Sunday, May 03, 2009

Video: George Benson "20/20"

I had forgotten how much I really enjoyed this Randy ("You Needed Me," "Bluer Than Blue" and millions of others) Goodrum/Steve Kipner song back in 1984. Probably one of George Benson's last - and best - hit singles, it is a wonderfully well-constructed and tuneful song that finds the producers taking the guitarist, nee pop star, into Michael Jackson (vocal) territory.
The last full minute of this four-minute anthem is the song's best moment, with the guitarist scatting over his guitar solo in unison with Patti Austin. It's beautiful and truly worth hearing again and again. The video is cute in a simple sort of way. But the little boy in the banana pants is a joy to watch throughout. All in all, a wonderful piece of pop ephemera.

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