18 October 2012 - Kajagoogoo - Too Shy

It's 80s Thursday!!! We're going do something a little different today. Here are 10 thoughts I had while watching this video:

1. Is there anything more 80s than Kajagoogoo?
2. Who does your hair and who are you wearing?
3. There was someone in 1983 who considered Kajagoogoo to be the greatest band in the world.
4. That person probably had at least two posters of the band on their bedroom wall.
5. That person was not me.
6. Am I the only one confused by the premise of this video?
7. Can I actually have 10 thoughts in 3:42 minutes?
8. These guys likely had groupies. A ton of them. (Gnaw on that one for a bit)
9. Should I make veggie tacos for lunch?
10. Thank god it's over.

17 October 2012 - Ana Tijoux - 1977 / Julieta Venegas feat. Ana Tijoux - Eres Para Mí

Ana Tijoux is perhaps the best-known hip-hop artist from Chile. Of Chilean ancestry, she was born in France, because her parents lived in exile during the oppressive reign of Augusto Pinochet, arguably one of the worst dictators to ever walk this planet.

This song in particular, and the album (of the same name) that it is from, is both an homage to old school hip-hop and an autobiography of Ana's life.  It's a bit on the slow tip, and adopts horns alongside the beats, but it still has an early rap feel, both in cadence and subject matter.

Plus, this song got the endorsement of Thom Yorke, so it must be good.



Fans of the AMC show Breaking Bad have already heard this tune...... For the record, I think it was used well here.

UPDATE: Something happened to the video from Breaking Bad, so here's a video of Ana performing the song live instead.  It's really sparse in parts but shows her skills.

 Ana Tijoux - real name Anita - wasn't really Ana Tijoux, but Anita Tijoux of Makiza, a Chilean hip hop group.  That changed when she teamed up with Mexican superstar Julieta Venegas for this tune. The pop style of Venegas matched well with the hip hop of Tijoux, and raised the star value of both artists.


We've now mentioned Julieta Venegas twice this week, the first time over here. Don't think we didn't notice. Come back on Friday if you would like to hear Part III.

16 October 2012 - Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag

1999-2001 was a pretty dark time for alternative rock radio (it's only starting to recover in the last few years). While it's easy (and fun) to blame it all on the rise of Neu Metal, that wasn't the death-knell entirely. The airwaves were also flooded with a crap-load of cookie-cutter one-hit wonder bands that mostly sounded the same (many of which were quite forgettable). Not to solely pick on Wheatus (there were plenty of others), but without looking it up, name another song by them. Yeah, I can't do it either, and I actually owned their record (past-tense). That said, there was a reason why I owned this record. The song's a ton of fun and besides...I'm an Iron Maiden fan...baby.

15 October 2012 - Nelly Furtado feat. Mala Rodríguez - Bajo Otra Luz

That's right.  Nelly Furtado has done stuff besides "I'm Like A Bird" and "Promiscuous".

Nelly Furtado, in 2010, released an album entirely in Spanish.  Normally, she writes all her own stuff, or at least co-writes it.  This song, however, was not written by Nelly at all.  Rather, it was largely written by Mexican pop star Julietta Venegas, with Mala Rodríguez writing her part of the tune.   The combination of the voice of Furtado and the hip-hop of La Mala make for an interesting combination that I am sure you'll be humming for the rest of the day.

You might notice that the two ladies billed on this tune appear in this video in many fun costumes.  That enough is worth the price of admission for me.  There is a 3rd voice in this song who you don't see.  Julieta Venegas was featured vocally, but not in the video because of her pregnancy.

Long time readers of this blog will know that I think everything Mala Rodríguez touches is pure gold. I can't overstate that enough.

Here are La Nelly and La Mala at the Latin Grammys, performing this song live.  It sounds completely different and less sparse. Also, even though it is billed as her song, Nelly knows that that this audience knows Mala Rodríguez a whole lot better than her, and defers more to her in the chorus

12 October 2012 - The Spin Doctors - Little Miss Can't Be Wrong

Today, we feature a song that was way overplayed in the early 90's.And still, I always kind of liked this song, even though I disliked this band and their brand of hippiesque music.

Yes, I just invented the word "hippiesque".  Pronounce it "Hippie-Esk", and make sure you credit me when you use it.

