There were so many songs that were real love/hate things in the 80s. Often these were novelty songs by one hit wonders. For the next few days I will post a few of these. I am curious - did you love this or hate it? Which camp did you fall into? Post a comment and let us know.
For today, "Rock Me Amadeus", by Falco.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Atari Commerical From the 80s - Fire the Marketing Department! QUICK!
This has got to be one of the worst commercials I have ever seen. I hope Atari fired the people responsible for this one.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Duran Duran's First Live TV Performance, 1981
My last blog was about how dramatic and theatrical the 1980's were. And of course, we all know that the uber-awesome icons of the decade, Duran Duran, were some of the biggest promoters of this kind of dramatic performance.
Just take a look at this video clip, which is one of the oldest of Duran Duran. It purports to be their very first live television performance. You can see the delish over-acting of Simon (and of course this would always remain a telltale characteristic of the Duran Duran style). I have to say, I had forgotten how cute the young Simon LeBon was (don't you just want to touch those little pieces of hair on his cheeks?). This also shows a perfectly over-the-top synth master Nick Rhodes with what appears to be a huge pink cotton ball sitting atop his head.
What must be the best thing about this video, though, is the audience. Look how some of them are talking and looking around them while D2 performs. It is a funny notion to see people acting so nonchalantly about what would soon become the biggest band on the entire planet!
I just love Duran Duran and always will. I moved on from an obsessive interest in them many years ago, but when I look at old videos like this I have a renewed appreciation. They never get boring to look at or listen to - and that is what the 80's was about.
Just take a look at this video clip, which is one of the oldest of Duran Duran. It purports to be their very first live television performance. You can see the delish over-acting of Simon (and of course this would always remain a telltale characteristic of the Duran Duran style). I have to say, I had forgotten how cute the young Simon LeBon was (don't you just want to touch those little pieces of hair on his cheeks?). This also shows a perfectly over-the-top synth master Nick Rhodes with what appears to be a huge pink cotton ball sitting atop his head.
What must be the best thing about this video, though, is the audience. Look how some of them are talking and looking around them while D2 performs. It is a funny notion to see people acting so nonchalantly about what would soon become the biggest band on the entire planet!
I just love Duran Duran and always will. I moved on from an obsessive interest in them many years ago, but when I look at old videos like this I have a renewed appreciation. They never get boring to look at or listen to - and that is what the 80's was about.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The 1980's: Always Over-The-Top!
One thing is for sure, the 1980's were never dull. In this age where it is perfectly normal for our singers to stand there on a stage wearing just a T-shirt and jeans, it is easy for some to forget that there was a time when nobody would have considered doing such a thing: namely, the 1980's.
It may have been the advent of music videos that spurred on my near obsession with artists that take things over the theatrical line. But whatever the cause, I LOVED it. We saw Adam Ant walk around in his period/pirate garb. We saw Boy George dressed as ... well... Boy George. We saw Falco as Mozart. We saw Michael dance his behind off as the most overboard and entertaining celebrity of our generation. We saw Duran Duran put on a veritable stage play for each video (in fact, they have a video that actually uses lines from a Shakespeare play). In the 80s, we saw all manner of over-the-top theatrics.
When I chance upon a video of music that is out these days, or happen to be channel surfing and catch a 21st century performer, I am amazed by what appears to be a nonchalance, both in terms of dress as well as presentation. Most of these musical acts seems to stand there performing with all the awareness of someone singing in the shower. It is as if they are all saying "I am so good, you must love me without my working too hard for it." Or, even worse, "I am too cool to care."
Every once in a while there is someone who still cares, Lady GaGa being one that comes to mind. Don't get me wrong, I am not necessarily endorsing Lady GaGa, as most of her music is still an unknown quantity to me. I'm just suggesting that she knows how to handle the visuals. She knows how to keep us from getting bored. But Lady GaGa is the exception to the rule.
In an age where all entertainment has to seem disaffected, we can look back and see that there was something charming about the 80's, a time when performance was a little campy and, quite simply, dramatic. It was fun. It was compelling. Nowadays, so little is compelling.
Young kids today must look back upon stuff like Adam Ant and think it is just ridiculous. Growing up on a steady stream of that kind of ridiculous has caused me to expect more from my performers. I expect drama. I expect theatrics. I expect SOMETHING.
Now enjoy this funny and over-the-top video from Adam Ant:
It may have been the advent of music videos that spurred on my near obsession with artists that take things over the theatrical line. But whatever the cause, I LOVED it. We saw Adam Ant walk around in his period/pirate garb. We saw Boy George dressed as ... well... Boy George. We saw Falco as Mozart. We saw Michael dance his behind off as the most overboard and entertaining celebrity of our generation. We saw Duran Duran put on a veritable stage play for each video (in fact, they have a video that actually uses lines from a Shakespeare play). In the 80s, we saw all manner of over-the-top theatrics.
When I chance upon a video of music that is out these days, or happen to be channel surfing and catch a 21st century performer, I am amazed by what appears to be a nonchalance, both in terms of dress as well as presentation. Most of these musical acts seems to stand there performing with all the awareness of someone singing in the shower. It is as if they are all saying "I am so good, you must love me without my working too hard for it." Or, even worse, "I am too cool to care."
