RIP, Bonnie Tyler

At the time one didn’t think of it, because of course one never does at the time, but looking back from the vantage point of 40+ years, “this “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was one of the most 80s songs with one of the most 80s videos that ever 80ed the 80s. Bonnie Tyler! Jim Steinman! Russell Mulcahy! (The last two being the songwriter and video director respectively, the latter who also directed Highlander, and the former who wrote every astoundingly bombastic pop song you can think of between the late 70s and the early 2000s.) All together in one ridiculously over the top package. It practically sweats cocaine. Ms. Tyler did have other hits, big ones, too (“It’s a Heartache,” “Holding Out For a Hero”), but this is the one she’s remembered for in the pop consciousness. There are far worse songs, and things, to be remembered for. Wherever there is a karaoke machine, she will yet live. Fair travels, Bonnie. — JS