Playlist 2 : Favorite Forgotten Hair Band songs

Jana of JanaSays.com is in her late 30s, and Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand is in her early 40s.  #noshame

Aquanet ... Spandex ... Blue eyeshadow ... MTV ... BIG HAIR ... all of these things were part of our childhood and teen years.  So was the genre of music that gets a lot of teasing (pun intended) and ridicule known as Glam Metal, Hair Bands, Cock Rock....but these bands and songs are beloved by the two of us.  In fact, as we got to know each other, we instantly connected with our mutual love of books and hair bands. 

This is not the list of songs that are played in sports stadiums or classic rock stations.  C'mon.  Admit it.  You guys know Welcome to the Jungle, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, and Livin' on a Prayer.  You probably even know Pour Some Sugar on Me, Cherry Pie, and Here I Go Again.

This list is not those songs.  This list features the songs that you have to turn to a specialty station like SiriusXM's Hair Nation (in the U.S.) for a chance to hear them. Or be an avid fan of this music from days gone by.  This list is a combined effort of our favorite forgotten hair band songs.

1. Wait for You by Bonham - 1989 - Do you recognize this name?  John Bonham, the drummer of a little band called Led Zeppelin, who died in 1980...he had a son named Jason Bonham.  He can play drums too.  He had a band that had a song, and this is it.

2.  Call to Your Heart by Guiffria - 1984 - Honestly don't remember anything about Guiffria except this song.  And, this is a good song. 

3.  Edge of a Broken Heart by Bon Jovi - 1987 - Back in the day, pop radio had djs and you could actually call and request to hear your favorite songs.  The local Houston station (104 KRBE) had a "Top 8 at 8:00" most requested program.  From Erin: "I'd wait for this song to play, so I could record it on my cassette tape each night, so I could have an entire cassette of just this song playing over and over."  The work and commitment we had to give for our favorites.....

4.  Burning Like a Flame by Dokken - 1987 - To be honest, we could give you a whole list of fantastic songs from Dokken, but this is a fave.  From Erin: "Is this the time that I tell you about getting my picture taken with Don Dokken when my friend was getting beers or going to the bathroom, and she's the one that really loved Dokken and she missed the photo opportunity??"

5.  Tell Me by White Lion - 1987 - Don't know many girls that didn't find Mike Tramp (the lead singer) pretty dreamy back in the day.  The last time I (Erin) saw him was 2008, and he was still pretty dreamy. 

6.  Coming of Age by Damn Yankees - 1990 - Once upon a time, a supergroup was formed with a member of Night Ranger, a member of Styx, and Ted Nugent.  Fun fact from Erin: "I saw them open for Poison in Fargo, ND."

7.  Bang Bang by Danger Danger - 1989 - From Jana: "They were my favorite and I was obsessed. Meeting Ted Poley and Andy Timmons was the highlight of 8th grade."  No other words are needed.

8.  Love Song by Tesla - 1989 - Serious now.  If you aren't going to listen to any other of the songs on this list, listen to this one.  It truly is one of the greatest anthemic love songs ever created.  Yes, we are biased about this list, but we speak the truth about this song. 

9.  Dirty Love by Thunder - 1990 - This British band has 9 studio albums, 7 live albums, and 22 singles released.  Sure, they've had a lot of band members in and out during that time...but that's more albums produced than Taylor Swift or Rhianna or One Direction or many of the other big sellers of popular music.

10.  Big Talk by Warrant - 1989 - Awww Warrant.  The band known for Cherry Pie.  In fact, that song was part of the demise of lead singer, Jani Lane, who died a few years ago from an alcohol fueled death.  They really were a talented band.  (Feel free to fast forward the first minute of this film clip.)  R.I.P Jani

11.  One in a Million by Trixter - 1991 -  This song hit radio airwaves the same year as Nirvana and Pearl Jam.  Poor Trixter was just a little too late for any serious music people to listen to them.  Wait.  We ain't about those music snobs anyway.

 12.  Mad About You by Slaughter - 1991 - Not sure this song made it to the music charts.  There were actually some songs on this album that got more airplay.  But, we're rebelling and going with this lesser known gem for our list.

