Song#: 1033
Date: 05/22/1982
Debut: 88
Peak: 25
Weeks: 18
Genre: New Wave
Pop Bits: Famed UK producer Mickie Most (The Animals, Herman's Hermits) signed Wilde to his RAK label after walking into a studio and hearing her sing backing vocals on a song that was being recorded by her brother Ricky. With her father, Marty (see below), and brother writing all the songs and Ricky producing, Wilde recorded her self-titled debut album. It was an instant smash in the UK going to #3 with this lead single hitting #2. This style of Europop/New Wave was still not fully catching on yet in the US and the single only made the Top 30. However, it has lived on far past its chart life. The song has been covered by many artists and has been used in several films and commercials.
ReduxReview: I didn't hop on this single when it came out and I don't really know why. I think it hit a bit before I really started to fall for 80s New Wave/synthpop, particularly the UK variety. I've certainly jumped on board since. I'd consider this an essential early 80s single. It should have been a major hit but perhaps pop radio was still not ready to board the 80s train just yet.
ReduxRating: 8/10
Trivia: Wilde's father is Marty Wilde who was a UK rock and roll star in the late 50s/early 60s. Marty had several chart hits in the UK but like his fellow rock n' roller Cliff Richard, he didn't catch on the US where he only had two pop chart entries. "Bad Boy" reached #45 in 1960 and under the pseudonym Shannon, he hit #47 in 1969 with "Abergavenny." Although not a major hit, "Abergavenny" became popular with many children because it was used in a little stop-action film that was featured on the US TV show "Captain Kangaroo."
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Saturday, October 11, 2014
Friday, October 10, 2014
"Nice Girls" by Eye to Eye
Song#: 1032
Date: 05/22/1982
Debut: 89
Peak: 37
Weeks: 13
Genre: Soft Rock
Pop Bits: Eye to Eye is a duo made up of Deborah Berg (US) and Julian Marshall (UK). Marshall met Berg at a dance performance where Berg sang instead of danced due to an injury. Soon after, Berg took off to the UK to write and record with Marshall. The pair issued a single called "Am I Normal?" which got the attention of Warner Bros. via Steely Dan producer Gary Katz. Signed to the label, Katz then produced the duo's self-titled debut. It was pretty much ignored in the UK, but this single gained some fans in the US and it peaked inside the pop Top 40.
ReduxReview: For anyone out there that loves Steely Dan, you might want to check out Eye to Eye since they are similar in several ways. This single is probably the catchiest thing they have on the album and it is a good tune. Since I've never been a Steely Dan fan, the remainder of their album sounds a lot to me like Dan's artsy-fartsy cerebral jazz-pop. Don't get me wrong, Fagen and Becker are great musicians. I just don't like my pop music so...well...complicated. Eye to Eye are not as complex as Steely Dan, but they kind of play like Dan's UK cousin. Frankly, I wouldn't have pegged this for a Top 40 hit, but I'm glad it did well. It chugs along nicely and I like Berg's voice. She reminds me of Basia ("Time and Tide," #26, 1987).
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Julian Marshall already had experienced some chart success before forming Eye to Eye. As a member of Marshall Hain (with Kit Hain), he reached #3 in the UK with 1978's "Dancing in the City." The song crossed over to the US was a minor entry peaking at #43. After that group dissolved, Marshall joined the Flying Lizards. Their 1979 version of "Money" (originally done by Barrett Strong in 1960 followed by The Beatles in 1963) hit #5 in the UK while getting to #50 in the US. (Side note - Kit Hain went on to write/co-write songs for major artists like Roger Daltrey, Cyndi Lauper, 'Til Tuesday, Heart, Chaka Khan, and Cher.)
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Date: 05/22/1982
Debut: 89
Peak: 37
Weeks: 13
Genre: Soft Rock
Pop Bits: Eye to Eye is a duo made up of Deborah Berg (US) and Julian Marshall (UK). Marshall met Berg at a dance performance where Berg sang instead of danced due to an injury. Soon after, Berg took off to the UK to write and record with Marshall. The pair issued a single called "Am I Normal?" which got the attention of Warner Bros. via Steely Dan producer Gary Katz. Signed to the label, Katz then produced the duo's self-titled debut. It was pretty much ignored in the UK, but this single gained some fans in the US and it peaked inside the pop Top 40.
ReduxReview: For anyone out there that loves Steely Dan, you might want to check out Eye to Eye since they are similar in several ways. This single is probably the catchiest thing they have on the album and it is a good tune. Since I've never been a Steely Dan fan, the remainder of their album sounds a lot to me like Dan's artsy-fartsy cerebral jazz-pop. Don't get me wrong, Fagen and Becker are great musicians. I just don't like my pop music so...well...complicated. Eye to Eye are not as complex as Steely Dan, but they kind of play like Dan's UK cousin. Frankly, I wouldn't have pegged this for a Top 40 hit, but I'm glad it did well. It chugs along nicely and I like Berg's voice. She reminds me of Basia ("Time and Tide," #26, 1987).
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Julian Marshall already had experienced some chart success before forming Eye to Eye. As a member of Marshall Hain (with Kit Hain), he reached #3 in the UK with 1978's "Dancing in the City." The song crossed over to the US was a minor entry peaking at #43. After that group dissolved, Marshall joined the Flying Lizards. Their 1979 version of "Money" (originally done by Barrett Strong in 1960 followed by The Beatles in 1963) hit #5 in the UK while getting to #50 in the US. (Side note - Kit Hain went on to write/co-write songs for major artists like Roger Daltrey, Cyndi Lauper, 'Til Tuesday, Heart, Chaka Khan, and Cher.)
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Thursday, October 9, 2014
"If the Love Fits Wear It" by Leslie Pearl
Song#: 1031
Date: 05/22/1982
Debut: 90
Peak: 28
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop, Adult Contemporary
Pop Bits: Pearl initially got a foothold in the music business with her sister Debbie. The duo got signed to London Records and in 1977 issued a self-title debut album as "Pearl." It didn't amount to much, but Leslie's songwriting got attention and soon she was selling songs to artists like Karen Carpenter, Kenny Rogers, and Dr. Hook. With some success under her belt, she moved on to RCA Records and recorded a debut solo LP called "Words & Music." This first single did well getting into the pop Top 30 and reaching #7 at AC, but it would be her only chart entry. Despite the solid showing, Pearl would never record a follow-up album. Basically, it was one and done for her.
ReduxReview: This is another song that wasn't a big hit on its initial run, but has lived on long past its chart life. It's become a favorite "lost" hit from the 80s, particularly for those who love the SoCal pop from that time period (or anyone who likes Carly Simon). I always liked the song but never bought it. I obviously have it now and love it when the song comes up on a playlist.
ReduxRating: 8/10
Trivia: Pearl was also a very successful jingle writer. She had written jingles for major companies/products like Pepsi and Ford. Perhaps her most famous jingle was for Folgers Coffee. Pearl wrote the music to the famous slogan "The best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup." The jingle has been used since 1984 and was so popular that several famous musicians, like Aretha Franklin, sang the tune in the Folgers commercials.
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Date: 05/22/1982
Debut: 90
Peak: 28
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop, Adult Contemporary
Pop Bits: Pearl initially got a foothold in the music business with her sister Debbie. The duo got signed to London Records and in 1977 issued a self-title debut album as "Pearl." It didn't amount to much, but Leslie's songwriting got attention and soon she was selling songs to artists like Karen Carpenter, Kenny Rogers, and Dr. Hook. With some success under her belt, she moved on to RCA Records and recorded a debut solo LP called "Words & Music." This first single did well getting into the pop Top 30 and reaching #7 at AC, but it would be her only chart entry. Despite the solid showing, Pearl would never record a follow-up album. Basically, it was one and done for her.
ReduxReview: This is another song that wasn't a big hit on its initial run, but has lived on long past its chart life. It's become a favorite "lost" hit from the 80s, particularly for those who love the SoCal pop from that time period (or anyone who likes Carly Simon). I always liked the song but never bought it. I obviously have it now and love it when the song comes up on a playlist.
ReduxRating: 8/10
Trivia: Pearl was also a very successful jingle writer. She had written jingles for major companies/products like Pepsi and Ford. Perhaps her most famous jingle was for Folgers Coffee. Pearl wrote the music to the famous slogan "The best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup." The jingle has been used since 1984 and was so popular that several famous musicians, like Aretha Franklin, sang the tune in the Folgers commercials.
