If you’re just joining us here, Bottom Feeders is a look at both the awesome and terrible songs that came out of the ‘80s — each week we cover about 20 songs that peaked no higher than #41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that decade. We’re moving alphabetically from A to Z, so we still have a long way to go. After many weeks stuck on M, we finally move to the letter N and more songs from the ass end of the ‘80s.
Graham Nash
“Innocent Eyes” — 1986, #84 (download)
Ooofah. When I first heard this, I was shocked that this was the same Graham Nash that I knew. I don’t blame the guy for trying to stay relevant, but his album that bears the same name as the single above is a crappy overdubbed jumbled mess. “Innocent Eyes” is definitely the best track on it and that may very well be because of the presence of Kenny Loggins on background vocals.
Nazareth
“Holiday” — 1980, #87 (download)
Nazareth released a ton of records with very little success on the Billboard singles charts in the US. And while this single isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever heard, it’s got no punch. Nice riff in the verses, but the chorus turning into light rock schlock just doesn’t do it for me.
Phyllis Nelson
“I Like You” — 1986, #61 (download)
This was a #1 dance hit for Nelson, her only song to cross over to the pop charts in the US. Her earlier ‘70s and ‘80s appearances in music were mostly with disco oriented tracks so it’s not a surprise she jumped on the mid-‘80s dance wagon for her 15 minutes of fame.
Willie Nelson
“My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” — 1980, #44 (download)
Pure country may not be my thing, but this is a really nice song off his soundtrack to Sydney Pollack’s The Electric Horseman. Gotta love it when Willie starts talking about picking up hookers in the middle of a track. I’ve never paid attention to the Willie Nelson story in full but what a crazy trip his life must be. Close to 100 albums, been on probably hundreds more, smoked hundreds of pounds of weed — I’m assuming this guy has had one crazy, eventful life.
