Robert Palmer was never a failure. ❤ Commercial success isn't everything. He was always amazing! His biggest problem was timing for sure.... way ahead of his time. ❤
Robert played an outdoor gig in my hometown on his Heavy Nova tour. August in Tulsa is HOT. Kept his jacket and tie on until the encore, when he played "Addicted to Love." A variety of flying insects were attracted by the stage lights. He changed the lyrics to "You're gonna have to face it, you're infested with bugs." True story.
I worked at Carrowinds. an amusement park in North Carolina, when I was a teenager. We used to get into the concerts really cheap so when I heard Meatloaf was playing, I grabbed 2 tickets after my shift. Robert Palmer was the opening act. This was when Meatloaf was experiencing a lot of health problems and had to cancel his performance that evening. I almost called it a day and went home but my friend wanted to stay so we did. I am so glad we did. Half the audience left so we were able to get up closer to the stage. After his rehearsed opening, Robert Palmer and band did a unrehearsed, 2 hour jam session. It was the best concert I have ever been to. They performed music styles from all over the world. He is truly one of the most talented musicians I have ever seen in concert.
I'm in my 70's now, but Robert Palmer blew me away. He was a class act and clean cut , but with that compelling rock and roll vibe. ....well he won a permanent place in my musical soul.
"Addicted to Love" is one of my favorite songs of ALL time. I've never tired of hearing it and I wore out my Riptide tape. When I first saw Robert Palmer, all I could think was oh my, isn't he the stylish one? I tried to get my husband at the time to wear his hair that way. I was very sad when he passed away far too young.
Always loved Robert Palmer. "You are in my system" was just amazing. Not to mention "Every kind of people", "Best of both worlds" and "Tell me I'm not dreaming" (video version). Coolest Cat of the 80s.
billy adam just last week heard roberts version in grocery store hadnt heard in a long time friend of mine dj club played probably best cover of marvins classic ironically of all places by chance jim rome a sports talk show interviewed robert talked about his early days as teen singing pubs for miners in newcastle town had strong tradition of singers joe cocker eric burdon then later on eric johnson geordie acdc and a young gordon sumner not sure but wasnt long after he passed away not sure lung cancer from smoking was suprised by he sang in bands literally his entire life have to look up jim.rome interview brian johnson of course geordie acdc
I think The Power Station was one of the best "super group" albums ever. It really delivers on the "sum of all parts" concept. Everybody involved seems to be in their quintessential zone while fitting in like parts of a whole.
Loved Robert Palmer and was crushed when he passed so young. His sartorial splendor was legendary! And such a gentleman, too. I don’t think they make them like that anymore.
Robert Palmer had me at Bad Case of Loving You my senior year. One thing about his style was he dressed sharp in an era when many band members looked one step from homeless. I was pleasantly suprised when I mentioned him to a workmate back in the early 80s that Palmer sang with Vinegar Joe. It's a treat to listen to him and Elkie Brooks. You wouldn't guess he was from Yorkshire.
I agree with you remarks that he was a sharp dresser and he also had me ar Bad case of loving you. I thought he was FINE and he didn't need to apologize for turning a then teenager on. Lol.
As much as Addicted to Love was enjoyed by the masses, my favorite song from Robert Palmer will always be “ Every Kinda People”. Should have been a bigger hit!!!
@@gretchenlittle6817 It is more spiritually uplifting than most songs intended to be so. “Every Kinda People” should be the catalyst for free-thinking humanity of all nations and creeds to fight The Great Reset and civil war which the globalists are trying to foment here in America.
Robert was a wonderful man. I will never forget meeting him and how cordial he was to take the time and chat with a young fan. Rest in peace Mr. Palmer, you changed all our lives.
“Your greasy hands, your salted lips; looks like, you found the chips” and “You take a trip, to Idaho; just just to watch, potatoes grow”. Classic, especially when living Eastern Idaho at the time.
I can't believe he didn't mention that! Especially being the Weird Al superfan that he is. I can't NOT hear the Weird Al parody when I listen to the original.
I love Robert Palmer. I have a hard time remembering things from the past but I remember October 2003. Hearing that he had died of a heart attack in France (memory?) an amazing man, singer, songwriter. Miss him.
I was hooked on Robert Palmer from the beginning. I still love Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley. It's hard to argue with lyrics like, "she's so fine, there's no telling where the money went."
Adam I’m a year older than you and grew up in the Dallas area and I shared the same love for 80’s music as yourself but what you and your crew are doing here on this channel is legendary and I’m being serious, there is no one doing what you guys do here. Thank You a million times for your hard work and dedication, it’s greatly appreciated.
Robert was ahead of times in many way, but hung in there and his persistence eventually paid off. He had a unique style. Read a book last year by legendary recording engineer Phill Brown, who recorded many of Robert's albums. Phill described Robert as " a lovely guy to work with, humorous, sharp and dedicated".
Robert Palmer was a genius. One of the best vocalists of the 80s. His earlier work is experimental, New Wave and unique like “some guys have all the luck” or Gary Numan’s “I dream of wires”. What he did in the mid 80s was colossal.
@@bob_mosavo wow! I never knew that. Wouldn’t surprise me! Ha ha. Palmer’s vocals on that are insane- all that pitched stuff and crazy phrasing, scating... amazing
His version of “Some Guys” is great, but that’s actually not the one that was recorded first. The original was done by the Persuaders, a soul group, in 1973.
Rest in Peace, Robert Palmer, gone too soon at only 54 years old. His videos featuring gorgeous young back up models are so iconic, that they were lampooned for Bill Nighy's character in "Love Actually."
Professor, I know you mentioned it here, but we need an episode for "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On". That song is underrated, and I'll take it over "Addicted to Love" any day.
Robert Palmer was massive in Germany in 1980/81 and to me "Johnny And Mary" is one of the best singles of that era, hands down. The US really missed out on that one. With "Addicted" it was the other way round: It failed to chart in Germany surprisingly, although the song and the iconic video is well known to the German audience.
“Clues” was the first album I ever bought, based on hearing snippets of it when I stumbled upon a late night radio interview with Robert Palmer. More than 40 years later, it’s still one of my favorites.
