MFD Random Five #57

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Sandstorm" by Level 42 (1980)
   An driving instrumental from this group's early jazz/funk phase. Great synth and bass lines throughout.


2. "It's All for You" by Herb Alpert (1985)
   Mid-tempo instrumental that finds Alpert doing his best Grover Washington, Jr. impersonation. I don't have a copy of the Wild Romance album; my version is found on the A Portrait in Music compilation.


3. "Styrofoam" by Tyla Gang (1976)
   This was new to me when I purchased The Big Stiff Box Set. Not your typical Stiff punkish-New Wave offering, this is typical '70s funk-rock and I dig the hell out of it.


4. "World Goes On" by The Dishes (1985)
   Love it. I went in depth on this Houston power pop band in this previous post. Worth your time to check them out. Typical teenage angst:

   I think I'm gonna go crazy
   I don't know what I'm gonna do
   I sit at home alone at night and I think about you.
   
   The only time I get to go out
   is when I go to work at night
   But the girls all leave by the time I'm feelin' alright.
   
   But the world goes on and on and on and on and on
   But the world goes on and on and on and on and on
   
   I wish I had me a girlfriend
   someone who needs somebody, too
   But I don't believe that it's ever gonna come true
   
   Maybe someday I'll meet somebody
   Maybe somebody will meet me
   Maybe someday I'll talk some girl into marrying me
   
   But the world goes on and on and on and on and on
   But the world goes on and on and on and on and on
   
   



5. "Young Blood" by Rickie Lee Jones (1979)
   Lucky me - I get to close this random five with a delightful track from the brilliant debut album from Jones. Peaked at only #40 on the pop chart and that's a damn shame because it deserved more airplay and more sales. Tom Scott all over this track, including some tasty lyricon licks.

MFD Random Five #56

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "I Will Follow" by U2 (1983, Island)
   I'm treated to the live version from the Under A Blood Red Sky mini-LP. It was released as a single and peaked at #81. So much energy and passion. I really dig these live cuts and they remind me what a great band these guys were in the early '80s, hungry for success and striving to get there. For many years, I thought the lyrics were, like many early U2 tunes, based in Christian teachings and this was a call to follow Christ. I've since discovered I was wrong about that. Nevertheless, that opening riff is so powerful, simple, and aggressive that you can't help but pay attention.


2. "Follow Me" by Chicago (1982, Full Moon/Warner Bros.)
   Two "follow" songs shuffle around consecutively! What are the odds? This tune is immediately recognizable to me as the opening track to side 2 of my old Chicago 16 cassette. An obvious David Foster composition with soulful vocals from Bill Champlin. The icing on the cake are the horn parts from James Pankow, et. al. Then there's the guitar solo coda - that's gotta be Lukather, right?


3. "Tanque-Ray" by Nick Lowe (1983, Columbia)
   Filler track from the 1983 album, The Abominable Showman. Goes to show even great musicians can have an off day just like the rest of us.


4. "I Zimbra" by Talking Heads (1982, Sire)
   Another live track, this time from the brilliant The Name of this Band is Talking Heads. Eno and Byrne were in their African ripoff phase so the chanting is kinda obvious and kinda awesome. The extra percussion in the expanded ten-piece group is perfect and Adrian Belew tears off a tasty solo. I'll take this as a sign to spin the entire album today. 


5. "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" by Culture Club (1982, Epic)
   Pseudo-reggae meets pseudo-soul and dadgummit this thing is still as catchy as it is disposable. I hate it, I love it, I love to hate it, I hate to love it, I hate that I love it, etc. I got issues. Maybe The Name of this Band... will fix 'em.

MFD Random Five #55

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Drivin' My Life Away" by Eddie Rabbitt (1980, Elektra)
   I must have dug the thing back in '80 because I remember every word. I still like the percussive vocals in the verse but the chorus doesn't do much for me now. No bridge, no solo, just a below-average turnaround. But here I am still singing. Go figure.


2. "One Love in My Lifetime" by Diana Ross (1976, Motown)
   Miss Ross. A great Motown single. Sounds like a Supremes tune (especially the intro and chorus) and that's fine with me. As good as it is, it barely makes the top half of songs from that '76 self-titled album.


