Nik Kershaw — Wouldn't It Be Good
Album: Made In EnglandAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2141
Length: 4:26
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I got it bad, you don't know how bad I got it
You got it easy, you don't know when you've got it good
It's getting harder just keeping life and soul together
I'm sick of fighting, even though I know I should
The cold is biting through each and every nerve and fiber
My broken spirit is frozen to the core
I don't want to be here no more
Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day
Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side
The grass is always greener over there
Wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care
You must be joking, you don't know a thing about it
You've got no problem, I'd stay right there if I were you
I got it harder, you couldn't dream how hard I got it
Stay out of my shoes if you know what's good for you
The heat is stifling, burning me up from the inside
The sweat is coming through each and every pore
I don't want to be here no more
I don't want to be here no more
I don't want to be here no more
Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day
Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away, ooh
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side
The grass is always greener over there
And wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care
I got it bad, you don't know how bad I got it
You got it easy, you don't know when you've got it good
It's getting harder just keeping life and soul together
I'm sick of fighting, even though I know I should
You got it easy, you don't know when you've got it good
It's getting harder just keeping life and soul together
I'm sick of fighting, even though I know I should
The cold is biting through each and every nerve and fiber
My broken spirit is frozen to the core
I don't want to be here no more
Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day
Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side
The grass is always greener over there
Wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care
You must be joking, you don't know a thing about it
You've got no problem, I'd stay right there if I were you
I got it harder, you couldn't dream how hard I got it
Stay out of my shoes if you know what's good for you
The heat is stifling, burning me up from the inside
The sweat is coming through each and every pore
I don't want to be here no more
I don't want to be here no more
I don't want to be here no more
Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day
Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away, ooh
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side
The grass is always greener over there
And wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care
I got it bad, you don't know how bad I got it
You got it easy, you don't know when you've got it good
It's getting harder just keeping life and soul together
I'm sick of fighting, even though I know I should
Comments (265)add comment
Solid 10 from me - but would love to hear this with real trumpets!
Very clever pure pop. Catchy tune, beautifully arranged, sly lyrics. Like it.
6.6? Sacrilege!!
johkir wrote:
For me, this is one of my lowest rated songs on RP. And seeing your 10 is confusing to me. But, we still both listen to RP. That's one reason I love Radio Paradise!
Lowest? Confusing?
For me, this is one of my lowest rated songs on RP. And seeing your 10 is confusing to me. But, we still both listen to RP. That's one reason I love Radio Paradise!
Lowest? Confusing?
cavemanleong wrote:
I can still remember the lyrics, word for word, after so many years. And I can't remember what I had for dinner last night. Why is that?
Because you've heard it (and probably sang along) so many times it's now permanently hammered into your head
Last night's diner was a one off and apparently didn't leave much of an impression.
I can still remember the lyrics, word for word, after so many years. And I can't remember what I had for dinner last night. Why is that?
Because you've heard it (and probably sang along) so many times it's now permanently hammered into your head
Last night's diner was a one off and apparently didn't leave much of an impression.
Man, this song spoke to me as a teen...and now as an older human, well, it speaks to be even more...
dxnerd86 wrote:
For me, this is one of my lowest rated songs on RP. And seeing your 10 is confusing to me. But, we still both listen to RP. That's one reason I love Radio Paradise!
A perfect pop song that gets a (rare) 10 from me. Well played, Bill.
For me, this is one of my lowest rated songs on RP. And seeing your 10 is confusing to me. But, we still both listen to RP. That's one reason I love Radio Paradise!
Great seamless transition from previous song with identical beat, Harbour by Cate le Bon. From 2022 back to 1984.
Nik is a surprisingly excellent guitarist. This song doesn't demonstrate the chops like stuff on his more recent albums.
This is just such a cool, cool song. Interesting twists and turns, and a great vibe. Really good balance between guitars, synth and rhythm section. And the laid-back, droll vocal. Fab.
dwsneed wrote:
I know this comment is old but i have to respond. The 80's was revolutionary, but not this song. All of the great music was not getting any airplay in the early 80's, it was all "underground" The Clash, The Ramones, All of the Ska stuff, and i could go on and on about the early 80's to much good stuff to list, but not this song and its
ilk.
