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I’m not a fan of Curve, but I really do like this song. Maybe it’s because it’s “accessible” (whatever that means. IMO, any good music is “accessible”, regardless of genre or style), or maybe because it’s got a cool beat, or maybe it’s because Toni Holliday is really hot in the video, or maybe it’s because the video is so tremendously unintentionally funny (I’ve never seen a Moog taken so seriously in my life).

Whatever, it’s a good song. It does have a good beat, you can dance to it, or sing along with it, or simply listen to it. It works.

Here’s a link to the video (seriously, it’s so overblown it’s quite funny…I could see it being a favorite on Sprockets).

And of course. the lyrics:

She burns friends like a piece of wood
And she’s jealous of me because she never could
Hold herself up without a spine
And she’ll look me up when she’s doing fine
Because the rage it burns like Chinese torture
She’s just someone’s favourite daughter
Spoilt and ugly as she willingly slaughters
Friends and enemies they’re all the same
All the same
Crush her fame
Burn her name

If she sits still like she knows she could
She could win this game and be the queen for good
Save herself up for the cream of the crop
Then she’ll look us up when she’s ready to stop
Because the rage it burns like Chinese torture
She’s just someone’s favourite daughter
Spoilt and ugly as she willingly slaughters
Friends and enemies are all that came
To burn her name
Crush her fame
Burn her name
Crush her fame
Burn her name
Crush her fame
Burn her name
We’re all to blame

Ebeneezer Goode is–say it with me kids–a fun song. It’s got a great beat and you can dance to it. And it’s fun. Really fun. F to the U to the N.

Okay, enough self-parody. This is a good (no pun intended) song. It’s got a good, upbeat feeling, and it’s enjoyable to listen to as well.

I’d never really considered what the song was about before (I preferfed to just let my butt do thinking when I listen to this one), but according to Wikipedia, it’s most likely about the drug ecstasy:

The song is best known for its chorus, “‘Eezer Goode, ‘Eezer Goode/He’s Ebeneezer Goode”, which has been construed as a drug reference: “E’s are good, E’s are good”.[1] The lyrics present the advantages of Ecstasy use with a warning about the drugs abuse thrown in: “But go easy on old ‘Eezer, he’s the love you could lose. Extraordinary fellow, like Mister Punchinello, he’s the kind of geezer who must never be abused”.

The song also contains references to rolling a spliff with the lines “Has anybody got any Veras?”, a reference to ‘Vera Lynns’, the rhyming slang for skins or rolling papers and “Got any salmon?”, which is a reference to ’salmon and trout’ the rhyming slang for ’snout’, a prison word for tobacco.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

There’s a guy in the place
He’s got a bittersweet face
And he goes by the name of Ebeneezer Goode
His friends call him Eezer and he is the main geezer
And he’ll vibe about the place
Like no other man could
He’s refined, sublime, he makes you feel fine
Though very much maligned and misunderstood
But if you know Eezer he’s a real crowd pleaser
He’s ever so good, he’s Ebeneezer Goode
You can see that he’s mysterious,
Mischievious and devious
As he circulates amongst the people in the place
But once you know he’s fun
And something of a genius
He gives a grin that grows around
From face to face to face
Backwards and then forwards,
Forwards and then backwards
Eezer is the geezer who loves to muscle in
That’s about the time the crowd
All shout the name of Eezer
As he’s kotcheled in the corner,
Laughing by the bass bin

He’s Ebeneezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode

Kiss Me isn’t the deepest song, or the best song–but it’s a damned fun song. I love Steven Duffy’s hopeful and optimistic vocals, the sheer joy of his voice when he gets what he wants–it’s an excellent song.

Oh, and it has a good beat and you can dance to it too.

Here’s a link to a tribute video

And of course, the lyrics:

In my young life I have received
Callers as though they were Christmas Eve.
Disappointed and I don’t know why.
She gave me laughter and hope
And a sock in the eye. (A love like this is sealed with a kiss)

Wow I feel so fresh today.
Barefoot in the snow to make love in the hay.
The stars are bright in the abyss,
Now I can feel you in my arms
I explode inside your kiss.

Ah yes, this song.

