Weingarten High Music, 1982-1983

I spent my junior year at a college in Germany. Because the word "Hochschule" translates literally, but incorrectly, into English as "high school," a friend teased me often about going to "Weingarten High." The college was located in Upper Swabia, very close to where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland all meet.

While I was there, I saw almost no television. My constant companion for many evenings was a clock radio I'd bought upon arrival. My favorite station was SWF 3, the coolest station of its era (and one that no longer exists). It played the pop hits -- a rock purist would have despised it. In between songs, I listened intently. My ability to understand German came from hearing hundreds of hours of DJ banter and the news broadcasters.

I can never hear certain songs without thinking back to SWF 3 and Weingarten. If you have any fondness for the music of 1982-83, or a personal memory of the era, these may be of some entertainment or nostalgia value.

The Hymn, by Ultravox

Don't sell your soul to a good looking guy with a demi-mullet. The minute you turn away, his eyes will glow green.

*****



Overkill, by Men at Work

Re-introduced to succeeding generations by Colin Hay on "Scrubs" several years ago, in an acoustical version.

*****



The Umpire Strikes Back, by The Brat

I bought this as a 45 rpm in a London record shop after hearing it many times in Germany. It eviscerates John McEnroe for a series of famous arguments he started with tennis umpires in the early 1980s. His eruptions included such phrases as "Chalk dust flew!", "You are the pits of the world!" and "I was talking to myself!" (when sanctioned for his attacks). Notice also the way "rap" was portrayed in 1983.

*****



Africa, by Toto

Not much to say about this one. Bland, yet replayed endlessly because it was a catchy tune.

*****



Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), by the Eurythmics

I spent much of 1982-83 on trains, and certain lines about travelling made a lot of sense.

*****



Major Tom, by Peter Schilling

A big act in the alleged "German New Wave." There was a video only for the English version of the song, so someone kindly created a new one with the German words and scenes from 2001: A Space Odyssey. The English cover by Shiny Toy Guns may be even better.

*****



Our House, by Madness

A German student came into the common area of our dorm and couldn't help but gush her enthusiasm for this song, "Our House in the Middle of the Road."

*****



Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, by Culture Club

Only after I returned to the States did I learn that the lead singer was named "Lloyd George," who in fact turned out to be Boy George.

*****



Come on Eileen, by Dexy's Midnight Runners

The lyrics make no sense. Catchy as hell. Wish I'd known an Eileen. I had to settle for a Colleen.

*****



Flashdance, by Irene Cara

Ah, Jennifer Beals, we hardly knew ye. Yet you're back now with your own series on Fox, looking every bit as lovely.