Song#: 0641
Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 83
Peak: 55
Weeks: 8
Genre: Pop, Rock
Pop Bits: VanWarmer's previous album, "Terraforma," couldn't find any solid ground and pretty much sank along with its associated single, "Whatever You Decide" (#77). His next album, "Beat of Love," didn't reverse the downward trend, but it did feature this single which made it about halfway up the chart. It would be his last chart entry.
ReduxReview: This song falls even further away from his lovely ballad "Just When I Needed You Most" (#4, 1979). It almost crosses over into new wave territory. It's nothing that makes you go "wow!," but it chugs along pretty good. I kind of sounds like an outtake from a Cars session.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Growing up, VanWarmer dreamed of being an astronaut and loved the space program. Although that did not work out for him, he did eventually end up in space. After his death in 2004 from leukemia, his cremated remains were sent into space in 2007.
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Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
"Lady (You Bring Me Up)" by The Commodores
Top 10 Alert!
Song#: 0640 Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 84
Peak: 8
Weeks: 22
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: The group scored two #1 ballads in the late 70s ("Three Times a Lady" and "Still") and continued to be ballad-heavy moving into the 80s, which pretty much brought a halt to their hit streak. They made a change and with their next LP, "In the Pocket," and issued this uptempo first single that got them back into the Top 10 (#5 R&B). This eighth pop Top 10 for them would appropriately peak at #8.
ReduxReview: The Richie ballads were basically taking over and they were on the verge of becoming a smooth pop/AC group. Luckily, this single came along and rescued them. It was a fresh blast from them and, for me, one of their best hits.
ReduxRating: 8/10
Trivia: The lead vocal duties of the group were usually shared by Lionel Richie and Walter "Clyde" Orange. But as Richie's penned ballads that he sang were becoming major hits, he started to become the voice and face of the group. Although this song was not written by Richie, he did handle the lead vocals and it only increased his popularity. This would be his final album before leaving for a solo career.
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Thursday, November 28, 2013
"Love on a Two-Way Street" by Stacy Lattisaw
Song#: 0639
Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 85
Peak: 26
Weeks: 17
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: Teenager Lattisaw reached #21 on the pop chart with her #8 R&B tune "Let Me Be Your Angel." With some momentum going, her next single would be this ballad from her new LP, "With You." It got her a second pop chart entry and a #2 R&B hit. The album would be her second (and last) to reach the R&B Top 10.
ReduxReview: Although the hit version (see below) is kind of an R&B classic, it's not one of my favorites. It's a little dramatic, but not quite. Then it sounds like it's going to rev into epic mode, but then it doesn't. I dunno. It almost sounds unfinished to me. Lattisaw's teen voice almost matches that of the singer in The Moments, so there is not much new she's offering here. For me, neither are bad, but neither are great.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: This song is a remake of the #3 hit by The Moments in 1970 (#1 R&B). Co-written by Sylvia Robinson (of Mikey & Sylvia and Sugar Hill Records fame), the tune was first recorded by vocalist Lezlie Valentine before The Moments included it on an album in 1968. However, it wasn't issued as a single until two-years later and it became a gold record for the group.
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Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 85
Peak: 26
Weeks: 17
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: Teenager Lattisaw reached #21 on the pop chart with her #8 R&B tune "Let Me Be Your Angel." With some momentum going, her next single would be this ballad from her new LP, "With You." It got her a second pop chart entry and a #2 R&B hit. The album would be her second (and last) to reach the R&B Top 10.
ReduxReview: Although the hit version (see below) is kind of an R&B classic, it's not one of my favorites. It's a little dramatic, but not quite. Then it sounds like it's going to rev into epic mode, but then it doesn't. I dunno. It almost sounds unfinished to me. Lattisaw's teen voice almost matches that of the singer in The Moments, so there is not much new she's offering here. For me, neither are bad, but neither are great.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: This song is a remake of the #3 hit by The Moments in 1970 (#1 R&B). Co-written by Sylvia Robinson (of Mikey & Sylvia and Sugar Hill Records fame), the tune was first recorded by vocalist Lezlie Valentine before The Moments included it on an album in 1968. However, it wasn't issued as a single until two-years later and it became a gold record for the group.
