Don't Stop Imagining that the Boys of Summer are At Last all Alone

I did my thrice-daily FaceBook login earlier (okay, more like deca-daily, but still) and I had an invitation to partake in an "I Love the 80's--Which 80's Movie are You?" quiz. Hmm, I get challenged to quizzes quite often, either by the fact that people do not know how to hit the "Skip" button when said quizzes ask you to invite others to play, or people know that I am a bit of a television/movie aficionado and try to one-up me. Bitches, that shit ain't gonna work, so stop trying. But I digress...

I was actually interested in this one, (as well as an "Ultimate Friends Quiz" that I took as well), because I happened to LOVE VH-1's miniseries, "I Love the 80's." Whats better than comedians talking about the most awesomely disgusting decade ever. So, I decided to see what "80's Movie I Was." I was actually kind of amazed by how accurate they were: "Say Anything."

"I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen." One of my all time favorite movie quotes of all time, and let's face it, the aptly-written, "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel is just one of the most amazing songs ever. Lloyd Dobbler can serenade me anytime. Although, I wonder if it's as romantic since anvil-weighted boom boxes are something of an antique, and Lloyd would probably just blast his XM-Radio. Boo.

As I sat staring at my results, I realized that "In Your Eyes" is one of my favorite songs of all time, but if someone asked me "what are your favorite songs?" I don't think I would necessarily remember to include it. So, I have decided to put it in ink (well, cyberspace) so I would always have a go-to if this question were ever asked of me. One might think this is overkill, however, nothing is worse than being asked a question like this, and leaving out significant factors...these things define what kind of a person we are. For instance, if I left out "In Your Eyes," one might just think me a smarmy smart-ass for the rest of my life, oh the shame. So, without further ado, in no particular order, my soul:


1. "In Your Eyes" Peter Gabriel (Duh.)

As I previously mentioned, the eternal image of John Cusak's Lloyd Dobbler with that boom box over his head changed how women view potential life-partners forever. The percussion is amazing, and if your whole being doesn't warm and feel as if it's melting every time you hear it (or all of the various versions) then I suggest throwing yourself off a cliff*--you have no heart, Tinman.

2. "Alone" Heart

This is my "I wanna be a rock star" song. I imagine myself on stage in black leather, conveniently 20 lbs lighter, belting out "till now, I always got by on my own," until the whole world loves me. I will always be indebted to "American Idol" for introducing this song to the younger generations with Carrie Underwood and subsequently Carly the Irishwoman. The best independent woman meets soul mate song of all time. Sorry, Kelly Clarkson.

3. "Boys of Summer" Don Henley

One of my earliest memories is singing this song in my living room. I had no idea what Wayfarers were, but if I ever find a Dead-Head sticker on a Cadillac I will be the happiest woman in the world.

4. "Home" Michael Buble

I bless the day I stayed home sick from work only to have nothing on daytime television except for some piss-poor excuse for a romantic comedy known as the "The Wedding Date." Not because of the dazzling banter between Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney, far from it actually, but because I was introduced to Michael Buble. His dulcet tones remind me of a simpler time when martinis were an excellent afternoon snack and people still dressed for dinner. I love this song so much I chose it as my first wedding dance. I guess that also has to do with the lyrics being spot-on for my life at the moment, but whenever I hear those opening chords I can't help but smile...and isn't that what music is supposed to do?

5. "Always on my Mind" Elvis

Sorry, King, but I actually like the Michael Buble version better (SACRILEGE!) but the sentiment is still there. I think everyone wants to believe that one's past relationship material is and always will be regretful about it...even if you aren't. I guess it's better late than never. Simple. Beautiful. Haunting.

6. "At Last" Etta James

There is a reason this one has been looped in a million movies since it's inception, it's romantic, it's beautiful and everyone wants to believe that their "lonely days are over" as well. I feel like singing this at one of those dinner clubs in the 50's where everyone wore cocktail attire during the day and formal wear after 5. I could lay under a tree on a warm and sunny day and listen to this on repeat until the sunset.

7. "Moondance" Van Morrison

Everyone wants to dance underneath the moonlight, I mean come on.

8. "Don't Stop Believin'" Journey

Now, what would a party be like without this one? It is THE ultimate karaoke/feel-good/everyone knows the lyrics/last call for alcohol/group embarrassment song. I have no idea what movies never ending and singing the blues has to do with never giving up, but you know what, fuck it. Steve Perry seems to know something I don't.

9. "Imagine" John Lennon

I mean really...is there even a need to explain? The thought of living in a world where everyone is equal, free and well, living life in peace is every decent person's deepest desire. Not your deepest desire? You selfish bastard. ;)

10. "Like a Prayer" Madonna

Attention girls everywhere: this song was written to be drunkenly sung by you and your friends with the dudes wondering why all the girls are on the dance floor praying. Madonna knew what she was doing...life is indeed a mystery, everyone MUST stand alone...and I am calling your name...sigh.

11. "Love Song" The Cure

Well, what else is more pure than calling a song "Love Song." No frills, no confusing lyrics that are trying to be smarter than you. Whenever I hear this, I feel like The Cure took everything I was thinking and made it beautiful...and isn't that what makes a good song, everyone thinks it was written for them? How narcissistic and yet so banal of us. Whenever I need to feel whole again, I know where to turn.

12. "Push" Matchbox 20

One of these things is not like the other...This song makes me think of high school and how much fun I had. Also, it's a great fucking song and introduced me to Matchbox 20--get over it.


I am sure that there are WAY more that I cannot think of at the moment...but for right now, I am all tapped out. I realize that most of these songs are neither new nor something cache or original. I apologize for nothing. I am sure that newer songs will stand the test of time and I can add them eventually, and isn't what makes a song unforgettable is you usually have some sort of memory tied to them? Nothing is worse than a music snob anyway.


*Please don't throw yourself off a cliff--suicide is never the answer.