Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Oh, Barry!

Those of you who've been with me for a while may remember my shameful admission several posts ago.  That's when I revealed my tremendous love for Barry Manilow back when I was in high school.  I know, I know!

In my defense, I don't think it was any "Tiger Beat Puppy Love" kind of thing. It's that his sappy, unrequited love songs were just prime stuff for a young girl pining over her first loves.  I mean, if you were sixteen back in the late seventies and your boyfriend just broke up with you, TELL me you wouldn't have listened to "Looks Like We Made It" ninety-seven times in a row!  I DARE you!!

Seriously, though, although I rarely listen to Barry's songs today, I have to admit the man is a tremendously talented musician.  He also has a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor that makes me giggle.  We all need not take ourselves too seriously!!

So, in a bit of a nostalgic mood, I've chosen this clip of one of my favorite Manilow tunes, "Somewhere Down the Road." Although I wish he were playing the piano himself, I love how the orchestra sits behind him, silent, while the only accompaniment is heard from offstage.  I also love the fact that his voice is a bit hoarse, not sure why.

This song came out shortly before I graduated.  That was the time that my husband, Alan, and I, high school sweethearts, had decided to go our separate ways.  Those of you who are familiar with our story know that we reunited and married some ten years later.  I think that's why I have a particular fondness for this song, and the line, "We had the right love at the wrong time..."

It's not a really long clip.  C'mon, take a look back with me.  I won't tell...


33 comments:

Teresa Evangeline said...

It is a beautiful song sung by a really great singer. He puts his heart into his music and his life. That's plain to see and pretty cool.

Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said...

I LOVE Barry. I get a lot of grief about it too. Weekend in New England....ah, so many of his songs kills me.
Hubby gives me big ones about this one!
:-)

Unknown said...

Wonderful. He is soooo talented!

Alexandra said...

I'll have to listen to him again. He never did it for me. What do you think is his best?

just call me jo said...

Barry, Barry! I love him. "Looks Like We Made It" is my favorite. But this song in the clip is very appropo for your situation. My daughter went to him twice in LV out of reverence for my love of him.

Izzy said...

A number of years ago I bought tickets to see Barry for my husband's bday, and I have to say, even though it wasn't my choice, that he really is a talented musician and I enjoyed it.

Sylvia K said...

I think there's a spot for Barry in a lot of hearts, maybe not all the time, maybe not for every song, but he is a talented musician and he does get the feelings across. I have downloaded some of my favorite and when the mood is just right, out they come. Enjoyed this one as always. Hope your week and the move is going well.

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

I agree that Barry is a very talented musician. Hugs!

Lisalulu said...

YEP, I too loves me some Barry- Thank you for the show

Chrystal said...

I didn't listen to Barry Manilow a lot but whenever I heard his songs I liked them. Of course my fav is Mandy. My friend is a die hard fan and sees him whenever he comes to town and her and her sister wear boas and sing at the time of their lungs. Love it!

Jen said...

I don't mind Barry and notice there are a fair few of his records at the op shops :p perhaps next time I'll pick one up :)

Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit said...

Gotta love Barry. His hair alone makes him ... um ... lovable.

Anonymous said...

Haha! I love that this song has the cuteness. Yay for happy beautiful romantic memories!

Shan said...

Darn it! The clip's no longer available. I'm a few years younger, but not so many that I don't have my own favorite Barry moments. And here's a little secret... when my husband was a little kid, he would put on his Barry Manilow record, sit in his little kid-size chair and rock away. Ssshh, don't tell him I told you.

Moooooog35 said...

..and then I killed myself.

jel said...

Loved his songs!
and that mag! :)

SR"79"

ReformingGeek said...

Sweet! Sing it, Barry, sing it!

Anonymous said...

love barry,always did...always will

lifeshighway said...

I love Barry Manilow, I am a sucker for a love song. Your great clip is gone :(

I did not get to be nostalgic this morning. Perhaps, that will teach me to stay caught up.

lifeshighway said...

uh oh, I take that back. The clip loaded. Now I have my Barry love for the day, thanks!

Gigi said...

He really has awesome lyrics in a lot of his songs, if you can get past the 70s vibe to the music. I do enjoy me some Barry.

Thanks for reading my post on "less is more" over at Empress' place yesterday. I appreciate it!

Caroline said...

Wow! You have to have one of the most eye-catching blog titles in the blogging sphere. Pity there are no pictures to prove it, haha! xx

Darlene said...

I used to love him too! I remember that song well. Another one I really remember is Mandy. That was one of my favorites!

Kyna said...

My husband won't admit he likes Barry Manilow. But he knows all the words to 'Copacabana'...I know the real truth!

k bare said...

i haven't changed the room


how does a human being not cry when listening to that.

Anonymous said...

I love Barry Manilow when I was growing up, and on occasion still listen to his songs! His voice is amazing..

Anonymous said...

Stopping by from A Girl Needs 2 Talk's blog. I still love Barry. Time in New England can make me cry every time I hear it...every single time.

iheartbowheads.blogspot.com said...

ooh man - we went to a Barry concert a couple of years ago - it was so good!

Kim Lehnhoff said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Okay, not a Barry fan, but my hubby likes his music. lol

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I was right there with you on the Barry love scale. I know all of his songs (all 5 of them!) by heart, and I saw him in concert way back when. I don't think he's added any to his repetoire. He's still a good one, though.
xoRobyn

Dana said...

Knowing your own personal love story makes this song all the more special. Thanks for the great post and for the clip. That man can still sing like nobody's business! :D

Being Me said...

Awww it really does fit you guys. I love BM too and was fortunate enough to see him when he came out to Melbourne, gosh must be over 15 years ago now??

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