Unusually, this post is about a specific song, and different versions of it, which for me, is always the sign of a great song. The power and message of the music speaks for itself, and I adore the original by The Boss, but my first love affair with this song is with the version by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, from the album Welcome to the Pleasuredome, complete with an ultra-Scouse intro, counterpointing the runaway American dream with the experiences of signing on during a depressed period in Liverpool’s history; escaping through music. I don’t think they really ever got the credit for that, and too often a few of the tracks are thought of as fillers, rather than great interpretations. That album needs to be viewed as a whole, not as individual tracks. But I digress.
We’ll forget the fact that the album version is as much Trevor Horn production and various well-known session musician add-ins than Frankie (and a surprising number of Prog-rockers) , but in 1984, it was everything I wanted to hear.
As a young teenager I’d cycle down to the canal, headphones on and Walkman playing, packet of Camel lights as I stared out over the Mersey and to the lights on the far side, and I could escape to an exciting other World. I don’t think it matters where you’re from, the passion and excitement, and raw-ness of both versions, even though they’re highly produced, are an inspiration. I have a similar experience with Eddie and the HotRods Do Anything You Want To Do. This song really influenced me, but it’s tinged with a little sadness, as those feelings are tied to a youthful optimism that faded away many years ago. But it’s still a good reminder of those times, that there is always hope.
Stay safe
Kit