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Friday, April 25, 2014

"Centerfold" by J. Geils Band

#1 Alert!
Gold Record Alert!
Song#:  0814
Date:  11/07/1981
Debut:  70
Peak:  1 (6 weeks)
Weeks:  25
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  In the 10 years since their first chart entry, the J. Geils Band had only one song even get close to the Top 10 (1974's #12 "Must of Got Lost"). Their albums sold well thanks to rock radio staples like "Love Stinks," but their singles didn't fare well on the pop chart. That all changed when this first single from their "Freeze Frame" album was released. Helped by the video that became an recurring MTV favorite, the song reached the top spot and became their first and only #1 single. Its success pushed the album to #1 for four weeks as well.

ReduxReview:  As soon as that keyboard lick starts, you recognize the song immediately. It really is a fun tune and a great party jam. The lyrics are so tame by today's standards, but I remember there was a bit of controversy back in the day because some thought it glorified porn magazines. I'm sure the publicity helped the song up the chart. Controversy usually does.

ReduxRating:  9/10

Trivia:  Paul Justman, brother to band member Seth Justman, directed the music video for this song. Paul went on to direct the 2002 documentary "Standing in the Shadows of Motown," which told the story of the Funk Brothers who were the backing band used on many recordings at the famous studio. The soundtrack went on to win a Grammy award.

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