I’ve been to many Quotealong and Guest shows at Alamo Drafthouse, now I experienced my first Singalong because it focused on a genre I will always love, New Wave. Technically, I follow Rhino’s definition of what’s New Wave music; stuff released between 1979-85 starting with Plastic Bertrand’s “Ca Plane Pour Moi.” When it ends is a little hazy since it has an overlap with what replaced it, Alternative. Labels aside, to me, the New Wave is a sub genre of the giant Power Pop/Rock category.
As always, there were props: a whip-like thing which was really that twirly-wand you see gymnasts use for interpretive dance and a blow-up keytar. Some were in dress. I didn’t have time to find my era appropriate shirts so I settled for Joy Division and my New Wave Chucks.
The music choices were all the safe, recognizable tunes: Eurythmics, Tears For Fears, Duran Duran, Flock of Seagulls, Human League, Erasure, Depeche Mode, Dead or Alive, Thompson Twins, INXS, Talking Heads, Cars, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Buggles and New Order. Dexy’s Midnight Runners was the perfect opportunity to take a potty break. Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” induced uncomfortable laughter since there were a dozen Black gentleman in minstrel-show makeup and costumes. Thankfully, you can’t see this train wreck on YouTube…yet.
We all had a great time. I do hope to hit another singalong preferably a genre I like. I’d do New Wave again only if there’s a guarantee they change up the playlist. Awesome poster by former Austin resident but still a comic-book artist, Yehudi Mercado; we miss you here dude!