30 Year Ago, Today.

[Journey/Survivor]

Today, July, 24th, 2012, is the 30th anniversary of the "Eye Of The Tiger" single reaching #1 on the Billboard charts.

[Eyeof]

All the fanfare around it is sad eh?

[Eyeof]

On another note man, where do the years go?

Am I the only one that can remember that time like it was yesterday???

In fact, I have a little story about that...

I went to this small lake/swim hole where I practically lived as a kid...I can remember Tiger blasting out across the lake from the juke box speakers...Hell, can still smell that lake water and feel the sunburn coming on...

At any rate, took my kids there this summer on a trip home...When Tiger actually came over the speakers there, i did the math in my head...

WOW...30 years....Three decades...It's just almost impossible to fathom...

It's odd, as the years pass you never really feel it as it happens...one day your aren't a kid anymore and one day you aren't even young anymore....

Oh well...Rock on!

[Journey/Survivor]

On another note man, where do the years go?

Am I the only one that can remember that time like it was yesterday???

Yeah, I can still remember it well. Outside of school, which I hated, I miss those days.

I remember shooting hoops in my backyard a lot the summer and having the radio on waiting for EOTT to come on the radio. It would be played at least once an hour. And if you kept switching stations, you could hear it a few times an hour.

[MarcelJordan]

I will NEVER forget the day I heard the first time on radio while in my dad's car, we were in the city. Rocky III (was not out yet where I lived) so I didn't know what I heard, and who did it, where it came from but it just blew me away! Dave's voice did the full magic for me

EOTT, it did NOT come much on the radio after that believe it or not TILL the movie came out. Strangely it was Eye In The Sky that was played more often. Never heard of Survivor, never even known about ANY Rocky movie. It was the song alone and Im still proud to say it. The heck with which soundtrack it came on.

Here I was waiting, and waiting after the first day I heard and the disappointment for it not to come on. I sat in my room with my stereo with the radio on every day, they didn't play it much and I missed it when I had to go down my breakfast lunch or dinner. Yes, I was OBSESSED with it.

Of course loved watching Rocky III later and the rawness of the tune in the theatre that was something else!

My friend and I bought the cassette (EOTT album) in August (which is still with me ).

Now my son (17) adores it, plays it often. His friends just don't get it

MJ

[DavidWT]

Speaking of history and whatnot, here's a question for those of you who were Survivor fans way back...

When "Vital Signs" came out, how did you feel about it? It's so different from the earlier albums-- different singer, much more of a pop feel, more keyboards, etc. By the time I got into Survivor (end of the 80s), they were already just as famous for "The Search Is Over" as they were for "Eye Of The Tiger," so it wasn't jarring to me at all, but I imagine it must have sounded a bit odd to people who only knew them for their first four albums.

[Journey/Survivor]

I will NEVER forget the day I heard the first time on radio while in my dad's car, we were in the city. Rocky III (was not out yet where I lived) so I didn't know what I heard, and who did it, where it came from but it just blew me away! Dave's voice did the full magic for me

EOTT, it did NOT come much on the radio after that believe it or not TILL the movie came out. Strangely it was Eye In The Sky that was played more often. Never heard of Survivor, never even known about ANY Rocky movie. It was the song alone and Im still proud to say it. The heck with which soundtrack it came on.

Here I was waiting, and waiting after the first day I heard and the disappointment for it not to come on. I sat in my room with my stereo with the radio on every day, they didn't play it much and I missed it when I had to go down my breakfast lunch or dinner. Yes, I was OBSESSED with it.

Of course loved watching Rocky III later and the rawness of the tune in the theatre that was something else!

My friend and I bought the cassette (EOTT album) in August (which is still with me ).

Now my son (17) adores it, plays it often. His friends just don't get it

MJ

The fist time that I heard the song was when I went and saw Rocky III at a theater. The opening riff immediately grabbed my attention. Then I heard Dave's voice. I thought his voice was a little odd in someways, but I liked it overall.

Like I mentioned, after that I kept playing the radio all day long waiting for it to be played. Fortunately it was on constantly. I remember seeing a commercial for Survivor on the show Solid Gold. It was the first time that I ever watched the show. (I was only 10 years old at the time) The main thing that caught my attention about that performance on SG (outside of the song it's-self) was Dave wearing the beret. We didn't buy our first VCR until about a week after that SG performance aired.

