When I started at Vermont Academy, the basement of Shepardson Center [The Dining Hall] was nothing but a big open area of concrete with massive pillars supporting the floor above. Sometime around sophomore year, they renovated the place and added a snack-bar with a couple of video games. This was where I first saw Space Invaders and Asteroids Deluxe. The authentic Space Invaders sound still makes me think of those evenings after study hours eating slices of pizza and hanging out.
Over the next year or two, further development and enhancements were made to the new Student lounge. Comfortable, crate based couches and chairs were added along with a Rock-ola jukebox.
That Rock-ola with its backlit purple and pink panels and twinkling chase lights was where I was introduced to the Go-Go’s. Our Lips Are Sealed was a jukebox favorite and at the moment, without giving it much thought, the only song I remember listening to on it. I’m certain that there were more but in the tradition of My Musical Evolution, Go-Go’s and more specifically Our Lips Are Sealed is linked to Shepardson Center and that Rock-ola.
Like so many factory cassettes of the era, I played this one to death. I find myself regretting that I don’t listen to albums start to finish anymore. It was how we always did it then and there is something about that I can’t quite put into words.
I find it an interesting development that as I look for these songs, the era of the music video has begun. More and more, I find the official video. It is a reminder of the impact MTV was having already even though at that time I hadn’t heard of it.
Our Lips Are Sealed
Lust To Love
This Town
This is the Belinda Carlisle that I thought was so hot. Before she got too skinny.
We Got The Beat
Automatic
Skidmarks On My Heart