking about Roxette's "Listen to Your Heart," and I was going to write about it.  It seemed to fit nicely since it was released in 1989 and would have just squeezed in to the '80s before they were over.  But, alas, my absolute favorite Roxette song is "Fading Like A Flower."  I have to cheat here since the song was released in 1991, but it is just such an awesome song.  Considering Roxette had some hits before this one, well, I think it's okay.

Roses beaten by the storm -- but still beautiful

So, back to the song.  I can remember writing about this tune in college for a rhetorical criticism class.  Not sure why, but it just spoke to me.  I watched the video again this evening -- after not watching it since (probably) 1991.  What a terrific song AND video!  Yeah, this is perfect.  The song itself has so many terrific elements.  I love that the intro is a beautiful piano line that has a cadence marked with a kicking explosion of guitar and drums.  Beautiful and explosive at the same time.  And, oddly enough, even though the group is from Sweden, I never had trouble understanding the lyrics.  I guess that shouldn't be an issue since there are plenty of American singers whose lyrics I can't understand.  Anyway, my favorite line from the song is "to get your face right out of my mind."  Yes!  I will try, but I need a little time -- to get your face right out of my mind!  That is probably the best ever in the history of lyrics.  It just expresses what the singer is feeling so perfectly.  Haven't we all felt that at some point?  And fading like a flower... well, yes.  I certainly have felt wilted from the pain of love.  This song is so perfect.  It's timeless.  Just fits the bill even after 21 years.  I can't believe it's been that long, because the video is so fresh and vivid -- fantastic video direction and imagery.  This song will never be dated in my opinion.  And it really is remarkable how perfectly everything works in the tune -- piano, guitar, drums, vocals, harmony.  I admit that I get wrapped up in the music, but if you sit down and listen to the lyrics, they really are quite expressive.  You could probably come up with a million different visual interpretations, but I still prefer Roxette's visual concept for the video.  I think everyone can find something to enjoy with this song.  Hope you do, too!

High Enough

So, again I fall behind on my posts.  I apologize.  I'm been a bit frantic and off schedule with my upcoming move.  Hopefully, everything will settle soon -- and I sure hope I have decent internet service in the new place.  Anyway, I was driving this weekend and heard the song "High Enough" by Damn Yankees.  Excellent song, and I hadn't heard it in a long time.  So, I am glad it came on the radio.  When it first came out,  I thought they were singing "Can you take me higher...," but that is no surprise.  As you know, my hearing is not the best, and hey, sometimes it's just hard to tell what people are singing.  But, as I was listening this time, I was pretty sure it was "high enough" that they were singing.  Looked it up, and bingo!  Yes, that is what they are singing.  Unfortunately, it was released in 1990, so it isn't technically an '80s song, but that is alright.  Damn Yankees is made up of folks from Styx and Night Ranger--and Ted Nugent, so I think it's okay.

Meanwhile, I watched the video this evening, and I'm not sure I follow...  So, there is this couple, and they are on the run from the law (I think they robbed a bank or stole money somehow).  Toward the end of the video, there is this huge shoot-out with the cops and, well, Ted Nugent is out on the porch just rockin' out on his guitar solo while the bullets are flying.  Not quite sure I understood, but I guess it's kind of like that scene in "Titanic" where the string players are just playing along while the ship is sinking.  Actually, I think Ted is just playing as if to say "screw you" to the cops and the law.  Bullets cannot stop him!  I'm good with that.  Anyway, the woman is caught by the cops, goes to jail, and then you see her with a rosary and a priest.  Think he is reading her her last rights.   Come to find out at the very end, it's Ted Nugent again.  AHA!  Perfect!  He has another "ha!" kind of smirk, too.  I looked at the lyrics and history behind the song, and it's actually about a couple falling in love--and how it can be scary, and one person can scare the other away.  But, they ultimately come back to each other and can take each other high enough to fly them over yesterday.  Pretty cool.  I like it.  Good message, good harmony, awesome guitar solo, and just a good tune altogether.  Enjoy!

