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Pop Rock Nation

Author: Jenny

  • They owe it all to Star Search… contestants who became stars

    They owe it all to Star Search… contestants who became stars

    Reach for the stars… and catch ’em on Star Search!

    The 1980s and 90s era talent show Star Search used to come on every weekend. I would usually dutifully tune in and watch, even though it seemed like no one who won on the show ever went on to bigger and better things. It wasn’t until years later that I realized there was a lot of legitimate talent on Star Search, even though it featured a lot of cheesy acts set to schmaltzy music. The singers, especially, were prone to big hair, dorky outfits, and way too many vocal histrionics.

    Star Search LogoYesterday, I was watching old episodes of Melrose Place and actor Brian Bloom had a guest starring role.  Brian Bloom is about my age and I remembered him when he was a teen, starring as Dustin Donovan on the now defunct daytime soap As The World Turns.  For some reason, I thought I’d first seen him on Star Search.  Allow me to explain for those who weren’t around in the early 1980s.  Star Search was to my generation what American Idol, The Voice, and X Factor are to today’s young people.  It was a long running talent show hosted by Ed McMahon.  I remember watching it when it first began in 1983 and remained a devoted fan for several years, until I went off to college and quit watching so much television.

    I looked up Brian Bloom on IMDb.com and did not see Star Search listed as any of his credits, even though I could swear I saw him compete in the teen acting category back when the show first started.  The acting category was quickly done away with, which might explain why Brian Bloom is nowhere to be found in lists of former Star Search contestants.  On the other hand, it could be that my usually steel trap memory is failing now that I’m hitting middle age.  But my investigation did ultimately lead me to a list of all the people who competed or won on Star Search.  I couldn’t help but notice that there are quite a few legitimate performers counted as Star Search alums; several of them are now huge stars.

    Sam Harris

    The very first big winner on Star Search was Sam Harris.  Harris was memorable because he wore a tuxedo with tails and high top sneakers.  He had a big voice that could do vocal gymnastics and that was apparently enough to impress the judges.

    Sam Harris sings “Over the Rainbow” on Star Search.

    He went on to score a contract with Motown Records and eventually cut a single called “Sugar Don’t Bite”.

    Sam Harris singing “Sugar Don’t Bite”, a 1984 song that eventually climbed to #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1984.

    Sawyer Brown

    While I wasn’t able to find a clip of country band Sawyer Brown when they appeared on Star Search in 1983, I did find this clip of them talking to Dick Clark about their big break on Star Search.

    Sawyer Brown talks about performing at Carnegie Hall after Star Search.

    Here’s a video for their 1993 hit “Thank God For You”, complete with funky dancing.

    LeAnn Rimes

    Country star LeAnn Rimes made history in 1996 when she was just 14 years old. She was the youngest person to win a Grammy for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance on her song, “Blue” But in 1991, she was just another Star Search contestant.

    Here she is at just eight and a half years old and already showing a lot of star quality.

    And here she is many years later, covering the song “Swingin’”, which was originally made famous by John Anderson in the early 1980s.

    Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake,

    Moving on a few years, viewers started seeing some young performers who would eventually go on to become big stars. Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake are today household names and they have been bona-fide stars since the late 1990s. But back in the early 90s, they were hopefuls on Star Search.

    Here’s little Britney Spears singing her heart out to The Judds’ “Love Can Build A Bridge”. She’s come a long way since then.

    And here’s Britney all grown up and sexy, singing “Womanizer”.

    Christina Aguilera is just eight years old in this 1989 clip from Star Search.

    Christina Aguilera all grown up!

    In this clip, 11 year old Justin Timberlake is competing and losing against 10 year old Anna Nardona. I have to wonder if Justin cringes when this clip comes up, showing him trying to sing country style and sporting a big belt buckle.

    And here’s grown up Justin performing at the 2013 Grammy awards with fellow Star Search alum, Beyoncé.