[Journey/Survivor]

Speaking of history and whatnot, here's a question for those of you who were Survivor fans way back...

When "Vital Signs" came out, how did you feel about it? It's so different from the earlier albums-- different singer, much more of a pop feel, more keyboards, etc. By the time I got into Survivor (end of the 80s), they were already just as famous for "The Search Is Over" as they were for "Eye Of The Tiger," so it wasn't jarring to me at all, but I imagine it must have sounded a bit odd to people who only knew them for their first four albums.

I was obsessed with the EOTT song. But unfortunately I was not aware of the CITG album when it came out.

When I Can't Hold Back first started getting played on the radio, I found out that it was Survivor doing it, and that it was a different singer. At first I was really disappointed that Dave was no longer in the band, because I liked his singing so much on EOTT.

Eventually, I grew to like Jamison's singing voice even better than Bickler's. To this day, they're both on my top 5 all time favorite singers list.

I loved Vital Signs right from the very start. Although, I did miss the street sound that the band had going on in EOTT.

After that I rushed out and bought all of the back catalog that I could find, which was Premonition, EOTT, CITG and Vital Signs. I was not yet aware of the S/T albums existence. About a year after Vital Signs came out ,I was in a used record store, and that was when I first spotted Survivor's S/T album.

[MarcelJordan]

I will NEVER forget the day I heard the first time on radio while in my dad's car, we were in the city. Rocky III (was not out yet where I lived) so I didn't know what I heard, and who did it, where it came from but it just blew me away! Dave's voice did the full magic for me

EOTT, it did NOT come much on the radio after that believe it or not TILL the movie came out. Strangely it was Eye In The Sky that was played more often. Never heard of Survivor, never even known about ANY Rocky movie. It was the song alone and Im still proud to say it. The heck with which soundtrack it came on.

Here I was waiting, and waiting after the first day I heard and the disappointment for it not to come on. I sat in my room with my stereo with the radio on every day, they didn't play it much and I missed it when I had to go down my breakfast lunch or dinner. Yes, I was OBSESSED with it.

Of course loved watching Rocky III later and the rawness of the tune in the theatre that was something else!

My friend and I bought the cassette (EOTT album) in August (which is still with me ).

Now my son (17) adores it, plays it often. His friends just don't get it

MJ

The fist time that I heard the song was when I went and saw Rocky III at a theater. The opening riff immediately grabbed my attention. Then I heard Dave's voice. I thought his voice was a little odd in someways, but I liked it overall.

Like I mentioned, after that I kept playing the radio all day long waiting for it to be played. Fortunately it was on constantly. I remember seeing a commercial for Survivor on the show Solid Gold. It was the first time that I ever watched the show. (I was only 10 years old at the time) The main thing that caught my attention about that performance on SG (outside of the song it's-self) was Dave wearing the beret. We didn't buy our first VCR until about a week after that SG performance aired.

Yes, IT was that opening riff too that got my attention. I not heard a sound like that before . (It was only later I figured out that the Pink Floyd used a similar technique 2 years before in Run Like Hell)

MJ

[Slander]

Speaking of history and whatnot, here's a question for those of you who were Survivor fans way back...

When "Vital Signs" came out, how did you feel about it?

I hated it! Hated what JJ brought to the band. I missed the gritty, street tough sound that embodied Survivor. However after listening to I Can't Hold Back a few million times I realized what an amazing song it truly was. Also musical tastes were changing and bands like Foreigner, Journey, Loverboy, etc were evolving. They were slicker and more pop driven. Hell even the Stones Dirty Work was poppy. Harlem Shuffle anyone?

[MarcelJordan]

Speaking of history and whatnot, here's a question for those of you who were Survivor fans way back...

When "Vital Signs" came out, how did you feel about it?

I hated it! Hated what JJ brought to the band. I missed the gritty, street tough sound that embodied Survivor. However after listening to I Can't Hold Back a few million times I realized what an amazing song it truly was. Also musical tastes were changing and bands like Foreigner, Journey, Loverboy, etc were evolving. They were slicker and more pop driven. Hell even the Stones Dirty Work was poppy. Harlem Shuffle anyone?

I only head about vital Signs from my classmate but did hear Can't Hold Back just a night earlier. DJ didn't mention new lead singer but I liked the song from the get go. I was soooo glad Survivor were still around since CITG album sadly tanked and for that i was bitterly disappointed. Anything Survivor was welcome at this point.

