Week Nine: The Psychedelic Furs - "Heartbreak Beat" - Greatest Hits

I have had the pleasure of seeing The Psychedelic Furs play live three times.  The first time I saw them was at Deep Ellum Live in 2001.  The second time I saw them was at the Gypsy Tea Room in 2004, and the last time I saw them was at the Fair Park Band Shell in 2006.

Of all the shows, the most memorable one for me was at Deep Ellum Live in 2001.  The venue was virtually empty, and I could not figure out exactly why, until I looked at my ticket stub and realized that the show was on a Monday evening.  At one point, I was so close to Richard Butler that he saw me trying to be uber-cool while smoking my cigarette, and he mimicked me onstage.  Then he pointed at me and chuckled.  I couldn't help but chuckle back.  Every time we made eye contact throughout the set, well what I thought was eye contact because he was wearing those dark sunglasses, we smiled at each other.  It was a perfect evening for a music lover like me!!

Anyone who is familiar with The Psychedelic Furs probably knew immediately that my blog was named after this song.  I wanted to simply name my blog: The Soundtrack of My Life.  However, that name was obviously already taken.  A few years ago, I had written out the lyrics to about 7 or 8 songs on posterboard and then decorated them with different colored paint backgrounds and a picture of the corresponding band.  They are still hanging on my bedroom walls.

So when I was trying to think up a new name for this blog, there it was in my own handwriting on the wall.  It was just meant to be...

I'm a hearbreak beat
yeah, all night long
and nobody don't dance
on the edge of the dark
we've got the radio on
and it feels like love
but it don't mean a lot
and it feels like love
and it's all that we've got
there's a heartbreak beat
playing all night long
down on my street
and it feels like love
got the radio on
and it's all that we need
there's a heartbreak beat
and it feels like love
there's a heartbreak beat
and it feels like love
and the beat don't stop
and we talk so tough
and there's a perfect kiss
somewhere out in the dark
but a kiss ain't enough
and the world don't stop
everytime that you call
and the world don't stop
everytime that you fall
there's a heartbreak beat
playing all night long
down on my street
and it feels like love
got the radio on
and it's all that we need
there's a heartbreak beat
and it feels like love
there's a heartbreak beat
and it feels like love
I'm a hearbreak beat
yeah, all night long
and nobody don't dance
on the edge of the dark
we've got the radio on
and it feels like love
but it don't mean a lot
and it feels like love
and it's all that we've got
there's a heartbreak beat
playing all night long
down on my street
and it feels like love
got the radio on
and it's all that we need
there's a heartbreak beat
and it feels like love
there's a heartbreak beat
and it feels like love
there's a heartbreak beat
I'm a heartbreak beat
I'm a heartbreak beat
I'm a heartbreak beat



Week Eight: 1960s Girl Groups - The Ronettes - "Baby I Love You" - The Best of The Ronettes

I grew up listening to The Ronettes on 98.7 KLUV, but it was not until I was in the fifth grade and until I saw the film, Dirty Dancing, for the very first time that The Ronettes really struck a chord with me.

I cannot think of a better Girl Group or a better tune to use in the opening credits of the film than "Be My Baby"!  However, like most of the other popular hits by the Girl Groups that I have spoken of so far, I do tire of the same songs rather quickly, which is why I selected "Baby I Love You" as my Ronettes' pick.

Just recently, I was able to check out Ronnie Spector's autobiography from the Dallas Public Library.  It really was an enjoyable read.  Then I checked out Phil Spector's biography, which really made me so perplexed as to how those two ended up together.  Regardless, the music they created was phenomenal!!!

Have I ever told you, how good it feels to hold you
It isn't easy to explain
And though I'm really trying, I think I may start crying
My heart can't wait another day
When you kiss me I've just got to say

Baby I love you
(Come on baby)
Baby I love you
(Oh-ee baby)
Baby I love only you
(Baby I love only you)

I can't live without you, I love everything about you
I can't help it if I feel this way
Oh, I'm so glad I found you, I want my arms around you
I love to hear you call my name
Oh, tell me that you feel the same

Baby I love you
(Come on baby)
Baby I love you
(Oh-ee baby)
Baby I love only you
(Baby I love only you)

(Come on baby)
Baby I love you
(Come on baby)
Baby I love you
(Oh-ee baby)

Baby I love you
(Come on baby)
Baby I love you
(Oh-ee baby)

Baby I love you
Baby I love you
Baby I love you
Baby I love you

Week Eight: 1960s Girl Groups: The Shirelles - "I Met Him on a Sunday" - The Best of the Girl Groups, Vol. 2

Again, The Shirelles are definitely far better known for another hit, namely, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?"  Most people aren't even aware that it was written by Carole King.  However, if you have ever heard Carole King sing it, you would understand why The Shirelles were able to make a hit out of it, where she would not have been able to.  It just does not have the same magic when Carole sings it.

I guess I am just burnt out on "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?"  I do love the Amy Winehouse version however.  Regardless, I was laughing to myself a bit when I looked up the lyrics to "I Met Him on a Sunday" because I imagined it being written in the present day and age.

I guess it would go something like this: "Well I met him on a Sunday, and I texted him on Monday.  Well I Facebooked him on Tuesday, and I Tweeted him on Wednesday.  Well I blogged about him on Thursday. And he didn't update his status on Friday.  When he showed up Saturday, I said, "You're so unfriended!!"  Ridiculous, I know!!!  However, it seems to be a ridiculous world that we are currently living in!!!!



