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

Surf Mesa's, "ILY"

 

Peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020, and was a worldwide success as well. Great dance mix of the classic 1967 Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song. Mesa is 20 year old Powell Aguirre, originally from Seattle, Washington. A true modern classic of a song.

80's Music Video of the Day: "Knocked Down, Made Small (Treated Like A Rubber Ball)" by Was (Not Was) (1983)

 

U.S. Bubbling Under the Hot 100 Charts Peak Position No. 109

Good, underrated pop rock/ New Wave style tune. (8/10) for me, personally. Fun, interesting music video for the song as well. Good stuff overall. From their album, "Born To Laugh At Tornadoes".

60's Bubbling Under the Hot 100 Song Review: "Go Go Radio Moscow" by Nikita the K and the Friends of Ed Labunski (1967)

 

U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100 Charts Peak Position No. 105

Backstory: Hardly anything is known about this incredibly short lived oddball novelty music act, but from what I do know, Ed Labunski was a record producer and a radio DJ. This single was the only ever single that the Nikita the K act ever even released at all, off of the Warner Bros. Records label. The b side, titled, "The Spoiler" is apparently an instrumental garage rock type tune. Sadly, according to some sources, Ed died in a car accident in April of 2016, though I don't know if it's necessarily true or not.

The review: This is a pretty gosh darn funny and creative break in novelty radio station kind of record. Should've gone onto the Hot 100. I love the little snippets of Blues Magoos and the The Seekers songs here and there. Even the recording of this single is really cool and must've taken quite a bit of skill. Overall, a fine novelty tune.

Final rating: 8/10

R.I.P. Manny Loiacano (1946-2021)

 R.I.P. to the brilliant and kindhearted man who started up the short lived pop and doo pop group Unipop in the early 80's. You were such a great man and father and grandfather to many, Manny. R.I.P.

I already made a review of Unipop's minor 1982/ 1983 hit, "What If (I Said I Love You)" a while back. So, check it out when you can and leave your tributes and respects for Manny either here or there.

80's Music Video of the Day: "When You Were Mine" by Mitch Ryder (1983)

 

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 87

Underrated cover version of a 1980 Prince song. A winner in my opinion. Produced by John Mellencamp. Interesting video as well. Takes place in the big city and a nightclub.