On New Year's Eve, 1985, MTV broadcast a special countdown featuring the top 100 videos of the year. This blog features an in-depth review of those videos.
I began blogging last year, reviewing the video that placed at #100, and then #99 and so forth each succeeding day. I lost steam along the way, and after #40 or so my postings became less frequent, but I finally did finish the blog yesterday with a review of the #1 video.
I want to thank each of you who have shared my journey through the top videos of 1985. It's been a lot of fun! And for those of you arriving here for the first time, please continue and enjoy the top 100 videos of 1985!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
#1 - Money For Nothing
Album: Brothers In Arms
Video: From YouTube.
It seems appropriate that MTV’s best video of 1985 would refer to the music video channel right there in the lyrics. We all wanted our MTV, and Dire Straits delivered it better than anyone else with this all-time classic.
"Money For Nothing" was inspired by the true rantings of an appliance store worker overheard by lead singer Mark Knopfler. In the electronics section of the store where Knopfler was shopping with his wife, all the TV’s were tuned to MTV, and this guy was reeling off line after classic line. Knopfler grabbed a pen, and the rest was history.
Also featured in the song is Sting, who contributed the "I Want My MTV" line, which is sung to the tune of the Police hit "Don't Stand So Close To Me". That makes Sting a contributor to three songs in this countdown’s top ten. Sting was actually embarrassed to be given a co-writing credit on this song, but his publishing company insisted.
It’s definitely a worthy choice for #1, spending 17 weeks on the weekly countdown. I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t fully appreciate this song in its time. A killer guitar hook backs some of the 80’s best lyrics. "Money for nothing, chicks for free"…what a great way to sum up the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. So you get a blister on your little finger, big deal. Meanwhile, we got to install these microwave ovens.
Dire Straits experienced a great deal of backlash with regards to some of the racier lyrics, especially the “little faggot” line which was edited out of most radio versions of the song. The line was included during the airing of the 1985 MTV countdown show, however.
And as if all that wasn’t enough, the video is an absolute classic in its own right. It was the first MTV video ever to feature computer generated human characters. The appliance store workers are played by a thick blue guy with a beard, and a skinny pink guy with overalls. The skinny guy has an awesome pixelated dog. State-of-the-art 1985 animation.
Well, that’s it for the blog. It’s been fun reviewing all these great 1985 videos with y'all. I'll wrap up with some final comments tomorrow. If you're coming across this for the first time, you're in for a treat. Please continue browsing the rest of the top 100.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
#2 - We Built This City
Album: Knee Deep In The Hoopla
Video: From YouTube.
Twenty years after their original formation as Jefferson Airplane, the band Starship ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “We Built This City”. Nearly thirty years following that, confusion surrounds the song: is it awesome or horrible?
In 1985, I was firmly in the “awesome” camp. I heartily enjoyed Starship’s bold architectural claim. I delighted in the triumphant chorus, the brazenly ridiculous lyrics, the nonsensical video, and the cheerful radio DJ insert. Americans at large held a similar point of view, if the lofty #2 position on the MTV video countdown can be believed.
But popular opinion turned against this song over the years. In 2011, a Rolling Stone reader’s poll voted it as the worst song of the 80s by a landslide. And in 2004, the now-defunct Blender magazine ranked it as the worst song EVER.
If you google "we built this city worst song", many relevant websites will be returned. The vehement hatred expressed by many posters on message boards is alarming. I will admit that the song is difficult to listen to today. I guess some things just don't stand up to the test of time.
The video is sheer madness. Huge dice chasing people through the streets of Las Vegas, paying tribute at the Lincoln Memorial, plenty of mugging by Mickey Thomas and Grace Slick. It ends with the band and assorted hangers on rejoicing atop a huge scaffold overlooking a mashup of major American city skylines.
In the final analysis, “We Built This City” has my respect. Sure it’s kitsch, but Jefferson Starship (or whatever they’re called) really went for it. You gotta admire that.
Monday, May 20, 2013
#3 - Broken Wings
Album: Welcome To The Real World
Video: From DailyMotion.
This is actually a pretty good song, and it took me all these years to realize it. For you see, back in 1985 I had a vague distaste for all things Mr. Mister. Perhaps it was because of that silly name.