Well I met him on a Sunday
And I missed him on Monday
Well I found him on a Tuesday
And I dated him on a Wednesday
Well I kissed him on a Thursday
And he didn't come Friday
When he showed up Saturday
I said "bye bye baby"

Well I kissed him on a Thursday
And he didn't come Friday
When he showed up Saturday
I said "bye bye baby"

Week Eight: 1960s Girl Groups - The Chiffons - "He's So Fine" - The Chiffons: Greatest Hits

I feel that it's pretty safe to say that The Chiffons are best known for their hit, "One Fine Day," which has been used in just about every "chick flick", since the inception of the term "chick flick".  However, I am going to go against popular opinion, because that's just the kind of person that I am, and say that "He's So Fine" is the snappier tune of the two.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I feel that "One Fine Day" is so worn out like a threadbare towel or something.  It's not that I dislike it.  I just dislike the idea that certain artists often have a handful of hits, but they seem to be associated with the same song over and over and over again.

The Chiffons have at least half a dozen other hits, as I mentioned, and they are all worth a listen and are incredibly easy to locate online.  The youtube clip below is actually an alternate version of the song and is refreshingly crisp and clear... enjoy!!

Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang
Do-lang, do-lang

He's so fine
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
Wish he were mine
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
That handsome boy over there
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
The one with the wavy hair
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)

I don't know how, I'm gonna do it
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
But I'm gonna make him mine
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
He's the envy of all the girls
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
It's just a matter of time
(Do-lang, do-lang)

He's a soft spoken guy
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
Also seems kinda shy
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
Makes me wonder if I
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
Should even give him a try
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)

But then I know he can't shy
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
He can't shy away forever
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
And I'm gonna make him mine
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
If it takes me forever
(Do-lang, do-lang)

He's so fine
(Oh yeah)
Gotta be mine
(Oh yeah)
Sooner or later
(Oh yeah)
I hope it's not later
(Oh yeah)
We gotta get together
(Oh yeah)
The sooner the better
(Oh yeah)
I just can't wait, I just can't wait
To be held in his arms

If I were a queen
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
And he asked me to leave my throne
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
I'll do anything that he asked
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
Anything to make him my own
(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)

For he's so fine
(So fine)
So fine
(So fine)
He's so fine
(So fine)
So fine
(So fine)
He's so fine
(So fine)
Oh yeah
(He's so fine)
He's so fine

Week Eight: 1960s Girl Groups - The Exciters - "Tell Him" - The Best of the Girl Groups, Vol. 2

Now, my dear blogland readers, you are going to have to really work with me on this one because, yes, I realize that there is a guy in this group and in the video below.  However, The Exciters did start out exclusively as a Girl Group, until Brenda, the lead singer, married Herb, who then joined the band.

If you have never heard this song, you are in for a real treat!  Brenda has a phenomenal voice, one of the loveliest and most powerful voices that I have ever heard.  Plus, the video is filmed at the zoo, and it doesn't get much cooler than singing to the animals at the zoo.

The Exciters have a few more hits, but in my humble opinion, none of them even make it into the same realm of awesomeness where this tune resides; however, again, that is just my opinion.

I know something about love. You've gotta want it bad
If that guy's got into your blood, go out and get him
If you want him to be the very part of you
That makes you want to breathe, here's the thing to do...

[Ref:]
Tell him that you're never gonna leave him
Tell him that you're always gonna love him
Tell him, tell him, tell him, tell him right now

I know something about love. You gotta show it and make him
See the moon up above. Reach out and get it
If you want him to make your heart sing out
And if you want him to only think of you...

[Repeat Ref]

Ever since the world began it's been that way
For man and woman were created to make love their destiny
Then why should true love be so complicated? Oh...

I know something about love. You gotta take it and
Show him what the world is made of, one kiss will prove it
If you want him to be always by your side
Take his hand tonight and swallow your foolish pride and..

[Repeat Ref]

Week Eight: 1960s Girl Groups - The Emeralds - "Wanna Make Him Mine" - One Kiss Can Lead to Another: Girl Group Sounds, Lost and Found - Disc 3

So my last boyfriend definitely did not have pockets lined with cash (or even credit), by any means, but he was a super-whiz on the computer.  So any time a holiday that required gift giving rolled around, instead of making a huge issue out of it, I would ask him to make me some mixed CDs. 

Most of the time, I ended up with generic remixes and remasters of albums I already owned, but on occassion, he would shock and surprise me with his selections.

Since he knew that I was a huge fan of Girl Groups, he scoured the Intertubes, as he liked to call them, and found this compilation called One Kiss Can Lead to Another: Girl Group Sounds, Lost and Found.  There are a total of four discs.

Now, before you get all giddy with excitement and go hunting for it, I will tell you that most of the discs are full of major flops.  However, there are also some real treasures on a few of them - like this tune by The Emeralds.

It was impossible to locate anything about The Emeralds on youtube, or online even, but I did find this cover of the song by some band called, It's My Party, so that you can at least hear how snappy this little tune actually is.  However, the girls in the video below are NOT The Emeralds.  It's a super-cute video though:

****UPDATE**** As of August 2012, someone did add the original version of "Wanna Make Him Mine" by The Emeralds to youtube.  Therefore, I am adding that clip to this post:



It's unbelievable when he kisses me

Just how wonderful that boy can be

And when he walks me home

He's so sweet and kind

I don't wanna go in

I wanna stay with him

I wanna make him mine x 4

When he talks to me

I get such a chill

And when he holds me tight

I feel such a thrill

I just know our love

Would be so fine

If he'd stay with me

And he would surely see

I wanna make him mine x 4

He's so appealing

Mr. Personality

I get the feeling

I wanna make him steady company

I have a love so strong

That I'm gonna cry all my dreams away

If he said goodbye

I don't want any girl to share his time

To me, he's everything

I wanna wear his ring

I wanna make him mine x 4

Oh so fine

I wanna make him mine

He's so fine

I wanna make him mine

Week Eight: 1960s Girl Groups - The Crystals - "He's a Rebel" - Wall of Sound: The Very Best of Phil Spector

So, in keeping with the "rebel" theme with which The Shangri-Las started this week of posts, I have selected "He's a Rebel" by The Crystals for my second Girl Group tune.  However, this was not the song that got me hooked on The Crystals.  It was actually "Then He Kissed Me", and the story goes something like this...