But back to the song.  This song is fun, fast-paced, and clever in its happy snarkiness.  What makes it even better - it was based on someone specific. This song wasn't their biggest hit - the incessantly annoying "Two Princes" holds that honor - but it is the song that, after a year of release, finally kickstarted the sales of their eventually platinum album "Pocket Full of Kryptonite."  MTV started playing this song, and, as was their habit when they used to play music videos on MTV, they kept playing it on a continuous loop.

And I heard it on the radio the other day, which is why you're hearing it now.

 

11 October 2012 - Psychedelic Furs - Heaven

Happy 80s Thursday WGPers!!! We'll get back to some truly embarrassing 80s videos next Thursday. You see, I pretty much have to post this video because I cannot get this Psychedlic Furs tune out of my head. Seriously, I heard it a week ago for the first time in a while and it is just not leaving. Granted, it's not a bad song to have stuck in one's head (I've had much worse), but I'm hoping that this post will exorcise the earworm.



Earworm be gone!!!

10 October 2012 - Aqua - Barbie Girl

This song, on the surface, does not seem to be high art.  It seems to be synth-heavy derivative Euro dance pop music.  However, this Swedish quartet brought us a song that was so much more than that.

Lyrically, this is one of the cleverest songs of the last thirty years.  Balancing the little-girlish innocence with the adolescent sexuality is something that Mattel has done for more that 50 years with the Barbie doll.  Aqua brings both of those feelings to this song in a lyrical sense.  They did a good enough job at it to speak a lawsuit by Mattel (which Mattel lost) to protect the Barbie image...

The irony is that Mattel now licenses the song for use in promoting Barbie.



A lot of you are scoffing at my love of this song and my belief that it is clever.  Perhaps it's the presentation.  To prove to you that it is far more than just synth-heavy derivative Euro dance pop music, here is a clip of Aqua performing a far more rock-and-roll version of the song.



And, so you know they actually ARE musicians, here's their folksy version..... Actually, maybe it's more bossa nova.


You know what? I can't decide which version I like best.  I like them all.  Let me know in the comments what you think!

9 October 2012 - The Cardigans - Lovefool

I've never really felt guilty about loving The Cardigans. I've been a fan since the first time I heard today's song and picked up their First Band On The Moon record in 1996. I do have to say though that compared to the rest of their catalog, that Lovefool could certainly be considered a guilty pleasure with all of its bubble gum goodness.

8 October 2012 - Bananarama - Cruel Summer

Am I a little late with this post? Yes.  Does it make the song less catchy? No.

I remember defending my love of Bananarama in 1986, even before the release of "Venus".  My love of these three ladies was not solely based on this interesting song with beautifully dark harmonies, but it was a prime example.  It was a sad, dark song, but it still managed to be fun and catchy.

The wardrobe choice for this video, on the other hand.... what was the obsession with overalls in the early to mid 80's?!

5 October 2012 - MSTRKRFT (feat. N.O.R.E.) - Bounce / Death From Above 1979 - Going Steady & Romantic Rights / CSS - Let's Make Love and Listen To Death From Above

This is going to be kind of a backwards constructed post, but go with me here.

MSTRKRFT are a fantastic electronic group from Toronto, featuring a guy named Jesse Keeler and a producer named Al-P. They are best known for their remixes of other people's songs, but have released a few of their own.  I love this high-energy tune.  I can't help but... well, bounce every time I hear it.  I hope you enjoy this great party tune as much as I do.


Keeler and Al-P met when the latter was producing an album for Keeler's former group, Death From Above 1979.  The two groups could not seem more different - DFA 1979 had their roots firmly in the punk scene, whereas MSTRKRFT are more electronic - but you can see, in this live clip from 2005, there was a fair amount of electronic sonic experimentation - Jesse Keeler is on keyboards and guitar - even back then.

It was in DFA 1979 that Keeler learned about infringing on other people's names for things - a lawsuit was threatened by a band called Death From Above until these guys added 1979 (the birth year of Sebastian Grainger, the other half of the group) to their name.  MSTRKRFT is spelled without vowels to avoid a similar lawsuit by a Canadian toolmaking company.