    Beyoncé

    Yes, Beyoncé was also once a Star Search contender.

    In this clip from 1993, she was 12 years old singing, dancing, and leading her backup singers and dancers, Girls Tyme.

    That Star Search clip is a far cry from Beyoncé’s performance in the video for “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”, isn’t it?

    Usher

    Even Usher was on the Star Search starmaking machine.

    In this clip, Usher hangs out with Countess Vaughn and Sinbad, also former Star Search contestants.

    The younger they were, the more likely they were to be stars…

    When I look at the list of notable Star Search winners, I notice that the ones who were most likely to become household names were junior contestants on the show. I also notice that a lot of times, the future big stars were losers on Star Search. I guess those Star Search judges didn’t necessarily know star quality when they heard it. Or maybe the losers were just hungrier for success or had pushier stage parents. It’s hard to tell.

    I must have gotten my fill of talent shows back in the 1980s because I’ve never really watched American Idol, The Voice, or X Factor. In fact, watching these old clips from Star Search actually made me cringe a bit. I’m not so sure these types of shows really allow people to show off their talents to the fullest. I do like to watch America’s Got Talent, mainly because audition week usually showcases bizarre or unintentionally funny acts that I find a lot more entertaining than the acts from people who legitimately want to become stars. On the other hand, looking at some of these stars when they were very young, I can’t help but see that they were obviously very talented and probably didn’t need Star Search.

  • Anti Love Songs…

    It’s Valentine’s Day, but not everyone is feeling the love… How about a few “anti love songs”?

    I had an interesting experience yesterday on Facebook.  I shared a photo of Will Ferrell looking particularly loser-ish with a caption that read,

    “If you’re sad about being alone on Valentine’s Day, just remember… Nobody loves you on the other days of the year, either.”

    When I posted that meme, I was just trying to be funny.  And indeed, several people indicated that they thought the photo was funny.  I could even identify with the photo’s snarky comment, having endured 29 straight Valentine-less Valentine’s Days before I finally started dating my husband.  I definitely know why Valentine’s Day can suck if you get too caught up in it.

    Imagine my surprise when someone took me to task for being “mean”.  This person felt that I was shaming all the dateless and loveless people of the world.  After that exchange, I got to thinking.  Everybody wants to talk about love on Valentine’s Day… hearts, flowers, candy, kisses and jewelry.  But what about all the people out there who aren’t feeling the love on this Hallmark holiday?  Shouldn’t we include them in the fun?  So in the interest of recognizing those who are alone and bitter about it on Valentine’s Day, here are a few anti love songs.

    Gloria Jones, Soft Cell, and Marilyn Manson “Tainted Love”

    Gloria Jones recorded the original version of “Tainted Love” back in 1964. In 1981, Soft Cell covered “Tainted Love”, introducing a new generation to this searing song about a toxic partner. It’s also been covered by Marilyn Manson.

    Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive”

    Here’s a good, hearty “f u” song for all the women who have been dumped by an insensitive ass on Valentine’s Day.  Hey buddy, I will survive… so hit the road!

    Ray Charles “Hit The Road, Jack”

    Speaking of hitting the road, here’s a classic anti love song by Ray Charles.

    The Police “So Lonely”

    Sting, Andy Summers, and Stuart Copeland must have been feeling especially lonely when they penned this song about being all alone and hating it.

    Erykah Badu “Tyrone”

    The first time I heard this song, I was in at a karaoke bar in Richmond, Virginia.  A young lady got up and sang this song with a lot of heart and soul… and I just had to go find it so I could hear the original.  Erykah Badu is sick and tired of her man not pulling his weight.  So she invites him to “call Tyrone”… Not safe for work.

    Pat Benatar “Heartbreaker”

    Pat Benatar comes on like a freight train with this rocking hit about a guy who’s a heartbreaker, dream maker, love taker… and just not a nice person.


