A "Strange" Update

It seems like Joe has unfollowed my blog without giving me any reason as to why. I can't get in touch with him either, so if that is the case, than I'm confused as to why.

Joe, if you see this, please answer this question that way I can know what to do next or about the current situation that's going on right now.

80's Hit Song Review: "Respect Yourself" by Bruce Willis (1987)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 5

Backstory: German-born American actor Willis first gained recognition and success as David Addison on the ABC comedy-drama series Moonlighting, which aired from 1985-1989. In 1987, Willis released this first single off of his album The Return of Bruno. The album was even made into an HBO rockumentary and mockumentary special during the same year. The single, somewhat of a surprise success, is a cover version of the 1971 Staple Singers classic and even includes backup vocals by June Pointer and the other Pointer sisters, made it all the way into the Top 10, and was even a Top 10 hit in the U.K. as well, peaking at No. 7 on the U.K. Singles Chart. The album was also a surprise success (heck, I OWN a copy, LOL), peaking at No. 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Album Charts. The follow up singles, also cover songs ("Young Blood" and "Under the Boardwalk"), didn't do quite as well on the Hot 100. His 2nd and only other album, 1989's If It Don't Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger, wasn't a success at all. Of course, Willis is much more famous for starring in movies such as Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and Armageddon. (Side note: One of my 11th grade teachers was a relative of Demi Moore, his former wife who he divorced in 2000. LOL)

The Review: Like Eddie Murphy's "Party All the Time" and Starship's "We Built This City", this is one of those "love it or hate it" kind of guilty pleasure songs from this decade. I honestly have always loved Willis's version of the song, but what makes it stand out is the fantastic production, Willis's harmonica playing, and Willis's voice along with the Pointer Sisters as backup singers makes this a fantastic cover version in my book, personally. LOL. But, of course, the Staple Singers original is the true classic.

Final rating: 9/10

And as always, don't forget to comment your opinion on this tune below.

80's Hit Song Review: "Europa and the Pirate Twins" by Thomas Dolby (1983)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 67 (Originally released in his native U.K. in August of 1981, wasn't released as a single in America until in the spring of 1983 on Capitol Records, and peaked in late June of 1983)

Backstory: Dolby released this single as the one of the first singles off of his debut album, The Golden Age of Wireless. It peaked at No. 48 in his native U.K., No. 45 in Canada, and No. 67 here in the U.S. It was also a Top 40 success on the U.S. Top Rock Tracks Chart, peaking at No. 37. Dolby wouldn't release "She Blinded Me With Science" until a year later after the original U.K. release of this single, in October of 1982. His only other U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart entry besides this tune, and of course, "Science" , is 1984's "Hyperactive". Dolby would continue to release much more albums over time, and he even became the music director for TED in 2001 and is still their music director to this day. Dolby even created the famous Nokia ringtone. Overall, Dolby is one very busy yet talented man.

The Review: I have always loved this New Wave tune. It's catchy but still kind of soft. With lyrics referring to a real life story in which a young Dolby met a girl who, in some time after that, he would never see again because she moved away, I believe, back to her home country, along with lyrics referring to early 1940's and 1950's type war technology, you know you're in for quite an interesting New Wave treat. The synths and occasional sound effects are also awesome. Should've been a Top 40 hit here in the States. Simply brilliant and breathtaking.

Final rating: 10/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on this tune.

