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“We Gonna Party Like It’s Your Birthday”

December 23, 2013 by WendyB

I’m going to be drowning my sorrows in Champagne tonight because it is, indeed, my birthday. As I’ve previously noted, I don’t think birthdays are that much fun anymore, even though they’re better than the alternative.  I was much more thrilled by them when this photo was taken … on Dec. 23, 1984, when I turned 17.

earrings80s.jpg 1

I dressed in style to celebrate the big day. My hair was teased, my trademark Liza-worthy eyeliner was in place, and a single beaded earring was worn. Under the earring, you can see a rare shot of the blonde, braided “tail” that I sported for a couple of years. It looks like I adorned it with a lavender ribbon to match the earring. Interestingly, for years I assumed that my hair had been inspired by Aimee Mann’s even-more awesome braided tail in ‘Til Tuesday’s “Voices Carry” video, but now that I look it up, it turns out that video wasn’t released until 1985.

Memory is a tricky thing, isn’t it? That’s why I won’t swear that the dress was from Fiorucci, even though I think it might have been.

According to the sometimes reliable Wikipedia and other websites, the song “Voices Carry” was originally addressed to a woman, but studio executives thought it would be more appealing if it was about an abusive boyfriend. Yep, that’s always more palatable. Anyway, I like Aimee Mann. Last year, she did a funny shot-for-shot remake of “Voices Carry” for her song “Labrador.” Check that out here. Guess which wig she puts on instead of the black bob of the original video? I also came across a 2001 interview she did with the Washington Post in which she spoke about her willingness to take on the music industry. She said:

“I think I’m one of the few people fed up enough to start talking about the industry in really honest terms. Which is pretty dangerous. It is really dangerous.

This is how she sees it: If you’re rich and famous, like, say, George Michael, and you complain about the industry, then it’s like, ‘Oh, stop whining, you big rock star.’ As if that’s a really big perk. And if you’re small, independent and you rail against the industry, then you’re labeled a sore loser. Sour grapes. ‘No one liked your record. Get over it.'”

Tell it like it is, Aimee Mann!

Oh, and in case you’re having trouble with the math, I’m 46.

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Filed Under: 80s style, birthdays, music, vintage WendyB photos

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marguerite says

    December 23, 2013 at 1:22 am

    Voices Carry was probably the big song for me during college. I remember calling WVBR over and over again requesting it, and they had never heard of it. I think it was nearly 6 months before they finally played it.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    • WendyB says

      December 23, 2013 at 1:25 am

      Oh, those days of calling radio stations with requests!!!

  2. déjà pseu says

    December 23, 2013 at 8:45 am

    Happy Birthday, Wendy! Hope you’re having a splendid birthday.

    “Voices Carry” was always a favorite of mine. Still big fans of Aimee Mann in our household.

    • WendyB says

      December 23, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      Thank you!

  3. Patti @ NotDeadYet Style says

    December 23, 2013 at 8:51 am

    happy birthday, party like the goddess you are! I need a pigtail braid like that.

    • WendyB says

      December 23, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      I dare you to do it!

  4. Amber of Butane Anvil says

    December 23, 2013 at 8:53 am

    HBD, WendyB – loving the flashbacks!!

    Cheese and totally awesome hair aside, is it just me or were narratives of resistance to abuse way more mainstream and explicit then vs. now?

    • WendyB says

      December 23, 2013 at 10:51 am

      I’ve been wondering the same thing!

  5. Sharon S My Style says

    December 23, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Hi my dear!! Wishing you a fabulous birthday and a very happy Christmas too, love to you and Mr B xxx

    • WendyB says

      December 23, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks, Sharon!

  6. Kait says

    December 23, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    Happy Birthday!

    • WendyB says

      December 24, 2013 at 12:04 am

      Thanks, Kait!

  7. Tuesday says

    December 23, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    I always loved ‘Til Tuesday, but then again…

    Happy Birthday!!!

    • WendyB says

      December 24, 2013 at 12:03 am

      How about Tuesday Weld?

  8. Elizabeth says

    December 24, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    I hope you had a great birthday. I know it’s Tuesday, and I’m a day late with this comment, but whatareyougonnado?

    I loved that original video for “Voices Carry.” I can’t believe execs thought a video of an abusive boyfriend was a good idea. But it was really popular as I recall. Of course, my recollection might not be entirely accurate, either. I assumed that video came out in 1986. Boy was I wrong.

    • WendyB says

      December 24, 2013 at 5:20 pm

      I still love her hair in that video!
      And thank you for the bday wishes!

  9. K-Line says

    December 26, 2013 at 9:38 am

    I’m really late to this party, Wendy. Happy belated birthday. Have a great, next year.

    • WendyB says

      December 26, 2013 at 12:04 pm

      Thank you!

  10. Sheila (of Ephemera) says

    December 27, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    Happy belated birthday, Wendy! I remembered, I swear!

    Love Aimee Mann – she’s awesome. And you in that hair, so cool. I did the double-tail in 1984: one on each side of my neck. Oh yeah, we were too cool.

    Wishing you a wonderful year!

    • WendyB says

      December 27, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      Ooh, double tail! I’m impressed!

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MEET WENDY BRANDES

Award-winning designer of fine jewelry inspired by women's history and pop culture. A former journalist who writes about jewelry, fashion, medieval history, news, feminism, dogs, cats and whatever else is on her mind. Blogging since 2007.
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