Please, no Taco or Toto tonight!
Just when I thought American Idol was free of our beloved '80s ...
Tonight's show features contestants singing a song from the year in which they were born. That means tunes from 1978 (Michael Johns) through 1991 (Lil' Davie Archuleta). So as Donnie Iris once sang, here we go again. (We ain't learned our lesson yet!)
Don't put it past someone to try another Journey song, just to kiss up to Randy Jackson. Thankfully, nobody was born in the same year as a Paula Abdul tune. That's probably the only reason Simon will even show up tonight.
Here are the years in play tonight, along with each contestant and the song I'd pick for them:
- Michael Johns (1978): "How Deep Is Your Love?" -- Bee Gees
- David Cook (1982): "Jack and Diane" -- John Mellencamp
- Carly Smithson (1983): "Total Eclipse of the Heart" -- Bonnie Tyler
- Brooke White (1983): "Come On Eileen" -- Dexy's Midnight Runners (That ought to finish her off!)
- Kristy Lee Cook (1984): "Time After Time" --- Cyndi Lauper
- Chikezie Eze (1985): "Part-Time Lover" -- Stevie Wonder
- Syesha Mercado (1987): "Who's That Girl" -- Madonna
- Ramiele Malubay (1987): "Head to Toe" -- Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
- Jason Castro (1987): "Lean On Me" -- Club Nouveau
- David Archuleta (1990): The '90s? You're on your own, little guy!
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.
E-mail Steve Spears:
Fun little side thread:
What would be your AI choice from your birth year?
From 1963, I'd have to go with Ray Charles' "Busted" (although the Trashmen's "Surfin' Bird" is awfully tempting!)
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | March 25, 2008 at 03:50 PM
I'm lucky enough to have 1967 to choose from. But I'm still going to pick "I'm a Believer" from The Monkees. At least I know the words.
Posted by: Spears | March 25, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Even though the Beatles were dominating everything in the year of my birth (1964), I'd have to go with either "Wishin' And Hopin'" by Dusty Springfield or "Anyone Who Had A Heart" by Dionne Warwick (also done by Miss Dusty.)
Unless I had a kickass backing band. Then I'd go with my fave song of all time (next to "Night and Day"): "The Girl from Ipanema."
Posted by: jane | March 25, 2008 at 04:04 PM
1967 is my year too. I would go with Pleasant Valley Sunday by the Monkees for my tune.
"Another Pleasant Valley Sunday, here in Status Symbol Land..."
Posted by: Bassnote | March 25, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I thought there wouldn't be much to choose from in 1973 but I was pleasantly surprised:
Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by Bette Midler (I do a pretty good Andrews Sisters' version in the car)
You're So Vain by Carly Simon
Hmmmm...
Posted by: specialkness | March 25, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Hey Steve and gang,
Check out this article on John Hughes--not sure if you've seen it:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-goldstein25mar25,1,2103281.story
JOHN HUGHES hasn't set foot in Hollywood for years, but his influence has never been more potent. The king of 1980s comedy, Hughes now qualifies as something of a Howard Hughes-style recluse -- he doesn't have an agent, doesn't give interviews and lives far away, somewhere in Chicago's sprawling North Shore suburbs where most of his films were set.
But he has an entire generation of fans in the industry who grew up infatuated with his films, especially a string of soulful mid-1980s teen comedies that helped capture the eternal drama of modern teenage existence. They include "Sixteen Candles," "Pretty in Pink," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Breakfast Club," which no less an authority than Courtney Love once called "the defining moment of the alternative generation." Any number of successful actors and filmmakers, from Judd Apatow and Kevin Smith to Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller and Wes Anderson, are fans, having soaked up Hughes' keen observational humor, love of mischief and shrewd dissection of social hierarchies.
[click link for entire article]
Posted by: malibu | March 25, 2008 at 05:07 PM
I had to Google songs from 1965. Wow, lots of peppy songs.
I'd go with THE ANIMALS "Don't let me be misunderstood" or BARBARA LEWIS "Baby, I'm yours"
I know, quite a contrast. That's just how I roll.
Posted by: Marissa | March 25, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Well if I could play, I would certainly do "Purple Haze" from my year which is also 1967.
But, since I only have my velvet pipes, although it would be a tough choice but I would go with "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield.
Comments-
R- Forced laugh; Dog I don't know, it was just awright for me.
P- You look amazing. You have this big voice and wonderful range and that song just didn't allow to show it off. You look amazing though and we still love ya'
S- I was bored to tears.
me- Well, I feel it is a song whose message can still resonate today with the people of America. Maybe it is time we stop and see what IS going down.
Ryan (looking confused) - wow, provocative thoughts here on Idol. If you like Drew . . .
Posted by: DoctorDrew | March 25, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Dr. Drew, don't forget that Paula would mention the colors of your performance.
Malibu -- thanks for that article on Mr. Hughes. Fantastic to say the least.
It's tough for me to see a Hughes-like stamp on most of today's flicks, though ... particularly those involving teen-agers.
Posted by: Marissa | March 25, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Drew -- HA! Although if you did "Purple Haze" the producers would probably give you the Strobe Lights of Stardom during your performance. And the Flames as your background. Keep that in mind...
Posted by: jane | March 25, 2008 at 06:35 PM
lots of monkees fans, hmmm!!! well i was born in 1966, so i'd probably go with a monkees tune myself. hmmm let's see, which one could it be? maybe it's i'm gonna buy me a dog, or this just seem to be my day, or i wanna be free. nahh, i think i would go with last train to clarksville, classic tune from start to finish. from the classic guitar lick to micky dolenz's vocal, it's one of my absolute favorites.
Posted by: chad | March 25, 2008 at 07:13 PM
thats this just doesnt seem to be my day, btw. go figure, the one time i dont preview
Posted by: chad | March 25, 2008 at 07:15 PM
I'm a 1966 boy and I'd have to go with "Wouldn't it Be Nice"
Spearsy, nice call on Total Eclipse - Carly butchered that up right nice.
Posted by: Big Tex | March 25, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I agree, Tex. Carly has potential, but tried too hard for way too many money notes. I couldn't get into the shriek, shout and shrill presented tonight.
Posted by: Marissa | March 25, 2008 at 10:42 PM
I am older than dirt...1957
But, the soundtrack of my life begins with Harry Belafonte, THE BANANA BOAT SONG. But admit it, you all sing along!
Posted by: aces88ss | March 26, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Aces, hell yeah I'll sing along to that song. It was, afterall, featured in the 80s Michael Keaton flick "Beetle Juice"
Posted by: Marissa | March 26, 2008 at 08:48 AM
I can't very well mention that clip and then not provide a youtube link.
Happy Hump Day, everybody!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ9VDrf5jyY
Posted by: Marissa | March 26, 2008 at 08:51 AM
My year is 1968 and I'm having a hard time choosing, especially since I can't really sing. :) Anyway, my choice would be (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay. My runners up would be Mrs. Robinson and Hey Jude.
Posted by: Shelly | March 29, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Go with "Mrs. Robinson" -- that's a no-brainer!
Posted by: Spears | March 29, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Oh Shelly -- definitely "Mrs. Robinson."
I'll even be the Simon to your Garfunkel, or vice versa.
Posted by: jane | March 29, 2008 at 11:24 AM