"You Are In My System" is still my favorite Robert Palmer track. Actually got to see The Power Station for free at First Ave. (Mpls) in '97. They were touring on their 2nd album. Excellent show -- so glad I got to see Robert live before he left us.
Robert Palmer is one of my absolute favourite artists. I played the crap out of the cassette of Riptide and The Power Station wore out so I bought it again and then on CD. So many guys wanted to dress like him too, we just didn't have the money back when we were that young. His songs, the videos, the collaboration with the Taylors and Tony Thompson... was 80s music I still play on 11. Thanks so much for this one Adam. Took me back to 1985 instantly.
I got addicted to Robert Palmer‘s music when I heard „Johnny and Mary“ for the first time. That pulsating Bassline, those sparkling synth arpeggios, the creamy guitar line with this worbeling chorus effect which is supporting melody and rhythm equally, the driving drum machine beat and the melancholic melody with Robert Palmers soft voice. It‘s still one of my favorite Robert Palmer tunes.
Same here. In addition to the brilliant music, the lyrics and substance of the song are insightful and poignant...really captures the dynamics of a certain type of relationship.
RP was so ahead of his time. I'm still a huge fan. His cover of "You Really Got Me" (Double Fun album) is awesome. Clearly one of the most under rated artists ever. RIP Robert.
Thank you for covering Robert Palmer on this particular video, he's an artist who's voice I have loved since I first heard him while I was at school in the 1980s. He really deserved greater acclaim from when he started his career, with his wonderful voice and smart look and I would be lying if I said I never had a crush on him. I still have a copy of "Power Station" on cassette and when I bought it I used to drive my Dad absolutely mad by using his cassette player outside and playing this cassette all round our estate as me and my best friend walked round. As I got older and had more money I bought "Addicted" vols 1 and 2. I was so saddened and disappointed when his death while he and his family were on holiday (in Switzerland, I think it was) was announced on the news from a heart attack. That's one voice that can't be copied. And it was really nice that a Yorkshire lad finally made it big in the music industry and caused this Yorkshire lass' heart to beat a bit faster when I watched him on the telly. R.I.P. Robert. You are a true icon of the 1980s.
There’s just something classically cool about Robert Palmer. My favorite the Sailin’ shoes, Hey Julia, Sneakin’ Sally thru the Alley trilogy. When played together it’s one funky jam.
I just re-listened to this song and Simply Irresistible. It has been YEARS since I heard either. I missed in the 80"s just how complex the song composition and his vocals were. JUST stunning. I think I am going to look for more of his music.
Always LOVED Robert Palmer’s work. So happy that he left us such a great legacy. Thank you, Robert, for sharing your talents with the world and for enriching our lives.🤩
I’m so glad you featured Robert Palmer because he was a unique talent who paid his dues with pub bands in his native Yorkshire as a teen. I saw him in concert in London in 1980 where he brought the house down. He worked with Little Feat, Alan Toussaint and Gary Newman not to mention Elkie Brooks. His tragic early passing I’m sure deprived the music world of much great music. Rest in Peace Alan (Robert) Palmer.
The album "Riptide" was brilliant! "Addicted To Love" jumped out for me. Especially after listening to the PowerStation. My other favourite was "Discipline Of Love." The production of Bernard Edwards was great and I still play them both to this day! Robert Palmer and Bryan Ferry are my 2 best dressed lead singers all time.
....SEAN GETS IT! ...."Discipline..." was actually the 1st single! ...I got the CD edition in the 'environmental' packaging CD cover...My very FIRST One! ...thought it was SO COOL!
I love Robert Palmer! Never considered anything a failure. He started in the 60's and worked till his passing! I was fortunate to see him in the late 70's a couple times :).
We lost Robert Palmer WAY too soon. I miss him. I loved "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley" the first time I heard it back in the '70s. I hope people who have enjoyed his later music went back and listened to his earlier gems.
Yes, I got to know Robert Palmer through the Power Station, being a HUGE Duran Duran fan back in the day, listened to his earlier stuff and was very wowed and wondered why I'd never heard of him before then. Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley/Sailing Shoes is way underrated, and Bad Case of Loving You never fails to put a smile on my face. We lost him way too soon, and it would've been cool to have a second Power Station album.
I loved Robert Palmer's music before Addicted to Love came out. When I saw the video on MTV, it blew my mind. He was so classy! I also fell in love with Power Station because of his vocals. The entire album is amazing. I was so sad when I heard of his passing. We have lost too many amazing artists too soon.
I must say that Robert Palmer will be a singer I will always enjoy listening to. What got me was his look with the Georgio Armani suits! I remember seeing him in concert in Atlanta Georgia at the Roxy due to a friend of mines being a backup singer on tour with him and he gave me free passes to the concert and I enjoyed myself tremendously. He put on a show! today’s music don’t even come close to a legend like Robert Palmer.
There is no way to understate was a bombshell this song and music video were back in the '80s. They were everywhere and yet, appropriately, you still couldn't get enough of them! By that time it was often true that a great video could propel an okay song to greater heights than it deserved. Not so with this song. The unforgettable visuals just cemented the song into the zeitgeist. Palmer died way too young, but I'm glad that after so much work put in, he got the full superstar ride. Great retrospective, Professor!
I remember knowing about Robert from the Doctor, Doctor song being played on local radio in the 70's. The wall of sound I got from the first listening to Some Like It Hot made me get the album as soon as I could. I played the heck out of that album. I was so disappointed when Robert left the Powerstation as I really like the band and hoped it would continue. Addicted to Love (and it's video) were a song I liked but I never went out to buy Riptide. I bought the subsequent release of the next album but it never struck me as much as Powerstation had done. I liked Simply Irresistible but it has never been "the music' but I've always played them every so often. Robert is gone too soon. Wish we had more class, like Robert exemplified, ijn music. Great video Professor.
I am big into history and science, being an Air Force retiree. I first discovered in the mid 20 teens BazBattles, then The Great War, Kings and Generals, Between 2 Wars, World War II, The Operations Room, The History Guy, Mark Felton, Anton Petrov, etc. Discovering The Professor of Rock was fantastic, a history of rock and roll, allowing all of us to really appreciate the songs we've listened to for most or all of our lives. Thank you Professor of Rock.🙂🙂🙂
Island 🏝 Records stuck by Robert for many years & he finally had a smash hit with Addicted To Love. He convinced the label to ✍️ The Comsat Angels & worked with them on Chasing Shadows. Soon after he left for EMI & scored a huge hit there with Simply Irresistible. He had an awesome 👌 voice !