This song , and in fact Kershaw's entire oeuvre, pisses all over those boring three-chord shouty wonders. There - aren't opinions wonderful!
I know this comment is old but i have to respond. The 80's was revolutionary, but not this song. All of the great music was not getting any airplay in the early 80's, it was all "underground" The Clash, The Ramones, All of the Ska stuff, and i could go on and on about the early 80's to much good stuff to list, but not this song and its
ilk.
This song , and in fact Kershaw's entire oeuvre, pisses all over those boring three-chord shouty wonders. There - aren't opinions wonderful!
dwsneed wrote:
I know this comment is old but i have to respond. The 80's was revolutionary, but not this song. All of the great music was not getting any airplay in the early 80's, it was all "underground" The Clash, The Ramones, All of the Ska stuff, and i could go on and on about the early 80's to much good stuff to list, but not this song and its
ilk.
One can have all kinds of opinions about the music of the 80th... Most of which are true. But what I like about that decennium was what you could call the emancipation of the bass guitar. Many invention were discovered then or went mainstream; playing fretless, plucking and thumb hammering, use of semitones, and playing melodics, for example in the music of Joy Division or the Cure etc. Yes, I play the bass, you've guessed it...
I know this comment is old but i have to respond. The 80's was revolutionary, but not this song. All of the great music was not getting any airplay in the early 80's, it was all "underground" The Clash, The Ramones, All of the Ska stuff, and i could go on and on about the early 80's to much good stuff to list, but not this song and its
ilk.
One can have all kinds of opinions about the music of the 80th... Most of which are true. But what I like about that decennium was what you could call the emancipation of the bass guitar. Many invention were discovered then or went mainstream; playing fretless, plucking and thumb hammering, use of semitones, and playing melodics, for example in the music of Joy Division or the Cure etc. Yes, I play the bass, you've guessed it...
Pretty In Pink version was by Danny Hutton Hitters, short-lived band formed by Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night.
Why does this remind me of "What if I was Romeo in black jeans . . ."
Chords in pop!! Remember?
An old saying goes: before you judge someone walk a mile in their shoes. Then when you judge them you're a mile away and have their shoes :o)
I think the Pretty in Pink soundtrack had a different recording of this song. Same artist, but mixed just a little differently? Somebody who knows something help me out, please.
A fantastic song from a really gifted songwriter. He's released some wonderful albums since the 1980s and his latest is definitely worth checking out.
Bill knows the score!
Love this tune! Power Pop 101.
Powerful melodic synth bass line.
Perfect.
Powerful melodic synth bass line.
Perfect.
Nik Kershaw is actually a helluva guitar player. You may not know it from this tune.
cavemanleong wrote:
I can still remember the lyrics, word for word, after so many years. And I can't remember what I had for dinner last night. Why is that?
When you find out, let me know. If you remember.
I can still remember the lyrics, word for word, after so many years. And I can't remember what I had for dinner last night. Why is that?When you find out, let me know. If you remember.
The epitome of Suck-o Barf-o. Could not have aged worse. Cheesball. This is rated 1.
xkolibuul wrote:
As a child of the 80s, I see no conflict between enjoying the gems while giving most of the decade the musical burial it so richly deserves. Lord knows I paid my dues at the time.
I know this comment is old but i have to respond. The 80's was revolutionary, but not this song. All of the great music was not getting any airplay in the early 80's, it was all "underground" The Clash, The Ramones, All of the Ska stuff, and i could go on and on about the early 80's to much good stuff to list, but not this song and its
ilk.
As a child of the 80s, I see no conflict between enjoying the gems while giving most of the decade the musical burial it so richly deserves. Lord knows I paid my dues at the time.
I know this comment is old but i have to respond. The 80's was revolutionary, but not this song. All of the great music was not getting any airplay in the early 80's, it was all "underground" The Clash, The Ramones, All of the Ska stuff, and i could go on and on about the early 80's to much good stuff to list, but not this song and its
ilk.
onomasticator wrote:I think people
are too hard on the '80s. Yes, it's all so dated and ridiculously
produced, but people had new toys and they were ambitious. I hate most
of what came out of the era, but there were some gems that were
something special. Some albums I treasure.
