Siobhan Songs and Siobhan Sings

Top Songs of 1991: #13: "Someday" by Mariah Carey

2010-12-15T00:17:00.008-05:00

The #13 Billboard hit of 1991 was "Someday" by Mariah Carey.

She co-wrote the song with Ben Margulies and it appeared on her original demo that Mariah finagled into the right person's hands at the right time. Once her demo got in the tentacles of Tommy Matola, the songs were changed a little bit, here and there. Wikipedia said that "Carey and Margulies were forced to accept the changes that were made because neither had been allowed to co-produce. Reportedly, Carey was unhappy with the final version of "Someday" produced, because both she and Margulies thought it had been too 'polished'. "

"Someday" was her first upbeat single--having already released "Vision of Love" and "Love Takes Time". This is definitely her "kiss-off" song: "no one you find will ever be/closer to all your dreams than me". I felt highly uncomfortable doing the "rap" portion of the song--so I just sang it. It actually seems like in the video Mariah herself seems a little uncomfortable rapping (she also does a little bit of the running man).

I had a good time watching the video for this song...classic. We see a young "Mariah" (i.e. child actor bearing some resemblance to Mariah), clad in overalls, getting treated badly at school. And then older Mariah is watching on, singing "I'm the one who's keeping score!" Don't we all wish we could have said that when we were 13??

Top Songs of 1991: #14: "High Enough" by Damn Yankees

2010-08-12T14:43:00.006-04:00

Damn Yankees were one of the first hard-rock super groups. Before Velvet Revolver and Audioslave, there were Damn Yankees! D.Y. included Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw from Styx.

"High Enough" was their biggest hit and it went "high enough" in the Billboard charts....it was #14 for the year of 1991. The song was written by Nugent, Shaw and Jack Blades (formerly of the bands Rubicon and Night Ranger).

I gotta say, I find this song structure a little...strange....the pre-chorus kind of doesn't fit into the song. The verses and chorus to me sound like they are from the same era, the same idea, but then there is this crazy pre-chorus that has a totally different energy from the rest of the song. It stands out. It's like you are strolling in a quiet, serene forest. Then you are yanked out of the path by a hungry bear,who drags you over craggy rocks by your hair. And then he decides against eating you and calmly, carefully puts you back on the same serene path. It's like--what the hell just happened?

"High Enough" is saturated with power chords--it is a power chord haven! I do believe except for the first two chords of the verse, every single other chord in the song is a power chord.

The lyrics beg some questions:
1. "I just made one mistake--I didn't know what to say when you called me baby"
That qualifies as a mistake? I mean, it's not like the lady called him "Horse Breath". 'Baby" isn't that shocking. But I get the feeling the songwriter was nonplussed by the use of "baby".
2. By the second verse, being called "baby" doesn't seem like such a shocker....at that point the lyric turns to "I know just what to do when you call me 'baby'". Thank goodness you figured it out!
3. "fly me over yesterday"
I will take two doses of 'fly me over yesterday', please. Thank you.

Gotta say, I kind of love the bridge to this song--it'd kind of killer heavy-metal scorcher!

Top Songs of 1991: #15: "From a Distance" by Bette Midler

2010-08-06T14:29:00.007-04:00

The #15 Billboard hit of 1991 was "From a Distance", performed by Bette Midler. The song had quite a life of it's own before Bette got a hold of it. Julie Gold, an American singer-songwriter, wrote the song:

"Gold was working as a secretary at the time for Home Box Office and writing songs in her free time.^[1] Gold's friend, Christine Lavin, introduced the song to Nanci Griffith who first recorded for her 1987 album, Lone Star State of Mind. It quickly became a favorite of Griffith's fans around the world. The Byrds recorded the song as one of 4 newly recorded studio tracks for their box set The Byrds released in 1990."

Also in 1990, Bette Midler recorded the song as part of her album "Some People's Lives". Like the #16 song of 1991 ("All the Man That I need" by Whitney Houston), this song very much fits into that Adult Contemporary genre.

My strongest association of Bette Midler is how Michael Shurtleff describes her in his book "Audition". He said she was such an innate artist, that she was like a "gland". That has stuck in my head since I read the book when I was 15. I love that description.

I mostly remember this song being strongly attached the the Gulf War. It came out around the same time and the video had lots of images of soldiers in black and white.

There is something about this song that feels like a folk-protest song from the 60s. I can almost hear Bob Dylan singing it.

Top Songs of 1991: #16: "All The Man That I Need" by Whitney Houston

2010-07-24T16:28:00.010-04:00

The number 16 Billboard hit of 1991 was "All The Man That I need" by Whitney Houston. The song was from her album "I'm Your Baby Tonight".

This song is very much in the "adult-contemporary" music genre. The production of it is very late 80's/early 90's with the loopy sax solo. And of course the gospel choir that appears at the end to give the song added oomph. Apparently the song was used by other artists before Whitney Houston--Sister Sledge (who knew?) and Linda Clifford. "All The Man That I Need" was written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore--just did a little research and see these were the two guys who wrote some of the songs in "Fame".

Whatever one might think of the song, there is no denying the power and complexity of Ms. Houston's voice. When she was good, she was really really good. When the song modulates she just GOES for it--showing us all her bells and whistles, but somehow they don't feel like bells and whistles at all.

Just re-watched the video for the first time in forever and noticed when she is singing in the empty white house, she is wearing a blazer, emblazened with her monogram. Work it. I love the little outfit she's wearing.

As with covering Mariah, I just sort of did my best here. I am not going to pretend I can sing like this woman!

Top Songs of 1991: #17: "Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones

2010-06-09T23:23:00.007-04:00

The number 17 Billboard hit of 1991 was the indie-dance track "Right Here, Right Now" by the
British band Jesus Jones. The songs is about the end of the Cold War and taking down the Berlin Wall.

Some pretty radical things WERE going on in 1991 and Jesus Jones captured that...in a very catchy way.

I didn't even really know some of the things Mike Edwards (lead singer) was singing. For instance, it wasn't 'til I learned this song just now that I found out the second lyric of the song is: "Bob Dylan didn't have to sing about this, you know it feels good to be alive". There is something about this song (I guess it's casual insistence in the lyrics) that does actually make me feel very grateful and moved my present moments. So kudos to you, Jesus Jones! Mission Accomplished.

My favorite part is when Mike Edwards goes all falsetto...."i wanna beeEEEEEE!!". Total climax of the song.

I remember he had on this painters cap with bill up in the video. This small little fashion statement seemed to perfectly fit the time.

This song comes from their 1991 album, "Doubt". I had a cassette tape of this album.

Top Songs of 1991: #18: "I Adore Mi Amor" by Color Me Badd

2010-05-30T23:01:00.005-04:00

CMB.

Yeah, that's a household acronym. You're down with CMB, yeah, you know me!

Color Me Badd had a bunch of hits off their first albums (conveniently titled "CMB").
The band was discovered by Kool and the Gang, so maybe they have a little cred.

Before I get to the song, I find this video hilarious and fascinating and UTTERLY CONFUSING. The CMB guys are walking along a beach. And then they find a treasure chest. With pictures of the band in it. They hang these pictures--of themselves--on clothes lines. Then they head to some rocks to urge you to 'dream away". What does it all mean, CMB?

