Pat Benatar: “Shadows Of The Night”

Not every great artist has been recognized by the very politicized Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. One such talented musician with one of the best female voices is Pat Benatar. Along with her second husband Neil Giraldo, who plays lead guitar in her band for over four decades, Benatar is a four-time Grammy Award winner with two multi-Platinum albums, five Platinum albums and 15 Billboard Top 40 singles.

After dropping out of college to marry first husband Dennis Benatar, she was a bank teller in Richmond, Virginia before quitting her job to pursue a music career. After being discovered by Catch A Rising Star comedy club owner and future manager Rick Newman after performing a cover of Judy Garland’s, “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody”, that was her big break.

It wasn’t long before Benatar followed up writing commercial jingles for Pepsi Cola regional brands that she performed at the New York City Tramps nightclub where she headlined four consecutive nights. With several representatives from record companies on hand, she was signed by Chrysalis Records the following week in Spring 1978. A year later; Benatar released her debut album In The Heat of the Night. It reached number 12 on the US charts. However, a lot more was in store for her.

After having a little success due to second single, “Heartbreaker” reaching number 23 in the US, “We Live For Love” which was written by second husband Neil Giraldo hit number 8 in Canada making it her first Top 10 hit. It was the second album Crimes of Passion that produced big hit, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” in 1980. It was so big that it sold over a million copies and achieved gold status. The very popular song which was featured in movies and even sports shows, earned her a first Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

Success continued to follow Benatar with first single “Fire and Ice” off third album Precious Time earning her a second Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. In 1982 off her fourth album Get Nervous, one of her best songs was “Shadows of the Night.” Not only was it a great song with meaningful lyrics, but the MTV video featured future star actors Judge Reinhold and Bill Paxton in a World War II themed video. It certainly captures quite an image by painting a unique picture with Benatar playing a US pilot as well on a mission in Nazi Germany. Let’s just say having Reinhold as the fighter pilot while Paxton was the German radio operator worked.

It’s a very vivid video that catches your attention. Most of Benatar’s most successful hits featured meaningful lyrics sang by her powerful voice on important issues. That’s who she is. Someone whose voice stands out. I’ve always been a fan of her music. Between the cool bass, guitar, drumming and Benatar delivering on every note, she has a classic rock look and sound. “Love is a Battlefield” provided her with a fourth straight Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

She later adjusted with pop hit “We Belong.” A catchy tune that’s got a unique sound. Combined with her raspy voice, it remains a favorite of mine. Her success over a good period of time is why she remains one of the biggest rock stars not to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. She was up for it last year. But fell short. Whatever the reason, Benatar and husband Neil Giraldo remain outside the biased Rock Hall that recognizes all music including rap with Jay Z the latest artist to be elected with other more traditional acts like the much deserving The Go Go’s.

There really is no rhyme or reason for how things are done. The Foo Fighters are an outstanding rock band that are going in after three successful decades led by lead vocalist Dave Grohl, who once drummed for Nirvana. Nothing against them. But why isn’t Soundgarden in with the late Chris Cornell recognized? Odd.

Whatever the case, the music is there to be enjoyed by fans. Pat Benatar holds up well as one of the best women’s voices. Her material remains timeless.

The beauty of Ric Ocasek’s “Emotion In Motion”

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Some songs have a unique appeal to listeners. They have the right sound and key ingredients to captivate the audience.

That’s exactly how I’d describe the beauty of Ric Ocasek’s hit song, “Emotion In Motion.” It’s true that I’ve always been an avid fan of the new wave pop rock group The Cars, who thrilled fans with an authentic sound for a decade that defined their greatness. That’s why they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.

I’m glad they were honored while Ocasek was still around. I’m sure these days, he’s sharing a laugh with other lead singer Benjamin Orr. It’s astonishing to think they had two lead singers. Such a rarity in music. There are exceptions to the rule such as The Beatles, who featured John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. It’s just not too common.

If I enjoyed the wonderful singing of both Orr and Ocasek, who combined to produce many memorable hits including, “Moving In Stereo”, “You Might Think”, “Just What I Needed”, “Drive”, “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight”, “Let’s Go”, and “My Best Friend’s Girl”, I admired the sound guitarist Elliot Easton, drummer David Robinson and Greg Hawkes (keyboards) they produced to provide the perfect blend that fit the band’s style. Ocasek also doubled on rhythm guitar and Orr played bass guitar. Ocasek was the main songwriter even though he and Orr split lead singer duties. Whatever they did, it worked well for each song.

