Song#: 0042
Date: 02/09/1980
Debut: 85
Peak: 46
Weeks: 8
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: Gates is better known as the lead singer of Bread, who had six Top 10 hits including the #1 "Make It With You." Most all their hits were sung and written by Gates which caused friction in the group. They split in 1973 but briefly reunited three years later and captured another hit "Lost Without Your Love," again written and sung by Gates. His biggest solo hit was the title song to the film "The Goodbye Girl," which hit #15 in 1977. Other than that, he just had minor chart entries and he never really caught on as a solo act. In the end, the Bread hits were really his...well...bread and butter.
ReduxReview: Although a solo act, the voice and music still sound very Bread-like. Just not as ear catching as the group's hits. I think it is just missing a real hook of some kind. There is not much memorable here. It's not a bad song, just sounds like a secondary Bread track.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Long before Bread, Gates worked as a songwriter and session musician for some major artists like Elvis Presley and Brian Wilson. Teenage trio The Murmaids took his song "Popsicles and Icicles" to #3 in 1964. The Monkees' "Saturday's Child" was a Gates composition as well.
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Saturday, September 22, 2012
"My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" by Willie Nelson
Song#: 0041
Date: 02/09/1980
Debut: 87
Peak: 44
Weeks: 10
Genre: Country
Pop Bits: Some folks forget that Nelson was a country star back in the 60s. At that time and into the very early 70s he was a clean-cut, suit-wearing performer with short hair. He had several country chart songs but only one reached the Top 10. And he couldn't make a dent in the pop chart. Label troubles and declining popularity sent him into a retirement phase and he moved to Austin. Invigorated by the scene there, he returned to recording and changed his sound. The resulting album, "Shotgun Willie," wasn't a major success but it started his "outlaw" persona that would lead to his classic "Red Headed Stranger" album and his first #1 country hit (and first pop hit - #21) "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain." "My Heroes..." was his first hit of the 80s and it was his fifth #1 country song.
ReduxReview: For me, this is a turgid dud. I know it was a big country hit, but it is not a country style that I like. It could be the arrangement with its syrupy strings, keyboard, and harp(!). Or maybe cowboys were just never my heroes.
ReduxRating: 3/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) This was the theme song to the Robert Redford/Jane Fonda movie "Electric Horseman." 2) Just in case someone out there doesn't know this, Nelson wrote Patsy Cline's signature song "Crazy."
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Date: 02/09/1980
Debut: 87
Peak: 44
Weeks: 10
Genre: Country
Pop Bits: Some folks forget that Nelson was a country star back in the 60s. At that time and into the very early 70s he was a clean-cut, suit-wearing performer with short hair. He had several country chart songs but only one reached the Top 10. And he couldn't make a dent in the pop chart. Label troubles and declining popularity sent him into a retirement phase and he moved to Austin. Invigorated by the scene there, he returned to recording and changed his sound. The resulting album, "Shotgun Willie," wasn't a major success but it started his "outlaw" persona that would lead to his classic "Red Headed Stranger" album and his first #1 country hit (and first pop hit - #21) "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain." "My Heroes..." was his first hit of the 80s and it was his fifth #1 country song.
ReduxReview: For me, this is a turgid dud. I know it was a big country hit, but it is not a country style that I like. It could be the arrangement with its syrupy strings, keyboard, and harp(!). Or maybe cowboys were just never my heroes.
ReduxRating: 3/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) This was the theme song to the Robert Redford/Jane Fonda movie "Electric Horseman." 2) Just in case someone out there doesn't know this, Nelson wrote Patsy Cline's signature song "Crazy."
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"I Shoulda Loved Ya" by Narada Michael Walden
Song#: 0040
Date: 02/09/1980
Debut: 89
Peak: 66
Weeks: 6
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: His name may not be familiar to a lot of folks, but most everyone has heard his work. Walden is one of those artists whose work behind the scenes far outweighs their own recording career. He only had two minor pop entries as a solo artist (he fared a bit better on the R&B chart), but as a producer he churned out a big batch of hits including Aretha's "Freeway of Love," several Whitney Houston songs like "How Will I Know," and chart toppers by Mariah Carey and even Starship. The Grammys handed him a Producer of the Year award in 1987 and he earned one again for Album of the Year with the soundtrack to "The Bodyguard." Pretty impressive.
ReduxReview: Sorry - no single edit to post, which is too bad. At 6+ minutes, this is a tad long in the tooth. And for a bland R&B jam, it just seems to go on forever. Definitely not a bad song, but just not special. Luckily, whatever spark he couldn't ignite in his solo work took off like a wildfire when he got behind the boards.
