The 80s Club

Ever since I wrote the post about the upcoming Genesis tour, I’ve had Groovy Kind of Love floating in and out of my brain.

The Phil Collins version was released my freshman year in high school and was the theme for our Homecoming Dance. I can’t hear that song without being teleported to a dimly lit cafeteria draped in blue and white crepe paper.

I also remember my parents hearing it come on the radio and saying, “Why are they playing that song so slow?” As with many things from our childhood, we got the remake while they got the original. Having heard the Phil Collins version first (or remembering it first), the original sounds like a 33 being played at 45.

Here’s Phil, for your viewing and listening pleasure. See? Christmas came early for you. ;) Enjoy.

Yes, U2 (get it? you, too) looked as silly as Bono marching around the dance floor thinking U could dance. Yes, U2 looked goofy in a muscle tee. And, yes, U2 dramatically flipped your hair around trying to look cool (and no, U didn’t succeed, either).

U, however, did not become an internationally known rock star, and continue to be so 20+ years later. (Or so I’m guessing. Don’t think I have many rock stars reading here.)

Good video. Brings back lots of memories (didn’t say they were all good! Oh, the fashion embarrassments of the 80’s.).

And if you’d like to see Bono today, check him out at Project (RED) as he promotes World AIDS day. It’s worth it just to hear him say “little pills” with his accent. And, if U2 feel so inclined, support the cause.

Check out his biography page, too. Very endearing.

Genesis is reuniting and going on tour. Titled “Turn It On Again,” the tour will begin in Helsinki in June of 2007. From their website:

Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford of the iconic band Genesis unveiled the dates for their first tour in 15 years. Turn It On Again - the tour, will see the band play a series of stadium concerts in Europe in the summer of 2007. Kicking off in the Olympic Stadium, Helsinki on 11 June, the tour will hit twelve different European countries, ending in Rome on 14 July.

Though the only dates I’ve found to be released so far are those of the European tour, the word is that the U.S. dates will be released soon. Tickets are already selling out quickly for the European dates. I imagine they’ll get the same results from their U.S. fans!

I just received two of my favorite flicks for my birthday. My birthday was a while back, but I love it when gifts trickle in. It was well worth the wait! (Thanks, Jack!)

The first is Pretty in Pink (Everything’s Duckie Edition) which advertises a “making of” reel, a photo gallery, the original ending (???) and several other featurettes. “If You Leave,” is already running in my head.

The second movie is Some Kind of Wonderful (Special Collector’s Edition). Some of the special features listed on this one include “Meet the Cast,” “John Hughes Time Capsule”, and a “making of” reel as well. I love this movie, and can’t wait until we have a spare minute to watch it. The extra features are a huge plus, as they’re often more interesting to me than movies themselves (though I doubt that in this case).

So, there you have it, two John Hughes movies in one gift. Not bad, aye?

Apparently, Jon Bon Jovi is to blame for the hole in the ozone layer.

From Sound Generator:

It’s because I feel guilty about the huge hole in the ozone layer my haircuts created. It’s my responsibility to right the wrongs of the Eighties.

That’s okay, Jon, it was worth it for all of us to have been a witness to that beautiful mane of yours. Plus, I think Europe had something to contribute there as well.

Check out this article to find out ways Jon’s helping the planet and its residents.

Last weekend, I caught Robin Williams‘ latest feature film, Man of the Year. It wasn’t great, wasn’t horrible, and it was a night out at the movies, so I’m not complaining. But I still don’t think it comes close to his performance in Good Morning Vietnam. That has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. An amazing soundtrack, great acting, a good story, and comedy. I love it.

What films would you choose for a Robin Williams night at the movies? Definitely Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets Society would be on my list.

Wolfgang Van Halen, son of Eddie Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli, will become the new bassist for Van Halen, at the ripe old age of 15.

From TMZ.com:

Wolfgang replaces longtime bassist Michael Anthony, who left the band earlier this year. Eddie Van Halen’s spokesperson Janie Liszewski tells TMZ that Wolfgang, known as “Wolfie,” has already joined his dad and uncle for rehearsals in the studio for a 2007 summer tour.

Geez, and I thought being first chair in the high school band was cool when I was 15. (No, you’re right, I didn’t really.)

There are songs by Phil Collins (and Genesis) that just bring back so many memories for me. You know what I mean, right? A song comes on, and you’re immediately standing in the jr. high cafeteria, nervously dancing with some kid who learned to dance by watching a stop sign sway on a windy day. Ahh…..memories.

Strange to think that some people’s memories are now going to be marked by watching Phil Collins in Grand Theft Auto:Vice City Stories game. At least they’ll still get to experience the classic male pattern baldness, they’ve nailed him on that.

Check out Playgirlz to get the whole YouTube effect. Thanks for the tip, Ingrid!

Yes, I can. I can admit that Europe’s The Final Countdown was one of my favorite 80’s albums. I remember taking my birthday check from my godmother to go out and buy this cassette all on my own. I was so proud to own it. Even as I’m writing this, I can hear the synthesized music streaming through my brain. Too fun.

What’s your favorite big hair band album?