#23 - All She Wants To Do Is Dance

Artist: Don Henley

Album: Building The Perfect Beast
Video: After a 45 second commercial, you will be treated to this blurry video from DailyMotion which was hijacked from YouTube.  Sweet Jebus.

A great year to be a former Eagle, was 1985.  Three videos on the countdown so far, and we ain’t done yet.  The top 25 videos are littered with tunes by ex-Eagles turned solo artists.  Too bad Joe Walsh and Timmy B couldn’t join the party.

While Glenn Frey was dominating soundtracks, Don Henley released “Building The Perfect Beast”, his strongest solo album to date.  Eleven tracks, solid all the way through.  “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” is the second biggest hit from that album, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

And yet, on this countdown it ranks forty-two places higher than the timeless classic “The Boys Of Summer”.  Sigh.  Their positions should be flipped.  “All She Wants” is a decent song, but I never counted it among my favorites.  I can classify it as no higher than pretty good.

It’s a song about a woman with a single-minded desire to shake her booty, even though all around her chaos is raining supreme.  Many have speculating that the woman is a metaphor for America, obsessing over shiny new baubles while the world falls apart.  Don Henley sure does enjoy his biting social commentary.

The video has an unwashed feel, taking place in some sort of underground cave.  Filled with fast cuts and severe camera angles, soldiers share space with the band, each staking out territory.  A fiery Latina temptress gyrates throughout, for that is all she wants to do.

#24 - Sentimental Street

Artist: Night Ranger

Album: 7 Wishes
Video: From DailyMotion.

I have often wondered if Sentimental Street is just a metaphorical concept, or could it be an actual physical destination?  Perhaps only Night Ranger knows for sure.

In 1985, Night Ranger was in the midst of their most successful run, scoring five consecutive top 20 singles.  “Sister Christian” was their greatest and most famous hit, but “Sentimental Street” was an underappreciated gem, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song retains an air of mystery, an aggressive rocker with a sweet and sensitive side.

Night Ranger still tours to this day, although they haven’t released a single in over 20 years.  It is also noteworthy that founding member Jack Blades co-founded Damn Yankees, who authored the Night Ranger-ish sounding hit song “High Enough” in 1990.

The video is bookended by fictional news coverage of Night Ranger’s disappearance in a B-25 bomber fighter plane, which graces the cover of the 7 Wishes album.  Lost at sea, the band members appear pensive, then excited when one finds a genie lamp.  This somehow leads to a sequence that culminates in a live performance before an enthused crowd.  The band ends the video still lost at sea, where they remain today.

Finally, I must say a word about the poll.  Not a single vote has been cast in the current poll, even though it has been up for over a week.  I’ll give it another couple of days before the poll closes forever due to lack of interest.

#25 - The Heat Is On

Artist: Glenn Frey

Album: Beverly Hills Cop Soundtrack
Video: From YouTube.

After spending the ‘70s with Don Henley headlining the Eagles, Glenn Frey tried his hand at a solo career in the ‘80s.  After a slow start to the decade, he hit the jackpot in 1985 with hit songs from movies and TV.

“The Heat Is On” is the third song in this countdown from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, and also the most successful.  It’s a catchy tune that was frequently played at sporting events to excite the crowd.  Up-tempo beat, cool sax solo, and easily digestible lyrics, albeit a bit repetitive.

The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was actually his first of two #2 songs in 1985, we’ll get to the other one a little bit later.  It's the kind of song that sticks in your head, usually reminding you of the hilarious hi-jinks that was the Beverly Hills Cop movie.

The video plays like a trailer for said movie, giving nearly equal time to Glenn Frey performing.  We see a lot of Eddie Murphy getting into crazy adventures.  It is also the second straight video in the countdown that features a healthy dose of car chases.

I must say that in the final analysis, I enjoyed this song.  Especially the oh-whoa-whoa-oh's.  You know what I'm talking about.

#26 - Sleeping Bag

Artist: ZZ Top

Album: Afterburner
Video: From DailyMotion with 45-second commercial, booo.  Hard to find this video online.

The only appearance in the countdown for the classic beards.  I always dug these groovy cats.  To me ZZ Top was edgy, mysterious and somewhat forbidden.  Like cigarettes or PCP. 

ZZ Top has been around since the late ‘60s, and they even released a critically acclaimed album this year.  But it was during the mid ‘80s that they experienced their greatest commercial successes.  “Eliminator” produced more recognizable hits, but “Afterburner” actually sold more records.

 “Sleeping Bag” is a groovy rocker with an irresistible baseline.  It peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, equaling the performance of the group’s other top 10 hit, “Legs”.  Most of the lyrics are incomprehensible, but there's no mistake about “slip inside my sleeping bag”.  Great line.

The video is a menagerie of all kinds of fun stuff.  Monster trucks, sexy ladies, car chases, an exploding pyramid, a bag of cash.  A young innocent couple being chased by ne’er-do-wells, as the ZZ Top guys play heroes by making helpful objects appear out of thin air, including said sleeping bag.  The classic red Eliminator (a 1933 Ford coupe) is also prominent.

The video concludes with the promise “To Be Continued…”.  However, I was not able to learn whether or not this convoluted story was actually continued.  “Stages”, the following video from the “Afterburner” album, did not revisit this ridiculously entertaining sequence of events.

#27 - Crazy For You

Artist: Madonna

Album: Vision Quest Motion Picture Soundtrack
Video: From YouTube.

OMG Crazy For You!  I love this song!  Very tough to pick a personal favorite from 1985, but along with this song it’s a front runner.  At least it better get serious consideration for favorite song in the reader’s choice poll on this blog, or I just might have to rig the thing.  Not that I would ever do that.  By the way a new poll is up, don’t forget to vote!

Anyway, "Crazy For You".  OMG!  When it was released, Madonna had the #1 album in the U.S. and this song wasn’t even on it.  Her record company didn’t want the single released because she was essentially competing with herself for sales.  Then when "Into The Groove" surfaced just a few months later, that couldn’t be released as a single in the U.S. because nobody could handle all the awesomeness. 

No matter, everyone involved got rich.  Madonna’s first ballad soared to the top of the pops, knocking "We Are The World" out of its 4-week reign at the top spot.  The bigwigs at Warner Brothers didn’t want her singing it at first, they didn’t know if she could handle it since she was being typecast as a dance club singer.  Well, she nailed it.  The song is a naked expression of physical desire, filled with wantonly brazen sexual lyrics.

The song is featured in the 1985 film "Vision Quest", a coming of age wrestling film starring Matthew Modine and Linda Fiorentino.  "Crazy For You" makes two appearances in the film.  The first time is a scene featuring Madonna performing in a nightclub, and the main characters dance together without passion.  However, when the song is reprised later in the film, they get their smooch on during a walk in the woods.

