The Flaming Lips - "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002)

Last Song Syndrome with Renzie.

Aw man, I just love The Flaming Lips. While their first ever hit was 1993's alternative hit, "She Don't Use Jelly", this hard-working band had been around since 1983, and to this day, has released some twelve studio albums already.

Other than "She Don't Use Jelly", two other personal favorites from The Flaming Lips are "Bad Days" (which was featured on the Batman Forever (1995) OST), and of course, 2002's "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots".

Check out The Flaming Lips here on a video clip of the band performing on the Top of the Pops, shared by pollutiongirl on YouTube.

Enjoy!

The Flaming Lips
"Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002)

Her name is Yoshimi
She's a black belt in karate
Working for the city
She has to discipline her body

'Coz she knows that
It's demanding
To defeat those evil machines
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots eat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots defeat me

Those evil-natured robots
They're programmed to destroy us
She's gotta be strong to fight them
So she's taking lots of vitamins

'Cause she knows that
It'd be tragic
If those evil robots win
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots defeat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots eat me

Yoshimi

'Cause she knows that
It'd be tragic
If those evil robots win
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots defeat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots defeat me

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots eat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots eat me

Yoshimi

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!

Eric Carmen - "Make Me Lose Control" (1988)

not-so-known 80's favorites with Renzie Baluyut.

A sudden wave of nostalgia made me remember a whole bunch of songs I was listening to back in High School. Among those old favorites was this one- Eric Carmen's "Make Me Lose Control", which never really got much local airplay when it came out in 1988 (or, um, ever), except on Metro Manila's 99.5 RT, and later on, on 103.5 KLite.

This song remains one of my favorites to this day, and always brings back memories of high school and summer in the 80's

YouTube video of Eric Carmen's "Make Me Lose Control" courtesy of LuiscmckI, who just like me, is a great fan of this song.

Enjoy!

Make Me Lose Control (1988)
Eric Carmen

I run a comb through my hair
And step out in the street
And the city's the color of flame
In the mid-summer heat
Oh yeah

Jennifer's got her daddy's car,
She's playing uptown on the stereo
We go cruisin' so close,
The way they did long ago
My darlin'

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control
Baby, baby

(When) When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
(So take) Take me over the edge
Make me lose control

We put the top down and park 'neath the moon in the sky
And the wind is so hot in our hair, like a fire in July
Whoa yeah

Jennifer's singin' "Stand By Me",
And she knows every single word by heart
Was love always this good?
Or could this be just the start?
Whoa darlin'

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control
Baby, baby

(When) When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
(So take) Take me over the edge
Make me lose control

"Be My Baby" comes on, and were movin' in time
And the heat from your touch makes me feel
Like I'm losing my mind
Whoa yeah

(And then they played) "Back In My Arms Again"
(We close our eyes) We start rememberin' when
(We start to kiss) and now the feeling's intense
And we just pray that this night never ends
Woah oh oh, my darlin'

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close, never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control
Baby

When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
(So take) take me over the edge
Make me lose control
Baby, baby

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control

When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
(So take) take me over the edge
Make me lose control
Baby, baby

(Turn) Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
(Keep) Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control

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!

Iglu and Hartly - "In This City" (2008)

Spring jammin' with Renzie Baluyut.

Here's one of those songs I fell in love with the first time I heard it.

While Iglu and Hartly came out with this song late last year, "In This City" has been getting heavy rotation on my media player at home right now, and I can tell it's gonna be one of my favorites.

Check out Iglu and Hartly on this video on YouTube, courtesy of AltitudeTV, taken from a live performance at the 5 Gum GoTV music showcase at this year's SXSW.

"In This City" (2008)
Iglu and Hartly

You came in to my life
You cannot separate yourself

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

Close those doors
Close those doors
Now, now, just keep 'em open
Keep 'em open
Yeah, keep 'em open
I'll keep on, keep keep on going

Taking it in so, so heavy
Take it easy son, this ain't so deadly
Got keep on, gotta go on, gotta go on
Take it all with what we've done

Gotta push it push it push it
To the top of the building
Even when no one is feeling
It might bother you
Don't let it
If these people just don't get it

They can't express it
They won't accept it
She said it's okay that they may never give

you that credit.