I read an interview with Robert Palmer back in the 90s, where he said that the song was originally about drugs, but the record company wouldn't release that, so he changed the word "drugs" to the word "love", & a hit was born... I was into his music since 1980 or so... An incredible artist who was taken from us far too soon... RIP Mr Palmer.
The song is 100% about freebasing cocaine (now known as smoking crack). Every single word is exactly the whole freebasing experie3nce/scene. I can't count the number of times I've "been told the story by a friend (grin)" about sitting around the kitchen table with several friends, and someone would knock at the door hoping someone would share a rock with them. "Shhhh.....don't answer the door. Act like nobody's home. They never have any. They just want to mooch. They'll go away". Even though the lights were on. Every single word of this song is the freebasing scene/experience. Just replace the word "love" with "crack". It's very clear that Adam doesn't have a clue about the real meaning. IYKYK
This song takes me back to a pizzeria with a video jukebox that played this constantly in May 1986. After long days of hard physical labor we unwound listening and watching this video.
I LOVE this artist. The recordings with Palmer backed by the Meters and Lowell George are so incredible. His vocal stylings are so smooth, so controlled, so soulful.
In1986 I was on holiday in England where I bought the album on cassette. Now that was a motorcycle holiday and I drove around with a Walkman. Imagine headphone in the helmet driving around England. Great memory.
Yay, Robert Palmer, glad I didn't have to wait long for this. You might as well say that I'm addicted to Prof. He has such a great voice, kinda from an earlier time period but also ideal for the 80's and he deserved more than what came his way IMO. The video for Addicted is so iconic, essentially taking the pop art album cover of Duran Duran's Rio, and putting it on living models.
I am an 80’s kid, I remember the day MTV aired for the first time, for those of us who know… that was a day that lives in Infamy for us. And of course I remember all the Robert Palmer songs and videos, they are forever etched in my memory. Fast forward to 2023, now 55 and a big blues and jazz fan and I just happen to stumble on an old Robert Palmer song waaaay before MTV days and I was pleasantly floored. This man’s music is so prolific and diverse and wonderful! The first time I heard “Sneaking Sally through the Alley”, I was madly in love with Robert Palmer all over again. Thank you for this video, it was great going back in time to discover how he evolved, it is a damn shame that he had to leave us. 🌻🦋😂🎼
I've always loved Robert Palmer's music! It takes be back to those great times every time I hear it! Loved his videos also! Great episode Professor! Thanks for keeping the music alive!
I LOVED Robert Palmer back in the day! He played a concert in my town back in the day, I must have been in junior high, and I wanted to go so badly but wasn't able to make it. I still listen to his 80s hits, and they are in my awesome mix playlist!
This song, no matter what the mood, will bring smile no matter what. The drums, the grove, the feel. But you literally can’t help the smile, just air drumming the the drum fill on the Phil Collins classic “In the Air Tonight,” it just happens. A rare treasure to savored.
I love the Heavy Nova album. I liked the hit song from the album but honestly She Makes My Day and It Could Happen to You are just feel good jazz influenced rock ballads.
I knew him in his Vinegar Joe years (long before the suits! He preferred black leather then). He was born with a heart condition, but he didn't let it limit him. When his doctor said he should get out of the damp UK and go somewhere warm, he went to Africa, to learn the rhythms and beats that fascinated him. But he was also a heavy smoker, and the combination of that and the heart condition led to his early death. He had a wonderfully flexible voice, expressive and clear. Loved him to bits.
As a kid from the GDR I had no idea which words he continuously repeated the whole song. But, hey, my mother was a big rock music fan. And so, "Addicted to love" made her turn the radio louder whenever it was played on a radio station in Western Germany. Dude, what a song! When the German wall came down, we discovered MTV. And I saw the video for the first time. This was a great fun. Because you didn't have the chance to go to a concert of big rick stars in the GDR. And so, you learned to play an instrument yourself. Mine was the drum set. And I laughed out loud when I saw the girl hitting the drums. "Addicted to love" is one of THOSE songs. This is everything that you have to say about the song. A song for eternity. Thank you for this video.
I think we all remember where we were when we first saw the video for Addicted to Love. Great voice. Gone too soon. I loved his cover of "Mercy Mercy Me/ I Want You".
I remember hearing an interview with Robert where he told the story of laying down the vocal for that "one track mind" section. He tells of the challenge of reaching that high C# note, an intimidating challenge but one which he meets with aplomb.
When you mentioned the musicians on Robert Palmer's Riptide, you forgot to mention Fonzi Thornton who added backing vocals to "Addicted to Love". He also added backing vocals to Roxy Music's "More Than This". Bryan Ferry might be considered the Sultan of Suave, but Palmer was considered The Gentleman of Rock and Roll.
Robert Palmer's concert at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, I think in 1976, was no doubt one of the best concerts I ever went to. Grateful for that experience. When I saw this video, it made perfect sense to me--if he was talking about an actual addiction--that women would be portrayed as faceless, sexualized prototypes. Just read the lyrics: "The lights are on, but you're not home / Your mind is not your own... A one-track mind, you can't be saved / Oblivion is all you crave..." This video was a living work of art, a statement, and each person in the video did an excellent job.
Great video, heartfelt tribute too. Some points: - 'Failure' was really only a failure to influence the US charts before the mid 80s. He'd been successful elsewhere. - Palmer's recording deal with Island records was running out in 1985 and he owed one more album. So a tour with Power Station was basically out of the question. - What Palmer brought to PS was experience and discipline, the project was a summer camp party otherwise. - Palmer brought so much of his own sound to that project. - The PS sound was different to Riptide when you listen to the two. - The Addicted duet has never seen the light of day, although both Palmer and Kahn have said she laid down the vocals and it was pulled late in the process. - Palmer kept a dictaphone by his bed in case the muse struck. It did that night. - The song was always about love, but the inspiration came from the drug busts in the Bahamas and Nassau at the time, where he lived, and subliminally it filtered through. - Rod Stewart is currently touring with the song and it features the 'Glamazons'. - Robert Palmer is long overdue for a critical reappraisal... Singer, songwriter, diverse vocalist, producer, 2x Grammy Award winning artist. - And check out @Addiction_ers on Twitter...