I would know about neither of these bands if not for CSS.  I have professed my love for CSS in the past. Here is another great hit, a tribute to DFA 1979.  You see in the video two people wearing elephant masks. This is a reference to the cover of the DFA 1979 album "You're A Woman, I'm A Machine".... the album Al-P produced.  And now, we have come full circle.

This song is a great dance tune in its own right, and you should enjoy it as well. In fact, when I started writing this post, this was the song I was featuring.  Clearly, I changed my mind, but I wanted to make sure CSS still got their credit.

4 October 2012 - Modern English - I Melt With You

The problem with doing 80s Thursday is that I realize how old I am. I Melt With You is 30 years old?!? Really? Yikes. The song has certainly aged well. Has the video? You be the judge.



I should mention that while doing "research" for this post (and yes, I do some minor research if only to not screw up what little facts I use), I discovered that Modern English is still playing together. I had no idea.

3 October 2012 - Lynn Anderson - Rose Garden

Little known fact - Lynn Anderson got her big break on the Lawrence Welk Show.  Lesser known fact - Lynn Anderson had a very successful equestrian career.

Well known fact - this is one of the biggest pop/country crossover hits in history.  It's pretty easy to see why - it's a catchy song with lyrics that work even forty years after its initial success.

Country music is largely an American phenomenon.  Outside of the States, it usually doesn't play as well, but here, it is the most popular genre.  This song is one of the exceptions to the rule.  Here is Anderson performing the song in 2009, in Norway. It looks like the Norwegians are enjoying it, even if they had trouble saying "Howdy"!

2 October 2012 - Kimbra - Cameo Lover & Settle Down

For those who are living under a rock, Kimbra is far more than "the chick from the Gotye song." She's an award-winning singer/songwriter (in fact, Cameo Lover won a song-writing competition over Gotye's Somebody That I Used To Know...this was before she added her vocals to his uber-hit).

Kimbra's debut album, last year's Vows, is a blast of indie pop goodness with a little bit of jazz and soul. To me it sounds like a fine mix of The Bird and the Bee, Bjork, Lenka and maybe some Florence and the Machine. Heck, I'd even add a dash of Katy Perry as well (particularly on the poppier songs). If you haven't given her a shot yet, here's your chance with these two very cool videos.

First up is the pop-heavy Cameo Lover.



Here's the more "indie" sounding Settle Down.

1 October 2012 - Carl Anderson - Jesus Christ Superstar

This version of this song, written for the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name, gives me chills.  Carl Anderson's huge voice, which must have filled a theater, was perfect for this song, sung by the Judas character in this telling of the Passion Play.

This is an example of a movie getting a stage musical right, from the first scene to the last.  The movie clearly had a late 60's/early 70's vibe, and this movie didn't forget that, right down to the last detail.  And while movie sets get to be a lot bigger than theater stages, this movie didn't get overly extravagant in using that extra space.  They did get to use some better scene splicing, though.

Enjoy this scene from near the end of the movie.

28 September 2012 - En Vogue - Free Your Mind

Before this song, I was not a fan of these ladies.  I found them to be your standard R&B girl group, albeit with pretty solid harmonies.

After this song, I saw they were something more - edgier, not afraid to break out a guitar, almost bombastic in their harmonies.  Even the songs I thought were standard R&B fare sounded just a little bit more solid to me, now that I was looking back on them with a different perspective.

As it is, this song hails back to the funkmeister himself, George Clinton, who famously said "Free your mind, and your ass will follow."  This is slightly more family friendly, but still carries the same sentiment.  Plus, it rocks.

27 September 2012 - Gary Numan - Cars

This Gary Numan song has been stuck in my head A LOT lately (it must be in a car commercial...either that or I'm slowly going insane). The funny thing is that I really don't know the words to the song so I just make them up as I go along. It's easy to do and kind of fun. Look, even a toddler can do it.



Now here's the android who originally sang the song.

26 September 2012 - Joydrop - Sometimes Wanna Die / Tara Slone - Mystify

So why is a song that was only featured on alternative and indie radio in the United States a Wicked Guilty Pleasure?  Let me count the ways:

1. It's a power ballad.  Already, we're looking at guilt here.
2. It's a rock group led by a woman dressed in vaguely provocative clothing and occasionally standing in front of a stage fan.
3. Said woman - Tara Slone - was on an  American reality show competition - more on that in a minute.
4. That's Tommy Lee sitting on the couch with Ms. Slone.
5. Tara Slone is also a morning show host - more on THAT in a minute as well.

