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Subject: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 02/09/12 at 1:04 pm
This thread is begun thanx to a fine suggestion fron Howard.
For most of the 60's, the piano was replaced in Rock & Roll by the organ and electric keyboards, we certainly must thank the Beatles and a few other non-psychedelic groups(including Motown) for making sure it did not disappear completely! Thankfully, the early 70's gave us the Beatle-inspired artists like Billy Joel and Elton John, who brought the piano to Rock & Roll prominence with the rise of the first singer-songwriter generation. And the 80's, with its absolute explosion of musical diversity, at last brought about the proper co-existence of piano and keyboard. And yes, in the process, we got a ton of excellent piano songs on our radios! Please post whatever ones you love here(one at a time, so I can give you proper karma for each), and let's let the keys carry us back to that excellent era. I'll start with two true classics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac4aBI2zUWg&feature=related
Sure a lot were ballads, but some piano songs you could dance to! Case in point...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsSVcRYh8dE
Let's continue in the key of enjoyment!
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/09/12 at 1:58 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsDAEWBuiWo
Chicago- Hard Habit To Break (1984)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: zcrito on 02/09/12 at 8:59 pm
How about these two,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dopneKcyNXU
Joe Jackson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uravhL8FbY
Bruce Hornsby & The Range
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: wagonman76 on 02/09/12 at 9:20 pm
Elton John - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Motley Crue - Home Sweet Home
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 02/09/12 at 10:05 pm
Steppin' Out - Joe Jackson
Mandolin Rain - Bruce Hornsby & The Range
You're the MAN, Z!
I didn't think anyone remembered that Joe Jackson song but me(stunning video, BTW), and you very possibly picked the most beautiful piano ballad of the decade with Bruce Hornsby.
And since I mentioned them in the thread opener, I must pay homage to the Piano Man and his counterpart across the pond, the Rocket Man. Here are two of my faves of theirs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHwVBirqD2s&ob=av2n
Admittedly, the Billy's best piano ballad of the 80's was "Baby Grand", his duet with Ray Charles, but I don't know of any video for that one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHnJp0oyOxs&ob=av2n
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: wagonman76 on 02/09/12 at 10:40 pm
Steppin Out is the Joe Jackson song I know the most by far. I loved that song back then and still do. Back then I never knew the words but it used to make me think of the dream life of old rich retired people and large cars. Been trying to master it on bass for years but I think it was originally keyboard bass which makes it tougher.
Here are a couple more.
Kenny Rogers - Lady
Heart - Alone
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 02/10/12 at 12:39 am
Kenny Rogers - Lady
Heart - Alone
Another pair of very different, yet XLNT piano songs.
And if Wags didn't convince you, these should.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYRfUoR9Q4Y
Did anyone know that about Lionel? Kenny didn't mention there that he also composed the song.
Meanwhile, only one single that Ann or Nancy wrote came from Bad Animals, and this wasn't it, but who else could have given it such a stirring performance?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cw1ng75KP0&ob=av2e
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/10/12 at 6:27 am
You're the MAN, Z!
I didn't think anyone remembered that Joe Jackson song but me(stunning video, BTW), and you very possibly picked the most beautiful piano ballad of the decade with Bruce Hornsby.
And since I mentioned them in the thread opener, I must pay homage to the Piano Man and his counterpart across the pond, the Rocket Man. Here are two of my faves of theirs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHwVBirqD2s&ob=av2n
Admittedly, the Billy's best piano ballad of the 80's was "Baby Grand", his duet with Ray Charles, but I don't know of any video for that one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHnJp0oyOxs&ob=av2n
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
God Damn whoever made the Elton John video wow just wow! But overall great choices Doc. ;)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: AL-B Mk. III on 02/10/12 at 5:56 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u9FrXBWu_I
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 02/10/12 at 6:08 pm
Fantastic stuff so far, especially Joe Jackson 8)
Here's a few more ...
