My mom moved this weekend, as she says for the last time, by choice, to a wonderful independent living community. I thought I might explore moving through song, creating a playlist of songs with the word Move or Moving in their title. Some moving song greats include Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out,” UB40 or Bob Marley’s “Keep On Moving,” George Thorogood’s “Move It On Over,” Celine Dion’s “Love Can Move Mountains,” Carole King’s “I Feel The Earth Move,” James Taylor’s “Something In The Way She Moves,” Bob Seger’s “Night Moves,” and Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger.” Then there are several that want to actually make us get up and move, perhaps to the beat of the song, including “Move Ya Body,” “Move Your Feet,” “I Like To Move It,” “The Way You Move,” and maybe the song that started such songs, “Bust A Move.” I also took a little artistic license and included The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” given the very prominent refrain line “every move you make,” as well as included Rush’s “Red Barchetta” to represent their hit album Moving Pictures.
Moving is, I suppose, like change, death, and taxes, inevitable. Most of us have moved at least once or twice. Some many more times. As some of the songs suggest, with or without George, Weezy, Kermit, Fozzie, or Anthony – “Moving on Up,” “Moving Right Along,” or “Movin’ Out.” For many it might have been packing all our worldly belongings in the back of a station wagon or minivan and moving off to college. Or for others moving out of our childhood home to take a job. Perhaps we moved in with a roommate or two, or a partner, or even a spouse. Some of us stayed local, never leaving the town we grew up in. Others moved across the country, or even across the world.
As we move from place to place, we are typically confronted with sifting through our accumulated possessions to declutter and purge what doesn’t need to go or won’t fit in the moving truck or the new home and keeping that which has meaning or function. Often it is a time to reminisce about the past, recalling snapshots of memorable events that took place at the home we are moving from, and even previous homes, often triggered by photos or keepsakes of meaning and value in our minds and hearts.
As I contemplated moving from my last home, the only home that I, my wife, and children knew for 23 years, two-plus wonderful decades of cherished memories, my son commented something along the line of “Dad, you’ll never sell this house. You’ve put so much of yourself into it. You created our landscaping, built our rock walkways, finished our basement with a home theater room, game room, and home gym, installed all our bamboo hardwood floors. You have so many memories here.” And I told him that while all that was true, it was still just a house, a building, and home is truly where the heart is, wherever you make it – often where your family is, whether big or small. And happy, loving memories, assisted by photos and videos, will live on in your heart and mind forever.
This perspective was likely fostered when I lost my childhood home and most of my possessions, not to mention, more tragically, my younger brother, to a housefire when in my early twenties. Our surroundings and possessions can be replaced. Those we love can’t. Thus where we live tends to transition, sometimes with or without our planning or forewarning.
It is still so often bittersweet when we move, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and experiences, sometimes loved ones, careers, and favorite places. Though not without trepidation, it is often in anticipation of the new adventures that lie in waiting at our doorstep that we willingly make the change.
Moving alone, on our own, takes even greater courage and resolve. We are challenged with adapting to new surroundings, making new friends, finding new comforts without the support of a loved one at our side. But my mom is one of the most resilient, sturdy people I know, who I’m certain will deftly handle the task, with the assistance of family nearby.
Some poignant quotes to give us strength and comfort in continuing our journey to unfamiliar territories as we move, not just away from, but toward – something different, hopefully equally good, though perhaps even better:
Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.
– Helen Keller
Moving on is a simple thing. What we leave behind is hard.
– Dave Mustaine
It’s not only moving that creates new starting points. Sometimes all it takes is a subtle shift in perspective, an opening of the mind, an intentional pause and reset, or a new route to start to see new options and new possibilities.
– Kristin Armstrong
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else
– Fred Rodgers
If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello – Paulo Coelho
Every day is a chance to begin again.
– Unknown
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
– Lao Tzu
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
– Confucius
Life is about how much you can take and keep fighting, how much you can suffer and keep moving forward.
– Unknown
Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been.
– David Bowie
Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.
– John Lennon
You are never too old to start over. Every day is a chance to make changes to create the life we want.
– Karen Waddell
Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.
– Pope John Paul II
Faith is what gets you started, Hope is what keeps you going. Love is what brings you to the end.
– Mother Angelica
With a little faith Just a little trust If you believe in love Love can move mountains Believe in your heart And feel, feel it in your soul And love, love can Love can move mountains
Love Can Move Mountains – Celine Dion
Similarly, some videos of interest from the playlist:
Kermit and Fozzie – “Moving Right Along”
Olivia Newton John, Americas favorite pop darling in the early ‘80s here back in her Physical days with “Make A Move On Me”
Celine Dion, looking oh so young, with “Love Can Move Mountains”
OK, so I kinda wish I had seen my favorite Supergirl in 2018 performing the lead in the Broadway musical Beautiful – The Carole King Story. While I did see it at the Kennedy Center in 2016 with Abby Mueller, the sister of the originator of the role, Jessie Mueller, as well as in Boston, Melissa Benoist was rocking the role:
And here Carole’s good friend James Taylor, in his younger days, with “Something In The Way She Moves”
And Bob Seger working on some “Night Moves.” Watch for the cameos by none other than Matt Leblanc (long before his role as Joey Tribbiani of Friends fame) and Daphne Zuniga, perhaps most known for her roles in One Tree Hill, Beautiful People, and Melrose Place. Who knew? Evidently one of my coworkers 🤣
And Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera get us moving with “Moves Like Jagger”
And will.i.am provided the music for Madagascar with “I Like To Move It”
Or Poppy (Anna Kendrick) urging to “Move Your Feet” in Trolls
And here, my favorite guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan performing a Masterclass in blues guitar with Albert King with “I’m Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town.”
So when faced with a move, whether big or small, whether sudden or anticipated, take comfort in the words of wisdom above, and listen to some moving songs – listen to the music!
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
noun. /ˌriːˈjuːniən/ /ˌriːˈjuːniən – a social occasion or party attended by a group of people who have not seen each other for a long time
From NonProfitPRO.com
An institution’s alumni are a reflection of its past, a representation of its present and a link to its future. An alumni reunion is a memorable event where attendees can relive the past by getting nostalgic and reminiscing about the good old days with former classmates
A reunion allows conversations about life stories and choices made throughout life.
The link with alma mater is important, from graduation to the end of life. Institutions need alumni to provide time, talent, and treasure. Schools want alumni to consider returning to their alma mater to learn more, recommend future students, give resources, employ graduates and a host of positive engagement factors. Meanwhile alumni want their alma mater to stay in touch to learn about future events, stay connected with faculty, learn about institutional progress, ensure continual communication with classmates and more.
At a certain stage of life, it is all about having the chance to celebrate life. At my last high school reunion, I thanked my best friend for his role, so many years ago, in making my high school years extra special.
At first you wonder who all these old people are, until you realize you are one of them.
NOSTALGIA
Cambridge Dictionary definition:
noun. /nəˈstældʒə/ , /nɑˈstældʒə – a feeling of sadness mixed with pleasure and affection when you think of happy times in the past
Oxford Dictionary definition:
a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Bill, Jim, Kelly, and Di – Dartmouth ’88 friends for life…
Then and now – Laura, Phil, Val, and Bill, Dartmouth College football cheer pals, Memorial Field 1986 or 1987, and the Bema 2024… Nostalgia…
The memories we make in our childhood are the ones we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
The mud and dirt will wash off, but the childhood memories will last a lifetime.