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

I've been down here
Down these roads
People pass through
Some stay some go
Standing here broke
Not a penny to my name
But she says she loves me all the same

I try my best
And you do too
And all you want is something you can move to
Everybody's gotta get their kicks somewhere
Everybody gotta fit in somewhere

There's an open road
And I'm traveling down
Don't know where to go
But I lock and load
Shoot that sky 'till the moon explode
(Moon explode)

Now we're laying in a field
White flowers on our backs
Talking 'bout home
But we can't go back
I guess that's why we left
So we could take a step
Keep moving and forget the rest.

You came in to my life
You cannot separate yourself
You came in to my life
You cannot separate yourself

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)
(In this city)

And I found that 'round here,
(In this city)
That I won't disappear
(In this city)
I got nothing to fear
(In this city)

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!

The Fray - "Look After You" (2007)

Last Song Syndrome with Renzie Baluyut.

If only my old piano teacher had taught me more contemporary songs than some of the
old crap she pulled out her dusty piano seat, I might have actually learned something I wanted to play.

Music from The Fray is music that inspires you to learn to play piano, if you ask me. I remember a much younger cousin of mine jamming on the ivory keys at a family reunion last year, and she could play a mean "How To Save a Life".

Anyway, mental note to self- get a piano, learn some of The Fray. Here's one of my favorites from 2007. The adult alternative classic "Look After You", from one of the band's two channels on YouTube.

Enjoy!

"Look After You" (2007)
The Fray

If I don't say this now, I will surely break
As I'm leaving the one, I want to take.
Forget the urgency, but hurry up and wait.
My heart has started to turn and separate.

Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby,
I'll look after you.

There now, steady love.
So few come and don't go.
Will you, won't you be the one I always know?
When I'm losing my control,
The city spins around
You're the only one who knows,
You slow it down.

Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby,
I'll look after you.
And I'll look after you.

If ever there was a doubt
My love, she leans into me.
This most assuredly counts
She says most assuredly.

Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby,
I'll look after you.
After you.
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
It's always have and never hold.
You've begun to feel like home.
What's mine is yours to leave or take.
What's mine is yours to make your own.
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, be my baby, oh oh

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!

Matt Nathanson - "Come On Get Higher" (2008)

Jammin on Valentines' Day with Renzie Baluyut.

Here's a song you might want to learn to play for your significant other for Valentines Day. The chords and progression seems fairly simple for anyone who's into guitar, so all you have to do is get some practice, really.

Matt Nathanson's "Come On Get Higher" is one of those songs that can fit any Adult Contemporary, or even Adult Alternative playlist or collection, definitely one of those tunes for the ladies.

Check out Matt Nathanson's video for "Come On Get Higher" here on his very own channel on YouTube.

"Come On Get Higher" (2009)
Matt Nathanson

I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in

If I could walk on water
If I can tell you what’s next
Make you believe, make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the sound of your voice
The loudest thing in my head
And I hate to remember
All the violent, sweet perfect words that you said

If I could walk on water
If I can tell you what’s next
Make you believe, make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the pull of your heart
I can taste the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils
And God, when you come on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on love
Singin' shalala la
Singin' shalala la

Come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me, drown me in love

It's all wrong
It's all wrong
It's all right
So, come on, get higher
Come on, get higher
'Cause everything works in your
Everything works in your arms

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!

The Who - "Baba o'Riley" (1971)

classic rock with Renzie Baluyut.

The Who seems to have had found an appreciative set of new listeners, thanks to shows like CSI New York, which only features their classic "Baba O'Riley" each and every single episode as part of the show's opening.

The Who is one of those bands that were definitely ahead of their time, a favorite of many a true rockaholic, regardless of age.

Here's a video we found on YouTube, a clip of a live performance courtesy of gawlerpete.

Enjoy!

"Baba o'Riley" (1971)
The Who

Out here in the fields
I fight for my meals
I get my back into my living
I don't need to fight
To prove I'm right
I don't need to be forgiven

Don't cry
Don't raise your eye
It's only teenage wasteland

Sally, take my hand
And travel south 'cross land
Put out the fire
Don't look past my shoulder

The exodus is here
The happy ones are near
Let's get together
Before we get much older

Teenage wasteland
It's only teenage wasteland
Teenage wasteland
Oh, oh
Teenage wasteland
They're all wasted!