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: Walden started in the business as a drummer, mainly in the fusion arena with the likes of Mahavishnu Orchestra. Later on in 1976, he found himself collaborating on Jeff Beck's second solo album "Wired." Walden played the drums and wrote four of the songs.
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Date: 02/09/1980
Debut: 89
Peak: 66
Weeks: 6
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: His name may not be familiar to a lot of folks, but most everyone has heard his work. Walden is one of those artists whose work behind the scenes far outweighs their own recording career. He only had two minor pop entries as a solo artist (he fared a bit better on the R&B chart), but as a producer he churned out a big batch of hits including Aretha's "Freeway of Love," several Whitney Houston songs like "How Will I Know," and chart toppers by Mariah Carey and even Starship. The Grammys handed him a Producer of the Year award in 1987 and he earned one again for Album of the Year with the soundtrack to "The Bodyguard." Pretty impressive.
ReduxReview: Sorry - no single edit to post, which is too bad. At 6+ minutes, this is a tad long in the tooth. And for a bland R&B jam, it just seems to go on forever. Definitely not a bad song, but just not special. Luckily, whatever spark he couldn't ignite in his solo work took off like a wildfire when he got behind the boards.
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: Walden started in the business as a drummer, mainly in the fusion arena with the likes of Mahavishnu Orchestra. Later on in 1976, he found himself collaborating on Jeff Beck's second solo album "Wired." Walden played the drums and wrote four of the songs.
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Friday, September 21, 2012
"I Like to Rock" by April Wine
Song#: 0039
Date: 02/09/1980
Debut: 90
Peak: 86
Weeks: 3
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Arena Rock
Pop Bits: April Wine were stars in their home country of Canada years before their US breakthrough. Although a popular touring band here, they only had minor chart success; while in Canada they amassed 32 chart songs with 6 of them Top 10 hits.
ReduxReview: Redneck bar music. Bleh. I think this would be Canada's equivalent to our Southern rock. What would that be? Ontario rock? Hmm. I'll give them a couple points for including Beatles and Stones licks at the end, which I guess are there to prove they like to rock.
ReduxRating: 3/10
Trivia: Like many bands with a long career, April Wine seemed to be a revolving door of musicians. From their inception until present, they have had only one constant original member - lead vocalist/guitarist Myles Goodwyn.
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Date: 02/09/1980
Debut: 90
Peak: 86
Weeks: 3
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Arena Rock
Pop Bits: April Wine were stars in their home country of Canada years before their US breakthrough. Although a popular touring band here, they only had minor chart success; while in Canada they amassed 32 chart songs with 6 of them Top 10 hits.
ReduxReview: Redneck bar music. Bleh. I think this would be Canada's equivalent to our Southern rock. What would that be? Ontario rock? Hmm. I'll give them a couple points for including Beatles and Stones licks at the end, which I guess are there to prove they like to rock.
ReduxRating: 3/10
Trivia: Like many bands with a long career, April Wine seemed to be a revolving door of musicians. From their inception until present, they have had only one constant original member - lead vocalist/guitarist Myles Goodwyn.
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"How Do I Make You" by Linda Ronstadt
Top 10 Alert!
Song#: 038 Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 68
Peak: 10
Weeks: 16
Genre: Rock, New Wave
Pop Bits: Anointed "Queen of Rock" in the 70s, Ronstadt started out the 80s with a bang. Her album "Mad Love" took a different direction with a focus on new wave rock. The album featured three Elvis Costello songs and three Cretone's covers. The different sound met with approval from record buyers and it continued her streak of platinum albums, this being the sixth. This initial single became her seventh Top 10 hit. However, this would not be the only change Ronstadt would make in the 80s as it would be a decade full of different directions and odd projects.
ReduxReview: Ronstadt is one of our great pop vocalists. However, moving into this harder-edged rock territory was not a great fit. Pat Benatar owned this area at the time and Ronstadt falls short in comparison. It just sounds forced, as it does on this song. I think Benatar would have ripped it to shreds. It's not awful by any means and I've always liked the song, but I just don't think this type of material served Ronstadt's voice very well. (Side note: Ronstadt was nominated for a Best Rock Vocal Grammy for this song alongside Pat Benatar for "Crimes of Passion." Benatar won.)
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: A solid chunk of Ronstadt's singles and album tracks were remakes. This one is no exception, but the origins are more obscure. Penned by Billy Steinberg, the song appeared on his band Billy Thermal's debut EP. Ronstadt heard the EP and recorded this version. It was Steinberg's first big hit as a writer. He would have many more when he collaborated with Tom Kelly. Together they wrote a plethora of hits that included "Like a Virgin," "True Colors," "So Emotional," "Eternal Flame, "I Drove All Night," and the infamous "I Touch Myself."
