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Pop Rock Nation

Category: Videos

  • Jan Terri: A Halloween discovery!

    Jan Terri: A Halloween discovery!

    Yesterday, my friend Paul from Ireland sent me a message on Facebook, prompting me to make a Halloween discovery!

    I love it when my friends turn me on to new music or artists I have never heard of. Before yesterday, I had never heard of Jan Terri, a fiftysomething Italian-American singer from Chicago who is famous for her cheesy videos and inane song lyrics. My friend Paul had sent me a link to her music, “Get Down Goblin”, because he wanted to tell me what the term “goblin” is slang for in Ireland. But as I watched the video and listened to Jan Terri’s silliness, it occurred to me that I needed to write a post about her. She is living proof that musical talent or lack thereof may not be a hinderance to having a music career. Case in point, check out this video…


    The above video, for Terri’s song “Losing You”, is described as “the worst music video ever” by YouTuber Ryan rr.

    I listen to this song and am shocked and appalled by Terri’s mediocre vocals and ridiculous song lyrics. The melody of this pointless song is beyond simplistic. And yet, it has over 3 million hits on YouTube. For as wacko as Terri’s music is, she does have her share of fans. She impressed Marilyn Manson, who reportedly invited her to perform at his ex girlfriend, Rose McGowan’s, birthday party in 1998. Terri also opened a few of his shows in the Chicago area in 1998 and 1999.


    Jan Terri’s song, “Journey To Mars”.


    Here’s an abbreviated live performance of the same song. Note the nifty headband as Jan Terri “wails” on the guitar.

    Though Jan Terri has a cult following, her music apparently wasn’t popular enough to allow her to quit her day job. Besides being an enthusiastic music performer and video producer, Terri has also worked as a limousine driver. I wonder if any of her limo clients recognized her from her rock and roll career?

    Actually, I think Jan Terri’s a hoot. She’s entertaining in a bad way, but it’s harmless and goofy fun. She even has a song that is perfect for Halloween.


    Despite my friend’s comment about what the word “goblin” is a euphemism for in Ireland, I truly think Jan Terri meant for this to be a Halloween song…


    “Get Down Goblin” reminds me a little of “Kung Fu Fighting”.

    If I’ve piqued your interest in Jan Terri’s career, the below video is a hilarious interview that was posted by distortedviewshow. Apparently, she was influenced by Olivia Newton-John, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga.

    Special thanks to my Irish friend, Paul, who introduced me to this musical legend.


    I would probably really enjoy this show.

    Hell, if Jan Terri can be a YouTube star, why can’t I? Happy Halloween, everybody!

  • Classic duets…

    Classic duets…

    Peaches & Herb in 1968.
    Peaches & Herb in 1968.

    This week, I have been inspired by classic duets…

    I’m a sucker for great duets, whether they are between two men, two women, or a man and a woman. Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, I was exposed to many classic duets that I have heard over and over again through the years. Since I rejoined SingSnap.com a few months ago, I have even honed my own duet skills with other singers. I thought today would be a good day to have a look at some memorable songs featuring two great singers.


    Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams sing “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late”

    “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” is a classic duet in my mind. Every time I hear it, I am transported back to the late 70s. I never get tired of this song; Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams have great vocal chemistry.


    Peaches & Herb sing “Reunited”

    “Reunited” is another one of those classic songs from the late 70s that immediately springs to mind when I think of a great duet. This is a sweet love song that never gets old. It’s also a great song for commercials. I’ve heard it many times over the years used to hawk products, yet I never get sick of hearing it.


    Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney sing “The Girl Is Mine”.

    Don’t want to listen to a man and a woman mooning over each other? How about this 1982 classic, “The Girl Is Mine” by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. These two teamed up again when they sang “Say Say Say”. Sir Paul McCartney also sang a well known duet with Stevie Wonder called “Ebony and Ivory”, while Michael joined Mick Jagger on the song “State of Shock”.


    “State of Shock”, Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger. It works surprisingly well…

    Okay, so technically “State of Shock” was The Jacksons featuring Mick Jagger. But when I hear this song, I automatically think “duet”, not pop group featuring rock star.

    In 1984, Michael and his brother, Jermaine Jackson, had a hit duet in the song “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’”. I confess, as a twelve year old, I loved this song! I also owned a vinyl copy of the album it came from. That album has the distinction of including the super weird song, “Escape From The Planet of the Ant Men”, as well as a couple of duets with the late Whitney Houston.

    “It’s raining, it’s pouring, my love life is boring me to tears…”

    Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer got together for this 1979 hit, “No More Tears”. This song was a big hit for them and was later parodied by Eddie Murphy, who turned it into a hysterical duet featuring his characterizations of Richard Simmons and Buckwheat.

    Speaking of Barbra Streisand, she and Neil Diamond also had a huge hit in their duet “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, which has aged surprisingly well.


    Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond sing their classic duet.