The video features a montage of scenes from the film, chronicling the developing relationship between the main characters.  There is also plenty of Madonna performing in the same nightclub from the movie scene.  The enduring image is her swaying gently on a poorly lit stage highlighted with pink neon accents, crucifix earring prominently jangling.

#28 - Little By Little

Artist: Robert Plant

Album: Shaken 'n' Stirred
Video: From YouTube.

Robert Plant is the distinguished frontman from Led Zeppelin, one of the most influential and innovative groups in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.  You’d never know it from listening to this song.

Plant released his third solo album “Shaken ‘n’ Stirred” in 1985, not that I noticed.  However, I did enjoy his subsequent solo album, 1988’s “Now And Zen”.  And I probably discovered Led Zeppelin sometime after that.  Zeppelin rules, especially when played loud.

“Little By Little” peaked at a robust #36 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It won’t surprise you to learn that I’m mystified by its high placement in the MTV countdown.  The song did spend two weeks at the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, so there’s that.

Maybe I’m being too harsh.  In a vacuum the song is actually kind of OK.  The message is optimistic and hopeful, and I guess the rhythm is decent.  But I expect more this deep in the countdown, and I expect more from Robert Plant.

I found the video odd.  Mimes, equestrians, sheep.  A wedding in a small village.  Probably full of deep meaning that I didn’t understand.  But there were also lots of wide open plains, and I like that.

#29 - Careless Whisper

Artist: Wham!

Album: Make It Big
Video: From DailyMotion.

Today was a great day for the blog - awesome to receive props from an MTV icon.  Regrettably, I've been an infrequent blogger as of late.  But with Martha Quinn in the audience, I need to get my game on.

And good timing, since we have arrived at one of 1985’s most sensuous songs.  I’m pretty sure statistics prove that more furtive makeout sessions were inspired by “Careless Whisper” than any other ballad of the era.  It’s a timeless classic, with tender sensitive lyrics and a killer sax solo. 

This is essentially George Michael’s first effort as a solo artist, although it is technically credited as “Wham! Featuring George Michael”.  It was released a full three years before his first solo album.  It is one of three songs from the “Make It Big” album to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song features a man wrestling with feelings of remorse following his infidelity.  Hence, “guilty feet have got no rhythm”.  Yes, it is shocking that an internationally acclaimed pop star would be sexually involved with multiple women at the same time.  But possibly this led to his desire to explore monogamy after Wham! broke up.

The video, bookended by sweeping shots of city lights, juxtaposes plenty of face time for the lead singer with scenes of the relationship gone awry.  As his girlfriend catches him cheating, the music explodes into the “tonight the music seems so loud…” sequence.  She flies away on an airplane while the protagonist looks longingly after her.

#30 - Forever Man

Artist: Eric Clapton

Album: Behind The Sun
Video: From DailyMotion.

Here's another legend whose awesomeness I did not appreciate in 1985.  I did not discover the majesty of Clapton until his MTV Unplugged album was released in 1992.  Even today, I'm really only familiar with a small portion of his catalog.

"Behind The Sun" is one of those albums which completely escaped my attention.  Phil Collins collaborated on many of the songs.  I was blissfully unaware of all this in my youth, content to be entertained by songs like this.

"Forever Man" did not enjoy much mainstream chart success, peaking at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100.  However, it was Eric Clapton's first ever music video.  That might explain its high placement in this countdown.  Clapton finally made a video?  Put it in the top 30.

I vaguely remember hearing the song around the time it was released.  Although I wasn’t a fan then, it strikes me as moderately groovy now.  That opening guitar riff is killer. 

The music video is simply Clapton and the band performing on a large circular stage in an empty arena.  No kooky storyline.  The video was directed by Godley & Creme.  That's right, these guys.

#31 - I Want To Know What Love Is

Artist: Foreigner

Album: Agent Provocateur
Video: From DailyMotion.

In the first five years of their existence, Foreigner churned out four multi-platinum albums.  The band authored classic rock staples such as "Hot Blooded", "Cold As Ice", and "Juke Box Hero".  They even topped the pops with their "Foreigner 4" album in 1981.

But it 1985 they reached their peak with "I Want To Know What Love Is".  It is their greatest song and their only number one hit.  It makes grown women weep and has caused the upper lip of many a man to quiver.

From humble beginnings, the song builds powerfully into a thundering declaration of love desire.  The questioning verses in the opening blend into the earnest "in my life..." pre-chorus, which explodes into the titular chorus.  The second time around, that chorus features a gospel choir.  Talk about piling on. 

The song can be interpreted as a longing for romantic love, or it can be seen as a hunger for a spiritual connection to the divine.  It can also be viewed as a complete and total ass-kicking power ballad.

The video features the New Jersey Mass Choir performing with the band.  Scenes of rehearsal are interspersed with ordinary people going about their daily lives, seemingly deep in thought, united in their want of love.

#32 - Radioactive

Artist: The Firm

Album: The Firm
Video: From YouTube.

I had no awareness of this band in 1985.  Until just now, my only association was a John Grisham novel made into a Tom Cruise movie.  Either that, or The Fixx was misspelled.

But apparently, The Firm was a genuine British rock supergroup.  Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin.  The lead singer of Bad Company.  People from other 70's bands.  I guess they were going for a Traveling Wilburys Lite sort of thing.  Or they would have been, had the Wilburys existed in 1985.

"Radioactive" was their big smash hit, soaring all the way to #28 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It's a terrible song.  Dippy lyrics, lame music, haunted house sound effects.  The robotic repetition of the song's title.  Siri sings with greater emotion.

Anyway, The Firm broke up for good in 1986.  Fortunately, Jimmy Page had his experience of creating one of the greatest bands of all-time to fall back on.  Not that I had any idea about Zeppelin in 1985...of course, that was a weird thing about the year.  I've already covered my confusion about rock 'n' roll legends and their poor 1985 performaces.

The video is as forgettable as the song.  Just the band playing on an empty stage with a bunch of flashing strobe lights.  No storyline.  Poor.  Placed ridiculously, inappropriately high by MTV at #32. 

#33 - The Old Man Down The Road

Artist: John Fogerty

Album: Centerfield
Video: From YouTube.

John Fogerty was sued for releasing this song, because it sounded a lot like "Run Through The Jungle", a song by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).  You know who the lead singer and founder of CCR was?  JOHN FOGERTY.

Ridiculous.  It is an original.  From whom else would you have to hidey-hidey-hide?  The Grim Reaper, of course, cleverly disguised as "The Old Man Down The Road".

Peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, this was the highest charting song from Fogerty's comeback album.  The song "Centerfield" is a timeless classic, but oddly it whiffed on both the MTV countdown and the Billboard top 40.

The video is a long sequence shot, beginning in the swampiest of jungle swamps.  The camera settles on a friendly kemosabe, who lifts a blanket to reveal a speaker with extension cord attached.  As the scene progresses, a variety of colorful characters are found along the path of this unusually lengthy cord.

After passing a couple having a picnic, a cheerleader at a call box, motorcycle riders, a pregnant woman, and a grave digger, the cord finally ends with Fogerty himself in a somewhat residential neighborhood, rocking out on his gee-tar.

#34 - Head Over Heels

Artist: Tears For Fears

Album: Songs From The Big Chair
Video: From DailyMotion.  With annoying ads at the beginning and end, but it is the complete video.

This is the first of multiple appearances by Tears For Fears on this countdown.  TFF was kind of a big deal in 1985.

"Head Over Heels" was the third single from the "Songs From The Big Chair" album, and it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It’s a nifty tune.  The album name is a reference to Sybil, the character with multiple personality disorder who sought the comfort of her analyst's "Big Chair".

This is also the second consecutive video in the countdown filmed in Toronto, following Corey Hart.  That's just the type of in-depth research I go the extra mile to provide for you.

The video takes place in a library, an innovative setting for a music video.  Roland Orzabal carries a ridiculously large stack of books and sings loudly to an embarrassed librarian, blatantly disregarding the posted “SILENCE” sign.  Even the monkey in the Red Sox jersey has the decency to keep his yap shut.

Over the course of the video, wacky hijinks ensue, with all the band members getting into the act.  It ends dramatically on the lyric “funny how time flies”, with Orzabal and the librarian transform into an elderly couple, drinking tea and studying in a dignified manner.

#35 - Never Surrender

Artist: Corey Hart

Album: Boy In The Box
Video: From YouTube.

Here we have one of the great songs of the year.  An awesome, inspiring message delivered with earnestness and passion.  Never Surrender, baby!  Timeless.

Corey Hart peaked in 1985 with this epic, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  But did you know that he continued to record hits well into the late 90's, charting dozens of top 40 singles in Canada?  I certainly did not.

“Never Surrender” is a tour de force, an urgent directive of how to react when you reach your lowest point.  The music is pretty good too.  Great sax solo, instruments, whatnot.

The video is entertaining and provides more than its share of unintentional comedy.  Corey gazes into the camera often and with great intensity.  Hitchhiking through the cold streets of Toronto, exchanging furtive glances with call girls, and getting chewed out by a shopkeeper for who knows what.  And then, taking the stage for a live performance and absolutely killing it.

In other news, I finally was able to post another poll.  I guess we’ll soon find out if anyone is still out there.

#36 - Don't Lose My Number

Artist: Phil Collins

Album: No Jacket Required
Video: From YouTube.

Out of the truckload of hit songs by Phil Collins in 1985, I believe that "Don’t Lose My Number" was the weakest.  Sure it’s energetic with a good beat, and it reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  But the song is beset by a deep confusion at its core.

First of all, who is this "Billy"?  And why is it so important that he hold on to Phil's number?  Clearly this is a critical matter, for it comprises the title of the song.  We learn that it's because "you're not anywhere that I can't find you".  Well, if Billy can be found so easily, then what possible difference could it make if he lost Phil's number?  Phil can find Billy anytime he wants!

Actually, upon further review, the lyric is "you're not anywhere that I CAN find you".  So never mind about any of that.

The video is a parody of other videos, with several directors pitching ideas to the performer.  In between pitches, we see many ideas acted out.  My favorite is when he’s in an all-white suit with a top hat and cane, walking by models on the beach, a la David Lee Roth in California Girls.

Finally, I can’t get Blogger’s poll widget to work.  So unfortunately we might not have any more polls.  The people’s favorite song of 1985 may have to remain a mystery.

#37 - We Are The World

Artist: USA For Africa

Album: We Are The World
Video: From YouTube.  The original MTV video solicits donations to an address on Wilshire Blvd.

This band, USA For Africa, was really great in 1985.  If only they had stayed together, they could have been amazing.  Bunch of massive egos consumed with their "solo projects".

Seriously though, it's incredible to see all this talent together in one place.  Superheroes joining forces for a good cause.  Sure the song itself is kind of cheesy, but it's instantly recognizable all these years later.

"We Are The World" spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.  USA For Africa raised over $50 million dollars for humanitarian aid to African countries.

Between the performers, a clear hierarchy emerges: the masses in the chorus, stars who are granted a solo verse, and finally the superstars who deliver their own distinctive "We Are The World" chorus.  That elite status is granted to five performers: Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles.  Upper echelon all-time greats, every single one.

It's just compelling to watch every single person in this video.  Everyone you see has made a unique and lasting contribution to the majesty of rock 'n' roll.  And really, when you think about it, they are all absolutely correct.  We ARE the world.  We ARE the children.

#38 - Summer Of '69

Artist: Bryan Adams

Album: Reckless
Video: From YouTube.

This is the second time an artist has had back-to-back videos in the countdown.  It will happen twice more before we're all done.

"Summer of '69" is a song that always gets me pumped, right from the driving guitar riff that starts it off.  It conjures up the feeling of the best summer ever, the last one before you're forced to confront the responsibilities of adulthood.  It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The debate has raged as to whether the song is about the summer of 1969, or the act of 69.  Adams has asserted the latter, but co-writer and longtime Adams collaborator Jim Vallance offers a straightforward interpretation.  The Vallance link includes insights on many other songs the two wrote together, including "Somebody".  I wish I had discovered it early enough to reference in the last post.

The video captures the camaraderie and good times of adolescence.  Hanging out with friends, falling in love, eluding the cops.  Great scenes throughout.  It was nominated for a 1985 MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video.

Finally, you will notice there is no poll to vote on right now.  I've been having trouble creating a new one, Blogger keeps giving me an unhelpful error message.  I will keep trying though.

Also, I am hopeful that I will be able to post more regularly from now on.

#39 - Somebody

Artist: Bryan Adams

Album: Reckless
Video: From YouTube.

Here's a fun game: get some friends together and watch this video.  Every time Bryan Adams pumps his fist, take a drink.  Have a designated driver and paramedics standing by.

“Somebody” is the second of three Bryan Adams’ videos in the countdown.  One of several hits on the “Reckless” album, it peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It’s a pretty straightforward good-time rocker: simple repetitive chorus, infectious guitar hook, easy to sing along.