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"Rockin' Into the Night" by 38 Special
Song#: 0037
Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 80
Peak: 43
Weeks: 9
Genre: Southern Rock, Arena Rock
Pop Bits: After a couple of boogie albums didn't really click, 38 special refined their sound by tossing in some arena rock and the result was the "Rockin' Into the Night" album and its single. It was their first chart hit and they remained successful throughout the 80s.
ReduxReview: I could make a big list of fried things I love, but Southern rock would not be on it. However, probably because they had pop/rock leanings, 38 Special was a Southern rock band that I could listen to without feeling like I have to duck flying beer bottles or wanting to take a shower afterward. It's more arena rock than bar rock and I can dig it - especially with that anthematic chorus.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: It was no coincidence that this Southern boogie band found itself on the bill touring with Lynyrd Skynyrd. In addition to sharing a sound, they each featured a Van Zant brother. Skynyrd's leader was Ronnie Van Zant and his brother Donnie headed up 38 Special. Skynyrd ended up with a bigger legacy, but 38 Special ended up with twice as many chart hits.
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Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 80
Peak: 43
Weeks: 9
Genre: Southern Rock, Arena Rock
Pop Bits: After a couple of boogie albums didn't really click, 38 special refined their sound by tossing in some arena rock and the result was the "Rockin' Into the Night" album and its single. It was their first chart hit and they remained successful throughout the 80s.
ReduxReview: I could make a big list of fried things I love, but Southern rock would not be on it. However, probably because they had pop/rock leanings, 38 Special was a Southern rock band that I could listen to without feeling like I have to duck flying beer bottles or wanting to take a shower afterward. It's more arena rock than bar rock and I can dig it - especially with that anthematic chorus.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: It was no coincidence that this Southern boogie band found itself on the bill touring with Lynyrd Skynyrd. In addition to sharing a sound, they each featured a Van Zant brother. Skynyrd's leader was Ronnie Van Zant and his brother Donnie headed up 38 Special. Skynyrd ended up with a bigger legacy, but 38 Special ended up with twice as many chart hits.
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
"Come Back" by The J. Geils Band
Song#: 0036
Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 82
Peak: 32
Weeks: 12
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Originally the band was a blues outfit but incorporated more rock along the way. They were known more for their live shows than their recordings. They had several middling hits throughout the 70s with their best effort being the #12 "Must of Got Lost" in 1974. As the 80s approached, they began to incorporated more pop into their sound and it was starting to pay off. This single was the first of three to hit the chart from their "Love Stinks" album.
ReduxReview: I run hot and cold with the J. Geils Band. This one leans cold. It sounds like one of those jams that's better in concert than on record. It has some nuances of 50s pop with some Stones swagger. I think the keyboard kind of cheapens it a bit and maybe that's what throws me off. I don't remember it from back then and I'm not likely to remember it going forward.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Lead vocalist Peter Wolf was married to actress Faye Dunaway from 1974-1979. Hmmm...strange how "Love Stinks" came out soon after...
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Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 82
Peak: 32
Weeks: 12
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Originally the band was a blues outfit but incorporated more rock along the way. They were known more for their live shows than their recordings. They had several middling hits throughout the 70s with their best effort being the #12 "Must of Got Lost" in 1974. As the 80s approached, they began to incorporated more pop into their sound and it was starting to pay off. This single was the first of three to hit the chart from their "Love Stinks" album.
ReduxReview: I run hot and cold with the J. Geils Band. This one leans cold. It sounds like one of those jams that's better in concert than on record. It has some nuances of 50s pop with some Stones swagger. I think the keyboard kind of cheapens it a bit and maybe that's what throws me off. I don't remember it from back then and I'm not likely to remember it going forward.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Lead vocalist Peter Wolf was married to actress Faye Dunaway from 1974-1979. Hmmm...strange how "Love Stinks" came out soon after...
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"Years" by Wayne Newton
Song#: 0035
Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 84
Peak: 35
Weeks: 13
Genre: Pop, Easy Listening
Pop Bits: Known as "Mr. Las Vegas," Newton was really known more for being a celebrity and entertainer than a recording artist. His chart history backs this up as he had only one Top 10 hit (1972's "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast") and only one other to reach the Top 20, his signature tune "Danke Schoen." At the peak of his career, he was the highest paid nightclub performer anywhere and remained as a Vegas fixture for over 40 years. Still living in Vegas, he has been working on plans to make his estate there into an attraction a-la Elvis Presley's Graceland.