     

    Martin Briley “Salt In My Tears”

    This is a pretty good break up song.  It’s sung by a guy, but I know a lot of women who can relate to the very same sentiments in this caustic song about a person who is pretty much worthless.  I mean, how much can the salt in one’s tears be worth, anyway?  If you’re not worth that much, you’re not worth much!

     

    Alanis Morisette “You Oughta Know”

    No anti love song list would be complete without this new classic song by Alanis Morisette. Was it really written about Dave Coulier of Full House fame? I don’t know, but she sure seems good and pissed.

    Wham! “Everything She Wants”

    “Everything She Wants” was a big hit for Wham! back in 1985, but it’s also kind of an anti love song about a greedy woman who takes advantage of her significant other, driving him to the brink of exhaustion with her constant demands for more and more… and she’s pregnant, too?

    Harry Nilsson “You’re Breaking My Heart”

    Harry Nilsson sings this profane song to the heartbreaker in his life.  Believe it or not, the first time I ever heard this song was on the soundtrack from the 1983 teen sex flick Private School. Though the title seems innocuous, this song is loaded with f-bombs. Listen with care.

     

    Francine Queen of Obscene “He’s An A******”

    Here’s a song I found on Red Peters’ Song Snatch podcast.  It’s definitely not safe for work or if your kids are around, but I have a feeling that a lot of women can relate to this profane number about a woman who has just had an unfortunate run in with an oversexed, unfaithful jerk.

    Ken Turetzky “Her Sh*t Don’t Stink”

    Ladies aren’t the only ones who have run-ins with inconsiderate lovers.  Ken Turetzky reminds everyone what it’s like to be dumped by a narcissistic woman who thinks her shit doesn’t stink.

    The Bloodhound Gang “No Hard Feelings”

    With a chilling line that goes “I’m missing you like a hijacked flight on September 11th”, this song definitely qualifies as an anti love song.  I can think of a few people I could dedicate this song to… Definitely not safe for work.

    Red Peters “The Spelling Song”

    And finally, here’s a song that if you can’t spell and don’t listen too carefully to the words, might actually seem kind of pleasant.  But it’s definitely a kiss off song from both affected parties.

    In all seriousness, I hope everyone has a happy Valentine’s Day. And if your Valentine’s Day hasn’t been fun because you’re sad, bitter, and lonely, I hope a few of these songs at least help you feel a little less alone.

  • Forgotten bands of the 1980s

    When was the last time you thought of these forgotten 1980s era bands?

    Somehow, I scratched my eye the other day, which made me break out my glasses in order to be able to see.  I hate wearing my glasses because they make me feel frumpy.  I mean, I’m often frumpy anyway, because I usually wear sweats all day and rarely wear makeup.  But as I was sitting here, pondering how much I hate wearing my glasses, I suddenly had a flashback to the 1980s to songs that were once sexy and are now forgotten.

    Back then, I was just a kid and loved the radio.  At that time, you could turn on a top 40 station and hear an eclectic mix of what was then considered pop music.  For people with very eclectic musical tastes like mine, it was an exciting time.  Anything from Led Zeppelin to James Ingram was liable to be played and usually by a local disk jockey who might even take requests.  During that time, there were a lot of one hit wonders from bands that had some moderate success with a song or two or maybe even a few songs.  Then they’d fade into oblivion, only to pop into my consciousness decades later.

    So this morning, as I nurse my irritated bespectacled eyes, I remember the band Naked Eyes, which had moderate success with a few songs.  The one I remember best and liked most was “Promises, Promises”.

    “Promises, Promises” by Naked Eyes

    Maybe it’s a little dated, but I’ve always liked this song.  I think Naked Eyes had a good pop/new wave sound, too.  I wonder why they only had a handful of hits.  Was it just because of their music or did their band just not have a catchy enough name? Naked Eyes is still around. Recently, they released a special edition of their 1983 album, Burning Bridges and have plans to release a new album, Piccadilly, in 2013. Will the new album launch Naked Eyes back into the public eye? We’ll see… hopefully with contact lenses again.

