If I was the music director at one of Trump's inaugural balls, here are the songs I would choose. Feel free to suggest your own via the Comments section.
Meghan Trainor, "Lips are movin":
"If your lips are moving, then you're lyin', lyin', lyin', baby."
Shaggy, "It wasn't me":
But she caught me on the counter (It wasn't me)
Saw me bangin' on the sofa (It wasn't me)
I even had her in the shower (It wasn't me)
She even caught me on camera (It wasn't me)
Thompson Twins, "Lies":
"Lies, lies, lies, yeah..."
Eurythmics, "Would I lie to you?":
"Would I lie to you, baby, would I lie to you? (Oh, yeah)"
Fleetwood Mac, "Little lies":
"Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies..."
And I've always loved this clip from the movie Pillow Talk....
"You lied, you dog. And you'll be sorry. Uh-huh."
Though if someone actually offered me a ticket to attend Trump's inauguration, this would be my reaction:
And I ran
I ran so far away
I just ran
I ran all night and day
I couldn't get away
BONUS CLIP for everyone attending a Women's March:
Nancy Sinatra, "These boots are made for walkin'"
You keep lyin' when you oughta be truthin'
You keep losing when you oughta not bet
You keep samin' when you oughta be a'changin'
Now what's right is right but you ain't been right yet
These boots are made for walking,
And that's just what they'll do
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you
UPDATED: I really hope they show this clip from From Russia with Love on the Jumbotron at Trump's inauguration...
Man, 2016 has been a sh*tty year. I seriously don't remember a year, at least in recent memory, that's been so depressing -- at least politically and culturally (and, to a certain extent, personally).
So many cultural greats died. (I'm still in mourning for David Bowie, or the David Bowie of my youth.) And you all know how I (and a majority of Americans) feel about "President-Elect Donald J. Trump." (Even typing that makes me feel sick.)
But how to sum up all the pain and frustration, the anguish and the anger? And then I saw this post on Facebook*, titled "The 2016 Song," from the British-born sister act, Flo & Joan, and I had my answer.
Pretty much sums it up, dontcha think?
*H/T to my social media-savvy daughter and budding political protester, who was the one to spot this.
For some reason, I've been hearing a lot of 1980s New Wave music recently -- at restaurants and in shops. And it gets me all nostalgic, it does. (I remember when MTV FINALLY came to Manhattan in 1982 or 1983. My dad had just bought a big projection TV, and I would camp out in his living room, with a bunch of my friends from school, watching videos FOR HOURS. Video not only killed the radio star but my desire to do homework.)
So, it being Throwback Thursday, I thought I'd share a few more of my favorite '80s New Wave songs and videos, like...
"Situation" from Yaz (or Yazoo)...
(Alison Moyet, Adele before there was Adele. Am I right?)
And the Thompson Twins' "Doctor! Doctor!"
I've also been hearing The Cars' "Magic" played a lot.
And I don't know if you heard but Duran Duran has a new album out -- and the group was seemingly everywhere this summer, performing classics, like "Rio," as well as some new tunes.
And how could I (almost) forget Robert Palmer?! Though I have no idea what his "Looking for clues" video is about.
I could go on (and on) -- The Go-Gos! The Bangles! Roxy Music! Howard Jones! The Pet Shop Boys! -- but I will save those artists for another post.
Hanukkah (or Chanukah) begins next Tuesday, December 16, at sundown. And as no winter holiday is complete without some festive holiday music, here are three Hannukah music videos sure to entertain Jews and Gentiles alike.
As you all know, I have a penchant for 1980s New Wave music, especially dance music. And it's been ages since I shared some of my favorite '80s tracks. So here goes. (You're welcome.)
Earlier this week I wrote about fashion, which reminded me of the classic David Bowie song "Fashion."
Brings back memories, it does. (David Bowie's Serious Moonlight concert, to promote his album Let's Dance, was one of the best concerts I ever attended. And yes, I know, "Fashion" was on his Scary Monsters album, but he sang it at MSG.)
Next up, "Turning Japanese," sung by The Vapors. Politically incorrect, I know. But it's got a good beat and I can dance to it.
Speaking of not drinking or smoking... I give you Adam Ant's "Goody Two Shoes."
(I cannot get my brain around the fact that Adam Ant will be 60 -- 60! -- in November. Shudder.)
Another great 1980's dance track was (and is) "Don't Go" from Yazoo, or Yaz.
Ever have a moment when something out of the blue suddenly reminded you of a favorite song or band? A moment when suddenly you remembered, with a smile, that song that had you dancing in your PJs in your bedroom, or singing out loud in your high school senior lounge or in your college dorm room? A song, and a memory, that made you a little happier, or a little less sad?
