Lopez Blogs

Another song which I saw on VH1 Classic last night was "Into The Valley" by The Skids. Enjoy lead singer Richard Jobson's unique dance style at : http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=9udxbvHiqGw

The best thing about "Into The Valley" of course was the TV ad for Maxell tapes from a couple of years later, which interpreted the lyrics of that track in its own unique way and now, thanks to the wonders of YouTube, you can too: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DAsmf1LGcpA

The other legendary Maxell ad featured "Me Ears Are Alight" I mean "The Israelites" by Desmond Dekker, which you can also find at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mxELSzay2lc&feature=related. They just don't make adverts like that anymore!!

From 'Turning Japanese' to ....Japan. Yes it's corny link night on Retro Saturday!

From the 'new romantic' era of the early 80s, Japan were an exquisite treat, I didn't like absolutely everything they did but "Quiet Life" http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zKg3QyHF70U and "Life In Tokyo" http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OiM3uw32Ifw were rather fabulous and still sound wonderful today.

From rap to new wave now. My next selection tonight was inspired by watching VH1 Classic for a while last night where they had a little 'new wave' hour and the memories all came flooding back!

"Turning Japanese" was one of the top 'one hit wonders' from the end of the 70s, from that new wave era which I remember quite fondly!!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VqZ_dC1T7pA

Back in the day when rap music was original, funny and inventive, this was one of the first - the first? - rap hits, set to the backdrop of that Chic "Good Times" sample. Hotel, motel, Holiday Inn....aww yes.

Ladies and gentlemen: "Rappers Delight"! http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=b6gD_CwF5YM