There is also a classic Depeche Mode song with the same title, released right around the same time.  Which “Somebody” is better?  You decide.

The video for the Bryan Adams song is a live concert performance.  Just Bryan in jeans and a white t-shirt rockin’ out with the band.  And the crowd is going CRAZY.  They are relentless in their lust and adoration.

Finally, note that the new poll is a bit unusual.  All of the choices for favorite song have already survived a cut.  It will get tougher as we narrow down to a single greatest song of 1985.  You can hardly contain your excitement, can you?

#40 - Take On Me

Artist: a-ha

Album: Hunting High And Low
Video: From YouTube, with over 32,000 comments!  Most are insane, but still.

It's great to be back, especially since today I get to write about one of my all-time favorite videos.  I find it impossible to hear this song without thinking of its accompanying love story adventure in comic book form.

By far a-ha’s most memorable song, “Take On Me” inspires instant nostalgia from the opening notes. It is a light-hearted, upbeat tune about taking a chance on a lover.  It reached the top of the pops.

The most decorated band ever to come out of Norway, a-ha has achieved great success internationally.  Their first eight albums all reached #1 in their home country.  The ninth album stalled at #2.  I guess they’re just not what they used to be.

a-ha’s only American hits were featured on their 1985 debut album (“The Sun Always Shines On T.V.” reached #20).  While the band never again sniffed the top 40 in America, they had dozens of hits internationally over a twenty-five year period.

The legacy of “Take On Me” is one of the most memorable videos of all-time, which won six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986.  It features a young woman who becomes a character in the comic book story she is reading.  The band members are featured as animated characters and also enter the live action world. 

Gotta disappear for a little while.

Hey 1985 Music Fans,

I have a family situation that needs my full attention for a while.  I won't be blogging for a few days, maybe longer.  Don't despair, though - I shall return to finish off the rest of the countdown.  40 more to go!

#41 - Everything She Wants

Artist: Wham!

Album: Make It Big
Video: From YouTube.

This is an awesome song and video.  Yeah, I’ve been saying that a lot lately.  Get used to it.

“Everything She Wants” was the third consecutive #1 single for Wham!, from the "Make It Big" album.  It’s about a man who is fed up with his woman, who can’t be satisfied despite spending every penny he earns on lord knows what.  There are several factors contributing to the awesomeness here:

1) Extended lyrics in the video, which are not included in the album’s audio track.  George Michael kicks his anger and dismay up a notch, ranting about how this gold digger is bleeding him dry.

2) The "work to give you money" background lyric in the chorus.  Who says Andrew Ridgeley was the weak sister?

3) The band’s name is chanted in the chorus.  Real fans of this song know this.  The evidence is at 5:27 in the video clip.  "Wham!  Wham!"  I'd like to see Thompson Twins try getting away with that.

As for the video, it’s a live performance from a concert, apparently the opening song.  George & Andrew appear mostly as floating heads, in silhouette in front of the crowd.  The money falling from the sky is a nice touch.  Overall, the video does an excellent job of expressing a catharsis: the moment of realization that a partner is bad news and it's time to move on.

#42 - Everytime You Go Away

Artist: Paul Young

Album: The Secret Of Association
Video: From DailyMotion.

The original version of this song was forgettable.  Written by Daryl Hall, it first appeared on the Hall & Oates album "Voices" in 1980.  However, Paul Young’s 1985 cover version was awesome, and it soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The toppermost of the poppermost!

“Everytime You Go Away” was also Paul Young’s greatest musical accomplishment.  His greatest accomplishment ever might have been that mullet, but this song was right up there.  He is also an accomplished chef.

In 1985 I purchased "The Secret Of Association" album, solely on the strength of this song.  It’s actually a solid effort throughout, with several tracks that were unheralded but quite good.  The album also included one other top 20 hit, "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down”.

As for “Everytime You Go Away”, it’s a song about deep longing, and being literally broken up by the absence of a lover.  I heard one suggestion that it was about cannibalism.  But that notion is so ridiculous that I will not mention it. 

In the video, Young delivers a live performance with unbridled enthusiasm, racing across the stage and dancing excitedly to the delight of the adoring crowd.  His voice has a pleading quality, and you can hear the pain of isolation in his voice.  It’s simply a wonderful ballad.  And you can tell that the chicks dig it.

#43 - Glory Days

Artist: Bruce Springsteen

Album: Born In The U.S.A.
Video: From YouTube.

This song is special for me because it features one of my all-time favorite performers, singing about baseball, my favorite sport.

In “Glory Days”, Springsteen lionizes characters from his youth, reminiscing about their heroic adventures back in the day.  The mood of the song is upbeat and joyous, even celebratory.  It was the fifth of seven top 10 singles from the classic “Born In The U.S.A.” album, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In the video, Bruce portrays a baseball player.  He seems to be assuming the persona of the character in the opening verse, the one who “could throw that speedball by you”.  He throws from a bucket of balls at a backstop, and while he talks to his son in the closing scene, it is revealed that he is pitching an imaginary baseball game.  He was pretending to pitch against the San Diego Padres and was beaten by Graig Nettles in the bottom of the ninth.

It is interesting because when I think of Graig Nettles, it is almost exclusively as the Yankees third baseman on the 1977 and 1978 World Series winning teams.  But Nettles was shipped to San Diego by George Steinbrenner after writing a tell-all book bashing the cantankerous owner.  In 1984, his first year with the Padres, he had a productive season and returned to the World Series.  A slugger and an excellent fielder, he played well into his forties.

Springsteen performed “Glory Days” at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.  Unfortunately, he bastardized the lyrics, turning the hero into a football player who knew how to throw that "Hail Mary".  But still, a great song by one of 1985's music heroes.

#44 - Separate Lives

Artist: Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin

Album: White Nights Soundtrack
Video: From YouTube.

OK, now the songs are really getting good.  Forty-four songs left, hardly any more duds in the bunch.

"Separate Lives" is the only male-female duet in this countdown.  Written by Stephen Bishop, who also performed the love theme from “Tootsie”, the emotionally charged lyrics touch a deep reservoir of sadness.  I think it's far superior to "Say You, Say Me", the other hit from the movie White Nights.  Both songs reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It is also the second Phil Collins duet that has been featured.  Here we see his serious, sorrowful side, very different from the upbeat, playful energy he had with Philip Bailey in "Easy Lover".

As for Marilyn Martin, she had only one other successful song in her career.  "Night Moves", from her debut solo album, was a top 30 hit in 1986.  After her second solo album didn't sell well, she worked as a backup vocalist for a while and then left the music business.  She is currently a realtor in Nashville, Tennessee.  Not many realtors have topped the pop charts.

