Never knew it was referred to as...(The Postman Song)

Class Music Video of the Week

Hello. It's been awhile.

So here's a Classic Music Video of the Week!

Incidentially, Nada Surf has some really good albums which people don't seem to check out because they only think of this one hit from the 90s. So check 'em out if you get a chance.

Classic Music Video of the Week

Good morning! And happy day off to teachers, bankers, and other government workers. To the rest of you, I'm sorry.

20 years ago today, the number one song on the Billboard Charts was...

Yes, that's right... "I've Got My Mind Set On You" by George Harrison. I vaguely remember two seperate versions of this video playing on VH1 back in the day, but this one is the most "popular." Those moving animals and sitting room objects get me everytime (especially the squirrel playing the "pipe"). But the dancing George stunt double is so, so cheesy.

So that's your CMVotW! Enjoy, and Happy MLK Jr. Day!

Classic Music Video of the Week

It's Christmastime, so it seems appropriate to use a holiday song for this week's CMVotW!

This week we are featuring one of the oddest duets...Mr. Bing Crosby and Mr. David Bowie. The stellar acting in the beginning is so convincing.

Recorded in 1977 for Bing Crosby's Christmas Special, this was one of his last recorded appearances and songs before his death in October of that same year.

So Happy Holidays, and enjoy!

Classic Music Video of the Week

Good morning, Pop-Pop-ers.

Sorry I've fallen off the face of the earth lately, I just went through a move! But now that the dust and items are settling, I hope to get back in the swing of things full force.

But for now I have limited time, so I'll go with an easy one for this week's Classic Music Video...

I don't know about you, but I can't hold still whenever I hear this number one hit from 1983. But what else makes this a classic? Let's see, the moonwalk, the lit-up tiles and the fact that its heavy rotation music video on MTV made him the first black artist to find stardom on the channel.

So friends, just remember, be careful of what you do, 'cause the lie becomes the truth.

Happy Friday.

Classic Music Video of the Week

I love the 80s. I love them more than I probably should.

One of the things I love most about the 80s is New Wave. No, I'm not referring to the beautiful coifs people sported (although there were some sweet waves of that kind, too). I'm referring to the music that sounded like nothing before it, the music that explored the glory of the synthesizer.

I don't have much of a set-up for this video, other than the fact that I simply think it's a great song. The video creates a bit of chaos, which adds to the message of the lyrics. It almost made me wish I had grown up on the other side of town. Almost.

I can also say that Flight of the Conchords truly captures the essence of this CMVW in their song and video for "Inner City Pressure."
Since I find FOTC to be musical geniuses, I think it's a great compliment that they came as close as they could get (without copying) to this week's Classic Music Video of the Week.

Please enjoy "West End Girls" by Pet Shop Boys. The 80s are gone, but this song will always live in my cold, cold heart.

6 Degrees of CMVW

Happy Columbus Day, Pop-Pop'ers!

Maybe it's because I'm in thinking mode, being one of those people that has to work today, but I thought I'd use a little Six Degrees of Separation to bring you this week's Classic Music Video of the Week. Are you sure you're ready for this? Then let's do this thing:

1) Today is Columbus Day. I like to think that the man who made America popular dreamed that one day he would be mentioned in a pop culture blog. Today's your lucky day, Mr. Columbus. However, he's not to be confused with...

2) Chris Columbus, an American writer, director, and overall "known" name in movies. He directed a little movie known as...

3) Home Alone. But who was that cute young actor in that gem of a Christmas movie?

4) Macaulay Culkin. And I seem to recall this little lad in a music video...what was it? Oh yes, that's right. It was...

5) Black or White by Michael Jackson. World travel, snow globes, a rapping Macaulay, and faces eerily changing from one to another. (Of course the original airing contained Michael Jackson beating the crap out of a car, too.) There's also a strong irony that the title of the song is a question often asked about the King of Pop. All of these things make it classic. Add in the fact that MJ is providing a commentary on the different cultures of the world (which Christopher Columbus sailed and partially "discovered") and you've got a little circle of pop culture and history.

Here's your Columbus Day Classic Music Video of the Week:



Hey, look at that. I did it in five. *Wink.*

Classic Music Video of the Week

It’s that time kids! This week, let’s be really cheesy about it. And mildly disturbing.

Oh Lionel, please stop stalking the blind girl who is making that creepy bust of you in sculptor class.

This is also my message to you my contributors and readers. “Hello, I've just got to let you know…'Cause I wonder where you are…"

Classic Music Video of the Week

Sorry, Pop-Pop-ers, looks like we've fallen a bit behind on the "of the week" part of the "Classic Music Video of the Week." That's what happens when you can't post during work hours anymore.

So hopefully this will make up for lost time. This week's video comes to you from The Talking Heads, with "Once in a Lifetime." I remember this video from TV, and the strange multiple David Byrnes dancing about. Apparently, this video is also exhibited in MoMA.