Then Nirvana came along . . . and that was that.
First of all... Nirvana didn't kill off anything. It's like when people think punk showed up and all other forms of musical expression suddenly ended. No, they did not.
The 80's was the 80's. The 90's was the 90's. Things changed.
Besides it wasn't just Nirvana. Reducing the grunge era to just Nirvana is like reducing the 60's to just the Beatles. There were a LOT more bands in that firmament and without them there would have been no Nirvana.
I do like your point about new toys and ambition, though. In many ways
the 80's were much more ambitious and exploratory than the 90's, which
were far more retro (generally speaking)
Finally, why h8?
A really fine artist with some great songs. Thank you for playing some of his music. I recall you playing something released MANY years later with a phenomenal danceable groove. Please play that one again, soon.
Interesting, I heard Elton John mention Nik Kershaw in the early early 80s and Elton was a big fan. I think they sang one song together in the 90s. Also, interesting because Elton released an LP called "Made in England" circa 1995. One of Elton's good albums after his 70s heyday.
Interesting, I heard Elton John mention Nik Kershaw in the early early 80s and Elton was a big fan. I think they sang one song together in the 90s. Also, interesting because Elton released an LP called "Made in England" circa 1995. One of Elton's good albums after his 70s heyday.
I liked this one then, and still like it now. So many hooks!
Nick has some other good tunes that I really like.
check out "wounded"
Wounded
and "What do you think of it so far"
What do think of it so far
check out "wounded"
Wounded
and "What do you think of it so far"
What do think of it so far
Welp, never heard this back in the '80s. But now, when I binge on '80s tunes, I'll have some brand new material to add! Very exciting.
Thank you, RP.
Thank you, RP.
Nice tune! I like the fact that after the first few notes, you kind of anticipate the keyboard kicking in. And it does. And it's like instant relief :)
Thanks for playing it
Thanks for playing it
xkolibuul wrote:
As a child of the 80s, I see no conflict between enjoying the gems while giving most of the decade the musical burial it so richly deserves. Lord knows I paid my dues at the time.
One of the catchiest 80s tunes, of which there were many. Very listenable.
As a child of the 80s, I see no conflict between enjoying the gems while giving most of the decade the musical burial it so richly deserves. Lord knows I paid my dues at the time.
One of the catchiest 80s tunes, of which there were many. Very listenable.
xkolibuul wrote:
As a child of the 80s, I see no conflict between enjoying the gems while giving most of the decade the musical burial it so richly deserves. Lord knows I paid my dues at the time.
As a child of the 80s, I see no conflict between enjoying the gems while giving most of the decade the musical burial it so richly deserves. Lord knows I paid my dues at the time.
Should have been on the Pretty in Pink soundtrack. Great old tune.
....chords
Yes, choras gold. Great tune thanks!
Very hard to be a victim....
Saw Nik live a couple of months ago, was in great form and did a good (slightly ironic in context) rendition of 'The One and Only'. Not sure whether this one should count as a guilty pleasure, but it still perks me up when it comes on.
Nice to hear this again. Not one I'd buy, but a good song 
Don't get all the rage against it - Bill gave us a skip button, just move along?!?!
Contrary to posts on other songs, I just checked years of comments, I don't think ANYONE has said this song sounds like Pink Floyd....
Yeah, I know, sad git who should get back to work!!
Don't get all the rage against it - Bill gave us a skip button, just move along?!?!Contrary to posts on other songs, I just checked years of comments, I don't think ANYONE has said this song sounds like Pink Floyd....
Yeah, I know, sad git who should get back to work!!Yup, top pop writing, nice quirky progression, chorus gold.
Simply a great pop song!Check out the snappier Danny Hutton Hitters version on the Pretty in Pink soundtrack.