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"Break It Up" by Foreigner
Song#: 1030
Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 70
Peak: 26
Weeks: 13
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Foreigner's album "4" spawned three hit singles including "Waiting for a Girl Like You" (#2 for 10 weeks). A fourth single from "4" seemed appropriate so they trotted out this song hoping for another solid hit. Although it spent the same 13 weeks on the chart and peaked at the same #26 as their previous single "Juke Box Hero," it wasn't as memorable and did not get the same support at rock radio ("Juke" hit #3 on the Mainstream Rock chart).
ReduxReview: I always thought the "4" album was a mixed bag. About half the album was terrific and the other songs just eh. Luckily, the good songs ended up being the singles and this one was another quality track from the group. Four singles in, the peak is probably justified. However, it easily sits alongside their other major hits.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Lead singer Lou Gramm had a previous shot at stardom with his former band Black Sheep. That band was signed to Capitol and issued two albums for the label in 1975. While on tour with Kiss, an unfortunate semi-truck accident destroyed most of their equipment. Unable to purchase replacements, the band had to end their tour and never really recovered. Soon after, Gramm received a call from Mick Jones, whom Gramm had met previously. Jones was wondering if Gramm had interest in joining his new group, Foreigner.
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Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 70
Peak: 26
Weeks: 13
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Foreigner's album "4" spawned three hit singles including "Waiting for a Girl Like You" (#2 for 10 weeks). A fourth single from "4" seemed appropriate so they trotted out this song hoping for another solid hit. Although it spent the same 13 weeks on the chart and peaked at the same #26 as their previous single "Juke Box Hero," it wasn't as memorable and did not get the same support at rock radio ("Juke" hit #3 on the Mainstream Rock chart).
ReduxReview: I always thought the "4" album was a mixed bag. About half the album was terrific and the other songs just eh. Luckily, the good songs ended up being the singles and this one was another quality track from the group. Four singles in, the peak is probably justified. However, it easily sits alongside their other major hits.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Lead singer Lou Gramm had a previous shot at stardom with his former band Black Sheep. That band was signed to Capitol and issued two albums for the label in 1975. While on tour with Kiss, an unfortunate semi-truck accident destroyed most of their equipment. Unable to purchase replacements, the band had to end their tour and never really recovered. Soon after, Gramm received a call from Mick Jones, whom Gramm had met previously. Jones was wondering if Gramm had interest in joining his new group, Foreigner.
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Wednesday, October 8, 2014
"This Man Is Mine" by Heart
Song#: 1029
Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 71
Peak: 33
Weeks: 13
Genre: Soft Rock
Pop Bits: After a combo live/studio album produced their biggest hit yet, the #6 "Tell It Like It Is," Heart returned to the studio and recorded their next LP, "Private Audition." Despite the hit, Heart had been on a bit of a decline with their previous studio album, "Bebe Le Strange," lacking a significant chart single and only reaching gold status. The #33 peak of this first single from "Private Audition" couldn't reverse the trend and its lackluster showing made the LP Heart's first to miss going gold.
ReduxReview: I do loves me some Heart, but this was a lowly period for them. Nothing was really clicking. Over the next couple of albums, they would have a few decent tracks but in general they were struggling. I remember back then that I was excited to hear the new Heart song, and then this came on. I thought "this is Heart?" I was not thrilled with it. It's still not one of my favorites of theirs, but I don't count it among their worst either.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: This song is a bit of an homage to The Supremes with its Motown-ish sound. Ann and Nancy Wilson carried it one step further with the video for the tune. In it, they dress and perform in a very Supremes way. I've seen a couple mentions where the song is quite similar to the Smokey Robinson composition "Don't Mess with Bill," a #7 pop hit (#3 R&B) in 1966 for The Marvelettes. The songs do share some similarities.
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Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 71
Peak: 33
Weeks: 13
Genre: Soft Rock
Pop Bits: After a combo live/studio album produced their biggest hit yet, the #6 "Tell It Like It Is," Heart returned to the studio and recorded their next LP, "Private Audition." Despite the hit, Heart had been on a bit of a decline with their previous studio album, "Bebe Le Strange," lacking a significant chart single and only reaching gold status. The #33 peak of this first single from "Private Audition" couldn't reverse the trend and its lackluster showing made the LP Heart's first to miss going gold.