ReduxReview: I'm not a fan of Mr. Newton. I just don't see the attraction. But if I'm being honest, this is a pretty good song. It was written by the quality songwriting team of Kye Flemming and Dennis Morgan, who wrote several big hits including Ronnie Milsap's "Smokey Mountain Rain." This song was first a #1 country song for Barbara Mandrell in 1979. With this being Newton's last chart entry, he goes out in a classy style and his weathered voice fits it quite well.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: In 1993, Newton was persuaded to open his Wayne Newton Theater in the music/tourist town of Branson, MO (my former residence for 8 years). Branson, known for its senior tourists, clean shows, and Christian values, did not adapt to Newton's Vegas-style show very well. The proceeds from his opening night were to be donated to the local College of the Ozarks - a Christian college. But after Newton's opening show, which included some suggestive language, the college rejected the potential $15-20k donation citing moral reasons. (Note: I was in the audience that night and while it was a very PG show, after living in Branson for a while I knew that some of the content was going to get called out.) This began a rocky road in Branson for Newton who left after one year. He returned to perform at his friend Tony Orlando's theater later in 1996. Then the two moved back to Newton's theatre, named it "Talk of the T.O.W.N." - the last part is each performers initials. But that ended badly as Newton locked Orlando out of the theater in a dispute and a lawsuit followed. When it comes down to it, Vegas and Branson do not mix - as Newton learned.
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Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 84
Peak: 35
Weeks: 13
Genre: Pop, Easy Listening
Pop Bits: Known as "Mr. Las Vegas," Newton was really known more for being a celebrity and entertainer than a recording artist. His chart history backs this up as he had only one Top 10 hit (1972's "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast") and only one other to reach the Top 20, his signature tune "Danke Schoen." At the peak of his career, he was the highest paid nightclub performer anywhere and remained as a Vegas fixture for over 40 years. Still living in Vegas, he has been working on plans to make his estate there into an attraction a-la Elvis Presley's Graceland.
ReduxReview: I'm not a fan of Mr. Newton. I just don't see the attraction. But if I'm being honest, this is a pretty good song. It was written by the quality songwriting team of Kye Flemming and Dennis Morgan, who wrote several big hits including Ronnie Milsap's "Smokey Mountain Rain." This song was first a #1 country song for Barbara Mandrell in 1979. With this being Newton's last chart entry, he goes out in a classy style and his weathered voice fits it quite well.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: In 1993, Newton was persuaded to open his Wayne Newton Theater in the music/tourist town of Branson, MO (my former residence for 8 years). Branson, known for its senior tourists, clean shows, and Christian values, did not adapt to Newton's Vegas-style show very well. The proceeds from his opening night were to be donated to the local College of the Ozarks - a Christian college. But after Newton's opening show, which included some suggestive language, the college rejected the potential $15-20k donation citing moral reasons. (Note: I was in the audience that night and while it was a very PG show, after living in Branson for a while I knew that some of the content was going to get called out.) This began a rocky road in Branson for Newton who left after one year. He returned to perform at his friend Tony Orlando's theater later in 1996. Then the two moved back to Newton's theatre, named it "Talk of the T.O.W.N." - the last part is each performers initials. But that ended badly as Newton locked Orlando out of the theater in a dispute and a lawsuit followed. When it comes down to it, Vegas and Branson do not mix - as Newton learned.
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"Us and Love (We Go Together)" by Kenny Nolan
Song#: 0034
Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 87
Peak: 44
Weeks: 8
Genre: Pop, Easy Listening
Pop Bits: As a performer, Nolan had success with his #3 hit in 1976 "I Like Dreamin'." He continued with another mellow Top 20 hit "Love's Grown Deep." His nice guy looks and sunshine voice was perfect for these AM nuggets. "Us and Love" ended up being his final chart single. He continued to record with little solo success, but he remained a successful songwriter with Atlantic Starr taking his song "Masterpiece" to #3 in 1992.
ReduxReview: Nolan has obviously written some quality songs (I do admit that I do have "Love's Grown Deep" in my collection), but this just pure pabulum. What's weird about his voice is that he sounds like he is singing with a permanent smile on his face. And the various ways they go together in the chorus makes me cringe. Believe me, I loves me some sweet sugary songs, but this one sends my saccharine meter into a tizzy. I need 10cc's of...well...10cc, stat!
ReduxRating: 3/10
Trivia: Prior to his solo career, Nolan had already written hits for others that, for the most part, have little in common with his easy style. With Bob Crewe he co-wrote LaBelle's "Lady Marmalade," Disco Tex & the Sex-O-Lette's "Get Dancing," and Frankie Valli's "My Eyes Adored You."