Ah, Mr. Mister. Their "Welcome To The Real World" album featured three top ten hits, including two #1 singles. And just like that, they were done. They never had another hit. The band members dispersed and became session musicians after breaking up in 1990. An odd fate, it seems.
But they will always have their greatest legacy, two back-to-back songs that ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. "Broken Wings" and "Kyrie" both had two week runs atop the pop charts. "Broken Wings" is based on a novel of the same name, written by Lebanese artist Khalil Gibran in 1912.
Lyrically, the song is a poetic mourning of a doomed relationship. The main hook of the chorus is borrowed from "Blackbird", one of the Beatles' most beautiful songs. "Take these broken wings and learn to fly." Paul McCartney tosses off the line lightly, while Richard Page draws it out.
The video primarily features Page driving, seemingly anguishing over his soon-to-be lost love. At one point he appears alone in the back pew of a church, and he shares a moment with a hawk that soars in through an open window. Lots of bird imagery throughout. Also notable is a couple dancing, shown only from the waist down. At the end, he drinks from an enormous canteen and litters.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
#4 - Lonely Ol' Night
Album: Scarecrow
Video: From YouTube.
"Lonely Ol' Night" was the first of five top 40 songs from John Cougar Mellencamp's wildly successful "Scarecrow" album.
The song was inspired by a Paul Newman line from "Hud", a movie Mellencamp enjoyed so much that he named one of his sons after the title. Newman's character actually says "it's a lonesome old night", but it sounds so much cooler when you drop the "d" in "old".
Growing up in 1985, this song never made an impression of me. In fact, if pressed I would say I didn't like it. However, after watching the video all these years later, I was surprised that I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. It's a simple song about feeling lonely and looking for a little company, if you know what I mean.
But the fourth best video of the year? No, that is just ridiculous, especially after all the awesomeness that is ranked in the lower spots. But such is the MTV countdown. This song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The video is another Indiana special, shot entirely in black and white. Most of the scenes take place at a county fair, and the vibe is captured perfectly with spinning rides and characters and fried goodness. Another great scene is Mellencamp playing guitar on a stoop with a porch swing and small amp. Groovy stuff.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
#5 - Don't You (Forget About Me)
Album: The Breakfast Club Soundtrack
Video: From YouTube.
Brat Pack anthems back-to-back! Love it. The song's actual title is simply "Don't You", although nobody calls it that. The "Forget About Me" portion is parenthetical.
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" is one of the 80's signature songs, and its lofty position on this countdown is well deserved. It was a #1 smash on the Billboard Hot 100. This is a classic goodbye song for graduation parties, kind of an upbeat yearbook K.I.T. message.
A karaoke favorite, the most fun parts to sing are the nonsense sounds, the "hey hey hey hey", the "whoo whoo whoa", and of course the "la la la la" coda. The latter was birthed because lead singer Jim Kerr was tired of trying to add new lyrics. Co-writer Keith Forsey had a tough time finding a band to record this song for the soundtrack, and Simple Minds only agreed to it reluctantly.
Of course, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" plays over the closing credits of "The Breakfast Club", one of director's John Hughes' greatest films. It features five teenagers forced to spend a Saturday together in detention: a princess (Molly Ringwald), a jock (Emilio Estevez), a brain (Anthony Michael Hall), a basket case (Ally Sheedy), and a criminal (Judd Nelson). Ringwald and Hall were the only Brat Packers who did not appear in St. Elmo's Fire.
The most memorable image from the video is Jim Kerr dancing in a large room with a checkerboard floor and a chandelier high above. The space is filled with a variety of unique objects, including trains, a stuffed bear, various toys, and a jukebox. There are surprisingly few clips from the Breakfast Club, only appearing sparingly on a number of TV screens that fill the room.
Monday, May 6, 2013
#6 - St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)
Album: St. Elmo's Fire Soundtrack
Video: From YouTube.
That's right, St. Elmo's Fire! With this song we have attained a new level of awesomeness.
The greatness of St. Elmo's Fire is multidimensional. First, we have a classic 80's movie which features a full six members of the Brat Pack, more than any other film. It follows the adventures of a group of best friends in the year after their college graduation from Georgetown.