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Wednesday, November 27, 2013
"Don't Want to Wait Anymore" by The Tubes
Song#: 0638
Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 86
Peak: 35
Weeks: 12
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Formed from bits of other bands, The Tubes gained popularity through their live shows that played out like performance art production numbers. Their early songs were often parodies or satirical in nature and lead singer Fee Waybill would often perform as characters like the British druggy pop artist Quay Lewd. They signed with A&M Records and issued their self-titled debut LP in 1975, which featured the cult hit "White Punks on Dope." However, studio recordings couldn't capture the manic frenzy of their stage shows and sales were not great. A&M hung on to the group for five albums, but finally ditched the band after the release of their well-reviewed concept album "Remote Control" (#46, 1979). Capital picked up the band, brought on board mega-producer David Foster, and their next concept album, "The Completion Backward Principle," was released. This glossy pop/rock ballad (unusual for the group) was issued as the first single and it became their first to hit the Top 40.
ReduxReview: I was only slightly familiar with The Tubes before this song came out - mainly because I had heard "White Punks on Dope" and read about their freaky shows. When I first heard this song, I didn't know who was doing it and I loved it. Then I was really surprised when I found out it was The Tubes. It just didn't fit what I knew about them. This is the point where they moved towards the mainstream, which probably didn't suit their old fans very well. Yeah, it's glossy pop, but it was well done and I still really like the song.
ReduxRating: 8/10
Trivia: The concept for the "The Completion Backward Principle" LP was based on an actual sales training manual. Although the songs may not exactly follow a concept, the packaging was designed like a business document complete with photos of the band in suits, position titles, and a mission statement.
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Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 86
Peak: 35
Weeks: 12
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Formed from bits of other bands, The Tubes gained popularity through their live shows that played out like performance art production numbers. Their early songs were often parodies or satirical in nature and lead singer Fee Waybill would often perform as characters like the British druggy pop artist Quay Lewd. They signed with A&M Records and issued their self-titled debut LP in 1975, which featured the cult hit "White Punks on Dope." However, studio recordings couldn't capture the manic frenzy of their stage shows and sales were not great. A&M hung on to the group for five albums, but finally ditched the band after the release of their well-reviewed concept album "Remote Control" (#46, 1979). Capital picked up the band, brought on board mega-producer David Foster, and their next concept album, "The Completion Backward Principle," was released. This glossy pop/rock ballad (unusual for the group) was issued as the first single and it became their first to hit the Top 40.
ReduxReview: I was only slightly familiar with The Tubes before this song came out - mainly because I had heard "White Punks on Dope" and read about their freaky shows. When I first heard this song, I didn't know who was doing it and I loved it. Then I was really surprised when I found out it was The Tubes. It just didn't fit what I knew about them. This is the point where they moved towards the mainstream, which probably didn't suit their old fans very well. Yeah, it's glossy pop, but it was well done and I still really like the song.
ReduxRating: 8/10
Trivia: The concept for the "The Completion Backward Principle" LP was based on an actual sales training manual. Although the songs may not exactly follow a concept, the packaging was designed like a business document complete with photos of the band in suits, position titles, and a mission statement.
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"Fly Away" by Blackfoot
Song#: 0637
Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 89
Peak: 42
Weeks: 12
Genre: Southern Rock
Pop Bits: Originally forming as Fresh Garbage in 1969, the band went through numerous personnel and location changes before seeking a contract as Blackfoot. However, the group couldn't find any label interest and basically stopped when two members were offered roles in the Lynyrd Skynyrd band. The band began to reform again around 1972 and by 1975 they had a new line-up and record contract. Their first two albums tanked, but their third for Atco Records did the trick and they hit the Top 40 with "Highway Song" (#26) and "Train Train" (#38). Another successful album came out a year later followed by the LP "Marauder." This single from that album just missed the Top 40 and it would be their last to hit the chart. With the MTV generation beginning, Blackfoot wasn't quite prepared and with diminishing returns they tried to change their look and sound to little success. By 1985 the group called it quits (although a few iterations would reform and tour later).