Godawful Fanfiction No. 2: Joe Blevins Gets Trapped In A Gas Station Bathroom

Joe Blevins was just getting done using the restroom in a gas station on his vacation to San Francisco during the middle of the night and was about to pull open the door, but it just wouldn't budge open. He tried this for about seven minutes straight and it still didn't work. Joe tried yelling for help, but it didn't work, and his cell phone had no connection inside of the restroom. So Joe just tried to stay positive. Luckily, the bathroom wasn't too dirty unlike many other gas station restrooms, so Joe thought to himself, "I could try to sleep with my pillow and small blanket on the ground here." So Joe turned on his flashlight and took out his pillow and small blanket and tried to go to sleep. He was able to do so quickly and calmly. At about 4:30 in the morning, the song "I Do the Rock" by Tim Curry came on the speakers unexpectedly in the bathroom, scaring Joe a bit, but after realizing it was just a song, he started bobbing his head up and down to the catchy beat. He then went to sleep about 3 minutes after the song finished. At 6:30 in the morning, the same thing happened again, but this time the song playing over the speakers was "I'll Drink To You" by the rock band, Duke Jupiter. This shocked Joe as well, but he bobbed his head up and down to the music again. Then, it was 8:00 in the morning and Joe turned on his flashlight, only to notice a slight light coming thru the bottom of the door. He tried banging again for help, and finally somebody helped him. But, this wasn't just some kind of stranger. It was Seth Rogen, the famous comedian and filmmaker. Seth said, "You OK man?", and Joe replied with, "Oh my god, you're Seth Rogen!" Seth replied with, "Yes I am", and "That's terrible that this door can't even open. I had to use a special lock picking tool to get you out." Joe just laughed and said, "Yeah, it was a strange night." Seth then said, "Bye", to Joe and Joe said, "Bye", back to him. Then Joe continued his trip in San Francisco.

The end.

Yet another crappy story, huh Joe? LOL

80's Hit Song Review: "Life Gets Better" by Graham Parker (1983)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 94

Backstory: British singer and guitarist Parker released quite a few albums before releasing this single off of his album, The Real Macaw. It was a really minor blip on the Hot 100 for only two weeks, but was a Top 40 success in Australian, peaking at No. 35 on the Australian singles chart. Parker would release a lot more music over the years and tour often as well.

The Review: Yet another great 80's song I can't believe stalled so gosh darn low on the Hot 100. This is easily one of his all time best songs, so I'm just shocked that this tune stalled so low. The positive message, the strings, and guitar make this tune an overlooked masterpiece. Such a bummer it peaked so low here in America.

Final rating:9/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on this tune below.

60's Hit Song Review: "Day After Day (It's Slippin' Away)" by Shango (1969)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 57

Backstory: This American rock quartet formed originally as Renaissance in 1968 with a one shot single called "The Hi-Way Song" which didn't chart. A year later, they changed their name to Shango. The line-up consisted of Tommy Reynolds (later known for being in Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds), Richie Hernandez, Malcolm Evans, and Joe Earle. They scored their one and only hit in 1969 with this unique rock song that made fun of people who thought that California was going to get destroyed by an earthquake. It was actually a bigger hit in Canada, peaking at No. 39 on the Canadian RPM Charts. They only released two albums and eventually disbanded in 1970. Reynolds moved almost immediately to Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds soon afterwards.

The Review: This is a fun little tune with humorous lyrics about Los Angeles probably going to eventually get destroyed by an earthquake. But the calypso sound and interesting instrument usage is easily what makes this song awesome. Should've been a Top 30 hit or even bigger.

Final rating: 9/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on this tune below.

80's Hit Song Review: "Heartline" by Robin George (1985)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 92 (Released in George's native U.K. in 1984, wasn't released as a single in the U.S. until a year later)

Backstory: British singer and guitarist George (real last name Sidebotham) released his debut album, Dangerous Music in 1984 on the Bronze Records label. A year later, this single released off of that album charted here in the States. Although it was a modest success on the Mainstream Rock Charts, peaking at No. 40 there, it was just a minor blip on the Hot 100 for two weeks. It was his only ever U.S. hit. George wouldn't release anymore music until the early 2000's, including albums such as Bluesongs and Rogue Angels.

The Review: How in the world did this song stall so damn low on the Hot 100!? Everything needed in a great hard rock song are here: a badass guitar, hard rocking' vocal work, and absolutely fantastic production. Shame it stalled so low. Should've made the Top 30.

Final rating: 9/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on this tune below.