So glad you finally did a video on Robert. He was an amazing talent. It would be nice to see more information about the other work he did. He was incredibly diverse. I learned about artists like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra through Robert's albums.
Fascinating segment. Living a block off the North Dallas Tollway I zipped downtown to hang at the Starck Club, a trendy unisex bathroom, drug crazed club that one night, Dallas P.D. raided the joint and according to the Dallas Observer there were so many baggies and vials of coke, so many pills, "police couldn't walk without stepping on it". Simply Irresistible was a HUGE staple of many hangouts. It is DEFINITELY one of the biggest anthems of my life. After getting buzzed at the Starcke we'd slide over in Deep Ellum and the Blind Lemon to get ready for the after-party party. The 80's were an underrated generation.
Love the "Just came from Wall Street to do some karaoke at Happy Hour" look Robert Palmer had... He was the ultimate chameleon! I remember "Every Kinda People," "Looking for Clues," and "Johnny and Mary" quite well... before his mid-80s success. All these songs are so different and unique.
This song introduced me to Mr. Palmer and I’ve been a fan since. I must have listened to “I’ll be your baby tonight” 1,000 times. The man was a gifted singer.
I had completely forgotten about "Every Kinda People". That calypso beat is one of the greatest in shopping mall and elevator music history. "Johnny and Mary" is also one of my favorite songs.
Robert Palmer first caught my attention with “Johnny and Mary”. The Dylanesque lyrics are pure genius and reminded me of a friend of mine and his wife. It was not a big hit, but deserved to be.
Loved Robert Palmer and still do,that was a great video as well as a good legacy obituary for him.Keep up the great work.ironically i was not as keen on addicted to love as much as his early 80s stuff,especially Johnny and Mary.was and is my absolute favourite track of his.
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest "visual" music video of all time?
I would say either A-ha "Take On Me" or Peter Gabriel "Sledgehammer".
Any Peter Gabriel video. 📸
@@tortieville1984JINX 😜
" Rooster" by Alice In Chains was very visual and profound.
What…no Queen I Want to Break Free??😄
Robert Palmer was never a failure. ❤
Commercial success isn't everything. He was always amazing! His biggest problem was timing for sure.... way ahead of his time. ❤
Robert played an outdoor gig in my hometown on his Heavy Nova tour. August in Tulsa is HOT. Kept his jacket and tie on until the encore, when he played "Addicted to Love." A variety of flying insects were attracted by the stage lights. He changed the lyrics to "You're gonna have to face it, you're infested with bugs." True story.
What year was that? We were living in Tulsa in the 80's!
@@gbc7416 Probably 87 or 88. It was at the floating amphitheater at the river
Oh yeah, I remember that place! Thanks
@@highlordstevious I saw Bruce Hornsby there
THAT is an awesome story!!
I worked at Carrowinds. an amusement park in North Carolina, when I was a teenager. We used to get into the concerts really cheap so when I heard Meatloaf was playing, I grabbed 2 tickets after my shift. Robert Palmer was the opening act. This was when Meatloaf was experiencing a lot of health problems and had to cancel his performance that evening. I almost called it a day and went home but my friend wanted to stay so we did. I am so glad we did. Half the audience left so we were able to get up closer to the stage. After his rehearsed opening, Robert Palmer and band did a unrehearsed, 2 hour jam session. It was the best concert I have ever been to. They performed music styles from all over the world. He is truly one of the most talented musicians I have ever seen in concert.
I'm in my 70's now, but Robert Palmer blew me away. He was a class act and clean cut , but with that compelling rock and roll vibe. ....well he won a permanent place in my musical soul.
I'm 66 years old now and I remember this tune like it was yesterday. Love it! By the way, the girls loved it too, if you get my drift 😂.
"Addicted to Love" is one of my favorite songs of ALL time. I've never tired of hearing it and I wore out my Riptide tape. When I first saw Robert Palmer, all I could think was oh my, isn't he the stylish one? I tried to get my husband at the time to wear his hair that way. I was very sad when he passed away far too young.
Always loved Robert Palmer. "You are in my system" was just amazing. Not to mention "Every kind of people", "Best of both worlds" and "Tell me I'm not dreaming" (video version). Coolest Cat of the 80s.
Totally agree! ❤
My wife walked down the aisle to RP's "She Makes My Day". She certainly did 🥰
Holy smokes what an underrated artist! His cover of Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me is one of my favorites!
Mine too! You're so right!
I love that cover, but I think Marvin Gaye’s original is the best!
billy adam just last week heard roberts version in grocery store hadnt heard in a long time friend of mine dj club played probably best cover of marvins classic ironically of all places by chance jim rome a sports talk show interviewed robert talked about his early days as teen singing pubs for miners in newcastle town had strong tradition of singers joe cocker eric burdon then later on eric johnson geordie acdc and a young gordon sumner not sure but wasnt long after he passed away not sure lung cancer from smoking was suprised by he sang in bands literally his entire life have to look up jim.rome interview brian johnson of course geordie acdc
Agreed!!, an don't forget..
Every kind of people.
Palmer was awesome. Wore out many a cassette.
"She's so fine there's no telling where the money went" one of the best lines ever. Loved Robert's singing, powerhouse voice.
I knew those girls ! 🧒
I think The Power Station was one of the best "super group" albums ever. It really delivers on the "sum of all parts" concept. Everybody involved seems to be in their quintessential zone while fitting in like parts of a whole.
Agreed as well as Damn Yankees… best super groups of that area for sure.
I wore that cassette out. Bummed it was only a one off album 😭
Iove thier version of Bang a Gong!
@@knmonlinemedia There was a second album (Living in Fear), but without John Taylor. It just didn't gel.
One of the best sounding, best produced albums ever. The drums were so spot-on great! Cannot get enough of it. To be played at maximum volume.