Adventures in Babysitting was released around the time I was in the 4th grade.  From the opening scene when Chris (played by Elisabeth Shue) danced around her bedroom to the song, I fell in love with the movie and with the song.

I remember calling the local oldies station, KLUV, and begging them over and over to play the song for me.  My request would always be met with the same response: "Does your mother know you keep calling us?  How old are you?  Are you thirteen?  You have to be at least thirteen to request a song on this station..."

How stupid was that!!!  If I was old enough to use a phone and dial a number correctly, I should have been old enough to request a song, right?  Despite my best efforts, they wouldn't play my request, which forced my mother, who was such a great sport, to take me to the theater to see this film at least two or three more times, mainly to hear the song and to watch the opening scene.

As a direct result of this film, I was also somehow convinced that babysitting had an element of danger to it; so you can only imagine my shock and disappointment when the kid slept the entire time I was on my first babysitting job!!!

See the way he walks down the street
Watch the way he shuffles his feet
My, he holds his head up high
When he goes walking by, he's my guy

When he holds my hand, I'm so proud
'Cause he's not just one of the crowd
My baby's always the one to try the things they've never done
And just because of that, they say

He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
But just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
That's no reason why I can't give him all my love

He's always good to me, always treats me tenderly
'Cause he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no, to me

If they don't like him that way
They won't like me after today
I'll be standing right by his side when they say

He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
Just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
That's no reason why we can't share a love

He's always good to me, good to him, I try to be
'Cause he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no, to me

Oh, he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no

He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no

And here's an extra special treat... the opening scene from Adventures in Babysitting:

Week Eight: 1960s Girl Groups - The Shangri-Las - "The Dum Dum Ditty" - The Complete Collection

If you are not familiar with The Shangri-Las, all you need to know is that they were a wickedly cool girl group from the 1960s.  Ever since I was very young, if my dad was not listening to Classic Country, then he was listening to the Golden Oldies.  Since 98.7 KLUV has been around as a DFW Oldies station for as long as I can remember, that's the station we would frequently tune into, and you could often hear The Shangri-Las' hit, "Leader of the Pack", played on KLUV.

I don't know if it was my early exposure to Grease and Grease 2, but I have always been fascinated by that 50s/60s-era, drive-in/sock hop, T-Birds/Pink Ladies kind of environment.  So I immediately fell in love with "Leader of the Pack" upon my first time ever hearing it.

It wasn't until much later that I heard "The Dum Dum Ditty", but I love the cleverness of the lyrics.  I think it's also important to point out that many bands and solo artists have cited The Shangri-Las as a major influence, such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, Blondie, The Go-Gos, Morrissey, and Amy Winehouse, to name a few.

He doesn't talk much,
But when he does he sayin' somethin'.
(Run-run ditty, run-run ditty.)
He lives in the slums,
'Cause his folks never had nothin'
(Run-run ditty, run-run ditty.)

(He's a rebel without a cause.)
(He doesn't do what everyone does.)
(And he makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
(Makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
(Makes my heart go run-run ditty, boom-boom.)

I see him every day,
Hangin' 'round the neighborhood.
(Run-run ditty, run-run ditty.)
They say stay away, don't talk to him,
'Cause he is no good.
(Run-run ditty, run-run ditty.)

(He's a rebel without a cause.)
(He doesn't do what everyone does.)
(And he makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
(Makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
(Makes my heart go run-run ditty, boom-boom.)

(How did he ever get in so much trouble?)
(Sha-da da-da, sha da da-da da-da.)
(Why do the papers always mention his name?)
(Sha-da da-da, sha da da-da da-da.)

(He's a rebel without a cause.)
(He doesn't do what everyone does.)
(And he makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
(Makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
(Makes my heart go run-run ditty, boom-boom.)

Oh-ah, yes. (He makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
Oh-ah, ye-eh-eh-es. (He makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
Oh-ah, ye-eh-eh-es. (Makes my heart go run-run ditty, boom-boom.)

Oh-ah, yes. (He makes my heart go run-run ditty.)Fade.Oh-ah, ye-eh-eh-es. (He makes my heart go run-run ditty.)
Oh-ah, ye-eh-eh-es. (Makes my heart go run-run ditty...)

Now, if you've made it this far, and you are as intrigued with 1960s girl groups as I am, there is a documentary in five parts on youtube.  I will offer you part one, and I trust that you can tackle the other four:

Week Seven: Various DFW Area Artists - Adventures of Jet - "End of the Planet" - Part 3: Coping With Insignificance

If you are at all familiar with Adventures of Jet, then you know that they rose from the ashes of their previous band, Bobgoblin.  I know many of my male companions were fans of Bobgoblin, but I could never get into their sound for some reason.  I did, however, love Adventures of Jet, but I'm sure that it had a lot to do with the pop-inspired keyboad sound of the tunes.

I was able to catch an AOJ show at Rick's Place in Denton.  Although, I think it might have been called The Inferno at that time, or whatever they renamed it after a portion of it burnt and was repainted with flames shooting up the sides of the building.

If you ever had the pleasure of stopping by Kharma Cafe, down the street from the club, you would have seen the super-awesome framed Bobgoblin memorabilia on the wall.  You might have even seen the drummer, Rob, hanging out there on occasion.

Do you think he's just a madman?

Hangin out by the newsstand screaming out at everybody, "It's the end!"

I may be losing my mind, but I think he might be right this time.

The bad brains in the boardrooms just might win.

With all of the words, the best that you've heard,

It's all coming down.

Believe... they're more than near.

Alas, they're here!

Can anybody rescue me?

It feels like the end of the planet.

The corporate ships have landed.