ReduxReview: I do loves me some Heart, but this was a lowly period for them. Nothing was really clicking. Over the next couple of albums, they would have a few decent tracks but in general they were struggling. I remember back then that I was excited to hear the new Heart song, and then this came on. I thought "this is Heart?" I was not thrilled with it. It's still not one of my favorites of theirs, but I don't count it among their worst either.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: This song is a bit of an homage to The Supremes with its Motown-ish sound. Ann and Nancy Wilson carried it one step further with the video for the tune. In it, they dress and perform in a very Supremes way. I've seen a couple mentions where the song is quite similar to the Smokey Robinson composition "Don't Mess with Bill," a #7 pop hit (#3 R&B) in 1966 for The Marvelettes. The songs do share some similarities.
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"After the Glitter Fades" by Stevie Nicks
Song#: 1028
Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 73
Peak: 32
Weeks: 11
Genre: Soft Rock
Pop Bits: This fourth single from her #1 debut solo LP "Bella Donna" wasn't a major hit, but it did manage a Top 40 showing. It would be the only time Nicks could chart four singles from one album.
ReduxReview: With an even more country twinge than her duet with Don Henley, "Leather and Lace," Nicks trots out this pleasant mid-tempo tune. Written around 1972-73, the song seems to be prophetic in its lyrics about stardom a few years before Fleetwood Mac changed everything for her and Lindsey Buckingham. It's a good Nicks tune, but may have been a little too low-key to really capture pop radio attention.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Nick's real name is Stephanie Lynn Nicks. As a young child she had trouble pronouncing her own name. The way she said it came out like something similar to "Stevie." That caught on and soon became her nickname, which she has retained since.
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Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 73
Peak: 32
Weeks: 11
Genre: Soft Rock
Pop Bits: This fourth single from her #1 debut solo LP "Bella Donna" wasn't a major hit, but it did manage a Top 40 showing. It would be the only time Nicks could chart four singles from one album.
ReduxReview: With an even more country twinge than her duet with Don Henley, "Leather and Lace," Nicks trots out this pleasant mid-tempo tune. Written around 1972-73, the song seems to be prophetic in its lyrics about stardom a few years before Fleetwood Mac changed everything for her and Lindsey Buckingham. It's a good Nicks tune, but may have been a little too low-key to really capture pop radio attention.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Nick's real name is Stephanie Lynn Nicks. As a young child she had trouble pronouncing her own name. The way she said it came out like something similar to "Stevie." That caught on and soon became her nickname, which she has retained since.
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Tuesday, October 7, 2014
"Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do" by Huey Lewis & the News
Song#: 1027
Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 79
Peak: 36
Weeks: 11
Genre: Blue-Eyed Soul
Pop Bits: Lewis and crew's second album, "Picture This," featured their first Top 10 hit with "Do You Believe in Love" hitting #7. The pop-oriented tune became the band's breakthrough. Hoping for another solid hit, this second single was issued. It couldn't replicate the success of the first one, but it did get into the Top 40 and it extended the life of their LP, which would eventually be their first gold album.
ReduxReview: The band's music included elements of pop, rock, new wave, old-school rock, and even blue-eyed soul (like this song) and somehow they managed to make it all work together. This song was certainly different from the pop of "Do You Believe in Love" yet it still sounds like the same band. Of course having distinct vocals like Lewis' helps. This is not one of my favorites of theirs but I do think they perform the tune well. The song is really a five, but I'm adding an extra point for the nice horn arrangement.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Lewis is a proficient harmonica player. Prior to the News taking off, Lewis performed harmonica on several other artists' albums. He has appeared on albums by Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, and most notably, Thin Lizzy. Billed as "Huey Harp," Lewis performed on Thin Lizzy's 1978 recording "Live and Dangerous." He also played on two solo discs by Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott. On "Picture This," Lewis and the band cover a song that appeared on 1980 Lynott's debut solo album. Lynott's composition "Tattoo (Giving It All Up for Love)" was redone by the News and put on their second album as "Giving It All Up for Love."
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Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 79
Peak: 36
Weeks: 11
Genre: Blue-Eyed Soul
Pop Bits: Lewis and crew's second album, "Picture This," featured their first Top 10 hit with "Do You Believe in Love" hitting #7. The pop-oriented tune became the band's breakthrough. Hoping for another solid hit, this second single was issued. It couldn't replicate the success of the first one, but it did get into the Top 40 and it extended the life of their LP, which would eventually be their first gold album.