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!

Renzie's Early Education in Funk and Cool

I was born in 1973. Which makes me 35 years old this November. Mom would make outrageous claims that I was jamming out to old albums of The Osmonds when I was a kid. But as far as I can remember, it was this one particular song that had the most impact on me when I was 3 or 4- Stevie Wonder's "Superstition".

I watched me a lot of Sesame Street when I was young. In fact, I could even recite some of the lines of the sketches and songs as they were really burned into the back of my skull somehow. I remember The Pointer Sisters. And James Taylor on the show. And Lena Horne. Paul Simon. Smokey Robinson. Even the late Madeline Khan.

But what really stood out was "Superstition". It had an elaborate setup of instruments and musicians, and kids jammin' out on the balcony, and of course, Mr. Stevie Wonder himself. Man, I funked out to Stevie Wonder when I was 3. After doing a bit of research, here's some stuff I discovered about that particular version of "Superstition".

• This performance was recorded live on the set of Sesame Street- right in front of Mr. Hooper's store- in 1972. But check this out: everything was done in one take, and done live.
• The lead guitar player? That's a teenaged Ray Parker Jr., man. "A Woman Needs Love"? "You Can't Change That"? The theme from "Ghostbusters" the movie? Yeah, that's him alright.
• The rest of Stevie's crew: that's Anthony Jackson on bass (some people say it's Scott Edwards, though)- the same guy who gave you the funky bassline on The O Jay's "For The Love of Money", and you also have Ollie Brown on drums, Trevor Laurence on sax and Steve Madaio on trumpet.

How can you not jam out to this one? Here it is, ladies and gentlemen for your enjoyment:

Much thanks to the boys over at Ryan's Smashing Life Music Weblog for posting this funky-ass video on YouTube. And here's another Stevie Wonder classic on Sesame Street: check this post out from my personal TV blog, Too Much TV | Renzie on TV.

Wanna get more Sesame Street vids and clips? There's a whole lot of em posted all over YouTube, but you may want to check out the official Sesame Street Channel on YouTube here.

Hope you enjoyed this post, ladies and gentlemen.

Cheers!

Last Song Syndrome: Iggy Pop and Kate Pierson - "Candy" (1991)

from the player of Renzie Baluyut

I remembered first hearing "Candy" over the radio back in my second year of college. Punk god Iggy Pop finally had a Top 40 hit- which actually sounded alright. But what made it better was that he had a B-52 singing along with him: Kate Pierson.

The B-52's were the trademark party band of the 1980's, with Kate being one of the lead singers, alongside Fred Schneider and Cindy Wilson. So having heard a more sensitive side of Kate Pierson on this particular collaboration was a serendipitous treat.

The song wasn't commercially available in the Philippines, so a fan like me really had no choice but to tune in and wait for "Candy" to be played every 4 hours or so.

Just over the weekend, I put together a 90's easy listening mix and pulled out some tracks I haven't quite heard in a while. So here we go, ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy!

Iggy Pop and Kate Pierson
"Candy" (1991)

Its a rainy afternoon in 1990
The big city... geez, it's been 20 years-
Candy- you were so fine...

Beautiful beautiful
Girl from the north
You burned my heart with a flickering torch
I had a dream that no one else could see
You gave me love for free

Candy, candy, candy I can't let you go
All my life you're haunting me, I loved you so
Candy, candy, candy I can't let you go
Life is crazy
Candy baby

Yeah, well it hurt me real bad when you left
Hey, I'm glad you got out, but...
But I miss you

I've had a hole in my heart for so long
I've learned to fake it and just smile along
Down on the street
Those men are all the same
I need a love
Not games
Not games

Candy, candy, candy I can't let you go
All my life you're haunting me
I loved you so
Candy, candy , candy I can't let you go
Life is crazy
I know, baby
Candy baby

Woh oh oh
Candy, candy, candy I can't let you go
All my life you're haunting me
I loved you so

Candy candy candy
Life is crazy
Candy baby

Candy baby,
Candy, candy

Special thanks to male70s for posting the vid up on YouTube. Check out Iggy Pop's wikipedia entry here, and his official website here. As for Kate Pierson, you can read up on her here, and check her out on the B-52's official website.