They've taken everything and canned it.

It feels like the end of the planet...

Let's drive out to the sunset amd watch them paint the town red.

Get a load of all the mugs on the downtown suits.

It's like they know  made guy, and he put them at his right side.

Oh man, it would be funny if it wasn't so true.

It's getting so late.

I stand here and wait for someone who really cares-

From worlds like ours out in the stars.

Is anybody out there?

It feels like the end of the planet.

The corporate ships have landed.

They've taken everything and canned it.

It feels like the end of the planet...

With all of the words, the best that you've heard,

It's all coming down.

Believe... they're more than near.

Alas, they're here!

Can anybody rescue me?

It feels like the end of the planet.

The corporate ships have landed.

They've taken everything and canned it.

It feels like the end of the planet...

Week Seven: Various DFW Area Artists: Tripping Daisy - "My Umbrella" - Bill

Up until I began hearing Tripping Daisy on the EDGE in 1992, it never occurred to me that Dallas, of all places, would be able to turn out a band that appealed to me so much.  All of the bands that I loved the most were from across the pond, and they all felt so far removed from the great State of Texas.

So when Tripping Daisy hit the scene, it was so overwhelmingly exciting to have a band so close to home that was able to elicit the equivalent of the musical butterflies in the tummy that all of my favorite Brit bands were able to do so effortlessly.

I had great difficulty locating the album, Bill, around town in the big chain music stores when it was initially released, and seeing as though I was 2 years short of receiving my license, my kind-hearted mother drove me out to Bill's Records and Tapes, when it was still located at the corner of Spring Valley  & Coit, so that I could finally be the proud owner of this CD.  She probably regretted her decision later on because I played it nonstop for weeks.

I credit Tripping Daisy with fostering a love of local music in me.  Sadly, with my jam-packed schedule of teaching and taking paralegal courses, I do not have the amount of free time that I would like to dedicate to catching local bands play around town.  Hopefully, as I begin to wrap up my paralegal degree and embark upon my final year of teaching, all of that will soon change.

My decision your decision
There's no common ground
I'm sick and tired myself

Don't wake me up don't wave bye bye
Don't jump inside my head this time
I wanna get through this, day ah ah

Singing all those words around drives
My smile right to the ground
I wanna give it away

You make it good but you make me
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy
Wanna slap the world and slam it down

Look at all the million people
In the middle of a golden steeple
I am amazed

Well, it might be wrong
But it may be right
Look at us just passing time

Don't let your love fall on down
On my umbrella
I'll say don't let your love fall on down
On my umbrella, yeah, dig it

Look at all the million people
In the middle of a golden steeple
I am amazed

Well, it might be wrong
But it may be right
Look at us on borrowed time

You make it good but you make me
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy
Wanna slap the world and slam it down
You make it good but you make me
So high, to try, to show me the way

Running through
A built-in maze ending up
At the starting place I left behind ah ah

Stop and try to catch my breath while I'm
Looking for my next step
I slip away, I slip away

You make it good but you make me
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy
Wanna slap the world and slam it down

Don't let your love fall on down
On my umbrella, I'll say
Don't let your love fall on down
On my umbrella

I'll say you'll say, you'll throw it all  away
No, no, go, no, I'm like a child and I'm lost
For the first time

You say, don't let your love fall down
On my umbrella, yeah
You say, don't let your love fall down
On my umbrella, yeah

You say, don't let your love fall down
On my umbrella, yeah
You say

Week Seven: Various DFW Area Artists: Hagfish - "Stamp" - ...Rocks Your Lame Ass

I'll start off by saying: "What a dirty, dirty little song!"  So it makes it even funnier that when I was enticed by my parents (with the offer of gas money) to pick up my younger brother and sister from their elementary school, I would often be rocking out to Hagfish, with the two of them in the back screaming at the top of their lungs - "Eat it while I work!!!"

Now, why I felt it was acceptable to openly like Hagfish, in my uber-goth state in 1995, and not Deep Blue Something, probably had something to do with the fact that the drummer from Hagfish would sometimes stop by the deli, and he was a super nice guy.  Plus I had a handful of punk rock friends at that time, and they tolerated (not liked) Hagfish and would go to their shows with me.

I saw them play live at least a dozen times around town, and geez, they were filthy-mouthed boys.  Later on, after breaking up and re-uniting, they played quite a few Christmas shows at the Gypsy Tea Room.  I know that I caught at least one of them in 2003 or 2004.  I'm not sure if they're still playing shows.  I know that the brothers played with other bands and filled in on tours and such.  I haven't seen their name in The Observer in ages, so I'm guessing not.

***UPDATE - 12/27/2012 --- The original video I selected is now blocked due to copyright infringement, but somebody uploaded a youtube video from their Christmas 2012 show, which I sadly missed...

She invited me in and
she gave me a drink
She looked at me and
smiled and she said

Give me, give me
something to hold on to
give me, give me
something to hold on to
Will you remove my shoes and
lift up my skirt
Will you eat my box while I work
Eat it while I work

She touched my chest and
I touched her breast
She kissed my lips and
I kissed her lips
And she said

Week Seven: Various DFW Area Artists - Deep Blue Something - "Breakfast at Tiffany's" - Home

Back in 1995, when this song really hit it big in the metroplex, it became a guilty little pleasure for me.  The reason for this was because in 1995, I was uber-goth, and it would have been very un-uber-gothlike for me to have admitted that I liked this rock/pop radio hit. 

So I would often have my home stereo tuned to 94.5 waiting patiently for it to find its way into the rotation.  I honestly never had to wait terribly long because they played it a lot on the air!!  And I would dance around my room and sing along to every word, but only if I could perform a private show for my Siouxsie, Cure, Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Smiths, Psychedelic Furs, etc. posters.

So, I would like to take this time to apologize to DBS for not giving them the support they deserved back in 1995 and to admit to all you blogland readers that, yes, I do like this song!

You say that we've got nothing in common
No common ground to start from and we're falling apart
You'll say the world has come between us
Our lives have come between us still I know you just don't care

And I said, "What about breakfast at Tiffany's?"
She said, "I think I remember the film
And as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it"
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got"

I see you, the only one who knew me
And now your eyes see through me I guess I was wrong
So what now it's plain to see we're over
And I hate when things are over when so much is left undone

And I said, "What about breakfast at Tiffany's?"
She said, "I think I remember the film
And as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it"
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got"

You say that we've got nothing in common
No common ground to start from and we're falling apart
You'll say the world has come between us
Our lives have come between us still I know you just don't care

And I said, "What about breakfast at Tiffany's?"
She said, "I think I remember the film
And as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it"
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got"

And I said, "What about breakfast at Tiffany's?"
She said, "I think I remember the film
And as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it"
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got"

And I said, "What about breakfast at Tiffany's?"
She said, "I think I remember the film
And as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it"
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got"

Week Seven: Various DFW Area Artists - T42 - "Don't Let My Love" - Intruder

T42 was an awesome duo of young synthpop gents who got their start in Dallas, TX.  I was introduced to them through 94.5 The EDGE.  I really don't think it was on The Adventure Club, this time around, because I remember them getting fairly regular airplay throughout the day.  I think it was Alex Luke who promoted them heavily.  Although, it could have also been George Gimarc.

When my band was starting up, we got a very small amount of financial assistance from a lady who worked closely with Information Society and Anything Box.  Information Society had a connection to T42 through Paul Robb, so this lady who was hooked up with all of them attempted to get us in touch with the guys from T42 so that we could get some help with our demo and get our band to take-off.

It never quite worked out for us because, from what we were told, the guys from T42 had pretty much put their musical careers behind them to pursue other avenues by the time we hit the scene around 1999.  Oh well, I put my musical career behind me not too long after that, so I completely understand where they were coming from... but I can't help but be anything except upbeat when I hear this snappy little tune!

Turn around

Don't run away

You're making me sad

I need you to stay here today

Don't let my love push you away

Stop to think

Think about me

Holding it in

Your affections aren't free for me

Please don't keep running away from me

I'm holding on

But you don't care

I'm trying so hard

But you just stare at me

How can you just walk out on me

On my knees

I beg and plead

Holding you is all I need to do

I know I wanna hang on to you

You know I'll take the chance

And I'll come after you

I'm calling on the time we spent

It's all that I can do

Don't let my love (don't let my love)

Don't let my love (don't let my love)

Don't let my love push you away

Week Seven: Various DFW Area Artists - Sunglasses & Sugar - "My Favourite Story" - VuVuZuelas

Just shy of a week ago, I was sitting in a local Starbucks, finishing up some Bankruptcy Law homework, when a very heavily tattooed fellow approached me to point out that we shared a mutual appreciation for Morrissey.  I just so happened to be wearing a Morrissey shirt that day.  After I also showed him my newly-crafted Smiths bag, he proceeded to introduce himself as Darlington.

For a brief moment, I thought to myself, "Wow, this kat totally ripped off that name from that band I always used to hear Josh, from The Adventure Club, talking about!"  However, then he pulled out a copy of this CD and told me I should check it out.  It turns out that this Darlington is one and the same.

I have to tell you folks that this CD is as sugary sweet as enjoying an overflowing bubblegum-flavored snow cone on a scorching hot Texas summer afternoon... and I adore it!!  This song, in particular, reminds me of the film, That Thing You Do!, and could have been a total hit for the movie band, The Wonders.  It has such a snappy '60s pop feel to it.  I would also like to point out that I totally dig the British form spelling of the word: "favourite".

Coming closely behind in 2nd place is the song, "Tall Girls".  Being a tall girl myself, measuring in at 5'10" on any given day, and easily 6' with heels, it's about damn time there was a song of appreciation for those of us who are anything but height-challenged.  And yes, as a matter of fact, I did play volleyball and basketball in middle school.  Plus he threw in some totally doowopish "shoo-bops" toward the end, for which I am a total sucker.

When you factor in the references to Sense and Sensibility (especially since Pride and Prejudice is the Austen novel that is always mentioned everywhere else), book stores, libraries, soda shops, all things rockabilly, and of course, Morrissey and the Stray Cats, I feel that this CD has earned itself an A+ and a gold star!  Yes, I am allowed to hand out both because I have been employed as a teacher for going on to nine years now, and I know when to award superior efforts (and when to make a career change - hence the Bankruptcy Law homework)!! :-D

One final thought: It's awesome to know that another human being uses the term skedaddle.  I thought I was a lone soul in that regard.  I'm constantly telling my students to skedaddle on to their next class when they linger in my room too long after the bell rings.

Obviously, with it being a fairly new release, there are no Youtube videos to place in this very spot where I normally place them in other posts.  So what I will offer you instead is a link to purchase the album in MP3 format:

Sunglasses & Sugar

Also, since I don't have access to the lyrics, which I normally place here in my posts, I have created a checklist of words and phrases for this tune.  If you fancy any of the following, you should give this song a listen:

_____ Junior Mints

_____ Pompadours

_____ Pale Skin

_____ Histrionic Drama Queens
_____ Epic

_____ Endearing

_____ Mercury
_____ Superlatives
_____ Flatteries
_____ Unrequited
_____ Unassumingly
_____ Romance
_____ Devastatingly 
_____ Monumentally
_____ Unconditionally
_____ Fantasy
_____ Fateful day

Week Seven: Various DFW Area Artists - Billy Goat - "Chef" - Bush Roaming Mammals

Billy Goat was a band that got its start in the same tiny town where I attended college: Denton, TX.  I actually found out about this band because one of its members was a delivery driver/oven guy for a very brief time at the Jason's Deli where I worked in high school.  At that time, I was too young to see any of their live performances because even Trees required one to be 17 years old to get in.  I was only 16 at the time and could not, for the life of me, acquire a decent fake ID.  However, I encountered many local musicians while working at "the deli", as we so lovingly called it.