I did my best with the Spanish verse in this song. I took French, so please pardon me if I'm saying something that is inane.

(Sidenote: the guy who sings the Spanish verse seems so uncomfortable in front of a camera. I feel so bad for him. He like...is always trying to be occupied...drawing a stick in the sand, mugging thoughtfully, leaning in this strange manner--see the guy on your left in the yellow shirt. Poor guy).

I think the thesis of the song is:
I won't leave my lady.
You can try and sway me away and lead me astray. But I won't leave my lady.

And that is my song analysis.

Top Songs of 1991: #19: "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" by Janet Jackson

2010-05-25T13:45:00.008-04:00

Janet sure was on fire in 1990 and 1991!

"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" was her seventh (seventh!!) single from her album "Rhythm Nation 1814". This song made her "the only artist to achieve seven top five singles from one album" (Wikipedia). Wow!

"Love Will Never Do..." was written by James Harris III and Terry Lewis, who wrote most of the "Rhythm Nation" album.

I remember this video as being sort of shocking....in all the other videos we had seen up to that point from "Rhythm Nation" Janet was heavily clad in military jackets, thick pants and boots and structured hair. All of a sudden, we see this barely-clad Janet, her hair all loose and blonde, and probably about 25 pounds lighter....it was a very fast transformation!

I think this song totally holds up as a fun feel-good pop song. The sing-along chorus at the end is super-catchy and Janet seems all spunky in it...especially when she says "What?" before the last chorus. The recording of this song has an air of spontaneity to it.

According to Wikipedia, this song was originally intended to be a guy-girl duet...they were trying to get either Prince or Johnny Gill to sing it with her. But it never happened. So in the recording booth, Jimmy Jam said " 'Sing it low like some guy would sing it.' As a result, they kept the idea of her singing the first verse in a low octave but go an octave up on the second verse"....That is a total happy accident--her singing intially low and then breaking out into her higher register gives the song a lot of momentum and drive.

Top Songs of 1991: #20: "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch

2010-04-08T16:01:00.006-04:00

Back to my blog after a hiatus. I have already covered the top Billboard hits of both 1989 and 1990. I provided a link if you want to get caught up.

When I started this blog, I hadn't intended to go chronologically...but here I am, going chronologically. Next up, I will cover the Top 20 Billboard hits of 1991.

#20 of 1991 was "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark (aka Mark Wahlberg) and the Funky Bunch. This was Marky Mark's debut song. America was introduced to both Marky Mark and his abs.

"Good Vibrations" was written by Mark Wahlberg, his big bro'/New Kid Donnie Wahlberg, some guy named "Spice" and Dan Hartman. I did not know that it was produced by Donnie as well. Go Donnie. (Donnie was always my favorite New Kid).

The star of the black and white video has got to be Marky Mark's washboard stomach.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVL3b1wKZQU
We see his washboard stomach dance, box and get busy with a lady behind a chain link fence. There is also a nice cameo of Boston's Citgo sign, too.

Thank goodness Marky Mark's hip hop career kind of flopped after this, because otherwise the world would not have experienced Mark Wahlberg, the actor. It's amazing to look back at his career circa 1991 and think this guy could have a great acting career and also be a great actor. But that is indeed the case.

If you are having trouble viewing the videos...

2010-02-03T15:48:00.003-05:00

which there is def. something spotty going on with e-blogger lately.

but you can watch the videos from this link, which seems to be less fickle:

http://siobhanomalleytopsongs.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html

I did 'em all! Top 20 Billboard HIts of 1989 Completed.

2010-02-01T14:04:00.002-05:00

I finished 1989. 1990 and 1989 down, 45 to go!
Suggestions for the year I should do next??
The "badder" the music, the better!
If you missed any, check out all the links below:
1. Look Away , Chicago
2. My Prerogative , Bobby Brown
3. Every Rose Has Its Thorn , Poison
4. Straight Up , Paula Abdul
5. Miss You Much , Janet Jackson
6. Cold Hearted , Paula Abdul
7. Wind Beneath My Wings , Bette Midler
8. Girl You Know Its True, Milli Vanilli
9. Baby, I Love Your Way / Freebird , Will To Power
10. Giving You the Best That I Got , Anita Baker
11. Right Here Waiting , Richard Marx
12. Waiting For A Star To Fall, Boy Meets Girl
13. Lost In Your Eyes , Debbie Gibson
14. Don't Wanna Lose You , Gloria Estefan
15. Heaven , Warrant
16. Girl I'm Gonna Miss You, Milli Vanilli
17. The Look , Roxette
18. She Drives Me Crazy , Fine Young Cannibals
19. On Our Own , Bobby Brown
20. Two Hearts , Phil Collins

Top Songs of 1989: #1: "Look Away" by Chicago

2010-01-30T16:47:00.004-05:00

Well, I finally reached #1. The top song in the country in 1989, according to Billboard, was "Look Away" by Chicago.

I didn't know this song very well--I knew the chorus but had to learn the verses. And pre-chorus. I like how the song builds....The pre-chorus really just has this kind of ascending feel to it, so by the time you get to the chorus, it feels like a release.

I love that Diane Warren wrote this song. She is such a star! I don't even really like her songs, but I love her story! Here is a woman, who was told she was tone deaf as a child, a woman who grew into an adult and has proclaimed that she has never been inlove! This is the woman who has written the biggest power love ballads of the modern pop era! I just kind of love the dichotomy that swarms within her.

She is the only songwriter in the history of Billboard to have "seven hits, all by different artists, on the singles chart at the same time.". Re-read that sentence again. I'm just in awe of her hit-songwriting talent. (All the info cited comes from Warren's Wikipedia page).

But I guess this entry should about Chicago, since they made "Look Away" famous. It was one of Chicago's biggest hits. "The song was uncharacteristic of earlier Chicago hits in that it did not prominently feature horns. This song was also the band's first number one hit of the eighties that wasn't sung in a tenor voice. Some members of the band have stated when they would play the song live, the audience would just look confused because they were unfamiliar with the sound of Champlin's voice." I love the idea that audience members are like--what is THIS?!

Chicago has been around forever and I'm either embarrassed or proud (depends on how you look at it) that I don't know much about them and don't know much of their music. But they did have the #1 song in 1989 and was from their album "Chicago 19".

Top Songs of 1989: #2: "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown

2010-01-20T21:55:00.004-05:00

Oh, Bobby Brown. How I wish you hadn't done that reality show. Let us have you in our minds as a fresh and sassy lad, just like you were with the "Don't Be Cruel" album! Now we know far too much about Bobby and it's hard to go back.
Back in 1989, Bobby Brown was a fresh-faced singer, with a lot of 'tude and also a lot of fun.

"My Prerogative" was written by Bobby Brown, Gene Griffin and Teddy Riley and the song encapsulated the "New Jack Swing" genre of music. The song was #2 in the country in 1989.

I remember my sister Jean having this cassette and I coveted it.

Top Songs of 1989: #3: "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison

2010-01-17T18:35:00.004-05:00

The #3 song of 1989 was power ballad "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by glam metal band Poison. Bret Michaels, Poison's lead singer, wrote the song after a failed love affair, in a laundromat, with an acoustic guitar (hey that sounds like the game Clue: Bret Michaels in the Laundromat with an Acoustic Guitar).

