Friday 80s Flashback for April 14, 2017

J. Geils: 1946 - 2017

[RIP J. Geils] -- J. Geils, guitarist and leader of the J. Geils band, passed away this week.  I have so many fond memories of the J. Geils Band's music that I had to make them the subject of this week's Flashback post. The band had its roots in the mid-60s as an acoustic blues trio called Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels. By 1968, they had opted for a more electric sound, added a few members, and rebranded themselves as the J. Geils Blues Band. They dropped the "Blues" part of the name by the time they recorded their eponymous debut album in 1970. Their third album, Bloodshot (1973), was their first taste of commercial success. But it wasn't until 1980 that they reached their peak level of success and mainstream popularity. That was shouldered squarely by two records: Love Stinks (1980) and Freeze-Frame (1981). Everyone knows the big hits from those records ("Love Stinks," "Centerfold," and "Freeze-Frame"). So the rest of this Flashback will feature a few of their lesser known tunes. I might be the only person to hold them in as high esteem as their hits, but perhaps you'll come to embrace them as I do. They're waiting for you just after the jump. Feel free to let me know your favorites as well.

Flashback #1: Just Can't Wait -- "I wish the day would hurry up and set us free | Because tonight with you is where I want to be."

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Flashback #2: Angel In Blue -- "A table top dancer | She would smile on cue | Oh those lips of an angel | Angel in blue."

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Flashback #3: Tryin' Not To Think About It -- "The night cuts through in every direction | And the teeth of time they don't care."

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Flashback #4: Flamethrower -- "She punches out the clock | While it keeps punchin' out her life | She's a flamethrower, red-hot glower | Flamethrower at night."

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Flashback #5: Piss on the Wall -- "Jumpin' out of planes for the thrill of it all | Then I bounce back and take a Piss On The Wall."

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Usually, the rule of three applies when doing Flashbacks. I made an exception this week. But now that I've made my offerings, that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

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I'll see you in seven!