Every music fanatic has to start somewhere… a record, an eight track, or (in my case) a cassette tape. I first became truly aware of my local record shop in 1983 or so. That’s the year I had my grandmother drive me there so I could purchase my first ever album on cassette. That album? Men Without Hats’ Rhythm of Youth (sometimes referred to as Folk of the 80s Part II).
The Safety Dance & Beyond
Having heard their classic synth pop / dance floor anthem “The Safety Dance” on my local FM station, I was transfixed by the sounds and the amazing newness of the sound. So, with the few dollars of allowance I had (and my grandmother’s permission), I snagged up a copy and headed home, where I played it to death. I’m pretty sure my entire family knew all the songs on that album as well as Ivan Doroschuk (the lead singer and main composer for Men Without Hats) did by the time the tape wore out. Marvelous, heady days, indeed!
My Obsession
To be certain, this initial experience sent me into a life-long quest to find all the coolest music I could (IMHO, of course). I would often frequent my local record shop and grab up whatever I heard playing that caught my interest. Sometimes, it was just an album cover that would do it. Other times, the band’s name would sell me on the music. During this time, I collected as many songs as I could, which only made me hungry for more.
Spirit of Radio
Whenever I would hear a great song on the radio, I would seek out everything I could find by the artist. Many of their lesser-known tracks and albums have become my favorites. This led me to seek out lesser-and-lesser known artists, as well, many of whom have become very popular on my personal playlists. The 1980s was a great time for music and I was like a kid in a candy store every time I would discover a new song or artist.
Fuel for the Fire
Once I obtained gainful employment as an adult, I ramped up my collection significantly, moving from cassettes to Compact Discs (CDs) and eventually to mp3s. But nothing comes close to that first cassette. I still listen to those songs to this day and they always take me back to my very happy first encounters with music. Hopefully, this blog will spark a little of that old magic in you, too.
Rhythm of Youth
The Rhythm of Youth wasn’t all Safety Dance (although that song is absolute genius). Many of the other tracks also caught my ear and have become favorites, as well. “I Like”, “Living in China”, “I Got the Message”, and “Ideas for Walls” are great, fun, upbeat songs. I also enjoyed the opening short song “Ban the Game” and “The Great Ones Remember”. If you like the album, which is your favorite deeper cut from the LP? I’d love to know! So that brings us to why we’re here….
Are Friends ‘Electric’?
Welcome, friends, to Frizzo’s Electric Café! It’s my tribute to the 1980s and its influence in music, movies, and pop culture. From old familiar Top 100 songs, to forgotten favorites, one hit wonders, and outright obscurities, you will find a little bit of everything here. Enjoy!
Shameless Plug!
Treat yourself to some great music and support the site by checking out Men Without Hats’ Rhythm of Youth here. Full disclaimer: it’s an affiliate link to Amazon.com and there are some others sprinkled throughout the post – I’ve got to keep my collection going somehow! Anyway, it costs you nothing extra and it helps support the site. Thanks for stopping by (and double thanks if you decided to support me!) and we’ll catch you on the flip side!
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