The pleasure should be obvious - it's a decent power ballad, instantly catchy, and it SHOULD have been a much bigger hit in the States than it was.  It was a minor hit in Canada, which is a good thing.  

 

Oh, and as for my earlier references.  Tara Slone is best known in the States for appearing on the reality competition RockStar:INXS, a show whose prize was the lead vocalist's position in INXS.  Here she is, singing an INXS song for her survival.  While she didn't win - that job went to J.D. Fortune, who I will feature another day on this blog - she did an admirable job on this tune.

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And, as for her morning hosting duties - she is currently a morning hostess on Breakfast Television Calgary.  Here she is, using her musical background to interview another musician.

25 September 2012 - No Doubt - Hella Good

No Doubt's Rock Steady album was a head scratcher for me when it came out in 2001. Apparently, I was the only one who didn't dig it. The critically acclaimed record sold really well (double platinum in the US) and they won a bunch of awards (including two Grammys). I just didn't get it. What do I know? It took time, but a few years ago my pop sensibilities took over and I eventually grew to appreciate and even like Rock Steady (particularly today's song/video). Hey, I can admit when I'm wrong. Hopefully, it won't take me eight years to like their new record -- Push and Shove -- which comes out today.

24 September 2012 - Republica - Ready To Go

If you look too closely at this video from the mid-90's, you'll get seasick from all the movement!  However, the song itself is a great fusion of pop, rock, and dance.  I'm not sure if it was a big enough hit to be a one hit wonder.  I do know it was used as a car commercial at one point, so that's got to count for something, right?



Most people don't realize, however, that this version was a radical remix.  Here is the original, less energetic (but still plenty energetic) version. The video isn't as good, but the song itself, while having an entirely different feel, is still strong.

21 September 2012 - Michelle Branch - Are You Happy Now? / Santana & Michelle Branch - The Game of Love / Timbaland & Michelle Branch - Getaway

I was wondering the other day, "Whatever happened to Michelle Branch?"  I mean, for a few years there, she was a pretty bit hitmaker.

Well, I did some research and found the answer.  But, before I give that to you, why don't you enjoy this video, a top 20 hit from 2003?  It's both dreamy and angry - a little full of teen angst, but with musical talent to back up the angst.



In 2003, Michelle had a Grammy win for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocal - her song "The Game of Love" with Santana.  Even though I'm not a fan of Santana - most overrated guitarist in history? Maybe. - he chose a fantastic and talented artist - who is pretty good with a guitar in her own right - with whom to collaborate.


After that Grammy win, Michelle formed 1/2 of the country duo The Wreckers, a collaboration which earned her another well-deserved Grammy nomination - and who deserve their own posting (and who Scott wrote about in another one of his blogs here).  After that duo broke up, she has remained busy, recording a couple of albums, touring, and collaborating with Timbaland.  Which I have now discovered.

20 September 2012 - INXS - Original Sin

Let's head Down Under for today's 80s Thursday video. I really wanted to post the video for The One Thing if only so I can say Shabooh Shoobah (hey, look I still worked it in!). Unfortunately I couldn't find a decent version of the video. Original Sin from 1984's The Swing works though.

19 SeptembAAAARRRR 2012 - Relient K - The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (with the VeggieTales original)

Normally, I'd save a cover for Totally Covered, but for Talk Like A Pirate Day, I'll make this exception. The young Christian punks cover a Veggie Tales "Silly Songs with Larry" staple.  And do a credible job on it.



And, for those of you not familiar with the Biblical tales spun by those who created VeggieTales - talking Christian vegetables, yes - here is the original. Frankly, it's a classic in and of itself, like several of their Silly Songs.  We'll revisit that topic again in the future, but for today, let's just enjoy this.

18 September 2012 - Marina and the Diamonds - Primadonna

Something tells me Tony's going to kill me for posting this video. I'm sure there will be a message or comment to me about "stealing another one." And then I'll reply with something like, "and you would have ACTUALLY done a god job." Oh well, ya snooze, ya lose. Right?

I jumped on the Marina and the Diamonds bandwagon after the release of her second and most recent record -- Electra Heart. She was described to me as the Welsh Katy Perry, which of course piqued my interest. And while I agree with that comparison, it doesn't take long to see that she's so much more (and y'all know I likes my Katy Perry). There's a certain indie smartness (and ironic smartassness) to her lyrics (which she writes, along with the music). Think Lana Del Rey doing high energy electro-pop. Here's a video for one of my favorite tracks off Electra Heart.

17 September 2012 - Whale - Hobo Humpin' Slobo Babe

I don't think any video has ever screamed Wicked Guilty Pleasure more than this one.  Young woman with braces and a lollypop in a short dress jumping up in the air to show off her underpants? Check. Angry looking man in a dress?  Check. Gratuitous shirtless men?  Check. Seemingly random video location - in a quarry? Check. Lyrics that exhibit only a passing fluency in English?  Check.

Swedish band Whale released this song a whole year ahead of their debut album, and the video was a doozy.  The sound was both poppy and grungy, making for an infectious combination and an unforgettable song, even without the video.

By the way, Cia Berg, the lead vocalist/young woman in question, was in her early 30s when this video was filmed.  She just looked young, thanks to good genes.  And braces.

14 September 2012 - Kishore Kumar - Bachna Ae Haseeno

The title song from arguably the greatest Bollywood movie of all time, 2008's Bachna Ae Haseeno is an exciting, energetic affair that you can't help but dance to. Well, I can't, but I'm a sucker for a trumpet.  This video is from the opening title sequence of the movie.

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The biggest trick? Kishore Kumar died in 1987.  This version of the song was a remix of an old song that he did with Asha Bhosle.  Needless to say, this isn't Kishore Kumar in this video. It is Indian actor Ranbir Kapoor.  It is a common practice to have singers do the singing for the screen actors.    Here is a video from the 1977 movie Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, using an older version of Kishore Kumar's vocals.  The irony? The actor that appears to be singing here is Rishi Kapoor - Ranbir's father.   Clearly the same song, with a different mix.


Incidentally, Hum Kisise Kum Naheen was also a big hit move.

This song has even made it to the United States.  Here is a clip from the television show "Outsourced", in which Gupta, played by the talented Parvesh Cheena, is dreaming about being a big Bollywood star. I really miss that show....

Anyway, enjoy!

13 September 2012 - Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy and C30, C60, C90, Go

Because decisions are hard, here's two cool Bow Wow Wow videos for your 80s Thursday viewing pleasure. Let's start with their hit song. I'm sure you all remember this MTV classic video.



And now here's a lesser known, but even cooler tune. Enjoy!

12 September 2012 - Panjabi MC - Mundian To Bach Ke / Jay-Z & Panjabi MC - Beware of the Boys

A song.... entirely in Punjabi..... that samples the Knight Rider theme song.   Strange but true, it was a worldwide hit in 2002.  Panjabi MC is from England, of Indian descent, and built quite a career out of remixing Indian music.  The video for this song has a real Bollywood movie feeling.

And did I mention the Knight Rider theme song sample? That show had a great baseline.



Jay-Z discovered this tune, and decided to add his own lyrical formula to the song.  This made the song an even bigger hit.  Here is Jay-Z performing the song, live. "Mundian To Bach Ke" translates into English as "Beware of the Boys", hence the new title.



The song returned to some prominence earlier this year with the release of the classy movie "The Dictator".   Here, it is featured in this trailer, which only showcases highbrow humor.....

11 September 2012 - Gnarls Barkley - Crazy

The Voice returned last night! Seems like a Purrfect opportunity to post a Cee Lo Green video. Here's a "little known" song from his collaboration with DJ Danger Mouse.

10 September 2012 - Bran Van 3000 - Drinking In L.A.

Bran Van 3000 are, according to Wikipedia, "an electronica collective from Montreal, Quebec."  I'm not 100% sure what that means.  

I am 100% sure that this is the greatest slacker anthem about screenwriting I've ever heard.  The combination of live and sampled instruments bring a dreamy feel to the song. See if you can catch all the mid-90's pop culture references, including multiples to Snoop Dogg.

(Update: 15 February 2021)  The band revisited this song in 2014, nearly 20 years after its initial release, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Audiogram Records.  It's a very different feel.  

