Burn into the wick
(WARNING: Clicking some links may trigger music files.)
I think it was "Barracuda."
It was playing on the radio when the topic came up of, just how long had Heart been around? There had been hits on the radio for years, yet in recent pictures and concert appearances Ann and Nancy Wilson still looked barely out of their teens. Judging by a best guess of when the songs first charted, we figured that guitarist Nancy, the younger, had to have started around 16 or so.
This conversation was over a quarter-century ago, shortly before Heart's mid-80s comeback album. And they are still recording and touring today. As for our speculations of age, we had no idea that at the time that Nancy was about to turn 30 and Ann was already there. (According to Wikipedia, Nancy joined the band after college.) But this was hardly an issue as they still looked hot, and music videos could be soft-focused if needed. Besides, the Wilsons were practically adolescent in comparison while sharing the charts with Tina Turner, who, as Casey Kasem was reminding us weekly on American Top 40, was the oldest woman to land a number-one hit.
Rock and roll is the fountain of youth. It's had at least a placebo effect on baby-boomers who still think they can boogie like they did back when the word "boogie" was in vogue. But it seems to have a genuine effect on those who perform it.
From time to time someone jokes about how The Who have to change their lyric "I hope I die before I get old." But the line's stil valid. Surviving members Townshend and Daltrey may have chronologically aged, but they are still touring, still working on original stuff. They aren't "old" yet by a longshot.
"Hey, hey, my my, rock and roll will never die." And apparently neither will the 60-something guy who sang that line. Neil Young even had a new album out last year.
Not saying these artists don't age. I saw REO Speedwagon a few years ago, and while the musicianship was still sharp and Kevin Cronin's voice as good as ever, all I could think looking at them was, "Grandpa's in a band." If you get a chance, see them live, but don't spend extra for close-up seats. You'll thank me.
Different acts defy time in different ways. The Rolling Stones were never that handsome to begin with, and KISS lets the makeup and tight-yet-bulky costumes mask the effects of age. I don't know how Tom Jones still looks so good -- Genetics? Pact with the Welsh fae (or maybe he's one of them)?
I'm not sure what this means for those of us who never really acted on our rock-n-roll dreams, but as I see things now from the perspective of "midlife," I like the fact that Dreamboat Annie isn't pulling into port for good anytime soon.
- - - - -
This is my entry for LJ Idol's Second Chance Idol, Topic: "Take Heart"
This will be eligible for voting later in the week; I appreciate your support.
I think it was "Barracuda."
It was playing on the radio when the topic came up of, just how long had Heart been around? There had been hits on the radio for years, yet in recent pictures and concert appearances Ann and Nancy Wilson still looked barely out of their teens. Judging by a best guess of when the songs first charted, we figured that guitarist Nancy, the younger, had to have started around 16 or so.
This conversation was over a quarter-century ago, shortly before Heart's mid-80s comeback album. And they are still recording and touring today. As for our speculations of age, we had no idea that at the time that Nancy was about to turn 30 and Ann was already there. (According to Wikipedia, Nancy joined the band after college.) But this was hardly an issue as they still looked hot, and music videos could be soft-focused if needed. Besides, the Wilsons were practically adolescent in comparison while sharing the charts with Tina Turner, who, as Casey Kasem was reminding us weekly on American Top 40, was the oldest woman to land a number-one hit.
Rock and roll is the fountain of youth. It's had at least a placebo effect on baby-boomers who still think they can boogie like they did back when the word "boogie" was in vogue. But it seems to have a genuine effect on those who perform it.
From time to time someone jokes about how The Who have to change their lyric "I hope I die before I get old." But the line's stil valid. Surviving members Townshend and Daltrey may have chronologically aged, but they are still touring, still working on original stuff. They aren't "old" yet by a longshot.
"Hey, hey, my my, rock and roll will never die." And apparently neither will the 60-something guy who sang that line. Neil Young even had a new album out last year.
Not saying these artists don't age. I saw REO Speedwagon a few years ago, and while the musicianship was still sharp and Kevin Cronin's voice as good as ever, all I could think looking at them was, "Grandpa's in a band." If you get a chance, see them live, but don't spend extra for close-up seats. You'll thank me.
Different acts defy time in different ways. The Rolling Stones were never that handsome to begin with, and KISS lets the makeup and tight-yet-bulky costumes mask the effects of age. I don't know how Tom Jones still looks so good -- Genetics? Pact with the Welsh fae (or maybe he's one of them)?
I'm not sure what this means for those of us who never really acted on our rock-n-roll dreams, but as I see things now from the perspective of "midlife," I like the fact that Dreamboat Annie isn't pulling into port for good anytime soon.
- - - - -
This is my entry for LJ Idol's Second Chance Idol, Topic: "Take Heart"
This will be eligible for voting later in the week; I appreciate your support.