Then there is the song itself, a motivational triumph written by David Foster, who also composed the “Love Theme From St. Elmo’s Fire”. Deservedly, it climbed the highest mountain, that being the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The “Man In Motion” subtitle references Canadian Paralympian Rick Hansen, who circled the world in his wheelchair to promote awareness for spinal cord injuries.
John Parr's music career was not especially lengthy or successful, but with this masterpiece he ensured an enduring legacy. He only had one other top 40 hit and had a ten year period in which he didn't record any music at all. In 2011, he forever tainted his classic by recording new lyrics referencing unemployed quarterback Tim Tebow. Whatever it takes to pay the bills, I guess.
The video is most outstanding for its inclusion of scenes from the film, allowing us to relive its greatest moments. Mixed in with the clips, Parr performs at the St. Elmo's bar which is the watering hole of the characters. We also see fire. The video ends with worlds colliding, as he interacts with the Brat Pack as if to become one of them.
Monday, April 29, 2013
#7 - Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Album: Songs From The Big Chair
Video: From DailyMotion.
This is the third and final Tears For Fears video on the countdown, topping off the best year of their career. Three videos placing in the top third of the countdown, not too shabby.
A fitting anthem for the Cold War era, "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" warns of the consequences of a mad quest for power. It has Big Brother-ish overtones, very appropriate for the time.
Amazingly, "EWTRTW" nearly didn’t make it on the album. It was the final song added and was recorded in only three days. It turned out to be the band's first number one song on the Billboard Hot 100, holding that position for two weeks. Oddly, the band never had a #1 hit in their home country, the U.K.
In the video, Curt Smith drives an antique sports car around the Southern California desert. Many interesting things are featured in the video, including life-sized dinosaurs, hawks, airplanes, dune buggies, a little boy in a cowboy outfit, and two dapper gentlemen dancing next to old style gas pumps.
One of the cities featured is Cabazon, which features a great grocery store called Hadley Fruit Orchards. Every time I drive through that area, I like to stop in and buy some dried fruits and nuts. Check it out.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
#8 - If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
Album: The Dream of the Blue Turtles
Video: From YouTube.
Back to back videos in the top ten are pretty impressive. So many artists appear in consecutive videos on this countdown (Phil Collins at 14/15, Bryan Adams at 38/39, Chicago at 75/76), it makes me wonder if MTV was just being lazy in making the rankings. Calibration, indeed.
Sting certainly had a busy 1985. In addition to launching his solo career with a Grammy nominated album, he starred in two films, performed at Live Aid, and sung the famous "I Want My MTV" line on Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing". He also had another kid that year.
"If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" has a jazzy and improvisational feel. His first American solo hit, it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's message is diametrically opposite to the haunting Police classic, "Every Breath You Take". It seems that Sting learned to be less possessive over the years.
As great as "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" album was, the 1987 follow-up "...Nothing Like The Sun" was a worthy successor. I saw Sting in concert during that tour, and I wore the T-shirt for years and years. Not consecutively, though.
The video is colorful, there is some kind of camera trickery going on. The band members are shot in such a way that they appear almost animated, moving in a herky jerky way. Then at random times they become translucent. It looks like the video takes place in a penthouse apartment.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
#9 - Fortress Around Your Heart
Album: The Dream of the Blue Turtles
Video: From YouTube.
Another debut on the countdown, this time from Sting. Fascinatingly, the top ten features six artists who make their first appearance in the countdown in the top ten. We're dealing with the real heavy hitters now.
Sting left an extremely successful band, the Police, in order to launch an equally fruitful solo career in 1985. "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" is his first solo album, and it is superbly strong - every single track is solid.
"Fortress Around Your Heart" is a deep and thought provoking song, which would also fit nicely in a book of classic poetry. Great lyrics, using the imagery of war to illustrate the parallels between love and battle. The song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The video is shot on a stark, bare set which looks rather like a fortress, featuring a raised stage with a staircase. Sting in a black sleeveless shirt is practically the only human to be seen, save for cameramen. It's pretty much just really tight shots of him playing guitar and staring into the camera. He makes it look pretty bad ass.
