Last Song Syndrome: Andy Taylor - "Take It Easy" (1986)

Probably one of the most underappreciated pop-rock songs of the 1980's, "Take It Easy" is arguably Andy Taylor's best work outside The Power Station and Duran Duran.

The song was featured on the OST of the 1986 movie American Anthem (which I never got to see- but still probably worth checking out), and featured Andy's preference for a more rock-oriented sound, versus the more synth-pop sound of Duran Duran at the height of their popularity- one of the reasons he left the band just after laying down some guitar tracks for the 1987 album Notorious.

In any case, he was able to take some time off his gig with The Power Station to work on this particular solo project, something he'd work on with ex-Missing Persons drummer Terry Bozzio and bassist Patrick O'Hearn, and ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones.

Found this music video the other day on YouTube- definitely something worth listening to and watching after a long time.


Andy Taylor
"Take It Easy" (1986)

People say I'm crazy, just a fool
But I'm the pigeon and baby, you're the stool

I always dug the color your hair
I always loved the clothes you wear
I can't say that you turn me on
But why'd I stay all night long

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Rich girls, they run after me
They break my heart, you know I fall in love so easily
I always dug the color your hair
I always loved the clothes you wear
I can't say that you turn me on
But why'd I stay all night long

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'
Yeah!

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'


Check out Andy Taylor's official website here, or his entry on Wikipedia, here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Boy Meets Girl - "Bring Down The Moon" (1988)

The pop duo of Boy Meets Girl- keyboardist and vocalist George Merrill, and singer Sharon Rubicam- is actually best known for their hit song "Waiting For A Star To Fall" in 1989 (a song featured on the OST of the movie Three Men and a Little Lady), but is also known for their song-writing creds- most notably for Whitney Houston on her hits "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and "How Will I Know?".

Oh, and they also did backing vocals for Deniece Williams' 1985 hit, "Let's Hear It For The Boy", as well as other collaborative efforts with other artists.

"Bring Down The Moon" is the second single off their Reel Life album (same one that had "Waiting For A Star To Fall"), and was a modest Billboard hit in 1989. But I fell in love with the song when I first heard it on a countdown show back then, and Sharon Rubicam's vocals continue to give me goosebumps to this day.

Even better was that I found a video of the song on YouTube, so here we have it along with some lyrics for you to sing to. Enjoy!


Boy Meets Girl
"Bring Down The Moon" (1988)

I'm walking in darkness with no shadows
Tears fall in silence with no sound
I've got to let go of visions I've outgrown
Even I know, so let the rain come down

Bring down the moon
The mythic and mighty that fall when you lean
Bring down the moon
Building love on thin air and dreams
Perfect love is a desperate creed
And one that we all try to believe
So bring down the moon

I'm finding some comfort in closing the distance
Between my life and my dreams
Ooh if love's not forever I need to discover
The spirit of romance and magic
In living from day to day

Bring down the moon
The mythic and mighty that fall when you lean
Bring down the moon
Building love on thin air and dreams
Perfect love has no guarantee
Still we keep trying to believe
So bring down the moon, yeah yeah
Bring down the moon

Well, there's no guarantee
That there ever will be perfect love
(Perfect love)
(So let the rain come down)
I know that it hurts 'cause I used to believe
(So let the rain come down)
I know how it hurts, yeah!

Bring down the moon
The mythic and mighty that fall when you lean
Bring down the moon
Building love on thin air and dreams
Perfect love, there's no guarantee
(Perfect love, perfect love, perfect love)
And still we believe
(Perfect love, perfect love, perfect love)

Bring down the moon
So bring down the moon
Bring down the moon
So bring down the moon


Boy Meets Girl's official website is right here, and you can check out their Wikipedia entry here, and an informative interview on Songfacts, here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music: Icehouse - "Electric Blue" (1987)

Did you know that Icehouse's biggest hit, "Electric Blue" was co-written by John Oates of Hall and Oates?

Yes, he did. It was also written by Icehouse's lead singer Iva Davies. It came from the 1987 album Man of Colours, which also spawned another great Icehouse song, "Crazy".

Even if the band would never surpass the commercial success or the popularity the enjoyed with Man of Colours, both songs- "Crazy" and "Electric Blue" would continue on as favorites for Icehouse fans everywhere, including myself.

