Streets of Fire- Generation X Disco, Part 3

On my way to Brighton today to see one of my dearest friends tie the knot with her sweetie. Brighton reminds me so much of my beloved Santa Cruz. This song just seemed like a good sound track- it always brings back the excitement of going to the 'west side' of town - which was so much edgier, cooler and more trendy than east side where I grew up. Kind of like England seemed so much more awe inspiring before I Moved here!
Here's to you, my Alix! Congrats!
PS- this tune is from an '80s film I can not believe I have not seen! Eddie and the Cruisers! Anyone, anyone?

Glory Days- Generation X Disco, Part 2!

I remember listening to the Bruce Springsteen album, 'Born in the USA' when it came out. I thought that the video for 'Dancing in the Dark' was a 'real' concert, with an excited fan being plucked from the crowd- not actress Courtney Cox. Oh, sweet naivete!

Now, living in a different country, and being about two decades older, the songs, videos and context of the album have a totally different meaning. I listen to "Glory Days" and feel like I have turned into that narrator, posing and contemplating moments long gone. I showed my students the 'Born in the USA' video in class the other week. I felt strangely patriotic, as well as horrified at the images that are put out as being what is American. Before, I only saw THE BOSS in his hobo chic of natty hanky around his neck, and lovely head band. Clarence Clemens, the fab sax player, has some hot clap along moves in the 'Dancing in the Dark' video- he was the definition of '80s cool. Now, 20 years on, he has passed away- just like the 'Glory Days.'

I know this album so well, it is hard to discern at this point what was a 'hit' and what is an album track, but a jam none the less. The amazing song 'I'm Going Down' has been on repeat in my ipod- the desperation, hope and longing. These themes never grow old.

Generation X Disco, Part 1

I have been so bad about blogging lately. I have been teaching a lot, going all around England as my lecturing demands. That said, I want to start a regular feature here: The Generation X Disco. Gems that others may have forgotten, I believe are overlooked, or simply songs that I would love to blast and jam out to Molly Ringwald style somewhere other than my living room, preferably with a strobe light.

Today's Disco features The Hooters. The fact that this video has drive-in theaters in it almost brings me to tears. In high school, I would go with my friends, sneaking some kids in the trunk of the car, drink shoulder tapped generic beer, sit on lawn chairs and watch the movie. I most remember going to see Die Hard with a bunch of my Santa Cruz High friends in this matter. Oh, youth!

I present to you: Generation X Disco, Part 1! Check back often for other lost beauties.