The song has a very simple structure...verse/chorus, verse/chorus, bridge, verse/chorus. Even melodically it is very simple. Maybe that is why it was such a big hit.

The video starts with Bret Michaels getting out of bed with some pretty lady and presumably putting on some clothes and picking up his guitar on a stage. There are some awesome "wow that is so 1989" moments in the video for "ERHIT"--slo-mo black and white shots of band members smashing guitars, jamming out shirtless on stage in packed arenas, head-banging in impossibly tight leather pants.

Poison never really did it for me--I liked some other hair bands but I never felt a connection with Poison in particular. Clearly, many people do not agree with me because Poison was one of the most successful bands in the late 80s and early 90s.

Top Songs of 1989: #4: "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul

2010-01-14T13:44:00.005-05:00

Paula returns! She certainly was rockin' and rollin' in 1989.

I love the production on this song--the trumpet lick is key--"the da/dadada/dadaDAdada"...that is pretty much the hook of the song.

Things I love about the video to "Straight Up":
1. Paula's huge huge huge earrings
2. The lighting--("Fincher-ism")
3. The random man dancing behind a picket fence
4. When Paula does a modified grapevine step across the sound stage--I found out from wikipedia that Paula herself choreographed the video.
5. The presence of Arsenio

Things I enjoy about this song:
1. when Paula sings "ba-ba-ba-bye bababababyyye"
2. when she does this strange synchopated singing of "history....book"
3. the "break-it-down" part when she sings the "you are so hard to read/you play hide and seek." Got to say, it's kind of jamming!

I would imagine that when the record execs heard this song, they knew immediately it would be a hit. It definitely has that certain "something". It's catchy, it's dance-able...."Straight Up" spent three straight weeks at the #1 position. The song also won four 1989 Music Video Awards.

David Fincher, once again, directed the video. Those two were quite the pair! "Straight Up" was written by Elliott Wolff.

Top Songs of 1989: #5: "Miss You Much" by Janet Jackson

2010-01-10T16:53:00.003-05:00

"Miss You Much" was the #5 song in 1989, performed by Janet Jackson and written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

I could wax on and on about "Rhythm Nation 1814". I stand firm in my belief that it is a great pop album. "RN 1814" feels like one compact piece of art. There are little interludes between each songs--sometimes musical, sometimes just talking-- that directly reflects on the song that preceded it...it really gives the album a whole feel--a whole connected feel. (the interlude idea was used later by artists like Lauren Hill, Eminem, Outkast). Janet also seems to be stretching her range as an artist at this time, too. The title track still gives me goose bumps!

"Miss You Much" was the lead single off "Rhythm Nation". Songwriters Jam and Lewis have an explosive style that is instantly recognizable as their own. And Janet really delivers her star power in this song, and throughout the song. I love it when she sings "i tell your mamamamama"--definitely a highlight of the song.

I also adore her style that she had during the first few singles of "Rhythm Nation"--the pseudo-military jackets with lots of pins, chains dangling, skinny black pants. Choreography in the video is super fun, too--I feel like she just WORKS it! I remember owning this album and just thinking she was the bee's knees.

Top Songs of 1989: #6: "Cold Hearted" by Paula Abdul

2010-01-05T14:18:00.006-05:00

Paula Abdul had the #6 song in the country with "Cold Hearted". "Cold Hearted" was on Paula's debut album, "Forever Your Girl". Wikipedia said: " The album took 62 weeks to hit #1 on the Billboard 200 album sales chart—the longest an album has been on the market before hitting #1". So it was a slow build for Paula!

"Cold Hearted" was written by Elliott Wolff. (I just looked him up and he also wrote a guilty pleasure of mine: "Heart of Stone" (haha-hearrrtt) which was made famous by Taylor Dayne).

The video was probably the most memorable thing about this song.
And what a video it was ! Good Lord! Paula and her dancers scare the bejeezus out of a bunch of very stiff record executives. Once again, David Fincher of "Seven" and "Fight Club" fame directed this video--his style is instantly recognizable (his stark imagery using shadows and light seem to be part of his style from day one). Between the writhing and thrusting, one can see that Paula really can dance--she has got the skillz! Plus, she raps in this song which is tremendously enjoyable.

Top Songs of 1989: #7: "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler

2009-12-29T19:38:00.003-05:00

The #7 song of 1989 was written by Larry Henley and Jeff Sibar. Originally a country hit in 1983 with Gary Morris. Then Bette Midler did her version of it and the song appeared in the film "Beaches".

I have a very personal association with the song, so I sort of love it--I know it may be a cheesy song--but i can't help it.

My sister Jean and i --gosh, i'll have to corroborate with her on this--but i think we gave each other cards for some event (christmas? graduation?) and both of us basically said something to the effect of: "i know it's cheesy but you are the wind beneath my wings"....so whenever i hear of this song, i think of her.

Top Songs of 1989: #8: Girl You Know It's True" by Milli Vanilli

2009-12-21T19:01:00.004-05:00

Milli Vanilli make a repeat appearance in the top 20 Billboard hits of 1989. Their 2nd single to crack the top 20 was "Girl You Know It's True" by Milli Vanilli. See my other comments on Milli Vanilli here, if you are interested.

Just watched the truly bizarre video for this song. One member of Milli Vanilli basically aggressively chases this woman around a city--through a car, into a telephone booth. At one point she pushes him into a table. Jeez! I would just like to say how BAD the choreography is....it's just awful. I think because it's so half-assed....There are full body shots of both Rob and Fab and they dance, like, every other measure. It's just such a strange choice--dance or not! I am just fascinated as to why the director of this video made this choice.

If you look at the credits for this song, the amount of people involved seems kind of mind-boggling and "it seems that the project had meddling input from virtually everyone except the duo themselves". The actual Man Behind The Curtain songwriters for "Girl, You Know It's True" were Bill Pettaway Jr., Sean Spencer, Kevin Lyles, Rodney Hollaman and Ky Adeyemo. I had no idea that "GYKIT" is a cover song by a rap band Numarx.

Some lyrics worth mentioning:
1. "you are the one i think about most every time".
"MOST??" i mean....if you are really trying to convince "it's true" then ditch the "most", please!

2. "you're pretty plain and simple"
ouch!! are you really trying to win her over? or give her a back-handed compliment? "eh, you're kind of ...homely and not too special....but girl, you know it's true"

3. "maybe your sweet sweet voice would ring in my ear/
then delay my system when you are near"
I'm so very very curious what "delay my system" when you are near. I can't help but think it might be some sort of euphemism for bowel movements.

Top Songs of 1989: #9: "Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley" by Will to Power

2009-12-20T12:18:00.005-05:00

I would first like for you to take a look at the picture to your left. These people had the #9 song in the country in 1989. I'm sorry, but that would just not happen now. It just wouldn't! A motorcycle man and then a big haired vixen? As a duo?

But in 1989, they were the hottest thing around.