The video is mostly footage from “White Nights”, combined with the lead singers in a large room with high ceilings and a piano.  Their voices blend together in a beautiful way.  You can really feel their heartache as they are forced to go on living separate lives.  Word to your mother.

#45 - Lay Your Hands On Me

Artist: Thompson Twins

Album: Here's To Future Days
Video: From DailyMotion.

I was not a fan of the Thompson Twins, to put it kindly.  "Doctor, Doctor" was all right, but I could not tolerate "Lay Your Hands On Me".  Hearing the opening notes of this song caused a Pavlovian reaction which had me reaching for the dial (or remote, as the case may have been).

In fact, I am quite displeased that I was forced to hear it again all these years later.  The things I do for you people.

Anyway, "Lay Your Hands On Me" was the highest charting single from the “Here’s To Future Days” album, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Three years later, Bon Jovi released a song with the same title which I enjoyed very much.  I even thought about blogging about that song instead in this spot, just to see if anyone would notice.

I didn’t like the way the lyric “lay your hands on me” was sung.  I also didn’t like the “woo woo woo” in the chorus.  I just didn’t like it at all.

The video is boring.  It does include a xylophone and a string quartet, though.  So that’s pretty cool.  But I still don’t like it.

#46 - Dancing In The Street

Artist: David Bowie & Mick Jagger

Album: None.  Released as a single only.
Video: From YouTube.

Here’s a song I didn’t care for in 1985, which I have grudgingly come to appreciate.  At the time, I had no idea that it was performed by two rock ‘n’ roll legends.  I just thought it was by the guys who sang "This Is Not America" and "Lucky In Love".

A remake of the 1964 Martha and the Vandellas classic, “Dancing In The Street” was recorded as part of the Live Aid concert.  The song was going to be performed live, with David Bowie in London and Mick Jagger in the U.S., but a delay with the satellite linkup nixed that plan.  Instead they recorded the song and video in one day in London, with the profits donated to the Live Aid charity for Ethiopian famine.

“Dancing In The Street” peaked at #7 in the U.S. and topped the singles chart in three other countries.  The opening is a roll call of famous countries and cities, a technique also used in James Brown’s “Living In America” and Huey Lewis & The News’ “The Heart Of Rock ‘n’ Roll”.  It’s a nice trick for the band to substitute the name of the town they are in while performing live, and always guaranteed to get a big reaction.

It’s a feel-good song, and also I suppose a redeeming effort for both Bowie and Jagger, who didn’t make their best music during this time period (to put it kindly).  And you can’t really watch them prance through this video without thinking, did they or didn't they?

The video is pure showmanship by two of the most flamboyant rockers ever.  Mick is just strutting and dancing and doing that inimitable Mick Jagger thing.  Not to be outdone, Bowie leaps into the video from a staircase and tries to out-Mick his partner with his own movements and antics.  True to the title, they spend the entire video dancing on a variety of streets, roads and boulevards.  They look like they’re having a blast.

#47 - Lovin' Every Minute Of It

Artist: Loverboy

Album: Lovin' Every Minute Of It
Video: From DailyMotion.

What is this “It” which Loverboy is lovin’ every minute of?   Parading down a hallway with a disturbing lack of chest covering?  The lyrics are not helping me understand. They are quite inane.

While this isn't the first appearance of "Loverboy" in this blog, it is the first time this '80s power pop group has been featured.  I always wished that Loverboy would record a song called "Billy Ocean".  Who’s with me?  Anybody?

“Lovin’ Every Minute Of It” peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.  But the real story is the video.  It is chock full of unintentional comedy.  I was shocked and delighted to find that it included an extended opening which wasn’t originally shown on MTV.

I have no idea when the linked video above was recorded, but it appears to feature Zach Galifianakis from The Hangover.  Obviously not from 1985.  I’m completely bamboozled by this.  I couldn’t find out any information to clear up my befuddlement.

Basically, the extended opening features a Holiday Inn lounge act covering “Working For The Weekend”, in a scene that looks straight out of Pulp Fiction.  Or any David Lynch movie.  The bizarre scene causes Zach to set down his drink and pick up a red push button wall phone (he doesn’t dial).  Cut to the camera zooming in on an open window as the phone rings. 

That’s when the original video seen on MTV in 1985 begins.  God, what a scene.  Loverboy and their groupies, just partying.  Not just partying, it’s the greatest party ever.  Romping through the halls, playing strip poker, everyone leaving chaos in their wake.  Serving drinks is Jenilee Harrison, who played Cindy on “Three’s Company”.  She receives a tip from lead singer Mike Reno in the cleavage of her sexy waitress outfit.  Good for Loverboy.  “Lovin’ Every Minute Of It”, indeed.

#48 - A View To A Kill

Artist: Duran Duran

Album: A View To A Kill Soundtrack
Video: From DailyMotion.

We have already seen Duran Duran broken down into its component parts.  Now, we get to see the total package.

"A View To A Kill" was recorded in London with a 60-piece orchestra.  The song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time as the band’s performance at Live Aid.  It was the last single recorded by the original Duran Duran lineup until their reunion over fifteen years later. 

Minus lead guitarist Andy Taylor, the original group is still together today.  Later this month, they will perform at the London Summer Olympics opening ceremony.

Of course, “A View To A Kill” is also featured in a James Bond movie of the same name.  It remains the only James Bond theme song to reach #1.  I’m not personally a fan of spy movies.

If I were a James Bond fan, I might think this was one of the greatest videos of all time.    The band members cavort through Paris as spies and assassins, taking part in all sorts of crazy schemes.  Simon Le Bon has a great spoof on Bond’s signature introduction at the end of the video – “Bon, Simon Le Bon” – just before he accidentally sets off an explosion at the Eiffel Tower.  The video was directed by Godley & Creme, who recorded this classic.

#49 - I'm On Fire

Artist: Bruce Springsteen

Album: Born In The U.S.A.
Video: From YouTube.

This song was featured on the very first album I ever bought (actually a cassette tape).  Bruce Springsteen was, and remains, an all-time favorite of mine.  I've been lucky to see him perform live three times.  Nobody is better in concert than Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.

New Jersey’s working class hero initially burst into the public consciousness with the 1975 masterpiece “Born To Run”.  Ten years later, his popularity peaked again on a much larger scale with the “Born In The U.S.A.” album.  Baseball, apple pie, Bruce Springsteen and all that.

The album produced a record-tying seven top 10 singles, including “I’m On Fire”, the fourth single released.  A spare, haunting track featuring little more than Bruce’s vocals and a synthesizer, it peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song has been covered by dozens of artists, ranging from Johnny Cash to John Mayer to Tori Amos.