REO Speedwagon - In Your Letter (1980)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyU2RAQtxP4
Frank Mills - The Happy Song (1980)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dodfOGOev0
Charles Fox - Seasons (1981)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgiPyfuHcqA
Eight Seconds - Kiss You (When It's Dangerous) (1986)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO3bPUCgCAk
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: wagonman76 on 02/10/12 at 6:53 pm
Ronnie Milsap - Stranger In My House
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/10/12 at 6:59 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u9FrXBWu_I
good choice Al.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/10/12 at 7:02 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1NAGhiVqdg
Bruce Hornsby- The Way It Is.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 02/10/12 at 8:01 pm
A few from the UK ...
Shakatak - Invitations (1981)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYmM85kJZKY
Shakatak - Night Birds (1982)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGQMwwuKg9g
The Style Council - Shout to the Top! (1984)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m94ip38UKs
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: wagonman76 on 02/10/12 at 9:50 pm
Tracey Ullman - They Don't Know
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 02/10/12 at 11:54 pm
This guy has always said his drumming was better than his singing, but I beg to differ. While he does those equally well, his greatest talent is songwriting.
I think his piano ballads were among the most XLNT of the 80's, and this one is still my favorite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUU9-jrz9vE&feature=related
For those who don't know, it was released in 1982, but only in the UK, where it was a radio hit. But it was included on the 'Love Songs' CD set in 2005, and was finally made a single in America, reaching the Billboard Top 5. Anyone else think it deserves a proper video?
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: zcrito on 02/11/12 at 12:38 am
I've been listening to the other replies.
Some good ones coming in and somebody already grabbed that Hall & Oates one I was going add.
Two more.
One from someone who can't sing, and another from someone who can.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwI1-aAyvMk
From late 1989.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bozH0O_cVhY
From 1980-81.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/11/12 at 6:22 am
I've been listening to the other replies.
Some good ones coming in and somebody already grabbed that Hall & Oates one I was going add.
Two more.
One from someone who can't sing, and another from someone who can.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwI1-aAyvMk
From late 1989.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bozH0O_cVhY
From 1980-81.
nice choices.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/11/12 at 6:26 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HI_xFQWiYU
This one is a classic: When In Rome- The Promise (1987)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: c_keenan2001@hotmail.com on 02/11/12 at 12:46 pm
No One Is To Blame: Howard Jones
a2V3SNrkpp0
Hold Me Now: Thompson Twins
SpZ9gEKBoYI
Whisper To A Scream (Birds Fly) Icicle Works
NVQCpI4GbKQ
Take On Me: A-Ha
djV11Xbc914
The Way You Are: Tears For Fears
o0etgOov0GE
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: AL-B Mk. III on 02/11/12 at 1:26 pm
One of the greatest rock piano riffs of all time. 8)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5wVZwdHmRY
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: zcrito on 02/11/12 at 10:19 pm
Okay, how about one with both great piano and saxophone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar9Ip7pSqEg
From 1980.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 02/11/12 at 10:47 pm
Okay, how about one with both great piano and saxophone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar9Ip7pSqEg
From 1980.
Good addition, Z. Sadly we lost the talented saxman heard here about 5 years ago. The brilliant soprano-playing Michael Brecker had a career spanning roughly 30 years as a sideman, soloist, and bandleader.
The piano was performed by Dan Fogelberg himself. Given the virtuoso playing we hear on this track, it's almost a shame that he's best known as a singer/songwriter.
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 02/11/12 at 10:54 pm
This guy has always said his drumming was better than his singing, but I beg to differ
When he was in Genesis, his drumming was better than Peter Gabriel's singing :D
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/12/12 at 6:37 am
Okay, how about one with both great piano and saxophone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar9Ip7pSqEg
From 1980.
excellent song.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/12/12 at 6:39 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLi_osYNsOU
Richard Marx- Right Here Waiting
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: AL-B Mk. III on 02/12/12 at 7:50 pm
Go-Go's - Head Over Heels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9nqCM8Ito8
Oh man, I had a huge crush on Belinda Carlisle back then. 8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 02/12/12 at 9:04 pm
JoBoxers - Just Got Lucky (1983)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-kfmuGHtxo
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: lady of the 80s on 02/13/12 at 7:03 pm
Husker Du--"No Promise Have I Made" (1986)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFjIoDUFi2M
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 02/15/12 at 12:50 pm
Oh man, I had a huge crush on Belinda Carlisle back then. 8)
Can't say I blame you. ;)
I always went for funny videos, and this one nearly tops the list. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpdZvewjwJs&ob=av2e
Might I add, it's definitely the band's best ballad.