Loved Robert Palmer and was crushed when he passed so young. His sartorial splendor was legendary! And such a gentleman, too. I don’t think they make them like that anymore.
Right? Thanks for watching!
Bryan Ferry, onstage, rivaled Robert, to this fan of both gents.
Robert Palmer had me at Bad Case of Loving You my senior year. One thing about his style was he dressed sharp in an era when many band members looked one step from homeless. I was pleasantly suprised when I mentioned him to a workmate back in the early 80s that Palmer sang with Vinegar Joe. It's a treat to listen to him and Elkie Brooks. You wouldn't guess he was from Yorkshire.
He really does hide the English accent in his voice.
I agree with you remarks that he was a sharp dresser and he also had me ar Bad case of loving you. I thought he was FINE and he didn't need to apologize for turning a then teenager on. Lol.
As much as Addicted to Love was enjoyed by the masses, my favorite song from Robert Palmer will always be “ Every Kinda People”. Should have been a bigger hit!!!
That's my favorite too! It's light poppy melody and uplifting lyrics have aged well in my opinion. Might have to go listen later today!
The Sailing Shoes/Hey Julia/Sneaking Sally Down the Alley medley is where it's at
@@gretchenlittle6817 It is more spiritually uplifting than most songs intended to be so. “Every Kinda People” should be the catalyst for free-thinking humanity of all nations and creeds to fight The Great Reset and civil war which the globalists are trying to foment here in America.
My other favorite is “What’s Going On/I Want You” from the tribute for Marvin Gaye.
I agree 💯👍
Robert was a wonderful man. I will never forget meeting him and how cordial he was to take the time and chat with a young fan. Rest in peace Mr. Palmer, you changed all our lives.
You hear that story over and over. Just a real good guy
How lucky you were to meet him!
Don't forget, Weird Al and Addicted To Spuds. Performed live at the Mtv Music Awards.
RIP Robert Palmer.
“Your greasy hands, your salted lips; looks like, you found the chips” and “You take a trip, to Idaho; just just to watch, potatoes grow”. Classic, especially when living Eastern Idaho at the time.
I can't believe he didn't mention that! Especially being the Weird Al superfan that he is. I can't NOT hear the Weird Al parody when I listen to the original.
I love Robert Palmer. I have a hard time remembering things from the past but I remember October 2003. Hearing that he had died of a heart attack in France (memory?) an amazing man, singer, songwriter. Miss him.
I was hooked on Robert Palmer from the beginning. I still love Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley. It's hard to argue with lyrics like, "she's so fine, there's no telling where the money went."
Adam I’m a year older than you and grew up in the Dallas area and I shared the same love for 80’s music as yourself but what you and your crew are doing here on this channel is legendary and I’m being serious, there is no one doing what you guys do here. Thank You a million times for your hard work and dedication, it’s greatly appreciated.
We didn't have the internet. What we had was the music!
I grew up in Dallas in the 80's as well, and i still cherish memories of all the great music from that time!
So true
howdy neighbor. :-) You described it beautifully!
that guitar riff is so lasting
Robert was ahead of times in many way, but hung in there and his persistence eventually paid off. He had a unique style. Read a book last year by legendary recording engineer Phill Brown, who recorded many of Robert's albums. Phill described Robert as " a lovely guy to work with, humorous, sharp and dedicated".
I’m planning on getting that book!
Without a doubt!
Robert Palmer was a genius. One of the best vocalists of the 80s. His earlier work is experimental, New Wave and unique like “some guys have all the luck” or Gary Numan’s “I dream of wires”. What he did in the mid 80s was colossal.
Yes, I love his song, "Some Guys Have All the Luck." He said that the Rod Stewart song got subconsciously picked up.
@@bob_mosavo wow! I never knew that. Wouldn’t surprise me! Ha ha. Palmer’s vocals on that are insane- all that pitched stuff and crazy phrasing, scating... amazing
"Every Kind of People" is his MASTERPIECE. ☝️
His version of “Some Guys” is great, but that’s actually not the one that was recorded first. The original was done by the Persuaders, a soul group, in 1973.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes, Rod Stewart's was a cover.
Rest in Peace, Robert Palmer, gone too soon at only 54 years old. His videos featuring gorgeous young back up models are so iconic, that they were lampooned for Bill Nighy's character in "Love Actually."
He was too young, I’m 3 years older that he was when he passed and I remember thinking he was too young back then. He WAS too young ☹️
He passed 19 years ago that’s just wrong.
Exactly! Good memory!
Very young. So sad.
I’ve actually seen Palmer’s mannequins in real life!
Professor, I know you mentioned it here, but we need an episode for "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On". That song is underrated, and I'll take it over "Addicted to Love" any day.
Robert’s cover is great, although the original by Cherrelle is superb.
My favorite song by him!!!
Me too!
Not his song
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Thanks - I didn't know it was a cover. Now I'm on a quest to find the original.
"Looking for Clues"...so under rated and such a cool song. Robert Palmer is Legend.
I loved the video!
My band used to cover that tune back in the day.
Robert Palmer was massive in Germany in 1980/81 and to me "Johnny And Mary" is one of the best singles of that era, hands down. The US really missed out on that one. With "Addicted" it was the other way round: It failed to chart in Germany surprisingly, although the song and the iconic video is well known to the German audience.
Love Johnny and Mary! Also, Looking for Clues is really great too, one of the first MTV music videos!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 i remember those videos.
Clues album was big in Australia too.
“Clues” was the first album I ever bought, based on hearing snippets of it when I stumbled upon a late night radio interview with Robert Palmer. More than 40 years later, it’s still one of my favorites.
Bryan Ferry made a nice cover of it a few years ago. One Mr. Suave to another.
We, the children of the 80s still miss Robert Palmer... 🥲
"You Are In My System" is still my favorite Robert Palmer track. Actually got to see The Power Station for free at First Ave. (Mpls) in '97. They were touring on their 2nd album. Excellent show -- so glad I got to see Robert live before he left us.
Oh I was looking for this song to be mentioned! Thanks! Love it!