A few others that I recall off the top of my head would be Reed Easterwood, who was also a delivery driver and who toured with MC 900 ft. Jesus.  (He actually wanted me to take him to my senior prom, as a joke - so that I could tell my grandchildren one day that I went to prom with a rock star, but I told him that I could not justify paying to hang out with people that I hated when I could hang out with them for free every day.)  Greg, from Hash Palace, was also one of our delivery drivers.  The girls from The Dixie Chicks would play next door at The Pocket Sandwich Theater, so they would come over for hot tea and coffee before shows.  Matt and Lance from Quickserv Johnny would stop by quite frequently.  One of the guys from Hagfish would stop by on occasion.  I'm sure others dropped by too, and I'll probably recall some more when I am drifting off to sleep shortly.

I had some of the best times of my life hanging out with my coworkers at "the deli".  I still drive by it frequently when I am traveling down Mockingbird Lane, and it always puts a smile on my face, just like this song.

It was impossible to locate the lyrics.  I even own the CD and looked in the liner notes, but all you really need to know is: "Chef Boyardee and Mrs. Baird had a baby...oh oh oh oh-oh-oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh".

Week Six: Jesus Jones - "Right Here, Right Now" - Doubt

I'm not exactly sure why I chose to leave this song for my very last JJ post because it was the one that actually began my love affair with Mike Edwards and the band.  Back in 1991, this hit was all over the airwaves and MTV, and it rocked hard!

I remember that the term "alternative-new-waver" came into our everyday lingo around that time.  Therefore if you were inclined to wear dark colored tights under your shorts, have dark hair, dark eye make-up, and red lips (but not in a goth sort of way), and listen to bands like Jesus Jones and EMF, you were an "alternative-new-waver", at least in my social circle.

Jesus Jones came and went very quickly, and I was so incredibly fickle with my musical tastes at that time that I was leaning more towards the emerging Britpop bands.  Regardless, I will always have a deep appreciation for Jesus Jones and all the amazing times I had dancing to their songs at Xenon, the local teen club, and at Six Flags.  In fact, every time I ride the Texas Giant, even while I am shaking like a psycho maniac since it is such a rough ride, I still try to point out the very spot that I met the band to whomever is seated next to me.

A woman on the radio talks about revolution
When it's already passed her by
Bob Dylan didn't have this to sing about you
You know it feels good to be alive

I was alive and I waited, waited
I was alive and I waited for this

Right here, right now, there is no other place I wanna be
Right here, right now, watching the world wake up from history

I saw the decade in, when it seemed
The world could change at the blink of an eye
And if anything then there's your sign
Of the times

I was alive and I waited, waited
I was alive and I waited for this
Right here, right now

I was alive and I waited, waited
I was alive and I waited for this

Right here, right now, there is no other place I wanna be
Right here, right now, watching the world wake up from history

Right here, right now, there is no other place I wanna be
Right here, right now, watching the world wake up from history

Right here, right now, there is no other place I wanna be
Right here, right now, watching the world wake up

Week Six: Jesus Jones - "I'm Burning" - Doubt

I always felt so sorry for the guys when they played this song and "Blissed" too because, although I consider both to be a lovely little tunes, it seemed like most of the fans used it as an opportunity to go to the restroom or to get a beverage.

In fact, the second time I saw them play live, it seems as if I remember the band clearing the stage even and leaving Mike singing to pre-recorded tracks with a very pretty light show.  Maybe there was one other band member accompanying him at the most.

At least they were kind enough to place it in the middle of the set so that I could catch my breath from all the crazy dancing I was doing to their other tunes, but cross-my-heart, I always stood there and watched Mike croon away!

So, when I cried
Where were you?
And you know I cried
'Cause I saw you
Sometimes I think you
Don't mean what you say
I'm insecure
So insecure
You don't mind
Don't be so sure
One day I might just stop
And turn away
So did you know yeah
I'm burning?
So what do you say
I'm burning?
Well he-he-hey
I'm burning
I'm burning up for you.
Under the skin
I bruise easy
And you say I'm soft
That's as may be
But you'll never know until you
Push too far
So did you know yeah
I'm burning?
So what do you say
I'm burning?
Well he-he-hey
I'm burning
I'm burning up for you.
So did you know yeah
I'm burning?
So what do you say
I'm burning?
Well he-he-hey, yeah
I'm burning
I'm burning up for you.
So did you know yeah
I'm burning?
So what do you say
I'm burning?
Well he-he-hey, yeah
I'm burning
I'm burning up for you.

Week Six: Jesus Jones - "The Devil You Know" - Perverse

Although I anxiously awaited the release of this album, I was so disappointed when I finally got my hands on it.  I wasn't thrilled about the direction they took.  I liked their more danceable, pop music tunes, and it seemed to me like they were trying to gain some type of credibility by going a more edgy, industrial route.

I did, however, love the direction they took their personal looks and style.  Just when I thought the band could not possibly look any cooler than they already did, they went off and exceeded my expectations.  If only the new music could have followed closely behind the new look, I would have been a happy girl.  Sadly, I had to abandon Mike and the boys for other bands at that time who held my attention more.

A life to call our own
That is ours alone
Is as hard as hell to come by these days
Time that I took what's mine, took it now

Things aren't what they were, they're what they are
There's no time of our own

And the devil you know is the only one

Is time too fast for us to grasp something of our own?
The ghost of the past has its arms around me
It moves everywhere in all I hear and see

And the devil you know is the only one

Look at you now, look at you then, see how you will be
All of your life belongs to me
Things aren't what they were, they're what they are
There's no time of our own

And the devil you know is the only one

Week Six: Jesus Jones - "Welcome Back Victoria" - Doubt

Prior to hearing this song for the first time, I had never really desired for my name to be anything but what it currently is; however, after hearing this song for the first time, I would have killed for my name to have been Victoria.

