My Favorite One-Hit-Wonders

On my drive home from work last Friday, those familiar words could be heard on the radio: “Josie’s on a vacation far away.” Ah, The Outfield, a one-hit-wonder if ever there were one. That’s the way the weekend went. Sixpence None the Richer, Ace, Chumbawumba, and a few other groups who came….and went. Inspired me to put together my own IraSez’s Favorite One Hit Wonders.  It’s not really a whole list or even a top 10 list but these are songs I have heard recently (or seen the artists in other media) and I just wanted to share with you hoping they bring back some fond memories.

Here are some of those songs,  in no particular order (along with some tidbits from the IraSez Encyclopedia of useless information).

“Broken Wings” by Mr. Mister. Before being sung by one of the eTrade babies, there was the original. Technically, I think they had another hit with “Kyrie” but it’s my list and I don’t deal with technicalities. Besides, I saw them in concert as the opening act for The Bangles in 1985, Miller Time Concerts on the Pier, next to the Intrepid. Those were good daze…I mean days.

“How Long” by Ace. Not to confused with the remake by Rod Stewart (and don’t get me started on him). “How Long” was sung by Paul Carrack who went on to pretty good career that included Roxy Music, Squeeze (lead vocals on “Tempted”) and Mike and the Mechanics. Speaking of Mike and The Mechanics, I saw them in 1985 at the Miller Time Concerts on the Pier. Those were good days (and a good daze too).

“Whip It” by Devo. Great fraternity dance song and a classic video. In his post Devo career, co-founder Mark Mothersbaugh has gone onto a prolific composing career which includes the  theme to The Rugrats. I just love that. And while we are on the subject of those great frat parties at Zeta Psi, how about “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors, “Mickey (a.k.a “Bob Hickey” to all you Gamma Zetes) by Toni Basil, “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. (with a special shout out to my favorite Buffalo couple on this one). Nothing like the smell of a beer soaked rug the morning after one our parties. Those were really good days and amazing dazes.

“Heartbeat” by Don Johnson. Actually, I don’t like this song all that much but have such an affinity for Miami Vice and Don put such emotion into the video, I just had to throw this one on their. Besides, he was at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort with my golf group this year so he’s fresh in my mind. And the trip to Bandon Days, those are really, really good days (especially when it doesn’t rain).

“Party All The Time” by Eddie Murphy. While we are talking about actors turned singers (who very quickly went back to acting), here’s Eddie produced by the funk-a-licous Rick James. Song isn’t bad but Rick is the man. “She’s a very kinky girl, the kind you don’t take home to mama.” Those were such excellent days, that I took that girl home to mama…and still do.

For my 2 favorite one-hit-wonders, we are going back to the 70s.  Not only are these my 2 favorite one hitters, they are 2 of my favorite songs.  The first one goes like this:
There’s a port on a western bay
And it serves a hundred ships a day
Lonely sailors pass the time away
And talk about their homes
Yes, I’m talking about “Brandy” by the Looking Glass. Just love this one.

As for the my all time favorite one-hit-wonder, see if these lyrics mean anything:
We get it on most every night
When that moon is big and bright
Its a supernatural delight
Because everybody is “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest, which was a big dance number at those crazy bar mitzvah days of my youth. Has special meaning as I can still recall dancing with the loverly 7th grade ladies of Great Neck North on longisland. I didn’t know it then but those were good days and the music of those days always makes me smile.

And there you have it (for now). Just some of my favorite one-hit wonders from some really good days.