I also have the childhood recollection of Kermit the Frog's version as well.

So again, sorry for the wait. Here's this week's video. Have a good Labor Day Weekend!

Classic Music Video of the Week

Well, I'm a little early on this post. I intended to post on August 1st, but I can tell right now that I won't have the time to put up a new blog tomorrow, so I'm sneaking it in one hour (Eastern Standard Time) before it's the glorious first day of August.

Why does it matter when I post? Two reasons:

1) August 1st is the birthday of one of our contributors. That's right, Ms. Jill will be turning another year older and, if we're all lucky, wiser. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JILL! She is a great person who happens to share her birthday with another birth of sorts...

2) August 1, 1981 marked the beginning of music television as we used to know it. I, of course, am referring to the launch of a little station known as MTV. You've heard of it? Back in 1981, MTV did this crazy thing--they played videos. That's right, a tv station that played music videos! While MTV has recently ventured beyond the 24-hour music format for gems like "Engaged and Underage" and "The Hills," it still cannot be denied that when it began, it was a pretty big deal for music fans of that time period. VJs with big hair, "modern" music, and an overall "damn the man" attitude earned MTV the notoriety it has today. While music, videos, and music television have all changed in the past 26 years, I think it's fair to say that MTV was and is an instrumental piece of the pop culture puzzle.

Without further ado, and hopefully without being TOO cliche, let's give props to The Buggles for this week's Classic Music Video of the Week. Enjoy the very first video to air on MTV: Video Killed the Radio Star.



(And happy birthday, Jill!)

Classic Music Video of the Week

It’s Friday so I guess I should hurry up and post this week’s Classic Music Video of the Week!

This week I’m picking one of my favorite videos that I actually appreciate for its creativity, as opposed to me making fun of something cheesy. Although with Radiohead, I could make fun of Thom Yorke’s weird facial expressions (especially when he turns around from the window and sings “Hell.”)

To begin with Just is an awesome song off of one of my most-listened-to albums, 1995’s The Bends. Maybe I always liked the video because I’ve had days where I feel like lying in the middle of the sidewalk too. But maybe that’s just me being moody and narcissistic, or as the song says “You do it to yourself, and that’s why it really hurts.” And of course I like the ending. But I won't give it away.

But anyways, have a happy neurotic Friday, and a good weekend.

Classic Music Video of the Week

I'm taking over the CMVW this week because there's a video that needs to be posted in order to save the childhood memories of people like me.

I don't know if anyone's seen the show Hey Paula, which airs on Bravo (Thursdays at 10pm). If not, you should count yourself lucky. I swore I wouldn't watch it, but of course I found myself on the couch on a Saturday, not wanting to get dressed yet and at the mercy of horrible weekend tv. (Side note: Shouldn't weekend tv be the BEST tv? Why are all the good shows on while I'm working and on a Saturday or Sunday my best option is the 8-hour repeat marathon of The Prince and Me? But I digress.) So it happened. I watched the reality show about Paula Abdul's life and I walked away with only one comment: "That b**ch is crazy."

In a nutshell, Paula freaks out about everything. She sat there and bitched out her assistants for packing her clothes that "weren't comfortable enough" for a plane ride, and then CRIED about it. Apparently it never occurred to Ms. Abdul to pack her own damn suitcase. Then she went to look at her line of QVC jewelry and was yelling at the QVC people because there was an extra line (or something like that) in a piece of jewelry and she "didn't approve that." The kicker came when she acted like she was drunk off her behind in a Starbucks at 2am (we've all been loopy in tiredness, but DANG), and then had the nerve to ask one of her cronies for money to pay for it after she had ordered. As you can see, this show upset me. I'm not sure when Paula Abdul thought that being a diva was appropriate for her, since she hasn't released an album in years and is generally considered talentless. I also found it ironic that she was SO mean to her assistants when she is overly nice to people on American Idol, even after their performances are enough for Triumph the Insult Comic Dog to poop on.

So what does this have to do with the Classic Music Video of the Week? I want--nay, NEED--to jump back to my childhood, to my happy place. I need to embrace the time when I was too young and naive to know that her voice was terrible and that her songs were nothing but catchy. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I do still have her old songs in my iTunes.) I need to go back to the time when Paula Abdul was someone I didn't loathe. What's the easiest way to get back to that place?

Sit back, relax, and float back to the smooth rhymes of MC Skat Kat with the then-harmless Paula Abdul, telling the world that Opposites Attract.

Classic Music Video of the Week

What? Hello? Is this thing on? Oh, it’s a new week already? I’m still in holiday-mode, I’m sorry. I promise I’ll try to think of something thoughtful and meaningful soon. Pinkie-swear.

But for now, it’s the Classic Music Video of the Week.

I was at my parents’ house for dinner the other night, and started going through one of the VHS tapes of music videos I mentioned previously. Out of the numerous gems I found, I decided to pick this one:

Yes, that’s right, 1986’s Human by The Human League. Gotta love the water theme in this song about infidelity. But hey, they are “born to make mistakes.” I’m also pretty sure Philip Oakey is wearing more makeup in the video than I am currently wearing. And that spoken-word part gets me…every…time.