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Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 87
Peak: 44
Weeks: 8
Genre: Pop, Easy Listening
Pop Bits: As a performer, Nolan had success with his #3 hit in 1976 "I Like Dreamin'." He continued with another mellow Top 20 hit "Love's Grown Deep." His nice guy looks and sunshine voice was perfect for these AM nuggets. "Us and Love" ended up being his final chart single. He continued to record with little solo success, but he remained a successful songwriter with Atlantic Starr taking his song "Masterpiece" to #3 in 1992.
ReduxReview: Nolan has obviously written some quality songs (I do admit that I do have "Love's Grown Deep" in my collection), but this just pure pabulum. What's weird about his voice is that he sounds like he is singing with a permanent smile on his face. And the various ways they go together in the chorus makes me cringe. Believe me, I loves me some sweet sugary songs, but this one sends my saccharine meter into a tizzy. I need 10cc's of...well...10cc, stat!
ReduxRating: 3/10
Trivia: Prior to his solo career, Nolan had already written hits for others that, for the most part, have little in common with his easy style. With Bob Crewe he co-wrote LaBelle's "Lady Marmalade," Disco Tex & the Sex-O-Lette's "Get Dancing," and Frankie Valli's "My Eyes Adored You."
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
"The Hardest Part" by Blondie
Song#: 0033
Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 88
Peak: 84
Weeks: 3
Genre: Pop, New Wave
Pop Bits: In an odd twist, the American band Blondie was more popular in the UK than here, where they were considered an "underground" band. They already had two Top 10 hits and two successful albums in the UK before the US caught on with "Heart of Glass." They ended up with more chart singles in the UK than the US. This song was the second single from their "Eat the Beat" album following up the #27 "Dreaming."
ReduxReview: This is a good funky stomper, but I'm not so sure it was the best choice for a single (well, obviously it wasn't since it peaked at #84). In the UK, the second single was "Union City Blue," which peaked at #13. Either way it didn't really matter as they both were about to be quickly eclipsed by Blondie's biggest hit. In the meantime, this one sounds pretty good to me.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Chrysalis Records commissioned promo videos for every single track on the "Eat the Beat" album. They wanted it to be the first full video album.
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Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 88
Peak: 84
Weeks: 3
Genre: Pop, New Wave
Pop Bits: In an odd twist, the American band Blondie was more popular in the UK than here, where they were considered an "underground" band. They already had two Top 10 hits and two successful albums in the UK before the US caught on with "Heart of Glass." They ended up with more chart singles in the UK than the US. This song was the second single from their "Eat the Beat" album following up the #27 "Dreaming."
ReduxReview: This is a good funky stomper, but I'm not so sure it was the best choice for a single (well, obviously it wasn't since it peaked at #84). In the UK, the second single was "Union City Blue," which peaked at #13. Either way it didn't really matter as they both were about to be quickly eclipsed by Blondie's biggest hit. In the meantime, this one sounds pretty good to me.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Chrysalis Records commissioned promo videos for every single track on the "Eat the Beat" album. They wanted it to be the first full video album.
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"Peanut Butter" by Twennynine with Lenny White
Song#: 0032
Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 90
Peak: 83
Weeks: 4
Genre: R&B, Funk
Pop Bits: Jazz-fusion drummer Lenny White was in Chick Corea's Return to Forever group until it disbanded in 1977. After that, White had some other fusion projects before signing with Elektra and issuing the first Twennynine album "Best of Friends." It was a drastic shift going from Corea's jazz-rock-fusion to a pure urban sound, and like anyone who jumps genres (especially from purist ones like jazz), White got his share of backlash. But the group was able to get three albums under their belt with "Peanut Butter" scratching the singles chart.
ReduxReview: So a very respected jazz musician makes a funk album and comes up with this borderline novelty song? Now, I dearly love peanut butter but I'm not sure I really like "Peanut Butter." In one way it is kind of hilarious and almost a goof on the funk songs at that time. In another way it is pretty much awful. Actually, the balance of the "Best of Friends" album has some solid songs (including an album-ending fusion instrumental) that are nothing like this. I'll give some points for pedigree and that it makes me chuckle, but that's as far as I can go with "Peanut Butter." It just uncomfortably sticks to the roof of my ears...
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: Lenny White got a big career boost early on when he played on the sessions for one of the most influential jazz albums in history - Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew."
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Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 90
Peak: 83
Weeks: 4
Genre: R&B, Funk
Pop Bits: Jazz-fusion drummer Lenny White was in Chick Corea's Return to Forever group until it disbanded in 1977. After that, White had some other fusion projects before signing with Elektra and issuing the first Twennynine album "Best of Friends." It was a drastic shift going from Corea's jazz-rock-fusion to a pure urban sound, and like anyone who jumps genres (especially from purist ones like jazz), White got his share of backlash. But the group was able to get three albums under their belt with "Peanut Butter" scratching the singles chart.