The tight facial shots prompted my wife to comment on Sting's beauty and bone structure. I don't know about that, but it is hard to believe that this man started out as Gordon Sumner, English teacher. He was a young teacher, the subject of schoolgirl fantasy.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
#10 - Can't Fight This Feeling
Artist: REO SpeedwagonVideo: From DailyMotion.
Welcome to the blog, REO Speedwagon. What an outstanding way to kick off the top ten.
This band's roots can be traced back to 1967, and they still perform today. It's very hard to believe that these guys have been around for nearly half a century. One of my personal favorite 80's bands.
"Can't Fight This Feeling" is simply a totally awesome song, and of course it was a #1 hit single. It is about a friendship that is blossoming into romance. In the video it is referred to as "I Can’t Fight This Feeling", but I don’t remember the "I" ever being included in the song title. I’m nearly positive my cassette tape of "Wheels Are Turnin’" didn’t feature the “I”.
Universally, it is one of the most beloved of all the '80s power ballads. In 1985 it set a world record for most appearances on tenth-graders mix tapes. Also, if you fail to hold a lit lighter aloft while this song is playing, it is considered a misdemeanor offense in some states.
The song has been featured in many movie soundtracks and TV shows over the years, including this memorable rendition.
I found the video a bit odd and difficult to understand. It seems to be a progression of scenes over the course of a lifetime, beginning with a baby and ending with an old man. In between we see stuffed animals flying in the air, people with snowy television screens where their faces are supposed to be, and assorted general strangeness.
No matter though. Mad respect to the Speedwagon for recording this treasure.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Secrets and Mysteries of The MTV Top 100 Music Video Countdown of 1985
I have somewhat of an affinity, or some might say an obsession, with this list. Just in case profiling 90+ videos didn't make that clear enough.
My main point of curiosity is the ranking itself. With 100 spots available, very often there will be an awesome song that seems to be ranked much too low. It also works the other way, with an unspectacular song attaining a high chart position.
But this ranking, this "countdown" if you will....how was the placement of each video determined? Oh, can't anyone explain how?
If there's anyone I would trust to provide the real story, it would be original MTV VJ Martha Quinn. Who is a better authority than someone who was actually there, one of the hosts of the countdown on that New Year's Eve day in 1985?
I have studied the original videotape from that day. (As you can see above, I purchased my prize from rockadelicdave). Martha contributes witty banter in between videos, relating all kinds of fun facts about the artists. But in the midst of the light-hearted anecdotes, we can discern a serious clue. After detailing all the awards won by Don Henley's "The Boys Of Summer" video (criminally low at #65, by the way), she faces the camera and states the following:
"The Top 100 Countdown of '85 was calibrated by how long the video stayed on our weekly countdown show and by the highest position it reached in its duration on the countdown."
Whoa!! Say what now?!?! Carve that into a stone tablet!!
There is method to the madness! "Calibration" is involved! And not only that, her revelation includes three very important components:
1) "our weekly countdown show". Each week, MTV aired the Top 20 Video Countdown, which broadcast the most popular videos of the week in descending order from 20 to 1. This was broadcast every Friday night, as I recall. Possibly, the weekly countdown rankings were also somehow calibrated.
2) "how long the video stayed". A video debuts on the countdown, and if it is popular, it returns the following week, possibly with a higher ranking. Over time, it declines in popularity, tumbling back down the countdown and exiting from whence it came.
3) "the highest position it reached". Pretty self-explanatory. Somewhere between 1 and 20.
So perhaps this "calibration" involves steps 2 and 3 above. Or the rankings are decided through a series of shady backroom deals. But I'm choosing not to believe that. Martha has spoken.
Then the implication is that a formula, an algorithm if you will, has been applied to each video's chart performance, factoring in peak ranking and duration. Whereas we have Song A, which appeared on the countdown for a short amount of time and peaked at a low position (say #14), and Song B, which appeared on the countdown for a long period of time and peaked at a higher position (#8, let's say). Maybe Song B achieved a higher ranking on the Top 100 countdown by virtue of its greater peak position and staying power. Right?
Fair enough, but then the question becomes how to differentiate those videos that have a similar peak and duration? How would that be calibrated?