3. "Kingdom Come" by David Bowie (1980, RCA)
    I once succinctly described the entire Scary Monsters album as "all tension, no release" but this cover of a Tom Verlaine tune hidden halfway through side 2 might be the exception that proves that description. Full of Fripp's manic guitar work, this thing isn't exactly an easy listen, but it's quality stuff nonetheless.


4. "Stay With Me" by George Howard (1985, GRP)
   This is smooth jazz at its nadir - overproduced, mostly synth accompaniment, and Simmons or DMX Drum way up in the mix. And not much to the writing - mostly just one lick. Howard got a pleasant tone on the soprano sax, which isn't easy to do, so I'll give him that. But this was popular, hit #1 on the jazz charts, and moved a bunch of copies - hell, I've even got the CD. Shrug.


5. "Desert Moon" by Dennis DeYoung (1984, A&M)
   I'd almost forgotten this tune but here we go. Like many people, I lost interest in Styx with the Kilroy debacle. Still, DDY was able to later score one more top 40 hit with this ballad. It's not terrible, but sure could have used some Tommy Shaw crunch. 

MFD Random Five #54

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Say Say Say" by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson (1983, Columbia)
   A smash that spent 6 weeks atop the Billboard charts, most likely because Jackson had the Midas touch at the time. It's not a bad tune, but I've heard it enough for one lifetime.  Also, when I was a high school senior, my jazz band played a cheesy arrangement of Say Say Say which the world could have done without.


2. "Happy Music" by Linda Williams (1979, Arista)
   A fun little disco tune. It would be totally generic if it weren't for the outstanding synth soling all over the thing.


3. "Love's a Heartache" by Leslie Smith (1982, Elektra)
   Smooth ballad with spot on vocals from Smith. The album from which this comes is fantastic and has already been given a turn on this blog, where it earned a grade of A-.


4. "Come to Me" by Bobby Caldwell (1978, Clouds)
   Another smooth ballad. This one from Caldwell's debut album featuring his stellar vocals atop soaring orchestration. Reminds me a lot of what Boz was doing at the time.


5. "The Lone Ranger" by Dan Siegel (1982, Elektra)
   A straight-up Dave Grusin smooth-jazz-meets-movie-soundtrack knock-off, complete with orchestration. However, Larry Carlton gets the spotlight, so it's not half-bad. (I hope blogger doesn't fine me for overuse of hyphens)

MFD Random Five #53

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Dancin' Tonight" by Bill LaBounty (1979, WB/Curb)
   Co-written by LaBounty and Michael Johnson, this is the lead track from the Rain in My Life album. It's slow getting started, but by the time the vocals kick in, it's an average soft-rocker. Could have used a better bridge and less abrasive sax tone, but worth a listen.


2. "This Charming Man" by The Smiths (1983, Rough Trade)
   Other than "How Soon Is Now," I've never really understood the attraction of The Smiths, but this track has shuffled around as part of Left Of The Dial: Dispatches From The '80s Underground, Vol 2. Morrissey's voice atop a wannabe Motown beat just leaves me wanting to hear The Jam or Culture Club do it better. 


3. "The Best Will Survive" by Dwayne Ford (1981, Epic)
   A few years back, I ventured down a rabbit hole concerning early '80s AOR albums that never charted. That's a post for another time, but that must have been when I acquired the files for Ford's 1981 album Needless Freaking. Can't tell that this album was ever released in the US. Not exactly Toto, this is guitar crunching underneath overdubbed choir vocals sounds like it would come from an early '80s AOR album that never charted.


4. "Shake a Leg" by AC/DC (1980, Atlantic)
   Making a strong argument that there really wasn't any filler on the Back in Black album. I need to get out on the open road with that album and quick.


5. "That Girl" by Stevie Wonder (1981, Tamla)
   The segue seems jolting to me now, but going from AC/DC to Stevie Wonder was entirely possible on Top 40 radio in the early '80s. This single was big hit in early '82, I've only got two minor complaints: 1) would rather have had Wonder play the drums instead of programming them, and 2) longer harmonica solo (but I say that about every Wonder solo). Not the best random five, but it sure came on strong at the end.

MFD Random Five #52

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Alone-6 AM" by George Duke (1979, Epic)
   A brief piano interlude from the classic A Brazilian Love Affair album. Sounds like a pianist messing around on a piano at 6 AM after a long night of recording, then there's about 10 seconds of upbeat stuff before someone shuts the tape turns off.


