The '80s were filled with so many love songs, which are typically my favorite, but I thought it would be interesting to look at some other styles this evening. The dawn of music videos peeked everyone's interest and seemed sort of "other-worldly" at times. There are so many videos with themes are references to space, technology, and well -- some things that are just plane scary. I think back to 1982, when Billy Joel's "Pressure" was written, and as I watch the video, I am reminded of the film "Poltergist." Boy did that movie scare me. There were so many others, too, and I think we were all a bit enthralled by horror and the paranormal back then.
In the video, you will notice all kinds of strange, semi-paranormal things -- like people sinking into floors and being pulled sideways into walls. Coffee spills by itself, water is pouring out or a song man's desk at school. Kind of creepy and out of control! Nothing like being stuck in a maze, either. I guess this video is probably better for Halloween or something, but, the song is just so well-composed that I couldn't resist. Nice to visit something different every now and then.
So, I have been reading quite a bit about Benny Mardones and "Into the Night." It seems to be quite the controversial song because of its lyrics -- especially the beginning. Let's take a look: "She's just 16 years old, leave her alone, they say..." Well, okay -- I can imagine that those lyrics could case a ruckus. People often take the lyrics for face value and claim that the song is about a man in love with a young woman who is, well, not legal. I may be in the minority, but to me, lyrics are lyrics. Sometimes they are true, direct, plain, simple -- but many times (more often than not) they are a metaphor or have been written to "fit nicely" with the song. If you think about Billy Joel's "Allentown" (which you can hear in my blog entry "Sunday Night Block"), I read that the original song was supposed to be "Bethlehem," as in Bethlehem, PA. But, "Allentown" sounded better -- so he used it (probably because it ends in "town"). Allentown is near Bethlehem anyway, so it works! Point being, Benny Mardones could have put other lyrics in for the girl's age, or he could have changed the lyrics entirely. I'm here writing this blog, and I could easily sing, "I'm just sitting at home, writing a blog, to-day..." It doesn't really matter. The song is beautiful with gorgeous vocals and kind of a "romantic" piano line. There's a general sense that this man is deeply in love with a woman and wants to give her his heart. That's all.
The more interesting part of this story is Benny Mardones and his life. He had written many songs for other artists and was encouraged to record one of his own. The song is kind of a "one hit wonder," but it is pleasant, soothing, distinctive. Mr. Mardones suffered from drug addiction after he made it big. We have seen this happen with so many gifted musicians. The good news was that someone in his life took him to Syracuse, NY to recover and get his life together. Today, supposedly, he still has a huge following in Syracuse, which makes me smile since I am from Upstate NY, too. Yes, the good people of our state helped this man recover and supported him through hard times. Upstate NY is a great place with good people! That aside, the song is simply a good tune. Make what you want of it, and enjoy it's melody and vocals. It is number 5 on the Amazon MP3 Player II to the right. There is no official video, either, so I picked something general from YouTube with a nice picture of Benny from back in the day. Enjoy!
The words in this post's title have been in my head all day. I'm sure many of you know they are from Heart's "Alone." Of course, the rest of the chorus follows in my mind as well...and then the guitar solo....and repeat. Ann Wilson's vocals are truly amazing on this. Beautiful piano intro followed by lyrics with equal beauty and depth make this song one of my favorite from the 80s. I've also realized that it is just as beautiful "unplugged" and found a great video of Heart accompanied by a small chamber orchestra. Amazing, powerful, and relaxing all at the same time. This is a perfect Saturday night song whether you are with loved ones or just enjoying some nice, quiet alone time.
