The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook, Part 2 of 3

Welcome to Part 2 (of 3) of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook- a special series on this blog, My Thoughts In Stereo, paying tribute to the brilliant internet musical directed by Joss Whedon.

In our last post, we took on the first batch of songs from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: "My Freeze Ray", "Bad Horse (The Application)", "Penny's Song", and "What A Man's Gotta Do".

In this post, we are providing lyrics you can sing to as you watch Act 2 over and over again:

• "On The Rise",
• "Bad Horse (The Phone Call)",
• "Keep Your Head Up", and
• "Brand New Day"
  

So let's get on with Act 2 shall we? Here we go:


Dr. Horrible & Penny
"On The Rise"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

(Dr. Horrible)
Any dolt with half a brain
Can see that humankind has gone insane
To the point where I don’t know
If I’ll upset the status quo
If I throw poison in the water main.

Listen close to everybody’s heart
And hear that breaking sound
Hopes and dreams are shattering apart
And crashing to the ground

I cannot believe my eyes
How the world’s filled with filth and lies
But it’s plain to see evil inside of me
Is on the rise.

(Penny)
Look around
We’re living with the lost and found
Just when you feel you’ve almost drowned
You find yourself on solid ground

And you believe there’s good in everybody’s heart
Keep it safe and sound
With hope you can do your part
To turn a life around

I cannot believe my eyes
Is the world finally growing wise?
Because it seems to me some kind of harmony
Is on the rise

Dr. Horrible: Anyone with half a brain
Penny: Take it slow

Dr. Horrible: Could spend their whole life howling in pain
Penny: He looks at me and seems to know

Dr. Horrible: Because the dark is everywhere and
Penny: The things that I’m afraid to show

Dr. Horrible: Penny doesn’t seem to care that soon the dark in me is all that will remain
Penny: And suddenly I feel this glow

Dr. Horrible: Listen close to everybody’s heart
Penny: And I believe there’s good in everybody’s heart

Dr. Horrible: And hear that breaking sound
Penny: Keep it safe and sound

Dr. Horrible: Hopes and dreams are shattering apart
Penny: With hope you can do your part

Dr. Horrible: And crashing to the ground
Penny: To turn a life around

Dr. Horrible: I cannot believe my eyes
how the world’s filled with filth and lies
Penny: I cannot believe my eyes
how the world’s finally growing wise

Dr. Horrible: But it’s plain to see evil inside of me is on the rise
Penny: And it’s plain to see rapture inside of me is on the rise


The Bad Horse Chorus
"Bad Horse (The Phone Call)"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

Dr. Horrible: Not to worry, though, 'coz I'm...
*mobile phone rings*
Dr. Horrible: Uh...one sec

He saw the operation
You tried to pull today
But your humiliation means he still votes “neigh”
And now assassination is just the only way

There will be blood, it might be yours
So go kill someone, signed, Bad Horse


Penny
"Keep Your Head Up"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

Here’s a story of a girl
Who grew up lost and lonely
Thinking love was fairy tale
And trouble was made only
For me

Even in the darkness, every color can be found
And every day of rain brings
Water flowing to things
Growing in the ground

Grief replaced with pity
For a city barely copin'
Dreams are easy to achieve
If hope is all I’m hopin' to be

Anytime you’re hurt
There’s one who has it worse around
And every drop of rain will keep you
Growing seeds you’re sowing in the ground

So keep your head up billy buddy

Dr. Horrible
"Brand New Day"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

This appeared as a moral dilemma
Cause at first it was weird though
I swore to eliminate the worst of the plague
That devoured humanity,
It’s true I was vague on the ‘How’
So how can it be that you
Have shown me the light?

It’s a brand new day
And the sun is high
All the birds are singing
That you’re gonna die
How I hesitated
Now I wonder why
It’s a brand new day

All the times that you beat me unconscious?
I’ll forgive
All the crimes incomplete?
Listen, honestly, I’ll live
Mr. Cool, Mr. Right, Mr. Know-it-all is through
Now my future’s so bright and
I owe it all to you
Who showed me the light

It’s a brand new me
I’ve got no remorse
Now the water’s rising but I know the course
I’m gonna shock the world
Gonna show Bad Horse
It’s a brand new day

And Penny will see the evil me
Not a joke not a dork not a failure
And she may cry but her tears will dry
When I hand her the keys
To a shiny new Australia.

