Generally, in writing up these musical dealies, I feel the need to establish some sort of intent at the start of the post. Call it a preamble, an intro, or perhaps a warning. Whatever it is, typically I'm inclined to gently welcome the reader to the week's subject matter so that they don't feel a shock upon tasting the oddly flavored soup-mix that is blogger brain and chart-topping smash. The first paragraph is supposed to be like a fresh loaf of bread that envelopes a person with yeasty warmth. I want you to feel safe and comfortable before we press firmly on the weird pedal and go down some unknown and bumpy trail.
But not this time, friends. Sorry, today is a different sort of entry. So, instead, we're stepping right back in the mess (sticktap to Maz Kanata).
Right.
Wait, who?
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The first step for most of my research is usually done on a little-known website called Google. Not many people have heard of it, but I recommend it. They're up and comers, I tell ya. Watch out Alta Vista!
Anyway, when I type the NOPR's choice for the week into that search machine, I tend to get a pretty expected list of results. Stories about the song's creation and the accompanying video are usually near the top. Occasionally, you'll also see a band history entry, or maybe a minor controversy that erupted over some untoward lyric. Interesting stuff, but normally nothing too remarkable immediately appears. This time, however, the Goog spat out links that displayed quite an unusual and specific theme.
From the very first page of my search:
#2 - An oral history of "We Built This City", the worst song of all time
#4 - The making of one of music's most hated songs
#5 - Starship's "We Built This City": Really the worst?
#6 - How "We Built This City" became the worst song ever
So, yeah, this is different.
But, before we think of getting into all of that and allowing these other online peoples to color our view of this tune, let's consider something further. That is, just how friggin popular it is.
Searching this song on Amazon music, it comes up as available on 279 albums. 2-7-9! That many times, some person decided they really needed to use a version of this hit to fill out their release. There are all these compilations, covers, remixes, re-issues, and other assorted collections containing what Starship wrought.
And, keeping with today's off-kilter review, this listing of created recordings are all over the map. This song was included in movies (such as The Muppets and Rock of Ages), television shows (Stranger Things, Glee, Skins), and even a video game (Grand Theft Auto V). It also has been featured on records with themes that, well...let's just look at a small fraction of these titles.
- 35 Jock Jams "Stadium Anthems"
- Mullet Rock Anthems!
- Beer Drinking Music
- Top Party Anthems
- Ultimate Stag Party Playlist
- So, yeah, it's a rockin' song!
- Classic Soft Rock "30 Essential Rock Ballads"
- Oh, wait, it's a ballad?
- I Love Running
- Fitness at Home
- Er, sorry, it's for exercise.
- White House Shakedown "Presidents Day Musical Celebration"
- And holidays?
- Best Hits for Paddleball
- HUH?!?!?!
- Live at Stanley Cup
- Because, sure, why not. And, lest you think I mistyped the above, I did not. As you can see below, the title is not Live at the Stanley Cup. Nope, this soundtrack is all about brevity. And speaking like a Russian immigrant, I guess.
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| Next we go in car to party wearing yankee blue jean |
Thus, "We Built This City" is remarkably awful yet incredibly popular at the same time. Now I'm totally confused. Forget it internets, you just can't be trusted. I'll dive in on my own.
How 'bout a lyric? That'll help me figure this out.
"Marconi plays the mamba, listen to the radio, don't you remember"
I, uh, hmm, um, hoo boy, oh look, the internet raised its hand again! The lead singer? Great, he'll get us on the right track.
Mickey Thomas
"When the song went to number one, I said to Bernie Taupin (Elton John's longtime collaborator and this song's writer) more than ever, people are gonna ask what Marconi plays the Mamba means. He said, I've got no fucking idea, mate. Bernie didn't say mambo, he said mamba, which is a snake. Marconi created the radio. Maybe it means, if you don't like this music, some really angry snakes are going to come out of the speakers. At one point, I did start to sing mambo to try and be more grammatically correct. After a while I said fuck it and went back to mamba."
So, there's that.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is the part of the entry where I'm really supposed to think (hence the heading, Final THOUGHTS). However, I confess, my mind does not know what to make of this song. There are already too many opinions about it, and I just can't nail down one original consideration. I'm utterly flustered. Just gonna have to go my own way.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BAND NAME
Starship is a stupid band name.
Nailed it.
Now who's for some paddleball!
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| Soundtrack sold separately |
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