13.  Tainted Angel by Southgang - 1991 - We knew this one was a given.  Erin loves Butch Walker (he's the "hunk" of a brunette guitarist in this video clip).  Admittedly, most of the love is for the artist that Butch is now.  (No joke.  He is a hugely talented singer-songwriter-producer-and yes, guitarist.)  Jana saw Southgang in concert New Year's Eve 1991.  Jana frickin' wins!

14.  I'll Never Let You Go by Steelheart - 1990 - This is Jana's "favorite power ballad", and it was going to be left off the list "because his voice may hurt the ears of others", but Erin said "Hell no!  I'm totally including Steelheart!", and here you have it.  (Get to the chorus - the vocals are seriously insane!)

You really have no idea how difficult it was for us to narrow down this list.  It was like selecting our favorite child or something (even though Erin doesn't have a child, but she does have step-children, and Jana has one, so obviously, that one is the favorite).   So, really, this was more difficult than picking our favorite child.  We're still questioning how Ratt, Cinderella, Mr. Big, Skid Row, Firehouse, Whitesnake, and others didn't make this list.  But, we wanted to  keep it short enough that you may stay with us.

If you're actually still with us, tell us some of your favorite songs from big hair bands.

Out of touch with the world of TV

Of the "big" winners at the Emmy's ........

Outstanding Drama Series - Game of Thrones

Outstanding Actress in a Drama - Viola Davis in How to Get Away with Murder

Outstanding Actor in a Drama - Jon Hamm in Mad Men

Outstanding Comedy Series - Veep

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy - Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Veep

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy - Jeffrey Tambor in Transparent

...I've not watched one episode of any of the above shows.  I haven't watched Olive Kitteridge (Outstanding Limited Series), and I've never seen a full episode of The Daily Show (Outstanding Variety Talk Show).  Gasp!  I know.  I think Amy Schumer is hilarious, but I haven't seen a full episode of her show either (Outstanding Variety Sketch Show). 

You know what I have watched of all the award winners on the primetime broadcast?  The Voice (Outstanding Reality Competition). 

Right or wrong, this is the one I've actually watched.  Only a season or two.  Because, in Australia, we have our own version of The Voice with different coaches, and I watch the Aussie version.  We've only had Jessie J one year, and I'm really hoping to get Keith Urban back after he's done with his American Idol stint.  But, I digress....

If and when I'm watching television, I'm usually on the Crime & Investigation network watching some show about horrible criminals in America, Australia, or Britian (because we get a mix of shows from all three). 

And, I don't have Netflix.

Is that proof enough that I'm out of touch with the world of television?

Are you a television junkie?  Or, are you like me, a television ignoramus? 

Pics are from eonline.com or emmys.com or smh.com or my own edit.

Literary Ladies Book Challenge Final

If you are a book challenge junkie or a bookworm like me, stick around.  If not, feel free to give today's post a pass.  It might won't hurt my feelings.  

It's our final check-in for the Literary Ladies hosted by Kristen & Kari & Krystal .

Admittedly, I've talked about all these books here before, but I've compiled them again into one final list.  Here's what I read for this challenge (books highlighted in blue are a link that take you to goodreads listing for that particular book):

1. A YA book - The Paris Mysteries: Confessions #3 by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - The original book I selected (Wintergirls), my library has "on order".  I'd read the previous two in this series, so I grabbed this one for the substitute. This is the 3rd book of a series that James Patterson has in his YA collection (because the man obviously doesn't have enough other book series going on in his life.)  I read the first two, and quite frankly, I enjoyed them a whole lot more than this one.  This one was average at best.  2.5/5

2. Non US Author - The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion -  At times, I was bored; other times, I was entertained. Overall, I was disappointed.  Pretty sure I didn't need a sequel to the much more beloved The Rosie Project.  1.5/5

3. A book that was recommended by a blogger (or instagrammer / you-tuber / goodreads-er) - Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler - When Steph was interviewed in Jana's Interview with a Bookworm series, she recommended this one. - I really liked this book.  I don't think I ever fell in love with it, but I really, really liked it.  I enjoyed the Wisconsin small town becoming its own character throughout the book.  For me, some of the characters felt less developed than others.  Or maybe I just connected to some more than others.  I especially liked Beth.  I don't want to tell you her story, so I won't tell you the specific reasons why I liked her.  Let's just say, her predicament and her experience seemed relatable and authentic.  4/5