ReduxReview: So a very respected jazz musician makes a funk album and comes up with this borderline novelty song? Now, I dearly love peanut butter but I'm not sure I really like "Peanut Butter." In one way it is kind of hilarious and almost a goof on the funk songs at that time. In another way it is pretty much awful. Actually, the balance of the "Best of Friends" album has some solid songs (including an album-ending fusion instrumental) that are nothing like this. I'll give some points for pedigree and that it makes me chuckle, but that's as far as I can go with "Peanut Butter." It just uncomfortably sticks to the roof of my ears...
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: Lenny White got a big career boost early on when he played on the sessions for one of the most influential jazz albums in history - Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew."
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"I Don't Like Mondays" by The Boomtown Rats
Song#: 0031
Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 91
Peak: 73
Weeks: 5
Genre: New Wave, Punk, Indie Rock
Pop Bits: The Rats were far more popular in the UK where they had three Top 10 albums and two #1 hits, including this one. Leader Bob Geldoff (of Band Aid and Live Aid fame) wrote this in the US after reading a telex at a radio station about the shooting spree of a 16-year-old girl on an elementary school that resulted in the killing two adults and injuries to nine children and one officer. When asked why she did it she said "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." Geldoff latched onto the quote and created the song based on the news story.
ReduxReview: I remember hearing this on the radio and loving it - and not knowing the back story at all. The song is very theatrical and that is probably what attracted me to it. The melody sounds so innocent (probably meant to reflect the age of the shooter and the victims) but when you know the story and follow the lyrics it become sad and a bit horrific. I still love it, but frankly it is the only Boomtown Rats song I like. They are not my cup o' tea.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: The song was a hit in many countries with the exception of the US. This was most likely the result of backlash here where the tragedy took place (San Diego). Most radio stations refused to play it due to the sensitivity surrounding the tragedy and there was also an unsuccessful lawsuit by the family of the shooter to keep the song from being released in the States. The controversy kept it from being a true chart hit, but it soon became a staple on rock radio playlists - and the Rats only US chart song.
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Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 91
Peak: 73
Weeks: 5
Genre: New Wave, Punk, Indie Rock
Pop Bits: The Rats were far more popular in the UK where they had three Top 10 albums and two #1 hits, including this one. Leader Bob Geldoff (of Band Aid and Live Aid fame) wrote this in the US after reading a telex at a radio station about the shooting spree of a 16-year-old girl on an elementary school that resulted in the killing two adults and injuries to nine children and one officer. When asked why she did it she said "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." Geldoff latched onto the quote and created the song based on the news story.
ReduxReview: I remember hearing this on the radio and loving it - and not knowing the back story at all. The song is very theatrical and that is probably what attracted me to it. The melody sounds so innocent (probably meant to reflect the age of the shooter and the victims) but when you know the story and follow the lyrics it become sad and a bit horrific. I still love it, but frankly it is the only Boomtown Rats song I like. They are not my cup o' tea.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: The song was a hit in many countries with the exception of the US. This was most likely the result of backlash here where the tragedy took place (San Diego). Most radio stations refused to play it due to the sensitivity surrounding the tragedy and there was also an unsuccessful lawsuit by the family of the shooter to keep the song from being released in the States. The controversy kept it from being a true chart hit, but it soon became a staple on rock radio playlists - and the Rats only US chart song.
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Tuesday, September 18, 2012
"Computer Game" by Yellow Magic Orchestra
Song#: 0030
Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 92
Peak: 60
Weeks: 9
Genre: Pop, International, Electronic, Synthpop
Pop Bits: How in the world did I miss these guys? They are a Japanese group who were hugely influential in the development of electronic pop music. Taking a cue from Kraftwerk, they took their electronic sound and moved it out of the German techno toward a more melodic pop sound. Their work would go on to inspire groups like Ultravox, Human League, and a lot of other synthpop artists. At one time, they were the most popular music artist in Japan. One band member, Ryuichi Sakamoto, became a noted film score composer and won an Oscar for "The Last Emperor" in 1987. This song, which was a combo of the first two tracks on their debut album, was their only US chart entry.
ReduxReview: It's weird that with my love of synthpop I never ran across YMO. Not that I'd be blown away, but knowing their influence and impact on electronic music is something I should have known. The song itself is quirky fun at best and it probably sounded really cool back in the day. But I can hear and appreciate what they were doing and how it played a part in the development of electronic pop music.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Their song "Behind the Mask" from their second album was covered by several artists including Michael Jackson (with addition lyrics of course). Recorded during the "Thriller" sessions, it was eventually released on the posthumous "Michael" album. 2) YMO's "Firecracker," which is the main part of the "Computer Game" single, was a source of controversy between Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. Carey had commissioned the rights to use a sample in her song "Loverboy," but allegedly her ex Tommy Mottola, who had just signed Lopez, knew of its use and quickly got his own rights and used it on Lopez's "I'm Real" and got the song released before "Loverboy." Carey then had to discontinue use of the sample and it was replaced with one from Cameo's "Candy." Nasty!
