Shit! I almost forgot to post this! Tomorrow night (July 16) a group of authors are doing an event at The Book Cellar at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave at 7:00. They include my buddy Jess Riley, Margot Justes, Libby Fischer Hellmann, and Francine Friedman. Stacey and I plan to be there in the audience, so why not come out and support local authors at this amazing indie book seller?
Did I mention the bookstore has its own bar? Books! Drinks! How could you not come?
What else? Oh, yeah, I wrote more than 3,500 words yesterday. (That's about fifteen book-typeset pages.) Not sure what kind of roll I was on, but I hope to keep it up.
Part of what's getting me/keeping me going is music. I'm writing stories from childhood on up, so I've been listening to stuff that reminds me of those time periods. It's amazing how one little hook or chorus can bring back so much imagery, like how Celebrate puts me right on the floor of the West Park Roller Rink, awkwardly navigating over spangled skate-laces or how Man in the Moon places me and my flannel/Birk/longjohn-clad self (shameful) at the end of the bar at Harry's, singing along with all the other patrons because we secretly believe REM should have put US in that video instead.
This is all a roundabout way of explaining why Fletch found me watching George Michael's Freedom '90 over and over again yesterday on YouTube. "I'm working!" I told him.
While I was thinking about the video later, it occured to me that some of my readers are practically babies (or I'm a dinosaur) and weren't even born until the '80s. That means some of you were in grade school when this song/video came out. Thus, some of you may have never even seen what is surely the greatest music video ever made.
Seriously? Naomi? Linda? Christy? Cindy? ELAINE IRWIN, MY VERY FAVORITE?
Your assignment for today is to watch it here on YouTube. (Sony's disabled the ability to embed or I'd have posted it.)
Appreciate not only the video, but also George's enormous lyrical fuck-you to MTV and the record company. Discuss. Enjoy!
I WANT to talk music, but I'm stuck on the Birkenstocks: When, oh when did this happen to you??? I tried on my first pair of Birks since 1992 last year after seeing a cute white patent pair on the runway. Imagine my horror to discover how truly truly ugly they are! Fist of FURY, my mother was right!!!
Posted by: rDogg0807 | July 15, 2008 at 03:35 PM
I love this. My best friend is 23 and we play a game called "things K wouldn't think is funny" because she doesn't get our references (we're in our early 30s) LOL
Good times. Glad you're progressing so well. I'm sure it's a relief to you.
Posted by: Aimee | July 15, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Tara - Born in 1984? I feel old....!!!!!
I also went to IU (in fact I was there in '84) and used to see Mr. Elaine Irwin at the Kroger quite often. My friends and I were fascinated by what was in his cart (boring kid stuff). Once we asked him to come with us for a drink. He declined but was really cute and gracious about it. I just read he has a new CD out - I think TIME said it was his best in 10 years... I need to go check it out.
Posted by: marlee | July 15, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I love George Michael!!! Teacher is one of the greatest songs ever! It is scarey to me that people born in 1990 are old enough to vote! they also veiw Party of Five like I veiw Little House on the Prairie. What are you gonna do?!
Keep up the writing, I enjoy it all !
Posted by: Erin | July 15, 2008 at 02:43 PM
I LOVE that song & video. Child o' 1980 here, but definitely a George Michael fan. (Though my fave musical memory was singing "La Isla Bonita" into a hair brush in front of my mom's mirrored closet doors.)
Even better than Freedom '90, though was "Father Figure" - it played this morning when my alarm went off. :)
Posted by: The Muse | July 15, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Holy cats, for eighteen years I thought that was Elaine Irwin! At this point, Elaine Irwin probably even thinks it's herself.
Posted by: the governor of jennsylvania | July 15, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Must ... watch ... anything ... that ... Jen ... tells ... me ... too.
I was born in '84 so this is all new to me, and fabulous!
Posted by: Rachel | July 15, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Hi there! I just wanted to say that I just read your latest book and it freakin' ROCKS! I went the whole thing in 2 evenings and I loved every chapter!! I have plans to buy your other 2 books and have recently purchased one of the books you just recommended: Half-Assed...which I am also enjoying. So glad to have discovered you and your writing (and the blog!) We are the same age and your music list --- damn girl...LOVE IT!!!!!! :-)
peace and blessings, Cindy B.
Posted by: cindy b | July 15, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Besides George Michael, did you listen to some A-HA, Alisha (guilty pleasure work-out music), Tears for Fear, Alison by Elvis Costello and Culture Club while writing?
Can you tell I grew up in the 80s.....
Posted by: Joan | July 15, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I was born in 75, so I am very appreciative of the "era" you're writing about Jen! LOVED that video! I was so into George Michael back in the day! It was hysterical to see my little sister running around singing "I Want Your Sex!" My grandparents were mortified...
I have been reading things all backwards -- I got Bright Lights first, then I just finished Bitter this past weekend. I haven't gotten the new one yet.