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe they lasted a dozen years (1976-88) before going their separate ways. They did return briefly for a reunion in ’10 and ’11. Unfortunately, Orr was long gone having succumbed to pancreatic cancer at age 53 on Oct. 3, 2000 at his Atlanta home. What an amazing talent.

Ocasek would pass away a year following their induction. He died at age 77 on Sep. 15, 2019 at his home in New York City due to coronary artery disease. He sure is missed. He was very intelligent and saw things differently than most.

I look back on some of the memorable videos which featured former wife model Paulina Porizkova and see the comedic genius which made him an interesting person. You can see the vision he has when you watch some of the funny videos including Ocasek as a bee stinging Porizkova in “You Might Think.”

“Emotion In Motion,” is a bit different. Maybe it’s due to it being off an Ocasek solo album in ’86. It’s played in a different tempo that’s upbeat despite the video which depicts Ocasek carrying his lifeless princess around in despair and prayer. It reminds me of a scene from Romeo and Juliet. He is searching for answers in a desperate attempt to save her.

The video is wonderfully shot and captures the poetic Shakespeare play. Can he save her in time and bring her back to life? It’s an interesting video. Will the magic potion work?

I like the way it’s played and sang by Ocasek, who describes the emotion in motion. A lovestory that is the main plot. Hence the emotional lyrics that are easy to like.

The song featured Tears For Fears lead singer Roland Orzabal, who provided some excellent guitar work. Here are the beautiful words of Ric’s biggest hit as a solo artist.

Ric Ocasek

“Emotion In Motion”

I would do anything

To hold on to you

That’s just about anything

Until you pull through

I’ll hold on to you

Till the stars never wink

I’ll hold on to you

Till you figure it out

Just what to think, ’cause

You’re emotion in motion

My magical potion

You’re emotion in motion

To me

I would go anywhere
To meet up with you
That’s just about anywhere
For one rendezvous

I’ll hold on to you
Until the mountains crumble flat
I’ll hold on to you
Until you figure out just where you’re at, ’cause

You’re emotion in motion
My magical potion
You’re emotion in motion To me

Yeah

I would do anything
To hold on to you
That’s just about anything
That you want me to

I’ll hold on to you
Until you take it all in stride
I’ll hold on to you
Till you want to stay here by my side, ’cause

You’re emotion in motion
My magical potion
You’re emotion in motion To me

Oh, you’re emotion in motion
My magical potion
You’re emotion in motion To me

The Soundtrack of Life

On a very rainy and stormy evening in which we thank our Veterans for all they did to sacrifice for the USA 🇺🇸, I sit here wondering about what some of those great soldiers fought so hard for. They’re true heroes and patriots.

Would they agree with how biased the media coverage is to one party following the election that won’t go away? It’s 2000 all over again. Be that as it may, we must continue to live our lives and enjoy each moment. Some days are better than others.

On 11/11, I choose to recognize some of my favorite acts that were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. In a belated 2020 class due to the pandemic which continues to threaten our daily lives due to ignorance (see my second to last post), they couldn’t even hold a live ceremony. How sad. Even now, things are too hectic. Especially here in NYC with the do nothing Mayor and fake tough guy, double talking Governor, who’s nothing but a fraud.

Even with curfews set for 10 PM for gyms (no real change), bars and restaurants, we can’t let them dictate the terms. That’s why I’m so appreciative for great music. Without the soundtrack of life, where would we be? The uniqueness of musical creativity combined with longevity are what defines recent inductees Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails.

Two very deserving acts that have stood the test of time. In the classical sense, neither DM or NIN are rock and roll. But their uncanny ability to create a distinct sound that modernized music and influenced other bands, are why I love and respect them.

To me, great music comes in all forms. When they’re busy extending the induction list to include rap artists like Notorious BIG and Tupac Shakur, it’s nice to see such great acts like The Cure, Dire Straits, Journey and Cheap Trick get recognized. If only Joe Cocker, Pat Benatar and Foreigner were included along with too many unlisted groups who aren’t in yet.