7 September 2012 - Skrillex - Bangarang

I asked an electronic music guru friend of mine if it was OK that I liked Skrillex, and to ensure that it wouldn't ruin my street cred.  She cleared it, so I am now posting this.

I didn't like Skrillex at first.  He's got the most pretentious haircut in music since A Flock of Seagulls.  However, the more I learn about the guy, the more I like him.  He is one of the nicest guys in entertainment, choosing to be active and engage with his fans, in person as well as on Twitter.  Plus, he's Ellie Goulding's boyfriend, which makes him even cooler.

His music brings to mind his roots as the lead singer of a punky rock band, From First To Last (billed by his real name, Sonny John Moore).  It's got a punky feeling - not only this song, but a lot of his others - while maintaining a clearly electronic sound.  So, rather than dwell on deadmau5's antics at the Grammys involving Skrillex (and follow that link to see just how nice he is!), enjoy this dark video, with one scene not for the squeamish (at 1:55 - it's not all that showy, but look away if you have an issue with hands being removed by car doors....)

6 September 2012 - Berlin - Metro

It's 80s Thursday!!! Is there anything more "80s" than this Berlin video? I saw them a few years ago in Virginia Beach and they rocked. And before you ask, yes, Terri Nunn is still gorgeous.

5 September 2012 - Ashlee Simpson - Pieces of Me

OK, I forgot to post yesterday.  I'm sorry!  Here's some music from my favorite Simpson sister as the reward for your patience.

Ashlee's beautifully Wicked Guilty Pleasure music is the reason we started this blog.  Despite her Saturday Night Live debacle, this song does show her vocal range nicely.



(Update: 6 August 2013)  I felt like updating this post for no reason other than I wanted to find a version of this song performed live that I could pretty reliably determine to be live and not Memorex.  So, here it is, slightly more bombastic than the studio version.



And here is ANOTHER one, which is less bombastic, but more mature, from 2008 (the song was recorded in 2004, so she really is more mature and more controlled).

4 September 2012 - Psy - Gangnam Style

Korean? Club music?

This song, released in June, is already the biggest K-pop hit in the US.... ever.  Psy is already a big star in Korea, but this tribute to the finer things in life - Gangnam is a district in Seoul known for being lavish and trendy - has made him a worldwide star. The video, a campy affair all around, was filmed on location in Gangnam.

And, for those not familiar with the cultural reference, Psy is NOT exhibiting Gangnam Style here.

This is how huge this song is.

1. It's charting in the United States, despite not being an English language song.
2. There are parodies.  Here's one done by the Oregon duck.....

Update: Hyuna, another Korean star, has done a slight reinterpretation of the song from a woman's perspective. Under a new title - Oppa Is Just My Style - it has been a hit, although somewhat criticized for its vocals.  You might have noticed that she appeared as a dancer (and Psy's love interest) in the original video.



(Update: 14 September 2012): Psy appeared on The Today Show today.  We got ahead of a pop culture phenomenon once again!  Also, look at how many of the English speakers suddenly are fluent in colloquial Korean!

31 August 2012 - The Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let Me Go

I know, I know, the video rips off "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes a little bit.  Still, this song, used by Apple in an iPod commercial, was a minor hit for this UK duo. Katie White and Jules de Martino are both multiinstrumental, so their sound, while minimalist, is far richer than would be expected from just two people.

By the way, if you have 3D glasses, put them on.  This video is in 3D.



Although there were session musicians as part of the studio version of this song, Jules and Katie are perfectly capable of playing this very minimalist song themselves.  Here they are, live, and just the two of them, at the AOL Sessions studio.  I believe the mat Katie is dancing on is actually an instrument in and of itself.  The video is a little smaller and grainy, so dial-up users could see it, too.


(I was just kidding about the dial-up)

For those so inclined, here is the iPod commercial. I miss these silhouettes.  I wish Apple would bring them back.

30 Augusrt 2012 - Cheap Trick - If You Want My Love

It's 80s Thursday and I'm seeing these guys in three days. How rad would it be if Robin Zander still had that haircut? Come to think of it, how rad would it be if Rick Nielsen was wearing that sweater?



