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.
08 July 2013
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.
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.
05 July 2013
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?
Why yes, there is an English version, too! Why do you ask?
04 July 2013
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!
03 July 2013
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.
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.
02 July 2013
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.
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.
01 July 2013
1 July 2013 - Charli XCX - Nuclear Seasons / You (Ha Ha Ha)
I am going to try to go through this entire post without referencing Charli XCX's biggest hit, which just hit #1 in the UK on 30 June 2013. I mean, I love it, but I don't care, even if she wrote it. No, we are going to talk about her terrific debut album - True Romance - with which I am totally and completely obsessed. Originally slated for release in April 2012, it was eventually released in 2013, after, well, you know, that little hit song we aren't talking about.
The first track is a throwback of a song, very heavy on the synth, that would have worked just as well in 1985 as it does today. Charli's strong voice reminds me of Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons in this song.
Whereas the first track is a throwback, the second, while retaining heavy synth, is far more modern in its pacing and mix. It's somewhat hard to follow on first listen. I urge you to try it twice. It grows on you. It's definitely different than anything you've heard on the radio, to be sure.
Aw, what the hell. Here's Charli with Icona Pop at SXSW 2013, performing The Song That Shall Not Be Named. As far as I know, this is the only time they've performed it together. Scott did a more complete post about this song here - and I covered it here on Totally Covered. As I wrote here, Charli XCX co-wrote the song (and probably should have kept it for herself).
The first track is a throwback of a song, very heavy on the synth, that would have worked just as well in 1985 as it does today. Charli's strong voice reminds me of Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons in this song.
Whereas the first track is a throwback, the second, while retaining heavy synth, is far more modern in its pacing and mix. It's somewhat hard to follow on first listen. I urge you to try it twice. It grows on you. It's definitely different than anything you've heard on the radio, to be sure.
Aw, what the hell. Here's Charli with Icona Pop at SXSW 2013, performing The Song That Shall Not Be Named. As far as I know, this is the only time they've performed it together. Scott did a more complete post about this song here - and I covered it here on Totally Covered. As I wrote here, Charli XCX co-wrote the song (and probably should have kept it for herself).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)