10 July 2013 - Ofra Haza - Galbi

Ofra Haza had a nearly perfect voice - a mezzo-soprano, for those who are musically inclined. She is to this day one of the most sampled artists in history.

Her voice is most associated in this country with the M/A/R/R/S song "Pump Up The Volume".  But, as an international superstar, she had her own songs, too.  Here is one of her biggest hits.  As it typical with her music, it combines traditional Hebrew and Yemeni - reflecting her culture - and modern (at least to the late 1980's) elements.

Sadly, her voice was snuffed out too soon, a victim of AIDS.  Because she was (culturally) embarrassed, she delayed getting tested and treated for the disease.  But, thanks to her death, which was controversially publicized by Israeli news, Middle Easterns get tested more now.  It's not worth her death, but it is a positive to the loss of someone who so publicly promoted her culture.

9 July 2013 - Donna Lewis - I Love You Always Forever

I usually have a hard time coming up with artists to feature here at Wicked Guilty Pleasures. Then last week it hit me -- LOOK TO THE PEACH PIT AFTER DARK. It didn't matter who was running the hottest club in Beverly Hills (Valerie, David, Noah, or Dylan) there were plenty of guilty pleasures taking the stage back in the 90s. Like Donna Lewis, for example. Here she is with her hit song from 1996.

8 July 2013 - Smithereens - Yesterday Girl

For about 10 minutes in the late 80's, people cared about The Smithereens.  I mean, I always did, but I don't count.  The pride of Carteret, NJ, they've been making great rock music for over thirty years.  But in 1989 and 1990, they finally broke through to the mainstream for a little bit.

This song, which combined the rock and power pop the band was so well known for writing and performing, was the third single from their album 11.  It wasn't their eleventh album, but their fifth - the title was an homage to the movie Ocean's 11. Actually, they still haven't done 11 albums..... OK, I'm off on a tangent.  Enjoy the music.

5 July 2013 - Ricky Martin - La Copa De La Vida / The Cup Of Life

For each Football - oh, sorry, Americans.  Soccer - FIFA World Cup tournament, a song is commissioned.  This practice started with in 1998.  This song by Ricky Martin was the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, held in France - although it was previously released on one of his albums.  It's a fun, energetic song with an uplifting message.  Plus, it's got a convenient cup metaphor.



Why yes, there is an English version, too!  Why do you ask?

4 July 2013 - Martina McBride - Independence Day

I got a feeling Scott will like this more than I will, but here's an Independence Day song.  Enjoy the song and your day!

3 July 2013 - Animotion - Obsession

For a brief time in the 80's, this was one of my favorite songs.  I was a big fan of the keyboard riff.  Of course, I had no idea what the lyrics were about.

Now I do, and I have a deeper appreciation for this song.  The call-and-response harmony, rare outside of hip-hop, really works for this song, musically and lyrically.  And, once again, it's one of my favorite songs.

2 July 2013 - Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

We're no strangers to love.

You know the rules

So do I.

No, you haven't been RickRolled.  You're enjoying one of the brightest pop hits of the late 1980's.  Admit it. You just smiled.  The song doesn't suck.  It's happy and fun and full of energy and even a little jazzy.  Don't be ashamed.  Just enjoy it.