Alison Moyet, A Birthday, and Burberry
Today’s musical birthday dedication is courtesy of the majestic Alison Moyet! I was a big fan of Yaz’s Upstairs at Eric’s, but admit that I only vaguely followed Alison Moyet once she and Vince Clarke parted ways. Over the past year I’ve re-discovered her solo efforts. I have been missing out! And I can only hope that I might have the opportunity to see her live someday!
Let’s start with your official dedication, “Invisible”. At this point, I have dispensed with choosing songs that have anything to do with “birthdays” or are even loosely “celebratory”. Instead, I focus on a pick that I hope the recipient will appreciate.
From her solo debut released in 1984, “Invisible” has that distinct 80s synthesizer sound, which dates it (as if there’s anything wrong with loving something from the 80s!), but Alison’s husky, emotional voice delivers a commanding performance that defies decade. Your official dedication — wishing you a very happy birthday, Lori!
My blog allows me more room to flesh out a story, so I’m going to take this opportunity to highlight two more of my personal favorite picks of Alison’s.
Let’s continue this celebration with more delightful 80s synthesizers on “Is This Love” from Alison’s sophomore solo effort. A cheery melody and a particularly pretty vocal performance from Alison make this one the more sophisticated, alternative pick over other mid-80s acts like Debbie Gibson and (horrors) Tiffany!
It should also be noted that Alison co-wrote both of these songs (and virtually all of her other solo songs). Not only is she gifted with that distinct, robust voice but with songwriting talents, too!
Burberry, Alison Moyet, classical music, a beautiful venue as the backdrop, and cameos by Benedict Cumberbatch and Paloma Faith! This is such a subtle, but thoughtful nod to the 80s alternative scene (black trenches and Alison) and so terribly British.
In other words, it’s pretty much the most Bonnie thing ever! (And doesn’t Alison look and sound gorgeous?) If you’ve missed this live performance of “Only You,” check it out now. Utterly charming!
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