That just happened to me recently while working on an article. While doing research, I came across a web design agency with the name New Haircut, which has an amusing Home page -- and made me immediately think of the 1980s New Wave band Haircut 100.
Next thing I knew, "Blue Monday" by New Order popped into my head. (WARNING: Do NOT click on that link unless you have seven minutes to spare.)
And how many of you spun 'round your room (like a record, baby) to Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)"?
Guilty.
And you couldn't walk into the Senior Lounge of my little all-girls high school without hearing Boy George and Culture Club. (I can still hear Kim G singing "I'll Tumble 4 Ya.")
Ah, the 1980s. I miss your music, though not your big hair or shoulder pads.
So, what were some of your favorite 1980s groups or songs? Please leave me a comment. And to hear and see more 1980s New Wave classics, click the 1980s label below.
I know I wrote about this a few years ago, but apparently the trend of current day musicians and bands channeling 1980s New Wave music has not gone away. (Not that I am complaining.)
Just check out this video for "Out of My League" by a band called Fitz and the Tantrums and tell me he/they don't remind you of ABC, or Spandau Ballet.
And I can't be the only who has noticed a striking resemblance between Lady Gaga (seen here in her "Applause" video) and Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons (seen here in the Missing Persons video for "Destination Unknown").
So anyone else notice any striking similarities between current bands or singers and 1980s New Wave groups? If so, please let me know via a Comment.
I'd also be interested to know people's thoughts on Volkswagen's riff on A-ha's "Take on me."
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we've all heard Icona Pop's "I Love It," Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," and Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" dozens of times. (Or in my case, hundreds.) But I bet you've never seen them like this!
First up, Sesame Street's Cookie Monster covers Icona Pop's "I Love It" with "Me Want It (But Me Wait)":
Next, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots join Robin Thicke for the classroom instruments version of "Blurred Lines":
I only have two questions: 1) What, no scantily dressed teachers, boys? 2) What exactly is that guy in the corner doing with that banana? (I also enjoyed Jimmy Kimmel and Guillermo's version of "Blurred Lines." Thank God they kept their clothes on.)
And finally my favorite, Stephen Colbert and friends "performing" Daft Punk's "Get Lucky."
I can't wait to see Stephen Colbert perform with the Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! (That man can kick!)
I love Thomas Dolby. I love astronomy and space exploration. But astronaut Buzz Aldrin singing "She Blinded Me with Science" with Thomas Dolby? Not so much.
That's okay, Buzz. Not every astronaut can be as musical as Chris Hadfield. (Click on the link to see Hadfield's brilliant cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity.") And I'm pretty sure Thomas Dolby has never walked on the Moon (though I heard aliens ate his Buick).
Personally, I'm hoping NASA launches another Moon mission, if only so some (musical) astronaut covers The Police's "Walking on the Moon."
I enjoy many types of music -- jazz, bluegrass, Brazilian, rock, new wave, country.... But if my iPod is the true judge of the kind of music I like best (at least to drive or exercise to), I love a pop song with a hard-driving beat that makes me want to get up and dance. (I am still broken up about LMFAO's breakup and disappointed with PSY's latest, "Gentlemen," which is no "Gangnam Style.")
My current fave dance tunes? I like the "Remix" by New Kids on the Block (now known as NKOTB, which makes me think of Hoda Kotb, but whatev -- those "kids" are probably closer to her age than the teenager's).
I am also still into "Thrift Shop" sung by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, even though I still cannot figure out what the f**k they are saying (or rapping), except for all the bad words. (WARNING: This video contains a lot of cuss words. But it is still freaking awesome. I also love the canine version.)
Also on our -- the teenager makes the spouse listen to this song all the time when they are driving together -- playlist, "Scream & Shout" by will.i.am featuring Britney Spears.
Now, now rockin' with J-TWO-O and Britney, bitch.
(Re "Scream & Shout," nothing cracks up me and the teenager more than hearing the spouse say "I want to scream and shout and let it out," a la Rex Harrison.)
It's been, like, months since we've had a viral video that has inspired dozens of parodies. And I know you, like me, were beginning to worry.
But now, my fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over (or beginning all over again, depending on your point of view).
I know I speak for over 90 million YouTube viewers when I say, Thank you Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (and Wanz) for giving us "Thrift Shop" (which is not safe for work or those with virgin ears).
More importantly, thank you, Pet Collective, for giving us Barklemore and the "Thrift Shop" parody "Pet Shop," which is barking adorable.
That was ruffing awesome.
(To see other "Thrift Shop" parodies, click here.)