ReduxReview: I knew going in that Blackfoot was Southern rock, so I was not real excited about this one. However, it was a slight surprise on the good side. It rocks along in a nice carefree way that almost moves north into heartland rock. It's kind of refreshing when set next to their standard hard/Southern rock tunes. I'm still no fan, but this was a nice listen.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Their Top 40 song "Train Train" was actually written by group member Rickey Medlocke's grandfather Shorty. Several artists have covered this song including a bluegrass version by Dolly Parton that appeared on her Grammy-winning album "The Grass Is Blue" (1999).
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Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 89
Peak: 42
Weeks: 12
Genre: Southern Rock
Pop Bits: Originally forming as Fresh Garbage in 1969, the band went through numerous personnel and location changes before seeking a contract as Blackfoot. However, the group couldn't find any label interest and basically stopped when two members were offered roles in the Lynyrd Skynyrd band. The band began to reform again around 1972 and by 1975 they had a new line-up and record contract. Their first two albums tanked, but their third for Atco Records did the trick and they hit the Top 40 with "Highway Song" (#26) and "Train Train" (#38). Another successful album came out a year later followed by the LP "Marauder." This single from that album just missed the Top 40 and it would be their last to hit the chart. With the MTV generation beginning, Blackfoot wasn't quite prepared and with diminishing returns they tried to change their look and sound to little success. By 1985 the group called it quits (although a few iterations would reform and tour later).
ReduxReview: I knew going in that Blackfoot was Southern rock, so I was not real excited about this one. However, it was a slight surprise on the good side. It rocks along in a nice carefree way that almost moves north into heartland rock. It's kind of refreshing when set next to their standard hard/Southern rock tunes. I'm still no fan, but this was a nice listen.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Their Top 40 song "Train Train" was actually written by group member Rickey Medlocke's grandfather Shorty. Several artists have covered this song including a bluegrass version by Dolly Parton that appeared on her Grammy-winning album "The Grass Is Blue" (1999).
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Tuesday, November 26, 2013
"Rich Man" by Terri Gibbs
Song#: 0636
Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 95
Peak: 89
Weeks: 5
Genre: Country Crossover
Pop Bits: Gibbs' debut single "Somebody's Knockin'," was a surprise success hitting #13 pop and #7 country. It would be her biggest hit on both charts. This follow-up single couldn't quite get out of the pop chart basement and at country it peaked just inside the Top 20 at #19. It would be her last song to reach the pop chart. She would go on to have three more country Top 20 entries with her last charting song coming in 1987.
ReduxReview: This kind of borders on blue-eyed soul ala Dusty Springfield or maybe along the lines of Bobby Gentry. It's actually not a bad song, but I just find Gibbs' delivery kind of flat. I have a feeling she may sound better live than on record. She obviously has talent, but I'm just not sure it comes across on vinyl.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: After her hit debut album, Gibbs' major label follow-ups couldn't repeat the success. After four more studio albums, she switch gears and turned to Contemporary Christian music. Her first effort in that market, 1987's "Turn Around," was well-received and got her a Grammy nomination. She would record two more albums and then retired from the music business. Although she is still an active musician, she spends most of her time working with various ministry-based organizations.
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Date: 06/20/1981
Debut: 95
Peak: 89
Weeks: 5
Genre: Country Crossover
Pop Bits: Gibbs' debut single "Somebody's Knockin'," was a surprise success hitting #13 pop and #7 country. It would be her biggest hit on both charts. This follow-up single couldn't quite get out of the pop chart basement and at country it peaked just inside the Top 20 at #19. It would be her last song to reach the pop chart. She would go on to have three more country Top 20 entries with her last charting song coming in 1987.
