I have a dream, a musical dream. Sometime next month, while scanning Billboard‘s Top 10 singles, I’d like to see Suzanne Vega’s name alongside the usual suspects Timbaland, Fergie, and T-Pain. What’s more, I want Vega to fight her way back to the charts with a song that opens with the lyric, "On the way to the bidet/Is when the trouble used to start."
Now before you go bringing to life my deepest, darkest "they’re all gonna laugh at you fears," remember this: Suzanne Vega is the Mistress of Unlikely Hits. She’s cracked the upper reaches of the U.S. charts twice before — by singing about child abuse and drinking coffee at a diner. You really want to bet she can’t enchant the masses with a tale about the star-crossed marriage of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner? Check out the video for "Frank & Ava" playing over at Yahoo Music before you make up your mind. Each scene is staged like a moody little painting; if Edward Hopper had ever directed a video, it might look something like this. What’s more, I bet you’re tapping your foot and humming the "it’s not enough to be in love" bit by the second rendition of the chorus.
Yeah, it’s a long shot, but I say fairy tales can come true, they can happen to Sue, doo be doo be doo. Who’s with me on this one?
absolutely…so many good songs to choose from on the new disc.
I’m totally with you. I saw a review of her new CD a week ago and immediately went to Amazon to order it. She is one of my all-time favorite singers, and I’d love to see her have another hit. And if she can write one of the best songs of all time about Marlene Dietrich, then surely she can have a hit single with Sinatra and Gardner!
One of my most worn out cds is my best of Suzanna Vega. I love it and whenever anyone else hears it they immediate join the fan club. I love her.
That’s a great video. Real nice atmosphere and Suzanne’s expressions are priceless.
It used to be a talented artist like Suzanne Vega could have hits, but not no more. What a shame.
I really liked this, thanks for pointing it out. I’m gonna go order her new album.
Michael, you really think Miss Luka will be back in the top 10?!?!?! It was a fluke when she had that hit; in today’s hip-hop world, forget about it. Just check out Vh1 Classic for Luka…
Unfortunately, many youngsters today do not understand good songwriting. If you listen to most of the stuff on the radio now, it’s completely devoid of melody. When was the last time you heard a decent Top 10 song? Luckily, Suzanne is still around and making great music.