And to everyone who's enjoyed the music of Icehouse, here's something you can check out. We found a video on YouTube, chords from Arabella Clauson, and lyrics to sing to. Enjoy!


Icehouse
"Electric Blue" (1987)

  Dm
If a boy had a chance
                       G        C      Dm
A chance with someone like you
          F                G
Are you gonna break his heart?
                       Dm
Let him cry for the moon?
            F                     Bb
Are you hiding somewhere behind those eyes?


(I just freeze)
F                     Bb
I just freeze every time you see through me
    F               Bb
And it's all over you, electric blue
   F
(On my knees)  On my knees
Bb                    Dm          Eb
Help me baby tell me what can I do?  Electric blue

 Dm
Oh I had a dream
                           G       C      Dm
For a moment I believed it was true
              F          G
Oh, I'd have given anything
                       Dm
Just to be there with you
            F                     Bb
Are you hiding somewhere behind those eyes?


(I just freeze)
F                     Bb
I just freeze every time you see through me
    F               Bb
And it's all over you, electric blue
   F
(In too deep)  In too deep
Bb                             Dm                Bb
Standin' here, waiting as I'm broken in two, electric blue
  F
(I can see)  I can see, can
Bb                        F                Bb
See that it may be just a vision of you, electric blue.
    F
(On my knees)  On my knees,
Bb                    Dm            Eb
Help me baby, tell me what can I do?  Electric blue


Cm  Ab  Cm  Gm


Dm               F                     Bb
Are you hiding somewhere behind those eyes?
     F
(In those eyes)
F                     Bb
I just freeze every time you see through me
    F               Bb
And it's all over you, electric blue
   F
(In too deep)  In too deep
Bb                             Dm                Bb
Standin' here, waiting as I'm broken in two, electric blue
  F
(I can see)  I can see, can
Bb                        F                Bb
See that it may be just a vision of you, electric blue.
    F
(On my knees)  On my knees.
Bb                    Dm            Eb
Help me baby, tell me what can I do?  electric blue

(In those eyes)
F                     Bb
I just freeze every time you see through me
    F               Bb
And it's all over you, electric blue
   F
(In too deep)  In too deep
Bb                             Dm                Bb
Standin' here, waiting as I'm broken in two, electric blue
  F
(I can see)  I can see, can
Bb                        F                Bb
See that it may be just a vision of you, electric blue.
    F
(On my knees)  On my knees,
Bb                    Dm            Eb
Help me baby, tell me what can I do?  electric blue

You may want to visit Icehouse's official website here, or check out their entry on Wikipedia here.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, an embedded music video
from YouTube, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing along with it.

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Neneh Cherry - "Buffalo Stance" (1989)

This was one of the most fun songs of the eighties for me. It was 1989, and at a point when I was into New Wave and Pop all at the same time- New Wave I got from listening to the likes of NU107, and Pop listening to 99.5RT.

Neneh Cherry exploded onto the music scene with this catchy pop tune that really got my attention. Mostly because it took a while for you to sing (or rap) along to the lyrics, and well, it was a fun, danceable track.

Years later, I would find out that "Buffalo Stance" was an effort from Cameron McVey- who at the time, had gone by the name of "Booga Bear", and was also Neneh Cherry's boyfriend- and later on- husband. This would be the same Cameron McVey that would go on to produce for All Saints and the Sugababes, and some early Massive Attack.

So here we have it- off the Raw Like Sushi album, Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance", with an accompanying video from YouTube, and lyrics for you to sing to. Enjoy!

Neneh Cherry
"Buffalo Stance" (1989)

Gigolo
Tell me about it!

Who's that gigolo on the street?
With his hands in his pockets and his crocodile feet
Hanging off the curb, looking all disturbed
At the boys from home. they all came runnin'
They were makin' noise, manhandling toys
Thats the girls on the block with the nasty curls
Wearing padded bras sucking beers through straws
Dropping down their drawers, where did you get yours?

Gigolo... Huh, sucka?
Gigolo... gigolo... Huh, sucka?

