Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Let Me Love You Tonight (1980)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. Watch this video for Vince Gill's lashes. I have serious lash envy now.

 

1) Pure Prairie League was a country rock band signed by Casablanca Records in 1980. The label, known for disco hits, wanted to expand their client roster in case disco died. (Which it did, and Casablanca ultimately went bankrupt.) Disco can be a polarizing topic among music fans. Do you love it or loathe it? I dislike it less than I used to. Now when I hear it, I don't think so much of the music as I do the memories; what was I up to when the song was popular.

2) In this song, lead singer Vince Gill encourages his girl to hold him tight. Who did you most recently hug? Somebody called my name as I was leaving work Thursday. It was a coworker I hadn't seen or spoken to in quite some time. I was so happy to see her because she always sees the best in me. Our hug reminded me why there is value to getting together in the office, even though I've gotten very comfortable working from home.

 

3) Vince Gill left The Pure Prairie League in 1982 and went on to be a solo success. Tell us about a job you were glad you left. It's the job where I did my best work, writing for a major haircare company, crafting the copy that appeared on the tubes and bottles. I really loved doing product packaging and won a Clio there. But I had a really wacky boss, and the toxicity of our relationship wore me out. By the time I gave notice, I was ready to go. And I met a really great guy at my next job and we had a lovely affair, so these things work out for the best.

4) He says his favorite song is the country classic, "He Stopped Loving Her Today." Do you often listen to country? No. Sometimes I reach for Garth Brooks, though. I'm a fan. I love this one.

 

5) Vince joined The Eagles on tour after the 2016 death of Glenn Frey, taking over Frey's guitar solos. Do you have a favorite Eagles song?

 
6) Vince met future wife, singer Amy Grant, when she performed on his Christmas TV special. Have you ever had a workplace romance? Yes. I don't recommend them. They don't end well. On the other hand, when you're working long weeks with lots of overtime, it's just naturally going to happen.

 
7) In 1980, when this song was popular, The Love Boat was a hit. Have you ever taken a cruise? If yes, where did you go? I've never been on a cruise. I'm alternately attracted to it (it seems like such an EASY vacation) and scared (What if I hate it? I can't jump off the ship, can I? And what about covid?).

 

8) 1980 also gave us the Post-It Note. What did you most recently write on a Post-It? An address.

9) Random question: You find yourself one of three strangers trapped in an elevator. Would you rather the other two people be a man and a woman, two men, or two women? I don't know that gender matters in this situation, unless I'm thinking of turning it into a softcore porn episode in my memoir.