In childhood, we press our noses to the pane, looking out. In childhood memories, we press our noses to the pane, looking in.
robert brault
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Robert brault
Nostalgia: a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
oxford dictionary
Perhaps no one can invoke a greater sense of nostalgia for Dartmouth than good old Daniel Webster:
It is, sir, as I have said, a small college. And yet there are those who love it.
Daniel webster
Or perhaps Eddie and the Cruisers can help reminisce:
Hey man, you got some fine college here, All the advantages, You got Ivory walls, lecture halls, full dressed balls…
Eddie
Our reunion was steeped in nostalgia. We had such a variety of structured activities to reconnect and recollect in so many ways, including hiking, biking, kayaking, meditation, yoga, a variety of talks, including from our esteemed president of the college, Sian Leah Bellock, comedian extraordinaire Rachel Dratch, Moth Talks, college updates, meeting with and hearing from faculty, including our own Tim Ambrose, service events, a memorial service, Baker Bell Tower tours, evening ‘tails and socials, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, bands, music and dancing, including our famed silent disco. There was something for everyone. And with such a great turnout many of us were able to catch up with and just enjoy spending time in the presence of old friends, as well as making new friends.
Remember the NonProfitPRO.com description of the purpose of reunions:
The link with alma mater is important, from graduation to the end of life. Institutions need alumni to provide time, talent, and treasure. Schools want alumni to consider returning to their alma mater to learn more, recommend future students, give resources, employ graduates and a host of positive engagement factors. Meanwhile alumni want their alma mater to stay in touch to learn about future events, stay connected with faculty, learn about institutional progress, ensure continual communication with classmates and more.
And that is exactly what we did. And did it with zeal and joy! Such an amazing, energizing, therapeutic weekend, recalling stories and memories of the past, updates of our journeys to the present, and hopes for the future, so comforting to the soul.
At Dartmouth, how lucky were we to have such a beautiful campus, great outdoors, with personal, intimate attention and inspiration from professors, in addition to the ability to develop strong bonds of friendship, with memories of events to last a lifetime. We have much to be nostalgic of and reminisce about. And a reunion is the perfect place to do so, spending time with those with whom we shared such intense relationships.
In my personal life, the warm glow of nostalgia amplifies good memories and minimizes bad ones about experiences and relationships, encouraging us to revisit and renew our ties with friends and family.
stephanie coontz
When I think back on my senior year of college, I remember not a day passing without having absolute fun with my friends, whether it was cheerleading practice or games, with road-tripping to the other Ivies; working out at the gym; sharing a meal, including wings at Hoveys, chicken sandwiches or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream at Topside, frozen yogurt with mix-ins at the Hop, EBA’s chicken sandwich or all-you-can-eat pasta, C&A’s pizza, margarita night at Bentleys; playing cards on the Green or late at night in Wheeler; listening to music or late night talks and debates with friends; late-night bowling, usually when the next day there were papers due or exams to study for; rambling along frat row for Friday and Saturday parties; just daily all-around goodness and fun. Though such nostalgia fails to acknowledge the long hours of studying, time spend in classes, interpersonal drama – those things get pushed from our memory for the most part, recalling all that was pure and good and fun. And so should it be. Life is too short to dwell on the tough times, apart from learning from them, and to not recall, cherish and celebrate the good.
Music evokes many feelings, memories, nostalgia, and things connected to our past. – Olga Kurylenko.
olga kurylenko
Again, music definitely evokes feelings, memories, and notalgia, and things connected to our past – such wonderful shared music – so many songs can bring me and my friends right back to special moments in time, to other people, places, and events, sharing a park bench quietly, such feelings of nostalgia, exuding feelings of warmth, comfort, and goodness – so therapeutic. Many of us had such moments at the reunion, and left elated, recharched, energized to continue to wage the good fight, to pursue work of meaning and purpose, to make a difference, to take on the world, and to just rock on!
Old friends Sat on their park bench like bookends…
…Can you imaging us years from today. Sharing a park bench quietly?…
…Old friends…
simon & garfunkel
Softly now the early twilight Thro’ the trees is stealing down, And the evening blush is falling O’er the college and the town. Come and gather on the campus, Make the gray old maples ring With the songs of Alma Mater, With the songs we love to sing.
For the dear old college home, boys, For the happy, happy days; For our glorious Alma Mater, Shake the campus with her praise.
Brothers; while the shadows deepen, While we stand here heart to heart, Let us promise one another In the silence ere we part. We will make our lives successful, We will keep our hands from shame For the sake of dear old Dartmouth, And the honor of her name.
twilight song
And while the disco may have been silent, we certainly weren’t, dancing on late into the night and early morning, some of us not getting to bed until well after 3 am!
My contribution was the mellow, a.k.a. lame, 35th Reunion Dartmouth Class of 88 Chillin’ Vibe Playlist. Its intent was to offer a little more mellow fare for those who wanted to wind down and relax. Silly idea, lol! People wanted to dance and rock.
In creating my playlist, I wanted music released or hitting the charts during our college years, 1984-1988, somewhat the pulse of those 4 years. I didn’t want it to be love songs or music to put you to sleep, so there was a fine line on song selection. Many songs had great meaning during our 4 years, evoking feelings, memories, and notalgia, and things connected to <my> past, and though the song has ended, the melody lingers on:
“Under the Milky Way” – The Church – a new wave staple on cheerleading road trips along with:
“This Is The Day” – The The, and “Love My Way” – The Psychedelic Furs.
“Don’t Dream It’s Over” – Crowded House – released our senior year… and it was over…
“Purple Rain” – Prince – perhaps the biggest anthem of our college years.
“Drive” – The Cars – a song connecting me to my first love then end of high school.
“Forever Young” – Alphaville – this band and Erasure (though not on this list, give “A Little Respect,” “Chains of Love,” and “River Deep, Mountain High” a listen) were introduced to me by one of my besties, Phil.
“Red Red Wine” – UB40 – a moment in time at a Wellesley formal with my pal Clayton and cousin Jen.
“Romeo & Juliet” – Dire Straits – Leann drunkenly requesting Romiet & Julio on a cheerleading roadtrip, another LOVED staple of our travels, along with:
“Swamp” – Talking Heads – frosh year cheerleading road trips, Stop Making Sense movie on campus, such a fun song to sing along, we even had a cheerleader named Swamp…
“Darling Nikki” – Prince – invokes images of Jenna (RIP 😢) and Stephanie from my Wheeler UGA group belting out the lyrics to the song in their dorm room down the hall prior to going out to party: “I knew a girl named Nikki I guess you could say she was a sex fiend…”
“You Can Leave Your Hat On” – Joe Cocker – there is a legend about 2 guys stripping at a D Phi E formal…
And music conjures connections to movies as well:
“Take My Breath Away” – Berlin – Top Gun ring a bell?
“Crazy For You” – Madonna – Desperately Seeking Susan…
“Who Wants To Live Forever” – Queen – Highlander…
“We Don’t Need Another Hero” – Tina Turner – Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds – the biggest movie anthem ever – The Breakfast Club
And closing with “We Are The World,” the greatest assembly of rock and pop musicians in the history of music to record one song to save millions of lives from starvation in Africa. Be sure to watch the Netflix documentary The Greatest Night in Pop. It’s fantastic.
The silent disco was an amazing study in individual, couples, and group behavior. As I watched from the sideline making sure the music played on, I so enjoyed watching people find their song and rock on, even if different than their friends or partner’s selection. Most were rocking and bopping to the Blue or Green Playlists, where most of the action was happening. Though couples would occasionally spin off to the Red Chillin’ Vibe playlist to dance cheek to cheek to a slower song, such as “Careless Whisper,” “Bring On The Dancing Horses,” “Purple Rain,” “Drive,” or “Faithfully.” And then a few in the crowd would start a sing-along, and people would pull their headphones forward to match their color with the others in the crowd with a sea of Blue or Green singing and dancing to songs such as “Rock The Casbah,” “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Always Something There To Remind Me,” “Modern Love,” “Karma Chameleon,” “Burning Down The House,” and “Take On Me,” among others.
Then I received requests to stray from the playlists and take requests, namely Prince’s “Kiss” and AC/DC’s “Back In Black” and other harder rock songs instead of the new wave and pop fare of the premade lists. So I ran an audible and started DJing at midnight, transforming the Red playlist to a DJ of hard rock and then dance hits, lighting the room red until 2 in the morning. It was beyond fun DJing, and watching the crowd, at times on their backs, legs in the air to the likes of “Rock Lobster” and “Shout,” and in general just grooving to and singing along with the music. What a blast – reveling in the ’80s today, our older and wiser selves still able to rock it, finding comfort and joy in the past, excitement and fun in the present, and hopes and dreams for the future. Nostalgia can truly warm the soul, lighten the spirit, and invigorate our very being.
Dartmouth, there is no music for our singing, No words to bear the burden of our praise, Yet how can we be silent and remember The splendor and fullness of her days? Who can forget her soft September sunsets, Who can forget those hours that passed like dreams? The long cool shadows floating on the campus, The drifting beauty where the twilight streams?
Who can forget her sharp and misty mornings, The clanging bells, the crunch of feet on snow, Her sparkling noons, the crowding into Commons, The long white afternoons, the twilight glow? See! By the light of many thousand sunsets, Dartmouth Undying, like a vision starts. Dartmouth, the gleaming, dreaming walls of Dartmouth, Miraculously builded in our hearts.
dartmouth undying
So with that feeling of nostalgia permeating our being, on to some music to evoke feelings, memories, and notalgia, and things connected to our past, not to mention to enjoy, dance to, and feel good about life.
Silent Disco Red Headphones DJ Playlist:
Red Headphones DJ Playlist (midnight to 2 am)
Derek’s just killin’ it Blue and Green Headphones Playlists:
Blue Headphones Playlist
Green Headphones Playlist
35th Reunion Dartmouth Class of ’88 Chillin’ Vibe Red Headphone (beginning of night) Playlist:
Red Headphones Playlist
Derek’s Dinner Social Playlist:
And see my last blog ‘80s Flashback from June 4, 2024, with Playlists:
I’ve Got A Rock & Roll Heart – ‘80s Rock
Rock You Like A Hurricane – ‘80s Hard Rock
Rock Me – ‘80s Hair Metal
Rhythm Of The Night – ‘80s Dance
As well as my tribute blog Forever Man from July 14, 2022, in memory of a fallen college classmate, though the sentiments expressed are universal.
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
Live in the moment, with a little nostalgia for past moments…
Forty Years. Yes, 40 Years. Let that sink in. 40 Years ago today, though it seems like only yesterday. A bit unbelievable. On this day in music, June 4, 1984, Bruce Springsteen released his 7th studio album Born In The USA, which became the best-selling album of 1985, and the Boss’ best-selling album of all time. The album spawned 7 top 10 singles, tied with Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Twice as much time has passed since its release compared to the Beatles arrival in the US to its release. Just crazy.
Some not so current events from 1984.
Apple’s Macintosh computer goes on sale at a price of $2,500. My Dartmouth freshman class in 1984 became the first in the country to have computers offered to every student – the Mac discount to $1,250 or so, with every dorm room wired to the “mainframe.”
Michael Jackson was treated for burns from pyrotechnics during the filming of a Pepsi commercial.
The XIV Olympic Winter Games were held in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, now Bosnia and Herzegovinia. American Scott Hamilton won figure skating gold, and Bill Johnson became the first ever American to win a downhill skiing gold medal.
“This Is Spinal Tap,” a rock mocumentary, is released.
Marvin Gaye, one day before his 45th birthday, is killed by his father during an altercation between his parents.
The game Tetris is released by a USSR computer programmer.
The drinking age increases to 21 nationwide, though there are some states, including Vermont, a 5 minute ride across the Connecticut River from my alma mater Dartmouth, with “grandfather” clauses allowing some of us to legally drink between 18 and 21.
Mary Lou Retton became America’s darling in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first non-Eastern European woman to win a gold medal in gymnastics, finishing first in the all-around. She also won silver in team and vault, and bronze on floor and uneven bars.
Princess Diana gives birth to Prince Harry.
After an 11 season run as one of America’s beloved family sitcoms, “Happy Days” airs its last show.
The Detroit Tigers, managed by Sparky Anderson, with stellar performances by Alan Trammell, Kirk Gibson, and Jack Morris win The World Series, defeating Tony Gwynn’s San Diego Padres.
Bob Geldoff of the Boomtown Rats and “I Don’t Like Mondays” fame forms Band Aid for Ethiopian famine relief. Fundraisers would include the single “Do They Know It’s Christmas” which reaches No. 1 on the UK charts just 1 week after its release, and in 1985 the concert of all concerts in the ‘80s, Live Aid.
Incumbent President Ronald Reagan defeats Walter Mondale in the Presidential election.
In addition to the Boss, music in 1984 was dominated by Prince, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Duran Duran, The Cars, Wham, Lionel Richie, Bryan Adams, Huey Lewis, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, and Van Halen. And beyond 1984, George Orwell’s novel notwithstanding, music continued with classic, progressive, punk, and hard rock, though also evolved beyond disco to new wave, techno pop, rap, glam or hair metal, and as we bid a sad farewell to the end of the decade, on the cusp of the new decade, grunge.
The ‘80s, sometimes pejoratively termed a decade of excess and greed, for those of us who grew up in it instead thought it was the best decade to grow up, following the unrest and countercultural ‘70s and preceding the dissatisfaction of the grunge-laden youth of the ‘90s – we all saw it as Nirvana, though just not Kurt Cobain’s version. We saw everything from Cabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears, Teddy Ruxpin, Stretch Armstrong, GI Joe with the kung-fu grip, Barbies galore, Polly Pockets, Smurfs, Chia Pets, Chuck E. Cheese, shopping malls, the advent of home computers (glorified word processors), Pac Man, Atari and Nintendo, Swatch watches, slap bracelets, Rubik’s Cube, Koosh Balls, Trapper Keepers, walkmans, boom boxes, VHS tapes, Blockbuster movie rentals, preppies, valley girls, big hair, mullets, parachute pants, jelly shoes, shoulder pads, leg warmers, spandex, jazzersize, thigh master, roller skating, riding bikes everywhere, break dancing, moon walking, MTV, new wave music, techno pop, rap music, glam metal, Saturday Night Live, John Hughes movies, slasher films, even who shot J.R. and where’s the beef?