Haven't you folks ever been under alot of pressure or going through particularly hard times and looked around you in envy at the folks seemingly drifting through their lives without a care? This song captures that envy.
I always think about college finals and finally jumping in my Triumph after the last one to be free for a while.
I always think about college finals and finally jumping in my Triumph after the last one to be free for a while.
Big 80's hit...still sounds great to me.
For a completely different take on the song, go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amD2G9Kuu10
This is a great song from an unappreciated lineup in the 80's, never got the success that he deseved, its a good tune from the singer/songwriter, could any one commenting negatively write a popular tune?
I get it that this sounds like crap 80s (pop new wave nausea), but if you can actually listen to it, this is a beautiful song, lyrically and musically. I did not get that until I heard his acoustic version, and then I came back to this with huge appreciation. This is the kind of song anyone would have wanted to write.
jelgator wrote:
It's trendy to dismiss the music of the '80s, especially among the Classic Rock crowd. All most of those people remember was what was on MTV back then anyhow (a lot of which was pretty bad). They choose to forget the innovative music that wasn't the Top 40 or MTV stuff and also forget the bad music of the '70s and other decades.
Great song. Not sure how some of these posters can just generalize and dislike a whole decade's worth of music. But I guess it depends on your age and the time and place, and the circumstances you were in back then.
It's trendy to dismiss the music of the '80s, especially among the Classic Rock crowd. All most of those people remember was what was on MTV back then anyhow (a lot of which was pretty bad). They choose to forget the innovative music that wasn't the Top 40 or MTV stuff and also forget the bad music of the '70s and other decades.
There's an unfortunate malaise about this tune. The melody in the chorus really drives the malaise sentiment home. The verse melody is disjointed and really borderline atonal. If it wasn't for the slick production quality...I'd say this is a 'no thank you'.
Christmas of 86' (maybe) Grandma bought me the Pretty In Pink soundtrack on casssette and my parents bought us both dual cassette boomboxes. AWESOME.
When I saw him preform this song at LIVE AID (I was watching on MTV) ... I took notice. The guitar part was more pronounced live. And I have been blown away ever since by the quality of this song.
Got to love that snare drum!
Got to love that snare drum!
Creativeness of the 80´s. Nice to hear this a bit here.
Love you, Bill!
Love you, Bill!
Okay, he might be a polarizing artist ;-) But undoubtedly a good composer. He's still active and a good live artist...
This song reminds me of Mr Yuck
this song, like most of the 80's, is better to not experience again 
Yeah, creamcheese ... me likey 
Webfoot wrote:
Webfoot wrote:
Mmmmm, cheese!
I'm so sorry to those who like this song, but I had to switch channels til it was done. (cnsi)
I can still remember the lyrics, word for word, after so many years. And I can't remember what I had for dinner last night. Why is that?good tune, light but also emotional
Mmmmm, cheese!
nagsheadlocal wrote:
guilty : P
C'mon, admit it: the kind of song that you end up singling along to in the car.
guilty : P
Great song. Not sure how some of these posters can just generalize and dislike a whole decade's worth of music. But I guess it depends on your age and the time and place, and the circumstances you were in back then.
A perfect pop song that gets a (rare) 10 from me. Well played, Bill.
Pure po for sure, but my kids were playing this kind of thing and having a great time back then. Brings back those days!
8 - Most excellent.
I have no guilt about growing up in the 80s and listening to this and Duran Duran and The Smiths and New Order all in the charts at the same time. This is pop music and I love pop music.
I have no guilt about growing up in the 80s and listening to this and Duran Duran and The Smiths and New Order all in the charts at the same time. This is pop music and I love pop music.
This was a breakup song for me one time. With the described contrasts between the singer and the person he's addressing, and the exaggeration of his suffering especially, it totally is one.
tfioreze wrote:
And plodding. I think this is the first time I've heard this and to my ears it should have never left the "Make It Stop" bin.
Thankfully, High Violets' "X-tasy" is next up. Blessed relief.
So cheesy…
And plodding. I think this is the first time I've heard this and to my ears it should have never left the "Make It Stop" bin.
Thankfully, High Violets' "X-tasy" is next up. Blessed relief.