Will to Power had a brilliant idea....a cash cow, really: why not mesh two of the biggest hits of the 1970's into one medley?? And put it out now (now meaning: 1989)? So they mushed together "Baby, I Love Your Way" by Peter Frampton and "Freebird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. BRILLIANT. If you don't see me for a little while, it is because I am doing a mash-up of "Hey Ya!" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)", two of the biggest hits of the 00's. Then I will be a millionaire, just like Will to Power.

ANYWAYS. I digress.

This video is kind of hilarious. If you have a moment, please go back and look at the original. The first shot is a close up of a book by Nietzsche conveniently titled "Will to Power". The female singer Suzi Carr is writhing around on a beach and a recording studio and Bob Rosenberg then rides in on a motorcycle, his mullet blowing in the wind, his handlebar moustache rustling in the breeze.
Watch the Video

Despite this, Will to Power have an interesting beginning. Rosenberg was a DJ in Miami. Suzi Carr was a singer-songwriter who helped pen some of Miami Sound Machine's hits. They hit it off and started making music together.

Top Songs of 1989: #10: "Giving You the Best That I Got" by Anita Baker

2009-12-19T18:41:00.005-05:00

The number 10 song of 1989 was "Giving You the Best That I Got" by Anita Baker, R&B songstress extraordinaire. This song reminds me of dentist offices. I feel like whenever I am at the dentist, this song is playing. I suppose that is because it is smooth and calming. Or perhaps my dentist is trying to hypnotize me into with the sultry voice of Ms. Baker, I have no idea.

The cover of the album (above) to me is just soooo 1989. The hair, the lighting, her outfit, the setting. Everything. This is another song that falls under that "soft rock" category....not sure if that genre really exists anymore...it has melded into so many different subsets.

I didn't know this song very well--it's a bit of a challenge to learn. The melody sort of goes all over the place--lots of jumps. Which is all well and good when you are Anita Baker--not so much when you are Siobhan O'Malley! I knew the hook (where she sings the title), but I didn't remember the verses very well.

Anita Baker, Skip Scarborough and Randy Holland are "GYTBTIG"'s songwriters.

Top Songs of 1989: #11: "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx

2009-12-15T01:12:00.004-05:00

I remember owning a single of the #11 song of 1989, which was "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx. It was a blue cassette tape. I remember listening to it and thinking, wow,what a nice man that Richard Marx must be!

This song has been covered many, many times. I am joining the ranks.

Richard Marx had this big hair and these big eyes. I think he was supposed to represent the sensitve, attainable guy. And the plan worked. He had some huge singles in the late 80's and early 90's.

I always enjoy the story of the professional back-up singer who goes on to put out a debut smash (see: Sheryl Crow, my idol). Marx sang back up for Whitney Houston, Madonna and Luther Vandross. Meanwhile, he was writing his own material and slipped Kenny Rogers a demo of his work. Rogers loved it and went on to record two of his songs, "Crazy" and "What About Me?"

Marx then started his own songwriting and performing career and "became the first solo artist to reach the Top 5 with his first seven singles". Wow!

I put my piano/keyboard on the harpsichord setting for this song. It kind of sounds ridiculous, but that is part of the fun.

Top Songs of 1989: #12: "Waiting for a Star to Fall" by Boy Meets Girl

2009-12-07T21:14:00.004-05:00

The #12 hit of 1989 was "Waiting for a Star to Fall" by the duo Boy Meets Girl.

I wasn't even sure if I knew this song--I saw the title in print and it didn't ring any bells. But then I looked up the video on youtube and realized I totally knew this song...I somehow thought this song was from a much earlier year. Maybe 1985 or 1986.

Boy Meets Girl consisted of a real-life married couple, Shannon Rubicam and George Merrill. The late 80's/early 90's was the last hey-day for soft-rock. Before Alanis came in and threw everything out of whack!

The song was written for Whitney Houston but she didn't use it....Later the song was "offered to Belinda Carlisle who recorded a demo of it for her Heaven on Earth album. The track remained unreleased, although the demo was later leaked. "

This song has a lot going on in terms of structure. A Verse A / Verse B part / pre-chorus / chorus/ outro....Definitely exciting for me to play a song that has a bit more going on...still no bridge though! (See every other song I have covered so far from 1989...not a bridge among them!).

Top Songs of 1989: #13: "Lost In Your Eyes" by Debbie Gibson

2009-12-01T15:56:00.005-05:00

The #13 Billboard hit of 1989 was "Lost in Your Eyes" by teen singer Debbie Gibson.

I just went back and watched this video and had a few thoughts:
1. I'm not sure who came on the national scene first--Kimmy Gibler (the character from the sitcom "Full House") or Debbie Gibson...They totally have the same style! That curly bouncy hair, scrunchie, drop waist velvet dresses. Maybe the same stylist worked on both "Full House" and Debbie Gibson's video.
2. There are some close-ups of Debbie that remind me of close-ups in Britney Spears' video of "Hit Me Baby One More Time". I think they remind me of each other because it this conscious choice (maybe by the record label or the director) to show the world "Here is this innocent teen idol. Here is her face. Don't you want to be her friend? Get used to this face because you will not be able to escape it for the next few years."
3. Debbie Gibson wears this hat in a few scenes in the video that made me laugh. It is entirely improbable that the hat could stay on someone's head without Krazy Glue or some very dedicated PA. It is near the back of her head, right near her nape.

Anyways...enough about the video!
This song was a sweet little power ballad. Some notes about the song:
1. This song modulates three times! Pretty extreme.
2. Again, bridge-less song. Where, oh where did bridges go in the late 80's?
3. Interesting factoid: " Gibson was the youngest artist ever to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 # 1 hit single (in the USA) with her song 'Foolish Beat' ." Not bad. I was pretty impressed that she was 16 and producing her own songs!
4. "Lost In Your Eyes" is from Gibson's second album, "Electric Youth". I remember LOVING "Electric Youth". My friend Jenny and I made up dances to it-- I remember thinking: "Maybe I too am an Electric Youth!!" Ha.
5. The music and lyrics are both written by Debbie Gibson...even when I'm not too excited about a song, I do get excited by pop artists that both write and perform their own work. It's not all that common. So, hat's off to you, Debbie!

Top Songs of 1989: #14: "Don't Wanna Lose You Now" by Gloria Estefan

2009-11-20T15:29:00.004-05:00

It seems like in the late 80s/early 90s, there were a lot more songs in the charts that were definitely "soft rock". The #14 song falls under that category. Gloria Estefan's "Don't Wanna Lose You Now" is made of butter, cream, and silk ribbons.

Gloria Estefan wrote both the music and lyrics.

Gloria was part of Miami Sound Machine. "Cuts Both Ways" was the first album that is credited to both her and Miami Sound Machine; so many consider it her first solo album.

Not sure what is up with songs without bridges from this era of music ..but this is another example. Just two verses, two choruses, no bridge. I'm a sucker for a good bridge...alas.

Top Songs of 1989: #15: "Heaven" by Warrant

2009-11-18T13:02:00.003-05:00

Warrant. Wow. What was THAT??

The #15 Billboard hit of 1989 was "Heaven" by Warrant. If you'd like to get a sense of really how MUCH Warrant was, please look at the actual video to this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUHt99T_zX8

I mean, let's just talk about the excess! Pyrotechnics! Hair! German model! Spandex! It was a fascinating time....