2. "Puppet Life" by Punishment of Luxury (1978, Small Wonder)
   From the 1-2-3-4: Punk & New Wave 1976-1979 box set, this odd tune is a cross between punk, Franz Ferdinand (the aughts band, not the Austrian archduke), and Karl King's "Barnum & Bailey's Favorite." I find it to be fascinating, just not very good.


3. "Marsha's Car" by David Bean (1983, Wasted Talent)
   David Bean is the singer/songwriter/leader of The Judy's, a local favorite from the Houston area when I was in high school and college. This was the lead song from his solo EP, Modomusic. Bean's voice is an acquired taste, but this thing is 4 minutes of pop perfection. The 7-song mini-album was available in three different colors - yellow, blue and pink. I opted for blue.
   
   

   

   from the MFD archives

   In the mid-1990's when e-mail was a newfangled thing to me, I wrote a fanboy email to David Bean, who had become a science teacher by that time, I believe. Turns out that the email address belonged to David's father, also named David. The elder Bean was quite kind and gracious in his response and didn't seem to mind responding to such emails, which had become a regular occurrence in his life at that time.


4. "The Rowe" by Thompson Twins (1982, T Records)
   Sounding more like Talking Heads wannabes than later pop-styled Thompson Twins, this is a 2 chord album cut that holds your attention for about 3½ minutes, so it's a shame that the track is 6½ minutes long.


5. "She Believes In Me" by Kenny Rogers (1979, United Artists)
   This song was huge in my little world, ca. 7th grade. In an earlier post on this blog, I wrote: "This reminds me a little of Bread's 'Lost Without Your Love' but not enough to distract from its soft rock crossover goodness. This topped both the country and AC charts while peaking at #5 in the Top 40." Rogers once stated that he looked for ballads "that say what every man wants to say and what every woman wants to hear." Check and check.
   
   KR crossover songs from 1979-80 always remind me of a girl named Melinda, until we get to "Lady" which reminds me of Danette. No, these ladies weren't my girlfriends, but not for lack of trying on my part. More on my geekiness around that time here. 

MFD Random Five #51

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Lay It Down" by Ratt (1985, Atlantic)
   I always considered Ratt to be a poor man's Van Halen even though they're more hair metal, but man-oh-man that's a sweet opening riff. If only the chorus could keep pace. Peaking at #40 for one week in August of 1985, was the band's second and final Top 40 hit.


2. "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg (1979, Epic)
   I disliked this song when it was on the charts because I thought it was schmaltzy. Now that I'm a lot older and slightly more mature, I think it is one of the most beautiful ballads this side of The Beatles' "Yesterday." Shout out to the incomparable Jerry Hey for the flugelhorn solo.


3. "Stand By" by Roman Holliday (1983, Jive)
   I almost hate myself for liking this Stray Cats-meets-Sha Na Na rockabilly number. I like it now, but if I had heard it in 1983, I would have hated it. Discovered this tune in the late 90's via Rhino's spectacular CD series Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Hits of the '80s.


4. "It Might Be You" by Stephen Bishop (1983, Warner Bros.)
   From the 1982 movie Tootsie, this single peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100. We love the soft rock goodness of Bish around here and this song fits right in that category. I only recently discovered Bishops's 1980 album, Red Cab To Manhattan, which I recommend. Anyway, this song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1983, losing to Up Where We Belong.


5. "Birdland" by Freddie Hubbard (1982, Elektra/Musician)
   Birdland was first released by Weather Report in 1977 and quickly became a standard. Maynard Ferguson and The Manhattan Transfer, among others, quickly released versions of their own. Heck, by the early '80s, high school bands all over the country were playing arrangements. The stellar, melodic material actually lends itself to any sort of jazz group (combo, big band, etc); this direct-to-digital big band version isn't the best I've heard, but it's certainly not the worst.

MFD Random Five #50

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "No Matter What I Do" by The Dishes (1985, Underwhere)
   When the album Hot Diggety Dog was featured on this blog in 2016, I wrote that this tune reminded me of Nick Lowe. I'm not hearing that so much today, but it's a fun, brief power pop tune with just the right amount of Farfisa organ.


2. "Magic Man" by Herb Alpert (1981, A&M)
   Alpert still trying to reproduce the sound (and success) of "Rise." The melody here is a bit repetitive and that probably hurt sales, but most likely the reason this didn't succeed was the fall of disco and the rise of New Wave on the pop charts in '81. This tune, which incorporates some of Alpert's Tijuana Brass tropes in the bridge, only reached #79 on the pop charts, but climbed to #22 on the Adult Contemporary chart.