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: Care - "Whatever Possessed You" (1983)

Now I stand corrected. You know, all this time as a New Wave enthusiast and a radio professional in the Philippines, I've always referred to the duo of Ian Broudie and Paul Simpson as "The Care", when in fact it's really just "Care".

So Care it is. Not a great deal of listeners even know about Care. But if you're into the whole 80's Alternative/New Wave scene, then you've probably heard of them.

Their more famous songs? "Whatever Possessed You" would definitely be their defining sound with that awesome trademark guitar intro. Of course there's "Flaming Sword", "My Boyish Days" and "Chandeliers".

Formed in 1983, Care never released an album, only singles really- until 1997 (way after the band broke up) with the "Diamonds and Emeralds" compilation CD. And yes, I remember grabbing my own copy from CD Warehouse.

Here's a classic New Wave track I was able to catch on YouTube, courtesy of parkhill62. Check out this old video of "Whatever Possessed You". Enjoy!

Care
"Whatever Possessed You" (1984)

Goodbye my love
Heaven has been wronged
Now our young bent arms don't seem quite so strong
November and all the frost bites
Deep as the snow flowers plowed
This bed is colder than blood or bone

Never knock on my door- whatever possessed you, oh
Somewhere there's an emptiness
Hold me, tie me, I wouldn't dream of it

Beware my love
This tongue is a dying flame
My lies may fall like an acid rain
Maybe the sleet was in silently above the roads
You loving angel, you're skin and bones

Never knock on my door- whatever possessed you, oh
Somewhere there's an emptiness
Hold me, tie me, I wouldn't dream of it

November and all the frost bites... deeper than the snow flowers plowed
This bed is colder than blood or bone

Never knock on my door- whatever possessed you, oh
Somewhere there's an emptiness
Hold me, tie me, I wouldn't dream of it

Check out Care's very own entry on Wikipedia, and the respective official websites of Ian Broudie and Paul Simpson.

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!

Chicks In Music: Shirley Manson of Garbage

by Renzie Baluyut

Shirley Manson, where the heck have you been all this time?

You probably remember Shirley Manson best as frontwoman for 90's rock group (one of the best 90's acts, in my opinion) Garbage. That's her below with Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and Butch Vig, taken on the set of the video for "Only Happy When It Rains" in 1995.

I'm a huge Garbage fan myself. Since the band exploded into the music scene in the mid-90's, they've come out with five albums: their self-titled debut in '95, Version 2.0 in '98, beautifulgarbage in 2001, Bleed Like Me in 2005 and finally a compilation Absolute Garbage just last year.

Here's one of my absolute favorite Garbage songs: Steve, Duke and Butch were all music producers and had already been working on some songs, but wanted a female vocalist. They caught Shirley Manson performing for Angelfish (her pre-Garbage band), and asked her to come audition.

She did, but hadn't quite nailed it the first time. She auditioned once again though, after Angelfish disbanded. And the vocals for that very same audition made it to the final cut of "Stupid Girl".

So here's Shirley Manson and the dudes of Garbage with the song that made the band famous virtually overnight. Enjoy!

Garbage "Stupid Girl" (1995)

"Stupid Girl" made use of a drum sample from one of The Clash's more radio-friendly tunes that made a hit in 1984 , "Train in Vain". The entire video was shot in just four hours in a warehouse they got for the production. Inspired by the opening sequence of the 1995 movie Se7en, Director Samuel Bayer cut the footage into pieces, soaked it in his bath, then deliberately added thumbprints and abrasions onto them before putting it back together by hand.

In May 2008, Shirley Manson joined the cast of The Sarah Connor Chronicles as a regular, and having seen the first three episodes of the second season, well, let's just say that you know there's definitely a Terminator-on-Terminator smackdown sometime in the near future.

Right now though, we know Shirley's working on a solo album, though no word yet when her album is going to be released.

