Back to the Eighties: Back in Black

Original video located here. Accessed 30th November 2022

Song title: Back in Black

Artist: AC/DC

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

The beauty in simplicity. Also a handy song to have around when one enters a room XD

Back to the Eighties: Mixed Emotions

Original video located here. Accessed 29th November 2022

Song title: Mixed Emotions

Artist: Rolling Stones

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

Say what you like about 80s Stones but this song still makes the grade for two reasons. First, it was my first exposure to the Stones. And second, in 2014, i reconnected with an old friend who I had quite a nasty falling out with. Currently we are still good friends so whenever I hear this song I think of my friend and wonder how they are doing

Back to the Eighties: Uncertain Smile

Original video located here. Accessed 28th November 2022

Song title: Uncertain Smile

Artist: The The

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Simply put: It sounds like nothing else from the entire decade. Also that piano solo, provided by none other than Jools Holland, is pretty sweet.

Got it Covered: Real Wild Child

Original video located here. Accessed 27th November 2022

Song title: Real Wild Child (Wild One)

Artist: Iggy Pop

Originally Done By: Johnny O'Keefe

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Being a child of the eighties I effectively grew up with the presence of a fun TV show called rage. As such, this song has permanently embedded into my consciousness.

Not that I'm complaining of course. It rocks hard and Iggy takes these words and makes them his own.

I do wonder however: Would Johnny O'Keefe have liked this?

Back to the Eighties: Theme For Great Cities

Original video located here. Accessed 26th November 2022

Song title: Theme for Great Cities

Artist: Simple Minds

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

As mentioned previously, i like a good instrumental. This, I feel, is because any instrumental makes you, the listener, draw your conclusions - as opposed to having a lead singer who is telling you what to think.

I am also a firm believer that certain songs require a certain atmosphere. And this is perfect for driving through a city at night 🙂

Got it Covered: Walk This Way

Original video located here. Accessed 25th November 2022

Song title: Walk This Way

Artist: Run DMC with Aerosmith

Originally Done By: Aerosmith

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

There's not much I can say about this song that hasn't already been said. It's the merging of two completely different worlds and proof that it can work a charm (as wonderfully illustrated by the music video). And it rocks hard too.

I recently heard an argument that the true takeaway from the success of this song is the strategy of veteran/washed-up artists teaming up with some up-and-comer can lead to a second wind. Indeed, in the years to come we would see Tammy Wynette join forces with the KLF, Santana collaborate with Rob Thomas, Billy Ray Cyrus help out Lil Nas X, and Kate Bush team up with the producers of Stranger Things. It's plausible but then again nothing breeds wrong answers quite like success XD

Back to the Eighties: Otis

Original video located here. Accessed 24th November 2022

Song title: Otis

Artist: The Durutti Column

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

Won't say no to an instrumental. Especially when they're done as good as this. Yes it's pretty much all a guitar and some loops but, as is often the case, a lot is done with very little.

And sometimes certain songs can work with particular surroundings. Why, even as I type this, I am watching the evening sun set out through the front window 😃