SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:36 Min.
This 1982 track is from Don Henley’s album, I Can’t Stand Still.
REVIEW:
It’s strangely ironic that this tune’s opening bars sound something like David Bowie’s 1975 tune, “Fame,” as both songs contemplate a flip side to 24/7 celebrity. At least one common thread between Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry” and Bowie’s resigned take is how notoriety is an inescapable trap. With biting lyrics aptly describing the onslaught of mass media, Henley’s ode spells out the trashy stardom sought by journalists exploiting other people’s misery, especially when such news flashes are sensationalistic.
His narrative not only insightfully alludes to how superficial looks so often supersede integrity and journalistic talent. Henley’s jabbing commentary re: how the peroxide blonde model wanna-be on the 5 o’clock news almost gleefully hypes the latest mass-death disaster hasn’t lost its timeliness.
Bolstered by an effective chorus and a recurring ringing telephone sound effect, Henley’s vocals are spot-on deriding the invasive nature of yellow journalism. Taking advantage of an undeniably catchy melody, Henley’s effort is ideal for any Best-of-The-80’s retrospectives, if not one’s own laundry night playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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