It’s a brand new day
Yeah the sun is high
All the angels sing
Because you’re gonna die

Go ahead and laugh
Yeah I’m a funny guy
Tell everyone goodbye
It’s a brand new day


"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was directed by Joss Whedon. Written by Joss, with brothers Jed and Zack, along with Maurissa Tancharoen. Music by both Joss and Jed. Lyrics by Joss, Jed and Maurissa. Stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny.

Sing along to your other favorite Dr. Horrible songs by checking out parts 1 and 3 of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook, right here on my own blog (which you can really, now sing along to as well...), My Thoughts In Stereo.

Check out Part 1 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

• "My Freeze Ray",
• "Bad Horse (The Application)",
• "Penny's Song", and
• "What a Man's Gotta Do"
  

Check out Part 3 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

• "So They Say"
• "Everyone's A Hero"
• "Slipping" and
• "Finale/ Brand New Day (reprise)"
  

Again: don't forget to check out the official Dr. Horrible website, and show your support by downloading your own copy from iTunes.

Cheers, everyone!

The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook, Part 1 of 3

As you probably may have read on another blog of mine, my player has recently been cranking out tunes from the internet phenomenon "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog".

I know the free viewing on the official website is over- which was why I downloaded my own copies of all three acts on iTunes- so I could watch and listen to it over and over again. Absolutely brilliant!

Heck, Joss Whedon and the crew he put together is surely deserving of a few bucks of our support, right? So download them from iTunes now :D

In the meantime, while you enjoy the brilliant internet musical masterpiece that is Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, I've put together some lyrics for us all to actually sing-along with. On our blogs, no less!

So, welcome to Part 1 of 3 of The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook- a special feature on My Thoughts In Stereo. This post featuring the songs from Act 1:

• "My Freeze Ray",
• "Bad Horse (The Application)",
• "Penny's Song", and
• "What a Man's Gotta Do"
  

Cue your players, and start singing. Enjoy!

Dr. Horrible
"My Freeze Ray"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act I

Here's one from deadnotsleeping: "...long-time watcher, first time writing... blah, blah, blah, blah...you're always saying on your blog, 'you'll show her the way', 'show her you're a true villain'. Who is 'her'? And... does she even know that... you're..."

Laundry day. See you there.
Under-things tumbling.
Wanna say, "Love your Hair".
Here I go mumbling.

With my Freeze Ray I will stop-
The world
With my Freeze Ray I will find the time
To find the words to-

Tell you how, how you make,
make me feel- what’s the phrase?
Like a fool, kinda sick,
Special needs, anyways...

With my Freeze Ray I will stop-
The pain
It’s not a Death Ray or an Ice Beam
That’s all Johnny Snow
I just think you need time to know

That I’m the guy to make it real,
The feelings you don’t dare to feel
I’ll bend the world to our will
And we’ll make time stand still

That’s the plan. Rule the world.
You and me. Any day.
Love your hair.
(Penny) "What?"
(Dr. Horrible) "No, I… I, uh… Love the air"
Anyway...

With my Freeze Ray I will stop–


Bad Horse Chorus
"Bad Horse (The Application)"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act I

Dr. Horrible: Oh my God *tears envelope*
Moist: Is that from the league?
Dr. Horrible: It's from HIM, that's his seal, isn't it?
Moist: Er, leader? Oh my God...
Dr. Horrible: I got a letter from Bad Horse.
Moist: That's so hardcore... Bad Horse is legend,
he rules the league with an iron hoof- are you sure you want to...

Bad Horse, Bad Horse.
Bad Horse, Bad Horse.

He rides across the nation
The thoroughbred of sin
He got the application
That you just sent in

It needs evaluation
So let the games begin
A heinous crime, a show of force
A murder would be nice, of course

Bad Horse, Bad Horse.
Bad Horse, he’s bad!