It shouldn't be difficult to reconstruct this formula and find out how the top 100 countdown was built. All we need is the raw data, that is, each weekly top 20 countdown list from 1985. That would give us all kinds if valuable information.
Look, we know there were more than 100 videos made in 1985. I have already detailed two huge hits (link) which missed the countdown completely. Shouldn't we also know which videos ranked 101-120, for example? Don't those videos also deserve to be profiled in a blog that focuses exclusively on music videos from 1985? Of course they do.
Now, about that raw data. I have scoured the interwebs, and the greatest intelligence I’ve found on the subject was in a chat room thread on a music community website called UKMix. A few inspired folks have provided several Top 20 weekly video countdown charts from 1985.
These honorable scholars had to derive the MTV charts from old Rolling Stone magazines, where the countdown results were published on a semi-weekly basis. But alas, the publications did not begin until sometime in mid-1985, so no countdowns exist prior to May 1985. Other than these postings, there is apparently not a shred of evidence regarding the weekly countdowns of 1985.
There's got to be some intern that worked at MTV in the mid-80's who can provide the missing documents, or even just bread crumbs that might lead to the missing documents. How else might we learn the secrets and mysteries of the MTV Top 100 Music Video Countdown of 1985?
Look, if Martha said there was calibration, I believe her. But I sure would like to do the math myself to verify.
The UKMix chat room posters have given me hope that the answers are out there.
One day, perhaps the secrets and mysteries of the MTV Top 100 Music Video Countdown of 1985 will be no more.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
#11 - Shout
Artist: Tears For Fears
Video: From DailyMotion.
According to the singers, “Shout” is an urging for people to speak out about social injustices. But it can also be interpreted as a direct expression of the primal scream, a form of psychotherapy created by Arthur Janov. The band’s name was inspired by Janov’s work.
I was always a fan of this song. Of course, it feels good to shout and let it all out. With a simple yet powerful message, the song became an anthem of sorts. Yes, its lofty chart position in this countdown is well deserved.
One of the most popular songs of its time, “Shout” reigned on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. The tune reached #1 in 8 different countries, but oddly stalled at #4 in the band’s home country of England.
In more recent times, Tears For Fears has been featured on the television show Psych. The main characters give their tribute to “Shout” here.
I always imagined that this video was filmed at the Grand Canyon. Upon closer examination, the setting doesn't look anything like that. Perhaps it was because the band members' mouths appeared to be as big as the Grand Canyon when they sang. It was actually filmed at Durdle Door, along the Jurassic Coast of Southern England.
We're not done with Tears For Fears yet. We'll see them again before this blog is all said and done.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
#12 - Just Another Night
Artist: Mick Jagger
Video: From YouTube.
The lofty position of "Just Another Night" on the MTV countdown is quite baffling to me. Was this seriously one of the top 12 songs or videos of 1985? Not from my perspective.
It's not a terrible song, it's just that it hardly made an impression on me. While I had a vague awareness of its existence, I don't remember ever hearing it on the radio, or seeing this video. It had moderate chart success, peaking at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. But I'd think that at the height of its success, the twelfth greatest song of the year might rank higher than, well, twelve.
As for the song itself, it's a catchy tune. Lyrically, "Just Another Night" is strikingly similar to Phil Collins' recently-blogged-about "One More Night". Both songs request another night in the company of an ex-lover. But Jagger's plea has a desperate and unhinged quality, leaving one to wonder what will become of him if the sought after evening does not materialize.
Several elements of the video are intriguing. It co-stars a delighted Rae Dawn Chong, daughter of Cheech & Chong's Tommy. We also see Mick participate in a bizarre succession of antics: sweating and in great distress in the jungle, displaying impressive acrobatics with his tongue, just generally doing Mick Jagger things.
But there is something else, something about this video that seems familiar. I know, it's the riverboat casino scenes! We've seen this before! Yes, we are once again treated to the maniacally entertaining poker chips spilling incident. Since this song came first, was "Lucky In Love" a sequel video expanding on these elements? Why has no one studied this?
Sunday, March 10, 2013
#13 - Would I Lie To You?
Artist: Eurythmics
Video: From YouTube.
