A ship of fools sailing on

Another 'classic' from the '80's, that horrid wasteland of culture (except of course for all the shit I like). This is a harmless little tune with a unique video. The video is likely to induce seizures but that's the way it used to be and we liked it. The cool part of being a duo is that when you're ready to make a video that looks like you've got a million backing musicians you can just pick out the cool lookin' people and never worry about whether anyone has skillz.

Wang Chung -- 'Everybody Have Fun Tonight'

BONUS -- Wang Chung Japanimation style
Funny: I was going to suggest you check out this homemade video to avoid the apoplexy that might arise from the original version. But then I remembered this is Japanimation, so the epileptic fit warning is just as high.

They'll tell you you're out of style

When I was in high school I bussed tables at a restaurant where the chef/owner would plow down red wine and listen to Patsy Cline every night as soon as the place closed. Man, I hated Patsy Cline, I hated 'Walkin' After Midnight' and all those songs that I had to hear again and again. Then one day the tape died and we moved on to Edith Piaf or something and I missed Patsy. Since then I've had a soft spot for Patsy, her songs come from an age where music uplifted people rather than just signaling to them which clothes they should buy. There's truth in her voice that you just don't get from pop singers--or any public figures really--any more.

Patsy Cline -- 'I've Loved and Lost Again'

Hiding the tears in my eyes

I wasn't much of a Cure fan back in the day, I was more of a Replacements/Husker Du sorta joe. But I certainly hung out with many a Cure fan and I dug a fair amount of their songs. This is probably one of the first I ever heard. Goofy video, looks like the drummer kid is struggling to keep up.

The Cure -- 'Boys Don't Cry'

Dancer-ing

My favorite song from Clarke's School Days, an absolute classic of the jazz fusion '70's. Beware: this is a non-video, just the song played over a still of the cover of the album. Still, a classic tune.

Stanley Clarke -- 'The Dancer'

Ba-roque as a joke

I saw Russell play many years ago. He was a badass then and he's still a badass now. (Aside: As a nail-biter, I always marvel at the absolute manicured perfection of a real musician) Here is a marvelous performance of a Villa-Lobos piece for Spanish TV.

David Russell -- Villa-Lobos's Choro #1

BONUS -- Were you thinking of a different David Russell?

It's a psychobilly freakout!

One great contemporary instrumental piece in a classic style deserves another.

Reverend Horton Heat -- 'Psychobilly Freakout'

Too real is this feeling of make believe

I always dug this song. I believe I first heard a clip of it on an old Spike Jones record and was pleased to like the song even better when I heard it for real. You Tube has much sweet Platters action, nice to see.

The Platters -- 'The Great Pretender'

It ain't too pretty but its fast

This is some sweet playing right here. Chet still kicks ass, incidentally, his last album with Tommy Emmanuel is a shredder's extravaganza. Here he's throwing down the old school way with a showman's deft touch.

Chet Atkins -- 'Tiger Rag'

Hell would be like a fucking resort!

In the wake of the passing of Jerry Falwell (doesn't the world feel like a better place?) it's time for us to look to the kind words of a religious man. And who better to turn to for just a touch of realism than the late great Sam Kinison. Here's a clip from a 1987 HBO special where he takes on Pat Robertson's political follies and the tough life (and resurrection) of Jesus of Nazareth. I think we can refer to Kinison's religion in this period as…'reformed'?

The Reverend Sam Kinison

'Dr. Zeus, Dr. Zeus…Dr. Ze-us'

This guy was seriously before his time: he totally looks like Antonio Banderas, the whole vibe has just a touch of Eyes Wide Shut, and the rainbow wig was never as huge as it was on his head. A visionary.

Falco -- 'Rock Me, Amadeus'