3. "How Much I Feel" by Ambrosia (1978, Warner Bros.)
   I once ranked this as the 26th best single of 1978 and now I'm reconsidering that ranking as too low. Catchy melody, smooth background vocals, tasty piano and string arrangements - it's like a soft rock blueprint. This band put out some great singles in '78 and '80. I hear this thing and I'm immediately back in 7th grade.


4. "Private Eyes" by Daryl Hall & John Oates (1981, RCA)
   Number one in 1981. Ubiquitous almost 40 years later. And deservedly so. As overplayed as it is, I'll be dadgummed if it still doesn't sound fantastic.


5. "A Song from Under the Floorboards" by Magazine (1980, Virgin)
   I don't recognize this post-punk tune, but that doesn't necessarily mean I haven't heard it before although I can guarantee you I wasn't listening to post-punk in 1980. I don't hate it, but I wouldn't seek it out to hear. My files of this tune come from Left of the Dial: Dispatches from the '80s Underground, a 4 CD compilation set released in 2004 by Rhino.

MFD Random Five #49

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Prime Time" by The Tubes (1979, A&M)
   A single released from the Remote Control album. Said album was produced by Todd Rundgren and his hand is all over this disco tune, especially apparent in the vocal harmonies, the synth solo and (even without a writing credit) it sounds like he wrote the entire bridge. It peaked at #34 in the UK singles chart, but didn't see any action stateside.


2. "I'm On the Outside Looking In" by Leslie Smith (1982, Elektra)
   "I'm on the Outside (Looking In)" is a 1964 hit song by Little Anthony and the Imperials and if I've ever heard their version, I've forgotten it, but I can't imagine it being any smoother than this. Side A, track 2 on the wonderful Heartache album which was spotlighted on this very blog back in February 2019.


3. "Jump Street" by Boz Scaggs (1976, Columbia)
   A minor-key blues piece that harkens back to Boz's days in the late '60s - Boz gets to play some blues guitar, if only for a short bit. Not bad on its own or in a shuffle, it doesn't really fit into the rest of the Silk Degrees album. I dig the urgency to the track and when the tempo picks up at the end.


4. "Believe in Magic" by Maurice White (1985, Columbia)
   The answer to the question "what would Earth, Wind & Fire sound like if synths replaced all the instruments?" Good material wasted on poor arrangement and production. If you lived through 1985, you could easily pick the year this was released just by the sound of the thing. 


5. "I Learnt How to Pray" by Squeeze (1985, A&M)
   Speaking of characteristic 1985 production, here's more for ya. Squeeze was smart enough to include some "real" instruments in addition to the synths and LinnDrum, though. Typical Squeeze hooks aplenty throughout and a tasty organ solo from Jools Holland. Been awhile since I heard the Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti album, think I'll throw a copy into the truck's CD player today.

MFD Random Five #48

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from 1980 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Sweet Rum and Starlight" by Earl Klugh (1980, EMI)
   Tropical-meets-country in this smooth jazz tune from the acoustic guitar legend's sixth album, Dream Come True. If that sounds like a strange mix, it's because it is. Not my favorite Klugh tune, but I've always felt any Klugh is good Klugh.


2. "The Story of a Man and a Woman
   Part 1: She Thought I Was Stanley Clarke
   Part 2: A Fool Again
   Part 3: I Nearly Went Crazy (Until I Realized What Had Occurred)"
   by Stanley Clarke (1980, Epic)
   An adventurous three-part, eleven minute suite that closes out the album, Rocks, Pebbles and Sand.  Not much melody to be had in Parts 1 or 3, but Part 2 has a good groove and nice keyboard solo (Chick Corea, maybe?). Clarke's vocals are thin, but points for trying.


3. "Love Him, Love Her" by Seawind (1980, A&M)
   More jazz - 3 in a row! While this Hawaiian group is generally considered to be in the smooth jazz genre, this tune is squarely in the yacht rock category. Pauline Wilson has a great voice and the Michael McDonald-ish feel is much appreciated around this house.