What an artist! Rest in peace, Mr Palmer - en thank you ❤
Robert Palmer is one of my absolute favourite artists. I played the crap out of the cassette of Riptide and The Power Station wore out so I bought it again and then on CD. So many guys wanted to dress like him too, we just didn't have the money back when we were that young. His songs, the videos, the collaboration with the Taylors and Tony Thompson... was 80s music I still play on 11. Thanks so much for this one Adam. Took me back to 1985 instantly.
80's music is simply irresistible.
I got addicted to Robert Palmer‘s music when I heard „Johnny and Mary“ for the first time. That pulsating Bassline, those sparkling synth arpeggios, the creamy guitar line with this worbeling chorus effect which is supporting melody and rhythm equally, the driving drum machine beat and the melancholic melody with Robert Palmers soft voice. It‘s still one of my favorite Robert Palmer tunes.
That song got fully immersed in my blood the minute I heard it.
Love that song..And Clues,
Same here. In addition to the brilliant music, the lyrics and substance of the song are insightful and poignant...really captures the dynamics of a certain type of relationship.
Johnny & Mary is by far his best song.
RP was so ahead of his time. I'm still a huge fan. His cover of "You Really Got Me" (Double Fun album) is awesome.
Clearly one of the most under rated artists ever. RIP Robert.
James Bond of Rock. A very apt description of his persona. Always loved his music. His version of Bang a Gong is superior to even T Rex in my opinion
100% Agreed 👍
Much, much better than the original
Thank you for covering Robert Palmer on this particular video, he's an artist who's voice I have loved since I first heard him while I was at school in the 1980s. He really deserved greater acclaim from when he started his career, with his wonderful voice and smart look and I would be lying if I said I never had a crush on him. I still have a copy of "Power Station" on cassette and when I bought it I used to drive my Dad absolutely mad by using his cassette player outside and playing this cassette all round our estate as me and my best friend walked round. As I got older and had more money I bought "Addicted" vols 1 and 2. I was so saddened and disappointed when his death while he and his family were on holiday (in Switzerland, I think it was) was announced on the news from a heart attack. That's one voice that can't be copied. And it was really nice that a Yorkshire lad finally made it big in the music industry and caused this Yorkshire lass' heart to beat a bit faster when I watched him on the telly. R.I.P. Robert. You are a true icon of the 1980s.
There’s just something classically cool about Robert Palmer. My favorite the Sailin’ shoes, Hey Julia, Sneakin’ Sally thru the Alley trilogy. When played together it’s one funky jam.
He made great music.
Live it really takes off. It’s his finest moment.
I just re-listened to this song and Simply Irresistible. It has been YEARS since I heard either. I missed in the 80"s just how complex the song composition and his vocals were. JUST stunning. I think I am going to look for more of his music.
Always LOVED Robert Palmer’s work. So happy that he left us such a great legacy. Thank you, Robert, for sharing your talents with the world and for enriching our lives.🤩
He died too young, sadly. What a legend he was.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes he did. RIP. Evidently he was a heavy smoker. But by all accounts he was all around a decent guy. Top notch. RIP Robert.
@@metatechnologist Such a tragic loss.
I’m so glad you featured Robert Palmer because he was a unique talent who paid his dues with pub bands in his native Yorkshire as a teen. I saw him in concert in London in 1980 where he brought the house down. He worked with Little Feat, Alan Toussaint and Gary Newman not to mention Elkie Brooks. His tragic early passing I’m sure deprived the music world of much great music. Rest in Peace Alan (Robert) Palmer.
The album "Riptide" was brilliant! "Addicted To Love" jumped out for me. Especially after listening to the PowerStation. My other favourite was "Discipline Of Love." The production of Bernard Edwards was great and I still play them both to this day! Robert Palmer and Bryan Ferry are my 2 best dressed lead singers all time.
....SEAN GETS IT! ...."Discipline..." was actually the 1st single! ...I got the CD edition in the 'environmental' packaging CD cover...My very FIRST One! ...thought it was SO COOL!
You nailed it.
Love Discipline of Love. Palmer and Ferry were both GREAT singers.
I love Robert Palmer! Never considered anything a failure. He started in the 60's and worked till his passing! I was fortunate to see him in the late 70's a couple times :).
We lost Robert Palmer WAY too soon. I miss him. I loved "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley" the first time I heard it back in the '70s. I hope people who have enjoyed his later music went back and listened to his earlier gems.
Yes, I got to know Robert Palmer through the Power Station, being a HUGE Duran Duran fan back in the day, listened to his earlier stuff and was very wowed and wondered why I'd never heard of him before then. Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley/Sailing Shoes is way underrated, and Bad Case of Loving You never fails to put a smile on my face. We lost him way too soon, and it would've been cool to have a second Power Station album.
I totally agree with your assessment. The James Bond of 80s music.
He even looks like he could have played Bond!
I loved Robert Palmer's music before Addicted to Love came out. When I saw the video on MTV, it blew my mind. He was so classy! I also fell in love with Power Station because of his vocals. The entire album is amazing. I was so sad when I heard of his passing. We have lost too many amazing artists too soon.
Outstanding! And I’m now 71. And I still sing along
Might as well face it, I am addicted to the Professor of Rock! Rock on!
Ah thanks my friend. Appreciate it!
We’re gonna have to face it, we’re addicted to Adam!
I must say that Robert Palmer will be a singer I will always enjoy listening to. What got me was his look with the Georgio Armani suits! I remember seeing him in concert in Atlanta Georgia at the Roxy due to a friend of mines being a backup singer on tour with him and he gave me free passes to the concert and I enjoyed myself tremendously. He put on a show! today’s music don’t even come close to a legend like Robert Palmer.
Sneaking Sally Through The Alley is one of my favorite songs of all time. Great bass line and so funky it nearly broke the funk-o-meter!
True talent. This song brings back great memories. Enjoyed many of his songs. Always thought Looking For Clues was an under rated song.
I've been a fan of Robert Palmer since Vinegar Joe. It was played constantly in my college apartment in the early 70s.
There is no way to understate was a bombshell this song and music video were back in the '80s. They were everywhere and yet, appropriately, you still couldn't get enough of them! By that time it was often true that a great video could propel an okay song to greater heights than it deserved. Not so with this song. The unforgettable visuals just cemented the song into the zeitgeist. Palmer died way too young, but I'm glad that after so much work put in, he got the full superstar ride. Great retrospective, Professor!