Watch Netflix Stranger Things and you’ll get a good sense of ‘80s fashion and fads…
not to mention a homage to ‘80s movies, especially ET, Close Encounters, Goonies, Stand By Me, Alien, and Nightmare On Elm Street:
Kenny Loggins monopolized movie soundtracks with:
Caddyshack – “I’m Alright”:
Top Gun – “Danger Zone” (Though Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and The Righteous Brothers “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” were also memorable in the movie):
Footloose – “Footloose”:
And more dancing with Flashdance “What A Feeling” by Irene Cara:
Not to mention the memorable “Maniac” by Michael Sambello:
Remember no one puts Baby in a corner – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes with “(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life” from Dirty Dancing:
Perhaps the pinnacle of John Hughes movies, Pretty in Pink with “If You Leave” by OMD:
And then there was perhaps the most iconic score of all ‘80s movie soundtracks, Simple Minds “Don’t You Forget About Me” from The Breakfast Club:
Peter Gabriel with “In Your Eyes” from Say Anything (even featuring an ‘80s boom box!):
Bob Seger got in on the act in Risky Business with “Old Time Rock & Roll”:
And Survivor, with “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky 3:
And as a wrestler, I just loved Red Rider’s “Lunatic Fringe” placement in Vision Quest:
Then there was Breakdancing:
There were some things we didn’t have in the ’80s though:
Stuff we really didn’t need. And we were happy that way…
For those of us who grew up on the ‘80s, our formative teen years shaped by the decade of music and movies, most of us feel there will never be another as great as that time. As my college reunion approaches, charged with making chllin’ vibe playlist for a silent disco night, which will be the subject of my next blog, I decided to create some more ‘80s playlists of varying themes to supplement some I had already made. They include:
“I’ve Got A Rock & Roll Heart” – ‘80s Rock & Pop Hits, “Rock You Like A Hurricane” – ‘80s Hard Rock Hits, “Rock Me “– ‘80s Metal Favorites, “Rhythm of the Night” – ‘80s Dance Hits, and two also released in a previous blog, though tweaked for this blog, “Just Can’t Get Enough” – Techno Pop, and “This Is The Day” – ‘80s New Wave College Faves. All in all, a wopping 6 playlists totalling approximately 48 hours (no, not the Eddy Murphy – Nick Nolte movie) of glorious ‘80s tunes. Enough to keep even the most particular of ‘80s listeners happy for quite some time.
There are some cusp songs – released in the 70s but so prominent in the 80s that I included them, and a few released in ’90, my artistic license for the lists. Alas I didn’t include any Led Zep. Also, the line between Hard Rock and Metal is a bit muddy, so some acts, like AC/DC, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and Guns N’ Roses straddle both genres, pretty hard rock, but soft metal. They just seemed to fit both lists.
And on to some amazing music. Enjoy your flashback to the ’80s. Though as for me, I never left it…
I’VE GOT A ROCK & ROLL HEART – ROCK & POP HITS OF THE ’80s
ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE – 80’s HARD ROCK HITS
ROCK ME – ’80s METAL FAVES
RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT – ’80s DANCE TUNES
JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH – TECHNO POP
THIS IS THE DAY – ’80s NEW WAVE COLLEGE FAVES
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
On December 8, 1980 John Lennon was shot and killed outside his and Yoko’s NYC apartment. I remember where I was when I heard the news – in my morning Geometry class, freshman year of high school. How the word spread that quickly without electronic media I’m still not certain. We were all stunned, in a state of disbelief that a Beatle was dead.
In “The Ballad Of John & Yoko” he sings the somewhat prophetic words:
Christ, you know it ain’t easy You know how hard it can be The way things are goin’ They’re gonna cruify me
john lennon – the ballad of John & Yoko
The song provides the theme for this week’s blog called “The Name Game” highlighting songs featuring peoples’ names in their titles. There are so many that the lists could go on forever, but included are some of my very favorites in the first Spotify playlist, and some honorable mentions in the second, no less great, and still very worthy of a listen. The lists could go on with hundreds more, but these are songs that I enjoy and felt worth sharing.
Some songs of note:
A few of my favorite songs of all-time: Elton John’s “Levon” and “Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters,” Dire Straits’ “Romeo & Juliet,” Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” and Hall & Oates’ “Sara Smile” though I much prefer the guitar work of Monte Montgomery’s version, which my uncle Joey, who played guitar in bands his whole life called one the the best guitar performance he had ever heard.
Chris Cornell’s cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” I had first heard his version on American Idol, sung by David Cook, who did it proud. I remember listening, and not quite able to place the song initially, though I was certain I knew it. Then it dawned on me – such an amazing interpretation of MJ’s hit pop song. I couldn’t wait to give Chris’ original interpretation a listen.
Again an American Idol reference, one of my faves, Crystal Bowersox, covering Janis Joplin’s cover of “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Red Sox fans can’t pass up a rousing rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” which has become a Fenway Park tradition.
Some trendy name songs over the years include Dexy’s Midnight Runners “Come On Eileen,” Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny,” Toni Basil’s “Hey Mickey.”
There are 3 versions of “Gloria” between the two playlists, because how can you decide between versions by Van Morrison and Them, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison (who’s 80th birthday is today) and the Doors??? I love ❤️ them all!
And such a classic memory of one of my favorite Police songs “Roxanne” was provided by Eddie Murphy in the 1982 movie 48 Hrs.
And who knew that one of my idols, Stevie Ray Vaughan, provided a public service announcement before his passing, after achieving sobriety, offering “It’s real necessary to make sure that the kids understand that drugs and alcohol have nothing to do with what Rock & Roll is about. It’s really the downfall of Rock & Roll. I’m trying to get that across.”
Yet I can’t get beyond they’re cutting his song and guitar solo short, so here he is performing the song in its entirety in Daytona Beach, 1987.
And considering the death of rock idols beyond John Lennon, I remember the day I heard that Stevie Ray died in a plane crash, on my drive into medical school in the summer of 1987 (08/27/87). Tragic 😢
A few songs of note made the list without a name in their title, as the name is such a prominent part of the song, truly what many think the song is called, with David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” aka “Major Tom” and The Moody Blues “Legend Of A Mind” or “Timothy Leary.” They seemed worthy additions.
Billy Joel (10), The Beatles (10), and Elton John (9) appear most frequently on the two lists, perhaps a testament more to my musical tastes than their penchant for writing songs with names in them, or more likely a mixture of both.
