Forgotten Classic Video of the Week

This week's vid was intended to go out to my sister, Tootsie, who requested that classic, sappy love ballad, "When I'm With You" (also known as the "bay-baaaaaaay-eee-ay" song). However, since there is no official video for the song, I've been forced to pick something else. Although "forced" is a strong word, considering I like the alternate choice better.

When I think of Sheriff (which isn't very often), I immediately think of Alias, the follow-up band formed in 1990 by Sheriff's Freddy Curci (vocals) and Steve DeMarchi (guitar) and the three dudes from Heart's original lineup. Most people remember Alias for yet another sappy love ballad, "More Than Words Can Say" (also known as the "6:00 in the morning" song), but I bought their cassette after hearing the first single, "Haunted Heart."



I clearly remembered playing the shit out of that tape, but couldn't recall more than three songs from it - the two aforementioned singles, and the third single, "Waiting for Love." However, when I looked up the track listing online, it all came back to me and I couldn't help but giggle, suddenly remembering rocking out and singing deep cuts like "After All the Love Is Gone" and "One More Chance" into my hairbrush, as they were slightly "girlier" songs that fit well into the setlists of my frequent bedroom concerts. (And I was 17 at this time, not 7. I don't know if this makes me awesome or a total dork.)

Apparently, Alias recorded a second album in 1992, which was never released since "grunge" had rendered hair metal irrelevant. But since everything old is new again and washed-up '80s and early '90s bands are cashing in with reunion tours and such, Alias finally released the record in March of this year. I've found a few of the songs on YouTube, and I'm not that impressed.

But how's this for impressive? According to Wikipedia, "[Freddy] Curci has a multi-octave vocal range and holds the Guinness World Record for longest note held in a pop song, for 30 seconds, timed and submitted by University of Houston, for the ending note of [Sheriff's] 'When I'm With You.'" That's pretty cool - if it's true. I can't seem to find proof of this on the Guinness Book website, so it may be bullshit. Maybe someone from Guinness was getting drunk in a bar one night while this song was playing on the jukebox, and when it ended he overheard someone saying, "Oh my God you guys, that is totally like the longest note EVAH. Fer sure!"

I think I probably just made the Guinness book for longest blog post about Alias.

Comments

rachaelgking said…
I really hope your sister is actually named Tootsie.
SkylersDad said…
Actually, I think the Guinness people tend to hang out at bars, listen to jukeboxes, and make shit up. Must be from all that drinking.
h said…
Never heard of either song, either band, or any of the members.

I do know who "Heart" was though!

They did a song about a muskrat.
I think you set the record for ONLY blog post about Alias.
Tootsie said…
Nope Lilu....Lorraine, but shhhhh, it's our little secret.