“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.

In honor of the genius of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler

I have written about my favorite musicians quite often in this space. As nice as it is to recognize the legendary Jimi Hendrix, Tupac Shakur and Bob Marley to name a few, there are many other deserving artists. Perhaps too many to list.

I’ll start with the forgotten Dire Straits. A unbelievable rock band during the peak of MTV in the 80’s. Formed in 1977 by electrifying lead guitarist (literally) and lead singer Mark Knopfler, the unique quartet also comprised brother David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Pick Withers (drums and percussion).

Based out of London, they made their mark between 1977 and 1988. In fact, the band’s peak was during the 80’s when led by Mark Knopfler, who remains a remarkable guitarist that doesn’t get as much fanfare, they produced some quality music. That included debut single, “Sultans of Swing” in 1978. That’s an excellent song in its own right that hit the top 10 in both the UK and US.

When I think about why Dire Straits is so special to still listen to, it’s due to the incredible guitar playing of the brilliant Knopfler. His band was great with his brother David Knopfler, Illsley and Withers all doing their part in unison to create a distinct sound. When you heard it on the radio or MTV, you knew it was Dire Straits. They had that unique quality that most great bands have. Theirs being the more traditional rock and roll sound that I idolized growing up in a splendid decade.

I’m always compelled whenever I hear Mark Knopfler play that guitar as he said in classic hit video, “Money For Nothing”, that topped the charts on the US Billboard with it winning Video of The Year and Best Group Video at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. It also prominently featured Sting singing the classic backing chorus, “I want my MTV!” The video itself was groundbreaking. It’s hard to describe. It was the epitome of cool with a futuristic look that fans loved.

What are my favorite songs by Dire Straits? I have to say that “Romeo and Juliet”, off the 1980 Making Movies album is the pinnacle. It’s a rock song despite it being romantic with Knopfler channeling Romeo and Juliet. It’s actually upbeat and rocks.

If that’s arguably their best, what about the self-titled fifth album single, “Brothers In Arms?” To think I had that unbelievable 1985 album on cassette. What a cool cover too. I’m talking about the album art which featured a guitar with light blue borders and a shade of pink and clouds surrounding it. Just perfect. It almost feels like Heaven. Maybe that’s what Knopfler and the band wanted to convey.

If you’ve ever listened to “Brothers In Arms”, then you know why. Of all the wonderful patriotic songs I’ve heard, I believe this one is the finest. The way it begins with a flute and then Knopfler coolly playing a soulful solo as the intro, you can feel something special in the air. The sound at the beginning has always given me chills. It’s so eerie. That’s because it’s a fitting tribute to all the fallen soldiers who sacrificed everything for our cause. Whether it be UK or US, this is a captivating song that is beautiful. It’s so touching and you can see the raw emotions on Knopfler’s face at the beginning and ending in the excellent live performance at Wembley Stadium with rock legend Eric Clapton joining them on stage in 1988.

Everything sounds perfect. It truly was Knopfler and Dire Straits at its peak. I like how he singled out South Africa and purposely indicated playing for justice. A reference to Nelson Mandela. It’s symbolic of what the 80’s were like. They weren’t all fun and games. As much as I enjoyed my childhood, there were some scary times too that were all too real. I’m glad Ronald Reagan was President. That’s my only political commentary.

Let’s talk about Knopfler and how unbelievable he sounds smoothly shredding on his electric guitar while not missing a beat on the microphone. He always had a great voice. Maybe that is the underrated part of his genius. We all know how terrific he was as a guitarist. The sad part is he’s almost forgotten by the experts. I’ve seen plenty of all-time great guitarist lists. He always comes in too low. I know it’s easy to rattle off a lot of names. But if he’s lower than 25, something is wrong. I would put him in the Top 25.

It’s all about style and preference. That’s understood. I’m not going to cite what my top 10 would look like. I’ve done other posts and referenced some of the greats. This post is about the brilliance of Mark Knopfler and his outstanding band, who never disappointed in their first or second run (1991-95). It’s ridiculous that they waited so long to get inducted. That’s why Knopfler opted not to perform. They really are clueless. I guess there will always be great acts who are left waiting due to the strange process. Sad.