I felt a little icky reading about Warrant because of this little factoid I read: "The song "Heaven" was not written by any of the members of Warrant and it is alleged that Jani Lane stole the song from another musician who had already been shopping the song to various labels. This mistake cost the band a fair amount of money when suit was brought against them." The fact that they are a band of 5 people and NONE of them took part in the songwriting credits?? And what's more, they sort of stole the song away from someone? Eek. Not good.

Despite that, huge power ballad. I can remember this song being played at school dances. SLOW SONGS. It was a song where you went to find the guy you REALLY LIKED.

My favorite line is comparing this lady's eyes to "blue suburban skies". The "suburban" part kind of cracks me up. Why's it gotta be suburban??

Top Songs of 1989: #16: "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You" by Milli Vanilli

2009-11-16T15:36:00.006-05:00

Milli Vanilli, as we all know, are a sad tale. Caught red-handed...two good looking German guys hired to lip synch songs and then they become an international sensation, selling millions of albums and even winning a Grammy. (!). But they got busted for not writing or singing any of their songs. And as we all know from "Behind The Music", the pressure was so great for one member of Milli, that he commit suicide. Very sad.

But, whoever was singing those songs from their mega-smash albums....they definitely had an impact on pop music in 1989....Milli Vanilli were everywhere. Frank Farian had the idea for the group and assembled a bunch of singers but "he felt that those singers lacked a marketable image" and brought in Fab and Rob.

The #16 song of 1989 was "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You". The song is super simple in it's structure. It doesn't even have a bridge. There is a Kenny G-esque solo in the middle of the song, but otherwise it's pretty much verse-chorus, verse-chorus.

I do remember what a scandal it was when Milli Vanilli was "found out". Somehow, I feel like that type of thing would NOT be so surprising now-a-days. I don't think people would find it that shocking anymore.

Top Songs of 1989: #17: "The Look" by Roxette

2009-11-10T16:37:00.003-05:00

I definitely have good memories of the #17 Billboard hit of 1989. Hunter and I were always singing the boy and girl parts to the whole "Look Sharp!" album. Screaming the songs at the top of our lungs! Hysterical.

Were it not for the song "The Look", Roxette might have not broken in the US market. This little blurb from Wikipedia caught my attention....

"Everything changed when the third single The Look was released in Sweden. It was while studying in Sweden, that an American exchange student from Minneapolis, Dean Cushman^[1], heard "The Look", and brought a copy of Look Sharp! home for the 1988 holiday break.^[2]^[3] He gave the album to a Minneapolis radio station^[2]^[3], KDWB 101.3 FM.^[4] The station started playing "The Look" and based on positive caller feedback, the song became very popular^[3]^[4], and quickly spread to other radio stations.^[3] The song became a radio hit before any Roxette product had been commercially released or promoted in the US market.^[3] The story was covered by radio, newspapers and TV in the US and in Sweden, making for good press for many years, with Gessle telling this as the story which highlighted the beginning of their international success."

I love that! I wish some Italian exchange student would do that with my music! Spread the word around Europe or something!

These lyrics make absolutely no sense! "Walking like a man/ hitting like a hammer/ she's a juvenile scam/ never was a quitter/ tasty like a raindrop"....what?!! But maybe they were translating their lyrics from Swedish to English, who knows. The best part of the song, for me, by far, is the NA NA NA NA NA NANANA....and especially when everything cuts out of the song and there is this pregnant pause. The listener wonders--is the song over?? Has Roxette abandoned me?? But no--they come right back with more "nana".

The song was written by the male member of Roxette, Per Gessle. Even he, apparently, knew the lyrics were a little sub par: " 'Walking like a man, hitting like a hammer'.. the first two verses are guide lyrics, words just scribbled down to have something to sing. Couldn't come up with anything better, so we kept them. Everybody gets lucky sometimes..."

Thank you to my boyfriend Ben, who kindly learned this song (he had never heard it before)and even put on a headband and costume! I am a lucky girl!!

Top Songs of 1989: #18: "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals

2009-11-07T16:31:00.003-05:00

I finally figured out how to make my little videos in color. Wow, this is like the equivalent of when Dorothy comes out of her tornado-ed house into Munchkin Land in 1939. Big technological breakthrough!

So the #18 song of 1989 was "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals. I think this song sort of stands the test of time--I didn't realize the lyrics were so...kind of cookie-cutter....but whatever--the riff of this song on the guitar is so great. I feel like it still gets played a lot. And the chorus is such an explosion of melody--I love how it contrasts with the percussive nature of the verses.

I would qualify Fine Young Cannibals as a One Hit Wonder Band. But if anyone begs to differ, please let me know. The lead singer has this great falsetto and it's kind of what makes this song memorable and a hit. How many hit songs can you think of where a man is singing that high?? The video was also pretty cool--dancers in sort of clown-ish costumes jumping forward and back to that great guitar riff.

I was saddened to learn that Rush Limbaugh used this song as opening music to his show. What can you do.

Top Songs of 1989: #19: "On Our Own" by Bobby Brown

2009-11-05T15:37:00.005-05:00

The number 19 biggest hit in 1989 was "On Our Own" by Bobby Brown. Not to be confused with "On My Own" from "Les Miserables". Although, I would pay big money to see Bobby Brown do a cover of that song.

"On Our Own" was from the "Ghostbusters II" soundtrack. Bobby was definitely in his prime as a solo artist around this time. "Don't Be Cruel", his mega-hit album was chock-full of singles.

L.A. Reid ("L.A. said 'you'll be a pop star/ just change everything you are'--yes, i'm quoting Pink), Baby Face and Daryl Simmons penned the song. The song definitely has this quality that seems SO of that late 80s/early 90's era. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, production-wise, but I know it when I hear it.

My favorite part of the song is the "oh-wee-oh / ya ya ya know it". That is totally the hook of the song.

I have been sick so my voice is super hoarse. It is the flu version of the song! "On Our Own: The Flu Re-Mix 2.0". Yeah!!!

Top Songs of 1989: #20: "Two Hearts" By Phil Collins

2009-10-28T18:20:00.006-04:00

I am back! I needed some time to re-coop after doing 20 covers!

I decided to pick the top billboard hits of 1989. I wasn't quite sure where to go next. But for now, I'm sticking with 1989.

The #20 Billboard hit of 1989 was "Two Hearts" by Phil Collins. It co-incided with the release of his album, "But Seriously.... , but does not appear on that album. The song was written for movie "Buster". Phil Collins wrote the music, and Lamont Dozier wrote the lyrics. Just did some research on Mr Dozier and he really was at the forefront of the whole Motown sound. He wrote and produced many songs by the Four Tops and the Supremes. I guess you can hear his influence in this song--very groovy....

"Two Hearts" really is kind of a doo-op-y 50's style ditty. The video is kind of cheeky--Phil plays all the parts--janitor, sound guy, lead singer, keyboard, all of it. It takes place on a sound stage, as if they were filming the song for a Top of the Pops-type show.

I realized while re-watching the video how Outkast's "Hey Ya!" video is almost a carbon copy of "Two Hearts". The star in each video(Andre 3000 or Phil Collins) plays all of the parts--on one 50's/Ed Sullivan-esque sound stage. Phil should get some copyright royalties from Outkast! I'm just sayin'....