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/15/12 at 7:17 pm
Can't say I blame you. ;)
I always went for funny videos, and this one nearly tops the list. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpdZvewjwJs&ob=av2e
Might I add, it's definitely the band's best ballad.
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
I really like the video it has comedy in it. ;D
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: mylilypad on 02/16/12 at 2:53 am
george michael -- kissing a fool. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzhV7VrQzSc
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: MaxwellSmart on 02/17/12 at 9:47 pm
Depeche Mode: Somebody (1984)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIpum4NAapg
Sisters of Mercy: 1959 (1987)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiGjLfD8uDU&feature=fvst
Yazoo: Winter Kills (1982)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzIpTcxAjLw&feature=related
Live version, can't find the "Upstairs at Eric's" track.
Shriekback: Cradle Song (1986)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDKfY_5gE74
Split Enz: Message to my Girl (1983)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUC_jE78FNE
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 02/18/12 at 11:48 pm
There is a touch of sax on here, but it's the black and whites that set the bluesy atmospheric mood for this one. Perhaps it could be considered the last great piano ballad of the 80's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzoRF5zLxp8
If anyone ever finds an actual Don Henley video for this song, drop me a line!
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: zcrito on 02/19/12 at 7:22 pm
What the heck, a solid Karma point to W-Dog and Maxwell for three somewhat obscure, but great songs and videos with,
> Eight Seconds - Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)
> The Style Council - Shout to the Top!
> Split Enz: Message to my Girl
(I knew there was another Split Enz song that I like besides "One Step Ahead".)
The Style Council one is my favorite of the three. 8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: c_keenan2001@hotmail.com on 02/20/12 at 2:47 pm
mXTQPcg5JA0
I Believe: Tears For Fears
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: MaxwellSmart on 02/20/12 at 11:39 pm
Joy Division: The Eternal (1980)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2sdUJ5OIf0
The Smiths: Asleep (1985)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Ws0Hk8x20
Kate Bush: And Dream of Sheep (1985)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBuIPthoiCQ
Minimal Compact: When I Go (1985)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oknedFHvpXs
The Blue Nile: Stay (1983)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bev4H57si2E
Philip Glass: Opening (1981)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDN8NzIGz-Y
John Cage: The Wonderful Widow of Eighteen Springs (1942)/Nowth Upon Nacht (1984)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNJ6bidJyvs
Widow and Nacht both for piano and closed piano always get played in tandem, though composed 42
years apart, as demonstrated by Jenny Q. Chai at the Manhattan School of Music
Meredith Monk: I Don't Know (1987)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHDVf7PwKfA
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 02/21/12 at 8:23 am
Julian Lennon - Valotte (1984)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-vuGqDXtXo
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/21/12 at 7:02 pm
Julian Lennon - Valotte (1984)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-vuGqDXtXo
I haven't heard that song in years.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: bookmistress4ever on 02/21/12 at 10:09 pm
At this moment by Billy Vera and the Beaters (as it was used in the Family Ties episode)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKfxmR1-z9I
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/22/12 at 6:58 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNPRyn-3Qho
Tiffany-Could've Been (1988)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 02/24/12 at 3:25 pm
One of my favourites that I almost forgot. This one was big in Europe, but it never charted in North America, hoewever the video got lots of airtime I remember. If i was ever going to learn to play the piano, this is one I would learn to play ...
