Sting – If You Love Somebody (Set Them Free) (Remixed Version) (1985)

May 19, 2012

in Sting

If You Love Somebody Set Them Free (Remixed Version)

When I was a kid, Sting was Sting. This already iconic entity with a funny name. I was so young and my musical knowledge still in development, The Police was a group Sting used to be in. He was already solo by the time my musical reality began to fully take shape.

Sting’s ballsy departure from The Police in early ’84 left many scratching their heads wondering “how could you walk away from what was the biggest band in the world?” at that time. His answer, 1985′s solo album Dream Of The Blue Turtles.

The sound of Sting solo is a complete flip from that of The Police. This record particularly, heavily influenced by jazz and incorporating an incredible ensemble of African musicians to fuse a kind of hybrid sound, proved successful when the album and this, it’s first single, reached the top of the charts at #1.

It’s been written that Sting said this song, which i still don’t completely understand therefore cannot agree with, was an antidote to “Every Breath You Take”. Subject to interpretation, it’s still a powerful piece of music and worthy of hit status with it’s all encompassing “free free, set them me”.

This is a “remixed version” from the rare 12″  single put out at the time. A great percussion exploration on this version! Hardly ever heard, and I think it quickly disappeared from shelves. I searched a long time to track this one down, and chances are you’ve never heard this version before. Do hope you enjoy!

Tagged as: 12" Single, 1984, 1985, 80's, Dream Of The Blue Turtles, If You Love Somebody (Set Them Free), Jazz, Pop-Rock, Remixed Version, Sting, The Police

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Donna Summer – This Time I Know It’s For Real (Extended Version) (1989)

May 17, 2012

in Donna Summer

This Time I Know It’s For Real (Extended Version)

Sad to hear the news about Donna Summer… She was truly THE disco queen of the 70′s. I’ve written before that I have an honest love and appreciation for disco and regard it as the genuine dance medium, and Donna Summer’s contribution to that style of music and era should be recognized and applauded. (Not to mention her thrilling performance in the disco-era cult classic flick Thank God It’s Friday! :)

I’ve had a 2 record Greatest Hits of Donna’s and when you look at the track listings, it’s quite impressive how many big hits she had back in the day, and there’s a lot of those “oh yeah, she had that song too!” moments for the average listener.

Fast forward boys and girls to the late 80′s… long past the days of flair pants, butterfly collars and platform shoes and into the pre-90′s when “flash” had taken on a whole new sound and style (aah-hum torn jean jacket, yeah that’s 80s!) A time when Donna released this well known cut, “This Time I Know It’s For Real” which was dubbed a comeback hit of sorts, being her highest charting single since the disco days, going to #7 in the US. I have clear recollection of this track being all-over the radio back in ’89.

Now you might be asking yourself “Why does this song remind me of a Rick Astley song??” … You wouldn’t be far off! That’s because this track and album were produced by the same people behind Rick’s productions, albeit the same drum machines and programming were utilized giving us that distinguished “late 80′s” sound.

This is the “extended version” released on the 12″ maxi, the version that would be spinning in all the disco’s (I guess they were boringly called clubs by then).

Hope you enjoy it and spin it in tribute.

Donna Summer  1948 – 2012

(this will stand as tomorrow’s post as well).

Tagged as: 12" Maxi Single, 1989, 70's, 80's, Dance, Disco, Donna Summer, Extended Version, Pop, Rick Astley, This Time I Know It's For Real, Tribute

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Billy Idol – White Wedding (Parts 1 & 2) (1982)

May 17, 2012

in Billy Idol

Billy Idol – White Wedding (Parts 1 & 2)

Billy Idol I’ve always thought brought a unique blend to sound. His music is definitely “rock” in my book, but all of his true hits have a pop sensibility to them which makes them accessible to the masses. Particularly those that incorporate the synthesizer as part of the basic track.

I was a bit too young to remember, but my association with Billy Idol in terms of music and MTV imagery at an early age was that this guy was “character” with a look that defined that particular brand of sound.

“White Wedding” is among his most popular of songs. He claims to have written it about his sisters fiance’ who knocked her up before they decided to get married, and thus a classic is born (the song, I don’t know about the kid).

This was one of the great singles that was suitably released on WHITE vinyl, dubbed as “Parts 1 & 2″ of a mix that exceeds that of which radio could never play. Set aside some time for this lengthly mix.

If you’ve got the house to yourself, go ahead and crank up that volume!! (But BE CAREFUL.. don’t go blowing out any speakers now, that’ll be your problem :)

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Tagged as: 12" Single, 1982, 80's, Billy Idol, MTV, Parts 1 & 2, Pop-Rock, Rock, Synthesizers, White Wedding

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New Edition – Can You Stand The Rain (1988)

May 16, 2012

in New Edition

Smooth Groove Alert!!

New Edition – Can You Stand The Rain

I’m in R&B mode.. this in addition to the fact that it’s raining here in New York yet again! (whatever happened to April showers bring May flowers) made me think of breaking this particular slow jam out.

This was kind of the swan song for New Edition, at least that’s how I see it. The break down of core members had already occurred, and they were heading in different directions. Forget reunions and all the other hype, when you look over the trajectory of a career, there are clearly chapters and this track marked the end of one..

