Hard to Hold

I have had many wonderful memories with Rick Springfield...especially in the 80s. Today, a friend has mentioned that 'Hard to Hold' was released today...31 years ago. I had to write about one of my experiences. I was always a dreamer. And I loved Rick more than anything in 1983. I moved to LA from Colorado to be an actress...but also to be near him! I did actually live a few blocks from him in Toluca Lake. But, that's another story for another time. I worked as an extra in some movies...but, soon had to take a job in a law firm as a receptionist. It was a job where I had to be there all the time...no absences. There was no voicemail...they had to have a live phone answerer! A friend called out of the blue telling me he had won tickets to a Jefferson Starship concert. The concert was in the daytime on a weekday...a Friday afternoon, May 15, 1983. I thought that was strange. So, of course I said no I can't go. But then he told me that Rick Springfield would be there too! OK...that's it. I'd find a way to go! Shamefully, I did make up a pretty bad lie to get out of work (that a person I knew had died and I had to go to a funeral)...yes, awful...but, I knew that was the ONLY way my militant boss would let me leave work! So, I went to the concert. It was at a venue called the LA Sports Arena in Inglewood. I don't think it's there anymore...but, at one time it was a big arena - like the Forum (not quite as big). Starship did play. It was '83...so, I'm pretty sure it was still Grace Slick and Micky Thomas. It was great...but, still strange that it was a daytime concert. After talking to a few people in the arena...I learned that this was a gig to shoot footage for this upcoming Rick Springfield movie. The tickets were all given away on a radio station. They had it during the day due to the shooting schedule and chose Starship to get a more 'rocker' crowd! Isn't that funny? So, after Starship played...Rick came on. Unfortunately, most of the people who came for Starship...didn't want to stay for Rick (they should have had him open first - in hindsight!). I guess the 'rocker' crowd didn't want to see Rick! Sad but probably true! Anyway...I started talking to a man with a clipboard. He said they were also going to be shooting the next day to get more scenes and asked if I wanted to be an extra! Of course I did! So, I was on the list on the clipboard. Of course, I went shopping that night. Had to get a new outfit for my role in Rick's movie! Stonewashed gray jeans, a gray and white striped cowl neck top and spikey gray high heel pumps! And big white earrings and necklace (plastic..all the 80s rage!). I arrived at the LA sports arena on the morning of May 16, 1983 in my El Camino. I was put in a line of people...maybe 200. We were shuffled into the arena. At first, I was seated very far in the back...could hardly even see Rick on stage. I sat there awhile and made a few friends. Then, I noticed two people in charge talking about something and people started raising their hands...so, I just raised my hand too...and they said, "ok...you follow us!". I was escorted to the front row...right by the stage (the part that jets out in 'Stand Up' and 'Love Somebody'). Well, I was ecstatic of course! There he was...right there! I can't put into words how much this meant to me at the time. Rick was my everything. And for a little girl from Colorado...to be in a movie with her idol...was really a dream come true. We filmed those two songs...over and over and over...for 8 hours! I am not kidding. I actually did get sick of the songs! It was grueling (especially in high heels!). But, I lived through the pain. I ended up making very good friends...got Rick's autograph (remember...back then no smartphones...so no pics!). What a day it was. I thought this was a funny story that some of the Rickabee's might like! I saw the movie on the first day of its release...the first showing at the theater in Hollywood...a noon show (how did I get out of work that day?) on April 6, 1984. I often think I was one of the first to yell out "Hard to Watch" whenever he talked about it at his concerts! Did I coin the phrase? Who knows. But, since I had a 'starring' role in it...I felt I had a right to critique it! No, I didn't care for the movie. But, still to know that I was an extra with my idol...was a great day. And a great memory.

Hall and Oates

I recently saw Hall and Oates in concert. First, let me point out how I’ve been bullied most of my life for my musical tastes. As an unabashed pop music fan…I was relentlessly teased through my high school years for my tastes. Growing up in the 70s, I indeed loved most of the 70s rock, Fleetwood Mac, Boston…even Lynrd Skynrd and that Robert Plant band who honestly I can’t think of their name right now…. I was teased because my tastes always leaned towards the ligheter side of music…the pop side. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t KNOW good music!!!! Indeed…it was a great time to grow up. The music of the 70s and 80s was phenomenal. But, let’s not poo-poo the fabulous pop music that was more than just pop, pop muzik! Shall we? One of my favorite groups of the 70s and 80s was the phenomenally successful duo of Hall and Oates. If you were a child of my era…then you know HO (that’s what I want to call them) was one of the most prolific groups of that time. I first heard them in 1975/1976 with either ‘Sara Smile’ or ‘She’s Gone’ (I’m not gonna use Google to make this historically correct…I’m going to use my good ole brain!)…I KNOW that those two songs were big hits of 1975/76. Soft pop…great lyrics…unforgettable melodies. “Ooooh…oouooh…Everybody’s high on consolation…everybody’s tryin to tell me what is right for me….I need a drink and a quick decision!” Ok…that is not the correct sequence of lyrics in ‘She’s Gone’…but, that lyric, “I need a drink and a quick decision”….remains one of my favorite lyrics of all time! And one that I have quoted numerous times in my life! But, also their harmonies were great. And Darryl Hall has one of the best voices EVER in pop music. Maybe in all of music. Seriously, he is fabulous. Not to diminish John Oates talent. They were just the perfect combo. What an amazing thing that they found each other…and what a treat that we got to experience it. OK. I’m a fan. A HUGE fan of them…and of their songs…but, mostly of Darryl Hall’s amazing soulful, unique, distinguished voice. His range, his ability to inhabit R&B into all of his songs. He’s fabulous. He is underrated. One of the most underrated singers of our era in my opinion. He is the best! The concert was great. They sang almost all of their hits almost…(sadly…only leaving out ‘Did it in a Minute’ and “Family Man’…which are two of my favorites). But, they did almost all of their hits. In 1977…I was just coming into my own as a human. I was 14. Just starting to date and having to deal with the harshness of the ‘real world’ and real people. ‘Rich Girl’ came out…and wow…did it speak to me! I had a gal in my class who ‘relied on the old man’s money’. I LOVED that song so much…and how much it hit home for me…both then and now! So, the concert was more than I could have wanted. I knew almost every song they played. They did not burden us with ‘new’ music. I tend to get very frustrated when artists want to showcase their new stuff…of course, I understand as an artist their desire to want to do this…but, as a fan…we just want to hear their tried and true hits! So, I was amused when Darryl announced that John Oates was releasing a new album (oh no…here comes the dreaded new music set…)…but, alas…no! Darryl proceeded to say if we wanted to hear it, we could buy the new CD out in the lobby! That was hilarious! And spoke volumes as to the wit and ability to ‘know’ their target market. The boomers! We want the hits!!! But, I will also say that I was surprised as to how many younger people I saw in the audience. And the entire audience was on their feet…dancing…and singing along! How many groups can do a whole concert consisting solely of hits? Recognizable hits?? It was a blend of R&B, soul, rock and pop. The ultimate combination of the greatest types of music. This group was amazing. I do not remember if they ever won grammy’s…or had many accolades from that time. Or if they ever had the respect of the mainstream media. What I do know, is that between 1975 and 1985…HO were a mainstay on the radio. When radio was all we had. And how lucky we were to have them on it. The concert was great and I highly recommend catching them. If you think they were cheesy…yes, maybe they were. The 70s and 80s can look cheesy to the hipsters of today. But, just wait another 20 to 30 years and see how today’s music looks. Everything is what it is for its time. HO were a fabulous group for its time. And still…when you see them…please notice the soul, R&B, and jazz influence they have. Their music is not just pure pop…but, all of these influences. Not to mention…fabulous guitar riffs with a heavy rock influence. Add in their wonderful saxophonist and Darryl’s phenomenal vocals (scatting here and there)….and you’ve got an incredible musical event. I would highly recommend it. But, then…I am a fan. A very, VERY big fan of Hall and Oates. Maybe one of the most underrated groups of my lifetime. See them in concert. I guarantee you will be impressed with the level of vocal ability and quality of musicianship by Hall and Oates and their impressive back ups. “You’re out of touch…I’m out of time…

now I like some music

Rick Springfield (my idol) has worked with Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and his producer Butch Vig (who FF thanked graciously in his Grammy acceptance speech on Sunday) on a new song that will be out soon! Can't wait...

But, I also have found myself listening to more music. I do not hate current music. I just have to find what I like. And after finally really listening to Coldplay's 'Paradise'... I realized the lyrics hit home for me amazingly. This is me. I love it! (I do dream about it...)

Paradise - Coldplay - writers: WILLIAM CHAMPION, CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY JOHN MARTIN, JONATHAN MARK BUCKLAND, BRIAN ENO, GUY RUPERT BERRYMAN


When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach
So she ran away in her sleep
Dreamed of para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
Every time she closed her eyes
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh

When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach
And the bullets catch in her teeth

Life goes on
It gets so heavy
The wheel breaks the butterfly
Every tear, a waterfall
In the night, the stormy night
She closed her eyes
In the night, the stormy night
Away she'd fly.

And dreamed of para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh

She dreamed of para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.

La la la La
La la la

So lying underneath those stormy skies.
She said oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh.
I know the sun must set to rise.

This could be para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
This could be para- para- paradise
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.

This could be para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
Could be para- para- paradise
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.

This could be para- para- paradise
Para- para- paradise
Could be para- para- paradise
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.

Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo
Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo

I am officially done with current music. Not that I haven't been done with it for ahwile...but, this...2010... is the official date of my end of having ANYTHING to do with current music.

My father didn't like MY music. He hated the 'rock' stuff. Can't blame him...it wasn't his thing. My mother loved classics/standards...and thank God she made me love that music too. I used to get mad at my dad...but, I get it now. My love of jazz and standards are due to them and my upbringing...they actually taught me the love of class and talent!! I always tried to keep an open mind to cxurrent music - as we all change thru the years...but, I can't take it any longer.

I truly love classical music. The mere fact that I guess somehow I was born with an ability to discern quality and love classical, fine music...is a gift. It sis somehow born into me...I believe that.

So, I just went on msn...anbd saw the headlines which said eminem had 10 grammy noms. PLEASE...even tho I think eminem may be a step above some of the other rappers/hiphop/hipcrap whatever genre it is...you can forget about me ever respecting, caring or wanting to know about the grammys ever again.

This happens to be happening when I am watching Carole King and James Taylor on PBS...doing a concert. THEY are music, THEY are class acts...THEY are who I am. They are my life, my music.

I know our parents hated our music. But, really...the Beatles...compare that to the rap and hip/hop that is passed for music today. I am so grateful at times that I do not have children. I see now why people/kids today turn to country...even though I don't like that...it's way better than the alternative .. which is some of this rap/hip/hop/slop crap....

Give me my 60s, 70s,80s, even 90s music...00's suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(PS - Carole KING is a KING of pop music ...what a fabulous writer...my life is dedicated to this wonderful woman...)....

I know my love is alive - inside sylvia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0uUXlbEc1w

I know my love is alive - inside sylvia

www.hookyjo.com