    I would be completely remiss if I didn’t mention the late Marvin Gaye, who famously paired up with several female singers to make some of the most unforgettable classic duets yet.


    Gaye paired up with Kim Weston on “It Takes Two”.


    He got together with Tammi Terrell on the classic hit, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”.


    He sang with Diana Ross on “You Are Everything”.

    Marvin Gaye’s smooth vocals were magic with these three ladies, who helped him make golden hits for Motown in the 1960s and 70s. But Marvin was not the only one making great duets… Billy Preston and Syreeta Wright contributed the lovely “With You I’m Born Again”.


    Billy Preston and the late Syreeta Wright sing “With You I’m Born Again”.

    Since I am also a singer, I’m always looking for a good partner. I found one the other day when I came across his half of the song, “With You I’m Born Again”.

    I think it’s not too bad for karaoke! Have a great weekend, everybody!

  • Dr. Demento’s silliness brings people together…

    Dr. Demento’s silliness brings people together…

    Dr. Demento in 2004.
    Dr. Demento in 2004.

    A whole lot of music geeks love Dr. Demento…

    The other day, I was sort of halfway watching The Amazing Race and noticed that the episode featured contestants dealing with disgusting fish heads. As the episode ended, a revamped version of Barnes and Barnes’ 1979 novelty hit “Fish Heads” played. My lips curved into a grin as I remembered a song that was a hit on The Dr. Demento radio show, which was very popular in the 70s and 80s.


    “Fish Heads”

    I posted the above link on Facebook and suddenly got a bunch of likes from people my age who are music geeks… and love Dr. Demento’s brand of wackiness. Dr. Demento’s real name is Barret Eugene “Barry” Hansen and he created the Dr. Demento persona in 1970 while working at KPPC-FM, a Los Angeles radio station. Dr. Demento is well known for playing weird, funny, novel, or silly songs. “Fish Heads” is just one of many weird novelty and parody songs Dr. Demento helped popularize among the masses. Besides being a brilliant broadcaster, Dr. Demento is formally educated, holding a degree in ethnomusicology. I don’t know what ethnomusicology is, but I’m definitely intrigued. I’m sort of a twisted soul myself, so I really like Dr. Demento’s picks.


    Allen Sherman’s classic hit “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” was a staple on Dr. Demento’s show.

    Dr. Demento helped a lot of comic musicians make a living when he played obscure hits on his show. His programming put formerly little known musicians on the map, introducing Americans to silly songs like “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” and “Shaving Cream”, a witty 1946 classic from comedian Benny Bell.


    Benny Bell’s “Shaving Cream”…

    One of my favorite novelty songs made famous on Dr. Demento’s show is the hilarious hit, “They’re Coming To Take Me Away” by Napoleon XIV. I remember hearing that song as a little girl and thinking it was so weird and different… and funny! Granted, this number is not really a “song” per se, since no one actually sings and there’s percussion and sirens instead of a melody.


    “They’re Coming To Take Me Away” Ha Ha!!!

    Who hasn’t quoted this hit’s title at some point in their life when things get a little too intense for comfort? It’s one of those recordings that is unforgettable and indelible on the brain, yet very hard to duplicate. I don’t know that Napolean XIV ever had a follow up to this novelty piece. How can you top it?

    In the 1980s, Dr. Demento introduced Julie Brown’s quirky song “The Homecoming Queen’s Got A Gun”.

    I remember hearing that song on morning radio back in 1984 and laughing hysterically. I was probably in the 7th grade and actress, comedian, and singer Julie Brown was showing up on MTV, on TV shows, and in movies. She was famous for her quirky Valley Girl antics and songs like “Cause I’m a Blonde” and “I Like ’em Big and Stupid”. Of course, given the current violent climate in schools these days, I’m not so sure “The Homecoming Queen’s Got A Gun” would be as funny today as it was in the comparatively idyllic 1980s. This song was supposed to be a parody of 50s era tragic teen songs, but in the aftermath of the many school shootings that have plagued America since the late 1990s, even Brown admits that the song would probably be considered to be in poor taste these days.

    I have fond memories of the fishy novelty song, “Wet Dream” by Kip Addotta…


    If you aren’t careful, you might miss some of the puns and double entendres in this classic track.

    Comedian Steve Martin had his time in the sun on Dr. Demento’s show, too.


    Steve Martin performs “King Tut” live.

    And then there’s the ever popular “Dead Puppies” by Ogden Edsl…

    That song always gave me the willies. I’m a dog lover and don’t like thinking about dead puppies. This song is the epitome of black humor, though, and it resonated with lots of twisted souls who enjoy satire.

    There is no denying that Dr. Demento and his brand of silliness helped a lot of people smile a little more, especially as they prepared for yet another day at the grindstone. It’s been a long time since I was a big radio fan, but these songs will always have a special place in my heart.


    Dr. Demento and Weird Al Yankovic appear on Real People in 1982. This is a pretty classic clip!