I don't remember being a fan of Eurythmics, but I did buy "Be Yourself Tonight" on cassette tape while it was popular. There must have been some reason. I doubt that it was because of this song. Good song, just not really my taste.
"Would I Lie To You?" opens with a foreboding rumbling bass, and features some interesting sound combinations overall, most prominently the frequent joyous explosions of horns. The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Eurythmics, of course, is the duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. Both have maintained successful music careers since the band split up in 1990, Lennox as a solo artist and Stewart in a myriad of projects. Stewart worked with several artists in 1985, most notably Tom Petty in this classic video.
The beginning of the "Would I Lie To You?" video features an argument between Annie Lennox and her motorcycle-riding boyfriend. The beau is played by Steven Bauer, best known as Tony Montana’s pal Manolo in the classic “Scarface”. Post-fight, Dave Stewart consoles her by telling her to just “be yourself tonight” (the album title).
The pep talk works, as the band performs enthusiastically before a vibrant crowd of a couple hundred people in a smallish club. There seems to be about twenty musicians on stage, several dancing in scarcely controlled chaos. Towards the end, Bauer returns and confronts Annie on stage, whereupon he is hurled into the crowd and leaves in shame.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
#14 - One More Night
Artist: Phil Collins
Video: From YouTube.
It is appropriate that "One More Night" follows "Sussudio" immediately on this countdown, because these two songs are forever linked. Not only are they from the same album, but both songs also soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.
"One More Night" is a beautiful slow song, a plaintive plea for another chance with a lover. It is the soft, understated yin to the bold, dominant yang of "Sussudio". I was surprised to learn that it was actually the first single released from the "No Jacket Required" album. To go with a ballad right out of the gate, it shows there must have been a really strong feeling about it.
Phil Collins is the most prolific artist on the MTV Top 100 Music Video Countdown, with five videos. Three solo efforts and two duets. In that aspect he stands alone. He was truly a hit machine in 1985.
I distinctly remember this song played during a montage of college basketball highlights around NCAA tournament time. The idea was that any team losing a game would be eliminated from further competition, so they just wanted to play again, "one more night". It was odd to hear a slow song as the backdrop to sports highlights.
The video represents yet another linkage with "Sussudio", as both videos appear to take place in the same bar. He appears to be wearing the same suit and tie, only now it is after closing time. The scene is dimly lit, encouraging quiet reflection.
And yeah, I used practically the same picture for both songs. You try finding different pictures representing those two.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
#15 - Sussudio
Artist: Phil Collins
Video: From YouTube.
This is "Sussudio". A great, great song. A personal favorite. 4 out of 5 serial killers agree.
The opening and most memorable hit from the "No Jacket Required" album, this song established Phil Collins as a one of the pre-eminent solo artists of his generation. It was the second of his three #1 hits in 1985.
Many have wondered who or what Sussudio was (or "Su-su-ssudio", as the actual lyric is sung). It's just a nonsense word Collins made up that fit the music of the song. The lyrics are about a schoolboy crush. The music is positive and uplifting, characterized by crisp drumbeats and enthusiastic horns.
In the video, Collins is performing in a bar before a small crowd where no one is paying any attention to him. But as the song progresses, the audience slowly starts to become more interested, until the end when everyone is totally into it.
And so, here we have the fourth Phil Collins video in the 1985 MTV Top 100 Video Countdown. No individual has more songs in the countdown than this man. You might think we've seen the last of Phil Collins in this countdown. But oh, you would be oh so wrong.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
#16 - Alive And Kicking
Artist: Simple Minds
Video: From YouTube.
In 1985, Simple Minds released "Once Upon A Time", their most successful album ever. "Alive And Kicking" was the biggest hit from that album. And yet, it was NOT the most successful Simple Minds song of 1985! How can that be??
You'll just have to wait to find out. Or use Google. Or your BRAIN. For you see, while this is the first appearance by Simple Minds in this countdown, it will not be the last.
I wasn’t a fan of “Alive And Kicking” while it was popular, but it did reach #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It sounded "New Wave" to me and that just wasn't my bag, baby. But over the years I grew an appreciation for the song, and the album is also actually pretty good.
As for Simple Minds, they have been making music since 1977, although the mid-80’s was their only period of commercial success. They are a Scottish rock band, possibly the best Scottish rock band of all-time. At least they give Belle & Sebastian a pretty good run for their money.