Clearly, “I’m On Fire” is about a man wrestling with his prurient urges.  But the dark and suggestive lyrics leave the song’s deeper meaning up for debate.  Taken literally, it can be inferred that the protagonist is a pedophile.  I disagree.  I happen to believe the song is multi-layered.

The video won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video in 1985.  The Boss gets to demonstrate some acting chops, portraying an auto mechanic tormented by his desire for a leggy female customer in a white Ford Thunderbird. 

Returning her car, he drives through the city and arrives at her mansion in the hills.  He walks up the stairs to her door and gazes into her open window.  He begins to ring the doorbell, but instead just smiles and shakes his head, placing the keys in her mailbox and walking away.  It’s an interesting look at Bruce’s shy and uncertain side.

#50 - Too Late For Goodbyes

Artist: Julian Lennon

Album: Valotte
Video: From YouTube.

Here's a fun fact: Julian Lennon's father also played music.  Amazing, huh?

In fact, Julian achieved mainstream success at a younger age than The Great John Lennon.  He was just 21 when "Valotte" was released.  It was the best album he ever recorded, and his musical career didn’t develop very much after that.  "Too Late For Goodbyes" was his highest charting single, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song has a light and upbeat tempo.  "Valotte" is my favorite song of Julian's, but this one holds its own.  I can definitely hear the family resemblance in the quality of his voice. It just kills me to think of all the great music the world was gypped out of by John’s murder.

While "Too Late For Goodbyes" was on the charts, Julian stated that the lyrics were about a breakup with a girlfriend.  But many have speculated that the song is a reaction to his feelings of being abandoned by his father.  It must be a difficult road to hoe, being the offspring of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s all-time greatest.  I give him credit for choosing a music career and thriving in the face of the constant comparisons.

There’s not much going on in the video, just Julian performing with the band in an empty auditorium.  Every once in a while we see a guy in the hallway, goofing around, making funny movements.  Could it be…?  Nah…

The Forgotten Hits of 1985

In 1985, twenty-seven songs reached #1 in the Billboard Hot 100.  I've already written about five of them.  Twenty more will be featured among the top 50 videos of this countdown.  But there were two #1 hits that didn't make the MTV Top 100 countdown at all.

The first was Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love For You". Whitney had a huge 1985, as she rose to international prominence with her self-titled debut album.  This song was just the first of a record seven consecutive #1 hits.

The second was Jan Hammer’s instrumental Miami Vice Theme.  To date, it is the last instrumental song to top the chart.  The Miami Vice soundtrack ruled the album charts for eleven weeks in 1985.

I don’t know why these songs didn't make the MTV countdown.  I remember "Saving All My Love" playing on VH-1 all the time.  Was there some exclusivity governing which channel got to play videos back then?  I’m not sure how that would have worked.  I recall the "How Will I Know" video being played in heavy rotation on MTV.

I wondered if it could be because the songs reached #1 late in 1985, so maybe they were part of the 1986 countdown.  But they are not.  And several songs that topped the charts after these two are included in the 1985 countdown.

So, even though these two #1 songs were neglected in MTV’s honor roll, they find their proper recognition where it counts.  Here.  I believe Whitney would have been proud.

#51 - Heaven

Artist: Bryan Adams

Album: Reckless
Video: From YouTube.

Bryan Adams is one of many great rock stars from Canada.  I was always a big fan.  "Reckless" was one of the first albums I ever bought.  When I was 14 I went to Target and bought my first six music cassette tapes for $40.  They were: 


"Born In The U.S.A." - Bruce Springsteen
"Vital Signs" - Survivor
"Standing On The Edge" - Cheap Trick
"No Jacket Required" - Phil Collins
"Like A Virgin" - Madonna
"Reckless" - Bryan Adams

So how about a "first albums" tag for this blog?  Great idea.  Done.

"Heaven" made it all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It’s kind of like a soft rock song with lyrics about a man unable to believe how lucky he is to be with his woman.  But it also has elements of a power ballad, with a stellar drum riff leading into the chorus, an understated but excellent lead guitar, and Adams’ gravelly voice completing the package.  It’s a hybrid soft rock power ballad.  Totally awesome.

The video features Adams alone on stage, singing to an auditorium with seats filled with televisions.  Adoring fans fill the screens.  In the end, we see him sleeping in front of the TV, the picture having turned to snow.   Was it all a dream?  Is he actually in Heaven?
 
And with that, this blog is halfway finished.  Tomorrow, I have a surprise for you.

#52 - Easy Lover

Artist: Philip Bailey & Phil Collins

Album: Chinese Wall
Video: From YouTube.

Ah, “Easy Lover”.  She’ll get a hold on you, believe it! 

This is a great tune by two key members of legendary bands.  Phil Collins of Genesis and Philip Bailey from Earth, Wind & Fire both bring their A game.  The song is about a woman whose carefree attitude towards romance ends in heartbreak for her lovers.  She’s an easy lover as in “easy come, easy go”. 

“Easy Lover” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in three countries.  It won an MTV Video Music Award.  Perhaps most importantly, it was frequently used in television ads promoting the very first WrestleMania.

1985 was a very busy year for both artists.  Most 80’s music fans know that Phil Collins released his most successful album, “No Jacket Required”, in 1985.  But Philip Bailey also released a gospel album that year, “The Wonders Of His Love”, right on the heels of 1984’s “Chinese Wall”.

The video features a lot of goofing around between the two Phils.  It’s a video about the making of the video, as we see them rehearsing, dancing and getting made up in the dressing room.  It is enjoyable to see how much fun these guys had working together.

#53 - Tough All Over

Artist: John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

Album: Tough All Over
Video: From YouTube.

This band is most famous for performing in the Eddie and the Cruisers movies.  They also contributed songs to two Sylvester Stallone movie soundtracks: Rocky IV ("Heart's On Fire") and Cobra ("Voice of America's Sons").  Although they still perform live today, they have not released a studio album since the 80's. 

I used to get John Cafferty mixed up with John Fogerty, just because their names sounded so similar.  He's actually more like a poor man's Bruce Springsteen.

"Tough All Over" peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It’s not a bad song.  It's not really that good either.  I would rate it decidedly adequate.  Does it deserve to be ranked higher than Material Girl and every other video we've talked about so far?  Hmmmm.

The video is mostly a live performance, mixed with scenes from the band's hometown of Narragansett, Rhode Island. 

Finally, you might have noticed a new poll is up.  Since this blog is nearly half finished, we will have to seriously pick up the pace if we're going to crown a best song of 1985 winner.

#54 - Material Girl

Artist: Madonna

Album: Like A Virgin
Video: From YouTube.