4. A book that has been on your TBR list for a year or more - Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides - I bought this book from a fantastic bookstore in Seaside, FL in July 2013.  It had been sitting on my bookshelf ever since waiting to be read.  Finally, I selected it for the 2015 TBR Book Pile Challenge.  I still didn't pick it up.  So, I selected it for this challenge too.  Finally.  Finally, I read this book about three generations of a Greek-American family.  The book follows family members through war, violence, incest, immigration, rum-running, the Depression, the Nation of Islam, suburban life, genetics, race riots, and more...all narrated by a hermaphrodite.  I found much of this book was tedious with an not-very-enjoyable pace. Other parts were educational, fascinating, and thought-provoking. By the final 100 pages, I gobbled it up...but I had to work really, really hard to get through the prior 500 pages.  I don't really know how to rate this book, but I will say that the character of Cal is definitely one that will stay with me.

5. A book with a kickass female character - Still Alice by Lisa Genova - What a beautiful book. In this fictional gem, Alice, a tenured professor at Harvard for twenty-five years is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. This strong, capable, brilliant, successful woman digresses as the disease takes hold of her. Obviously, no one can know exactly what the thoughts are in someone who suffers from such a debilitating disease, but the author does a tremendous job at expressing the thoughts unspoken.  A book that served as a reminder to not take the life I'm living for granted.  There is no guarantee what tomorrow holds. 5/5

6. A book that is or will be a movie (or TV show) - This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper - 4/5 - This author does it to me again.  He writes a book with dysfunctional relationships, flawed characters, and traumatic life experiences in a way that is relatable, comical, and I can't help but love it.  With these characters, I'm not sure I liked any of them, but I'm cheering for them.  I'm not sure how I want the story to end and the situations to be resolved, so I love the somewhat ambiguous ending that is left to my own imagination what the future holds for each storyline.  I will watch the movie that has already been released, and I really like the casting for two of the main characters.  I've read three of Tropper's books, and I will make my way through them all.  4/5
 

7. A book written by a comedian or celebrity – or even a memoir if neither of those are your jam. - Dirty Rocker Boys by Bobbie Brown - Admittedly, she's about the lowest celebrity level there is, but a celebrity memoir nonetheless.After reading a few books with some heavy subject matter, smaller font, and tight spacing...I thought I'd lighten things up a little.  Everybody remember the "Cherry Pie" video?  The video vixen herself has written a tell-all book that include romps with '80s hair band icons and actors.  By page 12, I'd learned that Leonardo DiCaprio is extremely well-endowed.  If you'd like some salacious factoids like this, then this could be the book for you because she doesn't hold back.  Lots of sex, lots of drugs, lots of indulgent, selfish behaviour.  This is a quick, fast, easy read...much like its author.  I read it in one day. There are far better memoirs out there, but if you know any of the following (Jani Lane, Tommy Lee, Matthew Nelson, Jay Gordon, Dave Navarro) you may want to give this a quick glance. 2.5/5

8. A book with a one word title. - Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto - 4/5 - The author of this book is the creator of the television show, True Detective. Let's just say that he does not write happy, light-hearted stories. The imagery is dark, heavy, and thick much like the humidity in those parts. The descriptions of sub-cultures in Southern Louisiana and Southeast Texas are so real and so true.  Knowing that part of the country well, it felt like I know somebody who knows someone that is related to one of these characters.  It is not a quick-paced thriller.  It's slow and steady, then bam! a murder...slow and steady, then whoa! a secret revealed.  4/5

9. A suspenseful book – a mystery, a thriller, a book about revenge! - The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - Well, I had to read this, didn't I?  Every other blogger has read it or plans to read it, and my cousin recommended it to me as well.  I am often skeptical when a book receives so much attention and praise. But, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I enjoyed each severely flawed character. I enjoyed the pace. I enjoyed the ending. For me, this book deserves the attention it is getting. 4.5/5

10. A book about Summer, with Summer in the title, or in any way related to Summer because this is a Summer challenge! - Summertime by Vanessa Lafaye  - (apparently, this has also been released as Under a Dark Summer Sky depending on what part of the world you live) - 5/5 - found this book specifically for this category and loved it!  This book is a perfect example of why I enjoy book challenges.  I got on goodreads and searched books with "summer" in the title.  I found this one (never hearing about it previously), read the synopsis, looked to see that my library had it, and selected the book.  I love when the universe works in my favor, because this was a fantastic find.  A book about relationships, duty, racism, love, small town dynamics, crime, life after war, death, and loss, there are just so many reasons why I loved this book. 5/5

Thats right, Literary Ladies.  I conquered this challenge!