The Evil League of Evil
Is watching so beware
The grade that you receive
Will be your last we swear

So make the Bad Horse gleeful
Or he’ll make you his mare...
You’re saddled up
There’s no recourse
It’s- Hi-Ho Silver! -signed, Bad Horse


Penny
"Penny's Song"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act I

Will you lend a caring hand,
To shelter those who need it?

Only have to sign your name,
Don’t even have to read it.

Would you help...? No?
How about you?


Dr. Horrible, Captain Hammer and Penny
"What a Man's Gotta Do"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act I

(Dr. Horrible)
A man’s gotta do
What a man’s gotta do
Don’t plan the plan
If you can’t follow through

All that matter's
Taking matters into your own hands
Soon I’ll control everything
My wish is your comma-

(Captain Hammer)
Stand back, everyone,
Nothin here to see
Just imminent danger
In the middle of it, me

Yes, Captain Hammer’s here
Hair blowing in the breeze
The day needs my saving expertise...

A man’s gotta do
what a man’s gotta do
Seems destiny ends with me saving you
The only doom that’s looming is you loving me to death
So I’ll give you a sec to catch your breath

Dr. Horrible: You idiot!
Captain Hammer: Dr. Horrible, I should have known you were behind this.
Dr. Horrible: You almost killed her-
Captain Hammer: I remember differently
Dr. Horrible: Is she- *nngng*
*Captain Hammer grabs Dr. Horrible by the throat*
Captain Hammer: It's curtains for you, Dr. Horrible. Lacy, gently wafting curtains.
Dr. Horrible: *Glurk*?

(Penny)
Thank you Hammer-man,
I don’t think I can
Explain how important it was
That you stopped the van

I would be splattered
I’d be crushed into debris
Thank you sir, for saving me

(Everyone)
Captain Hammer: Don’t worry about it- A man’s gotta do
what a man’s gotta do
Penny: You came from above...
Dr. Horrible: Are you kidding?!

Captain Hammer: Seems destiny ends with me saving you
Penny: I wonder what you’re captain of?
Dr. Horrible: What heist were you watching? Stop looking at her like that!

Captain Hammer: When you’re the best, you can’t rest, what’s the use?
Penny: My heart is beating like a drum...
Dr. Horrible: Did you notice that he threw you in the garbage?

Captain Hammer: If ass needs kicking, some ticking bomb to defuse...
Penny: Must…. Must be in shock
Dr. Horrible: I stopped the van… The remote control was in my hand

Captain Hammer: The only doom that’s looming is you loving me to death
Penny: ...assuming I’m not loving you to death...
Dr. Horrible: What…ever!

Captain Hammer: So please give me a sec to catch my breath.
Penny: ...please give me a sec to catch my breath.
Dr. Horrible: Balls!

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was directed by Joss Whedon. Written by Joss, with brothers Jed and Zack, along with Maurissa Tancharoen. Music by both Joss and Jed. Lyrics by Joss, Jed and Maurissa. Stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny.

Sing along to your other favorite Dr. Horrible songs by checking out parts 1 and 3 of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook, right here on my own blog (which you can really, now sing along to as well...), My Thoughts In Stereo.

Check out Part 2 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

• "On The Rise",
• "Bad Horse (The Phone Call)",
• "Keep Your Head Up", and
• "Brand New Day"
  

Check out Part 3 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

• "So They Say"
• "Everyone's A Hero"
• "Slipping" and
• "Finale/ Brand New Day (reprise)"
  

Again: don't forget to check out the official Dr. Horrible website, and show your support by downloading your own copy from iTunes.

Cheers, everyone!

Chicks In Music: Carrie Underwood

In a recent news bit on AoL Music, American Idol Carrie Underwood tells Cosmopolitan: "I don't consider myself sexy ... I'm kind of a nervous person in general. I'm socially awkward. I'm not tall and sensuous. I usually wear sweats everywhere I go. Oh, and I burp a lot,"

Now ain't that cute? All the more reason for us to give props to Miss Underwood, and even more reason to include her here, on this blog's tribute to the finest ladies in the industry- Chicks In Music!

Stuff you probably listened to from Carrie Underwood: "Jesus Take the Wheel", from her debut album Some Hearts, and straight out of her American Idol victory. From that same album you also had "Wasted", and probably her biggest hit yet, "Before He Cheats".

