The 80's girl reveals her "True Colors" W/OApr 18 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Madonna, Kenny Loggins, and a little Bobby McFerrin can make for a great mix! This opinion is part of a write-off hosted by ileneg in celebration of her one year anniversary here at Epinions. This is my first write-off attempt so bear with me :) Ilene and her co-host, sslabs, have come up with a group of questions for all who participate to answer. You can groan, you can laugh, and keep in mind that the 80's was so full of one-hit wonders that I couldn't make up my mind on a lot of these things, so I incorporated some other song titles into my review. Most importantly, I hope you have fun reading this and get some ideas for your own mix. I'm embarrassed to tell anyone that I love this song and I blast it when it comes on the radio I have so many choices to choose from here - from KLF's "They're Justified, and their Ancient" or Tiffany's "I think we're alone now." After much deliberation, I have finally decided, however, that it has to be Madonna's "Material Girl". I don't know what exactly it is about that song, but I do remember a video I saw where she was performing the song live, and I never will forget Madonna throwing money out to the audience and then running back for her stole. Of course, I still have memories of hearing Brittany on Alvin and the Chipmunks sinking this as well. But deep down, I love this song. I wail the lyrics at the top of my lungs and have a little dance number I do when no one is looking. After all, don't girls just want to have fun? This song makes me feel cool when I'm driving Hands down it has to be Kenny Loggins hit "Danger Zone" from the Top Gun soundtrack. I don't know how to listen to this song without speeding, but it gets the blood pumping and me wailing at the same time. I sit back, get the "sexy" look across my face, and get high on life. I begin to think that I have a fast car, a ticket to anywhere. I am starting to feel energetic just thinking about it. This one brings up painful memories This is another sure pick for me: Mike and the Mechanics - "In the Living Years". I am sorry, there is just no way I can hear the last verse and not cry: "...I wasn't there that morning That my father passed away I didn't get to tell him All the things I had to say..." Those four lines make me think of everyone in my life that is important to me who has died, and I think of the little holes I left in those relationships. Sorry seems to be the hardest word, sometimes it is just too late. Funniest Song Now that I have depressed you, we should transition into a funny song. Still stuck in the 80's, I would have to nominate Bobby McFerrin for "Don't Worry, Be Happy". I love hearing about all of the things going wrong and the message is still Don't worry, Be Happy. The reggae beat and the unique voice of Bobby McFerrin is awesome. "...There's the little song I wrote I hope you learn it note by note (like good little children) Don't Worry, Be Happy..." Ah yes, definitely the most hilarious warm fuzzy song I can think of. If I hear this while drinking a little red, red wine I am in for a fun evening. I can't stand this artist or group Sheryl Crow is my least favorite artist. She drives me crazy with her drugged up voice. Besides, if I hear "This is L.A." shouted across my radio with the synthetic unoriginal music playing in the background, I will "have a little fun" throwing it the window. I'd donate a lung or other vital organ, to be alone with this singer Don't laugh - seriously. This is going to be a weird answer. Promise not to laugh? Billy Joel, no question. His music has inspired me so much. I would never have written my book without him. When I am suffering from a case of writer's block and need a kick start, I listen to Piano Man. I think of the man "making love to his tonic and gin," "the waitress practicing politics," "the businessman getting stoned," and I "forget about life for a while." Sometimes, I just need to hear a little "Uptown Girl" to pick me up from a slump. And of course, "We didn't start the fire" gives me all sorts of ideas for some independent research. Oh yes, I want to sit down with Billy Joel, explain to him how much his music has touched me, talk to him about his life. He truly is the inspiration in my life. That is why I would want to be alone with him. I want to get to know him - there has to be a life behind that music. Biggest disappointment, following a hit record Milli Vanilli couldn't "Blame it on the Rain" any more. Alas, I was a closet fan, and when it was revealed that they did not write their own music, it crushed me. I actually listened to the album in which they did sing with their own voices - I can't remember the name of it - does that indicate how bad it is? No talent, sorry. I don't care anymore. This song made me cry (or came close to it) There are two here, and they make me cry for different reasons. The first is Baby Mine by Bette Midler and it can be found on the "Beaches" soundtrack. Long before my own daughter died, I would listen to this song and remember Dumbo's mommy cradling him in her trunk through the bars of her cell. After my daughter died, lyrics started standing out more. "...Lay your head close to my heart Never to part Baby of mine..." The tears pour, the heart aches, and the love I have for all of my children becomes even more strong. I think of my baby, forever young. The second song would have to be "In My Dreams" by REO Speedwagon. Not a lot of people know the song, so I am going to share yet more lyrics "...There was a time some time ago Where every sunrise meant a sunny day, oh a sunny day, But now when the morning light shines in It only disturbs the dream and where I lay, oh where I lay, If only I could stay asleep at least I could pretend your thinking of me Because night time is the onetime I am happy, you see in my dreams you love me... And we climb, and climb, And at the top we fly Let the world go on below We are lost in time And I don't know really what it means All I know is that you love me In my dreams" If you have ever been in love so bad that it hurts, yet the other person didn't really care if you were breathing, you will understand why this song makes me cry. I used to listen to it over and over and over again. It was introduced to me by a boyfriend when I was 16 - he broke my heart a month later. This song will always remind me of Eric, I hope if he reads this he feels guilty, although I am sure that is against all odds. (I am not bitter or anything, really). Coolest thing ever done by an artist or group Eric Clapton has done so much for this world. Not only has he raised money for charities by selling his prized guitars, but he has helped people who have lost a child or children as well. The first major help he did was by writing the song "Tears In Heaven" that was written for his 5-year old son who died. Secondly, I know of at least one memorial he has donated items too, a memorial recognizing our precious children that we can no longer watch grow up. Obviously, this means a lot to me because of how personal child loss is to our family, but if I could ever meet him I would give him a huge hug. So there you have it, the good, the bad, the sad. The best choice of songs for a music mix from a girl who hasn't quite caught on that the 80's are over. A final bit of advice? When the going gets tough, take a holiday to Margaritaville, stop at Tom's Diner for a bite to eat, and stay the night at the Hotel California. Soon the search is over and you fell yourself doing the walk of life. It just takes a little patience. Take care and I hope you enjoyed - if you are not groaning too loud. ~Heather  |
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