Chicago Business

Issue date: 5/25/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment

I would like to start my last column of the year by talking about Follies. I know that by the time this goes to print, it will have been two weeks, but what kind of music column would this be if I didn't talk about this show? I have to say, there were some pretty impressive musical performances. Strong guitar playing by David Spitz, an amazing re-write and performance of a song I normally abhor by Kathryn Mach, great dancing all around (particularly impressed by Dan McKelvey, Yi-Ping Wu, and Karan Goel… also Faisal Khan, but for different reasons). I think my favorite musical sketch, however, was the a capella performance of ABBA's "Take A Chance On Me." As mentioned last issue, ABBA is a guilty pleasure of mine, and that song is one of their best. I also really enjoyed the reference to Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" with the flipbook of recruiting firms.

Okay, now that's out of the way. In honor of Spring Fling (which I did not attend), let's talk about the '80s. Why am I scared of '80s-themed nights? It's not that I hate all '80s music; it's just that I hate the '80s music that is played at '80s nights. I would list Journey and Bon Jovi among my least favorite musical artists ever. And then there were all those hair bands. Awful, awful, stuff. So I'm going to regale you with tales of my few favorite 80's party hits, most of which are pretty danceable.

"Don't You Want Me" The Human League - This has got to be one of the best pop hits of the decade. Synth-pop with a soaring chorus. Whenever I go to a karaoke night, I always try to get friends who are dating each other to sing it as a duet, with mixed results.

"Mexican Radio" Wall of Voodoo - Mmmm… barbecued iguana. This is the sort of quirky song that fits as your one-hit, but would seem like a throwaway from a bigger band.

"Into The Groove" Madonna - I have to admit, I didn't really start to appreciate this song until I heard Sonic Youth's cover. Still, expresses sentiments I often hold. Most, if not all, people at the GSB have never seen me dance. I can't really get into it unless it's music I love, which basically means I can't get into it at a GSB event, but perhaps one day. Until then it will be alone in my apartment where I lock the doors so no one else can see.

"Bizarre Love Triangle" New Order - New Order have a lot of great songs, but I think this is probably the most danceable and therefore fits best on this list. Another synthy masterpiece.

"Bring The Noise" Public Enemy - Okay, so this one isn't that dancey, but it's such a great song I had to include it. From 1987-1991 Public Enemy were unstoppable.

"Let's Go Crazy" Prince - Another artist where I had a hard time picking one song, but I think this is probably the most fun of the purple one's hits and certainly the one where the lyrics of the song are the most party-oriented.

"Jenifa Taught Me" De La Soul - Not as well known as their hit "Me, Myself & I", but this song (especially the remix version I've heard) is a much better dance tune. Lyrics may be a bit risqué for the conservative GSB crowd who are more accustomed to the oh-so-subtle "girl your booty is so round" and "it's getting hot in here…" lyrics.

Man, I'm pretty hard on the GSB crowd in this column, aren't I? Maybe I'll turn over a new leaf starting in the fall. Maybe. Probably not, but you never know.

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