She also had that charity single, "I'll Stand By You" and her version of the Christmas classic "Do You Hear What I Hear?".

Her second album, Carnival Ride, was released late last year, and has thus far, spawned three hits- "So Small", "All-American Girl" and "Last Name"- that song she performed on the American Idol Season 7 finale.

So it's only been three years since Carrie bagged the American Idol, and you can see that she's a bon afide superstar- with three Grammys to her credit, millions of albums sold, and a solid career as a singer/songwriter.

Most of her fans love her because she's so innocent and wholesome- but as you can see on her performance on the results show of the American Idol Season 7 finale, she's definitely all woman- slinky, sassy, and a truly a joy to watch. Video courtesy of louisejenny84 on YouTube. Enjoy!

What I'm Listening To From Carrie Underwood Now

Definitely "Last Name"- it's been in my player since I saw her perform the song on American Idol. "Before He Cheats" seems to be a staple at many karaoke joints- and is apparently a great song with women on alcohol :)

Check out Carrie Underwood on her Wikipedia entry, or visit her official 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: 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!

VH1's Greatest Songs of the 80's, pt. 1 of 5.

OK, so here I am on Christmas morning, hanging out at home. We already went to hear mass earlier on, and I find out from my sister that on Christmas, the place is pretty much a ghost town what with all the shops and malls all closed.

Which is alright, coz it gives us time to hang out as family. And gives me time to catch up on my writing and my reading.

So here we have the TV on, with VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s. It's real great stuff. Apparently, VH1 viewers voted for their most favorite tracks of the decade, and here we are.

VH1 played the whole thing as a marathon- all one hundred songs in 5 whole hours of 80's wall-to-wall goodness. You know you're a true child of the 80's when you gasp in awe as they reveal the hits and say "Aw man, I remember that track, and it was awesome!"

Naturally, to spice things up, VH1 did a kick-ass job tracking down the featured artists to talk about the songs, clear up some rumors, and let the viewers know what they're up to right now.

Nice job on the "Air Guitar Track of the 80s" featuring such kick-ass songs like The Cult's "Love Removal Machine" and Def Leppard's "Photograph". And the "Guess The Headband Hero" with iconic headbanded 80's figures like Bruce Springsteen, Nick Rhodes and Olivia Newton-John.

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Special Note: We see the trailer for J.J. Abrams' Cloverfield. We first saw the trailer on this several summer movies ago, with no title, so man, everyone was talking about it.

Remember that New Years' Party gone crazy when part of the New York skyline suddenly blows up? We see a little bit more trailer this time, and it seems to hint at something huge attacking the city.

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100 Loverboy - Working For The weekend (1981). I admit I didn't catch this back in '81 when it hit radio. In fact, it wasn't until my stint at 99.5 RT that I've developed an appreciation for the song, playing it on 24K Friday. Which was appropriate, because the song managed to become an anthem of sorts for just about anyone with a 9-to-5 job.

99 Wang Chung - Everybody Have Fun Tonight (1986). Arguably, Wang Chung's most commercially successful single. The song has the distinction of introducing a new verb into our vocabulary- Everybody Wang Chung tonight...everybody have fun tonight! Did you know that the stop-motion animation actually caused epileptic seizures in some unfortunate individuals?



Oh, and the video was directed by Godley and Creme, who came up with the 80's one-hit wonder "Cry" in 1984.

98 The Romantics - What I Like About You (1980). Who doesn't like this song? Since it first hit radio and MTV in the early 80's, this song has been a staple at arenas and sports events. Just recently, though, the band is suing Activision, Inc. for using a cover of their song on the extremely popular Guitar Hero.

97 Bobby Brown - My Prerogative (1988). How about some New Jack Swing, huh? I remembered that I was tracking it on the charts back when it was being held up at #2 for three or four weeks I think. Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" was already #1 for several weeks (which I was rooting for at the time). "My Prerogative" ended up being the first #1 single for 1989.