The Stroke

Hmm...so, I was reading about "The Stroke" by Billy Squire and was a bit surprised by the meaning behind the lyrics.  Obviously, this song has many interpretations -- well, maybe not so many.  The obvious is kind of, well, you know.  People interpret this song to be about something that would seem obvious from the title.  But, alas, I found out that he wrote it about the dirtiness of the record industry.  That makes perfect sense to me.  I can see how the music business could be corrupt.  It's a business that I work in, so I can visualize the "deals" and sleaziness that Squire portrays through the lyrics.  Although I don't work on the recording side of the business, I understand how that side could be extremely corrupt.  We have seen what it does to artists once they become a commodity--a commercial product.  Yup, one's artistry and integrity are often compromised.  I think Squire captures "the deal" perfectly in this song.  Now that I understand the meaning, it becomes quite apparent in the lyrics.  The driving, edgy guitar line and drums really add to the overall feel of what Billy Squire is trying to portray.  It's a pretty intense instrumental track, and again, it helps support the picture that is clearly painted by the vocals.  Bravo.  I give props to Mr. Squire for raging against the machine with this one.

Bringin' on the Heartbreak

So, once again I was listening to "Nights with Alice Cooper," and "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" by Def Leppard came on the show.  It's interesting--I've actually grown to enjoy Def Leppard's music more and more as I get older.  They were very popular when I was younger, and I knew this one teenaged friend who was completely obsessed with them.  Now I can see why.  They seem to have had the magic rock n' roll touch.  All of their songs were huge hits, and I can't seem to think of any I didn't like (well, except "Pour Some Sugar on Me," probably because it was really overplayed).  Anyway, the point is... this group rocks.  Plus, their lyrics are amazing.  Listen to the lyrics for "Bringin' on the Heartbreak"--they are ultra sensitive and poetic.  Really intriguing as well, and so vivid that you can essentially visualize a story line and video in your own mind as you listen.  The gentle guitar playing under the verses really brings out the lyrics, too.  Makes me want to cry from the very beginning: "Gypsy, sittin' lookin' pretty, a broken rose with laughin' eyes..."  If you can make it past there, you will really enjoy this song.

Not a broken rose...just a pretty one

Meanwhile, as I was doing some research on this song, I ran across the title with Mariah Carey's name.  I thought, "Oh no... say it ain't so.  Please...."  But, unfortunately, it is :( No offense to Ms. Carey, but, uh, well...no, not the right song for her to cover.  Yikes.  She has a lovely voice and a great range, but I think she sings her genre of pop and pop ballads well.  Just not right for this heavy rock ballad.  So, try to dodge those clips on YouTube and enjoy the one and only Def Leppard.  It is THE version to hear.  THE original.  THE best!

Hold On Loosely

Hello blog world.  I know I have been gone for much too long.  I apologize.  I really have no good excuse, so.....  Let's just get down to business.  I heard "Hold On Loosely" the other day and thought it would be a great song to write about.  It was released in 1981 and is truly a classic.  Excellent tune with real kick.  Awesome guitar and a fun chorus that, sadly, has been misinterpreted.  Yeah, I know.  "Hold on loosely, but don't let go, if you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control..."  I can hear snickers already, because we know what the lyrics have led people to believe the song is about.  But, I read the history behind the tune, which was very interesting--and quite touching.  It was written by two of the members of Survivor, but it didn't make the cut on their first album.  So, it was given to .38 Special.  The song was written as advice to young people dating.  The concept came from the songwriter's early dating experience with his wife.  When they were teenagers, he kind of smothered her by clinging too much.  I can understand that.  People need their space--both guys and girls.  I can truly understand it from the woman's perspective, because, well....yeah, it's no fun to be smothered by a clingy guy!  I am SURE guys feel the same way about girls who are too needy and cling to them constantly.  Yes--"hold on loosely, but don't let go.  Your baby needs someone to believe in, and a whole lot of space to breathe in."  That is perfect.  Should work like a charm, and if it doesn't, just go home alone and crank up some '80s tunes!

I Hate Myself for Loving You

So, today I was having lunch with a co-worker at one of our favorite places--Subway.   Yes, it's true.  Not very exquisitely exotic or anything, but you always know how much it will be, and you know it is not fried.  I like to eat healthy food most of the time.  So, Subway is a good choice, and it is bright and cheery and yellow inside.  Kind of makes it "sunny" even on the gloomiest days.  This particular Subway usually plays light rock or pop on their radio station of choice, but today I heard Joan Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You."  I thought, "Wow!  I haven't heard this in ages!"  I was even more surprised this evening when I read that the song came out in 1988.  Why was I thinking it was much earlier than that--like 1982?  I am getting all my years confused lately.  I hate myself for getting old...