Who's looking good today?
Who's looking good in every way?
No style rookie
You better watch don't mess with me

No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of.
We always hang in a buffalo stance
We do the dive every time we dance
I give you love, baby, not romance
I'll make a move, nothing left to chance
So don't you get fresh with me

Get funky. Yeah, Timmy.

So you say you wanted money but you know its never funny
When your shoes worn through and theres a rumble in your tummy
But you had to have style get a gold tooth smile
Put a girl on the corner so you can make a pile

Committed a crime and went inside
It was comin' your way but you had to survive
When you lost your babe, you lost the race
Now you're lookin' at me to take her place.

Who's looking good today?
Who's looking good in every way?
No style rookie
You better watch don't mess with me

No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of.
We always hang in a buffalo stance
We do the dive every time we dance
I give you love, baby, not romance
I'll make a move, nothing left to chance
So don't you get fresh with me

Smokin'. Not cokin'. Get funky sax.

Looking good, hanging with the wild bunch.
Looking good in a buffalo stance.
Looking good when it comes to the crunch
Looking good's a state of mind

State of mind don't look behind you
State of mind or youll be dead
State of mind may I remind you
Bomb the bass...rock this place!

What is he like? what's he like anway?
Yo man what do you expect the guy's a gigolo man
You know I mean?

No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of.
We always hang in a buffalo stance
We do the dive every time we dance
I give you love, baby, not romance
I'll make a move, nothing left to chance
So don't you get fresh with me

Wind on my face, sound in my ears
Water from my eyes, and you on my mind
As I sink, divin' down deep...deeper into your soul.

No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of
No moneyman can win my love
It's sweetness that I'm thinking of

No moneyman can win my love
No moneyman can win my love


Couldn't find a Neneh Cherry website, but she does have an entry on Wikipedia right here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: The Police - "Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" (1986)

1986 was a very good year- I was just starting high school, and music video shows were pretty much the coolest thing around at the time. The Philippines didn't have MTV at the time, just various one-hour shows featuring videos which I assume came straight from the recording companies.

In any case, "Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" by The Police, if I could remember it right, was one of those videos that was different from the others at the time. Watching it again now, I think it was because it made more use of computer graphics.

It was definitely one of those songs that got me into The Police, and it was much much later that I discovered that there was an earlier version of the song- one that came out in 1980, which helped introduce The Police in the US. That's Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland to the right.

"Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" might very well be my most favorite song from The Police- mostly because it made me a fan of the band, and well, because it's a pretty good song.

Here's a video I found on YouTube, and some lyrics you can sing to. Enjoy!


The Police
"Don't Stand So Close To Me '86" (1986)

Young teacher, the subject
Of schoolgirl fantasy
She wants him so badly
Knows what she wants to be
Inside her there's no room
This girl's an open page
Book marking she's so close now
This girl is half his age

Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me

Her friends are so jealous
You know how bad girls get
Sometimes it's not so easy
To be the teacher's pet
Temptation, frustration
So bad it makes him cry
Wet bus stop, she's waiting
His car is warm and dry

Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me

Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me

Loose talk in the classroom
Too hurt they try and try
Strong words in the staffroom
The accusations fly
It's no use
He sees her
He starts to shake he starts to cough
Just like the old man in
That famous book by Nabokov

Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me
Don't stand so close to me

Check out The Police's official website here, or their Wikipedia entry here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Lou Gramm - "Just Between You and Me" (1989)

Again, this is one of my favorites from the old days of radio. Lou Gramm is one of the main creative forces behind the 70's/80's rock band Foreigner- that's him to the right with Mick Jones, Rick Willis and Dennis Elliott. In fact, we already wrote a post on one of my all-time favorite Foreigner songs, "Hot Blooded", on this particular blog.

The year was 1989, and by that time, Foreigner was one of the biggest rock bands around. Not only were they huge in the late 70's, they were continuing to churn out hits well into the late 80's.

As the band's lead singer, Gramm can be heard distinctly on a lot of their hit songs, including "Feels Like The First Time", "Cold As Ice", the aforementioned "Hot Blooded", "Urgent", "Double Vision", "Juke Box Hero", "Head Games", "Dirty White Boy" and "Say You Will". Of course, their two biggest hits were the synth-ballads "Waiting For A Girl Like You" in 1981, and "I Want To Know What Love Is" in 1984.

