So after a weekend of celebrating Star Wars and made up Mexican festivals, what could possibly the left to raise your glasses to as we start this new week? The 21st anniversary of my Mecca “career” beginning? I don’t think so. Monday never needs any phony baloney reasons to have a party! That’s because it’s the day The Nest grabs a giant lightsabre and smashes open that pinata of retro ear candy we like to call the Dusty Vinyl Archive! DJ Scratchy’s taking a short break from the Jose Cuervo to put on another forgotten oldie that will have yo doing the Mexican hat dance, while the Sponkies start dreading what they’re going to get Sparklepony for Mother’s Day next weekend. Last one to read this post don’t forget to turn out the lights…
Luther Vandross is one of the more well known voices on the smooth and sexy end of the R&B spectrum, picking up the mantel from Barry White as the go-to musical atmosphere for dinner dates hoping to take things to the next level. Vandross began his music career as a professional backup singer for all kinds of artists you’ve heard of before, ultimately landing as the lead singer for the disco group Change, who you’ve probably never heard of before.
Change actually had a semi-hit song that became a Mecca earworm, which I’ll probably share on some Monday in the distant future. But let’s fast forward a bit to Vandross’ successful solo career. Luther’s biggest pop success would come in the early 90’s with his album Power of Love, but his first Top 20 hit would come in late 1986 off the album Give Me The Reason. Reaching #15 with a very non-R&B 80’s combo of a synth melody and guitar solo is this nifty little upbeat tune “Stop To Love”
I heard this song on a co-worker’s radio about 14 years ago and instantly recalled hearing it back when it was new. It’s also probably the only time I’ve heard the song other than looking it up on YouTube since then. But once was enough, I wouldn’t forget it again!
Vandross is seen in the video riding through the streets of LA along with an assortment of backup singers. Thankfully, Vandross is only along for that ride and is not actually driving… since the same year this song came out, a passenger in his car was killed in an accident he later pleaded no contest to reckless driving for. The best moment in the video tour comes around the 1:40 mark…
Yes, that’s a gas station sign, and those are gas prices way under a dollar per gallon in California! Gotta love 1986…
I’ll be back next Monday with more music that will make you stop to listen…
omg the hair!!! the clothes…I can’t believe that this was my time… it seems so far away today…
I remember the hair. I was in high school at the end of the 80’s, and most of the hair didn’t fit in the little yearbook photos…
true!!!!
OK, I don’t know this song at all. Not even vaguely. I seemed to have missed a lot of the 80s, but I do know LV’s Power of Love. I was more tuned-in more in the 90s, I guess.
Well, The Nest is here to help fill your 80’s void! Whether that’s a good thing or not, I can’t speculate on…
Oooh, love me some Luther mellowness. That chocolatey smooth velvet voice…and the groovy synthesized sound of the 80’s. Oh y.e.ah. I may need a second serving of Luther later this morning.
Be sure to check the Nutrition Facts on what a recommended serving size of Luther is before consuming…
You can’t have too much Luther…can you?
Well, for those who want more Luther without all the guilt, there’s also Diet Luther…
Diet?? Blech. Full strength or nothing for me, thank you very much. 😇
Alright – I had to listen three times before I had a healthy dose of Luther – this actually was one of my favorite songs of the day back then. Thanks for this WELCOME ear-worm.
Pam
Feel free t listen all you want! We don’t charge by the views here… though any proceeds we did collect from earworm replays would go towards Mitzi’s next plastic surgery…
Uhoh……what’s next? Nose job?
Probably some new bling for her horn,…
Horn piercing is very popular this year…….I hear….
DJ Scratchy did a great job with this one, talk about blast from the past!
Yes! My homepony is on a role picking lost songs not only I like, but that most of my readers like as well….
Much respect to DJ Scratchy 😎
Nice choice. And oh those shoulder pads!
I just spend my ENTIRE day chatting with happiness engineers. I’m not as happy as I wish I were. Mostly, I have a headache and I need some supper. I’m thinking “frozen pizza.”
You’re absolutely right. Once was indeed enough.