Music Monday

I've been hard on the 80's. With good cause, I think, considering it is the era of rolled jeans, leg warmers, fluffy hair, parachute pants, plastic jewelry, and my pathetic middle school experience. And I happen to feel that much of the music of the 80's isn't exactly top quality. I know there are those who disagree with that. George Michael fans everywhere are planning to send me hate mail...(don't do it Dara!) I must admit though, that there are a few good 80's songs. In fact, I heard one today while I chowed down on my catfish basket at a local hamburger joint after church. And I wasn't the only one at the table enjoying the song...several of us were belting it out at one time or another. Casey, I think holding a pretend microphone added a nice touch, by the way. I could almost picture you in stonewashed denim.

It's almost impossible for any 80's survivor NOT to sing along with this song. Even if you try to resist, I guarantee you'll at least be mouthing the words quietly by the second time the chorus rolls around.

Oh and the video? The video rocks. It is so perfectly typical 80's. I like to imagine what Ava will think of this video if I show it to her as a preteen in a few years. I can just picture her face turning red with embarrassment as she asks me if I ever dressed that way. Excuse me while I go burn a few photos. If I was feeling especially bold tonight I would scan in this great school portrait of me from 6th grade. The 80's were certainly not a time of classic good looks and apparel. There's no graceful, timelessness about them.

Forgive me for rambling on, but the 80's and I share this special bond that can't be summed up easily. It's really a love/hate relationship. A little heavy on the hate, but there's some love there, too!

You're the Inspiration by Chicago (1984)