I've been putting up a new page (formerly an old post) about my memories of traveling with my family during the Summer, and this brought to mind this song. Its Lindsey Buckingham's song "Holiday Road," which perhaps is most memorable as the song from National Lampoon's Vacation. Very '80s song, and very suitable now that the Summer is here. Interesting video: if I had a work environment like that, I too would like to take a holiday!
Here's another one from Lindsey Buckingham: 1984's "Go Insane."
Here's my unusual offering for Memorial Day. Back in 1991, a group of musicians, actors and celebrities got together on a record and video to boost the morale of troops then involved in Operation Desert Storm, as well as raise money for the American Red Cross. The group and the song were both known as "Voices That Care."
Musicians contributing included Peter Cetera, Randy Travis, Little Richard, the Pointer Sisters, Luther Vandross, Garth Brooks and Michael Bolton. Mark Knopfler contributed a guitar solo, and Kenny G added a sax solo. A lot of other musicians and artists were in the chorus, including Sheena Easton, Will Smith, Kevin Costner, Rick Deez, Whoopi Goldberg, Mariel Hemmingway, Michael Jordan, Brooke Sheilds, Stephen Stills, and many others.
The final product is a little schmaltzy, very much a 1991 item, but its heart is in the right place. As the words convey, one does not have to agree with all the military decisions that are made by those in power to appreciate those who have served our country, especially in the most difficult circumstances. Deep respect in particular to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
On May 25, 1986, a truly unique event occurred which I think has some lessons for us today. In an effort to draw attention to the plight of the homeless, over 6 million people joined hands in a chain that crossed the United States from coast to coast. The effort was called Hands Across America.
The event drew support from across the political spectrum, and included participation from many political, artistic and religious figures. These included Yoko Ono, Oprah Winfrey, Robin Williams, Michael J. Fox, Michael Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Liza Minelli, Kenny Rogers, John Cardinal O'Connor, and the Reverend Robert Schuller, all of whom joined the human chain at some point along its lengthy route.
In Washington, D.C., the event included President Ronald Reagan at the White House, and House Speaker Tip O'Neill at the U.S. Capitol.
I think this wonderful event, which went on to raise $34 million for homeless charities, is an example for today. Now that there is such division and mistrust in the U.S., we need a reminder that it doesn't always have to be like this. As we approach the aniversary of Hands Across America, we could do well to look back and see that we came come together with hopefullness and idealism to do good, and to see the best in one another.
hands
across america hands
across the land i love united
we fall united
we stand hands
across america mother
and father daughter
and son learn
to live as one i
can not stop thinking again and again how
the heart of a stranger beats
the same as a friend learn
to love each other see
these people over there? they
are my brother and sister when
they laugh i laugh when
they cry i cry when
they need i’ll be there by their side we
are the river of hope that
runs through the valley of fear and
there is a lady whose smile shines upon us saying
all is welcome here. learn
to love each other see
the man over there? he’s
my brother when
he laughs i laugh when
he cries i cry when
he needs me i’ll
be right there, right by his side the
kiss never felt so sincere full
of countless dreams this
earth, it never smelt so sweet cradles
a song in it’s great heartbeat learn
to love each other see
the man over there? he’s
my brother when
he laughs i laugh when
he cries i cry when
he needs me
Here's a memorable new wave 80s classic with some rather unique lyrics.
Til Tuesday, "Voices Carry"
I'm in the dark, I'd like to read his mind But I'm frightened of the things I might find Oh, there must be something he's thinking of To tear him away When I tell him that I'm falling in love Why does he say
Hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry Hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry
I try so hard not to get upset Because I know all the trouble I'll get Oh, he tells me tears are something to hide And something to fear And I try so hard to keep it inside So no one can hear
Hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry Hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry Hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry
Oh, he wants me, but only part of the time He wants me if he can keep me in line
Hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry Hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry Oh, hush, hush, shut up now, voices carry Oh, hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry Oh, hush hush, darling, she might overhear Oh no, voices carry
He said shut up He said shut up Oh God, can't you keep it down, voices carry
Here's a blogcast from Slate magazine featuring an interview with Jay Jay French of '80s metal glam band Twisted Sister. Joining him is director Andrew Horn to talk about the new Twisted Sisterdocumentary. In the course of the interview we get to hear about this hard working band that took a long time to finally achieve stardom. Twisted Sister started as an andogynous glam-rock band back in the early '70s, amidst the era of Alice Cooper, Kiss and the New York Dolls. They kept their dreams held with a tight grip as they saw themselves ignored by record companies. Then came the Glam Metal era of the '80s, and they acheived their final breakthrough. Its actually an inspiring story.
Here's what we remember Twisted Sister for, the representation of metal rebellion for many teen males who just wanted to rock. This is a classic video.
And here the rebellion moved to school.
This song goes best with the interview. After listening to it, you become aware of what this song is about.
In continuing tribute to Prince, here are a few more Prince songs sung by other musicians. This is an example of his wide influence on music, especially in the '80s.