Recent pic of Joan

Anyway, this song is awesome.  It's another one where I hadn't paid attention to the lyrics back in the day, so I took a look this evening.  The song is all about a woman who hates herself for loving a guy who is a cheater.  Ah, yes, we have heard this scenario many times before in '80s songs.  Well, we have heard songs where a woman is cheated and feels badly--maybe angry, sad, etc.  But!  We have only Joan Jett to really sock it to us with her title.  Yeah!  I think she wraps it up perfectly.  Listen to the lyrics--they are terrific.  I especially like, "But I've been dreamin' 'bout the lovin' you do..."  That just makes me smile.  Kind of a lyrical "wink."  Very cool.  The other part I remember was something about "but you don't know what you was missin' last night."  Little did I know that the whole verse ends with another bit of a jab at this guy: "Hey man bet you can treat me right...but you don't know what you was missin' last night...I want to see your face and say forget it just from spite..."   Sweet!  I love that last part.  This song is truly awesome.  I guess it's good to not have been overplayed.  Makes you really appreciate it many years later.  And Joan Jett is truly 100% rock and roll.  Enjoy!

Detroit Rock City

It's getting pretty late in Becky's World, and tomorrow is Friday.  Thank goodness.  As tired as I am right now, I am excited for the weekend.  Last weekend I heard "Detroit Rock City," another Kiss classic, on the radio while I was driving.  Again, I cheat a bit here because the song was written in 1976, but that is alright.  I am sure this song was heard on classic rock stations in the 80s, and it is still getting airplay today.  I never actually heard the song until this year when I discovered the Kiss Symphony video.  I had very little idea of what Paul Stanley was singing (other than "get up...get down...") and then I discovered the sad inspiration behind the song.  Becky's World is pretty happy, so I will leave the research on this one (for those who don't already know) to my readers.

I really do think the performance with the Melbourne Symphony ads an exceptional punch and huge level of excitement to the song.  Well, that and the awesome pyrotechnics.  I couldn't help but notice that at 1:59 in the video, the brass section comes in to join the guitar melody.  Oh yeah, the brass can really kick some, uh, rear.  How cool is that?  I can only sit here and drool over that part, because even if the woodwinds had it, well you can't see or hear them in that part of the video.  That's okay.  Plenty of good music to go around for everyone.  I think I am getting addicted to this performance video.  I guess the song isn't really that sad if you think about it as a celebration of spirit and life.  Alright, it's sad, but this video is kickin', and the guitar solos cranking along give the tune unbelievable gusto and momentum.  Perfect to ring in the weekend.  Enjoy!

A Matter of Touch?

So, I was driving back from a long weekend visit with my family, and I stopped at a McDonald's at the bottom of a huge mountain range.  While I was in the restaurant, I heard a really catchy tune by Billy Joel.  I recognized it clearly, but I could not remember the title...and I certainly couldn't hear the title in the chorus.  I thought, "A matter of touch?  A matter of love?"  Wow.  I simply could not hear what he was singing.  A matter of touch surely didn't make sense.  A matter of love was a bit closer, but I just knew it wasn't correct.  Then, finally, I realized what he was singing AND what the title was --- A Matter of Trust.  Hmmm.  Sounds kind of boring as a title, actually.  A matter of trust?  Is that really very interesting?  Usually songs about cheating, loneliness, or unrequited love are always more interesting, intense, and sometimes even fun.  But, alas, this IS Billy Joel, and he is a master songwriter and lyricist.  I cannot think of a Billy Joel song that I do not like---they are all amazing.  So, with this one, there is no difference.  It is a solid, lyrical, melodic, and "meaty" tune from 1986.  It has more guitar than you would ordinarily hear in a Billy Joel song, but that is what makes it so perfect for the time (well, that and his pure, focused vocal performance).  Most of Billy's songs feature the piano, which is his main instrument.  So, this is a bit different.  I can't really imagine someone else covering the tune, but you know, perhaps there could be different lyrics.  In fact, this song is so solid that you could probably sing just about anything over the instrumental foundation.

Christie Brinkley Cover Girl Ad -- Classic!

As for the actual tune and video, both are very upbeat.  The song is obviously about a couple building a relationship to last--one that is based on trust and set to withstand the tests of time.  In the video, we see Billy's wife at the time, Christie Brinkley.  Yup, she was a famous model, and they were newlyweds.  She is holding their infant daughter, Alexa Rae Joel, who is now a grown woman and singer/songwriter just like her dad.  Unfortunately, Joel and Brinkley divorced later.  She married someone else and had a few more children.  Then, there was a scandal with her husband cheating on her with some teenaged babysitter.  Oh well!  Very, very 80s.  Well, the scandal part was 80s, but the actual facts were kind of more current (90s? 21st century?).  Luckily, the video is a fun jam in New York City, which will always be cool and inspiring, no matter what decade we are in.  I hope you enjoy this song and video.  If you can't understand the lyrics, just make something up...