Every once in a while there is someone who still cares, Lady GaGa being one that comes to mind. Don't get me wrong, I am not necessarily endorsing Lady GaGa, as most of her music is still an unknown quantity to me. I'm just suggesting that she knows how to handle the visuals. She knows how to keep us from getting bored. But Lady GaGa is the exception to the rule.
In an age where all entertainment has to seem disaffected, we can look back and see that there was something charming about the 80's, a time when performance was a little campy and, quite simply, dramatic. It was fun. It was compelling. Nowadays, so little is compelling.
Young kids today must look back upon stuff like Adam Ant and think it is just ridiculous. Growing up on a steady stream of that kind of ridiculous has caused me to expect more from my performers. I expect drama. I expect theatrics. I expect SOMETHING.
Now enjoy this funny and over-the-top video from Adam Ant:
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards
This weekend my husband bought my kids an XBox 360, and I did not like it one bit. It seemed almost traitorous to the 1980's!
I had always thought that the old Super Nintendo and Atari consoles we had were 'plenty', despite my son's complaints that he was sick of playing 'old time' games and that he was 'the only kid on the planet' to not have an XBox. So, finally, my husband caved.
A few minutes ago they were all playing 'Lego Indiana Jones' and were laughing about how much fun it is for the characters to just walk around in their fantasy world. And I had a weird flashback, a flashback to one of the first fantasy/adventure/role playing games EVER.
I played that game on my dad's fancy-schmancy IBM computer. We were the only people I knew that had a 'personal computer' (I think we may have gotten it as early as 1983or 1984). We had about five games on there, Centipede being the only one I remember. And we thought those DOS games were so cool!
Then, one day my dad brings home this game, 'Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards.' And this new, unheard of type of game was just ... amazing! Not only were you able to move around with the arrow keys, but you could make your CHARACTER do things. And the other characters would do things IN RESPONSE to what Larry (you) did! And even better, there was 'adult subject matter'!
I played that game quite a few times, but never made it very far. In fact, I only made it as far as the first cab ride. I remember being so fascinated with the notion that the computer could respond to my commands and make the little leisure suited dude do what I asked that I didn't care that the time ran out and Larry committed suicide (this is what would eventually happen after a set amount of time).
I had not thought of Leisure Suit Larry in so many years (we must have gotten this game around 1987 or 1988). I googled it today, and for the first time in my life saw the game graphics in color! I had always played this game in black and white - or, more accurately, black and yellow, as it was on our monitor. It was strange to see Lefty's Bar all lit up in the colors of the rainbow!
I just wanted to share with you this little blast from the past. If you played Leisure Suit Larry, you will enjoy this youtube, it will really take you back:
I had always thought that the old Super Nintendo and Atari consoles we had were 'plenty', despite my son's complaints that he was sick of playing 'old time' games and that he was 'the only kid on the planet' to not have an XBox. So, finally, my husband caved.
A few minutes ago they were all playing 'Lego Indiana Jones' and were laughing about how much fun it is for the characters to just walk around in their fantasy world. And I had a weird flashback, a flashback to one of the first fantasy/adventure/role playing games EVER.
I played that game on my dad's fancy-schmancy IBM computer. We were the only people I knew that had a 'personal computer' (I think we may have gotten it as early as 1983or 1984). We had about five games on there, Centipede being the only one I remember. And we thought those DOS games were so cool!
Then, one day my dad brings home this game, 'Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards.' And this new, unheard of type of game was just ... amazing! Not only were you able to move around with the arrow keys, but you could make your CHARACTER do things. And the other characters would do things IN RESPONSE to what Larry (you) did! And even better, there was 'adult subject matter'!
I played that game quite a few times, but never made it very far. In fact, I only made it as far as the first cab ride. I remember being so fascinated with the notion that the computer could respond to my commands and make the little leisure suited dude do what I asked that I didn't care that the time ran out and Larry committed suicide (this is what would eventually happen after a set amount of time).
I had not thought of Leisure Suit Larry in so many years (we must have gotten this game around 1987 or 1988). I googled it today, and for the first time in my life saw the game graphics in color! I had always played this game in black and white - or, more accurately, black and yellow, as it was on our monitor. It was strange to see Lefty's Bar all lit up in the colors of the rainbow!
I just wanted to share with you this little blast from the past. If you played Leisure Suit Larry, you will enjoy this youtube, it will really take you back:
Friday, September 18, 2009
Revenge of the Nerds Trailer
Not feeling like blogging about anything in particular this week.
What does one do when not in the mood for writing? Well, the only rational thing:
Post the trailer for "Revenge of the Nerds".
What does one do when not in the mood for writing? Well, the only rational thing:
Post the trailer for "Revenge of the Nerds".
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Patrick Swayze in my favorite SNL Skit EVER!
The Chippendale's skit from "Saturday Night Live" is one of my favorite, if not very favorite, SNL bit of all time.
It features Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze. It is so funny.
It features Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze. It is so funny.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Swayze: RIP
Patrick Swayze passed away today. Many of us knew this was coming and have not looked forward to this day.
