Song of the day: Suzanne Vega- Tom’s Diner

A few days ago, I heard a song on the radio which made me think of another song. Sounds a bit strange, but I knew the text, however, the music did not sound right. Luckily my laptop was on, so I googled the lyrics. And then I found out this song the radio was playing was a remix of the eighties song by Suzanne Vega. To me, it seemed useless, since the real original was good, and the dance version was worse than dance versions normally are. This song was written in 1981 by Suzanne Vega, then it was released by a magazine in 1984, but three years later, in 1987, it was featured on her debute album as the first track. So I was thinking: Tom’s Diner? What’s that? Well, it’s a restaurant in New York, Tom’s Restaurant. To find out the date of writing, a sort of puzzle has to be solved. Some people have done this for me, but I’ll guide you through.

An actor has died of drinking, as Suzanne Vega reads in the newspaper on the front page. She then turns to the backside, to read the funnies. This means she is reading the New York Post, which has both of the conditions. The actor is William Holden (Bridge Over The River Kwai). The article about his death was published on the 18th of November in 1981, which is believed to be the writing day.

Enough information. A beautiful song, both in composition and in clever (short) lines. Enjoy

Suzanne Vega- Tom’s Diner

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Song of the day: Stan Ridgway- Camouflage

I probably already told you that I’m busy investigating the link between music and the Vietnam War. Last week, I was just listening to the radio, as happens often when I’m working (or not working, but that doesn’t matter). This song came by and normally I don’t listen closely to the lyrics. This song came in like a rocket. I stopped working and just sat there, staring at my radio, listening to the lyrics. Clearly, it was about Vietnam, since he sang Jungle Wars of ’65. A great eighties song for the research! Enjoy

Stan Ridgway- Camouflage

Song of the day: Christopher Cross- Sailing

Some songs have great lyrics. This early eighties song has them. Or I think it has great lyrics. Because it’s about sailing, but I have never sailed. I’ve never been on a sailing boat. But if I may believe this song, it’s a great experience to forget all your problems and get away from the world for a little time. Enjoy

Christopher Cross- Sailing

Song of the day: Des’Ree- Life

Okay, I will not talk about the lyrics of this song, because they are just bad. Or maybe not completely, but there are some lines which are not completely convincing:

“I don’t want to see a ghost
It’s a sight that I fear most
I’d rather have a piece of toast”

That’s not very good or logical, is it? However, it feels like the summer is coming a step closer! And it was a big hit in 1998! Enjoy

Des’ree- Life

Song of the day: J Geils Band- Centerfold

Talking about good music and nice intro’s, this song has a very good intro. The lyrics are okay, not that Shakespeare would have written them, but I think it’s about the music here. And the nananananananananananana etc. See my point? Listen and forget, but like it…

J. Geils Band- Centerfold