I remember knowing about Robert from the Doctor, Doctor song being played on local radio in the 70's. The wall of sound I got from the first listening to Some Like It Hot made me get the album as soon as I could. I played the heck out of that album. I was so disappointed when Robert left the Powerstation as I really like the band and hoped it would continue. Addicted to Love (and it's video) were a song I liked but I never went out to buy Riptide. I bought the subsequent release of the next album but it never struck me as much as Powerstation had done. I liked Simply Irresistible but it has never been "the music' but I've always played them every so often. Robert is gone too soon. Wish we had more class, like Robert exemplified, ijn music. Great video Professor.
I think Simply Irresistible is awesome! “She’s so fine, there’s no telling where the money went” is one great line of the 80s.
She makes my day was another great song from Robert.
Fell in love with his whole album. I also privileged enough to see him in concert..He was an excellent performer.
I am big into history and science, being an Air Force retiree.
I first discovered in the mid 20 teens BazBattles, then The Great War, Kings and Generals, Between 2 Wars, World War II, The Operations Room, The History Guy, Mark Felton, Anton Petrov, etc.
Discovering The Professor of Rock was fantastic, a history of rock and roll, allowing all of us to really appreciate the songs we've listened to for most or all of our lives.
Thank you Professor of Rock.🙂🙂🙂
Island 🏝 Records stuck by Robert for many years & he finally had a smash hit with Addicted To Love. He convinced the label to ✍️ The Comsat Angels & worked with them on Chasing Shadows. Soon after he left for EMI & scored a huge hit there with Simply Irresistible. He had an awesome 👌 voice !
He was always sharpy dressed and I loved that about him. RIP Robert Palmer
I read an interview with Robert Palmer back in the 90s, where he said that the song was originally about drugs, but the record company wouldn't release that, so he changed the word "drugs" to the word "love", & a hit was born... I was into his music since 1980 or so... An incredible artist who was taken from us far too soon... RIP Mr Palmer.
The song is 100% about freebasing cocaine (now known as smoking crack). Every single word is exactly the whole freebasing experie3nce/scene. I can't count the number of times I've "been told the story by a friend (grin)" about sitting around the kitchen table with several friends, and someone would knock at the door hoping someone would share a rock with them. "Shhhh.....don't answer the door. Act like nobody's home. They never have any. They just want to mooch. They'll go away". Even though the lights were on. Every single word of this song is the freebasing scene/experience. Just replace the word "love" with "crack". It's very clear that Adam doesn't have a clue about the real meaning. IYKYK
I miss all this incredible talent
ROBERT PLAMER DOCTOR, DOCTOR IS A FANTASTIC HIT
This song takes me back to a pizzeria with a video jukebox that played this constantly in May 1986. After long days of hard physical labor we unwound listening and watching this video.
I LOVE this artist. The recordings with Palmer backed by the Meters and Lowell George are so incredible. His vocal stylings are so smooth, so controlled, so soulful.
I loved that song!! And I had such a crush on him. He was so handsome and polished. Beautiful voice.
Robert has to probably be my favorite singer of the 80s. Him solo and his work in The Power Station is simply unmatched. Truly a legendary singer!
....man, that 1st Powerstation Album was ROCKIN' and NAAAASTY....just how I LIKE it! ....the Music, that is! ....ha-HAAA!
Ya see! you get it! Thanks for the comment RC32!
He was a legend, no doubt.
In1986 I was on holiday in England where I bought the album on cassette. Now that was a motorcycle holiday and I drove around with a Walkman. Imagine headphone in the helmet driving around England. Great memory.
Yay, Robert Palmer, glad I didn't have to wait long for this. You might as well say that I'm addicted to Prof.
He has such a great voice, kinda from an earlier time period but also ideal for the 80's and he deserved more than what came his way IMO.
The video for Addicted is so iconic, essentially taking the pop art album cover of Duran Duran's Rio, and putting it on living models.
Just heard you mention Rio. That's what happens when you comment early. 😆
He's so great. Deserved more recognition
Ha ha!!! NP
You nailed it with your last sentence! Those models do remind me a lot of Rio!
As a young kid, I used to sing "might as well face it you're a dit dit da low", and my mom just thought that was so funny. Good times.
Let’s freaking go
RIP Robert Palmer. I'm addicted to Addicted To Love!
I am an 80’s kid, I remember the day MTV aired for the first time, for those of us who know… that was a day that lives in Infamy for us. And of course I remember all the Robert Palmer songs and videos, they are forever etched in my memory. Fast forward to 2023, now 55 and a big blues and jazz fan and I just happen to stumble on an old Robert Palmer song waaaay before MTV days and I was pleasantly floored. This man’s music is so prolific and diverse and wonderful! The first time I heard “Sneaking Sally through the Alley”, I was madly in love with Robert Palmer all over again. Thank you for this video, it was great going back in time to discover how he evolved, it is a damn shame that he had to leave us. 🌻🦋😂🎼
I've always loved Robert Palmer's music! It takes be back to those great times every time I hear it! Loved his videos also! Great episode Professor! Thanks for keeping the music alive!
Best basic rock song ever. It has it all, beat, sooth vocals, hard driving!! Love it😊
I LOVED Robert Palmer back in the day! He played a concert in my town back in the day, I must have been in junior high, and I wanted to go so badly but wasn't able to make it. I still listen to his 80s hits, and they are in my awesome mix playlist!
I wish you were able to go! I heard he was fantastic live!
This song, no matter what the mood, will bring smile no matter what. The drums, the grove, the feel. But you literally can’t help the smile, just air drumming the the drum fill on the Phil Collins classic “In the Air Tonight,” it just happens. A rare treasure to savored.
I love the Heavy Nova album. I liked the hit song from the album but honestly She Makes My Day and It Could Happen to You are just feel good jazz influenced rock ballads.
When I hear the name Robert Palmer, the image of that video is the first thing to come to mind!
I didn't know he died at such a young age. He's a talent that is sorely missed and respected.
For sure! Thanks Glen.
It’s so tragic that he had to die in his 50s!