For sure, he was not an Oscar worthy actor. But he was a dirty dancer, a good looking man, and gave us one of the most priceless movie lines of the decade. I liked Patrick Swayze.
There is nothing to worry about now that he has passed away, as his legacy will be strong. Nothing can take away the simultaneous stupidity and awesomeness that was called 'Dirty Dancing'. Perhaps his spirit of the 80's will still be around somewhere, haunting our memories, much in the same way that his spirit trailed Demi Moore in 'Ghost'.
How did he do what he did? How did he inadvertently take the very WORST movie line in history, and turn it into the very BEST dialogue of our youth? Some of us are blessed with an abundance of talent, and some of us, like Patrick Swayze, are blessed with an abundance of luck.
His legacy will linger, because 'Nobody puts The Swayze in a corner!"
For sure, he was not an Oscar worthy actor. But he was a dirty dancer, a good looking man, and gave us one of the most priceless movie lines of the decade. I liked Patrick Swayze.
There is nothing to worry about now that he has passed away, as his legacy will be strong. Nothing can take away the simultaneous stupidity and awesomeness that was called 'Dirty Dancing'. Perhaps his spirit of the 80's will still be around somewhere, haunting our memories, much in the same way that his spirit trailed Demi Moore in 'Ghost'.
How did he do what he did? How did he inadvertently take the very WORST movie line in history, and turn it into the very BEST dialogue of our youth? Some of us are blessed with an abundance of talent, and some of us, like Patrick Swayze, are blessed with an abundance of luck.
His legacy will linger, because 'Nobody puts The Swayze in a corner!"
Sunday, September 13, 2009
This Cover is Just Like Heaven!
Check out this awesome cover of The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven', which we all know is one of the best songs of the 1980's. This beautiful rendition is by Katie Melua. It is just heavenly!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Siouxie, a Gem of 80's Awesomeness
Dang, Siouxie and the Banshees was an absolute gem of a band. I love this song as much now as I did then. Can it get better than this?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Sneaky Method to Cure Baldness, 1980s Style!
I do not remember this commercial, but enjoyed coming across it today. Boy, were they sneaky back in the 80's! That 'little by little' method is brilliant, it would have fooled me, for sure!!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
'Robert Smith' Gemstone Bracelet Free Giveaway Winner!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the recent 'Robert Smith' Gemstone Bracelet free blog giveaway! This item celebrated the awesomeness of one of my favorite bands of the 1980's, The Cure, and lead singer Robert Smith.
There were few entries this time, which increased the odds for all. But the lucky number we chose was #4, so 'Variation' is the winner! Variation will be contacted shortly and her bracelet will be mailed out as soon as possible. Congrats to Variation, and I do hope that you will all check back closer to Christmas for another giveaway, as well as for other great promotions from Meditations.
There were few entries this time, which increased the odds for all. But the lucky number we chose was #4, so 'Variation' is the winner! Variation will be contacted shortly and her bracelet will be mailed out as soon as possible. Congrats to Variation, and I do hope that you will all check back closer to Christmas for another giveaway, as well as for other great promotions from Meditations.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Top Ten Crappiest Songs of the 1980's: A Countdown
I spend quite a bit of time posting links to and talking about my favorite songs of the 1980's, but don't think I have ever listed the ones that always caused me to turn the radio station. I would have rathered listen to car dealership commercials on the other stations than to listen to these songs when they came on the radio:
#10) Land of Confusion - Phil Collins This song was just crappy. The video was creepy and annoying with those weird puppets.
#9) Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin I think I was actually more annoyed by the image of Robin Williams dancing than by the song, but they were so intertwined I could not get past it. And it is difficult to convince a teen to 'don't worry, be happy'. I was too busy putting on gobs of black eyeliner and trying to look pale to worry about being happy!
#8) Caribbean Queen - Billy Ocean This song just sucked and I always turned the station. No offense to Billy Ocean, you still sing better than I do, I'll give you that much.
#7) Owner of a Lonely Heart - YES I think I just hate this because I had to hear it every single time I turned on the television or radio.
#6) Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - Starship It just reeked. What else can be said about this song?
#5) Everybody Have Fun Tonight - Wang Chung Repetitive, but not in that 'good way'. Ugh. And didn't the video just make you dizzy? This song and video caused me so much stress, I always felt I would have a nervous breakdown before I could manage to turn the station.
#4) We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister Loud and foolish.
#3) We Built This City - Starship Yes, they are the only act to appear on this list twice. And what the hell are they called, anyway? Jefferson Airplane? Jefferson Starship? Starship? And does it really matter? And who bought these records? If you did, please show your face. I have to have an explanation from a firsthand source.
#2) Tarzan Boy - Baltimora I can't even write about this song, it just makes me too embarrassed.
#1) Money For Nothing - Dire Straits Part of my issue is that it was played more than practically any other song in the 1980s. The rest of my issue is that it made me bleed from the ears. It was stupid, it was demeaning, it was just ... UGH! bad enough to hurt my ears! It is sad that Sting had to be connected with that effort. But I forgive him.
If you know of something that deserves to be added to this list, just let me know!
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