At this point i thought Eott LP was only survivors first :
So eventually i picked up Vital Signs on cassette but I bought ahem a "non official" copy which had.....Take You On A Saturday as a bonus tune. I was like why did JJ sound higher pitched and rawer sounding? I was loving THAT one most

Anycase ICHB was THE pick of the crop as far a VS is concerned. Today I prefer it and Popular Girl (which was initially the least track for me till recently).

I'll stop here....

MJ

[Eyeof]

After TIGER, I became obsessed with SURVIVOR. I knew the album front to back in a matter of days (still do)...I still think it's a great ALBUM. I bought CITG on tape as soon as I could find it (bought it the same day at Quite Riot's Mental Health after my parents gave me $20 from their tax return!)...

I fell in love with CITG as well and became obsessed with why in the world it was not getting better play. I heard Jackie Don't Go on Solid Gold and wore out the local radio station by phone to play it. I then organized my entire 6th grade classroom to constantly call the radio station and request it. It got so bad the station started telling us they 'lost it'....

Back to the Vital Signs question....After the issue with nobody knowing about CITG and the fact I had to even special order the "Karate Kid" soundtrack to get 'Moment of Truth', I was actually elated with the attention that "Vital Signs" was getting...

Make no mistake, I was always a Dave guy (Always will be), but I was very thrilled to see Survivor back at the 'top'. I can remember 'Search" and Bryan Adams 'Heaven' being the biggest songs on radio and battling back and forth with 'rock wars'. I was elated when the pair came to town touring and BA/Survivor became my first concert.

So to answer the question, I was very pleased with all the attention (press, and Entertainment Tonight feature, etc) and was willing to overlook the softer nature.

However, but WSC it was sooooo pop in place it really bothered me, but I do like the album....

[DavidWT]

Thanks for the feedback about VS, guys!

However, but WSC it was sooooo pop in place it really bothered me, but I do like the album....

Yeah, I know what you mean. I like the album, but those first few tracks are just so... bubblegum? I think the album improves as it goes along, though. These days, I tend to skip the first three tracks: "How Much Love," "Keep It Right Here" and "Is This Love." Those are a bit TOO cheesy, and such a far cry from what Survivor once was.
And until recently, I never liked "Oceans", but it has grown on me.

[Slander]

However, but WSC it was sooooo pop in place it really bothered me, but I do like the album....

As I've stated in previous posts, my male friends who I introduced to Survivor quit listening following the release of this album. It may be great sounding, but it's way to pop and a harbinger of the cheese yet to come from Peterik! Having said that I don't mind the album.

[DavidWT]

but it's way to pop and a harbinger of the cheese yet to come from Peterik!

True, but I think they did a good job on "Too Hot To Sleep" with getting back a harder sound with a lot less cheese.

Sadly, "Reach" brought back some of the cheese. I remember playing the title track for my brother and he asked, "Is this an actual song, or just a jingle for a beer commercial?" Ever since then, I could never quite hear it the same way.

[Slander]

but it's way to pop and a harbinger of the cheese yet to come from Peterik!

True, but I think they did a good job on "Too Hot To Sleep" with getting back a harder sound with a lot less cheese.

Sadly, "Reach" brought back some of the cheese. I remember playing the title track for my brother and he asked, "Is this an actual song, or just a jingle for a beer commercial?" Ever since then, I could never quite hear it the same way.

I will never think about the song "Reach" the same way again. It was never one of my favs off that disc. Good point about THTS, but while it's harder sounding there are some tracks I hate and I do stress hate on that disc.

[DavidWT]

Good point about THTS, but while it's harder sounding there are some tracks I hate and I do stress hate on that disc.

Which ones?
For me, "Rhythm Of The City" is one I could easily live without. But overall, THTS ranks among my favorite Survivor albums.

[MarcelJordan]

Good point about THTS, but while it's harder sounding there are some tracks I hate and I do stress hate on that disc.

Which ones?
For me, "Rhythm Of The City" is one I could easily live without. But overall, THTS ranks among my favorite Survivor albums.

Oh man. I like ROTC, especially the time signature changes.

The world goes round!

MJ

[Eyeof]

I think THTS is an attempt at a "Bickler" syle album (in some parts) without Bickler. That point is driven home to me by how well Dave sounded on "Burning Bridges" during the 93 tour. He took that song from one that I've never thought much of, to one I could not get enough of with him on VOX...

