“Take Me Home”

As a kid, I was a big fan of Phil Collins. He was an integral part of the 80’s growing up. In an era of great music, his popularity soared as first a lead singer and drummer for Genesis and then as a solo artist.

After taking over for Peter Gabriel as the leaf vocalist for Genesis, Collins created his own unique style that maintained the band’s popularity with fans. Though some of the old-timers like my Dad preferred Gabriel on the microphone while Collins played the drums like nobody else during the 70’s.

Gabriel would leave Genesis and embark on a successful solo career. I can still hear the somewhat funny lyrics to 80’s hit, “Sledgehammer.” The video was comical. My brother and I used to laugh at it due to the absurdity.

Collins would replace Gabriel and double on drums continuing to redefine drum solos with remarkable beats that are very prominent on Genesis albums and Phil’s solo work. It’s what made him such a great musician. He also proved he had the vocals to become very successful.

No Jacket Required is a great album. It came out in 1985. It did so well that it won Album of the Year at the 1986 Grammy’s. With great tracks like “Sussudio”, “Long Long Way To Go”, “Don’t Lose My Number” and “Take Me Home,” it’s stood up over the test of time. That’s what makes it so memorable.

I can still recall “Take Me Home,” actually debuting the official video at the conclusion of WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC. I already had heard the song. But seeing part of the video hooked me. It was very catchy due to the scenery where they shot Collins during a world tour. That included New York City with a cool shot of Radio City Music Hall and one of the water.

Having listened to the song so many times including back in the classic days of my Walkman before bed on a school night, I never really knew what the lyrics meant. When you’re young, you don’t always know what’s being said. It happens.

Now, I hear the desperate pleas of a lonely man who’s battling depression while in a mental institution. He’s just trying to find his way back home to some normalcy. I can certainly relate. Especially having battled anxiety. It isn’t always easy. Some days are better than others. It can be a challenge.

When I think back to who I was even less than a decade ago, it is totally different now. I am more of an introvert now. Back then, I was an extrovert. The truth is I want to get back to being an extrovert and doing things outside. I love nature and the Spring which is here. I also love parks and beaches. We have plenty of that here.

I feel that anyone who’s suffering can relate to this song. It really makes you understand. Maybe that’s one of the things I admire about Collins. He tackled the serious issues before it became more common.

It’s interesting to note that both Gabriel and Sting made cameos on “Take Me Home.” Those are three legendary voices. I love Sting providing backing vocals on “Long Long Way To Go.” He truly is amazing. I was lucky to see him with The Police twice on their 30-Year reunion tour. It was magnificent.

If I could make a wish, it would be to see Phil Collins and Genesis on their final tour. With debilitating back issues limiting him to a chair while singing, it’s sad. But he’s still giving the same energy that makes him a truly great artist. His son is on the drums. I’ve seen some of the live performances on YouTube. They sound good.

One thing about great music is it never fades away. With the re-emergence of 80’s sensations Tears For Fears and Duran Duran releasing albums and touring this year, it’s never been more true. The great English bands still have it.

Even four decades later, the music we grew up on is still very popular. I feel lucky to have discovered it growing up. I’m happy a younger generation can learn it for themselves. What an era it was.

The music scene might be different. But you can still find time to appreciate the past. Being a huge music buff, I can go back to the 60’s and even 50’s and recognize how many influential artists and bands there were that inspired so many. It’s all out there to be discovered.

So take take me home

Cause I don’t remember

Please take me home

Cause I don’t remember

Please take me home

Cause I don’t remember

Please take me home

Oh Lord

Cause I’ve been a prisoner all my life

And I can say to you

But I don’t remember

A flashback to good times

It was 1986. The decade of the 80’s was in full swing. From the clothes like stylish bleach blue jeans and denim jackets, to unique sounding music, to arcades, roller skating, bowling and skateboards, to the far-reaching TV shows like Miami Vice, it was a colorful time growing up.

Speaking of which, Miami Vice was a must watch on Friday nights for any 80’s kid. Who didn’t love Don Johnson as detective Sonny Crockett and co-star Philip Michael Thomas as partner Ricardo Tubbs? They played their characters so well by making them hip despite the serious nature of their roles as Miami cops fighting crimes during the wild times of the cocaine era.

It was a cool show we identified with. Even if it only lasted for five seasons between 1984 through 1989, those were special nights. There was so much action along with memorable lines. Plus they had the best soundtrack. Phil Collins was prominently featured and even made guest appearances on the show. His great music was a big part of Miami Vice.

Above, we see the sad conclusion to the second season with Tubbs saying goodbye to his family. The really neat thing is how they chose Collins’ hit song, “Long Long Way To Go.” It played for the entire scene without any commentary. Only images of the funeral service with the police force fully behind Tubbs in love and support.

Hearing the lyrics from Collins and guest star Sting fits perfectly. Michael Mann knew what he was doing. He was the brains behind the successful show that sucked you in. The storylines always coming fast and furious.

Looking back, it was that show that really popularized future cop shows that we still see now three decades later. Sure. You had other shows during that era like Magnum PI, Knight Rider, Spencer For Hire, Hill Street Blues, etc. But the most influential was Miami Vice. It left its mark before Law and Order, NYPD Blue, CSI, Cold Case, Blue Bloods, NCIS and Chicago PD. I enjoyed Cold Case the most due to the intriguing stories. Of course, I’m a big fan of SVU and the very gritty Chicago PD. CSI NY was a favorite as well.

It all started with Crockett and Tubbs chasing the bad guys. And of course Axel Foley played by the great Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop I, II and III. Speaking of classic 80’s movies. You can’t find anything like that in Hollywood these days. That was the best time.

Somewhere in this century, they ran out of ideas and became stale. How many remakes and reboots can they do? If they’re gonna reboot something, it should be Miami Vice. But the cast members are getting up there. I’d love to see Johnson and Thomas reprise their roles even if it’s more in support of new detectives on the hunt.

Here’s to hoping.