“Material Girl”, of course, is a nickname that has stuck with Madonna for decades.  For this reason she has expressed regret over recording the song, but I’m certainly glad she did.  It’s top shelf.

This is the third of four Madonna videos in the 1985 MTV Top 100 countdown.  She also had a fifth smash hit in 1985 that is not included, “Into The Groove”.  That might be my favorite Madonna song of all.

However, she’s not the artist with the most videos in this countdown.  Someone else has five.  Can you guess who it is? 

"Material Girl" peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song has a lasting legacy, both as a celebration of 80’s excess and an assault on mindless consumerism.  Academic stuffed shirts can continue to debate its meaning.  I just think it’s playful and catchy.  Not to mention the effect that the 1985 Madonna had on a 15-year-old boy.  Yipe!

The video pays homage to Marilyn Monroe's performance of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend"  in the film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".  Clad in hot pink dress, fancy jewelry and furs, she coyly rebuffs the advances of a legion of tuxedo-clad men who shower her with gifts.  Although the video is basically a remake, Madonna puts her unique stamp on it.

In the end of the video, the twist is revealed.  Madonna is not a material girl after all.  She is won over by Keith Carradine and his simple flowers and pick-up truck.

#55 - Cannonball

Artist: Supertramp

Album: Brother Where You Bound
Video: From YouTube.

I was not aware of this song in 1985.  In fact, it has managed to escape my consciousness completely until right now.

It was years before I became aware of Supertramp at all, since the band's greatest successes occurred before I discovered music.  I have a greatest hits collection of theirs which I like, but I've never been a huge fan.  I appreciate their work, they've just never really struck a chord with me.

"Cannonball" was not a tremendous hit, although I do enjoy the horn section.  It only reached #28 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song is about a betrayal of trust.  Maybe I’m naïve, but I was really hoping it had something to do with the Cannonball Run movies with Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise.  Apparently there is no connection whatsoever.  That's a shame.

The video features a caveman as the main character, which is nice; it’s been eight videos since we’ve seen cave dwellers.  He is quite agitated, taking part in one chase scene after another with no discernible goal.  The “Brother Where You Bound” album features a caveman on the cover, so there is probably a connection there, but I wasn’t able to discover it.  I’d be interested to hear what it is.

And, unless I missed it, there is not a cannonball to be found.  What a gyp.

#56 - Raspberry Beret

Artist: Prince

Album: Around The World In A Day
Video: From DailyMotion.  Prince doesn't do YouTube.

Prince has always been one of my favorites.  I attended the Lovesexy tour in 1988 when he played about 40 songs.  The only problem was he couldn't seem to finish a song, after a couple of minutes he would segue right into the next one.

I even visited his store in his hometown of Minneapolis, which no longer exists.  It was full of all kinds of memorabilia from his concerts and films.

This little purple man is extremely prolific, having composed over 1,000 songs.  To me, his greatest works come from the mid 80's.  The "Around The World In A Day" album was a bit weak to me, but maybe that’s just in comparison to the epic albums immediately preceding it (“1999” and “Purple Rain”).

Lyrically, Prince is at his best with “Raspberry Beret”.  The song features some of his richest storytelling, with colorful characters described in vivid detail.  Combine that with a groovy, funky beat, you have one of his greatest songs.  It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The video is equally colorful, filled with bright purples, pinks and blues.  Prince wears a sky blue outfit with clouds.  Also included is a cartoon sequence that illustrates the narrative.

#57 - Invincible

Artist: Pat Benatar

Album: Legend Of Billie Jean Soundtrack
Video: From YouTube.

This is the second consecutive song from a powerhouse female artist which is also featured on a movie soundtrack.  First Mad Max, now Billie Jean.  I love it.

Pat Benatar always seemed like she could kick some ass if the situation called for it.  She conveys an interesting mixture of rebelliousness and vulnerability, as well as a sense of danger.  On this song in particular, she sings with conviction and intensity.  I was a fan.

"Invincible" peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is an inspirational song about fighting for your beliefs.  It was also featured on the "Seven The Hard Way" album.  But first, it was the theme from the movie “The Legend Of Billie Jean".

A box-office flop, the film later became a cult classic.  Benatar hated the movie, often introducing this song in concert with "This is from the worst movie ever made".  I never saw it, but now I'll have to check it out.  It is also Christian Slater's feature film debut.

The video includes a montage of scenes from the film along with tight close-ups of Benatar singing, and the band performing sans audience.  Hot pinks and bright oranges are featured liberally; her eye shadow, blouse, lipstick, and the fiery backgrounds.

"We can't afford to be innocent”…

#58 - We Don't Need Another Hero

Artist: Tina Turner

Album: Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome Soundtrack
Video: From YouTube.

The owner of the most famous legs in show biz, Tina Turner was at the pinnacle of her commercial success in 1985.

Fresh off the heels of the multi-platinum album “Private Dancer”, Tina landed a role as the lead actress in “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome”.  One of her contributions to the soundtrack, “We Don’t Need Another Hero” shot all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

With its insistent and driving chorus, the song has an anthemic quality.  I definitely enjoyed it, I even think I may have underrated it at the time.  And when I went to college at UC Santa Barbara, the basketball team played in a stadium known as "The Thunderdome".  So there was also that connection.

I didn’t see any of the Mad Max movies, I was more of a “Lethal Weapon” guy.  So I couldn’t really appreciate the scenes from the movie which comprise most of the video.  I didn’t even realize that she was one of the stars until I did research, as she doesn't appear in any of the film scenes.  That really is some getup she's wearing.  And those crazy earrings?!  Damn.

Finally, the video ends with a children’s choir joining in the chorus.  I think anytime you can add a children’s choir to a pop song, that is a nice touch.

#59 - Things Can Only Get Better

Artist: Howard Jones

Album: Dream Into Action
Video: From YouTube.

Yes, Howie is here to save us!  As an astute reader guessed, I cryptically foreshadowed the appearance of this song in my last post.

"Things Can Only Get Better" is such a happy and optimistic song.  It's about having the courage to pursue your dreams and living each day as if it was your last.  The jubilant wordless chorus is a generational call to arms.

The song is one of two top 5 hits that Howard Jones recorded in his career, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  His first two albums were his best, "Human's Lib" and "Dream Into Action".  In the fall of 2011, he toured and performed each track on these classic 80's albums in their entirety.  I wish I had known at the time, that would have been an awesome show to see.

The video includes many hues of orange, including Jones’ snazzy jacket and coiffure.  We see our hero preparing for a show and delivering a live performance.  Keeping with the upbeat theme, several colorful characters are featured, including a Charlie Chaplin impersonator and a board-breaking ninja.