 

Highly recommend: Still Alice & Summertime (or Under a Dark Summer Sky as it was released in the USA)

Recommend:  Shotgun Lovesongs, This Is Where I Leave You, The Girl on the Train, Galveston

Don't bother: Confessions: The Paris Mysteries, The Rosie Effect

Do you participate in book challenges?

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.39

I'm supposed to be eating healthy, well-balanced meals.  I'm doing it...except...when my guy takes us to an American themed diner.  It would be rude not to eat and enjoy the meal.  These didn't stand a chance.

Some colorful feathered friends I met on Monday's walk

Ivy is the most camera shy of the bunch, so most of the time, I have to catch her at times she doesn't know I'm taking pictures like during this cuddle session.

I used Qantas points to replace my unrepairable pink ipod shuffle.  This one is gold in color, so I shall name her Blanche after my favorite Golden Girl.

This is my face on hold with our communications provider when the wifi was down.  In 25 minutes, I was passed around to 3 different people before I actually got to someone who corrected the problem.

This is my guy's favorite local Chinese food establishment.  No joke.  The name suits him :)

Bird watchers

Hope you're enjoying your Sunday!

Friday Favorites Five vol.11

Alright, alright, alright...... it's Friday.  Yes!

1. Calling all book lovers - this story and video should certainly bring a smile to your face: Nowra librarians promote joy of books on youtube

2. This is the greatest water bottle I've ever owned.  Seriously.  I buy a 2liter everyday of sparkling water (I prefer it to still water), keep it in the refrigerator, and refill this all day long.  This single product has helped me drink more water and kick other sugary drinks to the curb. (I'm not getting paid to say this; it's my unbiased opinion.)

3.  Alright.  This video has made the rounds for a couple of months, but I had a friend share it again on facebook.  I had to re-watch it at least three times in a row because it is that good.  If you need to laugh, or you need to smile, or you need a little sassy in your life, watch this.  Even if you've seen it before, it's worth it to watch it again.

4. This:

5.  I'm stealing Megan's idea and adding this to my Friday Favorites because it is quickly becoming a favorite activity (focusing on things that make me happy).

• My Texas A&M Aggie football team is 2-0.
• Thrift store finds - a Pyrex dish, books
• A two hour nap on Monday
• My fur baby, Astro's 2nd birthday
• My guy told a customer of ours that I like leopard print; she bought me a scarf just to be nice & thoughtful.
• My niece, Jenna, was named Junior Homecoming Duchess for her high school.
• Two of the loveliest people I know in Australia welcomed their first child, a beautiful boy named Louis.
• This post from Kerry (a must-read for any dog lover): Boys Drool and Dogs Rule
• Using Qantas points so I could get a new ipod shuffle for free!
• Forehead kisses from my guy

Linking up my Friday Favorites with Amanda...and my 10 Things That Made Me Happy with Lindsay and Krysten.

Who's That Guy vol.1

Anytime that I can use Grease 2 on this blog, I'm a happy girl.

 I know there are many posts floating around the blogger world talking about each blogger's significant other.  There are also posts from the single ladies lookin' for love.  I just happen to remember telling Karen months ago that I was going to follow her lead when I read this post, and I just now got around to doing it.  I went with Karen's questions because I'm lazy and didn't come up with my own.

I'm also thinking about making it a series or something.  That is if I'm not too lazy. 

Without further ado, here's a little more about Neil(who is often just called "my guy" around these parts):

Socks with sandals: yes or no?
No

Where is your dream vacation?
The Playboy Mansion (lovely; that's my guy, ladies; don't fight over him)


Which of the Seven Dwarfs do you most identify with?
Dopey

Which Disney princess do you think is the hottest?
Neil: Elsa's sister
Me: The red head?
Neil: Yeah, that's it.

What are five of your favorite movies?
Kelley's Heroes, Pulp Fiction (then thinks for a while), I don't know...the Godfather series.  There's three of them.  That counts for five.