Top Songs of 1990....I finished!

2009-10-14T01:23:00.002-04:00

So I finished covering all 20 of the top Billboard hits of 1990....They are:

1. Hold On, Wilson Phillips
2. It Must Have Been Love, Roxette
3. Nothing Compares 2 U, Sinead O'Connor
4. Poison, Bell Biv Devoe
5. Vogue, Madonna
6. Vision of Love, Mariah Carey
7. Another Day In Paradise, Phil Collins
8. Hold On, En Vogue
9. Cradle of Love, Billy Idol
10. Blaze of Glory, Jon Bon Jovi
11. Do Me!, Bell Biv Devoe
12. How Am I Supposed to Live Without You, Michael Bolton
13. Pump Up the Jam, Technotronic
14. Opposites Attract, Paula Abdul
15. Escapade, Janet Jackson
16. All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You, Heart
17. Close to You, Maxi Priest
18. Black Velvet, Alannah Myles
19. Release Me, Wilson Phillips
20. Don't Know Much, Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville

Top Songs of 1990: #1: "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips

2009-09-09T14:05:00.004-04:00

Two songs with the title "Hold On" in 1990's top 20 hits. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm just pointing it out.

Anyways, the number one single in 1990 was "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips. They also had the number 19 hit (#19: "Release Me"). They were on a roll with their debut album. "Hold On" was written by Chynna Phillips, Glen Ballard and Carnie Wilson. Chynna always seemed like the lead singer--the camera always seemed to linger on her longer than the Wilson sisters. (Sidenote: just looking at current pictures of Chynna and she is still a foxy lady! Gorgeous).

I just had a conversation about this song with someone and it was hard to not laugh recording this...We were just laughing about the part where it's just the drum beat at the end...this "jam out", "break it down" part of the song. It's a little silly. I just remember that part of the video where they are purposefully walking down a California boardwalk, lip-synching as if their lives depended upon it.

My cousin Cecily and I also made up a choreographed routine to this as kids, so I think of that as well, when I hear this song. I remember there was some part where we had to run towards each other and it was supposed to be this big build up (maybe we even skipped?). So funny! We'd each choreograph a little section by ourselves, teach the other cousie and build the dance together. Good teamwork! Wilson Phillips would be proud.

So this marks the end of the Top 20 Billboard hits as covered by me! I am currently going through other years, to decide which top 20 I want to do next. '87 and '94 are both looking like possibilities.

This video comes in two parts--part one on top, part two below.

Top Songs of 1990: #2: "It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette

2009-09-05T23:11:00.005-04:00

Let me just say this song is a LOT harder to sing and play than I thought. First of all, the woman from Roxette (which she probably has to introduce herself as at cocktail parties), Marie Fredriksson really has this incredible range. One I do not share. I had to find a key that didn't make me look ridiculous. There is also this strange key change at the end of the song that kind of threw me for a loop. For this blog I try and learn the song in 15 minutes and then do a few "takes"....(I dont' really want it to take much more time than that) but this took me a good hour to learn. Thanks a lot Roxette. Kidding. I really thought learning this song would be a piece of cake. It was very far from a slice of cake.

This song was from the "Pretty Woman" soundtrack. I can kind of picture Julia Roberts in the limo, leaving the hotel, looking longingly back at what she was leaving. I'm not even sure if that is when the song was played in the movie, but I somehow picture that moment.

Roxette seemed to be trying to be a 90's version of the Eurythmics. Girl/Guy duo, girl doing most of the singing....Fredriksson's male counterpart was Per Gessle, who also was the songwriter to "It Must Have Been Love" and most of their other biggest hits.

Just was reading about Roxette on Wikipedia and they apparently have had this wildly successful career in Sweden that continues to this day.

I have special associations with Roxette b/c Hunter and I would drive around in his car and I would sing the girl parts and he would sing the boy parts. We would sometimes circle around the neighborhood, instead of turning off the car, so that we could sing a song in it's entirety.

Top Songs of 1990: #3: "Nothing Compares 2U" by Sinead O'Connor

2009-09-03T13:07:00.005-04:00

A very beautiful song written by Prince, covered by Sinead O'Connor. "Nothing Compares 2U" is such a great song, that it sort of does the work for itself.

Originally performed by the Family, a one-album project of Prince's. The band performed one concert only. It was generally known that Prince wrote all the music, even though he divvied up writing credits amongst the Family. I just learned through Wikipedia (thank you Wikipedia) that "Nothing Compares 2U" was writted about Susannah Melvoin, a member of The Family. Juicy!

The video was very jarring--pretty much an extended close up on O'Connor's face. Very arresting. You couldn't look away.

I remember being excited that someone named Sinead O'Connor was in the national consciousness. When people stumbled over my name, I knew I could at least explain the first syllable. "The Si- makes a "shh" sound, like Sinead....Sinead O'Connor...."

Top Songs of 1990: #4: "Poison" by Bell Biv Devoe

2009-09-02T17:15:00.005-04:00

The second appearance of Bell Biv Devoe in the Top 20 Billboard hits of 1990. "Poison" was their first single.

This is such a fun song...the horn blasts are basically the recurring riff of the song. The horn blasts are super catch. bum-bum-ba-bump-bumpbabumpbabum-BLAM!

I felt pretty ridiculous doing this song. (Singing: "Never trust a big butt and a smile" and "the low pro hot should be cut like an afro"). So I tried to make it even more ridiculous by playing it on banjo. Embrace the goofiness!

I remember enjoying this whole cassette though, when this album (also titled "Poison") came out.

Top Songs of 1990: #5: "Vogue" by Madonna

2009-08-31T21:11:00.007-04:00

A song by Madonna and Shep Pettibone. Pettibone was at the height of his fame and power at this point....often mixing songs for Madonna, Janet Jackson and George Michael. This was originally a B-side to the single "Keep It Together" (love that song) from Like a Prayer. "All parties involved decided that the song was too good to be wasted on a B-side and that it should be released as a single. Although the song itself had nothing to do with Madonna's then-upcoming movie Dick Tracy, it was included on the album I'm Breathless, which contained songs from and inspired by the film."

I just was re-watching the video on YouTube....some of the dancing segments look absolutely ridiculous now! But Madonna certainly tapped into this underground trend and brought it to the forefront, per usual. This video, along with "Cradle of Love" (earlier in this countdown), was directed by David Fincher (of "Seven", "Fight Club" fame). I miss videos from these days--they tended to be these all-out productions....They don't make 'em like they used to.

I enjoyed this Dick Tracy-era Madonna. Her 30's/Art Deco style in this video and the "Express Yourself" one as well looked so glamourous-- the masculine tailored suits that really brought out the feminity of her white-blonde hair and red lips.

This video is in two parts.

Top Songs of 1990: #6: "Vision of Love" by Mariah Carey

2009-08-30T21:22:00.005-04:00

I love this song. It is by both Miss Mariah herself and Ben Marguilies. I've always said Mariah was my guilty pleasure. But you know what? I don't even think she's in the guilty pleasure category now. There are lots of things that I appreciate/love about Mariah. Here are just some.

