Forgotten Classic Video(s) of the Week

Since I was being lazy last week and forgot to post a vid, I'm giving you a double shot.

My inspiration for this week's videos came from my beloved WYEP, the local public station and sole reason I haven't destroyed my radio. I always go out for lunch around the same time they're doing their "Time Capsule" feature, and a couple of days ago they set the Wayback Machine to 1983 to remind me of a song I almost forgot existed: "Cool Places" by Sparks featuring Jane Wiedlin. I always thought it was kind of a stupid song, but pretty catchy nonetheless.



I know virtually nothing about Sparks, except that I remember always being creeped out by the mustachioed guy and I saw them open for someone once. I'm not positive, but I think it was Rick Springfield. Odd bill, no?

So, since I really don't care about Sparks, video #2 is another Jane Wiedlin song. Jane's most successful solo single was 1988's Top 10 hit "Rush Hour" (everyone remembers that dolphin video), but I've always had a soft spot for her first single, 1985's "Blue Kiss." It's every bit as cute and bouncy as Belinda Carlisle's 1986 hit "Mad About You," yet Belinda's song rocketed to #3 while Jane's barely cracked the Hot 100.



Yeah, maybe Belinda was the better singer, but Jane was cuter. Plus, she totally rousted the English from France. And then she turned this dude, Dauphin, into a king. So, Jane's pretty awesome in my book.

Comments

Scope said…
My only other memory of Sparks is "Eaten By The Monster Of Lover" in "Valley Girl".
BeckEye said…
Oh, snap! That's right...I'd totally forgotten about that song, too!
Heff said…
Aw Gawd !! Those songs are TERRIBLE !

Did ALL 80's pop sound the same ? Methinks....YES.
That "Cool Places" song was brutal, but the Go Go's chick's song wasn't terrible. I think if you throw a wig on her and turn up the sex appeal, it's probably a hit. Sorry, but I'm just being realistic here.

Word Verf: "Sticup." As in, "Nobody move! This is a sticup!"
Cora said…
Noooooo way! I'd forgotten all about "Cool Places" too. I freakin' LOVED that song! Yet, somehow it's not nearly as cool now as I remember. Go figure.
I always had a soft spot for Sparks' Baby Can I Invade Your Country. Six minutes of awesome.
Doc said…
You keep showing me that the holes in my musical knowledge are big enough to drive a truck through. I didn't know either one of these. The first tune seemed pretty "square" to me until the mustache guy bent over and started shaking his ass in the camera. He looks like the kind of guy who might have "dated" Freddie Mercury for a while.

The Jane Wiedlin vid was much better as she is easy on the eyes. Thanks for the introduction. I'm going to check out some more of her videos.

Doc