96 Men at Work - Down Under (1981). What the heck is vegemite, anyway? No idea what it was when the song first came out. It was much, much later that I discovered that vegemite is an Australian staple- kind of like peanut butter, but made instead of yeast extracts, salty and a bit bitter, tastes almost like beef bouillion.

95 Debbie Gibson - Only In My Dreams (1986). Good God, it's precisely the reason why I bought her debut album "Only In My Dreams" back in '87. Fine, I admit- I had the hugest crush on her back then, even thinking she was waay better than Tiffany.

94 The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up (1982). You make a grown man cry-yy! Aw yeah, another song big enough to be a certified rock anthem and arena favorite. Used in sports games extensively to this day.

93 Gary Numan - Cars (1980). One of the first synth-heavy songs to really make itbig. Marilyn Manson remade it, so did the Foo Fighters, as well as Fear Factory for the movie "Freddie Got Fingered". Too bad Gary Numan never came up with a hit as huge as this song.

92 The New Kids on the Block - The Right Stuff (1989). You think New Kids, you think "uh oh oh woh oh, uh oh woh oh", and even go bust a move straight out of the video. No surprise, Jordan Knight came up with the trademark dance steps seen there.

91 Katrina and the Waves - Walking on Sunshine (1984). One-hit wonder, but it was quite the quintessential happy song. Though The Waves have been around since 1975 (mostly in Canada), it wasn't until "Walking on Sunshine" that they've been known internationally, even bagging a nomination for Best New Artist.

90 Tone Loc - Wild Thing (1989). Aw, man this song was huge. Young MC had co-written the song, and also featured a sampled riff from a rather-unknown Van Halen song. The video featured Robert Palmer-esque chicks and only cost US$500 to make- not bad for a song that sold at least two million copies.

89 The Pretenders - Brass In Pocket (1980). Such a lovely song. And such a lovely video, I remember. "Gonna use my arm, gonna use my legs, gonna use my style, gonna use my sidestep, gonna use my fingers, gonna use my my my imaginatio-on..."

88 Rufus + Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody (1982). This was some great funk for the 80's. From some of the greatest pipes ever to come out from the world of R&B and funk.

87 Falco - Rock Me Amadeus (1986). I think he almost rapped on this song. Great synth rock from the 80's. Came out about the same time the movie Amadeus came out. Unfortunately, Falco died in a car crash in 1988.

86 Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy (1982). Simply one of the catchiest tunes of the 80's. Three dudes used to be with Adam Ant. Now here's something I didn't know- the song was actually a remake of an earlier - though minor- 1965 hit.

85 Robert Palmer - Addicted To Love (1984). This song is sexy rock. But wow, the fashion models were something huh? Even if the hands weren't moving on the fretboards. Robert Palmer went on to hire the models for the next 2 videos. Sadly, Mr. Palmer died of a heart attack in 2003.

84 Lionel Richie - All Night Long (All Night) (1985), Yeah, jambo jambo! No idea what Lionel was chanting back then- Jamaican perhaps? -and even Lionel himself doesn't know. Can you believe it: when Iraq was liberated , this song was played out in the streets for a celebration. Apparently, Mr. Richie is HUGE in the Middle East, even to this day.

83 Prince - Kiss (1986). Aw, man one of my favorite Prince songs ever. He really got his groove going on with this song- all falsetto and everything, with such a minimalist arrangement. Originally, Prince wrote the song for another band. But after Producer David Z finished mixing it up, his purple majesty knew then he had to have the song.

82 Squeeze - Tempted (1981). One of those story songs. About infidelity. Two other guys were actually leading the British new wave group, but it was lead singer Paul Carrack that turned out to be the most famous of the bunch. He went solo, and later went on to work with Mike and the Mechanics.

81 Cameo - Word Up! (1986). Larry Blackmon gave the 80s a much needed funk injection. How can you not bounce to this song? Wave your hands in the air like you don't care! Glide by the people as they start to look and stare. Do your dance, do your dance, do your dance quick- mama, come on baby, tell me what’s the word, ah – word up!

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More of VH1's Greatest Hits of the 80's coming up- this is only the first part of five. Be reminded that this list is based on the votes viewers sent in via VH1's website some time ago- so your personal favorites might not necessarily be here, or rank as highly as you'd want them to.

