The Smithereens - "A Girl Like You" - Just a gentle reminder from The Smithereens that you don't need to be good looking to be in a band. Was it in almost every band's contract during the 80's to put out a "behind-the-scenes-look-at-us-horsing-around-while-we-make-this-video" video? "Look at these guys! The drummer was drumming on his shoes and then used that one guy's head as a cymbal! What a bunch of cards!" Of course, it has to be in black and white, because...well, just because.
But, beneath all of the 1980's cheese, you actually have a pretty rocking song. Solid guitars coupled with power ballad lyrics guaranteed to melt the heart of any soccer mom you might be courting. Although, the lyrics are a little awkward at times: "I'll do anything I have to do, just to win the love of a girl like you."
In other words: "Your love really isn't worth all of this damn trouble, but I'll do it anyways. That's the kind of guy I am, and you're very lucky to have me pursuing you." Maybe I'm reading too much into that, but it comes off a little tongue-in-cheek to me. Whatever, they're in a band. They can do what they want as long as it rocks.
But, beneath all of the 1980's cheese, you actually have a pretty rocking song. Solid guitars coupled with power ballad lyrics guaranteed to melt the heart of any soccer mom you might be courting. Although, the lyrics are a little awkward at times: "I'll do anything I have to do, just to win the love of a girl like you."
In other words: "Your love really isn't worth all of this damn trouble, but I'll do it anyways. That's the kind of guy I am, and you're very lucky to have me pursuing you." Maybe I'm reading too much into that, but it comes off a little tongue-in-cheek to me. Whatever, they're in a band. They can do what they want as long as it rocks.
Great video! I love the song itself and the video is deliciously cheesy. I enjoy when the band members take turns playing each others' instruments, and when the lead singer points at the guitar player who is holding the mic (at the 1:19 mark) as if to say, "You're a girl!" These guys really ARE a bunch of jokers, haha!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite character is the drummer, who comes across as a technically precise musician, an art lover (because of the photography), and a romantic sap (because he holds up the 'I Love You' sign at the end). It wouldn't surprise me if he directed the video, also. He's that multi-dimensional!
And it cracks me up when the drummer -- playing the guitar at the 1:36 mark -- breaks out a Pete Townshend-esque windmill. The bass player has this look on his face as if to say, "Dammit! Why didn't I think of that?!" Good stuff. Good post!