It's 80s Thursday!
So I jokingly mentioned to Tony last night that I was going to post a Wham! video. Then this morning I thought to myself, why not? Then I watched the video for the first time in a LONG time. Needless to say the joke's on me.
It's all good though. It's kind of a fun video. And inspirational too! I think I'm going to clap and prance around the bar today just like George Michael...if only I had those rad shorts. Jitterbug!
18 July 2012
18 July 2012 - Hot Chocolate - You Sexy Thing
Sure, most of you know this song from "The Full Monty". But it was around a long time before that.
Hot Chocolate was a big time soul group in the Motown tradition, but with a disco twist. The twist? They're British. One of only three acts to have a charting hit in the UK every year of the 1970's (Elvis Presley and Diana Ross being the other two), Hot Chocolate still tour today, even though they don't make hits anymore. This song, which wasn't their biggest hit - it was in the US, but not worldwide - but is their most enduring.
So, enjoy this song, originally written and released as a B-side, because it could not possibly be a hit.
Hot Chocolate was a big time soul group in the Motown tradition, but with a disco twist. The twist? They're British. One of only three acts to have a charting hit in the UK every year of the 1970's (Elvis Presley and Diana Ross being the other two), Hot Chocolate still tour today, even though they don't make hits anymore. This song, which wasn't their biggest hit - it was in the US, but not worldwide - but is their most enduring.
So, enjoy this song, originally written and released as a B-side, because it could not possibly be a hit.
17 July 2012
17 July 2012 - Pink - Please Don't Leave Me/F**ckin' Perfect
How the hell is it possible that we've had almost 180 posts here at Wicked Guilty Pleasures and not one of them dedicated to Pink? Friends, we've done you a great disservice. I'm sure many of you have heard her songs, but I wonder how many of you have seen her videos which have been quite entertaining over the last few years?
The first video is one of my favorites off her fantastic Funhouse record (think of it as a humorous version of the movie Misery...and for those who thought that Misery was a comedy...what the hell is wrong with you?).
The second video is for one of my favorite pop songs of 2011 (yeah, I know it was "released" in 2010, but it really didn't blow up until last year). And yes, this is the NSFW version (I really don't like the radio version), so if you're at work and watching this, good for you! Stick it to the man!
The first video is one of my favorites off her fantastic Funhouse record (think of it as a humorous version of the movie Misery...and for those who thought that Misery was a comedy...what the hell is wrong with you?).
The second video is for one of my favorite pop songs of 2011 (yeah, I know it was "released" in 2010, but it really didn't blow up until last year). And yes, this is the NSFW version (I really don't like the radio version), so if you're at work and watching this, good for you! Stick it to the man!
16 July 2012
16 July 2012 - Walter Egan - Magnet and Steel
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.
Produced by Lindsey Buckingham, this song is a classic. Gravitate to it.
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.
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