One of the blogs I follow has a habit of using lyrics from 1980s technopop songs as post titles. And earlier this evening I saw the title/lyric "Riding on the range, I've got
my hat on," which any '80s New Wave music aficionado knows is from "I wanna be a cowboy" sung by Boys Don't Cry.
Of course, that got me to head on over to YouTube, so I could watch the video. Which led me to The Vapors' "Turning Japanese."
No sex, no drugs, no wine, no women, no fun, no sin, no you, no wonder it's dark.
That led me to the Pet Shop Boys' "Opportunities (Let's make lots of money)."
I've got the brains, you've got the looks, let's make lots of money.
Which got me thinking about the Kinks' "Destroyer," which holds a special place in my heart (which only my friend T. would understand).
Feelin' guilty, feelin' scared, hidden cameras everywhere! Stop. Hold on. Stay in control.
Which naturally led to "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
I could go on, but instead I'll save it for another 1980s music blog post.
(To see past '80s music blog posts, click on the "1980s" label, below.)
Yes, folks, Jimmy Fallon has done the impossible. He has made me like Mariah Carey's overplayed, oversung Christmas song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" likeable again. Even more amazing, he has made Mariah Carey likeable. (The producers of American Idol should send Fallon a check.)
Less than 30 days 'til Christmas, people! Do you know where your Christmas lights are?
Admit it, you love those houses that go way overboard for Christmas -- as long as they are not next door to or down the block from you. And by overboard, I am not talking strings of pretty twinkly lights tastefully draped over a few trees or a discreet little manger in the front yard. Oh no. I'm talking a life-sized plastic Santa and sled pulled by eight not-so-tiny reindeer and/or a Las Vegas-worthy sound-and-light show.
And now in the ultimate fusion of pop culture and holiday commercialism, someone has gone and synchronized his Christmas light display to the Korean pop (or K-pop) hit "Gangnam Style"
by PSY, the video of which just became the most-watched video ever on
YouTube with over 805 million views. (Don't worry, Justin Bieber fans. I'm sure the Bieb will be okay.)
I particularly love these two YouTube comments about the "Gangnam Style" Christmas house:
"Your neighbors must love you..." from stewis93
and
"The only way this would be even more awesome is if Santa came out of the garage doing the dance," from brokinwand92, which I totally agree with. (Indeed, it is only a matter of time -- days -- until someone does a "Gangnam Style" parody featuring Santa and some sexy reindeer or helpers.)
I was trawling YouTube in search of a funny Thanksgiving song to share with you, my loyal readers. Instead I came across this turkey -- the latest worst song ever, a new viral video titled "It's Thanksgiving" by 12-year-old aspiring Rebecca Black wannabee Nicole Westbrook. The song, like "Friday," was written and produced by Patrice Wilson.
December was Christmas. (Christmas) January was New Year (New Year).
April was Easter. And the 4th of July, but now it’s Thanksgiving.
Oh oh oh it’s Thanksgiving. We we we we are gonna have a good time. Oh oh oh it’s Thanksgiving. (alright) We we we are gonna have a good time. With a turkey, eh mash potatoes eh, and we we we are gonna have a good time. With a turkey, eh mash potatoes eh! It’s Thanksgiving It’s Thanksgiving Yo. It’s Thanksgiving giving giving and I’m trying to be forgiving. (come on girl)
Nothing is forbidden. You know we I gotta have.
I gotta give thanks to you, and you, and you.
Can’t be hateful, gotta be grateful.
Gotta be grateful, can’t be hateful.
Mash potatoes on my – on my table.
I got ribs smelling up my neighbor’s cribs. (alright)
Can’t deny
Havin’ good times
We’d be laughing till we cry
Speaking of laughing till we cry... I could be wrong, but I'm guessing "It's Thanksgiving" may be with us until (or after) it's Christmas -- making music critics and others who make a living penning snark thankful to have something new to write about, while making the rest of us thankful for the Mute button.
I have a soft spot for both the PSY song "Gangnam Style" and geeks, having spent a lot of time at MIT during my college days and having married one. So when I saw this parody of "Gangnam Style" created by a bunch of MIT students and professors (aka geeks and nerds), I couldn't resist posting. (We're on Day 4 without power. We have no generator. Schools are closed. We're cold and cranky. And I am easily amused. Or not so easily.)
More of my favorite "Gangnam Style" parodies here.
I will post something incredibly witty and/or profound once my power and sanity have been restored.
I started this blog to amuse myself, my friends, and my family. If you are not amused, just click on some other blog. You got millions to choose from. If you are amused, spread the word -- and the link! To contact me, send an email to moodyqt33 [at symbol] hotmail.com.
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