Saturday, July 17, 2010

Another Blast From The Past

This week we visit the music of one of the best bands of the 80s. While they are often credited as being an Australian delicacy, the front man is actually a Scottish immigrant.

They had a small string of hits that helped define a musical era and the culture. Their sound was unique but rooted in reggae. Their lyrics were poignant and struck chords with normal everyday people who sometimes struggled.... while trying to make sense of it all.

The first tune is a live version of a song that tells of a perfectionist. It describes the neurosis that comes with worrying too much about the things you cannot control. At the same time, it makes a great dance tune:



Once external stressors can be identified, there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Fight or flight is the dilemma of which I speak, the decision described in the lyrics of this next tune deals with the extreme version of one such option and the ensuing paranoia that comes with withdrawal.

This #1 (in the USA) song covers that unhealthy choice well:



Enjoy.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is there a slight Reggae sound to this group?

Anonymous said...

It is not difficult to see no one is as loyal to the first sergeant than his commander.

Private Pyle

Anonymous said...

Pvt Pyle,

That's may be true to a point. There is one more loyal to him than the Commander, his grandson.


3rd Shirt

Mary Ellen/Nunly said...

There was no "best" of the 80's. The only good music came from the 60's and early to mid 70's. ;-)