REO Speedwagon's album Hi Infidelity was one of my favorites during my sophomore year in high school. "In Your Letter" is not one of the best songs on the album, but I liked the 50's retro vibe.
The video was the band's stage performance combined with a woman typing a Dear John letter as she watches them on video. At the end, she is the one on the video screen with the band "dismissing" her.
I really love the sound of The Beach Boys and this single capitalized on the popular Dutch band, Stars on 45's medleys that were popular in the 80's. If it wasn't The Beach Boys, it's doubtful I would've liked it all.
There is no video for this single, but here is their performance from American Bandstand in 1981.
1981's Long Distance Voyager is by far one of my favorite albums, ever. Like E.L.O., The Moody Blues is a consummate progressive rock band. For me, the music and lyrics of "The Voice" is transcendant.
"Cause out on the ocean of life my love. There's so many storms we must rise above. Can you hear the spirit calling, as it's carried across the waves? You're already falling it's calling you back to face the music. And the song that is coming through. You're already falling the one that it's calling is you."
Not really known for their music videos, The Moody Blues did do a couple of good ones for 1986's The Other Side of Life. And, 1973's "I'm Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)" did feature a basic studio performance video. There is no video for this song, but I've included a fan video that incorporates some decent images.
Electric Light Orchestra is definitely one of my favorite bands of the 70's and 80's. Though I was too young to appreciate their earlier music, I became a fan after hearing 1974's "Can't Get It Out of My Head". Of course they had already scored massive brownie points after recording the Xanadu soundtrack with Olivia Newton-John in 1980!
A band that is well-known for their rich orchestrations and concept albums, their music is unique and timeless in my opinion. Jeff Lynne's vocals blend perfectly with both the ethereal and rocking qualities of their songs.
The "Hold On Tight" video combines the band's black and white performance interspersed with scenes from a fake adventure/romance film. It was considered one of the most expensive videos of it's time costing £40,000.
My Personal Chart Data:
Debuted: August 9th, 1981
Peak Position: #1 (2 weeks October 4th & 11th, 1981)