ReduxReview: The band's music included elements of pop, rock, new wave, old-school rock, and even blue-eyed soul (like this song) and somehow they managed to make it all work together. This song was certainly different from the pop of "Do You Believe in Love" yet it still sounds like the same band. Of course having distinct vocals like Lewis' helps. This is not one of my favorites of theirs but I do think they perform the tune well. The song is really a five, but I'm adding an extra point for the nice horn arrangement.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Lewis is a proficient harmonica player. Prior to the News taking off, Lewis performed harmonica on several other artists' albums. He has appeared on albums by Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, and most notably, Thin Lizzy. Billed as "Huey Harp," Lewis performed on Thin Lizzy's 1978 recording "Live and Dangerous." He also played on two solo discs by Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott. On "Picture This," Lewis and the band cover a song that appeared on 1980 Lynott's debut solo album. Lynott's composition "Tattoo (Giving It All Up for Love)" was redone by the News and put on their second album as "Giving It All Up for Love."
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"Piece of My Heart" by Sammy Hagar
Song#: 1026
Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 83
Peak: 73
Weeks: 4
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Hagar's "Standing Hampton" LP would be his best-selling solo effort that was bolstered by the #2 rock hit "I'll Fall in Love Again" (#43 pop). This next single from the album couldn't catch on as well and only spent a month near the bottom of the chart while not even hitting at rock radio. Although the LP had only two singles reach the pop chart, four songs would reach the Mainstream Rock chart. In addition to "I'll Fall in Love Again," three other tunes got on the chart including the #31 "There's Only One Way to Rock," which went on to become one of his signature tunes. It was also one of two Hagar solo songs that Van Halen would perform in concert during Hagar's days with the band. The other was "I Can't Drive 55."
ReduxReview: Hagar certainly rocked up this cover tune (see below). It's not completely awful, but I don't like that he took a very soulful song and turned it into a straight 4/4 rock anthem. I compare it to when Muzak would turn rock songs into elevator fare. Hagar has basically done the same thing here, just in more of a stripper bar fashion than easy listening.
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: This oft covered tune has hit the pop chart in five different versions. The original was done by Erma Franklin (Aretha's sister) in 1967. She hit #62 on the pop chart and #10 at R&B. Arguably, the most famous version was by Big Brother & the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin. Their bluesy take reached #12 in 1968. Reggae-fusion musician Shaggy took the song to #72 in 1997 and then a live medley by Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone that included the song (from a Grammy awards show appearance) reached #32 in 2005. The song's appeal was not limited to pop and R&B. Country star Faith Hill had a #1 country hit with the standard in 1994.
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Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 83
Peak: 73
Weeks: 4
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Hagar's "Standing Hampton" LP would be his best-selling solo effort that was bolstered by the #2 rock hit "I'll Fall in Love Again" (#43 pop). This next single from the album couldn't catch on as well and only spent a month near the bottom of the chart while not even hitting at rock radio. Although the LP had only two singles reach the pop chart, four songs would reach the Mainstream Rock chart. In addition to "I'll Fall in Love Again," three other tunes got on the chart including the #31 "There's Only One Way to Rock," which went on to become one of his signature tunes. It was also one of two Hagar solo songs that Van Halen would perform in concert during Hagar's days with the band. The other was "I Can't Drive 55."
ReduxReview: Hagar certainly rocked up this cover tune (see below). It's not completely awful, but I don't like that he took a very soulful song and turned it into a straight 4/4 rock anthem. I compare it to when Muzak would turn rock songs into elevator fare. Hagar has basically done the same thing here, just in more of a stripper bar fashion than easy listening.
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: This oft covered tune has hit the pop chart in five different versions. The original was done by Erma Franklin (Aretha's sister) in 1967. She hit #62 on the pop chart and #10 at R&B. Arguably, the most famous version was by Big Brother & the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin. Their bluesy take reached #12 in 1968. Reggae-fusion musician Shaggy took the song to #72 in 1997 and then a live medley by Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone that included the song (from a Grammy awards show appearance) reached #32 in 2005. The song's appeal was not limited to pop and R&B. Country star Faith Hill had a #1 country hit with the standard in 1994.
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Monday, October 6, 2014
"Dreamin'" by John Schneider
Song#: 1025
Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 85
Peak: 45
Weeks: 8
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: TV star Schneider's debut LP did well thanks to his #14 remake of "It's Now or Never." After issuing a Christmas album, Schneider pushed out a third studio disc titled "Quiet Man" and this tune served as the first single. It was a modest chart entry not making the pop Top 40 and only reaching #21 AC/#32 country. Lacking a major hit, the LP failed to make the chart and sank quickly. Schneider would release one more pop/country album before moving to a new label as a full-fledged country artist. He would have good success over the remainder of the decade getting a string of nine Top10 country hits including four #1's. Country music proved to be a much better fit than his early pop-crossover efforts.
