Hooolyy sheit it's been a while, huh? I've really dropped the ball lately. I mean, this post was due WEEKS ago, wasn't it? I guess I've just had a number of distractions piled up that kept me from doing this. But you guys didn't wait for almost a month just to get a fat stack of excuses, right? You guys came here tonight to get a hot new Synic Selects compilation from your favorite blogger that no one else has ever heard of. Well, wish granted. And because it's the season of giving, and also due to the fact that I missed last month, you guys can expect TWO Synic Selects editions this month! That's right, TWO! That's double the music, double the fun! So get excited! Or don't! I don't really care either way, I'm excited to be back, I hope you are too.
Anyway, in light of you guys almost forgetting about me, I thought I'd do a compilation of songs by artists who the world would've also forgotten about, if not for the song that makes this list. Full disclosure, I can't take full creative credit for the theme of this month's (November) edition. I gotta give some credit to the lovely Lady Synic, for this was technically her idea. Now away we go.
1. Autograph - Turn Up The Radio
The often overlooked group from the hair metal days. Those of you that were around in the 80s, these guys opened for your favorite band. And this was their hit. Described by Eddie Van Halen in 1984 as "the ultimate T-shirt band," as in, the perfect band to play on stage while the fans in the arena are our buying beer and merch for the headliner, Van Halen.
2. The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
Is there any possible way to craft a one-hit-wonder playlist without adding this classic track? I mean, technically The Scottish cousins did have another modest hit with "I'm On My Way," but it was heavily overshadowed by 500 Miles.
3. Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me
This is just a stupid fun synth-heavy track that you listen to when you wanna dance without thinking too hard. It is a fantastic reminder as to why the 80s were really the best decade for music. Admittedly, I almost put "Blinded Me With Science" By Thomas Dolby here instead. Or even "Weird Science" by Oingo Boingo. There's really a massive collection of synth heavy hits that could've taken this spot. Swap out any one, comment your favorite if you're so inclined.
4. Henry Lee Summer - I Wish I Had A Girl
I know what you're thinking... 'Who?!' Yes. Henry Lee Summer. He had one album, maybe two? Who knows. But honestly check out his self titled record. It's actually pretty good for someone with one hit. This song is among the lesser known tracks on there, and it's the only one that got him any attention.
5. Lou Bega - Mambo No. 5
There's only one appropriate introduction for this classic jam. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mambo Number Five...
6. The Knack - My Sharona
Dude, seriously though, how great is this song? Their record Get The Knack is actually fantastic, in my opinion. Highly recommend. There's a handful of tracks on there that are worth listening to besides this one. "Frustrated" and "Good Girls Don't" come to mind. Also, without this song, we wouldn't have "My Bologna" by "Weird Al" Yankovic, so that's something to consider as well.
7. The Vapors - Turning Japanese
This song is probably in my top 3 favorite songs on this whole compilation. It's so great. I have no idea what the guy is trying to say, and I have no interest in ever finding out. I know all the words, and can belt it out any time. Just don't ask me to. I can't sing for shit. That's why I write about people that can.
8. The Fixx - One Thing Leads To Another
I don't know what there is to say about this one. Truth be told, I don't love it. But hell, it's fun. This is another slot where you could essentially take any synth heavy 80s track and drop it off here. Consider "Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades" by Timbuk 3 as an alternative.
9. Chris De Burgh - Don't Pay The Ferryman
I believe that this guy might have another mini hit, but it's nowhere near as good as this one. It's a badass tune. The Greek Mythology tie-in really does it for me as well.
10. Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl
This is another obvious one. This is one of the best of the best when it comes to one-hit wonders. Everyone knows the words to this one. Every girl wanted Rick Springfield, and every guy wanted to be Rick Springfield. and they all wanted Jessie's girl. Plus, how many songs can you think of, can use the word "moot" in a verse and not sound silly?
11. Captain Sensible - Wot
This is probably, no, definitely the dumbest track on this list. But I can't help but laugh and bop along with it. My dad loves it, I love it, it belongs on the list.
12. Macy Gray - I Try
Here's the unexpected one for you all to gasp at. But I can't put a dad track on here without also dropping a mom track. I grew up in the backseat of my mom's Buick singing this with her, so it more than surely is entitled to a spot on the list.
13. Eddy Grant - Electric Avenue
I love this song. As far as I'm concerned, it belongs on every playlist, on every radio station, in every movie soundtrack, whatever. It's catchy, it's fun, it's poignant, it's relevant, and for whatever reason, don't ask me why, it reminds me of my late grandfather. Love you, Pop. and I love you too, Eddy Grant.
So ladies and gentlemen, here it is. Pretend you're reading this a month ago, would you? Thanks. I hope you enjoyed it and find it was worth the wait. Or not. I know I enjoyed it.
Synic Selects Vol. VIII - Won Hit Oneders
1. Autograph - Turn Up The Radio
2. The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
3. Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me
4. Henry Lee Summer - I Wish I Had A Girl
5. Lou Bega - Mambo No. 5
6. The Knack - My Sharona
7. The Vapors - Turning Japanese
8. The Fixx - One Thing Leads To Another
9. Chris De Burgh - Don't Pay The Ferryman
10. Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl
11. Captain Sensible - Wot
12. Macy Gray - I Try
13. Eddy Grant - Electric Avenue
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