ReduxReview: This kind of borders on blue-eyed soul ala Dusty Springfield or maybe along the lines of Bobby Gentry. It's actually not a bad song, but I just find Gibbs' delivery kind of flat. I have a feeling she may sound better live than on record. She obviously has talent, but I'm just not sure it comes across on vinyl.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: After her hit debut album, Gibbs' major label follow-ups couldn't repeat the success. After four more studio albums, she switch gears and turned to Contemporary Christian music. Her first effort in that market, 1987's "Turn Around," was well-received and got her a Grammy nomination. She would record two more albums and then retired from the music business. Although she is still an active musician, she spends most of her time working with various ministry-based organizations.
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"I Don't Need You" by Kenny Rogers
Top 10 Alert!
Song#: 0635 Date: 06/13/1981
Debut: 33
Peak: 3
Weeks: 18
Genre: Country Crossover, Adult Contemporary
Pop Bits: Rogers was on a hot streak and it peaked with his biggest pop hit "Lady" (#1). That song was a collaboration between Rogers and Lionel Richie. The success of that single prompted the two to work on a full album and "Share Your Love" was issued and this first single was another pop chart success and his ninth solo country #1.
ReduxReview: This definitely leans toward pop/AC than country and it worked well with Richie providing solid production. I've always liked the song and Rogers sounds good. A friend in high school and I used to sing this together. We would sing the first verse really quiet and then scream the next section (the "but we both want it bad enough"). We thought it was hilarious. I don't think others did...
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: This song was written by Rick Christian and he originally recorded it and released it as a single in 1978, but it did not chart. The song was also recorded by Harry Nilsson in 1980 before Rogers found the song and made it a hit.
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Monday, November 25, 2013
"Don't Let Him Go" by REO Speedwagon
Song#: 0634
Date: 06/13/1981
Debut: 72
Peak: 24
Weeks: 14
Genre: Rock, Arena Rock
Pop Bits: With two smash singles, REO's album "Hi-Infidelity" would spent 15 weeks at #1. This third single was the album's opener and although it couldn't quite make it into the Top 20, it kept album sales going. It would become the year's best selling album and would eventually sell over 10 million copies.
ReduxReview: This was the third gem in a row from this album. With the Bo Diddley beat and kick-ass arena sound, this one was hard to resist. It rocked out a bit more that the previous two ballad-ish hit singles, so that could have been a deterrent in going higher on the chart.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Some of the background vocals on the album would be provided by Richard Page. Page would front his own band, Mr. Mister, who later got their own #1 album "Welcome to the Real World" in 1985.
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Date: 06/13/1981
Debut: 72
Peak: 24
Weeks: 14
Genre: Rock, Arena Rock
Pop Bits: With two smash singles, REO's album "Hi-Infidelity" would spent 15 weeks at #1. This third single was the album's opener and although it couldn't quite make it into the Top 20, it kept album sales going. It would become the year's best selling album and would eventually sell over 10 million copies.
ReduxReview: This was the third gem in a row from this album. With the Bo Diddley beat and kick-ass arena sound, this one was hard to resist. It rocked out a bit more that the previous two ballad-ish hit singles, so that could have been a deterrent in going higher on the chart.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Some of the background vocals on the album would be provided by Richard Page. Page would front his own band, Mr. Mister, who later got their own #1 album "Welcome to the Real World" in 1985.
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"Hard Times" by James Taylor
Song#: 0633
Date: 06/13/1981
Debut: 81
Peak: 72
Weeks: 5
Genre: Pop, Adult Contemporary
Pop Bits: Taylor's break-up album, "Dad Loves His Work," yielded his last Top 40 hit with "Her Town Too," a collaboration with J.D. Souther. This second single from the album didn't catch on and spent a minor few weeks at pop and only hit #23 at AC. The album reached #10 and went platinum, but it would be Taylor's last Top 10 album for sixteen years. He finally returned to the Top 10 with 1997's "Hourglass," which peaked at #9.