ReduxReview: Thankfully, Schneider went on to country music and left these embarrassing first recordings behind. These really seem more like cash-in LPs rather than legit stabs at a musical career. I'm sure Schneider was a willing participant in this, but I'd venture a guess that his label (Scotti Brothers) directed it all. Once he got out from under that machinery, he did legit country and was far better. But for this song, it was all I could do to get through it just once.
ReduxRating: 2/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) As with his other two charting pop singles, this one is also a remake. The original was done by rockabilly artist Johnny Burnette who took the song to #11 on the pop chart in 1960. 2) In 1983, Schneider worked with Marie Osmond to form the Children's Miracle Network. The non-profit organization gathers funds that are used to support various children's hospitals, medical research, and other children's heath-related issues.
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Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 85
Peak: 45
Weeks: 8
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: TV star Schneider's debut LP did well thanks to his #14 remake of "It's Now or Never." After issuing a Christmas album, Schneider pushed out a third studio disc titled "Quiet Man" and this tune served as the first single. It was a modest chart entry not making the pop Top 40 and only reaching #21 AC/#32 country. Lacking a major hit, the LP failed to make the chart and sank quickly. Schneider would release one more pop/country album before moving to a new label as a full-fledged country artist. He would have good success over the remainder of the decade getting a string of nine Top10 country hits including four #1's. Country music proved to be a much better fit than his early pop-crossover efforts.
ReduxReview: Thankfully, Schneider went on to country music and left these embarrassing first recordings behind. These really seem more like cash-in LPs rather than legit stabs at a musical career. I'm sure Schneider was a willing participant in this, but I'd venture a guess that his label (Scotti Brothers) directed it all. Once he got out from under that machinery, he did legit country and was far better. But for this song, it was all I could do to get through it just once.
ReduxRating: 2/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) As with his other two charting pop singles, this one is also a remake. The original was done by rockabilly artist Johnny Burnette who took the song to #11 on the pop chart in 1960. 2) In 1983, Schneider worked with Marie Osmond to form the Children's Miracle Network. The non-profit organization gathers funds that are used to support various children's hospitals, medical research, and other children's heath-related issues.
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"I Predict" by Sparks
Song#: 1024
Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 86
Peak: 60
Weeks: 7
Genre: New Wave, Rock
Pop Bits: Brothers Russell and Ron Mael formed Halfnelson in 1968 and issued a self-titled debut in 1971 that went nowhere. After a label switch, they reissued their debut album under their new name, Sparks, and grabbed attention with the song "I Wonder," which just missed hitting the pop chart. Their follow-up albums found the band gaining popularity in the UK (via the #2 hit "This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us") while in the US they maintained a cult status. Their genre shifting experiments (art-rock, synthpop, disco, chamber pop) were mostly met with rave reviews but it didn't translate to anything major on the US charts. Finally, their eleventh album, "Angst in My Pants," opened the band up to a wider audience thanks to this single that became their first pop chart entry. While not a major hit, it did set them up for what would be their most successful single and album the following year.
ReduxReview: I really haven't explored Sparks nearly enough. I've listened to a few songs from their catalog and there are some I don't necessarily connect with while others, like this one, I like. Being a band that morphs their sound, that is not uncommon. Perhaps fans of their initial art-rock sound found little to like in their disco phase or the more commercial new wave of this tune. But whatever the brothers do, it's always interesting and you don't know what to fully expect. This era of Sparks is loaded with quirky-fun new wave that I enjoy.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: This single was helped along by a video that featured mustachioed Ron Mael doing a drag striptease. The video was directed by David Lynch.
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Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 86
Peak: 60
Weeks: 7
Genre: New Wave, Rock
Pop Bits: Brothers Russell and Ron Mael formed Halfnelson in 1968 and issued a self-titled debut in 1971 that went nowhere. After a label switch, they reissued their debut album under their new name, Sparks, and grabbed attention with the song "I Wonder," which just missed hitting the pop chart. Their follow-up albums found the band gaining popularity in the UK (via the #2 hit "This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us") while in the US they maintained a cult status. Their genre shifting experiments (art-rock, synthpop, disco, chamber pop) were mostly met with rave reviews but it didn't translate to anything major on the US charts. Finally, their eleventh album, "Angst in My Pants," opened the band up to a wider audience thanks to this single that became their first pop chart entry. While not a major hit, it did set them up for what would be their most successful single and album the following year.