What isn’t is Dire Straits and their music. With songs like “So Far Away”, “Making Movies”, “Private Investigations”, “Walk of Life”, “Tunnel of Love”, “Why Worry” and “Twisting by The Pool”, they provided fans with plenty of great tunes. I do wonder if they could’ve released more material. They had a classic rock sound that was easy to love. With Knopfler easily making his guitar talk in a melodic way that few guitarists have, anything was possible. It’s definitely a band that deserves more recognition which is why I’m giving them it.

Plus I love Knopfler. Dad knew. He knows music and of course loves great guitarists. Mark is definitely one that stands out. I watched a recent performance of Brothers In Arms from last year. He was older and bald without the long wavy blonde hair. He still sounded great. The great ones don’t lose their touch.

It’s a quality we all strive for.

Hard Hits Podcast: Music, The Crow’s influence on Sting, Hot MTV VJ Past, NHL and NFL Draft

In my latest episode of the new Hard Hits Podcast which can be heard on Anchor, I discussed a number of topics last night.

Included in the hour were more music featuring Bullet For My Valentine, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers. I also got into my love of The Crow. A great 90’s movie character played by the late Brandon Lee, who gave a memorable performance as Eric Draven. It’s one of those movies that brings out every emotion as he avenges Shelly’s death along with his.

The Crow was such a good movie that it’s one of my personal favorites. From the unique symmetry between our tragic hero and Sarah, expertly played by then teenager Rochelle Davis. Ernie Hudson lent support as a character actor who played the good cop Sergeant Albrecht. Even our bad guy Top Dollar, who’s perfectly portrayed by Michael Wincott, is masterful.

Lee died tragically on set due to a fragment that was accidentally lodged in the chamber of a prop gun on March 31, 1993 while shooting one of the last few scenes. He was only 28. The son of legendary martial arts master Bruce Lee, who also died young at 32 due to cerebral edema, Brandon had the makings of a star. His mannerisms and lines in the action packed thriller left you wanting more. It’s sad that we didn’t get to see more of him.

Taking a cue from Lee’s Crow character, WCW transformed star wrestler Sting from surfer dude blonde to the very dark and mysterious Crow Sting that lurked from the rafters with face paint and makeup. It was the best part of Monday Nitro during the Monday night wars between World Championship Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation, which later became WWE. It was actually the suggestion of Scott Hall for Sting to become the Crow character. One that invoked memories of Lee and excited wrestling fans.

In the second half of the show, I spent some time reflecting back on some of the hot MTV veejays from the 90’s when it really was all about the music. Referenced are Downtown Julie Brown, Ananda Lewis, Idalis DeLeon and the wicked Daisy Fuentes. It’s a trip down memory lane.

Sports were also covered. I discussed the disappointment for high school senior student athletes who won’t be able to conclude their Spring seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes future Georgetown track and field star and local Staten Island star runner Sierra Dinneen of Notre Dame Academy. Many high school seniors don’t know if they’ll ever have a traditional cap and gown or prom. A sobering thought.

As the NBA and NHL remain paused due to the outbreak and health risks, commissioners Adam Silver and Gary Bettman have tough decisions ahead on whether to continue their league’s respective seasons with playoffs. I take a shot at a suggestion to complete each season with an idea for next year. One that’s not being discussed when it should due to logic.

I also delved into the upcoming NFL Draft that will be like the old days when it wasn’t a marquee event. But rather just executives getting together and announcing their picks in a hotel like The Marriott. This year will be done from home remotely due to the Coronavirus. All on phone. What will the Giants and Jets do? Will Tua continue to fall or is that just talk while Justin Herbert is hyped?

Plus a look back at the infamous 1983 NFL Draft that saw six quarterbacks selected in the first round. That featured future Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino, who dropped to 27th overall to the Dolphins. The last QB taken while Tony Eason, Todd Blackledge and Ken O’Brien went prior with Gang Green mistakenly grabbing O’Brien at number 24 three spots before Miami picked. While he was a good QB, he was no Marino.

That draft highlighted eight Hall of Famers including Eric Dickerson and late Bears steal Richard Dent, who lasted eight rounds. Chicago built their 1985 Super Bowl team through that draft.

For more on everything, please take a listen to my podcast below:

Hard Hits Podcast: Music, The Crow, Sting, MTV veejays, NHL, NFL Draft