4. "Have a Drink On Me" by AC/DC (1980, Atlantic)
   Now that's an abrupt change of gears. Typical tune from the Back in Black album - meaning great guitar riff, hooks a'plenty in the chorus, gravelly vocals, and the mandatory guitar solo. Great effort, but sometimes overlooked because on its place on the album immediately following both "Back in Black" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
   
   [Note: the next 1980 song to shuffle around was Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" which previously appeared on Random Five #46.]
   


5. "Coming Up" by Paul McCartney (1980, Columbia)
   The studio version from McCartney II. I liked the live version so much, I bought the 45 single not realizing which side of the single was which. In any case, while this studio take is fine, I much prefer the live version, without the vocal manipulation. FWIW, I got this version on the UK version of McCartney's All the Best! compilation (1987).

MFD Random Five #47

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "Miss Me Blind" by Culture Club (1984, Epic)
   The song that made me a Culture Club fan and still my favorite CC tune. Tasty vocal harmonies, easy to dance to, fuzzy guitar solo that has a nice shape followed by that hooky break about 3:15 in. 


2. "Soft Touch" by Doc Severinsen (1977, Columbia)
   I wrote about Severinsen's 1977 Brand New Thing album back in 2014. Here's what I wrote about this tune then: "A beautiful ballad played flawlessly by Severinsen.  Richard Tee's accompaniment is perfect: adding stuff where he should, laying back when he should.  Doc's solos focus on melody over technique and that's just what is called for here."


3. "Carrie" by Cliff Richard (1980, EMI)
   A minor US hit for Richard (it peaked at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100). This minor key pop-rocker doesn't do much for me.


4. "I Told U So" by David Sanborn (1982, Warner Bros.)
   And my day just got better tenfold. This lead track from the excellent Backstreet album immediately relaxes me and puts me in a better mood. How good is it? Well, after this shuffle is finished, I'll probably spin the whole album at least once (well, maybe not track 3). 


5. "Windpower" by Thomas Dolby (1982, EMI)
   Great song from a favorite album. Released as a single in Europe, this thing is definitely unique synthpop - Morse code intro, relentless synth toms, atypical song structure, out-of-place horn licks, flute obligato, and hooks a'plenty. The album mix shuffled around today, but there's also a 6 minute "Extended Play" version which is wonderful jumble to the above song elements.

MFD Random Five #46

In which I shuffle through some music files and listen to the first five songs from the years 1976-85 that randomly pop up.

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1. "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton (1980, RCA)
   I didn't buy the single, but I'll sing along with the thing. It was all over the radio stations I listened to during the winter of 1981. #1 pop, #1 adult contemporary, #1 country - I'll bet I'm not the only one who can sing along with it. As I pay less attention to Dolly and more to the band this listen, I'm impressed with how great the piano and horn parts are. Tight band with members of the Wrecking Crew and other session greats.
   
   [Note: the next song to shuffle around was David Bowie's "Always Crashing in the Same Car" which previously appeared on Random Five #24.]


2. "The Hurt" by Any Trouble (1980, Stiff)
   New wave power-pop that's so catchy I'm upset I didn't listen to this in 1980. I'm also surprised the group didn't gain traction on the heels of The Knack. Maybe the group were a year or so ahead of their time? I can't imagine them not hitting the US Top 40 in 1982.


3. "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love" by The Emotions (1976, Columiba)
   Sultry vocals atop a steamin' EWF groove. And I love what Verdine White does with the bass on this one. And the Phenix Horns are immediately recognizable. And the a capella breakdown - have mercy. And the fact that I need to do a deep dive into the trio's catalog.


4. "What's Your Best Thing" by The English Beat (1982, Go-Feet)
   The b-side to "Save It For Later" and it's not bad for a b-side but comes off more as a demo. The track was never properly fleshed out but it's got some promising ideas in there; not to mention some nice horn work.


5. "Freedom" by Wham! (1985, CBS)
   One of four(!) singles from Make It Big that reached the top three on the pop charts in the US. This Motown knockoff homage would be just about perfect if not for the out of tune trumpet mess at the end. George Michael sure could write some hooks. On my list of the 85 top singles of 1985, this single appeared in the #57 spot.

MFD Random Five #45

In which I click the shuffle icon on the terminal iTunes app and listen to the first five songs that pop up from the years 1976-85.

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1. "To All the Girls I've Love Before" by Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson (1984, Columbia)
   An inauspicious start to this post. Hard pass.


