Are you a slave to love?
I'm not sure which is hotter: The original Bryan Ferry video (above) for "Slave to Love" or this video from "9 1/2 Weeks," which I dare not embed on the blog. ("John ... aren't you gonna ask how I like this?" .... "No.")
Stuck in the 80s is doing a podcast -- just in time for Valentine's Day -- on romance in the 80s. But I'm going to make a ruling that "9 1/2 Weeks" won't make the cut. It's sexy as all get-out. But it's equally creepy at times. And the only time romance and creepiness should mix is when co-host Sean Daly does his patented "hover move." (Not to be confused with the copyrighted "Hoover" move, which he does around Funyuns.)
But don't be surprised if Ferry's epic song makes the show. Because if you had to make the ultimate mix tape of love and/or sex songs from the 80s, that's on the top 5 of my list.


Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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aka the bow-chicka-bow-bow song. LOVE Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music -- even if the words are muddled in his unique crooning. If the wind purred, that would be Bryan Ferry.
::snort:: that made me giggle.
Posted by: Marissa | February 02, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Great video find Steve! I'm a big fan of Bryan Ferry. The Boys and Girls album is one of his best. If you are compiling a list of romantic songs from the 80s, I have a few suggestions.
Living Inside My Heart - Bob Seger (must cover the movie 'About Last Night')
The Flame - Cheap Trick
You Make Me Love You - Roger Hodgson
Follow You, Follow Me (from Three Sides Live) - Genesis
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel (Lloyd Dobler Rules!)
Heaven - Bryan Adams
The Night Ain't Over - The Outfield (I know you hate this band steve, but it's a great song)
No More Lonely Nights - Paul McCartney
This Must Be Love - Phil Collins
Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon
Posted by: Bassnote | February 02, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Bryan Ferry is often difficult to understand. I give you the lyrics to "Slave to Love"
Tell her I'll be waiting
In the usual place
With the tired and weary
There's no escape
To need a woman
You've got to know
How the strong get weak
And the rich get poor
Slave to love (repeat)
You're running with me
Don't touch the ground
We're the restless hearted
Not the chained and bound
The sky is burning
A sea of flame
Though your world is changing
I will be the same
Slave to love (repeat)
And I can't escape
I'm a slave to love
Can you help me? (repeat)
The storm is breaking
Or so it seems
We're too young to reason
Too grown up to dream
And the spring is turning
Your face to mine
I can hear your laughter
I can see your smile
Slave to love (repeat)
No I can't escape
I'm a slave to love
Posted by: Marissa | February 02, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Oh Yeah! Great song. Bryan Ferry, the inspiration of my beloved David Gahan.
Posted by: Mike in Austin | February 02, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Bassnote... I've been asking for a podcast for "About Last Night" for a long time. One of my most favorite songs of all time "Living Inside My Heart Now".... love it!
Posted by: Carla | February 02, 2008 at 10:18 PM
In "About Last Night," I liked it for the saving grace of the supporting characters of Bernie and Joan.
Posted by: Marissa | February 02, 2008 at 10:33 PM
I love the whole movie... The bathtub scene alone... lol!
Posted by: Carla | February 02, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Let us not forget Roxy Music's last studio album (until the new one comes out this year...maybe) in 1982, AVALON. Boys And Girls isgreat, but is really just a continuation of the sound started on Avalon. Besides, Ridley Scott directed the Avalon video...how cool is that?
Posted by: Douglas Arthur | February 03, 2008 at 12:04 AM
I remember hating About Last Night...
I'm sure it hasn't aged well either.
Zis ees not zee fromage.
Zis ees not zee vin.
Posted by: Douglas Arthur | February 03, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Bryan Adams - "Remember", "It's Only Love"
Richard Marx - "Right Here Waiting"
Air Supply - "Making Love Out of Nothing At All"
Stonebolt - "Don't Ya Hide It"
David Foster - Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire
Don Henley - Love Rules
Doug & the Slugs - Who Knows How to Make Love Stay
Eddie Money - Take Me Home Tonight
Foreigner - I Want to Know What Love Is
Giant - Love Welcome Home
Huey Lewis & the News - Heart & Soul, Power of Love, Do You Believe In Love
Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love
Boston - "Still In Love"
Posted by: Al | February 03, 2008 at 01:14 AM
Al, Great list!
Posted by: Mike in Austin | February 03, 2008 at 02:52 AM
Maybe we'll do a live chat soon about best love songs.
When I recorded the podcast yesterday, we used the obvious 3 or 4 tunes.
If all goes according to plan, I should have it only by next weekend. Sorry I'm running behind, but with Sean out, it's a zoo getting these done.
And here's the really bad news: The call-in podcast we recorded last Saturday -- it's kaput. The recording is unusable. Our voices are clipping, so you hear too much buzzing. So I'm afraid we had to throw it out.
There are two other podcasts already in the can -- I just need to edit them. (Neither has Sean in it, since he's gone.)
