It’s time to continue my list of the greatest videos of all time (or at least from the 1980s.) So let’s do it!
6. The Bangles: The Hero Takes A Fall (1984)
Hard to believe, but there was a time when people argued about who was “edgier” - the Bangles or the Go-Go’s! I was always a bit of a Bangles man - and seeing Susanna Hoffs again in that little French maid’s outfit only confirms it! Yowza! I think my head would fall off too if she gave me a little peck on the cheek like that. But can I confess that my heart truly belonged to Michael Steele, the bass player? Was I the only guy in America who felt that way? It’s just she looks so smoldering in that 1980s “power” suit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WTjBdRtM2U&feature=related
7. The Go-Gos: We Got the Beat (1981)
Okay, I’m feeling bad because I don’t want anyone to think I’m disrespecting the Go-Go’s. So here they are in all their early ‘80s glory. You can make up your own minds as to which ‘girl band’ was the best! In my next lifetime, however, I want to come back as Jane Wiedlin – spinning like a whirling dervish as she plays the guitar on all these catchy tunes! Did she see God doing this? You have to wonder!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_1BGKNk85M
8. Once in a Lifetime: Talking Heads (1980)
I hesitated on including this as some people might think it’s actually… Well… good. But I have such a fondness for the old style TV evangelists of my youth that I decided to overlook that.
Speaking of which, did you know the golden altar here at our church at the corner of Figueroa and 114th Street is the most powerful force for prayer in the history of the universe? It only looks like it’s made of aluminum foil that’s been pasted on ply board and spray-painted. No, it’s solid gold! From the Ark of the Covenant! Or Noah’s Ark! Or one of those arks! If don’t believe me, hold your hand to your computer screen and I’ll heal you of any and all of your invisible ailments. Deafness? Neuralgia? Headache? Feeeeeeeee-male troubles? No problem! And if you want your pie in the sky, you call somebody else. But if you want your pie right now, with ice cream on top, you come and see me! Because Jesus wants you to be rich!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wg1DNHbNU
9. David Bowie: Let’s Dance (1983)
Wow! A criticism of commodity fetishism, Third World imperialism, racism, and nuclear war - all in one video! Plus a great beat! Who could ask for more? Love the final shot too.
BTW, can you imagine David Bowie buying pants? “Excuse me. Do you have anything with a 12 inch waist? No? We’ll, just give me a size 24 and I’ll cut ‘em in half.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0paUlhI2wts
10. The English Beat: Save it for Later (1982)
“Doctor, I keep having this dream. I’m in this claustrophobic little cellar that doubles as a night club. And this adorable guitar player is singing this catchy ditty but I can’t understand a word of what he is saying. ‘Sooner or later?’ ‘Send her a letter?’ ‘Sell me a ladder?’ But it doesn’t matter because everybody is young and beautiful - even the people who are supposed to be the “old fogeys” are beautiful! And I try and try but I can’t quite figure out what books the ‘snobs’ are reading. Is that really, “Das Capital?” Pretty heavy! Then again I always liked a little Mark and Engels while digging some cool tunes. Don’t you, Doc? Doesn't everybody? And there’s a Brigitte Bardot movie poster too. Hubba, hubba! So what does it all mean? Is it a reflection of my ambivalence between high and low culture? Or is it something deeper? Please Doc, you got to help me! I’ve been having this dream since 1982!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bM0wVjU2-k
Two last things:
1. I had tremendous fun writing these posts. I hope you’ve enjoyed them too!
2. I also feel incredibly sad. All those perfect unlined faces! Are they really wrinkled geezers now? Like me? Impossible!
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