Rock-tober 25, 2014

Coming of age in the 80's bestowed on me certain privileges. I knew a simpler world before 9-11 and AIDS. Although I was still part of the "play outside" generation, I was there at the dawn of the gaming revolution and actually played on PONG and Atari gaming consoles (still have the Atari). I also remember seeing and purchasing gas that was less than $1.00 a gallon.

By living through that era, I've also earned the right to laugh at 80's fashion. Spandex, shoulder pads, and scrunchies. Mullets, muscle shirts, and big hair "jacked to Jesus". You couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting a fashion faux pas.

"Well, Wayne, you can't be totally innocent here. Spill the beans."

OK. I did sport quite a few OP (Ocean Pacific for the young or uninformed) shorts and muscle shirts. Then there's the Members Only jackets (still have a leather one). I'll also cop to Hawaiian shirts and linen sport coats. That last one was inspired by the Miami Vice "look".

Miami Vice aired from '84 - '90 and followed Crockett and Tubbs on their crusade against crime in South Beach. The stories were gritty, the cars were cool, and they always had a great soundtrack playing in the background. Phil Collins's "In the Air Tonight" provided the backdrop for the edgy series pilot. It was also showcased in the now classic "Rock-tober: Day 18" from 2013. His music returned the next year as "Take Me Home" was included in the season two opener.

The droning, rhythmic percussion dovetails with the somber, pensive lyrics. It's an interesting counterpoint to the lighthearted video, where his appearances in major world capitals and cities incites my own wanderlust.

Phil Collins made yet another return to Miami Vice. Further along in season two he makes an actual appearance. He plays "Phil the Shill", an English TV personality who gets tangled up with a cocaine dealer and necessarily runs afoul of  Crockett and Tubbs.