And for those interested in trying to apply the name game rules to any name to make it rhyme, here are the lyrics to the song. Good luck – well beyond my brain power…
Come on everybody I say now let’s play a game I betcha I can make a rhyme Out of anybody’s name The first letter of the name I treat it like it wasn’t there But a “B” or an “F” Or an “M” will appear
And then I say “Bo” add a “B” then I say the name Then “Bo-na-na fanna” and “fo” And then I say the name again with an “”f” very plain Then “fee fi” and a “mo” And then I say the name again with an “M” this time And there isn’t any name that I can’t rhyme
Arnold! Arnold, Arnold bo-bar-nold Bo-na-na, fanna fo-far-nold Fee-fi-m-mar-mold Arnold!
But if the first two letters are ever the same I drop them both, then say the name Like Bob, Bob, drop the “B’s”, Bo-ob Or Fred, Fred, drop the “F’s”, Fo-red Or Mary, Mary, drop the “M’s”, Mo-ary That’s the only rule that is contrary
Okay? Now say Bo Now Tony with a B Then “Bo-na-na fanna” and “fo” And then you say the name again with an “F” very plain Then “fee fi” and a “mo” And then you say the name again with an “M” this time And there isn’t any name that I can’t rhyme
Everybody do Tony Tony, Tony, bo-bo-ney Bo-na-na fanna, fo-fo-ney Fee-fi-mo-mo-ney Tony!
Pretty good Let’s do Billy! Billy, Billy, bo-gil-ly Bo-na-na fanna, fo-fil-ly Fee-fi-mo-mil-ly Billy!
Very good, let’s do Marsha! Marsha, Marsha, bo-bar-sha Bo-na-na fanna, fo-far-sha Fee-fi-mo-ar-sha Marsha!
A little trick with Nick! Nick, Nick, bo-bick, Bo-na-na fanna fo fick Fee-fi-mo-mick Nick! The name game
the name game – Shirley ellis
So without further ado the playlists:
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
The following is a compilation of a 20 day Facebook daily challenge thrown down at me by my good friend Jim during the first months of the COVID pandemic. I had anticipated his request and had given the challenge great thought. To clarify, my interpretation of the challenge was to daily post an album that has had impact in my life. They are not necessarily my most favorite albums of my most favorite artists, though many may be that. There are many albums I absolutely love and think are among the best albums recorded that are not included in my 20. And there are none of this decade, century, or millennium – to be honest, there are none that were released after the year of my high school graduation, 1984, though some did not impact me until my college years. That is not to say I haven’t had impactful albums in the past 36 years, but when you’re a teen, just being awakened to music, there was greater opportunity to be wowed and amazed. Or maybe that was just my experience. Plus, no great music has been released since the ‘80s anyway 🤣 – JK! 😉 Though there truly was something magical about the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s.
So I worked on compiling this list over several weeks leading up to the challenge. I listened to each album in its entirety over the course of that time, which was such a treat, a delight. If you take nothing else away from this post, go back and listen to your top dozen or two albums from start to finish. So often we just listen to songs or compilations from artists. But albums were released, at least back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, as conceptual pieces, meant to be listened to in order, in their entirety. And it was such a pleasure to listen to my favorite music once again in that fashion, almost like listening to it for the first time…
I will share my albums chronologically in the year of their release, which doesn’t necessarily reflect the order of their impact to me or denote any ranking of their importance. I just felt it was the easiest way to organize my days. You may also learn a little bit more about me, my experiences, not to mention more about the artists I share, some of whom you may already know and love, some you may want to explore or listen to further. No real surprises, though – you’ll see…
So, who else to start with, but the King – Elvis:
Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley (’56) – I remember my Uncle Joey, lifelong musician, giving our family this album when I was probably 6 or 7 years old. I remember as he handed the album to us thinking that it was his album, with him on the cover, lol! It’s the first album I remember listening to in our house. It likely was the gateway to my love of rock music, and this album allowed me to embark upon my “Elvis phase”, the first of many “required” rock fan phases in the ‘70s (along with The Beatles and The Doors).
Packed with songs like “Blue Suede Shoes” (a song of which I acquired a bit of karaoke infamy at the Collis Center after having a few too many beers with dorm mates sophomore summer of college – I thought I sounded pretty good, and I sure did shake my hips…), “I Got A Woman”, “Just Because”, “Tutti Fruiti” – we actually did our own version of karaoke as kids, microphone and all (though not connected to anything, lol!) in my parents living room listening on our Panasonic console unit, with record player (you could load 4 or 5 albums, and it would drop down each one, one after another, for listening) with built in speakers. We used to sing to John Denver and Johnny Cash on that thing as well! Though only 11 at the time, I was devastated when Elvis died in the summer of ‘77…
Elton John – Elton John (’70) – His first US release (though Empty Sky was released previous to this in Britain), jam-packed with great songs, piano, orchestration, and lyrics. Though if you care to listen how amazing a composer Elton really is, listen to some of these early songs on Elton John Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – just beautiful with a full orchestra backing, though Elton John edges it out with the young, octave higher Elton vocals. Also interesting to note, people often so love Elton’s lyrics, but remember it is his lyricist Bernie Taupin who is really speaking to you, as he writes the lyrics, and Elton writes the music.
And a big thanks to the inspiration from my brother John, as well as my lifelong friend Jim to become a big Elton fan. Elton is one of the few artists, along with Billy Joel and Genesis, that I started and successfully completed my quest to own every vinyl album they recorded. Though I’ve since parted with many, I’ve kept my favorites, especially original pressings, live albums, or cool album art, such as Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy, and also among my very favorites Madman Across The Water, with “Madman”, “Tiny Dancer”, and my VERY FAVORITE Elton song, “Levon”, though “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”, of Honkey Chateau fame has been moving up in my Elton rankings and may edge it out someday. I was lucky enough to see him in concert with Billy Joel in 2002 – great concert, over 4 hours long!
Van Morrison – Moondance(’70) – This is the 1st CD I ever purchased once I broke down and bought a CD player in medical school in 1988. It used to be my desert island CD, and still is among them. Classic Van Morrison – I love every song on here. I still own my original vinyl, with the liner notes a 2 page fable written by his girlfriend Janet Planet, telling the story of an artist in ancient times who has a great gift but keeps it to himself. When his wife gets sick, he cures her using his gift of song. She then asks, “but who will ease your pain, who will save you? While the title song is among the greatest ever written, “Into The Mystic” is one of my favorite mellow, soothing, romantic songs:
I want to rock your gypsy soul just like in the days of old, and magnificently we will fold into the mystic…
Into the mystic – van morrison
For a similar feel, though from a different album, check out “So Quiet In Here” off “Enlightenment”:
Foghorns blowing in the night, salt sea air in the morning breeze, driving cars all along the coastline, this must be what it’s all about, this must what paradise is like, so quiet in here, so peaceful in here…
So Quiet in here – van morrison
I love Van Morrison (though have never seen him in concert – I’ve heard he’s too unpredictable: on a bad day, he’s really bad…)
The Doors – Morrison Hotel (’70) – This is among 1st vinyl albums I owned and was the start of my “Doors phase” (along with Elvis and the Beatles). I was amazed by Morrison’s ability to sing with raw power and grit on “Roadhouse Blues”, “You Make Me Real”, and “Peace Frog”, but then wax poetic, or sing soft and melodic, as in “Blue Sunday” or “Indian Summer”. And I loved Ray Manzarek’s keyboards and Robbie Krieger’s wailing guitar, not to mention John Densmore’s drumming. This was ROCK. Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Morrison in Oliver Stone’s movie “The Doors” is worth a watch, too, for those less familiar with their impact on the late ‘60s and early ‘70s music scene.