Okay, this is just plain fun, primarily because of the delivery of the spoken word lyrics. The singer’s attitude comes out in a major way, and it’s just plain fun. The song is pretty funny too. Just one of those fun eighties throw-away songs, but I think it’s still fun to listen to now.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore….
I was walking up Broadway you know
and there’s this incredible looking Swedish girl having a
Cappuccino across the street from Lincoln Center, I started
talking to her you know - She said her name was Lola,
Her English wasn’t too good you know - but we wound up spending
about 5 hours together just hanging out you know.
So We go back to my place - we get high - we get really into each other man.
It was love about to happen…I’m serious.
And then all of a sudden she gets up and she says, she says “Hey, I really gotta leave”
Damn
A E I O U Sometimes Y
There are 178 parent languages on our planet with over 1000 dialects…
It’s amazing we communicate at all.
Languages and dialects - with this one thing in common:
A E I O U Sometimes Y
Ahhh!
A E I O U A E I O U A E I O U A E I O U
Sometimes Y!!
But you know I was really flipped out you know and she asked me
if I’m angry or something I said of course I’m angry man this
isn’t high school or anything you know so I’m feeling really
cavalier and I say ah…call me if you want to…
huh, yeah…call me if you want to
So she rang me up and she says, “Hey! Do you wanna go out?”
Huh, Do I wanna go out
A E I O U Sometimes Y
A E I O U Sometimes Y
Operator! Operator! What’s happening operator?!
Mommy? Mommy Mommy!! Where are you
Mommy? I can’t see you
I can’t see you Mommy!
All artists, potentially, are the victims of their desire to be unique
Just observe it
Don’t fight it
Work it. Work it. Work it. Work it. Work it.
Yeah she took me home man she threw me all
around the room man
I mean this chick was really hot she was nice
to me you know
She let me keep on my cowboy boots and everything…she was
Allright… oh! oh! yeah! oh! oh! oh! oh! ohhhhhh!!!
I dare you to play this record
A E I O U Sometimes Y
A E I O U Sometimes Y
Anyway so she took me home and she
splattered my brains
Yeah there I am there I am what happened what happened
Where was I oh here I am
I told her I wouldn’t sleep with her friends - she
Doesn’t sleep with my friends Anything else you do
You know…Don’t you tell me
Lola

I first heard this song years ago on The Box (remember that, kiddies?) and I was very amused initially. Over time, however, I found that I really liked this song. I like Scatman John’s scat-singing, and I very much enjoy the rhythm and the beat. As to the story behind the song, from Wikipedia:

The lyrics detail how he overcame his difficulties with stuttering by turning them into the ability to scat-sing, and encourages children who stutter not to give up.

I think that’s pretty cool too.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

(Scatting by Scatman John)
I’m the Scatman
(Scatting by Scatman John)
I’m the Scatman
(Scatting by Scatman John)
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don’t let nothin’ hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it so can you.
Everybody’s sayin’ that the Scatman stutters
But doesn’t ever stutter when he sings.
But what you don’t know I’m gonna tell you right now
That the stutter and the scat is the same thing.
Yo I’m the Scatman.
Where’s the Scatman ? I’m the Scatman.
Why should we be pleasin’ all the politician heathens
Who would try to change the seasons if they could?
The state of the condition insults my intuitions
And it only makes me crazy and my heart like wood.
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don’t let nothin’ hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it brother so can you.
I’m the Scatman.
(Scatting by Scatman John)
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don’t let nothin’ hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it brother so can you.
I’m the Scatman.
I hear you all ask ’bout the meaning of scat.
Well I’m the professor and all I can tell you is
While you’re still sleepin’ the saints are still weepin’ cause
Things you call dead haven’t yet had the chance to be born.
I’m the Scatman.
(Scatting by Scatman John)
I’m the Scatman….repeat after me
It’s a scoobie oobie doobie scoobie doobie melody
I’m the Scatman….repeat after me
It’s a scoobie oobie doobie scoobie doobie melody
(Scatting by Scatman John)

—————-
Now playing: Beastie Boys - Unite
via FoxyTunes

Okay, everyone knows Tainted Loe. I mean, EVERYBODY. You hum it walking down the street, and you’re likely to see a scene out of a Gene Kelly musical as the street explodes in song and dance…well, perhaps not, but you get the point.

What a lot of people don’t know, however, is how good the rest of the album that Tainted Love came from is. Among the great tracks is Sex Dwarf. Almost comical–okay, quite comical in many ways–the song’s evocative lyrics in many ways belie the sordid nature of what’s really going on. After all, it is a song about luring young girls into a life of pornography or prostitution or both, not quite the happy fun time it sounds like.

Oh yeah, it also works as a really cool disco song as well. That’s right, I said disco. Wanna make something of it? ;) All together now, “It’s got a great beat and I can dance to it!”.

Here’s a link to a tribute video

And of course, the lyrics:

Isn’t it nice
Sugar and spice
Luring disco dollies
To a life of vice
I could make a film
And make you my star
You’d be a natural
The way you are
I would like you on
A long black leash
I would parade you
Down the high street
You’ve got the attraction
You’ve got the pulling power
Walk my little doggy
Walk my little sex dwarf
We could make a scene
We’d be a team
Making the headlines
Sounds like a dream
When we hit the floor
You just watch them move aside
We will take them
For a ride of rides
They all love your
Miniature ways
You know what they say
About small boys
I’m in my Rolls Royce
Look it’s so huge
It’s big and it’s gold
With my dumb chauffeur
Looking to procure
Run little doggy
Lure a disco dolly
Run my little sex dwarf
I feel so lonely
Get my little camera
Take a pretty picture
Sex dwarf
In a gold Rolls
Making it with the dumb chauffeur
Isn’t it nice
Sugar and spice
Luring disco dollies
To a life of vice
Sex dwarf
Isn’t it nice
Luring disco dollies to a life of vice
We could make an outfit
For my little sex dwarf
To match the gold Rolls
And my dumb chauffeur
We’ll all look so good
We’ll knock ‘em cold
Knocking ‘em cold
In black and gold
We can have playtime
In my little playroom
Disco dollies
My sex dwarf
And my dumb chauffeur
I would like you on a long black lead
You can bring me all the things I need
Sex dwarf
Isn’t it nice
Luring disco dollies to a life of vice
Isn’t it nice
Sugar and spice
Luring disco dollies to a life of vice