Now Lou Gramm and Mick Jones weren't exactly seeing each other eye-to-eye at this time; Jones wanted to keep doing the more commercial (and more lucrative) synth-ballad sound, while Gramm wanted to go back to a more solid rock-n-roll structure.

Lou did get to do what he wanted through a couple of solo projects, the Ready or Not album of 1987, and the Long Hard Look album of 1989, which had the single "Just Between You and Me".

The song's almost 20 years old, but it's still one of my most favorite songs. Been singing to it over the weekend- so check it out here, with a video I found on YouTube, and lyrics to sing to. Enjoy!

Lou Gramm
"Just Between You and Me" (1989)

Staring at each other with accusing eyes
Keep our voices low, and don't act surprised
If the word gets out, yeah, that's alright

I know you're just looking for some sympathy
But listen you don't know how it gets back to me
You're getting reckless, girl, but that's alright

Now don't you know that one cold word's
gonna lead to another
And then we'll have nowhere to go

Chorus:
Even if heaven and earth collide tonight
We'll be all alone in a different light
I don't care what the world can't see
It's just between you and me, you and me.

I see telltale signs of a love in decline
There should be something to say, but we don't take the time
And I don't understand, but that's alright

Now you can turn the page or you can tear me apart
Don't make an open book out of my private heart
You should know better now, but that's alright

Don't you know that one cold word's gonna lead to another
And then we'll have nowhere to go

Chorus:
Even if heaven and earth collide tonight
We'll be all alone in a different light
I don't care what the world can see
It's just between you and me
I say it's just between you and me

If we don't work this out we won't recover
We'll lose this soulful love for one another
But with all I've heard and all I seen
I'm still lost in your mystery

And don't you know that one cold word's gonna lead to another
And then we'll have nowhere to go

Chorus
Even if heaven and earth collide tonight
We'll be all alone in a different light
I don't care what the world can see
It's just between you and me

Even if heaven and earth collide tonight
We'll be all alone in a different light
Now I don't care what the world can see
When it's just between you and me
It's just between you and me
You and me

Heaven and earth
I don't understand

You can check out Lou Gramm's official website here, or his Wikipedia entry here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Christine McVie - "Got A Hold On Me" (1984)

Another one of my most favorite songs is Christine McVie's "Got A Hold On Me", which came out in 1984.

In case you didn't know, Christine McVie is one of the creative forces behind one of the best bands ever- Fleetwood Mac. Right up there with Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. We'll discuss the band's material on another bunch of entries.

Christine joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, shortly after marrying John. Since then, she'd been writing some of the bands' biggest hits including "You Make Loving Fun", "Don't Stop", "Hold Me" and "Little Lies".

In any case, "Got A Hold On Me" has always been a staple on my player even to this day. In my opinion, it's one of the best songs ever made.

So I hope you enjoy this one. Found a video on YouTube, but the audio seems to be a little low. Also got some lyrics for you to sing along if you feel like it. Cheers!


Christine McVie
"Got A Hold On Me" (1984)

You're liftin' me up
Never let me down
And I smile
Whenever you're around
Ooh, and I've got a feeling
It'll work out right
Can't stop thinking about you
Every day and night

Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Yeah, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)

Well, I've been in love
And I've lost
I can count the tears
But I can't count the cost
Ooooh, I've been down
I've been used
Now I know, I know, I know
That I just can't lose

Ooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Yeah, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)

(Instrumental Interlude)

Yeah, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
Ooooh, I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)
I got a love (I got somebody)
This love (got a hold on me)


Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: 38 Special - "Back Where You Belong" (1983)

I have to admit- my appreciation for 38 Special came rather late. I first noticed the band in 1989, when I was in high school- and at the time, "Second Chance" was already getting massive airplay on the radio.

I remember having the hardest time getting a copy of the album- until a couple of years later when an aunt of mine sent me a copy of the album Bone Against Steel (nope, no "Second Chance" there, either).

It wasn't until a few years later when I started working for a radio station that I was able to unearth all those great 38 Special singles and albums I missed out on in the eighties. And yes, eventually I was able to get me a CD of "Second Chance", as well as other 38 Special favorites of mine, including this oldie from 1983- a cool track you might remember called "Back Where You Belong".