Click here for more Cheap Trick goodness at Totally Covered

29 August 2012 - Tommy Tutone - 867-5309/Jenny

Quick! Name two songs that have a phone number in their title!  If this isn't your first choice, I'm sorely disappointed. (I'd accept any number of songs, including "Pennsylvania 6-5000" or Squeeze's "853-5937" for the second).

A song that is referred to in pop culture possibly more than any other in history, Tommy Tutone - it was the name of the band, led by Tommy Heath - performed a power-pop gem in the early 80's.  A desperate tale of misguided, unrequited love, it was loosely based on a real person known by the band!



Here's a little trick you can do with this number.  A lot of stores - grocery and otherwise - have loyalty cards or discount programs that come with a card.  If you don't have the card, usually this can be searched by telephone number.  867-5309 works in almost every area code.

Here's a little trick Tommy Heath did with the tune in 2008 with an acoustic guitar.


Here's the mathematical representation of Jenny's Constant according to xkcd. Incidentally, 8,675,309 is a prime number.  Not only was it a one-hit wonder, it's a mathematical anomaly!

28 August 2012 - Alanis Morissette - You Oughta Know

Seventeen summers ago You Oughta Know was blowing up the airwaves and Alanis Morissette was becoming one of the best-selling artists of the decade (Jagged Little Pill sold 33 million copies as of 2009...that's a ridiculous number of cds). And while she has a new record out today called Havoc and Bright Lights, let's go back and remember why we all fell head over feet for her in 1995.

27 August 2012 - Lisa Loeb - I Do (with a Stay bonus)

I've always been a bit of a sucker for Lisa Loeb.  I even watched her reality show!! She writes such angry, passionate songs, but doesn't sound angry at all.

Take this song, where she is coming right out and telling the listener that she is angry.  She still doesn't seem angry.  But she is.  Personally, I love the homage to old music videos and album covers, including her lyrics in with them.  Her acoustic pop sound fits perfectly with this video style. So, rather than speak joyously of the song and of Ms. Loeb, I'll let you have a listen.



Lest you think I was kidding, here is a scene from Lisa's reality show, #1 Single, which chronicled her pursuits on the dating scene.  It was unexpectedly fun. She was a really good sport.

24 August 2012 - Owl City - Fireflies

Several of you have contacted me about this post, where I seemed to imply that Owl City was a little opportunistic in his partnership with Carly Rae Jepsen.  The complainers have reminded me that this isn't Owl City's first hit.

No, that honor belongs to this song, which was a big hit two years ago.  And, until about a week ago, I had never heard of it.  Now, the song gives me chills.  It's both exuberant and melancholy, a line that is very tough to straddle.  It both makes me smile and makes me misty.

And, somehow, it was already on my iPod.  Go figure.



I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't note that Owl City performed this song in Rockefeller Plaza yesterday, on The Today Show. And yes, you can hear the crowd singing along at the end.  Because it was a big hit song that everyone knew.  Except for me.

23 August 2012 - Flock of Seagulls - Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)

It's another 80s Thursday and I'm bringin' the new wave goodness. Sure, I could have gone with the obvious Flock of Seagulls song, but what fun is that? Besides, Wishing is way cooler. See for yourself!

22 August 2012 - Jermaine Stewart - We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off

Jermaine Stewart had several minor hits, and one major one that defined him.  This hit was an ode to abstinence in the 80's.  Sadly, he is no longer with us - he died in 1997 of AIDS-related liver cancer, a death some could find ironic given the theme of his biggest hit (I don't find it ironic - just sad).  His music still is, though - this song, in its sexual resistance, is fun and happy and full of energy.

Plus, I think it probably did wonders for the sales of cherry wine.

21 August 2012 - Nina Gordon - Tonight and the Rest of My Life

I wasn't that into Veruca Salt back in the day which is a shame because they really were a pretty cool band. For some strange reason though I really dug Nina Gordon's solo debut. To this day I really don't know how that happened because I wasn't really listening to too much radio friendly adult alternative music at the time. Go figure. Anyway, here's the video for the first single and title track off her debut.

20 August 2012 - Tracy Bonham - Sharks Can't Sleep

Let's be honest.  In the late 90's, there were a lot of female singer-songwriters.  Lots of them only had one hit.