If you could drive any exotic car, what would it be?
AMG G Wagon 6x6 (I had no idea what this is, so I looked it up.)

If you were to pack up and move somewhere new without worrying about work or finances, where would you go?
Neil:  Somewhere
Me: C'mon, play along.
Neil: Tejas because that would make my wife very happy.  (followed by)  Ain't gonna happen so don't get too excited.

If you were to start a blog, what would you write about?
Neil:  T&A
Me: *eye roll*
Neil:  Hey, there's some serious money to be made in that business if it's done well.

Who would you “go gay” for?
Jeremy Clarkson (from Top Gear)...he proceeded to explain because he is not physically attracted to men that if he were to go gay, it would be with someone for his personality and experiences.  Makes sense.

What item on your bucket list do you most look forward to crossing off?
Attaining billionaire status

If you could be a member of any band, what would you play and who would you join?
Take That but with better music (Yes, my guy wants to be in boy band.)

What do you remember about our first date?
Goldfish Bowl or whatever it's called?

What has been the most memorable thing we’ve done together?
Fiji

What is your favorite thing about me?
Quickly answers:  smile

What is one thing you want people to know about you?
I don't want people to know much about me.  I'd like to remain an enigma.  (Yes, he is a legend in his own mind.)

If you want to know more about my guy and I (or is it my guy and me?; don't know and don't care enough to figure it out), check out this post about
The Best Wedding Ever*

#randomness

It's been a little while since I jumped in the fun of #hashtaghumpday - let's do this.

My stepmom has surgery in October, I have a cousin getting married in October, and I just found out my niece is a homecoming duchess in October.  I looked at airfares just in case there was going to be an amazing sale happening at that time.  Negative.  Looking at airfares makes me sad.  #whowantstobuymeaplaneticket #anybodygotasparetwothousand #expatproblems

Astro is 2!  He is the eldest of our menagerie (slightly).  He is the cat who converted me.  I love the other two.  They are wonderful additions to my life.  But, this guy.  This guy is the one who crawled into my lap when we were picking out kittens at the Animal Welfare League.  This guy is the one who snuggles me, favors me and tolerates others, comes when I call him, head butts me, expects belly rubs, and even dribbles on me.  My guy has already been warned that when this guy goes, he may need to medicate me heavily for months.  Thank goodness cats have long lives.  #catconvert #crazycatlady #mysugarbooger #astrothegingercat

I've lived in Australia for 81 months.  I still don't entirely understand Australian politics.  When Aussies vote in a Prime Minister election, they are not voting for a specific candidate.  They are voting for a political party.  That party is being represented by a specific candidate at the time.  But.  If while in office, the candidate's party feels like he/she is doing a bad job, they can vote to replace them with someone else from the party.  This has happened more than once since I've lived here.  #watchyourback #aufwiedersehen

Think about it, Americans.  Bill Clinton is playing hide-the-cigar with an intern?  The Democrats could kick him out and put in Al Gore.  The public is unhappy with George W.?  The Republicans could put in Dick Cheney.  Without a public vote.  Those decisions are left to the politicians.  #whatsthatyousay #yikes

To add to the confusion, the left-wing party here is Labour, and the conservative party is Liberal.  This week, the Libs removed Tony Abbott from Prime Minister and Malcolm Turnbull is the new PM.  It's actually an alright move, I just can't get my head around the process.  #expatproblems

All you folks talkin' about "Fall" this, and "Fall" that...well, it's Springtime in my hemisphere.  I went from boots & tights to sandals in one week. #icouldntbehappier #ilovespring

Photo Source

Last week, in my post for the Show Us Your Books link-up, I mentioned reading my first Joyce Carol Oates book.  Steph recommended that I check out We Were the Mulvaneys.  This weekend, we went to a secondhand bookstore that also is a part of Lifeline thrift stores.  Guess what.  I got We Were the Mulvaneys for $3!  #score #hoorayforbooks

#memeoftheweek - and from a friend's facebook:

Re: the "Freddy Mercury didn't actually like fat-bottomed girls, still did his job" meme: He was bi and liked fat-bottomed girls just fine.
Kim Davis is still awful.

Photo Source

Happy Hump Day to you!