1. The woman has staying power. Her first single was in 1990! It is now 2009. That is pretty unbelievable.
2. I had huge curly hair and was verrrry awkward when this song came out. And seeing someone on t.v. with kooky-doodly hair like mine was so re-assuring to me. I looked at the t.v. screen and thought, "someone with hair that is bananas like mine is famous!"
3. She is one of those artists that I don't even really like all of her music ("Rainbow" was pretty bad. Never allowed myself to see "Glitter"--I knew she was better than that!), but I appreciate what she does. She really had one career in the 90's where she was singing Whitney-esque power ballads. And then she turned herself into this R&B diva in the 00's.
4. I mean, the obvious is her voice which is just this gift. Say what you will, but I think it is a National Treasure. THERE I SAID IT. I love how it can get scratchy and kind of WILD when she belts. It's like this beast that she lets loose from a cage. People may disagree with me, but I think her voice alone, never mind the songs; has soul. I'd listen to her sing anything.
5. The woman is actually a songwriter. She is not some pop creation with a great voice. If you look at all of her albums--All of them!--she is writing or co-writing all of her songs.
6. She kind of has this throwback diva-ness to her. The word "diva" is thrown around a lot, but this woman can actually carry it off. I mean, she calls people "lamb" in interviews.
7. Hunter still makes fun of me because one time we were watching her sing on "Oprah" or maybe it was "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" and i mumured how I loved her style. This was BEFORE she went a little "hoochie", but Hunter still does not let me forget this. But even when she wears little to no clothes, color me crazy, but I do think she has style!

And those are just some of the reasons I love Mariah.

And man--her range is OUT OF CONTROL. I had to put the capo on my guitar so I could sing several octaves lower than she does. Forget about it. I'm not going to even TRY and sing the notes she does.

Top Songs of 1990: #7: "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins

2009-08-28T15:36:00.006-04:00

This was Phil Collins last big hit....didn't really realize that until I did some hunting. I guess with all his work doing Disney movies and stuff, I thought that he had more success since 1990.

This was a very heavy-handed song, tackling the subject of homelessness.

I remember the video had just black and white images of homeless people, interspersed with large statistics ("5 Million Homeless Children by 1995" or some such fact), along with Collins, lipsynching in profile. Looking over the top 20 hits of 1990, I gotta say it's nice to cover a song that is not about dancing, or booties or love gone wrong. It is not easy to write a political song and a. make it a hit and b. make it pretty catchy. So even if the song is pretty blunt, Phil Collins did pull off something that is pretty hard to do.

"Succudio" it is not.

Grover makes a cameo in this.

Top Songs of 1990: #8: "Hold On" by En Vogue

2009-08-27T16:12:00.005-04:00

I know you're not supposed to have favorites....but out of these 20 songs I am covering, I think this is my favorite. I still like En Vogue. I love their harmonies. Their voices are out of the park!

There wasn't really anybody else out there in 1990 who sounded like En Vogue.....they really brought back the Supremes-esque girl group....and led the way for groups later in the 90's, like TLC and Destiny's Child.

This song is just jam-packed with awesome samples and subtle tributes. The acapella intro is part of the song "Who's Lovin' You" by Smokey Robinson...and the horns are samples from "The Payback" by James Brown. The song is authored by Thomas Elroy, Denzil Foster and En Vogue.

I loved their co-ordinated outfits. I especially coveted the silver chain mini dresses they wore during the "My Lovin' (No You're Never Gonna Get It)" video...those were killer! I still want one.

Top Songs of 1990: #9: "Cradle of Love" by Billy Idol

2009-08-26T13:40:00.005-04:00

Today I am covering "Cradle of Love", the #9 song of 1990. It is by Billy Idol and David Werner.

I remember this video was on MTV ALLTHETIME. You could not escape it. I'm not even sure if I liked the song, but I feel like I was sort of forced to--in a sort of "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" way. What really sticks in my mind is the video, not the song. (How Generation X is that? But it's true). The video was trying to get your attention, whether you wanted to give it or not. Just looked up some information--the video was directed by David Fincher--of "Seven", "Fight Club" and "Zodiac" fame. The lighting--extreme chiaroscuro--looks very much like his films.

I kind of like how Billy Idol kind of went all out with his image. He really just said I am going to act/look/dress/behave/sing like a "rock star". Even if it might have been a little in-authentic, you gotta admire that gumption.

Top Songs of 1990: #10: "Blaze of Glory" by Bon Jovi

2009-08-25T15:46:00.001-04:00

Lest we forget, that the late 80s/early 90s was the denoument for Hair Metal, this song is a great reminder. "Blaze of Glory" was written by Jon Bon Jovi and performed by his band for the soundtrack of the forgettable movie, "Young Guns II". The movie starred some very hot young actors of that time: Christian Slater, Kiefer Sutherland, Emilio Estevez. I don't think I ever saw it.

I remember hearing a man sing this at karaoke in Hyannisport in Massachussetts and my sisters and I were wow-ed by him. I guess when I hear this song, I am reminded of how HIGH Jon Bon Jovi can belt. I mean--this is a reallly hard song for a male to sing. Crazy range. So, the song seems like kind of a throw-off for Bon Jovi, but he sure does showcase his voice in it.

Never really was particularly moved by this song, but I do like how it represents somehow the end of an era for Hair Metal. Soon Bon Jovi would be starring in indie flicks (and doing a pretty good job, actually) and then would come back to music, a little subdued (in terms of mousse).

Top Songs of 1990: #11: "Do Me!" by Bel Biv Devoe

2009-08-22T16:38:00.001-04:00

Getting into funny territory here. The #11 song of 1990 was "Do Me!" by Bell Biv Devoe. The Song is by Bell Biv Devoe and mystery man Carl Bourelly. Why isn't Bell Biv Devoe Called Bel Biv BOUR Devoe then? That's what I"d like to know.

This was hysterical to figure out how to play. "Smack it up, flip it, rub it down!"

I always enjoyed Bel Biv Devoe's choreography. And I like how they were the type of artists that helped other artists once they made it. There would be no Boyz II Men or Another Bad Creation without Bell Biv Devoe. They helped fellow artists succeed.

Apparently, they have new singles out right now, so Bell Biv Devoe is still alive and kicking.

My favorite was "Biv" as a kid. He seemed to always have this humorous look in his eyes.

Top Songs of 1990: #12: "How Am I Supposed To LIve Without You?" by Michael Bolton

2009-08-21T15:14:00.002-04:00

I found some verrrry interesting information when I was looking for deets on this song. This song was originally performed and made famous by Laura Branigan in '83. Michael Bolton--then a no-named, frizzy-headed song-writer--co-wrote the song. He would later become famous in the late '80s and take the song for himself. This song has been covered mannnny times, so I am sure both Branigan and Bolton are making fortunes off the royalties of this ditty.

I was having a private bet with myself that this song was by Diane Warren. Kind of seems like one of her songs.

Anyways, very simple but effective structure to this song. The pre-chorus, I think, is the most powerful part of the song ("I don't know the price I'm gonna pay for dreaming/ Now that your dream has come true").