The sound of this track and album was a dramatic departure from the golden bubblegum pop sound they were known for, in favor of a more mature R&B production. And while this track really has nothing to do with actual rain, it’s the story of a relationship that is currently fine but the man is asking the woman if he can count on her to remain by his side when things become difficult, hence stormy, hence “can you stand the rain?”. I think this is a very well written song in melody and lyrical execution.

“Sunny days, everybody loves them.. but tell me baby, can you stand the rain?

Storms will come, this we know for sure.. can you stand the rain?”

Tagged as: 1988, 80's, Bel Biv Devo, Bobby Brown, Can You Stand The Rain, Johnny Gill, New Edition, Pop, R&B, Ralph Tresvant

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Smokey Robinson – Just To See Her (1987)

May 15, 2012

in Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson – Just To See Her

Smokey Robinson is one of the all-time great contributors to music dating back to the early days of Motown. In fact, for Motown in those days, Smokey was like their little ace of cards! Between his performing, production and session contributions, and amazing writing (not just for himself, but for SO many of the other artists in that stable) he’s created one amazing body of work.

Additionally, his influence on so many artists is apparent, particularly of ballads. It’s been noted by the likes of John Lennon that The Beatles were often trying to emulate the great Smokey when it came to some of their very early ballads.

“Just To See Her” comes long after the hay-days of Motown, and his departure from the group The Miracles. This was a solo success, laced with all the elaborate and characteristic productions that made some of those mid-80′s tracks so wonderful (in my opinion) reaching #8 on the Billboard Charts, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Apart from the sleek production that screams 1987 to me, and the otherwise quirky synth-horn keyboard solo that makes me giggle, the lyrics to this track are absolute perfection… a common theme that’s been used in music since the dawn of time.. boy misses girl.. here it’s written in all simplicity. No BS, nothing to read into, just straight to the point.

Simple melody, simple lyrics, simple message.. an otherwise perfect pop song!

Tagged as: 1987, 60's, 80's, John Lennon, Just To See Her, Motown, Pop, Pop-Ballad, Smokey Robinson, The Beatles

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Julian Lennon – O.K. For You (1984)

May 14, 2012

in Julian Lennon

Key Album Cut Alert!!

Julian Lennon – O.K. For You

I read somewhere way back when that Julian used to start up his concerts with this track back in ’84… I can hear it too, with that crunching guitar lick! Why not kick off your Monday with this jam!!

This is track 2 from the famed Valotte album that brought him worldwide attention as the prodigal son of John Lennon, embarking on a hugely successful tour, and thus the comparisons began.

I’m not sure why this wasn’t considered for a single.. I’m not  saying it would have been a big hit, but I think it would have had moderate success.

And man I wish it was the 80′s, when you could walk around with a haircut like that and everything was cool.

Odds are you’ve never heard this one unless you owned the album or caught a VH1 Behind The Music back in the late 90′s. Give it a good listen, and if you’ve got decent speakers… turn it up would ya!

Tagged as: 1984, 80's, John Lennon, Julian Lennon, Key Album Cut, O.K. For You, Pop, The Beatles, Valotte

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Madness – It Must Be Love (1982)

May 13, 2012

in Madness

Madness – It Must Be Love

I was so disappointed when I saw this track used in a Volkswagon commercial the other day. The epitome of commercialization. But then I thought to myself, well it could be worse, it could be some no talent bands cover of this song!

“It Must Be Love” is the other hit from English new wavers Madness, and in this 80′s mans opinion, the better song.

I really couldn’t tell you the last time I heard this one played on the radio, so you can imagine my surprise when it turned up on TV. It’s most certainly a forgotten cut, especially by those front runner 80′s fans.

New wave with a twist of ska, reggae bass work, with a sweet melody and lyric. Oh yeah and saxophone! Hope you dig it!

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To all the mommie dearests out there, enjoy your day with a smile :)

Tagged as: 1982, 80's, It Must Be Love, Madness, New Wave, Our House, Pop, Reggae, Saxophone, Ska

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Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over (Extended Version) (1986)

May 12, 2012

Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over (Extended Version) For a really long time this song kind of irritated me.. I’m not entirely sure why, maybe it had too much of a bitter bite. But I’ve learned to love this track, and particularly this “extended version” which really lets you explore some of that hollow, [...]

Tagged as: 12" Single, 1986, 80's, Crowded House, Don't Dream It's Over, Extended Version, Pop

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The Silencers – Painted Moon (Album Mix) (1987)

May 11, 2012

Soundtrack Selection!! The Silencers – Painted Moon I’ve said before in an excellent Common Thread post how I used to be obsessed with TV and movies as a kid, and how I’d project playing such characters in my own little life’s fantasies. One B-movie that I was enthralled in for a period was an otherwise [...]

Tagged as: 1987, 80's, Album Mix, Jon Cryer, Morgan Stewart's Coming Home, Painted Moon, Pop-Rock, Pretty In Pink, Soundtrack, The Silencers

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Donald Fagen – I.G.Y (What A Beautiful World This Will Be) (1982)

May 10, 2012

Donald Fagen – I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World This Will Be) I like a lot of late era Steely Dan from the 70′s, when those guys started using professional studio musicians as their main band (some members of whom would eventually become the band Toto) crafting lush productions that had a jazzy element to them. [...]

Tagged as: 1982, 80's, Donald Fagen, I.G.Y (What A Beautiful World This Will Be), Jazz, Pop, Steely Dan, The Nightfly, Toto

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