So cheesy…
Fantastic tune. for me its the counterpoint keyboard melody in the second verse. inspired. a nine.
onomasticator wrote:
As a child of the 80s, I see no conflict between enjoying the gems while giving most of the decade the musical burial it so richly deserves. Lord knows I paid my dues at the time.
I think people are too hard on the '80s. Yes, it's all so dated and ridiculously produced, but people had new toys and they were ambitious. I hate most of what came out of the era, but there were some gems that were something special. Some albums I treasure.
Then Nirvana came along . . . and that was that.
Then Nirvana came along . . . and that was that.
As a child of the 80s, I see no conflict between enjoying the gems while giving most of the decade the musical burial it so richly deserves. Lord knows I paid my dues at the time.
rabaak wrote:
I love both versions, I just love this song! 9 -> 10!
I think the acoustical version on the 15 minutes album is a lot better than this 80's version
I love both versions, I just love this song! 9 -> 10!
Wow....love this little ditty and haven't heard it in years. Ironic that he sounds so happy while considering offing himself....
yuck.
I have a lot of good memories of this song. I used to have a live version of this on one of the Secret Policemen's Ball recordings. The Secret Policemen's Other Ball perhaps? Great version. Good song.
I think the acoustical version on the 15 minutes album is a lot better than this 80's version
I love the opening riff - so instantly identifiable. Yes, a lot of the 80s stuff had too hard production sound - almost clinically hard. But it was time of the emergence of digital media (CD) and hard'n'bright was the order of the day.
Wouldn't want hear it too much...
Wouldn't want hear it too much...
Loved it madly the first time I heard and it and that has not changed one bit!
Gets a 9 from me!
Gets a 9 from me!The comments on this song have a bizarre pattern in their time stamps. They are reproduced below. For at least the past number of months, it seems to be commented on in advancing days: May 7th, Jun 8th, Aug 10th, Sep 11th, Oct 12th, Nov 13th, Dec 14th, Jan 15th, But today is Feb 15, not 16th, alas.
Posted: Feb 15, 2010 - 14:54
Posted: Feb 15, 2010 - 14:53
Posted: Jan 15, 2010 - 04:56
Posted: Dec 14, 2009 - 18:58
Posted: Nov 13, 2009 - 09:23
Posted: Nov 13, 2009 - 09:22
Posted: Oct 12, 2009 - 22:06
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 - 08:43
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 - 08:38
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 - 08:32
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 - 20:27
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 - 20:24
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 - 20:24
Posted: Jul 10, 2009 - 08:44
Posted: Jul 10, 2009 - 04:31
Posted: Jun 08, 2009 - 09:40
Posted: Jun 08, 2009 - 09:34
Posted: May 07, 2009 - 16:40
Posted: May 07, 2009 - 16:33
Posted: May 07, 2009 - 16:33
Posted: Feb 15, 2010 - 14:54
Posted: Feb 15, 2010 - 14:53
Posted: Jan 15, 2010 - 04:56
Posted: Dec 14, 2009 - 18:58
Posted: Nov 13, 2009 - 09:23
Posted: Nov 13, 2009 - 09:22
Posted: Oct 12, 2009 - 22:06
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 - 08:43
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 - 08:38
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 - 08:32
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 - 20:27
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 - 20:24
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 - 20:24
Posted: Jul 10, 2009 - 08:44
Posted: Jul 10, 2009 - 04:31
Posted: Jun 08, 2009 - 09:40
Posted: Jun 08, 2009 - 09:34
Posted: May 07, 2009 - 16:40
Posted: May 07, 2009 - 16:33
Posted: May 07, 2009 - 16:33
I think people are too hard on the '80s. Yes, it's all so dated and ridiculously produced, but people had new toys and they were ambitious. I hate most of what came out of the era, but there were some gems that were something special. Some albums I treasure.
Then Nirvana came along . . . and that was that.
Then Nirvana came along . . . and that was that.
Rarely to I leave RP...but its time for a little Pandora.
Sjaaks wrote:
How is it that this gets played at RP?!
