Gemini Rising

1980's Sounds - The Go-Go's

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The Soundtrack of Your Life  (18+) Every February, you're invited to chronicle the music that has influenced your life! #1970896 by Jeff

# 8 - 1980's Sounds - The Go-Go's

Well, it wasn't all about the 2nd British Invasion, but they were heavy in my rotation in the 80's. One American band that resonated with me was the Go-Go's.

They were definitely more early 80's. I think internal strife and outside music publishing pressures got to the band and before you knew it, Belinda Carlisle was a solo artist with her first album in 1986.

That said, I can remember going into the stores and seeing the girls cover for "Beauty and the Beat" where they're at a beauty salon with towels and facials and I thought "How Cool is that?"

What I loved about the Go-Go's and their album "Beauty and the Beat," was their carefree manner. It was okay to let go and just have fun. In "Our Lips are Sealed," the band takes a drive in a 50's or 60's? convertible through Los Angeles, just looking to have a good time - and good time was defined by letting the wind blow through your hair, going shopping, and finding a water fountain to cool down in. There's a lot of things that makes the video iconic - the drive, the cars, the Los Angeles hot spots, but honestly it's the girls themselves. Belinda has a great voice and Jane (Wiedlin) sings the bridge. Charlotte is great on guitar and Gina knows her drums. Kathy is solid on bass. These girls could play.

Early 80's Go-Go's were fun. Their songs were fun. They were fun to watch them on MTV. Their musical beat had something infectious - a tone that lingered - a quality that said Go-Gos. In a way songs like "We Got the Beat," and "My Lips are sealed," reminded me of that special quality - that musical beat and the vocal choruses of the Beatles, yet the Go-Go had their own "Beatnik" sound making them, well, them.

The Go-Go's reminded me it was okay to BE me in the early 1980's and they rightly deserve a spot on the Soundtrack of my life.

OUR LIPS ARE SEALED
The Go-Go's