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by Philipina A. Marcelo
One of my fave songs from the '80s... by one of my fave bands - ever...
"I may get it wrong sometimes but I'll come back in style..."
"You're the best thing" by the talented British act, The Style Council. TSC music was the result of the brilliant partnership between Paul Weller and Mick Talbot, and "You're the best thing" was one of their signature songs.
I like the song because it isn't your "regular" love song. While it does have a "healthy serving" of good old cheesiness that defines helpless romanticism (like I know what that is *wink*), it has pride, expressed in the eye-roll-evoking smugness - so adorable, I just love it! :) Aside from PW's soulful singing, the guitar strumming is fantastic, and the sax gives it a touch of sexiness as well. Add to that a dash of endearing British sarcasm ("I could be a lot, but I know I'm not" *eye roll*) and subtlety ("...and commit the sin of wanting more than I've already got" *wink*) - and you've got a real irresistible mix... unique and classy.
Needless to say (but I'm saying it, anyway), I like Paul Weller - a lot. Nevermind that his idea of dancing consists mainly of "vertical writhing"... it's the moody face, the grit in his voice (which he unleashes when the situation calls for it... and you wonder how a slight figure like his could generate so much power. Uhm... Second Law of Thermodynamics - in reverse - perhaps? :) Hey, I didn't say I wasn't a dork!), fantastic falsetto (which he exhibits in ample quantity - bless him!), great music - so full of soul, very smart, and a talented writer of many critically acclaimed songs too. Two words: '80s men. Oy! :)
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And here's another awesomeness that usually compels me to do exactly what Weller and Talbot suggest, "Shout to the Top"!
"Y'see it's a frightening thing when it dawns upon ya... that I know as much as the day I was born."
I know... Mick Talbot is insane! =) And the Weller was doing his writhing thing - to the max - in this video! :) I remember having to put up with my sister's taunting when she saw this more than 20 years ago... she couldn't see the likeness between Paul Weller and John Taylor (the crush of my life - until now) of Duran Duran. :) I had to point out that it was about the talent and being brilliant in what they do that came first... okay, who was I kidding, right? Right! :) Hey, I was a teenager that time! But later, after seeing different parts of the globe, and meeting and conversing with interesting people from different cultures and walks of life, I came to mean that - with all my heart. :)
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Ah, The Style Council. Hmmm.... I should thank them, actually... their songs were a constant source of "inspired topics" in my High School essays, even when they messed around with "my ever changing moods", too! :)
"I wish to stay forever, letting this be my food. Oh, but I'm caught up in a whirlwind... and my ever changing moods...."
And you thought it's just about one's ever changing moods, too, huh? Well, maybe we're wrong! ;) This could apply to our latest "economic woes", too, these days... as economists talk about "double dip" and stuff like that. ;) Oh, boy!
"The past is knowledge, the present our mistake.
And the future we always leave too late.
I wish we'd come to our senses and see there is no truth
in those who promote the confusion...
for this ever changing mood."
Ah, I miss those days... when songs actually mean something... a lot of things - things that evoke intelligent thoughts, ignite passion, and titillate the heart to incredible joy! While I know that it's impossible to bring them back, I'm just glad I experienced those good old days... and that wonderful past will always be my little happy place - and it's the best thing! :)
Alright, bring on shallowness!
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Acknowledgement: Thanks, YouTube, for the videos.