Deacon Blue - Dignity (1987)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE_1X4tU3oY
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/24/12 at 7:14 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s09LuDYX12g
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: zcrito on 02/26/12 at 1:09 am
Two more,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laQMcH8E_-A
From Dec.1979-Jan.1980.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnzpfqG9oTk
From May 1981.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/26/12 at 6:37 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLxTEV5vpyg
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 02/26/12 at 6:41 am
Two more,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laQMcH8E_-A
From Dec.1979-Jan.1980.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnzpfqG9oTk
From May 1981.
I always like The Greatest American Hero theme.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 02/27/12 at 6:40 pm
Oh, great stuff! 8)
Here's a few more, these two chart hits from movies ...
Michael Gore - Terms of Endearment (1983)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxW7TzkvCts
David Foster - Love Theme From St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beRQt18CE8M
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 02/27/12 at 9:12 pm
I always like The Greatest American Hero theme.
Same here, but officially the song's title is simply "Believe It Or Not". Now for one of the most romantic piano ballads of the 80's. How many couples used this for their first wedding dance?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsolaeHC9zg
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: zcrito on 03/04/12 at 12:47 pm
Two more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQeqmNbA2Hs
From July, 1980.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZxsmDLojBA
From December, 1981.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: c_keenan2001@hotmail.com on 03/05/12 at 7:45 pm
vtUAyB5EUb8
I Don't Like Mondays Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats
Yes I'm very aware that this song peaked in the 1970s but it was still a pretty big hit for Bob in the 1980s
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 03/05/12 at 10:11 pm
I Don't Like Mondays Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats
Yes I'm very aware that this son g peaked in the 1970s
For the UK yes, but for us Canadians, it entered the chart in November of 1979, but did not reach it's peak position of #4 until January of 1980
Speaking of Boomtown Rats, their first chart entry of the 80s was 'Someone's Looking at You', and it also has great use of piano ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvjqF3nXW70
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: whistledog on 03/05/12 at 10:25 pm
Talk Talk - Life's What You Make It (1986)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXsmyLtpxlA&ob=av2e
Silver Condor - You Could Take My Heart Away (1981)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkSuXSSR5Bo
America - Right Before Your Eyes (1982)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPQ_5e9GZbQ
John O'Banion - Love You Like I Never Loved Before (1981)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKHk3lhkgBQ
Sheena Easton - Almost Over You (1984)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irs-wgbpoz0
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 03/06/12 at 6:24 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkALTprqCM0
It does have some piano in it.
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 03/13/12 at 1:46 am
Let's not stop now, plenty more cool piano tunes to post, like these!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAecdC3W3Yg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0vr9TOR1-s&feature=bf_prev&list=PL5185079364A9FB38&lf=plpp_video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTdU9m3nhu8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkdqXfasg80
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: zcrito on 03/21/12 at 9:09 pm
I do believe Pete Townshend was still writing some great songs even into the '80s.
Some examples, and both have piano in them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuTXSnez3WM
(From July 1982)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS3nRcwWktA
(From Nov. 1985)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Doc Brown on 03/21/12 at 11:52 pm
Good additions, Z. Here are two more I nearly forgot about!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-LbvFckptY
And another famed for work in the 70's. I particularly like that the lyrics here reference Dave Brubeck, arguably the greatest jazz pianist of the past hundred years. As of this post he is 91 years old, has recorded over 40 studio albums, and is still touring!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBruAooXPNU&ob=av2e
And one more classic from the heartland... so let the cowboys ride!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghxJaEBix2E&feature=related
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Subject: Re: Great Piano Songs of the 80's!
Written By: Howard on 03/22/12 at 6:43 am
Good additions, Z. Here are two more I nearly forgot about!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-LbvFckptY
And another famed for work in the 70's. I particularly like that the lyrics here reference Dave Brubeck, arguably the greatest jazz pianist of the past hundred years. As of this post he is 91 years old, has recorded over 40 studio albums, and is still touring!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBruAooXPNU&ob=av2e
And one more classic from the heartland... so let the cowboys ride!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghxJaEBix2E&feature=related
Your Pal,
Doc
8)
Wow Doc you know 28 years ago they sure made that Pointer Sisters video so slutty in the beginning the bathtub scene, one of them putting on makeup, their legs up in the air, that video was tame at the time.
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