I Was Made for Loving You

Those crazy boxed Halloween costumes...

Okay - I have to admit that I was always a bit afraid of Kiss. When they were really at a highpoint in the music world, I was in kindergarten. I remember that year, and I was only 5. All of the boys in my kindergarten class dressed up as Kiss for Halloween, and it honestly scared the daylights of out me. Back in 1980, we had these horrible Halloween costume "sets." It was basically a plastic mask held on by a thin elastic strap stapled to each side and then a big, smelly, plastic/rubber smock as the costume. Ugh, they were awful, and the smock/dress costume thing always ripped. But, we had to have them!

That being said, I think it's alright to put "I Was Made for Loving You" into this blog, even though the song was released just a year earlier (1979). As I mentioned, I was always afraid of the band, so I didn't listen to much of their music even as an adult. Old habits die hard. Anyway, I was looking around the internet and discovered that Kiss performed in Australia in 2003 with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The performance was recorded, and a live album was released titled Kiss Symphony: Alive IV. Low and behold, I saw some videos from the show, and I was blown away by the performance of "I Was Made for Loving You." I read that the conductor of the Melbourne Symphony arranged the orchestral parts, which I am sure was no small task. The orchestra sounds AMAZING in this performance - powerhouse brass section, awesome strings playing swiftly together with perfect intonation. If was incredible. The orchestra really seemed to amp up the performance to a level that you wouldn't normally expect from a classical instrumental ensemble. Even better, the orchestra members were all wearing Kiss makeup! Even the wind players. It is so amazing. Wish I had that gig! There are just so many layers and tonal colors that orchestras have in and of themselves. When you add that to a rock band live on stage, well, the results are unbelievable.

Meanwhile, the song itself needs no interpretation. Lyrics are to the point and very clear, although it is kind of neat to think about two people being made for each other. We hear that as a cliché expression: "Oh, those two were made for each other." Kind of sounds syrupy-sweet and kind of cutesy. But, when Paul Stanley is up there with Kiss singing "I was made for loving you baby, you were made for loving me...I can't get enough of you baby, can you get enough of me..." it really packs a punch!!! Yeah! The performance is truly amazing in the video - orchestra, guitar solo, drums, vocals. It's insane. I especially love the punctuation of the lyrics with pyrotechnics toward the end..."I was made" BOOM, "You were made" BOOM, "Can't get enough" BOOM, "No I can't get enough" BOOM! Hope you enjoy this incredible performance!

Photograph

Def Leppard's "Photograph" is a classic 80s rock tune that is cranking in full force right from the get go.  I can hear the explosive guitar intro as I type -- kind of a signal announcing the arrival of a super rock anthem.  When I hear this song in the car, it is difficult not to accelerate into the nether regions of the speedometer.  I honestly never knew the full lyrics of this song until recently (once again), but that is quite alright.  Honestly, I was much more impressed by the extensive guitar solo, which basically functions with equal weight to any of the lead vocals.  Something about the quality of Joe Elliott's voice also seems to compliment and equal the power of the guitar throughout this song.  That being said, I believe his extensive "ahhhhhh ahhhhhh ahhhh ahh ah ah ah oh photographhhhhh........" at 3:32 is probably the best vocal line ever in the history of 80s music.  Mr. Elliott brings it home!  If I heard that live, I would most definitely pass out.

The video is a classic as well.  Joe's very cool UK flag shirt and leather pants costumed him perfectly as a rockin' British superstar.  Too bad we don't see more leather pants---I wonder what ever happened to them.  They sure look cool, even today.  The hairstyles, long and free, were also pretty typical and the sign of a rocker.  No shame back in the day for men to have lots of free flowing, beautiful hair.   As for the women in the cages, well, that was pretty common for 80s videos.  I think we've seen that a number of times - even on this blog.  No harm, though, really.  The women might be caged, but they are singing with vigor.  I think they are supposed to represent some kind of element of the underworld or an alternative rock universe.  As for the images of Marilyn Monroe, well, that didn't really creep me out as a child, but the killer sure is ghastly.  Good thing she can laugh about it in the end and shove the photo down the drain grid with her shoe.  Enjoy this classic tune - I hope it keeps you rockin'.