I absolutely loved the way that name rolled off Mike Edwards' tongue so fancifully in this tune.  Plus, I had started dabbling in Jane Austen and was falling madly in love with all of the pomp and circumstance of the Victorian era.

Alas, my name remains what it is to this very day, but every time I hear this song, I can't help but possess a tinge of jealousy for all of the Victorias of the world, especially since one of the only songs in existence that has my name in it repeatedly is technically about "my mother".  Thanks, but no thanks, Fountains of Wayne!!

Welcome back Victoria
since you've gone you know that no-one's really missed you
Welcome back Victoria
and now your friends watch over everything
that we-ee do
Welcome back Victoria
so the pendulum swings back
Welcome back Victoria
you went away, OK
we got a little slack
and once again you'll cover up
what you don't understand
don't close your eyes
you can't hide behind your hands
Welcome back Victoria
we'll be no threat when we're deaf, dumb and blind
Welcome back Victoria
clean books, clean screens, clean words,
dirty minds
I am a child of the sixties
and for that I must pay
you wag your finger all you like
I'll tell you something, it's my children
they'll have no choice but to say
Welcome back Victoria
I trust your piano legs are covered up again
Welcome back Victoria
double standards are your forte, now as then
Welcome back Victoria
we'll tip our tophats to those who walk the streets, and you know what I mean, now
Welcome back Victoria
on commercial street  be careful who you meet, but you're alright, Jack
Welcome back, welcome back, yeah
Welcome back, welcome back, eehee hee







Week Six: Jesus Jones - "Are You Satisfied?" - Doubt

So, believe it or not, this is actually my favorite Jesus Jones song!  I have never been one to live my life based on what I am supposed to do.  In fact, I take great satisfaction in making sure that my life does not neatly fit on the shelf.  I watch my friends and family members in their pseudo-happy marriages with their pseudo-happy families and lifestyles and ask myself, "How can they be satisfied with this?"

I once read an article (okay, so it was on Yahoo! News but...whatever) that said that many married women with children often have to actually convince themselves daily that they are happy and that this is the life that they wanted, in order not to suffer grave psychological disorders.  How pitiful is that?!?!?

Believe me, I am not trying to come across as if all married couples and parents are miserable, but it seems to me like those situations disintegrate more than they last.  In fact, my best friend revealed to me the other day that while her father was next to her mother's hospital bed, while he was in fear that she was dying, he stated that he cheated on her all the time.  Seriously?!?!?  Things like that just completely destroy my concepts of good and evil.

So, where am I going with all of this?  I suppose it's to say that although my personal choice has been to avoid most of the things that I am supposed to be desiring: marriage, children, wealth, multiple vehicles, homes, etc., I am completely satisfied.  When I lay my head on my pillow at night, I sleep soundly with no regrets!!  So, yes, Jesus Jones, I am satisfied!!!  Thanks for asking!!!! :-D

Are you satisfied?
Do you know what you want?
Will it go with you when you die?
Oh, the things I could do for you
If you want me to
If you want me to you've lost the point,
Start again
All the things you want from me
Don't come easily
If I give them away they're worth even less
Than they are now
Are you satisfied?
Do you know what you want?
Will it go with you when you die?
When the time's gone by
Will you ask why
There was so much left
To try?
How do you do these things?
I don't see any strings
When you pull me in and everything is
All I want from you
Here before my eyes
You have set the prize
But as soon as I touch
It always turns to dust
Oh, how do you do it?
Oh, how do you do it?
All the things I could do for you (I could do for you)
If you want me to (If you want me to)
All the things you want from me
Don't come easily
Are you satisfied?
Do you know what you want?
Will it go with you when you die?
When the time's gone by
Will you ask why
There was so much left
to try?
Oh, how do you do it?
How? how do you do it?
Oh, how do you do it?
Oh, how do you do it?

Week Six: Jesus Jones - "International Bright Young Thing" - Doubt

So in my previous post, I made mention of the fact that at one of the Jesus Jones shows that I attended, I was able to go backstage and meet the band.  However, I actually attended two or three of their shows, and every time they played this tune live, the performance was so full of energy that you could almost feel electricity coming from the crowd.

It is so shocking to me that this particular song never received airplay, at least not in my town, because it is so catchy.  In fact, the clip that I have included from Youtube was purposely selected to show a live performance instead of the official video.

You have to watch the keyboardist totally rock it out.  That guy is no joke!  I swear to all existing deities that he actually dragged his keyboard across the entire length of the stage, while dancing, at the Music Mill Amphitheater at one performance. 

I remember thinking to myself, "Okay, so is he dragging that thing to the restroom with him, or what?"  He is a total candidate for ADHD, but he is super-entertaining to watch...enjoy!!



Please introduce yourself
Let's shock the world with what we know
Squeeze the world
'Til it's small enough to join us heel to toe (heel to toe)

International bright young thing
Now you know for sure that you make the world swing
International bright young thing
Make it swing

High in the air between here and there
Somewhere anywhere (anywhere but here)
I feel that I'm always home and I'm
Never in love (never in love with fun)

International bright young thing
Now you know for sure that you make the world swing
International bright young thing
Make it swing

Asking dragons wishes while...
Sun is making wishes while...
I know he's out there somewhere
Life is all you make it, make it

I'm so tired I can hardly think

So I feel instead and let you loose
Inside my head (inside my head)

I hear you yelling it out me

Spelling it out to me

When I thought I came from nowhere I came from

Everywhere instead (everywhere instead)

International bright young thing
Now you know for sure that you make the world swing
International bright young thing
Make it swing

Week Six: Jesus Jones - "Real, Real, Real" - Doubt

I discovered Jesus Jones in the seventh grade, and I met them in the eighth grade.  "How?" you ask; well, I'll be happy to share that story with you!

