Bizarre Love Triangle

It's Flashback Friday time again and that means it's time to revisit a song you've likely forgotten.

Bizarre Love Triangle ... by New Order

I guarantee that you remember this song.  I also guarantee that you either absolutely love it, or you cannot stand that kind of music.  I have never really met anyone that's just "okay" with that 80's techno-synthesizer sound.  My best buddy from high school, Craig, was just like me in that he LOVES this kind of music.  I have fond memories of driving around Rick's College (now BYU-Idaho) in Rexburg, with the t-tops off of the Trans Am and this song blaring on the radio.  I had this song (and other like it) on several casette tapes, which we played all the time whenever we went cruising for chicks.

We were sooooo cool!  Ha ha!

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Six Pack: TV Theme Show Songs

Some of the songs that we learn the words to and can't help singing along with come from a completely unrelated-to-music source: TV Shows!  And doggoneit if they don't just stick in our minds for decades!  :)

Herewith is a "Six Pack" of TV Theme Show songs (yes they are all from the 1980's and 90's but that was the "heyday" for this type of music):

I'll Be There For You
... by The Rembrandts (Friends)

Only people who have never seen an episode of the TV show have not heard this song.  It was overplayed in the mid-90's, but even then the lyrics and melody were just good music.

Fresh Prince (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

 ... by Will Smith and Jeffrey Townes

I am certain that with just minimal effort and time, ANY collection of 3 or 4 people who grew up in the 80's and 90's could quote every word of this song (even the long version).  And they could probably describe each scene in the opening credits too!

Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now
(Perfect Strangers)

"Standing tall on the wings of my dreams."  "My life, my dream.  Nothing's gonna stop me now."  Coupled with the harmonica that was popular around this time and you've got a winner!

Where Everybody Knows Your Name
(Cheers) ... by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

Who doesn't want to be "Where everybody knows your name.  And they're always glad you came" ?  If home is where the heart is and where unconditional love abounds, then Cheers' bar was "home" for millions of viewers.

Everywhere You Look (Full House)

 ... by Jesse Frederick

"When you're lost out there and you're all alone.  A light is waiting to carry you home, everywhere you look."  Come on ... you know you were singing along!  :)

And my #1 favorite TV Theme Show Song
... of ALL TIME ...

As Long As We Got Each Other - A capella
(Growing Pains) ... by Steve Dorff and John Bettis

"Don't waste another minute on your crying.  We're nowhere near the end, the best is ready to begin.  As long as we got each other, we got the world spinning right in our hands."  "As long as we keep on giving we can take anything that comes our way."  "Sharing the laughter and love."  Now that's an inspirational theme song for a family show!

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Higher Love

Many people have forgotten about great artists like Steve Winwood, who had numerous hits in the 80's.  I am grateful that some of that music is now played more regularly on local, adult contemporary radio stations.

Higher Love ... by Steve Winwood

Another one of my all-time favorite songs, this one has some the best blend of guitar, techno-synthesizer, horns (trumpets, saxophones, etc.), and "a cappella with drums" sound amidst a decade-plus of that type of music.  The intro to the song always gives me a sense of something cool just around the corner ... and the rest of the song doesn't disappoint!

BONUS SONG:

My Love's Leavin' ... by Steve Winwood

Such an upbeat song despite the sad circumstances that his love has left him.  Oddly, he doesn't seem too broken up about it and is trying to move on.  Very opposite from "Higher Love" but still beautiful.

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Everybody Wants To Rule The World

I would be breaking one of my main goals of this blog if I did not, in quick order, highlight some of my absolute favorite songs of ALL TIME.  This song is right near the top of that list (and has been at the top at different times over the years) ...

Everybody Wants To Rule The World

 ... by Tears For Fears

What is there to not like about this song?!  Unless you hated 80's music (in which case you will HATE this blog), there is nothing bad you can say about this song!  The guitar riffs (and solos) throughout, and strong, rhythmic drum beats keep the song moving and your toes tapping.  The electronic keyboard is used sparingly in the song, but keeps that 80's staple right in the thick of things.  And last but certainly not least, the message is honest, slightly critical of society-at-large, but also intimately personal (if you want it to be).

Love it, love it, love it!  :)

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Jump!

Today's song is Jump by Van Halen.  This is in honor of the start of the 2012 East Stake Men's Basketball season, which began this evening at the Meadowland Stake Center.  I'm the APAD (Assistant Physical Activities Director) for the Stake, but the PAD moved on New Year's Day so I am running the whole shebang this season (at least until they call someone else).

Anyway, I absolutely love this song even though it has that cheesy 80's feel too it.  The heavy guitar riffs and use of synthesizer for the main hook of the song are probably my favorite parts, but I will admit the video is ... um ... an interesting piece of pop culture history.  :)

Enjoy!

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