Finally…I thought for sure I’d be writing the poll’s obituary, but you all have saved it for now.  Three votes in the last poll were barely enough to declare a winner.  A new poll is up.  It may be this blog’s last, we’ll have to see the response.

#60 - Face The Face

Artist: Pete Townshend

Album: White City
Video: From YouTube.

In 1985, I disliked this song more than any other.  I think what disturbed me the most was the cadence.  The way “Face The Face” was repeated over and over with no variation, like a needle stuck on a record.  You young-uns may not have experienced that before.  I can promise it’s not a pleasant listening experience.

Later, I would learn that Pete Townshend was also in a band called The Who, and made some decent music at one time.

Today?  I feel the same way.  Fingernails on a chalkboard.  We will move on.

I have to believe that things can only get better.

#61 - The Big Money

Artist: Rush

Album: Power Windows
Video: From DailyMotion.

MTV referred to this song as "Big Money", although its correct title is "The Big Money".  It is the second consecutive song on this countdown to miss Billboard's top 40, peaking at #45.

The song’s title comes from a 1936 novel written by John Dos Passos, one of the great novelists and poets of the Lost Generation.  How progressive of Rush.

I respect Rush for their influence and craftsmanship over the course of a 40+ year career.  However, I am not a huge fan personally.  Their music has never really spoken to me.  I like a few of their songs though, “Tom Sawyer” in particular.

The video features computer graphics that were cutting edge for the time, but appear quite dated today.  The band is performing on a huge Monopoly board, which is awesome. 

But I think if a music video is going to feature Monopoly, they should totally commit to it.  I want to see the thimble, the wheelbarrow, the shoe and the racecar.  This guy should make an appearance...is that too much to ask?

#62 - After The Fire

Artist: Roger Daltrey

Album: Under A Raging Moon
Video: From YouTube.

Not only is Roger Daltrey the lead singer and founder of The Who, he is also an accomplished actor.  His solo album "Under A Raging Moon" was named in a tribute to the late Who drummer Keith Moon.

"After The Fire" received a fair amount of airplay on MTV, but the single missed the top 40 completely, peaking at #48.  I could never quite decide whether I found this song adequate, mildly annoying, or if I was totally indifferent.

Now, I think it’s mildly annoying.  For one thing, I find fault with the premise.  “After the fire, the fire still burns”?  How can the fire continue to burn, if it has been established that the fire has in fact completed?

Also, can someone explain to me why the lyrics reference both Matt Dillon and Dom DeLuise?  I’m so confused.

The video features a raging inferno and various volcanic images.  I enjoy that.  However, I do not enjoy the extreme close-ups on Daltrey’s sweaty mug.  And that open shirt is really bugging me.  Clean up yer act, mister.

#63 - Loverboy

Artist: Billy Ocean

Album: Suddenly
Video: From DailyMotion.  Beware of the 30-second commercial intro.

Billy Ocean's birth name is Leslie Sebastian Charles.  I think choosing "Billy Ocean" as a stage name was a great move.

I liked some of Billy’s songs all right, but he was a little bit too VH-1 for me.  “Loverboy” was one that I enjoyed.  Compared to many of his other hits, this was a hard rocker.  I like that he expresses a clear, unmistakable desire to be “loverboy” to the woman he is singing about.

Here's an interesting fact about Billy Ocean's chart success: he has had three #1 hits, and the title of each of those songs is exactly eight words long.  I leave it to you to look up the names.  This one-word hit nearly crashed that party, peaking at #2.

The video includes many interesting looking, uh, creatures.  Apparently this is some type of homage to Star Wars.  I didn’t get that since I’m not a fan of that movie.  To me, it looked more like the Muppets on an acid trip.  My favorite scene is the odd, cartoonish-looking horse galloping across the ocean in the opening scene.  The closing beach shot provides a nice bookend to the story.

Lastly, please remember to vote in the poll shown on the upper-right portion of the blog.  I've been extending the ending time of these polls because not many people are voting.  Every vote counts, and your vote will ultimately help determine the blog's favorite song of 1985.

#64 - Rhythm Of The Night

Artist: DeBarge

Album: Rhythm Of The Night
Video: From YouTube.

“Rhythm Of The Night” was another favorite of mine.  An easy, breezy, carefree song about going out and having a good time.

In 1985, I imagined that an exciting night out looked exactly like this video.  Dancing in the streets, stopping traffic, skipping in perfect choreography.  The promise of celebration and romance.  Obviously, I never went out.

The sibling act DeBarge was at the peak of their success in 1985 with the “Rhythm Of The Night” album.  With El DeBarge on lead vocals, the title track peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The following year, El left the group to record a successful solo album, and DeBarge the family act disbanded shortly after that.

Since the height of their success, the DeBarge family has provided enough material for several seasons worth of reality shows.  Several siblings have battled drug addiction.  James DeBarge reportedly had a secret love child with Janet Jackson.  Sadly, Bobby DeBarge died of AIDS in 1995. 

But I will always remember the DeBarge five cruising the streets, and forgetting about the worries on their minds.  Because you can leave them all behind.


#65 - The Boys Of Summer

Artist: Don Henley

Album: Building The Perfect Beast
Video: From DailyMotion.

This is one of my all-time favorite songs.  It was like a "gateway drug" that led to my discovery of the Eagles' classic tunes.  It was a rare positive 1985 introduction to a rock 'n' roll legend.

"The Boys Of Summer" peaked at #5 in the Billboard Hot 100.  Filled with beautifully poetic lyrics, the song is a melancholy lament of lost youth and innocence.  The “Dead-Head sticker on a Cadillac” line is a condemnation of yuppie hypocrisy.

The video won the MTV Video of the Year award in 1985.  So why isn't it #1 in the countdown?  Or at least in the top 64?  The order of MTV's list continues to baffle me.

Shot entirely in black and white, this is one of MTV's classic videos.  We see a number of scenes in which Henley appears to hover above Los Angeles.  He is actually being filmed while riding in the back of a pickup truck. 

The enduring image is of two young lovers running and playing on the beach.  It recurs as if it were a memory of the video's characters, who appear haunted and touched by the theme of lost innocence.  In particular, the small, intense-looking boy playing drums bears a striking resemblance to Henley.

I saw Don Henley live during the "End Of The Innocence" tour in 1989.  It was a terrific show, much better than the disappointing and overhyped Eagles' "Hell Freezes Over" tour, which devoted a ridiculous amount of time to the individual band members singing their solo hits.  Seriously, I paid a premium for Eagles tickets so I could hear Joe Walsh sing "Ordinary Average Guy"?  If you're going to get the band back together, sing the songs that made the band great in the first place.