Turn It Up! (Page 3) Mz Demeanor: And now for a completely unexpected turn. I've never heard this song until this Christmas season. It's written by Joni Mitchell. I'm really liking this song. I think I like Sarah McLachlan's version best.  JX Amaro: Re: Ratt, “Lay it Down” This was my favorite song at age 16 and I still think fondly of it. Let's reflect on some of the highlights. 1 – The introductory riff, by Warren DeMartini, still sounds fresh and cool today. 2 – The performances by all the members are inspired and exciting. 3 – Stephan Pearcy is a great “sleaze poet.” Essentially, the song is about Stephen wanting to “lay it down” with some Venus. (Who hasn't been there?) Stephan comes across as swaggering and confident, like a gambler who knows that he holds the winning hand. Let's analyze: Verse 1: “I know you don't really know me / I know you don't really care to see me.” I love the way the first lines set up the drama. Clearly, Venus has no interest in Little Stephan and our romantic hero really has a tough, even impossible job before him. “I'm into total affection / Not being scared, if you never please me.” Here we see Little Stephan strutting and showing fearless confidence amid impossible odds. Love it. Verse 2: “Under the sheets you will find me / I know that nothing is for free.” Little Stephan showing devil-may-care bravado, but also acknowledging that he must work to earn it. “You take what's good for your pleasing / I'll take what's good for this crazy evening.” Now we see that Venus has been engaged, and Little Stephan is arming up for contest. What a great way to develop the story and build lyrical tension! Bridge: “I know you only want romance / I'll give you the best I can.” Here we see Venus is just toying with Little Stephen, she isn't going to give it up. But Little Stephan isn't giving up, he's got game. “If you'll give me just one chance / to prove myself...and my love.” Bang! Little Stephan goes for the kill... 4 – … And Warren DeMartini delivers a soulful, simmering, wailing guitar solo – one of his best! 5 – The outro is fantastic! Brimming with confidence and triumphal attitude, Stephen sings: “Lay it down, lay it down...” Awesome. This is definitely, “Turn it Up to TEN!” Mz Demeanor: And that's a great summary of Lay It Down! Great song by a great band. Ratt are true ambassadors of the 80s hairband movement. I have to say I like their song Back For More better but their whole album Out Of The Cellar is quite a gem. I can listen to that album from start to finish and don't need to skip over any of the songs. Not too many albums like that. Wanted Man and Scene of The Crime deserve honourable mention as well. JX Amaro: Re: “Boys of Summer” by Don Henley “Boys of Summer” in the middle of winter? OK, let me explain. 1) “Boys of Summer” is an awesome song. It starts with a somber, reflective mood and then extrapolates on the point lyrically: “Nobody on the road / Nobody on the beach / I feel it in the air / The summer's out of reach.” Serious cool. The music and the lyrics work together and really hit. 2) As the song progresses, we discover it's a lost love song. “I will never forget those nights / I wonder if it was a dream... / Now I don't understand what happened to our love / But babe I'm going to get you back / I'm going to show you what I'm made of.” Oh, who hasn't been there... 3A) The third verse has real gold. “Out on the road today / I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac / A little voice inside my head said / “Don't look back, you can never look back.” By referencing a Grateful Dead “Deadhead” sticker on a Cadillac, Henley has really captured the notion of time having passed in a poetically smart way. 3B) “I thought I knew what love was, what did I know? / Those days are gone forever / I should just let them go, but...” So true. Key word: “but...” 4) The chorus tells us why he just can't forget. “I can see you / Your brown skin shining in the sun / You got the top pulled down / And the Radio on, baby.” Yep, she sounds cool. Shades, convertible, a good tan and she likes loud music. Serious cool! And if you want more guitars, more feedback and more noise... check out the version by The Ataris: Both versions are classic in my opinion. Enjoy. The summer will be here faster than you think.  LoisS: This is one of my favourite live performances. I think it brings back memories more than anything and..Damn, can he shake that ass! Mz Demeanor: Boys of Summer is an awesome classic! Don Henley has a unique smooth voice and The Ataris did a great sped up version of the song. Mz Demeanor: Oh hey....I didn't know Ricky Martin can sing. lol. He's kind of like the male version of JLo. That is a great live performance! And who else could have done Livin' La Vida Loco but Ricky?  Mz Demeanor: Just a few randoms that I love and always need to turn them up. This one is so powerful with both voices.  Mz Demeanor: and more 80s. Pat Benetar and Spider look so damn young here. The bridge of the song stil gives me goosebumps. Mz Demeanor: RIP Meat Loaf. Thank you for the great songs and stories. Apparently country songs aren't the only ones that can tell a great story.  cofr828: The Doors - The End... This song is best listened to loud..... relaxed....lying down....in the dark, with eyes closed....try it....then let me know then how amazing this tune is. Enjoy 🙂 Mz Demeanor: This doesn't really qualify to be turned up. It's more like sit quietly and just take in the emotion. I've always loved this song....yup...probably in my top 10 favourite. Not sure I'd say this is better than the radio version but this is powerful! Mz Demeanor: o.k. this one needs to be turned up. Great Canadian band. They really can't write a bad song. I may not love all of their songs but there's not one that I don't like. | Music Chat Room 42 People Chatting Similar Conversations |