So enjoy the Yoda-esque lyric “of flesh and blood I’m made.” Happy Thursday.

Classic Music Video of the Week

*Yawn* Oh, I'm sorry. With this weird holiday week thing going on here, I've lost track of time. I guess I need to pick a music video for this week. But I don't have enough motivation or clarity to put a lot of thought into it.

Therefore, this week's pick is 1982's Safety Dance by Men Without Hats.

The girl in the video really freaks me out, with her bird's nest hair and a huge case of crazy eyes. And I'm reminded of an episode of Scrubs that referenced the song briefly.

Everybody look at your hands. And have a great, dance-filled weekend. I know I will.

Classic Music Video of the Week

Who needs a stress-break?

Oooh! Oooh! I do!

This week's Classic Music Video of the Week, brought to you by moustaches, is 1985's Rhythm of the Night by DeBarge.

Now watch closely...whatever you do, don't lose eye contact with El DeBarge! He surely will be watching you, the viewer, intently..."underneath the electric stars"...and cue jazz hands.

Does everyone feel better? Good. I know I do.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go get my puffy skirt on and learn those dance moves.

Happy Tuesday.

Classic Music Video of the Week

Yes, I know what you are thinking...TWO classic music video posts in a row?! How unoriginal! How tediously redundant! How unorganized!

Well first of all, back off. I haven't had my coffee yet. It is Sunday, so technically it's a new week. But most importantly, it's Father's Day. And in honor of my father, this week's video is Oh Sherrie by Steve Perry. Now before you start complaining about how last week's video was Journey and now this week's is from lead singer Steve Perry, let me explain.

My hilarious father and I were having one of our many ridiculous debates years and years ago. I believe I was trying to argue with him what a unique lead vocalist Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace was. This discussion sparked the classic family quote from my father of, "Steve Perry is the greatest male vocalist...of all time." He continued to add, "Remember that video, where he's sitting on those stairs? When he hits that 'Should've been gone!' that's just the best!"

So Happy Father's Day, to all the fathers and also fans of Steve Perry. Because our love holds on, holds on.

Classic Music Video of the Week

With all the exposure Journey has been getting this week with the Sopranos series finale, I guess this week's classic music video spot goes to them.

And what better video than Separate Ways! The singing into the camera! The invisible instruments! The disgustingly tight jeans! Steve Perry's awesome hair!

Where is this leather-skirt clad woman walking to? She keeps coming in and out of frame. God, I adore her hair too!

I love the over-exaggeration of emotion when all five of them sing into the camera. Hey, isn't that picture familiar? (See sidebar of this blog.)

Journey is amazing. Happy Thursday. Enjoy.

Classic Music Video of the Week

Not to step on Jill's finely pedicured pop culture toes, I have a video that I feel is worth a look this week.

One band has surprised me with the entertainment factor of their videos: Foo Fighters.

I remember thinking the Mentos parody video for Big Me was hilarious when it came out in 1996, and to this day I can still see Dave Grohl holding up a roll of "Footos."

Or there was Everlong, in which the band weaves its way through two crazy dreams. (Drummer Taylor Hawkins dressed in drag to play Grohl's wife.)

However, one video stands out above the rest for me. It contains multiple, entertaining characters, an easy-to-follow plot line, relevance to the song itself, and even though it was released in 1999, it still to this day makes me laugh out loud.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy my pick for Classic Music Video of the Week:

Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters

Classic Music Video of The Week

Today marks the beginning of my favorite time of year besides Christmas--our local town's Canal Days. A weekend filled with food, music, craft vendors and of course beer.

So in honor of every mullet-filled townie bar in America, here is this week's Classic Music Video of the Week.

Happy Friday. Enjoy your weekend.

Made Reykjavík More Famous than Carmen Sandiego Ever Did

When looking back on the musical landscape of the past two decades the artists that were truly original and their own creative forces are few and far between. One artist stands out above the rest as a musician who has a voice and style all of her own. In honor of her new CD, Volta, which was released this month I thought a tribute was in order.

Björk

I have always been drawn to Björk's music for some reason. Her voice is incomparable to any that are in mainstream music. She first came to prominence with the greatly under appreciated Sugarcubes. From that springboard came solo success. Most notable was her eccentric musical style that didn't cater to one specific genre.

Along with her music, her videos became mainstays on MTV during the 90s. They showcased a creativity unlike most other artists of the time.

Some of her most notable videos:









Her newest single, "Earth Intruders", is very addicting and the video is equally enticing.

Earth Intruders

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I thought that since I mentioned Carmen Sandiego, the least I could do is give a shout out to Rockapella. They were without a doubt the greatest house band on a game show based on a computer game.

Sadly this is the best video I could find. It doesn't show them but it has the best quality of the song.