I became a fan of Bon Jovi right around when Have a Nice Day was released.
Posts Tagged ‘Have a Nice Day’
On Fantasy, Hair, and Other Things
Monday, May 16th, 2011Random Song: Last Man Standing
Friday, July 30th, 2010Artist: Bon Jovi
Album: Have a Nice Day
I actually encountered this song for the first time on the ‘This Left Feels Right’ DVD. Except that performance was more like the version of this song that’s on the box set, which is a more contemplative, reflective and almost sorrowful performance.
I got my copy of Have a Nice Day not too long after that. Needless to say, this version of the song was a bit of a surprise.
However, after I’d listened to it a few times and I got over the initial shock, this version of the song really started to grow on me. Of course, I’ve always been attracted to the more defiant aspects of rock and roll, and this version of ‘Last Man Standing’ definitely has that. It’s one of the few songs that Bon Jovi has done recently that really has that rock star swagger to it.
Jon’s a bit nasal on this song. However, since this performance of the song isn’t really a vocal showcase, that doesn’t distract me too much. Most of this version of the song is really driven by the bass and Richie’s guitar work. (The solo here is a special treat for fans of Richie’s playing like me.)
Over time, I’ve actually come to like this version of the song better than the version on the box set. I think it’s that whole rock star attitude thing that Jon really brings out here.
I forgot about Spaceballs…
Monday, February 8th, 2010It’s amazing how much our pop culture is saturated in Bon Jovi. For all that people love to make fun of the band, they’re everywhere. Yesterday, in under an hour, I managed to run into four Bon Jovi songs. One on the radio in Arby’s (Who Says You Can’t Go Home), one on the radio in the dollar store (Make a Memory) and one on the car radio on the way home (Wanted Dead or Alive). Then once I got inside, we found Spaceballs on the TV–and came in right at the part where Barf is listening to ‘Raise Your Hands’.
Honestly, I had forgotten that ‘Raise Your Hands’ was in Spaceballs. That’s actually kind of embarrassing, especially since that’s been one of my favorite movies since I was a kid. I knew I hadn’t watched it in a long time, but I hadn’t realized just how long. (Obviously, I haven’t watched it since I became a Bon Jovi fan, or I would have noticed ‘Raise Your Hands’.) That puts it at least five years since I’ve watched it.
Anyway, it’s still kind of awesome how you can run into a Bon Jovi song anywhere–even in one of your favorite movies. And it’s cool how it can make your day.