I thought you might want to check this out, since you are "Pretty in Plaid" -- a friend of mine from high school runs this custom handmade handbag business and just introduced other products, like cool reversible aprons. Since their slogan right now is "Unapologetically Preppy," I thought you'd want to check it out!
http://saralangley.com/
Posted by: Kim | July 15, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Born in '85. When you mentioned the video I was 99% sure I knew what you were talking about. So I watched just to be sure. And I totally did. I feel so hip.
Posted by: Kelly | July 15, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Don't worry Jen even though we were babies many of us still LOVED that video. I personnally I am proud to say that Freedom '90 has a very prominent feature in my current "Workout" playlist.
Posted by: Shana | July 15, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I'm older than most rocks, but I remember that song well. Dancing to it at SPIT, a club in Boston, was part of my more lively past. But the video? Don't remember it at all. I think I was long past MTV and never really watched it. I don't recognize the supermodels either, I'm sorry to say. But the one with the short blond hair...gorgous. Who is she?
Posted by: margalit | July 15, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Born in 1985... FORCED to watch MTV all damn day by my babysitters growing up. Very familiar with that video! Good work!
Posted by: Linsey | July 15, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I was born in 1963 and I LOVED LOVED 80's music and styles and big hair!! And, I too feel that sometimes I am working with babies... When they say they were born in 1985 it blows my mind... I feel old, but when I put on my iPod (full of every awesome 80's song I ever heard) then it takes me right back to when I was skinny and cute!! Love your books - write faster, girl!!
Posted by: Becky Kinzel | July 15, 2008 at 12:12 PM
OMG, the George Michael references! Me and my girls are going to the George Michael concert here in Toronto on Thursday. 5 of us, all in our mid 30's - 40's are gonna get down old school. I've been listening to GM constantly during my workouts....I could listen to Fastlove 24/7. And the video for Freedom 90, really is one of the best videos of all time. Who doesn't pretend to be Cindy Crawford when in the tub listening to that tune? Who, I ask???
It kinda makes me a bit sad, that I can vividly remember the 80's, and some of my co-workers need to be told who The Eagles are.....I actually had to try and explain the pop culture reference of what Hotel California was once to a kid in his 20's. I thought my head would pop right the fuck off. And dude, if you think Van Halen means Sammy Hagar.....ugh, god help me.
Lastly, I was mortified when I heard a Depeche Mode song being used to pimp Payless Shoes recently in a commercial. How dare they??!! I listen to Mode on my ipod everyday too. The 80's really did have some fantastic stuff, I'll to old school anyday before the top 20 the radio stations are playing.
Posted by: Karina in T.O | July 15, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Oh, and who here saw Wham! in 1985? Me! Me! Twice in one weekend!
Posted by: Manic Mommy | July 15, 2008 at 11:59 AM
OK, TOO STRANGE that when I did this post on Vasectomy Songs:
http://manicmommy.blogspot.com/2008/03/vasectomy.html
I TOO INCLUDED GEORGE MICHAEL'S FREEDOM VIDEO FOR VIEWING!!!
Bwhahahaha!
Out of all the freaking videos in the entire world. Who woulda thunk!? Great minds, I tell ya, great minds ...
Posted by: Manic Mommy | July 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I'm 26, and just this morning I IM'd a few lyrics to Mr. Bigg's "To Be With You" to a fave fellow coworker. From memory. They just popped into my head. That took her back to her era, and took me back to riding in an '84 mercury with my older sister, who taught me all I need to know about hair bands.
In short, this "baby" is with ya!
Posted by: Laura | July 15, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I too am thrilled to have come of age at the same time as you.
More importantly I truly wish Philly had
a book store w/ a bar. What a dream come
true to have wine instead of coffee. Guess
I need to move to the Windy City...that may
happen.
Posted by: Christine | July 15, 2008 at 11:42 AM
O.M.G. I LOVED THAT SONG AND VIDEO!!! I just went to George's concert here in Chicago at the United Center and he ROCKED!! I cannot believe you LOVED Elaine Irwin too!!!!! I was so obsessed with super models in the 90s, it was insane. If we had had Tivo back then, House of Style would have been recorded every time!!! Oh, how I just love that song and video and am so thrilled to hear there are others that feel the same!
Posted by: Renee in Chicago | July 15, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Yup, too young to have ever seen it... until now!
But I am hearing that all the time-- "you don't know THIS song?!? It's a classic!!!"
Classic, shmassic. What's this "Radar Love" thing anyway?? ;)
Posted by: JenBun | July 15, 2008 at 11:31 AM
OMG - I love that bookstore! And I live very close! Sounds super cool. Gotta see if I can arrange childcare (darn toddler!), but if I can I'm so in.
Posted by: Kim | July 15, 2008 at 11:23 AM
That's Tatjana Patitz, not Elaine Irwin. I do love this video though. I love the destruction of all of the icons from "Faith"
Don't get me wrong, I love "Faith", but I love the imagery of escaping from that forced persona in "Freedom 90". I honestly love all of "Listen Without Prejudice"
Posted by: Nicole | July 15, 2008 at 11:16 AM
anyone else still waiting for Listen Without Prejudice, Vol 2??????