When I think of Depeche Mode, I’m reminded of the classic 80’s style they had. It was different with their electromagnetic synths and cool beats that we’d never heard before. Martin Gore (writer) was the genius behind it. He added all the cool combination of keyboards with guitar and other unique sounds that when you heard it, you knew who it was. Add in the remarkable energy of Dave Gahan (co-writer) on lead vocals along with Andy Fletcher (bass/keyboards) and former members Alan Wilder (keyboards/synths) and Vince Clarke (early vocals, synths), giving the band a new wave, electro pop sound that was unheard of.

Wilder was a instrumental part of their success lasting 13 years (1982-95). An era that produced several big hits including “Blasphemous Rumors”, “People Are People”, “Strangelove”, “Never Let Me Down Again”, “Personal Jesus”, “Policy of Truth”, and “Enjoy The Silence.”

To be honest, if you ever heard a DM song, it’s so distinct sounding and different from anyone else. There’s a different energy and vibe to their music that separates it. It stands out. I’ve always been a huge fan of them. I like uniqueness and they’re top notch.

In many aspects, Nine Inch Nails are eerily similar in style and sound quality. They also are finally inducted, joining groups like Depeche Mode and The Cure for daring to be different.

The genius of Trent Reznor, he is the visionary behind the production that is NIN. From the very beginning with The Pretty Hate Machine in 1989 which produced great tracks such as “Head Like A Hole”, Something I Can Never Have”, “Sin”, and “Terrible Lie”, the amazing combination of Reznor’s lyrics, electronic beats, drumming electro riffs, gives them so much depth. He’s in his own dimension and we are just observers who cannot believe what he and his assorted cast of characters have achieved.

Reznor can literally do it all from the powerful vocals to the guitar, bass, synths and keyboards. I don’t know how he has such God given ability. Go take a listen to his latest Ghosts V and Ghosts VI and it’ll captivate how most of us felt about the pandemic during its worst time. The death-defying sounds NIN can create is in a different stratosphere. It is that alternate universe ✨ I always talk about.

From Downward Spiral to The Fragile to other albums, each are their own project. There’s too much to list when compiling why Nine Inch Nails remains a go to listen for me and so many troubled souls who can identify with Trent’s pain and mental anguish stemming from drug addiction to depression. It contemplates suicide and almost reaches out to grab you in a utterly shocking way.

You can feel that pain in memorable hit, “Hurt.” There’s “The Great Beyond”, “The Day the World Went Away”, “We’re in This Together”, “Starfuckers, Inc.”, “Closer”, “March of the Pigs”, “The Perfect Drug”, etc.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad song by them. Guitarist Robin Finck was a key part of the band. Atticus Ross is currently listed as the only active member. That’s how Reznor rolls.

The industrial rock and alternative synth pop sound is unlike anything there is in music.

It’s a credit to Trent that he has kept going all this time. For three decades while overcoming addiction, depression, an overdose, he continues to put out relevant music that provides NIN fans with so much to identify with.

I can only say thank you. I’m glad Nine Inch Nails are in. Ditto for Depeche Mode.

Without music, what else would we have to release from the harsh realities from life? It wouldn’t be the same.

This Was 13 Years Ago

It’s hard to put into words what I feel. In the autumn of 2007, we got tickets to see Van Halen at Madison Square Garden. Boy, was I excited.

I think it was all the nostalgia from knowing David Lee Roth would be reunited with Eddie Van Halen while sharing a stage with Alex Van Halen and Eddie’s son Wolfgang, who took over on bass for the well regarded Michael Anthony.

I knew we’d get to see 1984 in all its glory along with the classic Van Halen years featuring Diamond Dave. He still had it. I loved the 80’s theme we got at MSG. It literally felt like something out of childhood in a different era. From the blimpe to other fun stuff, this was all part of the Van Halen charm from yesteryear.

How did they sound? Like they hadn’t missed a beat. Even with Eddie’s fast living style due to his battles with alcoholism, he still was smooth as ever on the electric guitar, belting out epic solos and riffs while playing the cool keyboard intro to memorable hit, “Jump.”

All while brother Alex wailed away on the drums like usual and provided backing vocals along with Wolfgang to Roth, who was in fine spirits. I think it was just great to see them back on stage together. Though I’m preferential to Anthony, who not too long afterwards accepted the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with Sammy Hagar. Eddie was in rehab.

I never had watched the induction until a few nights ago. I came away impressed with Anthony’s speech. He really is a good, humble guy who truly appreciated what being a big part of Van Halen meant to him and the fans. Sammy didn’t add much, but you could feel the love he had for being included. Because he’s cool. He knows he was the second great act to a special rock group.

