Ed Cyphers

Stars: “Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It” (2012)

It’s 80’s style synth pop with a message from Canada’s Stars.

There’s been a lot of talk of love
But that don’t amount to nothing
You can evoke the stars above
But that doesn’t make it something

And the only way to last
And the only way to live it
Is to hold on when you get love
And let go when you give it… give it

It’s a pretty melody
It might help you through the night time
But it doesn’t make it easy
To leave the party at the right time

If I’m frightened, if I’m high
It’s my weakness please forgive it
At least I hold on when I get love
And I let go when I give it… give it… give it

What do I do when I get lonely?
What do I do?
Hold on when you get love
What do I do when I get lonely?
What do I do?
Hold on when you get love
What do I do when I get lonely?
What do I do?
And you let go when you give it
What do I do?

The world won’t listen to this song
And the radio won’t play it
But if you like it sing along
Sing cause you don’t know how to say it

Take the weakest thing in you
And then beat the bastards with it
And always hold on when you get love
So you can let go when you give it

Take the weakest thing in you
And then beat the bastards with it
And always hold on when you get love
So you can let go when you give it… give it… give it

What do I do when I get lonely?
What do I do?
Hold on when you get love
What do I do when I get lonely?
What do I do?
And you let go when you give it
What do I do when I get lonely?
What do I do?
Hold on when you get love
What do I do?

I know it’s true, please don’t think I do
Nothing that you say or do will make you love me
Forget the song, things will go on
I keep seeing you from the dark with you above me

Take the weakest thing in you
And then beat the bastards with it
And always hold on when you get love
So you can let go when you give it
Give it… give it… give it… give it… give it… give it

Songs You May Have Missed #647

25 Jan 2020 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: jackyl, my moonshine kicks your cocaine's ass

Jackyl: “My Moonshine Kicks Your Cocaine’s Ass” (2010)

Jackyl, who debuted in 1992, missed the heyday of hairband metal, but nevertheless earned distinction on several fronts.

First, their signature hit “The Lumberjack” made use of a chainsaw as a lead instrument (Jesse James Dupree’s solo is rather amazing) and featured lyrics that would make AC/DC proud and your mom blush:

I ain’t jacked my lumber, baby

Since my chain saw you

The band also holds two spots in the Guinness Book of World Records, one for playing 100 concerts in 50 days and another for playing 21 concerts in a 24-hour period.

As of 2020 the band still tours.

Songs You May Have Missed #646

25 Jan 2020 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: foreigner, starrider

Foreigner: “Starrider” (1977)

From Foreigner’s first, eponymous LP which, like that of Boston the previous year, helped well-crafted rock music–arena rock, if you will–stem the rising tide of punk and disco.

It was acts like Foreigner, Boston and Tom Petty that held the line for rock on the shifting musical landscape of the second half of the 70’s amid the raw, elemental anger of punk and the mostly vacuous lyrical thrust of disco.

“Corporate rock” took a contemporaneous critical beating, but its polish and professionalism were inarguable and the music continues to make new fans even today among kids who want an alternative to mumble rap, EDM and “bro country”.

Having said that, “Starrider” isn’t a typical Foreigner tune. While classic rock staples like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice” anchored the band’s debut, “Starrider”, with its harpsichord, synths, spacey effects and flanger-tinged drum propulsion, is a detour of light years from their typically guitar-and-hormone fueled and decidedly earthbound template.

I think it’s far out.