Shanghaiist: Shanghaiist Happy Hour: Now taking music requests

Dan

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 08:44:37 +0800

Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think "Invisible Touch" was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Take the lyrics to "Land of Confusion." In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. "In Too Deep" is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like "In the Air Tonight" and "Against All Odds." But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. "Sussudio" is a great, great song, a personal favorite.

A.Robb

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 01:16:18 +0800

http://www.us.imdb.com/title/tt0144084/quotes

Jeff

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 00:36:02 +0800

"Accomplished," "masterpiece," "personal statement," it's funny to see these attached to Huey Lewis and the News, a cheesy and unexceptional band with a few catchy tunes. I hope to see paeans to Phil Collins or the Bay City Rollers after this. Anyway I thought everybody knew "Sports" was better. And every single one of those bands sucking? People who wax on about Huey Lewis shouldn't throw stones.

Brad

Thu, 19 Jan 2006 17:18:19 +0800

Huey Lewis is always a good move... Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consumate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far much more bitter, cynical sense of humor. In '87, Huey released this, Fore, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip to be Square", a song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity, and the importance of trends, it's also a personal statement about the band itself.

Jeff J.

Thu, 19 Jan 2006 11:53:04 +0800

A few favorites for those of you fans of the 80's and 90's out there: Boz Scaggs: "Dirty Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle"Tears for Fears: "Mad World" and "Shout"Grandmaster Flash: "Freedom" and "White Lines"Public Enemy: "9-1-1 Is A Joke"Bel Biv Devoe: "Poison" ABC: "Spiderman" If any one of these song is played at the Shanghaiist happy hour, which I am trying my best to attend, it will blow my mind. Especially the Spiderman song by ABC, which might be the funniest rap recording of all time. Public Enemy would be greatly appreciated, as would Boz Scaggs.Also, Huey Lewis & The News might be a good move. Thoughts Brad? Neither emo or indie... I think I might have struck proverbial gold with this list...

Dan

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:25:30 +0800

I like a lot of those songs. And they will get played. Brad, can you tell me what hours you plan on attending, so I can weight the playlist accordingly? And do you have any requests that might balance out all the whiny indie stuff?

Brad

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:53:42 +0800

I'm confused. First you say you're looking forward to music that doesn't suck, then you put out a list of suggestions that does nothing but. My request: No whiny pretentious emo indie

Jason

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 16:02:00 +0800

One of the main reasons I am looking forward to this little shindig of the promise of music that does not suck. To that end, here is my list of suggestions, in no particular order. The flaming lips – Yoshimi battles the pink robots Death cab for cutie – Title and registration The new pornographers – from blown speakers Modest mouse – never-ending math equation The Notwist – "One with the freaks" and "Pilot" Neutral milk hotel – king of carrot flowers part 1 Spoon – the way we get by The arcade fire – neighborhood #1 The Decemberists – Los Angeles I'm yours Clap your hands and say yeah – upon this tidal wave of young blood Wilco – "a shot in the arm" and "company in my back" The wrens – ex-girl collection Looking forward to this....