Initially, not looking forward to doing this song today. Thought it was a little "blah". But I was strangely sorta moved by it--it's a little cheesy, but it's actually pretty effective. It does what it's supposed to do.

o

Top Songs of 1990: #13: "Pump Up The Jam" by Technotronic

2009-08-19T17:22:00.001-04:00

Just reading up this song. Apparently this was the first house-music to ever break the Billboard Top 100. Originally written as an instrumental track by Belgian artist Jo Bogaert and Ya Kid K (who was Congolese). I guess they wanted a face to sell the track: "An image for the act was later put together utilizing Congolese-born fashion model Felly Kilingi as its album/single cover art and supposed singer in the music video."

I definitely remember this song coming on at every. single. school. dance. There was one DJ, Ulysses, who had a smoke machine, and i feel like he would turn on the smoke machine during this song. We thought it was so cool.

"Pump Up The Jam" was the #13 song of 1990.

I tried my best to do an acoustic, slow, version of this song. Just trying to experiment with performing a song in the exact opposite way one "should".

Top Songs of 1990: #14: "Opposites Attract" by Paula Abdul

2009-08-16T16:37:00.001-04:00

Continuing on with the top 20 Billboard hits of 1990....

God bless all the unknown songwriters in the worlds, who have ginormous hits, and yet no one knows their name. For instance--Oliver Lieber. Oliver who?? He wrote the lyrics and music to "Opposites Attract", which was made into a smash by Paula Abdul.

What stands out in my mind is the video for "Opposites Attract". MC Skat Kat, a cartoon, dances with a suit-clad Paula, dancing in cartoon urban environment. They show how "opposite" they are. I mean, she's a human and he is a cat! A cartoon cat at that! Now THAT is opposite!

This was the #14 song of 1990, according to the Billboard charts.

Top Songs of 1990: #15: "Escapade" by Janet Jackson

2009-08-14T13:24:00.001-04:00

Today is the #15 song of 1990, "Escapade" by Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

I make no bones about it---I LOVE the album "Rhythm Nation". I'm sorry, but there are a lot of great songs on this album. "Love Will Never Do Without You","Black Cat", "Miss You Much", "Rhythm Nation", "Alright"--I mean, it is a LOT of singles! Just was looking online at what type of critical reviews it got and the result seems to be overwhelmingly positive. Four stars Rolling stone

I love Janet during this stage. She really seemed to be finding her own thang. I also love her whole look for the first singles that were released--she had like these kind of military jackets, and boots and I still think it looks pretty cool. And such great videos!

I tried to slow this song down a bit. Really explore the idea of wanting to get away ("let's get away") rather than the "es-ca-ca-ca-pade" part.

Top Songs of 1990: #16: "All I Want To Do Is Make Love To You" by Heart

2009-08-11T13:58:00.000-04:00

My project continues on here...I am on song #16 of 1990. Counting down the top 20 songs from Billboard in the year 1990. #16 is "All I Want To Do Is Make Love To You". Now, every other day, I've done my own cover of the song. Today, I just performed to the song, via Grover's body.

For some reason, I just have a hard time taking this song seriously. I think that is why I just couldn't cover it myself. So I asked if Ben would be Grover's acting partner in the scene. He obliged (Thank you, Ben!).

I remember the painfully literal video. My parents got cable for the first time in 1990 and I remember being obsessed and fascinated with MTV. And this video was on all. the. time. A man was "standing by the road" with "no coat". And then we see them driving for a while, just like the lyrics state.

I didn't know that this song is written by influential producer "Mutt" Lange. I found this quote from Ann Wilson from Heart regarding the song: "Actually we had sworn off it because it kind of stood for everything we wanted to get away from. It was a song by "Mutt" Lange, who we liked, and it was originally written for Don Henley there was a lot of pressure on us to do the song at the time."

Despite all that, you can't deny the power of the Wilson sisters' voices. I mean, just soooo much power.
This video is in two parts....Part 1 is on your left and Part 2 is on your right (below).

Top Songs of 1990: #17: "Close To You" by Maxi Priest

2009-08-10T16:00:00.002-04:00

Okay, the number 17 song of 1990, according to the Billboard charts, is "Close to You" by the artist Maxi Priest. The song is actually written by Max Elliot (is that Maxi Priest's real name?not sure), Winston Sela and Gary Benson. [ Okay, I just looked up Max Elliot and that indeed is Maxi Priest's real name.]

This is a three-chord song. There isn't bridge. I think maybe because of that, it sort of just goes on and on for me. Maybe that's the point.

Never knew the lyrics 'til I learned them today. The lady he is singing about sounds a little cuckoo! Get ahold of yourself, lady!

As is the case when I learn a new song, I do gain a new appreciation of it. I don't remember liking this song when it was out in 1990, but learning it today, I kind of got into the groove of it.

Top Songs of 1990: #18: "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles

2009-08-09T10:01:00.000-04:00

So, if you're just joining me.... I looked at the Billboard Top 20 hits of 1990 and now I'm attempting to do a covers of all of them. Today is #18, "Black Velvet", performed by Alannah Myles. Written by David Tyson and Christopher Ward. I just Wikipedia'd the song--didn't realize that it was a hit on the Country Charts as well (in a version sung by Robin Lee)--makes sense. This song has a total country feel to it. As I scanned down this top 20 list, "Black Velvet" kind of stands out to me--it really doesn't fit that early 90's style of music at all. It's kind of a basic-blues structure song, with a killer chorus, which makes it a bona fide hit. My sister Jean sang this at karaoke on a family vacation--I think that is still my favorite rendition of the song.

Top Songs of 1990: #19: "Release Me" by Wilson Phillips

2009-08-08T12:25:00.001-04:00

So continuing on with covering the top 20 Billboard Hits of 1990.

#19 is Wilson Phillips, "Release Me." This pop song is actually written not by professional songwriters, but by Chynna Phillips, and Wendy and Carnie Wilson.

I didn't know that Wilson Phillips weren't really cool. I still really liked them. I liked the harmonies. I remember I had a huge poster of them on my wall and a friend came over and said "you like them?" And all of a sudden realized they were NOT cool! But I didn't care.

My cousin Cecily and I choreographed two dances to Wilson Phillips songs--I still think of us outside, working on our routine. Hilarious.

Note: this video cuts off at 3 minutes. Sorry about that.

Top Songs of 1990: #20: "Don't Know Much (But I know I Love You)" by Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville

2009-08-06T10:41:00.000-04:00

I did a Christmas song a day in Advent and really liked having to learn a piece of music on a daily basis. So I am now going to do covers of all 20 top songs in any given year. Starting with 1990. Because in 1990, I listened to the Top 40 every weekend, so I know all of these songs (or am at least familiary with them).

Lyrics by Cynthia Weil and Music by Tom Snow and Barry Mann

This song had some crazy suspended chords. Little tough to play!

I remember this song was morely on 93.3 which was the adult contemporary station. Every once in a while it made it's way onto 92 Pro FM and I remember being a little bored by it. At the time, I found it too adult for my tastes. I guess I have a new appreciation now that I am a. older b. learning how to play it. The bridge makes the song for me. I also now can relate to the lines, "Look at this life / Still don't know where I"m going". When I was a kid, I might not have related to that line!

More info, please see www.siobhanomalley.com