Six Flags Over Texas partnered with MTV one year, and one year only, and for a few dollars extra, instead of getting a regular season pass, you could get an MTV season pass.  This special pass allowed you to get free and reduced concert tickets to shows at the Music Mill Amphitheater.

Jesus Jones made a stop at Six Flags on their Doubt tour, and my friends and I insisted that our parents hightail it out to Arlington so that we could get our tickets.  In addition to handing us our tickets, we were also handed backstage passes.  I actually went a little weak in the knees because I had the biggest crush on Mike Edwards, the lead singer, and the backstage passes were so unexpected!

When I met Mike Edwards, he had a piece of fuzz in his hair, and when I pointed it out to him, he insisted that I get it out.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I touched his silky brown hair.  Then they proceeded to invite us onto their van and back to their hotel room, but we weren't exactly sure how we would explain to our parents that they would need to pick us up at a local hotel instead of Six Flags; so we had to reluctantly decline.

I am attaching a picture of the backstage pass and Mike Edwards' autograph below the lyrics - just in case you don't believe me - oh, ye of little faith!!!



I think I know what you mean
and although it sounds obscene
I will always do my best to understand
you have so many words
and your voice is always heard
but who can say they really understand?

real, real, real
do you feel real?
and if so I'd like to know
how to feel real real
do you feel real?
and if so I'd like to know

well you say you have a big love
and it really sounds like fun
if I knew what it was
then I'm sure I'd like to have one
give me a sign that you
feel some emotion

real, real, real
do you feel real?
and if so I'd like to know
how to feel real real
do you feel real?
and if so I'd like to know

say what you like you know that no-one
really minds
and if there's nothing to say, then
why don't we all go away?

do you real-
do you real-
do you really feel real? (??)

real, real, real
do you feel real?
and if so I'd like to know
how to feel real real
do you feel real?
and if so I'd like to know

but if there's nothing to say, then
why don't we all go away?

real, real, real
do you feel real?
and if so I'd to know
how to feel real real
do you feel real?
and if so I'd like to know

do you real-
do you real-
do you really feel real?





Week Five: Peter Murphy - "Indigo Eyes" - Love Hysteria

Although I am far more partial to a lad with green eyes, I would not shun anyone with "Indigo Eyes".

As lame as this may sound, I have always kind of wondered if Peter Murphy wrote this song about his own beautiful eye color.  Maybe he was like, "Okay, well I've written songs about vampires and parties and women and men and everything else under the sun (and moon and stars)... Let's see, today I think I'll write a song about... ummmm... I know---- my eyes!"

Hey, you never know; he is a very beautiful man, who has probably spent many an hour admiring his own image.  People have written songs about stranger things than that.

I remember reading somewhere that the "Orphee" mentioned in the song is actually a reference to Orpheus who descended to the underworld to see Eurydice.  You might remember me mentioning that story in the "Don't Look Back" post for She & Him.

See, my darlings, again, you never know when those 7th grade mythology stories are going to come in handy!!

Fire burning in a hill
The lines are rocky rough
Red angels wait to pick remains
The cindered shoulder
Of confused men
Separate from their awe
With grey desire
He looks out mad
His soft grey indigo eyes
Indigo eyes ...
Asking

His heaven is uncovered not
A black tree blocks his way
His way is skating round a dome
(His way is in dismay)
The playmate sings
Like Orphee in some thunder world
Asking to be bathed in light
To be exemplified

With grey desire he looks out mad
His soft grey indigo eyes

Saw his past
He had dug for trust
With blind infected hands
And wondered as the hurt bit hard
Why the sacred weren't at hand
Only when his ears were deaf
To the angels light burst waves
Only when his ears were deaf
Did life turn from fog to fog
But not evil but estranged
But not evil but estranged

Indigo eyes, Indigo eyes
Indigo eyes, Indigo eyes

Week Five: Peter Murphy - "You're So Close" - Holy Smoke

This song reminds me of shutting down the club when I used to go the The Church at The Lizard Lounge.  I'm not sure how late they stay open now, but when I first started going, they stopped selling alcohol at 2 am and stopped all operations at 4 am.  That gave me just enough time to dance the remaining drops of alcohol out of my system so that I could sober up enough to safely drive home.

Towards the end of the night, the songs would slow down substantially; some were even trancelike.  However, when Reverend Karl and Angry John were still the DJs, one of them would often play this tune to alert everyone that we were nearing the end.



Say you!...

I can hear the groove
I can spell the words
I can climb the scale
I can ride the curves
I can hit the note
I can beat the beat
I can dance and jump
I can tap my feet
Say you!

Getting closer
Stop me dreaming
Wanna feel you
You're so close

Can't play it very well
But it is what I want
And what I want is what it takes
It could be slick
It could be fake
It could be anything at all

Get it strong
You get all
No chase no thing held back
Just get it written on the wall
Say you!

Can't hear you
You're so close
Wanna feel you
You're so close
Ah can't write now
Wanna feel a hit
Ah can't drive now
Wanna phone you
Say you!

I can hear the groove
I can spell the words
I can climb the scale
I can ride the curves
I can hit the note
I can drop the beat
I can dance and jump
I can tap the feet

Can't play it very well
But it is what I want
And what I want is what it takes
I could be slick
It could be fake
Say you!

Can't hear you
You're so close
Wanna feel you
You're so close
Ah can't write now
Wanna feel a hit
Ah can't write now
Wanna phone you

Getting closer
Stop me dreaming
Wanna feel you
You're so close
Ah can't write now
Ah wanna feel a hit
Ah can't drive now