Some of the softer stuff is mainly okay I guess....Of course in typical Scotti Bros/Survivor/FS fashion that album had been out about 6 months before I even knew they had an album out!

[Slander]

Good point about THTS, but while it's harder sounding there are some tracks I hate and I do stress hate on that disc.

Which ones?
For me, "Rhythm Of The City" is one I could easily live without. But overall, THTS ranks among my favorite Survivor albums.

I can not tolerate Here Comes Desire. It drips with velveeta!

[Slander]

....Of course in typical Scotti Bros/Survivor/FS fashion that album had been out about 6 months before I even knew they had an album out!

You too. I remember I was in a tower records and saw the cd, and said too myself how come I didn't know about this?

[Brett]

....Of course in typical Scotti Bros/Survivor/FS fashion that album had been out about 6 months before I even knew they had an album out!

You too. I remember I was in a tower records and saw the cd, and said too myself how come I didn't know about this?

Hmmm, little wonder it stiffed so badly if even their biggest fans didn't know about it!
Personally THTS is one of my favourite Survivor albums, for me only the opening cut is weak and I LOVE 'Here Comes Desire'!

[Eyeof]

I was the only Survivor fan I knew and a huge one and I had nooooo idea....

The only reason I ever knew before was Solid Gold and it was gone by that time...

I wonder how they did manage such a good relationship with that show?

[Journey/Survivor]

I think THTS is an attempt at a "Bickler" syle album (in some parts) without Bickler. That point is driven home to me by how well Dave sounded on "Burning Bridges" during the 93 tour. He took that song from one that I've never thought much of, to one I could not get enough of with him on VOX...

Some of the softer stuff is mainly okay I guess....Of course in typical Scotti Bros/Survivor/FS fashion that album had been out about 6 months before I even knew they had an album out!

My brother likes some Survivor songs, but is not a big fan by any means. THTS is his favorite Survivor album, with Vital Signs being the main other album that he likes by them. His least favorite song from THTS is "Burning Bridges." It's pretty much the only song from the album that he dislikes. I love the song.

[Journey/Survivor]

I think THTS is an attempt at a "Bickler" syle album (in some parts) without Bickler. That point is driven home to me by how well Dave sounded on "Burning Bridges" during the 93 tour. He took that song from one that I've never thought much of, to one I could not get enough of with him on VOX...

Some of the softer stuff is mainly okay I guess....Of course in typical Scotti Bros/Survivor/FS fashion that album had been out about 6 months before I even knew they had an album out!

I guess I was lucky in my area. They say that a lot of fans were not aware that THTS existed until it had been out for a while. One of the stations in my area was giving heavy air-play to DKIWL about a month before the album came out. So I knew about the album a month before it came out. I was able to buy it the day that it came out. But a friend of mine who is a big Survivor fan, only found out about it the day before it came out, and that was only because I told him about it.

[Journey/Survivor]

Good point about THTS, but while it's harder sounding there are some tracks I hate and I do stress hate on that disc.

Which ones?
For me, "Rhythm Of The City" is one I could easily live without. But overall, THTS ranks among my favorite Survivor albums.

I can not tolerate Here Comes Desire. It drips with velveeta!

One of my friends that is a huge Survivor fan, LOVES "Here Comes Desire," It might be his favorite Survivor song of all time?

The Survivor song that he hates because he considers it to be pure cheese is "Nevertheless."

[DavidWT]

Good point about THTS, but while it's harder sounding there are some tracks I hate and I do stress hate on that disc.

Which ones?
For me, "Rhythm Of The City" is one I could easily live without. But overall, THTS ranks among my favorite Survivor albums.

I can not tolerate Here Comes Desire. It drips with velveeta!

One of my friends that is a huge Survivor fan, LOVES "Here Comes Desire," It might be his favorite Survivor song of all time?

The Survivor song that he hates because he considers it to be pure cheese is "Nevertheless."

I like "Here Comes Desire," too. I guess the chorus can be considered a bit cheesy, but it works for me.
"Nevertheless" is a bit cheesy, but I'm okay with it. It just feels a bit out of place on "Reach" in terms of style and also, obviously, in terms of vocals.
I think "Rhythm Of Your Heart" is the cheesiest track on "Reach." I could picture a boy-band in the 90s singing it, while the 12 year old girls swoon.