Retro Spins: Suzanne Vega - Suzanne Vega

By my calculations, if I don't buy another 80's studio album, I should be finished listening to them all by the end of next year. Of course, I then have soundtracks, live albums, etc., and we all know very well that I'm going to keep buying albums. But I should at least be in a relatively manageable spot by the end of 2027, considering a return to format of just one Retro Spin per week in 2028 and beyond, versus every day. You know, if we're all still around at that point. While it's enjoyable (for the most part), it takes a lot of time to listen to all of this music.

While working towards a degree in English literature, Vega occupied her college nights by performing at small venues around Greenwich Village, contributing to Jack Hardy's Monday night songwriters' group at the Cornelia Street Cafe. It was here that she would first have songs published. Specifically, for the Fast Folk anthology albums.

A&M Records took notice of her, offering a recording contract. In doing so, she was among the select few fast folk categorized musicians to receive a major label recording contract. Both her and her label would be caught off guard when her 1985 self-titled debut would not only pique interest of critics but sell over 200,000 units. The album would further go on to be certified platinum in the UK.

The album mainly focuses on simple arrangements; all played on acoustic guitar by Vega. However, as they sometimes say, less is more. Granted, there are several instruments incorporated, but they're used sparingly, coming in only when needed.

Songs deviate from the sounds, styles and trends of music dominating the 80's airwaves, and this is perhaps where its charm lies. It's so different that you want to stop and listen. If for no other reason than to ask, "Hey, what is this?"

It's not a record I'd want to play every day. I imagine it's best suited to listen to while sitting in a rocking chair, perhaps a rainstorm in the background, pitter-patters of raindrops gently hitting the roof, with the occasional thunder, and flash of lightning. That's call ambience. I suppose it would even serve a good purpose to help clam one down while they go to sleep. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that it's a rather soothing and relaxing album.

I actually went into this one blind, having picked it up at a local used CD shop for a buck or two, and mainly just because it was from the 80's. As such, I knew nothing from it, nor what to expect. While I didn't hear anything that was what I would call top ten hit, there were some good tracks to be found. For me, these included Freeze Tag, and Marlene On The Wall, the latter of which I found out had a music video which was showcased frequently on MTV and VH1.

Before jumping into her next album, Vega contributed to the John Hughes film Pretty In Pink (1986) with Left Of Center. She would also join up for the Greenpeace tour that year, being interviewed by Lou Reed. This would become an important day for her and Reed, as it would lead to a lifelong friendship. Since his death, she's performed a cover of his hit, Walk On The Wild Side, as a tribute to him.

On that downer of a note, we'll pick up tomorrow with 1987's Solitude Standing. 

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