    “You Don’t Want Me Anymore” by Steel Breeze

    Moving on, I started thinking about other forgotten bands from the 1980s and the next one that popped into my brain was Steel Breeze.

    Lordy… this is one old and forgotten 1980s song. I was in fifth grade when this video had regular rotation on MTV. It was popular and then… they just plain disappeared. Was it because of the band’s name, which was evidently coined from a phrase in Pink Floyd’s song “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”? I don’t know, but it seems like Steel Breeze wasn’t strong enough to blow away the competition.

    “Sausalito Summernights” by Diesel

    What about Diesel? Remember them? They were a Dutch pop group that had some success with a song called “Sausalito Summernight” way back in 1981. I remember loving this song back in the day and it was the only hit Diesel had in America.This song is about a road trip in a car that is literally on its last legs… or tires as the case might be. I never really paid attention to the lyrics when “Sausalito Summernights” was popular because I was too taken by that catchy guitar hook and odd harmonies on the verses. Diesel ran out of gas in the early 80s and failed to fuel up again, making them a true one hit wonder act, at least in the United States.

    “You Could Take My Heart Away” by Silver Condor

    How about a love song? Before the Internet, I was frequently tormented by forgotten songs that weren’t on the radio anymore. One song that tormented me for years was a song by a band called Silver Condor. In 1981, they had a hit called “You Could Take My Heart Away”. It was a radio staple for awhile, then went away. Every once in awhile, it would get stuck in my brain. I was delighted when I could finally search for it on the Internet by plugging in what few lyrics I could remember.

    Here’s a clip from Solid Gold, yet another relic from the 1980s. Since the vast majority of acts that appeared on that show lip-synced, this video is an excellent representation of how that song sounded on the radio. Wow… it sounds very early 80s. No wonder this band failed to soar, though I have to admit this forgotten song remains a guilty pleasure today. The lead singer, Joe Serisano, had a great voice that sort of channeled Steve Perry of Journey and Dave Bickler, of Survivor.

    “Sweetheart” by Franke and the Knockouts

    Another band that always takes me straight back to 1981 is Franke and the Knockouts, who had a hit with “Sweetheart”.

    Seems like this was their one big hit, though I did learn by reading Wikipedia that Franke Previte and Billy Elworthy, two guys behind Franke and the Knockouts, are responsible for writing two very well-known hit songs.  Remember “Hungry Eyes” and “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life” from the hit 1987 film Dirty Dancing?  They wrote the music and lyrics and sang the original versions.

    “Brite Eyes” by The Robbin Thompson Band

    The next song that popped into my head this morning is truly obscure… at least it was to me until a few months ago, when I finally figured out who sang this song that kept running through my brain.

    It took some time to find this song because I kept spelling the word “bright” correctly. When I finally spelled it “Brite”, I found it and was plunged back into early 80s bliss. This song reminds me of something The Eagles might record. Robbin Thompson has recorded with Bruce Springsteen and Timothy B. Schmit and is based in Richmond, Virginia, which sort of excites me since I’m from Virginia.

    “Mexican Radio” by Wall of Voodoo

    As a kid, I used to watch HBO a lot and they used to kill time between movies with “Video Jukebox”, where they would show videos from obscure early 80s artists. Two songs I well remember from that age are “Mexican Radio” by Wall of Voodoo and “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors.


    I can only guess what life events prompted Wall of Voodoo to write “Mexican Radio”.

    “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors

    Okay, so “Turning Japanese” got some airplay in the classic John Hughes film Sixteen Candles, but whatever happened to The Vapors? Actually, come to think of it, these two songs sort of give this post a little international flair.

    I’m sure if I tried, I could sit here all day and think of more obscure hits from the 1980s. But it’s time to get on with my day and stop pondering as to why these forgotten 80s bands, who once had successful hits, have become distant memories to those of us over 40.