Don McLean – American Pie (’71) – You couldn’t get away from the title song in the ‘70s – it got tons of air play. It was one of the first songs I learned the lyrics to and would sing all the time, though at that age I’m certain that I was never quite sure what “rye” or a “levee” was. Often viewed as one hit wonder, McLean’s “Vincent,” a song about Vincent van Gogh (whose birthday, March 30th, I share, along with another artist, Francisco de Goya, as well as several musicians Eric Clapton, Celine Dion, Norah Jones, Tracey Chapman, MC Hammer, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett) also received some air play, and is a decent song, along with other great melancholy songs that follow. I found myself listening to this lots after my dad died in 1986: “but February made me shiver…” the month my dad, and the music (Buddy Holly) died. I often felt my dad looked a bit like Buddy Holly, lol!
Can you find my pain? Can you heal it? Then lay your hands upon me now And cast this darkness from my soul. You alone can light my way. You alone can make me whole once again.
Crossroads – don mclean
And for the first time I’ve been seeing The things I’d never notice, without you. And for the first time I’m discovering The things I use to treasure, about you.
Winterwood – don Mclean
Never knew how much I needed you Never thought you’d leave, until you went Morning comes and morning goes with no regret And evening brings the memories I can’t forget Empty rooms that echo as I climb the stairs And empty clothes that drape and fall on empty chairs
empty chairs – don mclean
Sad, I know, but what my grieving heart needed for a while after losing my father…
Led Zeppelin – IV (’71) – This album is such a classic, with such great songs from such a great band, though Zep 1 & 2 are close in quality, and have many of my favorite Zep songs, it’s hard to beat this album. While John Bonham died prior to my concert going years, and my brother John Storo missed his opportunity to see his favorite band in New Haven just before they disbanded, getting “snowed out” by a blizzard, we did get to see their first reunion of sorts at Live Aid in Philadelphia in 1985. I’ve since seen the tribute bands Get the Led Out (twice) and The Jason Bonham Tribute Band (once), just amazing tributes to perhaps the best rock band ever. Go see them if you have the opportunity. You won’t be disappointed. I also loved Zep’s “Lord of the Rings” references in several of their songs.
The drums will shake the castle wall, The ring wraiths ride in black, ride on.
the battle of evermore – led zeppelin
How years ago in days of old when magic filled the air T’was in the darkest depths of Mordor I met a girl so fair But Gollum and the evil one crept up and slipped away with her
Ramble on – led zeppelin
It’s a win-win any time you can pair one of the greatest of bands with one of the greatest of books!
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon (’73) – I obviously heard tracks from this album first on the radio – there was no MTV, iTunes, Pandora, or Spotify back then. But I really listened to this album on my older brother John’s cassette, with its partner in crime Wish You Were Here (’75) on the other side. I had never heard anything so mesmerizing, hypnotic, orchestral, with such unusual sound effects – a ground-breaking album. I once made the mistake of listening to this cassette while taking a long walk in my hometown late one night down old country roads with few homes, no cars, no street lights, with all the screams and footsteps and noises being absolutely terrifying in the pitch black, uncertain if they were on the recording, or were real. But I didn’t have any other cassettes on me, and wanted to listen to music, so needless to say I didn’t turn it off! Playing this album and any other Floyd albums in college always caused dorm mates to come in our room, sniff around, and ask how we could be listening to Floyd without smoking marijuana. The closest our room came to marijuana during Floyd music was the burning of incense and lit candles, though the same can’t be said for our sophomore year neighbors who could have supplied a medical dispensary for many months with their endless supply of weed…
My younger brother Bob’s gravestone bears the inscription of the latter half of the quote:
For long you live and high you fly, and smiles you’ll give and tears you’ll cry and all your touch and all you see is all your life will ever be.
breathe – pink floyd
Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (’74) – This is one of my favorite Genesis albums, one of the bands that I eventually owned every album of (along with Billy Joel and Elton John), thanks this time to the inspiration provided initially again by my brother, John, and then further kindled by the enthusiasm of Steve, my sophomore year college roommate visiting from UCSD who was a big Genesis (as well as Journey) fan. I never got to see Genesis, but have seen Phil Collins, and more recently Steve Hackett, the guitarist for Genesis in the ‘70s prior to their pop era, playing all of my favorite, “old”, psychedelic Genesis fare, including this album, as well as Selling England By The Pound and Foxtrot (including the 23 minute long “Supper’s Ready” – no one writes songs like that anymore!). You can watch Steve Hackett in concert on YouTube, or give a listen to Seconds Out for old Genesis in concert, though by that time with Phil Collins at the lead instead of Peter Gabriel. We used to marvel at how deep Gabriel rasped on this album “Carpet Crawlers”…. So I challenge you to give this album a listen on Spotify, and you’ll probably think I’ve lost my mind. Yes the story and lyrics are bizarre and surreal, the music psychedelic, but it’s musically so good…
Beach Boys – Endless Summer (’74) – one of the first cassette tapes my brother John Storo and I owned, joining the “Columbia Record and Tape Club” in the ‘70s (I think The Bay City Rollers, The Partridge Family, The Carpenters, The 5th Dimension, and even AC/DC were among our purchases). Jam packed with feel good summer hits. It makes you want to thrown on your bathing suit, put on some sunscreen, grab a towel, and head to the beach. It evokes fond memories of times spent every summer at the North Hampton and Cape May shores with my mom, dad, and brothers. I didn’t learn to surf until 2014 in Santa Barbara, CA, when my daughter was looking at college there, and we both took surf lessons. Definitely felt like a Beach Boy, and had Surfer Girl, Surfin’ Safari and Surfin’ USA going round and round in my head!
Billy Joel – Turnstiles (’76) – The quest to find this album started my album collection. My first concert was Billy Joel at the Hartford Civic Center in ’82 with Jim Ouellette. I had heard the song “Prelude/Angry Young Man” but didn’t know the title, and, being pre-internet, had no way to research it, so I just started buying Billy Joel albums until I found Turnstiles, and a true Billy Joel fan was born. Many of my favorite songs are on this album, including “Summer Highland Falls”, “Miami 2017”, “I’ve Loved These Days”, and “New York State of Mind”, among other hits.
