Saturday 9: Linger (1993)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) In this song, Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries sings that her lover has her wrapped around his finger. Do you feel that anyone has you wrapped around their finger? These two. My girlcat (the one in the foreground) especially can get me to bend to her will.
2) This was one of the first songs Delores and Noel Hogan wrote together. They performed it often live and perfected it before going into the studio to record it approximately two years later. Because they had polished the performance and arrangement, it's not a surprise that it was the biggest hit off their debut album. Tell us about a time when your preparation paid off. Every morning when I have to be somewhere at a specific time. If I don't prepare the night before – choosing my outfit, making sure I have what I need in my purse, etc. – I promise you I will be late.
3) The Cranberries believed the moody black-and-white video (linked above) playing on MTV contributed to the song's popularity. MTV and VH1 were highly influential when they showed music videos and interviews 24/7 during the 1980s and 1990s. Do you recall watching music videos on MTV and/or VH1? Oh yes! Video premieres were actually events. I remember that in 1991, my friend John changed my birthday party from a get together at a bar to a viewing party at his house so we could all see Michael Jackson's "Black or White" for the first time together on MTV.
4) The Cranberries were founded by brothers Noel and Mike Hogan in their hometown in Limerick, Ireland. The River Shannon runs through Limerick. Do you live near a river? I love the Chicago River. If you ever visit my favorite town, I recommend you spend more time on the River Walk than at Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. I understand that Lake Michigan can be breathtakingly beautiful (they're called Great Lakes for a reason!), but the River Walk is right there, smack dab in the middle of the Loop. It's a bit less touristy, and you get a better sense of who really lives in Chicago.
5) Fergal Lawler soon joined the brothers and became the Cranberries drummer. Today he says he enjoys listening to his early work with the group because, "Songs are like a snapshot in time." Do you often flip through photo albums and look at snapshots? No. I'm afraid it would make me too sad. My favorite uncle, my mom, my friends Henry and John are all gone and I miss them very much.
6) Dolores O'Riordan showed up for her Cranberries audition dressed casually in a black tracksuit with her own Casio electronic keyboard tucked under her arm. The Hogans were impressed not only by her vocals but her no-nonsense, "let's get to work" attitude. Share a memory from one of your job interviews. I was interviewing for a job I knew I wasn't really qualified for. I remember I wore a beige/white checked jacket and a beige skirt. I was afraid I was going to be late so I ran up the escalator. This gentleman who was riding the escalator down craned his head around to check out my legs and butt and smiled. I know what I'm about to say isn't PC, but that gave my confidence a boost and I think I did better in the interview because I felt attractive. BTW, this was 32 years ago. I still remember his smile. Wherever that now 70something man is, thank you. (Funny, this was about the same time as the birthday party I referenced in #3. Funny how my mind goes back to that time.)
7) In 1993, when "Linger" was released, The Nanny premiered on CBS. It's remembered today for it's catchy theme song, which tells the story of "the nanny named Fran." Can you recall the lyrics to theme of one of your favorite shows? ♪ I'll be there for you when the rain starts to pour, I'll be there for you like I've been there before, I'll be there for you cause you're there for me, too. ♪
8) In 1993, gas was $1.11/gallon. Could your vehicle use a fill-up right now? No car.
9) Random question: How many pairs of shoes do you own? Too many. I have three pairs of athletic shoes, two pairs of Crocs (don't judge me) and entirely too many pairs of Birkenstock sandals. I only have one pair of dressy shoes. I should do something about that. Note to self: NO MORE SANDALS! Get a nice pair of flats instead.