ReduxReview: This is very, well, James Taylor-y. It's a mid-tempo shuffle with the theme of trying to keep positive to make it through all the bad stuff. It's a nice tune, but since Taylor's music doesn't really grab me, it's nothing I'd choose to hear again. The background voices and arrangement are quite nice and perk up the song, but I don't think it was a solid single choice.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Taylor's first solo recording contract was with The Beatles' Apple Records. He was the first non-UK artist signed to the label. Taylor's self-titled debut came out in 1968 and featured his classic song "Caroline in My Mind." Neither were major hits at the time, which was partially due to Taylor's inability to do promotions stemming from hospitalization from his drug use. It would be his only album for Apple as the company went through an overhaul and Taylor left the label. He later signed with Warner where his hit streak started with the #3 LP "Sweet Baby James" (1970).
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Date: 06/13/1981
Debut: 81
Peak: 72
Weeks: 5
Genre: Pop, Adult Contemporary
Pop Bits: Taylor's break-up album, "Dad Loves His Work," yielded his last Top 40 hit with "Her Town Too," a collaboration with J.D. Souther. This second single from the album didn't catch on and spent a minor few weeks at pop and only hit #23 at AC. The album reached #10 and went platinum, but it would be Taylor's last Top 10 album for sixteen years. He finally returned to the Top 10 with 1997's "Hourglass," which peaked at #9.
ReduxReview: This is very, well, James Taylor-y. It's a mid-tempo shuffle with the theme of trying to keep positive to make it through all the bad stuff. It's a nice tune, but since Taylor's music doesn't really grab me, it's nothing I'd choose to hear again. The background voices and arrangement are quite nice and perk up the song, but I don't think it was a solid single choice.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Taylor's first solo recording contract was with The Beatles' Apple Records. He was the first non-UK artist signed to the label. Taylor's self-titled debut came out in 1968 and featured his classic song "Caroline in My Mind." Neither were major hits at the time, which was partially due to Taylor's inability to do promotions stemming from hospitalization from his drug use. It would be his only album for Apple as the company went through an overhaul and Taylor left the label. He later signed with Warner where his hit streak started with the #3 LP "Sweet Baby James" (1970).
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Sunday, November 24, 2013
"What She Does to Me" by The Producers
Song#: 0632
Date: 06/13/1981
Debut: 85
Peak: 61
Weeks: 6
Genre: Power Pop, New Wave
Pop Bits: After becoming popular playing around their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, this group signed to Portrait Records and issued their self-titled debut album. This first single became a regional hit and it helped to propel it on the national chart where it remained for a few weeks. They issued a follow-up LP in 1982, "You Make the Heat," but no singles charted and the group was dropped from the label. A couple of more albums would follow (with one being shelved and finally released in 2001), but the group called it a day in 1991.
ReduxReview: While not a great song, this one bops along pretty good and is an interesting listen. The mid section is a nice add and I've seen a tag of (The Diana Song) used in the title, most likely because it is different and the use of the name is prominent. I can imagine radio station callers not really knowing the name of the song and just asking to "play that Diana song."
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Before becoming The Producers and doing their own music, the group was originally a Beatles cover band called Cartoon. 2) A song on their third album was a collaboration with the group Kansas. The song, "Can't Cry Anymore," appeared on The Producers' "Run for Your Life" album (1985) and Kansas' "Power" album (1986).
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Date: 06/13/1981
Debut: 85
Peak: 61
Weeks: 6
Genre: Power Pop, New Wave
Pop Bits: After becoming popular playing around their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, this group signed to Portrait Records and issued their self-titled debut album. This first single became a regional hit and it helped to propel it on the national chart where it remained for a few weeks. They issued a follow-up LP in 1982, "You Make the Heat," but no singles charted and the group was dropped from the label. A couple of more albums would follow (with one being shelved and finally released in 2001), but the group called it a day in 1991.
ReduxReview: While not a great song, this one bops along pretty good and is an interesting listen. The mid section is a nice add and I've seen a tag of (The Diana Song) used in the title, most likely because it is different and the use of the name is prominent. I can imagine radio station callers not really knowing the name of the song and just asking to "play that Diana song."
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Before becoming The Producers and doing their own music, the group was originally a Beatles cover band called Cartoon. 2) A song on their third album was a collaboration with the group Kansas. The song, "Can't Cry Anymore," appeared on The Producers' "Run for Your Life" album (1985) and Kansas' "Power" album (1986).
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