This wasn't Tracy Bonham's hit.  That song was the darkly creative and sparse "Mother Mother".  This was the third single from the same album - equally sparse, more darkly creative, and showing a boatload of promise.  The song failed to chart in the United States, and so, for most artists, that would be the end of the story, and they'd move on to teaching music at a local community college...



It's not the way it went for Tracy.  She teaches young rock bands in Brooklyn - check out her web site at http://gowanusmusicclub.com/ - and continues to tour (albeit not extensively) and record.   Promise fulfilled.

17 August 2012 - Alabama - Song of the South

I was never a big fan of Alabama.  However, this song just resonated with me.  The song starts off sad and heavy, and gets more upbeat and hopeful as it chugs along.  And isn't that what country music is all about?

 

16 August 2012 - Megadeth - Peace Sells

I just had to bring back Hair Metal Thursdays if only for this week. Sure Megadeth isn't hair metal, but does that really matter?

So Dave Mustaine, Megadeth's singer, leader, guitarist and chronic rehabber (read his autobiography) has certainly been making headlines lately. And while I refuse to talk politics (his, mine or anyone else's), I do enjoy celebrating crazy talk. So Dave, I salute you for not only bringing the rock, but for also bringing the crazy.

14 August 2012 - Ellie Goulding - Lights

Today was looking like one of those desperate days where I had no clue as to what video to post. But then this pop gem lit my ears up while on my morning bike ride (couldn't come at a better time too as I was on mile 16...which is the last uphill climb on my daily ride).

Frankly, I was kind of surprised that neither Tony nor I have posted this video yet. Seems to be right up both of our pop wheelhouses, but my "records" show that we have both neglected this fine English pop singer...until today.

From what I've recently read Ellie will release her second album in October -- in the UK -- which means it'll be released in the States in about two years (I exaggerate, but it always seems to take forever). For now, check out this video from her debut record.

13 August 2012 - Duran Duran - Rio

The 2012 Olympic Games ended yesterday in London.  The 2016 Olympic Games are going to be in Rio de Janeiro.  Because of this, this was the song and British band that everyone wanted to hear and thought for sure would hear.  Expect it's about a woman who dances on the sand, and not about the city.  So, go figure.

Duran Duran WERE part of the Opening Ceremonies, in an official concert at the same time as what you saw on TV.  Guess what they played there?  They are a great band for playing their hits, because they feel like they owe it to their fans.

9 August 2012 - Erasure - Oh L'Amour

Seeing that I posted THIS Erasure song yesterday at Totally Covered, I figured I'd post one of their own songs for 80s Thursday. It's the right thing to do. I also thought I'd keep it short today so you can check out Tony's epic 3-part post at Totally Covered.

8 August 2012 - Karmin - Brokenhearted / Hello

When I first heard this song, I thought it was Nicki Minaj.  I was so wrong.

Karmin are a new group - a duo, actually.  Their songs are in the dance-rock genre, and Amy Heidemann's voice navigates the poppy, rocky, and hip-hoppy nuances of this song perfectly.  A top 20 hit in the US earlier this year, it is their biggest hit to date.



They now have a 2nd single climbing the charts.  Again, you can see and hear the Nicki Minaj influence, but this even gets a little hip hoppier than she does! Another aspect of this group that helps, especially in video, is the fact that the group is actually an engaged couple. You can see their chemistry in this video.


Those of you who read both of our blogs will be getting an extra special Karmin treat tomorrow. Before they were big hitmakers, they were best known for their covers.

Update: They made the cover of the Rolling Stone!!! Congratulations to them!

Also, you should check out our three-part covers series over on the other blog, Totally Covered:  Parts 1, 2, and 3 are all there, and now I think I need to do a special Part 4.

7 August 2012 - Sixpence None The Richer - Kiss Me

Tony told the story a couple weeks ago at Totally Covered about seeing Sixpence None The Richer. I too was at that show (we went to the same college, but he's WAY older than me). I really have little to add to what he said about the show except that I was asked to walk singer Leigh Nash back to her room on campus after their performance (yeah, the university put her up in an "apartment" in one of the dorms...classy). She was really sweet and we had a very pleasant chat and walk across campus.

Anyway, I continued to follow Sixpence throughout the years and I'm happy to say that they are back with a new record -- Lost In Transition -- which was released today. I can't wait to check it out. But for now, let's go back to probably their most well-known hit.