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Date: 02/02/1980
Debut: 92
Peak: 60
Weeks: 9
Genre: Pop, International, Electronic, Synthpop
Pop Bits: How in the world did I miss these guys? They are a Japanese group who were hugely influential in the development of electronic pop music. Taking a cue from Kraftwerk, they took their electronic sound and moved it out of the German techno toward a more melodic pop sound. Their work would go on to inspire groups like Ultravox, Human League, and a lot of other synthpop artists. At one time, they were the most popular music artist in Japan. One band member, Ryuichi Sakamoto, became a noted film score composer and won an Oscar for "The Last Emperor" in 1987. This song, which was a combo of the first two tracks on their debut album, was their only US chart entry.
ReduxReview: It's weird that with my love of synthpop I never ran across YMO. Not that I'd be blown away, but knowing their influence and impact on electronic music is something I should have known. The song itself is quirky fun at best and it probably sounded really cool back in the day. But I can hear and appreciate what they were doing and how it played a part in the development of electronic pop music.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Their song "Behind the Mask" from their second album was covered by several artists including Michael Jackson (with addition lyrics of course). Recorded during the "Thriller" sessions, it was eventually released on the posthumous "Michael" album. 2) YMO's "Firecracker," which is the main part of the "Computer Game" single, was a source of controversy between Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. Carey had commissioned the rights to use a sample in her song "Loverboy," but allegedly her ex Tommy Mottola, who had just signed Lopez, knew of its use and quickly got his own rights and used it on Lopez's "I'm Real" and got the song released before "Loverboy." Carey then had to discontinue use of the sample and it was replaced with one from Cameo's "Candy." Nasty!
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"Desire" by Andy Gibb
Top 10 Alert!
Song#: 0029 Date: 01/26/1980
Debut: 44
Peak: 4
Weeks: 15
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: Andy Gibb had a short, but impressive run on the pop chart. At the time, he was the first male solo artist to have three consecutive #1 singles. He had his brothers, the Bee Gees, to thank for this as they (or Barry) had a hand in writing all of his Top 10 singles, including this one. Unfortunately, the youngest brother had issues with cocaine that sidelined his career. The years of abuse caught up with him when he passed away in 1988 from myocarditis.
ReduxReview: Most likely anything Gibb would release after four gold and one platinum singles would fly up the chart. But does it hold up to those hits? Not really. It's a good song with a mysterious groove, but it doesn't match the quality of the preceding smashes. This was Gibb's final Top 10 entry. Although it hit #4, it is the least memorable of his top hits - in fact, I don't remember hearing it back in the day (or even now, as I have this song on the Bee Gees' "Mythology" box set and still didn't realize I'd heard it there).
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: This song was originally recorded during the Bee Gees sessions for their album "Spirits Have Flown," but it was not selected for the album. Instead, they used the completed track and replaced Barry's lead vocal with Andy's and it became the first single off of Andy's final studio album, "After Dark."
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Monday, September 17, 2012
"Refugee" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Song#: 0028
Date: 01/26/1980
Debut: 63
Peak: 15
Weeks: 14
Genre: Rock, Arena Rock
Pop Bits: Following a legal dispute with their label, the band got back to business and released the classic album "Damn the Torpedoes," which featured the Top 10 hit "Don't Do Me Like That." This follow-up single also did well and helped to push Petty and crew into the big leagues.
ReduxReview: For some reason I was kind of oblivious to Tom Petty back in the day. I was kind of familiar with the songs, but that was about it. Years later I was thinking - why did I not latch on this to begin with! Idiot. Somewhere, somebody must have finally kicked me around some and knocked some sense into me. Such a great album with kick-ass sound.
ReduxRating: 9/10
Trivia: The album peaked at #2 and was unfortunately kept there for seven weeks thanks to another classic album hogging the top spot - Pink Floyd's "The Wall."
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Date: 01/26/1980
Debut: 63
Peak: 15
Weeks: 14
Genre: Rock, Arena Rock
Pop Bits: Following a legal dispute with their label, the band got back to business and released the classic album "Damn the Torpedoes," which featured the Top 10 hit "Don't Do Me Like That." This follow-up single also did well and helped to push Petty and crew into the big leagues.
