A massive superstar in his native Canada, I am surprised that most Americans think of Corey Hart as a one-hit wonder. Hart is the voice behind one of the most iconic songs of the 80s, "Sunglasses At Night," which hit #7 in 1984. People seem to forget that Hart had a bigger hit with this don't-give-up anthem, "Never Surrender," which went to #3 in 1985. Hart also scored a number of lesser hits like "It Ain't Enough" (#17), "Boy In The Box" (#26), "I Am By Your Side" (#18), and his cover of the Elvis Presley hit, "Can't Help Falling In Love" (#24). Staying true to his own songwriting craft, Hart arguably missed out on some huge opportunities, including an audition to play Marty McFly in Back To The Future (which ultimately went to Michael J. Fox - another Canadian!) and recording the song "Danger Zone" (which ultimately went to Kenny Loggins - not a Canadian!) for the movie Top Gun. Hart closed out the 80s with one of his most rocking albums called "Bang!" It featured Kenny Aronoff on drums and yielded the minor hit, "A Little Love," which managed to get to #37 in 1990. It proved to be his last chart appearance in the US, largely because Hart decided to take a break from music and focus on other things, including his family. He has sporadically released some adult contemporary efforts since then.
It's too difficult to find information about the Atlanta-based band called Buffalo Nickel, who released their album called "Longplay 33 1/3" in 2000. It shouldn't be so hard because in a just musical world this roots rock band would have blown up big time. Not only did they have a collection of outstanding, heartfelt songs, they also had some big time contributors including drummer Kenny Aronoff, Gary Louris (Jayhawks), Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), and the Lennon brothers from Venice. One of the best records of the decade in my opinion, "Longplay 33 1/3" is a terrific listen from start to finish. "Good Day" is just one of many highlights.
Two voices, one smooth and one hoarse, make up the BoDeans, an all-American rock band that has been going strong since the 80s. Despite a lot of critical acclaim at the get-go, the band didn't score a major hit until their song, "Closer To Free", was chosen to be the theme for the hit TV show, "Party Of Five". "Closer To Free" would go on to be their only charting hit, landing at #16 in 1996. My favorite record by the band is 1989's "Home". Some of their most consistently good songwriting, a raw and live feel, and drumming by the great Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp's band) came together and made a masterpiece. Also, don't miss the backing vocals by Marshall Crenshaw on the song "Brand New". The anthem, "You Don't Get Much", is one of my favorite tracks from "Home". Hard to understand why this song didn't set radio on fire back in the day.