38 Special
"Back Where You Belong" (1983)

I heard you're askin' how I'm feelin'
I guess I'll play it day by day
I'm still around now, my heart is healin'
But some things never gonna change

'Cause now I know love ain't easy to find
I let you go, now I'm changin' my mind

Chorus:

I know that love, it don't come easy
It took so long, it's been hard to find
So love, you must believe me
Ain't gonna let it slip away- I know I was wrong
I want you back where you belong
Want you back where you belong
Back where you belong

I played around now, I've done some dealin'
I found that love should be with you
And so you're gone now, my head is reelin'
Don't wanna be with someone new

And so I go, with a feeling inside me
'Cause I know what I'm leaving behind

(Chorus)

I guess in time I stop and think it over
Everything that we've been through
This heart of mine may never find another
Who loves me just the way you do
Hey girl!

I heard you're askin' how I'm feelin'
I guess I'll play it day by day
I'm still around now, my heart is healin'
But some things never gonna change

'Cause now I know love ain't easy to find
I let you go, now I'm changin' my mind

(Chorus)

Back where you belong, hey, hey
I know that love, it don't come easy
It took so long, it's been hard to find
And so love, you must believe me
Ain't gonna let it slip away, baby


Check out 38 Special's official website here, or their entry on Wikipedia here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music: Jude Cole - Baby, It's Tonight (1990)

I was tidying up the house to some great oldies I burned on a CD- and this one really brought back memories of some good times.

"Baby, It's Tonight" was a hit from Jude Cole back in 1990. And we played this song a lot back at the old radio station, 99.5 RT. That was probably his most memorable song. Years later, though, he'd move on to do more session work, production, singing and songwriting with the likes of Jewel and Beth Orton.

Now, he manages the rock band Lifehouse- same guys who did "Hanging By A Moment", "Take Me Away" and "You and Me".

Other useless bits of info: Jude Cole is married to Michelle Pfeiffer's sister, Lori (since '93!). Kiefer Sutherland is not only one of his closest buds- they also co-own a recording studio called Ironworks.

In any case, here's some of Jude Cole for you- "Baby, It's Tonight". And you can check out the vid right here, along with some lyrics and chords if you feel like playing along. Enjoy!


Jude Cole
"Baby, It's Tonight" (1990)

Chords & tab pattern by Rick Andrews and Kevin Ross. Updated by Chris Nastally. YouTube video by Vaquero1977. Thanks, guys!

INTRO

e---------------|--------------------------
B---------------|--------------------------
G---7----7--7---|--------------------------
D---4h5--4--0---|---9-9-9-9--9-7-9-7-------
A---------------|---7-7-7-7--7-7-7-7-------
E---------------|---0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0-------
 |                                etc.
 plucked w/
 pick & middle finger

Figure 1   No chord…………1)  0xx22x
                    2)  0xx44x
                    3)  0xx45x

Play Figure 1 until otherwise noted

Won’t you pick up the phone
‘Cause I know that you’re home
Too many words have not been said
For us to be living alone

             (x07650)…(x05430)              (x0523x)….(x04230)
Now all of the fighting           and all of the tears
 (Figure 1)
They don’t matter now

F#m
Another night falls dark and lonely
A          /B          /C#     /D#
You’re the only one that I can turn to

CHORUS:
E    D           A
If I ever needed your arms to hold me
(Figure 1)
Baby it’s tonight
E        D            A
And if I ever needed your eyes to heal me
(Figure 1)
Baby it’s tonight

So come hold me close
And show me that you still care
Let’s take it to where it all began
And start again from there
                  (x5503x)...(x5403x)
‘Cause there’s no way out
(Figure 1)
As far as I can tell

I’m walking in a world of strangers
You’re the only one who really knows me

CHORUS 2x

C D E
              C    D                    E
Oh won’t you please, please pick up the phone, yeah

C D  E (Figure 1)
C                  D              E
Don’t leave me to face this world all alone……take some time

CHORUS OUT

You may want to visit Jude Cole's official website here, or his entry on Wikipedia.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, an embedded music video
from YouTube, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing along with it.

Cheers, everyone!