This is something for your local '80's radio station but not RP! C'mon!!!
This is something for your local '80's radio station but not RP! C'mon!!!
Hehe! I was surprised too ... but I am not saying this in a judgmental way 
I'm just looking forward to the next tune ...
How is it that this gets played at RP?!
This is something for your local '80's radio station but not RP! C'mon!!!
This is something for your local '80's radio station but not RP! C'mon!!!
There is another version of this by Nik Kershaw that is more acoustical and is much better in my opinion. I think it is on one of his newer albums
Love this song. The Nik Kershaw video on youtube is pretty cool for the time. Doesn't that little tin whistle or celeste riff (I can't tell what that syn sound is supposed to be) pop up in an Eric Clapton song? Can't remember which one. It just always reminds me of this.
C'mon, admit it: the kind of song that you end up singling along to in the car.
pummisher wrote:
I knew that if I went back far enough in these comments, I'd find someone who would tell me what song this reminds me of! I used to love that Paul Janz song!
The chorus sounds like a song called "Every Little Tear" by Janz Paul
I knew that if I went back far enough in these comments, I'd find someone who would tell me what song this reminds me of! I used to love that Paul Janz song!
Always loved this song!
Fun tune from my youth.....thanks for bringing it back!
I always liked this.
I wanted to say something profound but...well... take it or leave it, it's still a good song
EaLaSpada wrote:
Yes, it does have a little Partridge Family quality to it.
Maybe not the greatest song in the world, but for the love I had of it when I was 12, I give it a "7". Yay for Nik and nostalgia!
Yes, it does have a little Partridge Family quality to it.
Krispian wrote:
and watching Stu Jefferies on that Saturday night music video show!
This is great - brings back wonderful memories of my early teens.
and watching Stu Jefferies on that Saturday night music video show!
Maybe not the greatest song in the world, but for the love I had of it when I was 12, I give it a "7". Yay for Nik and nostalgia!
Serious time-warp!
Yuck. Maybe give it another 20 years.
FilmSurgeon wrote:
The Danny Hutton Hitters
I still have my soundtrack on vinyl.
Who did the version on the Pretty In Pink soundtrack?
The Danny Hutton Hitters
I still have my soundtrack on vinyl.
Man, does this sound dated. Blech.
Ahhh great college memories. Haven't heard this in 20 years. Thanks.
80's politics aside, it's great 80's British pop.
80's politics aside, it's great 80's British pop.
Whoooa! Flashbacks...! 
This is just a great, great song that gives me all kinds of warm feelings. Wonderful.
This is great - brings back wonderful memories of my early teens.
meloman wrote:
I'm sure you're right that there was good music to be found. However, I'm almost 58, so let's say nearly a generation older, and my perspective is just that much different. The '80s saw the death of the dream we had in the 1960's, and that was the most difficult aspect of life in the US during the Reagan era for those of us who had protested the Vietnam war, reviled Daley's police action in Chicago, etc. So much of the music of the '60s was tied to our politics, that much of the newer music of the '80s wasn't that interesting, given the realities "on the ground." Besides, I think I was too serious for all that sarcastic/irrelevant/fun pop-rock. Still am in fact. Thanks for sharing your point of view.
From a German point of view the '80s were both depressing and exciting. The threat of nuclear annihilation with cruise missiles pointed East and West, social unrest over nuclear power, Perestrojka and the fall of the wall. Sure, there was mindless partying and the music to go with it.
But the music born out of punk rock was charged. It wasn't all Nena's "99 Luftballons" and Dead Or Alive's "Spin Me Round."
I was a teenager in the '80s - thaose were my formative years. Now, in my thirties I waver between idealism and cynicism.
The people who saw their late '60s dream dying in the '80s are the generation in power, now. Where is their contribution to make this a better world?
