After the Fire

Anyone remember this flash-in-the-pan single from Roger Daltrey's 1985 solo album Under A Raging Moon? This might be the most clichéd video ever filmed. At the same time, the heavy-handed refrain is choking me up. The heart grows older, but never ever learns.

What if it's true?

Artist: Roger Daltry (written by Pete Townhsend)
Year: 1985
Rating: Cold

Little Mouth

My, but Carrie Brownstein can lay down a guitar riff. Pant, pant.

Artist: Sleater-Kinney
Year: 1996
Rating: Luke Hot

Miracles

Wow! Haven't thought about this song in decades. And had no idea it was Jefferson Starship. I was thinking maybe Seals and Crofts...? Nevertheless, I'm so glad the '70s are lodged in my brain to the extent they are. It's a miracle, baby.

Artist: Jefferson Starship
Year: 1975
Rating: Warm

Popcorn

How many of you out there have ever come across this amazingly insidious little tune? I always thought it was a pure product of the early '80s; I had no idea it was a composition originally written on a Moog, going back to 1969! I came across the above version (the one in my head currently) when my friend Ramee introduced it, along with an infectiously awesome line dance, to our group at Jewish summer camp, probably in about 1982.

Here's the original by Gershon Kingsley:



Learn loads more about the song at the site dedicated to all things "Popcorn," Popcorn-Song.Com. Unfortunately, I can't find any info online about the choreography of the dance we learned in the '80s.

Artist (in my head): Hot Butter
Artist (original): Gershon Kingsley
Year: 1969, 1972
Rating: Luke Hot

Time to Change

I've used the refrain as an email signature for the last several months, part ode to campy pop and part reminder to myself of the existential inevitablity of change. Those Brady kids can get deep.

Artist: The Brady Bunch
Year: 1972
Rating: Luke Hot

Endgame

Like a Stipean nigun.

Artist: R.E.M.
Year: 1991
Rating: Warm

Here's a lovely review by Matthew over at Pop Songs.

Blue Bayou

Hit me suddenly after making a phone call on a job inquiry, sipping my second cuppa coffee.

Artist: Linda Ronstadt (original 1963, by Roy Orbison/Joe Melson)
Year: 1977
Rating: Luke Hot

Ruby Tuesday

Ain't life unkind?

One of my all-time faves. Starting to amass a fine collection of Stones tunes here at The Songs In My Head. I just had to go back through the old entries and look for new video links, 'cause YouTube had yanked a bunch for copyright infringement. Gah.

Artist: Rolling Stones
Year: 1967
Rating: Hot!

Note: If you happen to be clicking about the site and see any more video links that have been pulled and are no longer working, please email me at soozzip at gmail dot com. See Help with Edits for details!

Over the Hills and Far Away

One of my favorite Zeppelin songs, probably one that many a high school boy back in the day would've said was one of their "girlie" tunes. In fact, the last time I heard it on the radio, several months ago in the car with Scotty, I believe his sentiment on the acoustic intro was, "Wow, that's gay!"

The above performance is great, though the audio level is low. Best with headphones!

Artist: Led Zeppelin
Year: 1973
Rating: Hot!

Someday Someway

It's those upbeat love songs with a tinge of anomie that get me every time. Thank you, Mr. Crenshaw.

Artist: Marshall Crenshaw
Year: 1982
Rating: Luke Hot