Posted by: Spears | February 03, 2008 at 06:34 AM
And I thought I was an early bird, Mr. Spears... 6:34 am qualifies as still part of the wee small hours of the morning.
BUMMER about the call-in stuff being unusable... that's really too bad.
I've got some suggestions regarding love songs I dig, but I'll save them for the live chat...
Posted by: jane | February 03, 2008 at 07:11 AM
PS: As to whether the Brian Ferry video or the 9-1/2 Weeks clip is the hotter... it's too close to tell. Rowrrrr.
Posted by: jane | February 03, 2008 at 07:35 AM
In my opinion, you could show cows milling around in a field of wheat grass and it would still be 'hot' if you had "Slave to Love" playing. It's just THAT good.
Posted by: Marissa | February 03, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Argh! I can't believe this didn't come to me earlier regarding love songs.
Sade!
Your love is king
Hang on to your Love
Smooth Operator (which isn't really a love song, but haven't we all met one?)
Sweetest Taboo
Posted by: Marissa | February 03, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Sorry! This wasn't a huge hit, but I'm sharing it anyway. I am on a roll.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9Ni_GHdc-HU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tARmViJYzE4 (Hang on to your Love)
Posted by: Marissa | February 03, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Steve,
Once again, it's time to quote Neil from "The Young Ones":
"Oh wow, man! All technology hates me!"
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 03, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I have a strict No "Smooth Operator" policy at this blog!
Anyway, now that our concert call-in show is in the trash can, I'll be putting together the show on romantic movies of the 80s, which we recorded yesterday.
After that, there's a show on Oscars in the 80s.
Two shows without Sean Daly! Can everyone survive?
Posted by: Spears | February 03, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Oh, you and your strict rules, Mr. Spears. You're such a poop!
Perhaps you can insert snipets of Sean's antics so we aren't forced to go through an all NO SEAN withdrawl. Seriously, just throw in a "mama No!" or a clip of his falsetto singing. Something!
Posted by: Marissa | February 03, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I think we can survive two shows that don't feature the dulcet tones of Mr. Daly... there's a quote from my fellow native Floridian Elizabeth Ashley that would be most appropriate here: "Absence does not make the heart grow fonder, but it sure heats up the blood."
So there you are.
(PS: Good call on the No "Smooth Operator" policy. ZZZZZZZZ...)
Posted by: jane | February 03, 2008 at 12:12 PM
OK, so the song that shall no longer be mentioned sucks Super Bowl sized hiney. I was just throwing out suggestions. Shoot me. Run my undies up the flagpole and publicly flog me.
Posted by: Marissa | February 03, 2008 at 12:24 PM
My wife tells me I'm the least romantic person on the planet, so this next 'cast should do me some good.
Nonetheless, if I was going to pick a song, it would be:
You're The Best Thing ~ The Style Council
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | February 03, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Phil Collins - Two Hearts
The Arrows - Meet Me In the Middle (my fave)
Whitesnake - Is This Love
Boston - I Think I Like It
Sheriff - When I'm With You (Best 80's note-holding Award)
Posted by: Al | February 03, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Haha......I just looked up Sheriff......they're Canadian! I didn't know that!
Rock on!
Posted by: Al | February 03, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Pfft.
Steve, what the hell is with you bro?
I love the podcast; great stuff.
But you must have THE worst taste for music and movies this side of the moon.
Like seriously dude...Brian Ferry??
When are you guys gonna tackle some real 80's icons.
Like Back To The Future, Top Gun, The Goonies - which I can't believe you havn't seen!
Karate Kid....could go on forever.
And put some rock and metal in the show! C'mon! Hairmetal only dominated the charts for half the decade!
Or just stick to b grade movies like Beer Brew lol or gay songs by Brian Ferry.
Thats my 2 bits + some LOL
JL
Posted by: J.L. | February 04, 2008 at 07:51 PM
During my senior year of high school, my girlfriend and I used to make out religiously to Yes' "90125" album, so I recommend something from that purely for nostalgic reasons. Perhaps "Changes."
And I can't believe no one has mentioned any of the solo material from Robert Plant, whose voice is synonymous with sex! An obvious choice would be "Sea of Love" or "There's Good Rockin'" from his Honeydrippers phase -- but since I hated that phase ;-), I suggest "Burning Down One Side," "In the Mood," "Big Log" or "Tall Cool One."
Posted by: Stymie | February 05, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Hey J.L. if you don't know how good Bryan Ferry works with the ladies something tells me you spent a lot of time alone with your Rubik's cube back in the day. Trust me its good stuff. Roxy Music was a great band that influenced a lot of what came out in the 80s. As for your hair metal how much of that are you hearing these days? Thats what I thought.
Posted by: Boe | February 05, 2008 at 07:03 PM
All I can say is, When you bossa nova, there's no holding....
Posted by: Rick | February 05, 2008 at 10:35 PM