2. "Johnny B. Goode" by Peter Tosh (1983, EMI)
   This song doesn't really need covering and this reggae version doesn't come close to the energy of the original.  The reggae groove is okay but there's strange synths and below-average noodling guitar solo. Meh.


3. "Here Comes II (new version)" by INXS (1983, ATCO)
   A mediocre ending to the Dekadance EP, this song can't decide what it wants to be: moody ballad or rocker. Plus Hutchence doesn't give himself a chance to let go. I can't muster much enthusiasm for this Random Five thus far.


4. "Away from Home" by Klark Kent (1980, A&M)
   Kent (a.k.a. Police drummer Stewart Copeland) put out a few singles before the Police hit it big. Not surprisingly, they sound like Stewart's contributions to Police albums. Copeland "re-purposed" the melody from this song's chorus (a simple descending arpeggio) for "Bombs Away" from Zenyatta Mondatta. 


5. "Nervous Wreck" by Radio Stars (1977, Chiswick)
   Average power pop/early New Wave, this quirky thing is enjoyable enough, but compared to the rest of this Random Five, it's a two minute, four chord masterpiece.

MFD Random Five #44

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.

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1. "Mirabella" by Earl Klugh (1980, Liberty)
   A busy yet relaxing solo acoustic piece from the wonderful Late Night Guitar album. Although Klugh is considered a jazz artist, there's not much improvisation here, but it's so good you'll hardly notice. 


2. "The Long Honeymoon" by Elvis Costello (1982, Columbia)
   It's okay but its no "Beyond Belief." This bossa/cocktail piano crossover has its moments, such as the chord progression in the chorus, but the rest doesn't speak to me. 


3. "Raspberry Beret" by Prince (1985, Paisley Park)
   I loved this psychedlic thing from the get go. In fact, Around the World in a Day was the first Prince album I purchased myself instead of dubbing friend's albums. And that was because of this lead single. The winding cello line, and man-oh-man that middle eight.  Off the top of my head, I'd call this a top five Prince tune along with "1999," "U Got the Look," "Dirty Mind," and "Kiss."


4. "I Don't Know Where to Start" by Eddie Rabbitt (1982, Elektra)
   I don't remember this tune from '82, when it reached #35 on the pop chart. It's a pleasant enough crossover ballad, the guitar accompaniment is interesting but the banal chorus melody hurts. Rabbitt's final Top 40 tune as a solo act.


5. "I Like Dreamin'" by Kenny Nolan (1976, 20th Century Fox)
   Speaking of Top 40, this song spent 20 weeks there, peaking at #3. A classic soft rock single complete with strings, harps, female background singers, and not one but three upward modulations near the end. Barry Manilow would be jealous.

MFD Random Five #43

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.

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1. "Trouble in Paradise" by Al Jarreau (1983, Warner Bros.)
   I consider Jarreau to be one of the best albums of 1983 and this is one of the better songs on said album. Everything works - I don't even mind the synth toms. Even the fact there's no bridge doesn't bother me because the chorus is so good. Released in the fall of 1983, this single peaked at #63 pop and #10 adult contemporary. I think I even have the sheet music to this one around here somewhere - BRB.
   
   


2. "He Could Be the One" by Josie Cotton (1982, Elektra)
   I first heard this one via the Valley Girl movie and the Rhino compilation CD. I liked it so much I subsequently purchased the Convertible Music album so I could hear more Josie. Cotton's retro-60's pop sound is immediately accessible. She sings the entire song as if she's on talking on the phone to her girlfriend, on the verge of a giggle fit, which makes the whole song completely endearing.


3. "Back Seat Betty" by Miles Davis (1981, Columbia)
   As usual, I have no idea what Miles is up to here, but it did remind me of this recent quote I read from Wayne Shorter: "When Miles and I talked, he would ask me a question. 'Hey Wayne -- do you ever get tired of playing music that sounds like music?' Before I answered him, he said, 'I know what you mean.' Like, he's answering his own question." It's great to hear the interplay between Miles and bassist Marcus Miller. At 11+ minutes, it's a bit long for this guy, but I'll still listen to it because it's Miles.


4. "Groovitation" by Deodato (1980, Warner Bros.)
   Too much disco influence to be smooth jazz, but it's pretty close. Deodato lifts his own backbeat from Kool & The Gang's "Ladies' Night," buts a funky bass line on it and tries to milk it for six minutes - doesn't quite work, though.


