Vega is best known in the U.S. for two big hits… the child abuse concerning "Luka", which hit US #3 in ’87, and the DNA remix of her own "Tom’s Diner" which danced it’s way to US #5 in 1990. Her original acoustic version of that same tune was taken from her 1987 LP Solitude Standing, which also contained "Luka".
Beginning with a folk base, and adding alternative pop, rock, and other influences, Suzanne became a critically acclaimed artist, but other than the two aforementioned hits, she didn’t crossover much into the mainstream. Now let’s explore two very worthwhile tunes from Ms. Vega’s catalog, shall we?
"If you want me… you can find me left of center, off of the strip…"
Recorded for the soundtrack to the 1986 John Hughes classic "Pretty in Pink", "Left of Center" reached UK #32, but did not chart in the U.S.
Featuring Joe Jackson ("Is She Really Going out with Him", "Stepping Out", etc.) on piano, Suzanne should have broken big with this college rock classic. Its mysterious vibe concerns a girl whom is a social outsider, yet is quietly pining for a guy she believes she shares a common bond with. She suspects the guy is also an outsider, as Suzanne declares
"Somewhere inside of us, we must be similar, if not the same."
She also does not hide her disdain for most other people, (probably the "popular" crowd, or maybe the older generation or authority figures, I assume) as stated in the line below…
"When they ask me… ‘What are you looking at’… I always answer ‘Nothing much’… I think they know that I’m looking at them… I think they think I must be out of touch."
I’ve often wondered if the character from "Toms’ Diner" is meant to be the same girl from "Left of Center". It seems quite plausible that the introspective outcast girl from "Left" would grow up to become the quiet woman observing the daily goings on at the diner…
Now, as we leap forward from Left of Center six years, we find Vega’s second tune to gain the Dial’s spotlight, the title track from her 1992 LP "99.9 F°".
This sunscreen-necessitating title peaked reasonably well on the US modern rock chart at #13, yet never crossed over to the hot 100. It also made a small dent in the UK singles chart at #46.
"99.9 Fahrenheit degrees… stable now, with rising possibilities. It could be normal but it isn’t quite… could make you want to stay awake at night"
A song about seduction, "99.9 F°" finds Suzanne in the role of the seducer, as she puts the moves on a very lucky guy. Sensual, yet understated, the temperature in the title alludes to the increasing sexual tension between the couple.
Vega’s alternative folk sound is punctuated here with echoing vocals in the bridge, and a prominent two note "punch" that adds a distinct industrial rock inflection. For some reason, this percussion has always reminded me of the opening notes of INXS' 1987 US #2 hit "Devil Inside".
Fun random fact: I actually wrote this article this past December. As the bitter, frigid temps of the season were making me daydream of hot summer days, I found myself humming the refrain from "99.9 F°", which I immediately recognized as a worthwhile Dial subject. But then I also recalled how great of a tune "Left of Center" is as well, so I became conflicted. To solve that, I did the Two Fer Tuesday thing. So there ya go.
"You seem to me like a man on the verge of running… 99.9 Fahrenheit degrees."
So as you enjoy the sweltering heat of the summer months, perhaps you should listen to these songs in reverse order from how I’ve presented them. "99.9 F°" first to acknowledge the heat, then "Left of Center" to cool back down.
Either way, I hope you enjoy these tunes that really should have been additional top 40 hits in Suzanne’s discography. Make sure to stay tuned to the Dial for more great underrated tunes in the weeks and months to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment