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…