Every darn week (sorta) I'm challenged to watch the musical guest on that God awful Saturday Night live. I bet a lot of you wonder how I can hate so consistently. There is a reason.
Because I am old enough to remember when the musical guest was the absolute highlight. Since this week is a repeat of the crusty Paul McCartney (see review here) I thought.. hey.. lemme show you how things used to be.
We can start with my all time favorite performance. There are other GREAT ones but this, this is my topper. The Specials in April 1980. In 1980 I adored this band and had a massive crush on Terry the lead singer. At age 14 I was cool enough to own him- if we’d ever met and well if he liked girls. I can remember sitting in the dark and just swooning over this. The host, Strother Martin wasn't’t very funny to me but he sure as hell is now- another ‘too young to appreciate’ moment.
Back to the music. There is something magical about ska music and the entire two tone movement. This performance of “Gangsters” still revs it up and I swear the energy used in this few minutes of music is outrageous. It is painful to watch them try and fit the ska moves into such a small stage! For crying out loud what were they thinking that's like an alcove. Doesn't matter its still magical. “To Much Too Young” which was their second offering still has some of the most awesome lyrics and a killer message to every teenager!
So when SNL attempt to jams garbage like The Lumineers up my butt I take it as a personal insult. Look, I know how fabulous it USED to be- don’t try to serve me this lifeless sludge now. There are more cutting edge and innovative musicians than Alabama Shakes and Rihanna- there really is.
So here's the deal. Every time SNL goes on repeat, I’m gonna serve you a performance that was actually worth watching (Editors Note: I can't wait for FEAR!). You’re welcome. Enjoy!!