—————-
Now playing: Jim Carroll Band - People Who Died
via FoxyTunes

This is a cool disco song, and I have fond memories of it from my college days. It’s a great song about a woman asserting her sexuality. I imagine it’s better received now then back then, as I doubt it’s as controversial.

Personally, I love the atonal harmonies–reminiscent of X–and the grinding beat. Really, I do think this is a great song–perhaps not the best song ever, but so what? It’s got a good beat, you can dance to it, and you can dance to it.

Here’s a link to a televised live performance

And of course the lyrics:

Feel the fire, feel my love inside you it’s so right
There’s the sound and the smell of love in my mind
I’m a toy, come and play with me, say the word now
Wrap your legs around mine and ride me tonight

I’m a man - I’m a goddess
I’m a man - I’m a hooker
I’m a man - I’m a blue movie
I’m a man - I’m a slut
I’m a man - I’m a geisha
I’m a man - I’m YOUR babe
I’m a man - I’m a dream divine
And we make love together
And we’ll make love forever

I’m not the biggest Tori Amos fan, but I’ve always loved this song. It’s a great dance tune, it’s got a really fun video, and the lyrics may not be the deepest, but they’re pretty easy to understand.

I found a couple of quotes attributed to Tori at SongMeanings:

The animus in me is raspberry swirl, I’m in love with my women friends, but I just don’t eat pussy. But I’m in love with them. If I had a different sensibility, then you know I think I could, you know, really fulfill someone down there, where a lot of men in their lives don’t. And eating pussy is a metaphor, too - it’s about crawling in there, being with their juices, really being with them.

In some of my relationships with a few of my women friends, I play a certain role. Heh, this is really getting in…I know, I hope my father’s not watching this. He just doesn’t know what to do. The straight-jacket’s coming. But you know I always told my dad - you know, gays, lesbians, he just has to get used to it. One of the neices and nephews is gonna be one, he’s just gotta get ready. So what I said was ah to Beenie, who’s the love of my life. My husband understands this, that we’re married. We’re absolutely married. And I adore her with all my heart. And she’s dated some idiots. And I hope you’re watching. I want you to know what I think of you and in another life, I’ll absolutely kick your ass. And I’m going to kick it right now actually, because this is for her and I’m in love with her.

Here’s a link to the video–I definitely recommend taking a look at this one.

And of course, the lyrics:

Huh-huh-huh, let’s go.
I am not your señorita. I am not from your tribe.
In the gard- in the garden? I did no crime.
I am not your señorita. I am not from your tribe.
If you want inside her, well, boy you better make her raspberry swirl.

Uh, hey. Ra-a-a-a?a?spberry swirl, uh let’s go.
Ra-a-a-a?a?spberry swirl, you go inside her world.
(And she swirls.)
Yes let’s go, ra-a-aspberry swirl, let’s go.
(And she swirls, and she swirls again.)
Ra-a-a-a?a?spberry swirl.
(And she swirls, and she swirls, and she swirls again.)
Uh, uh, yes.
(And she swirls, and she swirls, and she swirls again.)
(And she swirls, and she swirls, she swirls, and she swirls?)
Uh, uh yeah, uh yeah, uh yeah, uh mmm…

This isn’t always quite my style, but I do enjoy this song. I don’t know if there’s any meaning behind it, but it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

Ground zero heart attack
Sonic humping brainiac
Feed me instant solar crack
I got your back
Symphonic satellite
Status racing out of sight
Fight!!!!!

Take me to your leader

Smalltown Boy was a ground-breaking record in many ways, at least back in 1984 when it first came out. The combination of Jimmy Somerville’s gorgeous vocals paired with the sad story of a young gay lad unable to survive in the world and unwelcome at home struck home for many adolescents, both gay and straight. It’s a beautiful, sad song with a great melody and a great video.

Lots of information out there about this song:

• Here’s a story about the recording of the song
• Wikipedia
• SongFacts
• SongMeanings

Here’s a link to the video

And of course, the lyrics:

You leave in the morning
With everything you own in a little black case
Alone on the platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face
Mother will never understand
Why you had to leave
For the love that you need
Will never be found at home

Pushed around and kicked around
Always a lonely boy
You were the one
That they’d talk about around town
As they put you down
And as hard as they would try
They’d hurt to make you cry
But you’d never cry to them
Just to your soul
No you’d never cry to them
Just to your soul