I have known a number of poloitical activists from the radical protest marchers' and house squatters' scene. Some of them are in positions of power, now. Few of them will admit it, but power corrupts. They may be able to carry over a smidgeon of their former ideals, but they have to play the game. What I am trying to say is: Don't bury your dreams, but live in the here and now. Stir some realism into your ideals and top it with LOVE.
rjs wrote:
Don't know your age, I'm mid-40s. Can't argue with the downside of 80s politics, culture of limitless greed, etc; all of that definitely sucked. And FM tanked big time. But that was the time to turn to college radio, with jangly guitars (REM, Lets Active, Guadalcanal Diary), exemplary songwriting (Springsteen's Nebraska, John Hiatt, Tom Waits), maturing socially-conscious punk (Midnight Oil), sarcastic/irrelevant pop and rock (Housemartins, Beat Farmers, Mojo Nixon, Talking Heads, CVB), fun rock/pop (B-52s, Scruffy the Cat), and pre-UT alt-country (Green On Red, Long Ryders, Jason and the Scorchers). Back when alternative music really was. See, it wasn't so bad.
I'm sure you're right that there was good music to be found. However, I'm almost 58, so let's say nearly a generation older, and my perspective is just that much different. The '80s saw the death of the dream we had in the 1960's, and that was the most difficult aspect of life in the US during the Reagan era for those of us who had protested the Vietnam war, reviled Daley's police action in Chicago, etc. So much of the music of the '60s was tied to our politics, that much of the newer music of the '80s wasn't that interesting, given the realities "on the ground." Besides, I think I was too serious for all that sarcastic/irrelevant/fun pop-rock. Still am in fact. Thanks for sharing your point of view.
meloman wrote:
Maybe, but for a person my age, the '80s in the US were trully a sad period. Politics went right-wing with a "Bozo-the-clown" president and music went "mirror-ball." That was the time I turned off FM radio for good. From then on it was NPR and my LPs. Shortly therafter, I left and moved to Europe.
Don't know your age, I'm mid-40s. Can't argue with the downside of 80s politics, culture of limitless greed, etc; all of that definitely sucked. And FM tanked big time. But that was the time to turn to college radio, with jangly guitars (REM, Lets Active, Guadalcanal Diary), exemplary songwriting (Springsteen's Nebraska, John Hiatt, Tom Waits), maturing socially-conscious punk (Midnight Oil), sarcastic/irrelevant pop and rock (Housemartins, Beat Farmers, Mojo Nixon, Talking Heads, CVB), fun rock/pop (B-52s, Scruffy the Cat), and pre-UT alt-country (Green On Red, Long Ryders, Jason and the Scorchers). Back when alternative music really was. See, it wasn't so bad.
rjs wrote:
If you're talking about 80s music, it wasn't that sad. The same crap/good ratio as today. You just had to be listening to the good stuff, not the bad.
Maybe, but for a person my age, the '80s in the US were trully a sad period. Politics went right-wing with a "Bozo-the-clown" president and music went "mirror-ball." That was the time I turned off FM radio for good. From then on it was NPR and my LPs. Shortly therafter, I left and moved to Europe.
f'in-a! Deelightful.
applause, applause, applause.
meloman wrote:
You got that right! What a sad decade,
If you're talking about 80s music, it wasn't that sad. The same crap/good ratio as today. You just had to be listening to the good stuff, not the bad.
Who did the version on the Pretty In Pink soundtrack?
hippiechick wrote:
So 80s! (Not necessarily a good thing)
You got that right! What a sad decade. From Reagan to Chernobyl, with disco thrown in for good measure. Ugh.
Dreck. Hell, I'd probably be nostalgic about it if it didn't come from a time in my life that sucked. I think it was puberty.
pure fluff.. im bored now
Nik wrote a very funny book about the music industry:(click here)
this song is bad, you don't how bad this song is...
Atombender wrote:
I've seen this haircut on women in their 50's.
...And probably with pink,orange or magenta streaks. That's the beautiful thing about this country. Even the old ladies have a punky edge...
5.6 Rating? Come on people that melody is worth a 10!
i thought the first time i heard this crap on here it was a joke.
i can only hope that nobody i've recommended RP to is listening right now.
So 80s! (Not necessarily a good thing)
Heeeeyyyyy!!! this brings back some memories
thanks RP
Classic