It's all good fun though- an entertaining trip down memory lane. Stick around for Part 2 of 5. Cheers!

Gettin' To Know: Journey

Journey, for me, is one of the best bands ever. And one of my personal favorites.

While I have been growing up to most of their music, I haven't been a fan of Journey music until a college buddy of mine reintroduced me to the band, and we'd wear out this Greatest Hits tape playing it over and over again.

My love for Journey only grew when I got into radio- and got a good idea of how the audience responded to certain Journey songs. In the Philippines, the ballad "Open Arms" would probably be the most popular- thanks to heavy airplay on love song-oriented stations. But for me, and probably for several others, our favorites would be the classic "Don't Stop Believing".

Also cool: "Send Her My Love", "Girl Can't Help It", "I'll Be Alright Without You", "When You Love a Woman", "Wheel In The Sky", "Who's Crying Now", "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"- I was just rattling off great songs from the top of my head.

Here's all you need to know about Journey, penned by All Music Guide writer William Ruhlmann:

During their initial 14 years of existence (1973-1987), Journey altered their musical approach and their personnel extensively while becoming a top touring and recording band. The only constant factor was guitarist Neal Schon (born February 27, 1954), a music prodigy who had been a member of Santana in 1971-1972. The original unit, which was named in a contest on KSAN-FM in San Francisco, featured Schon, bassist Ross Valory, drummer Prairie Prince (replaced by Aynsley Dunbar), and guitarist George Tickner (who left after the first album). Another former Santana member, keyboard player and singer Gregg Rolie, joined shortly afterward. This lineup recorded Journey (1975), the first of three moderate-selling jazz-rock albums given over largely to instrumentals.

By 1977, however, the group decided it needed a strong vocalist/frontman and hired Steve Perry (born January 22, 1949). The results were immediately felt on the fourth album, Infinity (1978), which sold a million copies within a year. (By this time, Dunbar had been replaced by Steve Smith). Evolution (1979) was similarly successful, as was Departure (after which Rolie was replaced by Jonathan Cain).

Following a live album, Captured (1981), Journey released Escape, which broke them through to the top ranks of pop groups by scoring three Top Ten hit singles, all ballads highlighting Perry's smooth tenor: "Who's Crying Now," "Don't Stop Believin'," and "Open Arms." The album topped the charts and sold millions. Frontiers (1983), featuring the hit "Separate Ways," was another big success, after which Perry released a double-platinum solo album, Street Talk (1984). When the group got back together to make a new album, Valory and Smith were no longer in the lineup and Raised on Radio (1986) was made by Schon, Perry, and Cain, who added other musicians for a tour.

Following the tour, Journey disbanded. Perry went into a prolonged period of seclusion as Schon and Cain formed Bad English with vocalist John Waite. Bad English had several hit singles, including the chart-topper "When I See You Smile," before breaking up. Perry returned to recording in 1994, releasing For the Love of Strange Medicine. Although the album went gold, it was a commercial disappointment by previous standards. In 1996, Perry, Schon, Cain, Valory, and Smith staged a Journey reunion, releasing the million-selling Trial by Fire, which featured the gold-selling Top 20 single "When You Love a Woman," and going on tour. Perry and Smith opted out of the reunion after the tour, but Journey continued, hiring a new lead singer, Steve Augeri (formerly of Tall Stories), and a new drummer, Bad English's Deen Castronovo, who made their debuts on "Remember Me," a track on the 1998 Armageddon soundtrack. The band next reconvened in 2001. Arrival, Journey's 11th new studio album, was released in April, followed by a national tour. The band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 21, 2005. That same year they released a new album, Generations, and embarked on their 30th anniversary tour. Shows on the tour stretched over three hours long and were divided into two sets -- one focusing on pre-Escape material, the other on post-Escape material. The archival release Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour appeared on both DVD and CD in 2006.

Visit the AllMusicGuide for more on Journey, as well as your favorite artists. Read more about Journey on their official website, or on their entry on Wikipedia.

Need to know your favorite artists a little bit more? My Thoughts In Stereo brings you Gettin' To Know- featuring some of the most remembered and most iconic music acts of all time.

Cheers, everyone!