5. "Sign of the Times" by The Belle Stars (1982, Stiff)
   Catchy, but not great. Sounds like Bananarama (you have to decide for yourself if that's a compliment or an insult).

MFD Random Five #42

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.

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1. "Green Flower Street" by Donald Fagen (1982, Warner Bros.)
   The Nightfly is such a classic album and one of my all-time favorites. So much so that it certainly deserves its own post on this blog. In any case, this is the second tune on said album and has fun groove, great bridge, obscure lyrics, and a fantastic solo turn from Larry Carlton.


2. "One Step Over the Borderline" by Peter Allen (1980, A&M)
   From the wiki:

   Bi-Coastal is the sixth studio album released in 1980 by Australian singer and songwriter Peter Allen. [sic] The album is Allen's most successful and was produced by David Foster who also wrote many of its songs.  The album has become a classic with lovers of west coast pop music not because of the songs but for the use of musicians like Toto, Steve Lukather, Jay Graydon and others.

   I don't think Allen released six studio albums in 1980, but that's beside the point. Foster's hand is all over this song - just check out the bridge about two minutes in. And Graydon is evident from the get-go. I didn't come to this song/album until very recently and I'm not happy about the fact that I didn't find it when it was originally released.


3. "I'm Ready" by Bryan Adams (1983, A&M)
   Not released as a single, this Foreigner knock-off led side two of my Cuts Like a Knife cassette as I drove to and from my job at the local Burger King in 1983. Adams later released an "unplugged" version of this tune - I'm not at all interested in that one, but I dig this one.


4. "8th Avenue Shuffle" by The Doobie Brothers (1976, Warner Bros.)
   Deep cut from Takin' It to the Streets written by Patrick Simmons. Immediately identifiable as a Doobies tune, it's acceptable as far as filler goes, but it isn't a shuffle.


5. "Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders (1980, Sire)
   A soft rock tune on an otherwise raucous debut album. Chrissy's lyrics show an extreme confidence and so help me I believe every word. Deserved a higher chart peak than #14, but a great way to end a shuffle. And now I'll grab The Nightfly and Pretenders CDs from the shelves for play during the morning commute. I suggest you do the same. 

MFD Random Five #41

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.

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1. "It's All In Your Hands" by Nile Rodgers (1983, Mirage)
   As you might suspect, this would have been a wonderfully beautiful Chic song, circa 1979. However, as a Rodgers solo joint, we realize what's missing rather quickly: Bernard Edwards and Tony Thompson. Oddly, Rodgers decides to be a picker, not a scratcher on this track. Nonetheless, it's a well-written song and we're left wondering what might have been.


2. "Let's Pretend" by Al Jarreau (1984, Warner Bros.)
   Not the best song on the High Crime album, I dig the writing, especially on the chorus and bridge. Lemme check who wrote it: Jay Graydon, Richard Page, Steve George, & John Lang. Hey! Isn't that Pages? No wonder it's got hooks.


3. "Not Enough Love in the World" by Don Henley (1984, Geffen)
   Like much of Henley's music, I'm indifferent to this song. It's pleasant enough and has a killer organ line (courtesy of Heartbreaker Benmont Tench), but I much prefer "All She Wants to Do is Dance" or "Sunset Grill" from the Building the Perfect Beast album.


4. "Demolition Man" by The Police (1981, A&M)
   I think Ghost in the Machine is the best Police album and even Sting's sax playing can't harsh this groove and the wicked guitar solo from Andy Summers. Originally recorded and released by Grace Jones, it would later be covered by Manfred Mann's Earth Band. I prefer this version and now I feel the need to listen to the entire album.


5. "Der Kommissar" by After the Fire  (1982, Epic)
   Didn't I just post about this one and call it the worst song on a compilation album? And I believe I've previously called this song a knock-off of Rick James' "Superfreak." Yeah, I don't care much for this one. Bad way to end a post. Sorry.

MFD Random Five #40

In which I click the shuffle icon on the iTunes app and listen to the first five songs that pop up from the year 1979.

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1. "Dim All the Lights" by Donna Summer (1979, Casablanca)
   A familiar trope from Donna: start half time then get up to disco speed about 45-60 seconds in. But it don't bother me a bit. In fact, this was written by Donna herself, so you can't blame her for basing her form on previous hits. If it ain't broke and whatnot. Love the descending bass line in the B section. A #2 pop hit in November '79.