Seeing this encore of the always ultra cool sounding 1984 Intro into Jump at the old Continental Airlines Arena in The Meadowlands, brought back fond memories. I don’t know where the time went. It definitely brought out some raw emotion due to Eddie losing his battle to cancer. It’s hard to believe. But Legends Are Forever.

When you have the God given ability they had along with Eddie, you can create out of this world sounds that are truly death defying. Try this extended version of the 1984 intro from back in the day. Trippy to say the least.

https://youtu.be/cWh1FJrdRtI

That can rev up a crowd. So can Roth’s energy and electricity. Truly a different dimension. Mind blown.

Never forget. Legends Never Die.

A Throwback from The Beastie Boys

Sometimes, you need a throwback to lighten the mood. It’s a good way to start the day off. Although I stayed up way too late due to a live cast on Periscope.

That was focused on music. I decided to play DJ and show some cool songs to my audience. That included the Beastie Boys. It’s been almost a decade since Adam Yauch passed away due to losing his battle with cancer. In fact, the eight year anniversary just passed a few days ago.

Without MCA, the legendary rap group couldn’t go on. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Chuck D and LL Cool J, who they discovered, only Michael “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz were there to make an acceptance speech. With MCA in the hospital the same day only 20 days before passing away on May 4, 2012, they didn’t perform for the attending audience.

Even though a tribute was done by Black Thought, Travie, Gym Class Heroes and Kid Rock, it wasn’t the same. Nothing beats the original cohesive trio who were a tripod of unique sounds and rhymes that wowed fans. Picture three Jewish guys going from originally a rock band to one of the most successful rap groups of all-time. That’s what they achieved along with founding Beastie Boys guitarist John Berry and Mix Master Mike.

Here’s a hit song “Sabotage”, performed as musical guests of the legendary Late Night Show host David Letterman. The video is pretty memorable. However, this live performance kicks ass!

Why I Heart The Cars

You know. I’ve been here before. I’ve harped on why I believe The Cars are deserving of inclusion into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Of course, they’re not going to be inducted for a second straight year. This year’s class is highlighted by Pearl Jam, Tupac and Yes. Electric Light Orchestra, Joan Baez and cool 80’s band Journey are also included.

So, how come The Cars aren’t in? Were they not influential enough? Are you kidding?!?!?!?!?! Their combination of alt pop rock and new wave was something never heard or seen before. They certainly produced enough hits during a decade long run. The highlights include the timeless “Drive,” the fun and poppy “Just What I Needed,” and the ultra cool and hilarious “You Might Think.”

None of their songs are bad. How about the classic “Moving In Stereo” which was featured in Fast Times at Ridgemont High in a epic scene where Judge Reinhold’s character Brad Hamilton fantasizes about his sister’s hot friend Linda Barrett played by sex symbol Phoebe Cates at the pool. A scene no heterosexual male will ever forget.

The way the song is played with that base just gives it the right touch. It was perfect for that movie and Hamilton’s pornographic scene where Cates’ Linda catches him in the dirty act by opening the bathroom.

You could listen to any song by The Cars or watch one of their unpredictable and downright laughable videos and get sucked in. It’s not just the music either. It could be the uncanny yet talented Ric Ocasek with a few of the videos featuring mesmerizing model wife Pavlina Porizkova. It could be the wacky stuff they did when MTV was hot in the 80’s. They had fun.

But make no mistake about it. Ocasek and gone too soon Benjamin Orr, who took turns on vocals depending on the song, were a terrific combo along with lead guitarist Elliot Easton, drummer David Robinson and keyboardist Greg Hawkes. The thing I like most is they all could play instruments. Orr doubled on bass and Ocasek played rhythm guitar. How many bands boast two talented vocalists? They were perfect choices for each song. Orr’s pipes are amazing on Drive. The band’s biggest hit. But Ocasek is so good on You Might Think. Not to mention him being a bee in the bathroom of his future wife during the memorable video.

Orr has been gone for 12 years losing a battle to pancreatic cancer. What if he were still around? Would he have been part of the reunion they had? One can only wonder. I say yes. But that’s with my heart. They went onto successful solo careers.

As long as they’re on the ballot, I’ll continue to vote for them until they get in. In the meantime, here are some videos as a daily reminder of how great their music was.