The two other Billy Joel albums that were almost a tie with this, but surpassed due to this being the album that started it all, were Songs in the Attic, a great live Billy Joel album with the best versions of older songs such as “Miami 2017” and “Captain Jack”, as well as his very first album, no not Piano Man, which is great and among my favorites, but Cold Spring Harbor, very singer-songwriter sounding – give it a listen. Giving “Turnstiles” a fresh listen a few times through, I reaffirmed what a truly exceptional album it is. And these lyrics perhaps sum it up:
Oh baby, I think you are lost in the seventies. Oh baby, the music she ain’t what she used to be… …Oh baby, where are the oldies they used to play? Oh baby, you want to crawl back into yesterday…
all you wanna do is dance – billy joel
So yeah, maybe basically that’s me, musically…
Boston – Boston (’76) – This is pure ‘70s hard rock, a powerful rocking album, most of it listened to, along with Kansas selections “Carry On My Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind”, Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way”, “Sweet Emotion”, and “Dream On”, songs from “Frampton Comes Alive”, and many other ‘70s rock anthems on Saturday mornings during bowling league at Vernon Lanes with my brother John and friend Chris. Song for song, this is perhaps one of the best ‘70s rock albums ever, and is one of the top few best selling debut albums of all time (along with Guns ‘N Roses “Appetite for Destruction” and Pearl Jam “Ten”); there’s not a dud on here: “More Than a Feeling”, “Peace of Mind”, “Foreplay/Long Time”, “Rock And Roll Band”, “Smokin’”, “Hitch A Ride”, “Something About You”, “Let Me Take You Home Tonight” – just amazing. Summarizing Boston’s contribution is perhaps their song about their own story:
Well, we were just another band out of Boston On the road and tryin’ to make ends meet Playin’ all the bars, sleepin’ in our cars And we practiced right on out in the street No, we didn’t have much money We barely made enough to survive But when we got up on stage and got ready to play people came alive
rock and roll band – boston
And then, only as an MIT grad turned rock star can pen:
Now you’re climbin’ to the top of the company ladder Hope it doesn’t take too long Can’tcha you see there’ll come a day when it won’t matter? Come a day when you’ll be gone, whoa
peace of mind – boston
Steely Dan – The Royal Scam (’76) – I first heard this album as a pre-teen when trying to sleep at my grandmother’s when my uncle Joey came home from the bars at 2 in the morning. While “Hey Nineteen”, “Do It Again”, “Reelin’ in the Years”, “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, “Peg”, “Aja”, and “Gaucho” are amazing songs that I love, this album is without a doubt my favorite Steely Dan album, with “Kid Charlemagne” my favorite song, interestingly, about a notorious drug “chef” in the ‘70s who was famous for manufacturing hallucinogenic compounds, though the whole album is spectacular, with great jazz influenced piano, guitar and horns. Not many rock/pop bands had such extensive horns in their music – Steely Dan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Billy Joel…
Some trivia notes: jazz great Larry Carleton is featured on guitar, with Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, and Timothy B. Schmidt of Eagles fame singing back-up vocals on this album. Coincidentally this is the album that features the line “turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening”, spurring the Eagles to respond on their next album, Hotel California, “they stab it with their steely knives but they just can’t kill the beast”. Some consider this the ugliest album cover ever… I was so lucky to have seen Steely Dan for the first time not long before Walter Becker died.
Beatles – Love Songs (’77) – This is a tribute to my Beatles phase (along with the Elvis and Doors phases most kids in the ‘70s went through). I had heard plenty of Beatles albums before this, and especially like Abby Road and their Red and Blue greatest hits double albums. But I fell in love with this album, thanks to Tom, from whom I taped his double album from his vinyl to cassette. It’s almost impossible to find this on CD (though per Amazon you can own a new vinyl copy of this for $300-380 including shipping and handling, lol! Though sorry Tom, used copies are only going for $15-35…), s0 I had to be creative and years ago made a playlist of the songs on iTunes and Spotify so I could still listen to this collection. I even burned a copy to CD. While not a rocking album, every song on here is a singer-songwriter gem.
Supertramp – Breakfast in America (’79) – I recall this as the first album that I ever felt “peer pressure” to listen to, remembering one of my classmates talking about how great it was. While I had seen the album cover here and there, I felt clueless not knowing all the songs. Thus it became a part of my cassette collection. Some great songs from a great ‘70s band, including “The Logical Song”, “Goodbye Stranger”, “Breakfast in America”, and “Take the Long Way Home”. It led me to eventually start buying Supertramp albums in college, including Crisis? What Crisis?, Even in the Quietest Moments, Paris, and Brother Where You Bound?. Nostalgia…
When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical And all the birds in the trees, well they’d be singing so happily Oh joyfully, playfully watching me But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible Logical, oh responsible, practical And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable Oh clinical, oh intellectual, cynical
the logical song – supertramp
Eagles – Live (’80) – This is the best compilation of Eagles classics, with these live versions better than their studio counterparts. I always had thought this was taped at the concert my brother John Storo and cousin Joseph Garitta went to at the Yale Bowl in ’80, but alas it was recorded in Inglewood, Santa Monica, and Long Beach California. They are the only band I know of who have had top 10 hits with 5 lead singers: Don Henley, Glen Frey, Joe Walsh, Randy Meisner, and Timothy B. Schmidt (The Beatles, CSNY and Fleetwood Mac had “only” 4 singers with hits). There’s a great documentary called “History of the Eagles” that was free on Netflix, but no longer – now you have to buy or rent it on Amazon. Though Amazon does have the “Hell Freezes Over” movie free on Prime Video for members. One of my very favorite Eagles songs is on this live album, “Seven Bridges Road”, which has some of the best harmonies of all time. Check out this acapella version of the intro from the ‘70s:
Styx – Paradise Theater (’81) – This is quintessential Styx, which was played almost in its entirety on the Mr. Roboto tour I was able to see in 1984. I was fortunate enough to see Styx again (minus Dennis DeYoung, though along with Def Leppard and Tesla) over 30 years later, and they were still fantastic. This is such a great rock/musical theater album, and I always thought the cover was too cool. It even supplied my high school yearbook quote: “These are the best of times…” Also love older Styx releases such as Crystal Ball, Cornerstone, Grand Illusion, and Pieces of Eight – including the great songs “Renegade and “Lord of the Rings” – another band with Lord of the Rings referencing!.
Most of my Styx recordings were pirated from my friend Rob’s vinyl collection. Though not on this album, but instead on Grand Illusion (’77), I always wonder how blown away people must have been hearing “Come Sail Away” – give it a listen and imagine how different it would have seemed from the typical ‘70s fare at the time. A bit of trivia – twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo at the age of 12 first started playing with a then 14 year old Dennis DeYoung in the Chicago suburbs, the early origins of the band…
Our memories of yesterday will last a lifetime We’ll take the best, forget the rest And someday we’ll find these are the best of times These are the best of times
the best of times – styx
Rush – Moving Pictures (’81) – This is classic Rush, with many of my favorite songs. I still crank up the volume if “Tom Sawyer” comes on the car stereo! I saw them in concert on their Power Windows tour with John Storo and Steve Farrell. “Marillion” opened for them. It so amazed me the sound that just 3 guys were able to put out, with Neil (RIP) effortless at drums, and Geddy often doing 4 things at once (bass guitar, bass pedals, keyboards, and singing – how?), with Alex perhaps one of the most underrated guitarists in the world. I am also amazed that over a 40+ year period of band’s existence, once Neil joined in 1974, they had no change in the band lineup – just 3 guys, friends, playing together until they could play no more. So sad that Neil has left us. His book Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road, about his bike travels and dealing with his grief after his only daughter and then wife died in less than one year, makes for an insightful, interesting read.