Posted by: staseeface | July 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM
What? Wait. You owned Birkenstocks? And wore them? Oh the disillusion! Hope you all have a great night at The Book Cellar.
Posted by: TX Poppet | July 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM
You are so right regarding how when one hears a hook from a song of your long ago - it really brings back some wonderful/some painful memories of the STONE FOX era. Yeah, I guess I am giving myself away with that expression! Hey, when are you planning on coming to KC - you have quite a fan base here. I know Shy Town is just a hop/skip, but maybe something to think about???
Posted by: Michele | July 15, 2008 at 10:52 AM
1981. MTV started out with Video Killed The Radio Star.
This is hysterical!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWtHEmVjVw8
I was *sniff* 25!
Posted by: LindaS. | July 15, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I absolutely love the fact that we are the same age because I know and understand most everything you discuss in pop culture because I lived it!!!!
Thanks for sharing the video with the masses. It is up to fine women like us to educate all on the greatness that was the 80’s!!
Posted by: Nina | July 15, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Oddly enough, I partied (loose use of the word) with George Michael last week! Believe it. I went out to LA to visit a friend. He introduced me to a friend of his who is gay. The gay friend took me to the Abby (a gay bar that is known for the celebrity clientele). I looked around and there he was. George Michael, flesh and bones. FABULOUS! He was great. My friend wanted to flirt, so he threw a piece of ice at him, but no dice. We hung out next to him all night and I was completely star-struck. But I kept it together and didn't bust out in song.
Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth | July 15, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Ah, George Michael. How I loved him when I was in fourth grade, yet strangely knew even then that alas, he did not bat for my team. Cheers from a Bicentennial Baby - 1976, woot.
I loved Stephanie Seymour kicking ass in Guns 'n Roses "Don't Cry" video. Early 90's, beginning of the end of the great supermodels.
Posted by: Chrystal | July 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
@Lisa Johnson: You go, girl! I divorced at age 47 after 28 years of marriage almost 2 years ago. Freedom!
I've always loved that song. Still think it's one of the sexiest vids ever. Now I have to go watch it over and over and over!
Posted by: Liz C | July 15, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I LOVE Freedom! AND as a child born in the early 80's, I will proudly exclaim I HAD heard the song as well as seen the video! What can I say? My Mom had good musical taste. However, I of course had to watch it again because it is just that great, so thanks for the idea!
One of the greatest videos ever. I totally love George Michael, and I'm NOT ashamed to admit it.
Posted by: Stephanie | July 15, 2008 at 10:30 AM
George Michael has always been one of my guilty pleasures. Time to dust off that CD and dance around the house today! Songs bring back the where and when in my life, some good and some bad, this was a turning point for me. Very small children ( I'm now 46 )and getting divorced from my ex and a new direction in my life....FREEDOM!
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | July 15, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Wow. Books and a bar. That's amazing.
And if I wasn't in class right now I'd totally watch the video...but graduate school assignments trump blogged assignments. So sorry. So tragic.
Posted by: Courtney | July 15, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I'm just glad I am not the only one who fell into the grunge couture rage of the early 90's.
Posted by: HeatherPride | July 15, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Anyone who missed out on the supermodel-ness of the 1980s is just a sad poor soul. That video rocked the Casbah.
Does anyone else recall Cindy Crawford doing House of Style on MTV? Sigh. I miss those days.
Posted by: southernfriedgirl | July 15, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I was 8 when Freedom came out. I remember it vividly while I was trying to prance like those supermodels (Naomi was my fav! - which explains why I like to throw things now). I might get that cd out tonight and cook to it (I promise not to throw meat at my FI's head)! Thanks.
I'm at work kickin it to some old school (1982 baby!) tunes now. I don't think anyone born after 1957 (my parents) is old just "uniquely preserved" - kidding.
Posted by: Kristen | July 15, 2008 at 09:44 AM
i love freedom! i heard it on the american idol finale and remembered how much i loved it! AWESOME and great video. and i was born in 1983 - its no excuse not to know music history :)
Posted by: kelly | July 15, 2008 at 09:43 AM
OMG, I was just listening to my iPod last week when that song came on and as I was blow drying my hair, trying to do my best Linda Evangelista impression (right!)singing into my hairbrush! One of the best songs ever!
Posted by: Lib | July 15, 2008 at 09:38 AM
I was born in '84...and have NEVER seen it *gasp*....thanks for giving me something to entertain myself with at work today!!!!
Posted by: Tara | July 15, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Am too old to appreciate the models, althought I did recognize a couple. Cool vid, excellent song. I was raised on what's now called Classic Rock, but George Michael and even some older Michael Jackson stuff remain guilty pleasures.
Posted by: Middle Aged Woman | July 15, 2008 at 09:37 AM
I was born in '81, but I LOVE that video! Elaine Irwin was and has remained gorgeous. I went to school at IU, and I once saw her at Express in the College Mall buying tons of stuff (that was really the most fashionable of all retailers in Bloomington). She was so sweet and gracious to the staff. I was a wee bit star struck, to be honest. That all being said, Christy is my hands-down fave of all time.
Posted by: Kim | July 15, 2008 at 09:24 AM