2. "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire with The Emotions (1979, ARC/Columbia)
   OOOOOH, YEAH! making me feel so good this morning. I just checked my list of top 5 EWF songs and somehow this didn't make the cut. That seems unreal as I listen now, but they produced that much good music.
   
   
   
   Ask yourself: "Should I listen to more Earth, Wind & Fire?"  Inevitably, the answer is yes.


3. "Too Much Too Young" by The Specials (1979, 2Tone)
   One of the stand-out tracks from a fantastic debut album. I like ska in small doses so when a great track such as this shuffles around, it's perfect. Was I listening to this in '79? Nope, but I caught up a few years later.
   


4. "Cars" by Gary Numan (1979, Beggars Banquet)
   A groundbreaking classic - when this hit the radio, it was like nothing I'd heard before. Does it sound dated?  Absolutely.  Does it matter?  Not in the least. I've read that Numan himself isn't overly fond of the tune, but I would imagine he's become fond of the royalties.


5. "A Warm Summer Night" by Chic  (1979, Atlantic)
   Not quite a slow jam, this laid-back, soothing, sexy tune provides a brief reprise between disco classics "Good Times" and "My Feet Keep Dancing" on side one of the Risqué album, exhibit A in the case against those who suggest that there was little substance to disco music (according to the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, p. 434)

MFD Random Five #39

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.

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1. "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang (1980, De-Lite)
   Yes, this former #1 smash has been overplayed from the get-go, but when you're at a wedding reception and the DJ starts playing this one (and the DJ will definitely play this one at some point), you can't help but immediately jump up and find your way to the dance floor because it just fits perfectly. This one's got undeniable staying power. 


2. "Knife Slits Water" by A Certain Ratio (1982, Factory)
   Experimental post-punk. I'm not a fan of Martha Tilson's vocals or the disturbing lyrics but that bass line sure is funky, if not over-repetitive. At almost 8 minutes, the novelty wears off rather quickly.


3. "Love's Been a Little Bit Hard on Me" by Juice Newton (1982, Capitol)
   A top ten country-pop hit. One of those tunes I can take or leave yet I know all the words. Today, what strikes me most is the guitar solo - much better than I remember it being.
   


4. "Starry Eyes" by The Records (1979, Virgin)
   Good ol' power pop produced by some guy named Mutt Lange. I dig it. I found this on the Rhino compilation Poptopia! Power Pop Classics Of The '70s which I'll now play through today at least once.


5. "In My Room" by Yaz  (1982, Sire)
   Another experimental cut, this time from a great pop album where I never thought this one fit. This was the last cut on side one of the Upstairs at Eric's album, so I usually just cut that side short and flipped to side two. Pass.

MFD Random Five #38

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.

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1. "High Society" by Norma Jean (1980, Bearsville)
   A Chic recording in all but name and, as such, is deserving of our respect.


2. "Too Hot to Handle" by Heatwave (1977, Epic)
   The Too Hot to Handle album was featured on this blog a few years back. Here's what I wrote about it then: "A great opening track that gets me dancin'.  Sounds like a Michael Jackson or Brothers Johnson tune from around that time, complete with Earth Wind & Fire type horn licks." My opinion hasn't changed.


3. "Disco Nights (Rock Freak)" by GQ (1979, Arista)
   With its synth-funk groove, this tune sounds more like early '80s R&B than disco.  I like it okay, but it pales in comparison to the follow-up, the wonderful slow jam "I Do Love You."


4. "Be Ever Wonderful" by Earth, Wind & Fire (1977, Columbia)
   One of EWF's best-ever ballads, this is the perfect album closer for All 'N All which I'll now pull off the shelves and listen to in its entirety. Should I listen to Earth, Wind & Fire more often? Yes. Yes, I should.


5. "Call Me" by Blondie  (1980, Chrysalis)
   A huge hit for the group. Rumor has it that writer Giorgio Moroder originally offered this to Stevie Nicks which woulda been a completely different tune. Although it was #1 for 6 straight weeks, I never hear it much anymore; radio stations usually opt for "Heart of Glass" instead. Shame. I never bought this single, but I bought another single from the American Gigolo soundtrack and it had an instrumental version of this tune on the b-side: