Why Can't I Get Just One....: The Verve, Violent Femmes, and Crashdiet

"SONNET"    THE VERVE

One of the biggest hits of all-time in England is "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve.  This song comes from the same CD, it also features Richard Ashcroft's ability to captivate and the hook of "yes, there's love if you want it, don't sound like a sonnet" sticks in your head.

"ADD IT UP"   VIOLENT FEMMES

The Violent Femmes' debut CD was groundbreaking.   "Blister In the Sun" with its mysterious lyrics, the New Wave energy of "Kiss Off", and the concert favorite "Add It Up".   Based out of my birthtown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Violent Femmes were discovered by Chrissy Hynde of the Pretenders.  This song features the memorable lyrics:   Why Can't I Get Just One More ..........

"GENERATION WILD"  CRASHDIET

The L.A. Glam scene rocked the 80's and its spirit and energy has been maintained in Sweden.  Vains Of Jenna, Babylon Bombs, Crazy Lixx, and my favorite, Crashdiet.  This song feels like a lost song from a Hanoi Rocks/Skid Row demo.   Bands like this are raw, all over the place, you question their ability, but that's the basis of a lot of great glam bands.  Crashdiet's original lead singer committed suicide but new singer, Simon Cruz (seen here), is a great fit.   The video is a little messed up, but this song depicts their style, energy, and fun.

Why Can't This Night Last Forever: Journey, Femme Fatale, Il Divo, and

"WHY CAN'T THIS NIGHT LAST FOREVER"     JOURNEY

If you had to name one voice to personify the 80's arena rock sound, Steve Perry of Journey would be it.   Journey originally had a different lead singer, but once Steve joined the group, album sales skyrocketed and Journey songs dominated every high school prom.   Critics despised Journey but songs like "Don't Stop Believin", "Anyway You Want It" and "Open Arms" will live on forever.    Here's a lost power ballad gem highlighted by a brilliant Steve Perry vocal.

"FALLING IN AND OUT OF LOVE"     FEMME FATALE
Femme Fatale, French for "dangerous woman", was a female fronted 80's hair band that only released one CD.   MTV picked up two of their videos ("Waiting For The Big One" was their other hit).   "Falling In And Out Of Love" sounds like a Bon Jovi title and fittingly this song sounds like Bon Jovi with a female lead singer.

"REGRESSA A MI  (Unbreak My Heart)"      IL  DIVO

Rumor has it that Simon Cowell heard Bocelli singing on the Sopranos and dreamed up this operatic Supergroup.   Taking four singers from four countries (USA, Spain, Switzerland, and France) singing classical versions of pop songs hit it big worldwide.   Here they take on the Toni Braxton love song, Unbreak My Heart, it's so  beautiful hearing it sung this way in Italian.