ReduxReview: I really haven't explored Sparks nearly enough. I've listened to a few songs from their catalog and there are some I don't necessarily connect with while others, like this one, I like. Being a band that morphs their sound, that is not uncommon. Perhaps fans of their initial art-rock sound found little to like in their disco phase or the more commercial new wave of this tune. But whatever the brothers do, it's always interesting and you don't know what to fully expect. This era of Sparks is loaded with quirky-fun new wave that I enjoy.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: This single was helped along by a video that featured mustachioed Ron Mael doing a drag striptease. The video was directed by David Lynch.
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Sunday, October 5, 2014
"Back to School Again" by The Four Tops
Song#: 1023
Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 87
Peak: 71
Weeks: 7
Genre: Pop, Soundtrack
Pop Bits: The Four Tops' comeback hit, "When She Was My Girl" (#11 pop/#1 R&B), reignited interest in the vocal group and provided new opportunities. One such opportunity was the chance to sing the opening number for a musical. The highly anticipated sequel "Grease 2" began with this number and The Four Tops were selected to perform the song for the soundtrack. Considering that the original film version of "Grease" and its soundtrack were major hits, this seemed like a golden opportunity. That is, until the film actually came out. The musical landed with a giant thud and this lead off single from the soundtrack followed suit. What seemed like a sure thing quickly turned sour for the group. In addition, their label at the time, Casablanca, was folding leaving them stranded. They would return to their home label Motown, but their hit making days were pretty much over.
ReduxReview: Well, this "Grease" was not the word. I'm sure you've heard. How the Tops got saddled with this turd is truly a mystery. First, it's not even close to being something in their genre and second, there are no group harmonies. I'm sure it seemed like a great opportunity at the time but it was all a big mess. The movie was awful and the songs were just as bad. This legendary group deserved far better.
ReduxRating: 2/10
Trivia: "Grease 2" was the first of three planned sequels after the huge success of the first film. Plans for a TV series were in the works as well. Once this bomb landed, it blew apart everything including the future films and TV series, along with some acting careers. The one person who survived the catastrophe? Lead actress Michelle Pfeiffer. In her first starring role, she ended up being the only bright spot in the film. Six years later in 1988, she would receive her first Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress in "Dangerous Liaisons." Two more Oscar nod for Best Actress would follow for "The Fabulous Baker Boys" (1989) and "Love Field" (1992).
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Date: 05/15/1982
Debut: 87
Peak: 71
Weeks: 7
Genre: Pop, Soundtrack
Pop Bits: The Four Tops' comeback hit, "When She Was My Girl" (#11 pop/#1 R&B), reignited interest in the vocal group and provided new opportunities. One such opportunity was the chance to sing the opening number for a musical. The highly anticipated sequel "Grease 2" began with this number and The Four Tops were selected to perform the song for the soundtrack. Considering that the original film version of "Grease" and its soundtrack were major hits, this seemed like a golden opportunity. That is, until the film actually came out. The musical landed with a giant thud and this lead off single from the soundtrack followed suit. What seemed like a sure thing quickly turned sour for the group. In addition, their label at the time, Casablanca, was folding leaving them stranded. They would return to their home label Motown, but their hit making days were pretty much over.
ReduxReview: Well, this "Grease" was not the word. I'm sure you've heard. How the Tops got saddled with this turd is truly a mystery. First, it's not even close to being something in their genre and second, there are no group harmonies. I'm sure it seemed like a great opportunity at the time but it was all a big mess. The movie was awful and the songs were just as bad. This legendary group deserved far better.
ReduxRating: 2/10
Trivia: "Grease 2" was the first of three planned sequels after the huge success of the first film. Plans for a TV series were in the works as well. Once this bomb landed, it blew apart everything including the future films and TV series, along with some acting careers. The one person who survived the catastrophe? Lead actress Michelle Pfeiffer. In her first starring role, she ended up being the only bright spot in the film. Six years later in 1988, she would receive her first Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress in "Dangerous Liaisons." Two more Oscar nod for Best Actress would follow for "The Fabulous Baker Boys" (1989) and "Love Field" (1992).
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