"Head Over Heels" by The Go-Gos (from the album Talk Show, 1984)
The Whining Stranger confesses, under the shroud of anonymity, that he has a real weakness for tight, chipper pop tunes performed with big bouncy beats and adolescent earnestness. It's the earnestness that makes it redeemable. So, pre-fabricated pop groups put together by modelling agencies and quasi-pederastic slovenly male record producers are bad, but "Hey-kids-let's-start-a-band-and-maybe-we'll-make-it-big" groups in the Josie-and-the-Pussycats vein, composed of bright-eyed kids with guitars who emerge from the basements of nuclear family homes or the school dances of forgotten towns, are A-OK with me. Well, usually.
In any case, I have a soft spot for the Go-Gos. Especially for pre-makeover Belinda Carlisle, with her chubby cheeks and her totally-80s onstage hip-shakin'. (And while I'm being candid, The Go-Gos in their skivvies image that graced the cover of Rolling Stone in, what was it, 1982? left an erotic imprint on my elementary schoolboy's psyche that remains unrivalled by few images this side of Catherine Deneuve in Belle du Jour...) Today's song of the day, "Head Over Heels" is actually late period Go-Gos, from their third album, Talk Show, after the big splash of Beauty and the Beat and their sophomore follow-up, Vacation. Even though it's not from the post-punkish-new-wave golden age of the Go-Gos' existence, it's still a catchy tune. Perfect for summer car rides with the window down or doing the mashed potato in the privacy of your own living room when you need a little endorphin boost.
And yes, it is that song you hear on that woman's hair product commercial in wide circulation on the tube right now.
That's what reminded me.
1 comment:
I have the Go-Go's greatest hits, and I think it'll have to be the playlist of the day for my gym visit! Thanks for that.
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