I knew him in his Vinegar Joe years (long before the suits! He preferred black leather then). He was born with a heart condition, but he didn't let it limit him. When his doctor said he should get out of the damp UK and go somewhere warm, he went to Africa, to learn the rhythms and beats that fascinated him. But he was also a heavy smoker, and the combination of that and the heart condition led to his early death. He had a wonderfully flexible voice, expressive and clear. Loved him to bits.
Great in concert, absolutely no one like him. Suave and sharp stage presence.
The Song, The Music, The Video Absolutely SMOKIN!!!! Thank You Mr. Palmer - Need Not Say More!!!!
Great song. I loved it's placement in the Tom Cruise movie "Cocktail" when he is bar tending and turning the volume up & down
As a kid from the GDR I had no idea which words he continuously repeated the whole song. But, hey, my mother was a big rock music fan. And so, "Addicted to love" made her turn the radio louder whenever it was played on a radio station in Western Germany. Dude, what a song!
When the German wall came down, we discovered MTV. And I saw the video for the first time. This was a great fun. Because you didn't have the chance to go to a concert of big rick stars in the GDR. And so, you learned to play an instrument yourself. Mine was the drum set. And I laughed out loud when I saw the girl hitting the drums.
"Addicted to love" is one of THOSE songs. This is everything that you have to say about the song. A song for eternity. Thank you for this video.
I think we all remember where we were when we first saw the video for Addicted to Love. Great voice. Gone too soon. I loved his cover of "Mercy Mercy Me/ I Want You".
It's definitely one of those big time videos.
My mother loved that video when it first came out her junior year. She just loved watching the mannequins with their serious faces!
As a former DJ I could not wait until this song came up in rotation. The studio was rockin'!
I remember hearing an interview with Robert where he told the story of laying down the vocal for that "one track mind" section. He tells of the challenge of reaching that high C# note, an intimidating challenge but one which he meets with aplomb.
Brilliant song and EVEN MORE BRILLIANT VIDEO.
You cannot hear the song without smiling, while thinking about the total coolness of the video!
When you mentioned the musicians on Robert Palmer's Riptide, you forgot to mention Fonzi Thornton who added backing vocals to "Addicted to Love". He also added backing vocals to Roxy Music's "More Than This". Bryan Ferry might be considered the Sultan of Suave, but Palmer was considered The Gentleman of Rock and Roll.
Robert Palmer's concert at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, I think in 1976, was no doubt one of the best concerts I ever went to. Grateful for that experience. When I saw this video, it made perfect sense to me--if he was talking about an actual addiction--that women would be portrayed as faceless, sexualized prototypes. Just read the lyrics: "The lights are on, but you're not home / Your mind is not your own... A one-track mind, you can't be saved / Oblivion is all you crave..." This video was a living work of art, a statement, and each person in the video did an excellent job.
Great video, heartfelt tribute too.
Some points:
- 'Failure' was really only a failure to influence the US charts before the mid 80s. He'd been successful elsewhere.
- Palmer's recording deal with Island records was running out in 1985 and he owed one more album. So a tour with Power Station was basically out of the question.
- What Palmer brought to PS was experience and discipline, the project was a summer camp party otherwise.
- Palmer brought so much of his own sound to that project.
- The PS sound was different to Riptide when you listen to the two.
- The Addicted duet has never seen the light of day, although both Palmer and Kahn have said she laid down the vocals and it was pulled late in the process.
- Palmer kept a dictaphone by his bed in case the muse struck. It did that night.
- The song was always about love, but the inspiration came from the drug busts in the Bahamas and Nassau at the time, where he lived, and subliminally it filtered through.
- Rod Stewart is currently touring with the song and it features the 'Glamazons'.
- Robert Palmer is long overdue for a critical reappraisal... Singer, songwriter, diverse vocalist, producer, 2x Grammy Award winning artist.
- And check out @Addiction_ers on Twitter...
Got addicted to Palmer since the album Clues… was indeed ahead of its time ❤
I've always said that about Robert Palmer. Totally underrated.
He was so attractive and talented. And underrated.
So glad you finally did a video on Robert. He was an amazing talent. It would be nice to see more information about the other work he did. He was incredibly diverse. I learned about artists like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra through Robert's albums.
Fascinating segment. Living a block off the North Dallas Tollway I zipped downtown to hang at the Starck Club, a trendy unisex bathroom, drug crazed club that one night, Dallas P.D. raided the joint and according to the Dallas Observer there were so many baggies and vials of coke, so many pills, "police couldn't walk without stepping on it". Simply Irresistible was a HUGE staple of many hangouts. It is DEFINITELY one of the biggest anthems of my life. After getting buzzed at the Starcke we'd slide over in Deep Ellum and the Blind Lemon to get ready for the after-party party. The 80's were an underrated generation.
Love the "Just came from Wall Street to do some karaoke at Happy Hour" look Robert Palmer had... He was the ultimate chameleon! I remember "Every Kinda People," "Looking for Clues," and "Johnny and Mary" quite well... before his mid-80s success. All these songs are so different and unique.
Yes! He always looked so sharp!
He was truly one of a kind. the James Bond of Pop.
For sure.
Great songs!
This song introduced me to Mr. Palmer and I’ve been a fan since. I must have listened to “I’ll be your baby tonight” 1,000 times. The man was a gifted singer.
Love Robert Palmer. His videos were so appealing. Excellent video Adam!
I had completely forgotten about "Every Kinda People". That calypso beat is one of the greatest in shopping mall and elevator music history.
"Johnny and Mary" is also one of my favorite songs.
Robert Palmer first caught my attention with “Johnny and Mary”. The Dylanesque lyrics are pure genius and reminded me of a friend of mine and his wife. It was not a big hit, but deserved to be.
It is a great song, for sure.
It is a pop standard. Also covered by Bryan Ferry. Who cares what the US thinks.
Still makes me smile seeing the video. So stylish yet so tongue in cheek not taking itself too seriously. Cool yet more so.
Loved Robert Palmer and still do,that was a great video as well as a good legacy obituary for him.Keep up the great work.ironically i was not as keen on addicted to love as much as his early 80s stuff,especially Johnny and Mary.was and is my absolute favourite track of his.