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#451190 - 11/09/07 02:06 PM Time Life: Classic Soft Rock
Industry_Newbie
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I caught this infomercial last night...some of most uniquely aesthetic pop stars I have ever seen. Is it even possible for someone like this to have a hit today? Would anyone here sign a below average Joe if he had a hit song or LP? Or did video really kill the radio star?








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#451196 - 11/09/07 02:23 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: Industry_Newbie]
teverett
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Are you talking about their look? It was fashionable (though I still refuse to believe it) at the time. Not every pop star today is all that great looking physically, though there probably is more emphasis on that now than then.

As for the music: there'll be a market for that as long as there are housewives, and Barnes & Noble has a music department.

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#451201 - 11/09/07 02:33 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: teverett]
ginchopolis
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And, people can bitch all they want about the songs - but, who wouldn't love to have a piece of the publishing on an "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" or "I'd Really Love To See You Tonight"?...
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welcome to ginchopolis...

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#451207 - 11/09/07 02:41 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: Industry_Newbie]
cdominey
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I find myself watching this infomercial more times than I'd like to admit, partly because of what you noticed - these regular joes and/or very unattactive pop stars singing lightweight songs that in no way would fly on radio today. The generation gap looks Grand Canyon-esque when I watch these old videos.

And as much as I hate to admit it, some of these "soft rock" songs were pretty darn good.

Interesting how Time Life pairs these aging pop stars with hottie co-hosts that barely remember the 70s/80s.

Starting watching the "power ballad" one last night with the dude from REO Speedwagon but fell asleep. I'm sure I'll have many more opportunities.

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#451209 - 11/09/07 02:42 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: ginchopolis]
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The infomercial itself is hypnotic, no doubt...I was amazed that I had never heard of these artists or their songs.

It also got me thinking: even if modern pop stars DID write their own songs, a major part of their appeal is physical. By signing attractive acts, the talent pool is minimal to begin with. I know that not every pop star is a Leif Garrett or Linda Ronstadt, but there isn't ANYONE who looks like these guys.


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#451257 - 11/09/07 03:46 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: Industry_Newbie]
teverett
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The labels are missing out on what I call my John Conlee theory: fellow of that name was far from a glamor boy, and had a lengthy string of country hits in the '70s. My theory is, while women like eye candy, someone like Conlee, or Conway Twitty (another great singer), is a closer to what their husband or boyfriend might be like, had he some smarts and (even more important) a romantic streak.



Maybe not (but maybe) some of the winners, but look at the guys who get a lot of votes on American Idol. Or Kenny G.

It doesn't work so well with women singers,though.

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#451267 - 11/09/07 03:59 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: teverett]
Shelby68
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You could have a hit "back in the day" without the general public even knowing what you look like. Who knew what Starbuck or Major Harris looked like? Yet they had big Top 40 records.

As for average-looking women: I guess Anne Murray could fall into that category. She's pleasant-looking, but only lesbians would consider her to be an irresistible beauty.
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#451275 - 11/09/07 04:08 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: Industry_Newbie]
ginaraquel
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I'll 'fess up. "Nights are Forever" is a total guilty pleasure, along with "Dance With Me" by Orleans. I was a little kid in the 70s, and this stuff was always on the radio, so I have a soft spot for it.
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#451313 - 11/09/07 04:56 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: Industry_Newbie]
holidayhell
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I'm waiting for the Frankie Yankovic revival!!

K-Tel's Polka Greats
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So interesting. I like it personally and hope you'll bring us more amazing stuffs.

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#451325 - 11/09/07 05:09 PM Re: Time Life: Classic Soft Rock [Re: teverett]
zookeeper
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"My theory is, while women like eye candy, someone like Conlee, or Conway Twitty (another great singer), is a closer to what their husband or boyfriend might be like, had he some smarts and (even more important) a romantic streak."


Tev, does that theory work for Narvel Felts too?

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