It's the clash of the generations.
Last weekend, I entertained a few friends. It was a nice and relaxing Sunday afternoon. From 55 year olds to 29 year olds. The weather was hot (finally). The BBQ was working overtime with a secret recipe for chicken (not tofu) and the laughs could be heard blocks away. Cigars. Mojitos. Organic carrots. Purified water.
The best things about my friends are they are an eclectic bunch. Some are democrats, some republicans, some have children, others don't but above all we love music. It was a bit frightening however when some grabbed their iPhones and iPods and we began a war of the songs. I proceeded to the record player and reached for some vinyl.
My friend who will remain nameless (Tamitha), had no idea what/who Footloose was. What? "You don't know what Footloose is?"
I believe the look of horror took her by surprise. "Play me a song or two and I might recognize it." "Doubtful," I said, "it's a movie from the early 80s but the soundtrack, very nice.
You see, the movie came out in 1984 and she was born in 1981. But really, it's pop culture trivia, people.
A few more:
Def Leppard - "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (one of the most popular Karoke songs ever) sung by most Gen Y's.
Dexys Midnight Runners - “Come on Eileen”
Flock of Seagulls - “I Ran (So Far Away)”
A-Ha - “Take On Me”
Tommy Tutone - “867-5309 - Jenny/Jenny" (Truax, it's not my new phone number)
Soft Cell - Tainted Love”
Toni Basil - “Mickey” (And, my personal favorite Karoke song)
Modern English - “I Melt With You”
Bow Wow Wow - “I Want Candy”
Kajagoogoo - “Too Shy”
Frankie Goes to Hollywood - “Relax” (And, who my cat is named after)
Gary Numan - “Cars”
Animotion - “Obsesssion”
And, last but definitely not least, Thomas Dolby - “She Blinded Me With Science”
What I enjoy the most, is bringing people together who wouldn't normally come together. One thing is clear, I am the common denominator and I truly appreciate all of you. So, on this fourth of July weekend, please know whether you are here with me or far away, I am thinking about you and just for old times sake, listen to, Bruce Springsteen's, Born in the USA. Or, for my international friends, take a listen to Bruce's, Glory Days.
Please tell me you know who Bruce Springsteen is!
Be safe.
Peace out, yo.
Thanks for the soundtrack--I will have great earworms all day!
ReplyDeleteFunny thing: My 20-year-old daughter Kate can name the artist on songs from my era better than I can, and can sing most of them. Maybe the appreciation or listening habits skipped a generation.
One more for the 4th: John Mellencamp, Little Pink Houses.