What I'm Listening To From Shirley Manson Now

The second season of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles premiered on TV some two weeks ago, picking up from where the first season left off. Without spoiling anything, you have Cameron (the Terminator character played by geek favorite Summer Glau) restoring herself and making her way to the Connor household in the opening scene, to the unmistakable sound of Shirley Manson's vocals- her version of The Grateful Dead's "Samson & Delilah"

A lot of the old Garbage songs are still on my mp3 player, most of which are from the first two albums, including "Milk", "Only Happy When It Rains", "The Trick is to Keep Breathing", "When I Grow Up" and "I Think I'm Paranoid".

Right now though, I'm revisiting "Vow" and "Queer", two songs Garbage released right before they became famous.

Check out Shirley Manson here on her entry on Wikipedia, or you could go ahead and check out the official Garbage website here.

Cheers, everyone.

Chicks In Music is a regular feature on My Thoughts In Stereo. We pay tribute to the hottest ladies in the music industry- with updates, trivia, video clips and links to their websites and social media. Checking out your favorite females in rock, pop and R&B online has never been so gratifying- Chicks in Music!

Last Song Syndrome: Paul Simon - "You Can Call Me Al" (1985)

Now here's some more happy music for you. Was listening to this song on my way to this fantastic beachfront property in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Anyway, I remembered having a challenge figuring out the words and lyrics to "You Can Call Me Al", way back in 1985- I was just about 11 or 12 back then, mind you :) But it's always been a fun song, with an equally fun video featuring Chevy Chase lip-syncing as Paul Simon.

Naturally, I had to post it here on this blog. Good times. Enjoy!


Paul Simon
"You Can Call Me Al" (1985)

A man walks down the street
He says, "Why am I soft in the middle now?
Why am I soft in the middle?
The rest of my life is so hard
I need a photo-opportunity
I want a shot at redemption
Don't want to end up a cartoon in a cartoon graveyard.
Bonedigger, bonedigger
Dogs in the moonlight
Far away my well-lit door
Mr. Beerbelly, Beerbelly
Get these mutts away from me
You know I don't find this stuff amusing anymore."

If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me Al

A man walks down the street
He says, "Why am I short of attention?
Got a short little span of attention
And -woh- my nights are so long
Where's my wife and family?
What if I die here?
Who'll be my role-model,
Now that my role-model is
Gone, gone?"
He ducked back down the alley
With some roly-poly little bat-faced girl
All along, along
There were incidents and accidents
There were hints and allegations

If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me Al
Call me Al

A man walks down the street
It's a street in a strange world
Maybe it's the Third World
Maybe it's his first time around
He doesn't speak the language
He holds no currency
He is a foreign man
He is surrounded by the sound, the sound
Cattle in the marketplace
Scatterlings and orphanages
He looks around, around
He sees angels in the architecture
Spinning in infinity
He says Amen! and Hallelujah!

If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me Al
Call me Al

Video of Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" courtesy of curedude77 on YouTube. Check out Paul Simon's 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: Paramore - "CrushCrushCrush" (2007)

Man, I just gotta get this song outta my system. Been singing the chorus all day.

By far, my favorite Paramore song so far- "CrushCrushCrush" is the third single off the band's second album Riot! that came out last year.

My sister and I hit a karaoke place a few weeks back- I remember choosing this song, but to our disappointment (well, mostly mine) it didn't have any lyrics to go with it (just the regular music video, really). So I thought I'd get me my Paramore fix by putting up a Last Song Syndrome post right here.

Enjoy!

Paramore
"CrushCrushCrush" (2007)

I got a lot to say to you
Yeah, I got a lot to say
I noticed your eyes are always glued to me
Keeping them here
And it makes no sense at all

They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies

Crush
Crush
Crush
Crush, crush
(Two, three, four! )

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two, of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than, this

If you want to play it like a game
Well, come on, come on, let's play
Cause I'd rather waste my life pretending
Than have to forget you for one whole minute

They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies

Crush
Crush
Crush
Crush, crush
(Two, three, four! )

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than this now

Rock and roll, baby
Don't you know that we're all alone now?
I need something to sing about
Rock and roll, hey (hey)
Don't you know, baby, we're all alone now?
I need something to sing about
Rock and roll, hey (hey)
Don't you know, baby, we're all alone now?
Give me something to sing about

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than

No

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than
More than this
Oh

Video posted on YouTube by McrAndGreenDayRok . Check out more of Paramore on their official website, or on their Wikipedia entry 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: 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!