42. Fruit Basket Upset

42. "The Promise You Made" by Cock Robin

Many a year ago, I received a collection of taped music entitled, "The Best Songs You Ain't Never Heard." Since then, I've thought that name would be great concept and slogan for a radio station, or at the very least a weekly radio show. This song would be on the first hour's playlist for a number of reasons.

First, it never hit the charts in the USA, although it did very well in Europe, so I don't think I've ever heard it played on one of those radio stations that play hits from the 80s, including Bob, which is supposed to be willing to play anything. (Liars!)

Second, it's a damn good song. The music, the lyrics, the singing, the echoey guitars, the synthesizer, the electric drums--all done about as good as it could be done in 85. When I listen to it, I feel transported to mid-eighties Sweden, which is mostly a very good feeling. I also get a whiff of my freshman year of college. I can't believe it didn't get played at the one dance at Ricks that I went to in 85, as the lyrics have kind of a religious overtone while still being mostly romantic. You know--stuff like relying on someone else's faith to be strong or carrying someone to the far edge of time, which I guess you'd have to be pretty strong to do that without ever dropping the person.

Third, I would get to say "Cock Robin" on air. A lot. I'd probably just yell it out Tourette's style at random times during the rest of the program just because I could. Go ahead and try it. You know you want to.

Cock Robin!

Now for the video.


The video for the song is pretty goofy in parts and raises many questions. Why are all these people walking by a red phone booth in England? Why is this phone booth shown so many times in this video? Is it Dr. Who's tardis? How lazy is the drummer to let the girl haul those big drums into the tardis while all he's got in his hands are a couple of sticks? And why would anyone try to start a fight right outside a tardis with a fruit stand between you and the person you're trying to hit? I mean, if they started throwing fruit at each other, it would then make total sense. I loves me a good melon hurl! (I once hit Heath Clark with a rotten cantaloupe when he was following behind the Arimo garbage truck on his motorcycle.)

But in spite of the doofy parts of the video, I kind of like the way Anna LaCazio dances. VERY 80s. Also, there's a rather enjoyable kid yanking scene at about 35 seconds into the video. You know what I bet the mom shouted at the kid when she nearly ripped his arm off?

Cock Robin!