This 1978 hit is why anyone knows Walter Egan's name in the first place. It's a little science-y - you know, magnets and steel are attracted to each other.... get it? - but still keeps a quiet sweetness about it. without losing its rock edge.
Produced by Lindsey Buckingham, this song is a classic. Gravitate to it.
16 July 2012
13 July 2012
13 July 2012 - Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters
I know, it's a weak Friday the 13th tie in. Still, I ain't afraid of no ghosts.
The movie was a lot of fun. The video featured cameos by several celebrities that you would have known in 1985, like Chevy Chase, George Wendt, Teri Garr (!) and Irene Cara. And the song was really good 80's R&B with a heavy snyth element. It is a throwback, but an excellent one.
Plus, Ray Parker Jr. used a lot of Jheri Curl.
The movie was a lot of fun. The video featured cameos by several celebrities that you would have known in 1985, like Chevy Chase, George Wendt, Teri Garr (!) and Irene Cara. And the song was really good 80's R&B with a heavy snyth element. It is a throwback, but an excellent one.
Plus, Ray Parker Jr. used a lot of Jheri Curl.
12 July 2012
12 July 2012 - Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf
It's time for another 80s Thursday (still don't like that name, but what can you do?).
Next to Michael Jackson, was there any artist/band played more during MTV's heyday than Duran Duran? Probably, but I can't think of any at the moment, so let's just take my word on it. I always liked Duran Duran (hell, I even had a Beta videotape of their early videos). Looking back now at the old days, I almost wonder if they would've had the same success without the music video. Don't get me wrong, those old songs are still great, but it was their videos that made them legends. Here's one of my favorites.
Next to Michael Jackson, was there any artist/band played more during MTV's heyday than Duran Duran? Probably, but I can't think of any at the moment, so let's just take my word on it. I always liked Duran Duran (hell, I even had a Beta videotape of their early videos). Looking back now at the old days, I almost wonder if they would've had the same success without the music video. Don't get me wrong, those old songs are still great, but it was their videos that made them legends. Here's one of my favorites.
11 July 2012
11 July 2012 - The Odds - Heterosexual Man (+ non-guilty Corner Gas bonuses!)
This mid-90's Canadian tribute to heterosexual masculinity was written and performed by singer/songwriter Craig Northey and his band, The Odds. It is a wickedly funny pop song that didn't get nearly enough airplay in the States.
After the Odds broke up in 1999, Craig Northey went on to do some collaboration work, most notable with Jesse Valenzuela from the Gin Blossoms (I am sure you all have the Northey Valenzuela record, right?). He also did a lot of television scoring, most notably this opening theme (performed as Northey Valenzuela) for perhaps the greatest television series in history, Corner Gas. The version here is from the Season 5 DVD, which I do not yet own.
I really miss Corner Gas.
His success with Corner Gas prompted Craig Northey to reform the Odds, and he included the CLOSING theme on their reunion album. I use this song as my ringtone. No joke. Greatest opening riff in television history, even if it didn't get enough love outside of Canada.
After the Odds broke up in 1999, Craig Northey went on to do some collaboration work, most notable with Jesse Valenzuela from the Gin Blossoms (I am sure you all have the Northey Valenzuela record, right?). He also did a lot of television scoring, most notably this opening theme (performed as Northey Valenzuela) for perhaps the greatest television series in history, Corner Gas. The version here is from the Season 5 DVD, which I do not yet own.
I really miss Corner Gas.
His success with Corner Gas prompted Craig Northey to reform the Odds, and he included the CLOSING theme on their reunion album. I use this song as my ringtone. No joke. Greatest opening riff in television history, even if it didn't get enough love outside of Canada.
10 July 2012
10 July 2012 - Rachel Platten - 1,000 Ships
Every so often I turn my radio dial (OK, not really, I push the preset button) to the "adult alternative/pop" station. You know the type of station, it plays P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Gotye, Adele, Avril etc. For a while I kept hearing today's song, but could never figure out who sang it. Seemed I was always driving when it came on and I'm not coordinated enough to drive my pick-up truck and use the Soundhound app on my phone at the same time (hell, I can barely walk and use my phone at the same time, but that's another story).
UNNECESSARY RANT ALERT: Seriously, what is it about pop radio where they refuse to tell you who sang the song unless it's like the hugest song on the planet...yeah, we all know that was just Adele...who hasn't heard Rolling in the Deep? UNNECESSARY RANT OVER
Anyway, one day I was finally lucky enough to be in a parking lot when the song came on and I finally found out who sang it. Oddly enough, it was one of the $5 deals at Amazon that month so I was able to pick it up for cheap. Good record.
UNNECESSARY RANT ALERT: Seriously, what is it about pop radio where they refuse to tell you who sang the song unless it's like the hugest song on the planet...yeah, we all know that was just Adele...who hasn't heard Rolling in the Deep? UNNECESSARY RANT OVER
Anyway, one day I was finally lucky enough to be in a parking lot when the song came on and I finally found out who sang it. Oddly enough, it was one of the $5 deals at Amazon that month so I was able to pick it up for cheap. Good record.
09 July 2012
9 July 2012 - Black Eyed Peas - Shut Up
At one point, The Black Eyed Peas were a three piece all male group. They would frequently bring in female guest stars, such as Macy Gray, to do some harmonies or call-and-answer.
When it came time to record their third album, Will.I.Am called a former member of girl group Wild Orchid and Kids Incorporated cast member Stacy Ferguson, to try out on the call-and-answer song we feature today. Needless to say, it was a good match - you know her better as Fergie. She went on to record five other songs with the group for that album, many of which became big hits, and was granted full member status in time for their fourth album.
You know from previous posts how much I love call-and-answer hip-hop, and this is no exception. The Peas were already a decent hip-hop trio before Fergie was thrown in, and her edgy pop style really fused well with the trio.
When it came time to record their third album, Will.I.Am called a former member of girl group Wild Orchid and Kids Incorporated cast member Stacy Ferguson, to try out on the call-and-answer song we feature today. Needless to say, it was a good match - you know her better as Fergie. She went on to record five other songs with the group for that album, many of which became big hits, and was granted full member status in time for their fourth album.
You know from previous posts how much I love call-and-answer hip-hop, and this is no exception. The Peas were already a decent hip-hop trio before Fergie was thrown in, and her edgy pop style really fused well with the trio.
06 July 2012
6 July 2012 - Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby
Yo, VIP. Let's kick it.
Admit it. You loved this song in 1991. It was a monstrous hit. Everyone loved it. Even if it clearly ripped off the hook from "Under Pressure". Even if it was Vanilla's only hit. Everyone knew every lyric. Everyone loved it.
Including me.
Oh, wait. The bassline is not the same. He said so.
Admit it. You loved this song in 1991. It was a monstrous hit. Everyone loved it. Even if it clearly ripped off the hook from "Under Pressure". Even if it was Vanilla's only hit. Everyone knew every lyric. Everyone loved it.
Including me.
Oh, wait. The bassline is not the same. He said so.
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