The video is difficult to understand, but it does include some groovy scenery. I particularly enjoy the rushing waterfall. They appear to be in some sort of national park, and there is lots of greenery. At the end a crane shot reveals the band is on an island, which is odd because earlier they were playing on the edge of a cliff. They are messing with my simple mind! See what I did there?! And…scene.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
#17 - You Belong To The City
Artist: Glenn Frey
Video: From YouTube.
"You Belong To The City" is a gritty tale of life on the streets. Haunted and fatalistic, the title serves as both welcome and warning. It is Glenn Frey’s greatest solo effort.
This song was written specifically for Miami Vice. Frey had a history with the television show. During its first season, an episode called "Smuggler's Blues" was inspired by one of his tunes. Frey portrayed the character of Jimmy Cole in that episode, the smuggler in question.
Frey was called upon once again to write a song for the premiere episode of the second season, "The Prodigal Son". The song was featured in this episode, which takes place predominantly in New York City (the city of the song's title).
This was his second song of the year that peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was a major reason why the Miami Vice Soundtrack spent eleven weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart. The song is beautifully arranged, with Bill Bergman providing a killer saxophone riff.
The video is an awesome combination of New York City nightlife and scenes from Miami Vice. Frey’s complicated relationship with an attractive blonde complements the adventures of Crockett and Tubbs. Many recognizable landmarks are featured, and it is always nice to see a Manhattan skyline that includes the Twin Towers.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
#18 - Never
Artist: Heart
Video: From YouTube.
In 1985, Heart returned to relevancy with a hit-laden album and videos receiving heavy airplay on MTV. That success was largely due to "Never", a high-energy, high-octane, sexually charged rocker.
This song was also my introduction to Heart, and I remember the excitement I felt upon hearing the opening notes. "Never" was one of four top ten singles from their self-titled album, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ann and Nancy Wilson have been recording with Heart for nearly 40 years, and they will be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame this year. In 1985 they were entering their prime commercially. I was struck when I first saw them on MTV because it was unusual to see lady rockers at the time. These chicks were hard-boiled rock ‘n’ rollers, in contrast to the bubble-gum pop of the Go-Go’s (also great).
Nancy was quite a hottie, looking so sexy in that tight white shirt, and rocking out with her red guitar. The video is a stage performance with no audience, with lots of smoky effects that serve no purpose. The band members mostly mug for the camera. To make up for the lack of a storyline, they also do a lot of kicking, squatting, and jumping around.
I have no idea what this song is about. The lyrics are actually quite nonsensical. But Heart sings them with great sincerity and total commitment, and that makes “Never” a winner.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
#19 - Don't Come Around Here No More
Artist: Tom Petty & The HeartbreakersVideo: Brilliant, from YouTube. Just ignore the ads.
Which video includes Alice in Wonderland tripping on acid while navigating an M.C. Escher designed rabbit hole? Truly inspired.
It took me several years before I appreciated Tom Petty, and starting with this tune probably didn't help. Perhaps I would have felt differently had I been weaned on "You Got Lucky" or "Breakdown", but this song was a bit too subtle for my 1985 tastes. It wasn't until 1989's "Full Moon Fever" that I became a fan of his work.
And in time, I even came to appreciate "Don't Come Around Here No More". The understated bass line, the distinctive sitar, the exploration of a relationship ending, and of course the enthusiastic oft-repeated "hey"! It peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. I was surprised to learn that with all of Tom Petty’s hits, he has never had even a top 5 hit (he came closest with “Free Fallin’” at #7).
The song was co-written by Petty and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics (coming up a little later on this countdown). It was inspired by Stewart's one-night stand with Stevie Nicks. Apparently the title was her exit line.
The video won the 1985 MTV Video Music Award for Best Special Effects. Its many highlights include Stewart playing the sitar while smoking atop a giant mushroom, and Tom Petty holding court as the Mad Hatter. Perhaps the most memorable scene is the terrified heroine turning into a cake and being eaten by all in attendance. Totally creeped me out as a kid. Great stuff.
Friday, January 11, 2013
#20 - The Power Of Love
Artist: Huey Lewis and the News
Video: From YouTube - extended version not seen on MTV countdown.
The "Back To The Future" anthem, this is a totally awesome song from a totally awesome movie. "The Power Of Love" is a joyous ode to exactly that, delivering memories of Marty McFly and Emmett "Doc" Brown traveling through time with the assistance of one flux capacitor.
This uplifting, feel good anthem reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. A timeless classic, it was nominated for Academy Award and was robbed by this song.
Huey Lewis & The News was a fixture near the top of the pop charts in the mid-80's. 1983's "Sports" produced four top ten singles. Not to be outdone, 1986's "Fore!" featured five top ten singles, one more than the album's title predicted. You might say that 1985's "The Power Of Love" was the pastrami of this rock 'n' roll hit sandwich.
I find it impossible to hear the song without also thinking of "Back To The Future". It conveys the spirit of passion and hopefulness embodied by Marty McFly's exciting journey through the fabric of time. It is also the third highest ranked song on this countdown from a movie soundtrack (as you will see, the films for the two top ranked songs are also classics).
Sadly, the video does not feature any clips from BTTF. The scene is Uncle Charlie's, the Marin County club where Huey Lewis & The News got their start. Christopher Lloyd appears in character, attending the band's performance as the DeLorean time machine is taken for a joyride. Michael J. Fox is conspicuous by his absence, making me wonder if a studio contract prevented his appearance in the video.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
#21 - Small Town
Artist: John Cougar Mellencamp
Video: From YouTube, with ads.
We go from the glitz and glamour of California to the heart of Middle America. Quite a contrast in tone and mood compared to the last video, possibly unparalleled elsewhere in this countdown. I challenge you, the reader, to find a starker contrast between two consecutive videos!
In 1985, we were still getting used to the “Mellencamp” portion of Johnny Cougar. With several top ten singles and a #1 album under his belt, the man had enough juice to demand that his real name be used. By the 1990s, the Cougar was gone forever.
“Small Town” was not one of my favorites. The simple, folksy message was lost on this San Fernando Valley boy. But it was very popular nationwide, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. And I grew to appreciate the song in time, but let’s be honest, it doesn’t measure up to “Jack and Diane” or even “Pink Houses”.
The “Scarecrow” album was one of Mellencamp’s most successful, spawning five top 30 hits. Its release coincided with the first Farm Aid, an annual benefit concert he created with Willie Nelson and Neil Young.
The video has the feel of a home movie, peppered with pictures from what appears to be Mellencamp’s personal scrapbook. Set in Seymour, Indiana (just an hour outside Bloomington!), it is a tour of all the different facets of small town life. Kids playing baseball, people involved with their different activities, and I swear I even caught a glimpse of Bobby Knight.
Friday, January 4, 2013
#22 - California Girls
Artist: David Lee Roth
Video: From YouTube.
Conceived by Brian Wilson while tripping on acid in the ‘60s, “California Girls” is one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most memorable songs. An easy breezy, happy-go-lucky summer surfing tune, it was joyously covered by David Lee Roth in 1985.
In fact, this was Diamond Dave’s first ever solo effort. The “Crazy From The Heat” EP was released before his acrimonious breakup with Van Halen had taken place. The Roth cover version reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, duplicating the Beach Boys chart position achieved 20 years prior.
The song is an appreciation, nay, a celebration, of beautiful girls all over the world. Furthermore, it expresses the wonderful wish that all of these luscious, voluptuous, and positively sexy ladies were all together in California. If only a genie had granted that noble wish, then all these girls might be with us in the golden state today.
The video is one of the most enjoyable of 1985 for two reasons. First, there is the concept: David Lee Roth as tour guide, shepherding a bizarre collection of freaks into the desert. The opening and closing parodies “The Twilight Zone”, beginning with the classic “submitted for your approval” line and ending with an allusion to the fate of the peculiar travel party.
And secondly, there are the girls themselves. An impressive collection of bikini-clad lovelies are featured, all the different types of girls referenced in the song. The classic scene features Dave dancing down a boardwalk bordered by bikini-clad girls in mannequin poses. Dave frolics in jubilation throughout, reveling in the sunshine and the feminine energy.
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