On a different note (no pun intended), interesting that 3 of my 20 albums are in Rolling Stone Magazine’s top 10 progressive rock albums of all time (this, #3, along with #1 Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and #9 Genesis’ Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, with some of my other favorite Floyd, Genesis, and Yes albums rounding out their top 10…)
U2 – Under A Blood Red Sky (’83) – I first heard this album on Dartmouth College Cheerleading road trips. It opened a whole new world of live, driving, socially and politically poignant rock, including “Gloria”, “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, “New Years Day” – every song in this set is amazing. And who does a live rocking version of Psalm 40 (“40”)? We sang this song in the church folk group at AQ House on campus at Dartmouth. It wasn’t until years later that I realized that the lyrics of the song that seemed appropriate to sing at church were taken directly from Psalm 40, thus the name, lol! Again, who can get away with that, but Bono? And the Edge’s guitar. I just love this album. While in retrospect I grew to love Joshua Tree that followed, it took me a few years to appreciate it, as it wasn’t quite the raw rock of this live performance.
I waited patiently for the Lord He inclined and heard my cry He brought me up out of the pit Out of the mire and clay I will sing, sing a new song…
“40” – u2
Dire Straits – Alchemy (’84) – I first listened to Dire Straits on Dartmouth College cheerleading road trips, where it became a staple, one night with one of our cheerleaders, Leann, drunkenly requesting, after a few too many Brador (Molson product, 50% higher alcohol content) beers, to listen to “Romiette & Julio” (a.k.a. “Romeo & Juliette”), lol! I gave further attention to this live set listening to my brother’s cassette on a Walkman at a UCONN basketball game at the Hartford Civic Center while awaiting the game to start. I then grew to love this as perhaps my favorite live album of all time (along with Eagles Live) my sophomore year of college, with the best versions of some of my very favorite songs, especially “Romeo & Juliet” and “Sultans of Swing”. It was the first CD I ever put on cassette, borrowing the CD and CD player (before I had either) from a dorm-mate. I recently watched the concert footage to this album for the first time (found it on Amazon for cheap) – I guess it’s the closest I’ll get to seeing them perform (apart from the simulcast performance from Wembley Stadium in London to JFK Stadium in Philly at the “Live Aid” concert, with only a 2-song set list: “Money for Nothing” with Sting, and “Sultans of Swing”), though Mark Knopfler, another of rock’s underrated guitarists, still tours now and then, so maybe…
And a lovestruck Romeo, he sang the streets of serenade Laying everybody low with a love song that he made Finds a convenient streetlight, steps out of the shade He says something like, “You and me, babe, how about it?
romeo & julilette – dire straits
Bob Marley – Legend (’84) – I first listened this album from my brother, John, I think. I had heard Bob Marley songs over the years, but when this album came out, it just blew me away, chock-full of all his hits. Others successfully recorded some of the songs on here, including Eric Clapton’s “I Shot the Sherriff” (Clapton’s only #1 hit in the ‘70s), and Stevie Wonder’s “Jammin’”. I also really love “Redemption Song”. Regina Storo and I heard this album perhaps a bit in excess at our Sandals resort on our honeymoon in Jamaica, but we didn’t mind – we just loved the reggae, with such an upbeat, happy feel to it. Though I’ve since learned that this album was “homogenized” to attract a white middle-class audience to purchase it. Thus not included are his songs as a political revolutionary decrying the brutal history of slave trade in the Caribbean and Americas. Tragic and sad. Also tragic, while I always assumed that he died of a drug-related cause as most musicians so, believe it or not he died of melanoma.
Bob truly was a reggae legend, and I still love to this day listening to this album. I would often sing “Three Little Birds” to the kids at night when putting them to bed. Other favorites (for me at least, not sure what the kids thought) were Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy” (or Girl, if singing to Kate), The Beatles “In My Life”, Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful”, Elvis’s “Love Me Tender”, James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend”, Dan Fogelberg’s “Leader of the Band”, and Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle”. While “Three Little Birds” seems perhaps more of a “wake-up” song, I couldn’t help but feel hearing “don’t worry ‘bout a thing ‘cause every little thing’s gonna be alright” was such a good thing to hear when trying to drift off to sleep.
Rise up this mornin’, smiled with the risin’ sun Three little birds pitch by my doorstep Singin’ sweet songs of melodies pure and true Saying’, this is my message to you Singing’ don’t worry ’bout a thing ‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
three little birds – bob marley
Other albums of significant impact to me over the years, my “honorable mention” list, include (including a few from the 90’s, believe it or not!):
Traffic – John Barleycorn Must Die (’70) American Graffiti – Soundtrack (’73) The Moody Blues – This is the Moody Blues (’74) Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run (’75) Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive (’76) James Taylor – Greatest Hits (’76) Joe Cocker – Greatest Hits (’77) Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell (’77) Steve Miller Band – Greatest Hits (’78) Lynyrd Skynyrd – Gold & Platinum (’79) Michael Jackson – Off The Wall (’79) Journey – Escape (‘81) Simon & Garfunkel – Concert in Central Park (’82) Bryan Adams – Cuts Like a Knife (’83) The Police – Synchronicity (’83) Yes – 90125 (’83) Big Chill – Soundtrack (’83) Madonna – Madonna (’83) Prince – Purple Rain (’84) Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Welcome to the Pleasure Dome (’84) Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense (’84) Howard Jones – Dream Into Action (’85) Bruce Hornsby and the Range – The Way It Is (’86) The Kinks – Come Dancing with the Kinks (’86) Peter Gabriel – So (’86) Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (’86) Stevie Ray Vaughan – Live Alive (’86) Eric Clapton – Crossroads Collection (’88) Pearl Jam – Ten (’91) Hootie & The Blowfish –Cracked Rear View (’94) Guardians of the Galaxy – Soundtrack (’14) Crystal Bowersox – Alive (’17)
So in considering a playlist, I would love to just insert links to each album, as for reasons discussed above, I think these albums are best listened to in their entirety, but thought such multiple links would be unwieldy. I considered creating a playlist with a favorite song or two or even three from each album, but that would detract from the concept of trying to inspire album oriented listening. So instead I included just one song, and for lack of a better way, chose the most popular song based on Spotify listeners. A few were surprising, such as Van Morrison’s “Into The Mystic” over “Moondance,” the Eagles “Seven Bridges Road” over “Hotel California,” or U2’s “40” over “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”
And I’d also like to alert you to the fact that The Beatles Love Songs does not exist as an album on Spotify, but is instead a playlist of the song list of the album created from the albums on Spotify. Given it was a compliation album of studio songs, it doesn’t lose anything in translation thus assembled. However, that is not the case for Dire Straits’ live album Alchemy, as only a few of the live songs are available on Spotify, with the other songs studio versions to complete the song list. However, that waters down the amazing versions of this live album, in my opinion Dire Straits very best work. It is a difficult album to find in a streaming version – I do not see it on Amazon Music or Apple Music. For those really interested, you’ll have to buy a copy in vinyl or CD format on Amazon or EBay.
So on to the playlist. If any of the artists and songs interest you, select the album link from the song list menu, and it will take you. tothe full album for your listening pleasure. I hope you enjoy some of these albums as much as I have. They are worth a listen.
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life. Listen to albums that have impacted your life.
