In which I click the shuffle icon on the iTunes app and listen to the first five songs that pop up from the years 1976-85.
- "Sweet Body" by Airplay (1980, RCA)
The backing band are members of Toto so this song sounds exactly like a Toto song and that's a good thing. From one of the great West Coast albums, 1980's self-titled Airplay. If you like Toto, David Foster, Jay Graydon, West Coast music, etc. and haven't heard that album, block out an hour or two this weekend to do that. - "Take Me to the River" by Talking Heads (1982, Sire)
I'm treated today to the live version from The Name of This Band is Talking Heads. I'm at a loss for words to describe how great this cover is. I've already written about it here. As the lovely Kate Pierson of The B-52's once said about this cover: "It's a rare thing that a band can do a cover song and make it their own. Simply put, they made Al Green's 'Take Me to the River' into a Talking Heads song." Bonus points for the background vocals by Nona Hendryx and Dolette McDonald. Note to self: put this CD in the truck pronto. - "I Can't Wait" by The Cretones (1980, Planet)
Fantastic early 80's California power pop. The singer/songwriter Mark Goldenberg wrote some great tunes. So good, that Linda Ronstadt used three of his tunes on her Mad Love album, which is how I came to find The Cretones. I'm 3-for-3 in this Random Five, let's see if that streak can continue... - "When I Grow Too Old to Dream" by Linda Ronstadt (1978, Asylum)
Speaking of lovely Linda and she appears! (if only). The second track from the Living in the USA album, this is an old standard from 1934. Ronstasdt sounds fantastic, natch, and there's a tasty vibes solo from jazzer Mike Mainieri, who arranged the piece. Ronstadt liked the song so much she once sang it with Kermit and Rowlf on the keys - no lip-synching. This song has devolved me back into a teenage fanboy with googly eyes for Linda. Give me a minute before I proceed.
- "Hot Child in the City" by Nick Gilder (1978, Chrysalis)
Coming from an androgynous glam-rock background, it's hard to tell the gender of the singer and 12 year old me had no idea what was going on for a while. With a great bass line, a catchy chorus, and better-than-average guitar solo, it's as good as a song about child prostitution can get.