ReduxReview: For some reason I was kind of oblivious to Tom Petty back in the day. I was kind of familiar with the songs, but that was about it. Years later I was thinking - why did I not latch on this to begin with! Idiot. Somewhere, somebody must have finally kicked me around some and knocked some sense into me. Such a great album with kick-ass sound.
ReduxRating: 9/10
Trivia: The album peaked at #2 and was unfortunately kept there for seven weeks thanks to another classic album hogging the top spot - Pink Floyd's "The Wall."
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"Three Times In Love" by Tommy James
Song#: 0027
Date: 01/26/1980
Debut: 82
Peak: 19
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: Tommy James & the Shondells were a hot group in the 60s with major hits like "Hanky Panky" and "Crimson and Clover," but by 1970 the hits stopped and they called it a day. James soldiered on as a solo act and secured at #4 hit with "Draggin' the Line" in 1971. His second biggest solo hit was this one that just made it into the Top 20.
ReduxReview: This was one of those breezy, So-Cal easy rock-country songs that were still hitting the chart. It's a nice enough song, but really quite ordinary. When compared to the Shondell hits or even "Draggin' the Line," this song gets lost.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: The original Shondells broke up soon after their initial recording of "Hanky Panky" only got local attention and nothing more. Later on in 1965 the record was unearthed by a Pittsburgh promoter who had it played at dance parties and on the radio. Black market copies sold all over and the Shondells were in demand. Unfortunately, Tommy James was the sole member left and when he failed to get the rest of the original band together, he quickly hired a local Pittsburgh band, The Raconteurs, to be the new Shondells. They signed to Roulette Records and their hit streak began.
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Date: 01/26/1980
Debut: 82
Peak: 19
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: Tommy James & the Shondells were a hot group in the 60s with major hits like "Hanky Panky" and "Crimson and Clover," but by 1970 the hits stopped and they called it a day. James soldiered on as a solo act and secured at #4 hit with "Draggin' the Line" in 1971. His second biggest solo hit was this one that just made it into the Top 20.
ReduxReview: This was one of those breezy, So-Cal easy rock-country songs that were still hitting the chart. It's a nice enough song, but really quite ordinary. When compared to the Shondell hits or even "Draggin' the Line," this song gets lost.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: The original Shondells broke up soon after their initial recording of "Hanky Panky" only got local attention and nothing more. Later on in 1965 the record was unearthed by a Pittsburgh promoter who had it played at dance parties and on the radio. Black market copies sold all over and the Shondells were in demand. Unfortunately, Tommy James was the sole member left and when he failed to get the rest of the original band together, he quickly hired a local Pittsburgh band, The Raconteurs, to be the new Shondells. They signed to Roulette Records and their hit streak began.
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"Haven't You Heard" by Patrice Rushen
Song#: 0026
Date: 01/26/1980
Debut: 86
Peak: 42
Weeks: 9
Genre: R&B, Soul, Funk
Pop Bits: Before signing with Elektra in 1977, Rushen was an in-demend session player and had already released three successful jazz albums. Her first release for the label, "Patrice," took her in an R&B/pop direction and the reaction from jazz folks was pretty harsh. Despite the criticism, the album hit #5 on the jazz chart and she gained a new audience via a couple R&B hits. The next album, "Pizzazz," did even better as this song cracked the R&B Top 10 and dented the pop chart.
ReduxReview: A slick groove featuring some great string lines opens this shimmering tune. It gets a bit monotonous after awhile (I'm sure the single version gets the point across in shorter time), but it is pleasant enough and would make good background music at a hipster bar.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Rushen was the pianist in the jazz trio featured in Sandra Bernhard's film "Without You I'm Nothing." 2) Kirk Franklin sampled "Haven't You Heard" in his 2005 Gospel and R&B hit "Looking for You."
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Date: 01/26/1980
Debut: 86
Peak: 42
Weeks: 9
Genre: R&B, Soul, Funk
Pop Bits: Before signing with Elektra in 1977, Rushen was an in-demend session player and had already released three successful jazz albums. Her first release for the label, "Patrice," took her in an R&B/pop direction and the reaction from jazz folks was pretty harsh. Despite the criticism, the album hit #5 on the jazz chart and she gained a new audience via a couple R&B hits. The next album, "Pizzazz," did even better as this song cracked the R&B Top 10 and dented the pop chart.
ReduxReview: A slick groove featuring some great string lines opens this shimmering tune. It gets a bit monotonous after awhile (I'm sure the single version gets the point across in shorter time), but it is pleasant enough and would make good background music at a hipster bar.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Rushen was the pianist in the jazz trio featured in Sandra Bernhard's film "Without You I'm Nothing." 2) Kirk Franklin sampled "Haven't You Heard" in his 2005 Gospel and R&B hit "Looking for You."
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