She's a Beauty

Okay--I have to admit that this video used to scare the daylights out of me when I was little.  Something about the motorized wheelchair buzzing around as the chariot for a dominatrix-type lady really frightened me. To this day, I still find it a bit creepy, but let's face it, this song is awesome.  In the intro, we hear a crisp synthesized line followed by guitar in full force.  Drums come in to add to the layers, and the lyrics of the first verse begin -- "Step right up, and don't be shy -- because you will not believe your eyes..."  There is something very intriguing about the lead singer's vocal quality.  The lyrics are clear and very clever, and the delivery is almost tongue-in-cheek so to say.  I guess you can say the song is about a woman in a peep show or something, but really, I think it's just kind of a general sentiment about the cost of falling in love.  For some reason, I think the carnival setting is perfect for this topic.  The mermaid in the video always used to intrigue me when I was little, and now that I revisit the video, it creeps me out as opposed to the woman in the chair.  As you can see, there are many humorous and semi-creepy elements.  To this day, I cannot believe that some of the images (especially the drums), made it past the censors in the 1980s.  But, in retrospect, it reminds us to not to things so seriously.  It's a fun song, and the video is very clever.  I hope you will enjoy--should be a great tune to kick off the weekend!

Heartbreaker

One of my absolute favorite songs of all time is "Heartbreaker" by Pat Benatar.  I wanted to say it was my all-time favorite 80s song, but I did a bit of research this evening and found out that it was released in October of 1979.  So, it technically just squeezed itself in before the new decade.  Pat was always a visionary in my opinion, so I think it is fitting!  What can I say about this song?  It truly rocks.  It is the epitome of rock.  With high energy drums and guitar breaking way for Pat's extraordinary voice, the song takes off from the beginning and just keeps cranking and rocking all the way through.  It's sort of a "super power" rock song, and the lyrics are incredible as well.  Take a listen, and you can hear them clearly as Pat delivers them with a punch.  She sings about a man who sounds like a rock version of Cassanova or Don Giovanni.  I absolutely LOVE the chorus: "You're a heartbreaker, dream maker, love taker don't you mess around with me...you're a heartbreaker, dream maker, love taker don't you mess around--no, no, no!"  Guitars fuel the force, and the song itself is a virtual rock tidal wave.  As I was thinking about the song, I realized that the chorus is very clever and creative.  I wondered what it would be like to switch around parts of the words, since some were essentially "created" with word combinations..."heartbreaker, dream maker, love taker..."  If we sing "heart breaker, dream taker, love maker" it would get the same message across.  It would be awesome to hear Pat sing that variation, all the while pointing at you with super rock intensity.  Ms. Benatar...we concede to your greatness!!!!!!  So glad that you chose rock over opera, even though you have the powerhouse voice for both.  

Hope you enjoy Heartbreaker.  It is number 24 on the Amazon MP3 Player to the right.  Just for fun, I've also included two video versions of the song (one retro and one more recent --both are terrific!).

Jessie's Girl

Ah...Rick Springfield.  His "Jessie's Girl" is probably a certified anthem of the 1980s.  I have to admit that he certainly did look cute in the video with his hair so perfectly coiffed.  In the 80s, there were certain hair styles that were so popular...they are essentially legendary.  I don't think one particular hair style dominates today.  Anyway, his hair did look perfect in the video, and he was definitely what we would call in the 80s a "heart throb."  Makes me think about Tiger Beat magazine.  I wonder what ever happened to that..

So, back to the song.  The lyrics are simple and very direct.  Rick is singing about being jealous of his friend's girlfriend.  It's okay.  His jealousy in the song is kind of endearing -- nothing hostile.  He just wants to find a woman like that, too.  I think the best part of the song would be the guitar.  Actually, both the bass and lead guitar parts are awesome.  The song begins with an excellent bass line (which we hear in many, many songs of the 80s).  In fact, the bass line is a very standard chord progression that even is kind of an "abbreviated" version of Pachelbel's Canon (for my fellow music geek friends).  Very standard yet still groovy and cool.  The lead guitar has an excellent solo as well.  All in all, this song is a winner.  Some of you might also remember Rick Springfield from "General Hospital."  Many, many actors and some singers got their start on soaps...very common for the day.  "Jessie's Girl" is song number #33 on the Amazon MP3 player at the top.  Just for fun, I am including his video and the cover of the album that includes "Jessie's Girl."  This particular cover scared me as a little girl, probably because it didn't seem "right" to see a dog dressed in a shirt and tie.  Still seems a bit weird, but kind of funny as well.  Enjoy!

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!