I have had a bit of a block on blogging the past week or so, and it has been compounded by the end of my toughest semester yet in school. In talking with Mike at Pop Trash Addicts the other day, Laura Branigan came up. (It’s Mike…that’s how he rolls.) Instantly, I had a flashback to 1984, and a junior high field trip to some American Revolution battleground (no clue which one) where we spent most of the day on a school bus. Of course, the music was the most memorable part of the trip.
To give you perspective on how obsessed I was with pop music at the time, I had snagged a small tape recorder meant for dictation and recorded songs from the radio on to it. That tape player accompanied me on my trip, with a single earbud that I listened to a grainy radio recording of my favorite songs at the time. Among those songs was Branigan’s “Self Control”, which ended up peaking at #4 later that year. While I am a bit foggy on the other music, I can give you a good list of what was definitely peaking my interests at the moment:
-Dan Hartman “I Can Dream Without You” – Good grief, I LOVED this song. If it is possible that there is an audio gaydar, I pretty much nailed it with Dan, especially since his “Instant Replay” is one of my favorite disco songs as well. Mom loved this track as well, and it began a long string of me bringing her songs that I knew she would love.
-Sheila E “The Glamorous Life” – In 1984, I was all about all things Prince, including proteges. Sheila E was the first one to really make an impact, with “Glamorous”, “Belle of St Mark”, and “Toy Box”, which wasn’t a single, but sure got a lot of play on my local college station. The video for “Glamorous” is nowhere to be found on YouTube, but here’s a super-secret live version.
-Peabo Bryson “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” – Songs like “Glamorous Life” hold up well, but others don’t do so hot, and that’s the case for me with “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again”. I remember loving the chord change toward the end of the song, and the power of the delivery. It’s still a good song, but it just doesn’t seem to have the impact that it used to.
-Cory Hart “Sunglasses At Night” – I know he had other hits, but Cory Hart will always be “Sunglasses”, despite his moving performance as a runaway in “Never Surrender”. You never do forget your first time, though, do you? (The original is blocked from embedding, but I found a remix that I really like)
Stumble It!
Pop Music Notes 
My favorite Branigan songs are the less-well known SAW produced “Shattered Glass” and the completely unknown “Reverse Psychology.” Seriously, look the last one up. It plays like the end credits to an 80s movie.
Wow…you’re not kidding. It really sounds like an 80s movie theme. Is that a compliment?
I totally used to tape songs off the radio too. Haha! Ahh, the days before illegal downloading…I love how music can do that to you — take you right back to a specific place or time. I’m the same way with certain songs. Although, for whatever reason, they are usually boy band or En Vogue related. Meh. Such was my childhood (err….and now, too).
Yeah…I have the same visceral reaction to songs even today. For example, I actually have a clear moment with “Love Struck”. I can’t get into details, but let’s say it involved a fast-moving car. 😉
ah taping songs from the radio. I remember sitting patiently at home waiting to tape Wilson Phillip’s You Won’t See My Cry on the weekly US top 40 countdown (back then that was the illegal downloading and the only way to get tracks not yet released in UK!!) and i got the first ten seconds before a power cut!! I had such a tantrum. Thanks for making me remember the shame
I used to do the same thing with Rock Over London. To make matters worse, the station that played it would air the show at 11PM on a Sunday night. It was tough, but I would force myself to stay awake and hear the new aHa or Five Star that wasn’t getting any play in the US.
Oh fabulous! Laura! That’s what I get for not checking in for a day or two – miss the legendary Ms Branigan (RIP) gracing Pop Music Notes! “Self Control” and “Shattered Glass” are both amazing but “Gloria” will forever be my jam!
“Gloria” and “Mickey” will always be linked in my head, which unfortunately gives “Gloria” a bad rep.
John, once again you have named some of my favourite songs, I love them all, they are all fantastic, you post what you love and that makes me do the same,
D.
The inspiration works both ways, David. Your current series has been great to read so far.
I love these retrospectives. You have named some fabulous Sheila E tracks. Her cassette was on repeat most of that summer for me. Great stuff!
Her self-titled album is a favorite of mine, and “Hold Me” is on my all-time favorites list.