SONG OF THE DAY
“A Little Respect” by Erasure (The Innocents, Mute/ Sire Records, 1987). Written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell.
WHY TODAY?
My friend Jeff dyed his hair bleach blond for halloween today and it IMMEDIATELY made me picture Erasure and start singing this song, one of my absolute favorite songs of all time. I saw them perform this song live at Radio City Music Hall during Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Tour in 2008, and have loved it to its core ever since. It’s definitely one of my top ten all-time favorite songs, and was even used heavily during our wedding proceedings (we both rocked out to it on the dance floor, and gave it to everyone in the form of a mix cd favor). Yeah, I love this song.
I also appreciate the Wheatus cover—check it out.
INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia)
– “A Little Respect” is a song written and recorded by synthpop duo Erasure, released in September 1988 as their tenth single.
– Known as one of their signature tunes, “A Little Respect” continued Erasure’s success on the UK singles chart, where it hit #4 to become the band’s 5th Top 10 single.
– It was also Erasure’s second consecutive Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it climbed to #14, and hit #2 on the U.S. Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.
– The heavily synthesized instrumentation is accentuated by acoustic guitar and Bell’s use of falsetto in the chorus.
– The lyrics are an empowering plea to agay lover to show compassion and respect.
– Instrumentally, it uses an arrangement very similar to another track on the album called “Hallowed Ground”.
– In 2001, American band Wheatus released the song as their second single from their debut album. The single peaked at no. 3 in the UK Singles Chart.