80's Hit Song Review: "Cafe Amore" by Spyro Gyra (1981)

 

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 77 (released in late 1980, didn't chart until in early 1981)

Backstory: This American jazz fusion and smooth jazz/ world music band was formed in Buffalo, NY in 1974. The band name is a play on the word "spirogyra" which is a kind of algae which band member Jay Beckenstein learned about back in his school days. In 1977, they released their debut album which included the single, "Shaker Song" which peaked as high as No. 90 on the Hot 100 in 1978. They would release their biggest hit, "Morning Dance" (a Top 40 single) around the same time. This song was their last ever charting Hot 100 single. The band is still together to this day, but sadly 3 members have since passed away: Jim Kurzdorfer, Ted Reinhardt, and Dave Samuels.

The review: This is a great little instrumental song that is perfect for listening to while relaxing or eating an Italian style lunchtime or dinnertime meal (think Fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti, breadsticks, and a glass of Italian wine or a fancy Italian soda) LOL . I just love the horns, the saxophone, and the occasional flute and the drums in this track. Should've been a bigger hit, but maybe it was a bit too unconventional for an actual "hit" single. Oh well. This ain't no, "Shaddap You Face" Italian novelty style tune though, and that goddamn thing was actually a MUCH bigger hit! LOL.

"Finiculi, Funicula" eating, people. And here's your pizza as well.

Final rating: 8/10

80's Hit Song Review: "I'll Be Around" by What Is This? (1985)

 

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 62 

Backstory: This Los Angeles band was formed by some high school friends in the early 80's. After going through some band name changes, they settled on the silly sounding What Is This?, after some neighbors asked that same exact question after hearing them for the first time. Two of the members of this group were actually Michael Balzary, AKA Flea and Hellel Slovak, both of which were also in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Sadly, Slovak would pass away from an accidental drug overdose in 1988. This single, a cover of the classic 1975 soul and R&B hit by The Spinners, would be their only ever hit single, though it only made it as high as No. 62 on the Hot 100. It was produced by legendary musician and singer, Todd Rundgren, who also produced the entire album as well. They later released a small EP the following year, but it wasn't a success and they broke up soon afterwards.

The review: Although this group didn't really change up the original version of the song, I still love this version as well. I love the guitar work and the loud drums. Overall, just a really solid cover version with great production and sound quality as well.

Final rating: 9/10