February 24, 2025

1988 - December: Poison ”Open Up and Say...Ahh!”

39 minutes

When it comes to hair metal of the mid to late 80's, no band discussion would be complete without bringing Poison into the mix. The band consisted of front man Bret Michaels, guitarist C.C. DeVille, bassist Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett on drums. Poison is a band out of Pennsylvania. Originally named Paris when formed in 1980, the band drew a good following in local bars in Pennsylvania, but decided opportunities would be greater in Los Angeles. The band moved there in 1983 and changed their name to Poison. They attracted a lot of attention with their stage show, and saw surprising success with their debut album, "Look What the Cat Dragged In," released in 1986.

However, Poison's most successful release would be their second studio album, Open Up and Say... Ah!, released in April 1988. It would sport four hit singles, including their sole number 1 single "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." The album itself would hit number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. It would also stir controversy with its cover, a picture of a demonic female with an extremely long tongue. An alternate cover was designed to address concerns which showed only the eyes of the model.

Poison would see further success in the late 80's and early 90's, though their popularity would wane as the grunge movement took over music in the 90's. However, Poison has seen a resurgence of popularity as a "classic" band, and front man Bret Michaels has achieved success both as a celebrity personality and as a solo artist.

Lynch brings us this glam rock album for today's podcast, and friend of the show Mike Fernandez joins us in Bruce's absence.

Fallen Angel

While the lyrics describe a young girl moving from Ohio to Los Angeles to try to make it as an actress, the song is really more autobiographical of the path the band took from Pennsylvania. This second single from the album went to number 16 on the Hot 100.

Nothin' But a Good Time"

The first single from the album reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is one of their best known songs. It was built off a guitar riff by C.C. DeVille and a chorus penned by Michaels. DeVille was largely selected for the band based on his cool riffs and party attitude.

Your Mama Don't Dance

Poison take the 1972 Loggins and Messina song and makes it their own in this fourth single released from the album. The song's lyrics highlighting the generation gap of the 50's and 60's between parents and their rebellious teenagers was a perfect fit for Poison's image.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

This ballad is Poison's sole number 1 hit. The inspiration for it came when Bret Michaels called his girlfriend from a laundromat and heard a male voice in the background. He was crushed, but went back into the laundromat and wrote the song right then.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Pump Up the Volume by MARRS (from the motion picture “My Stepmother Is an Alien”)

This comedy starring Dan Aykroyd, Jon Lovitz, and Kim Bassinger may have been a flop, but the song was quite popular.

STAFF PICKS:

Mystify by INXS

Rob leads off the staff picks with the fifth and final single from the "Kick" album. Backed by a honky tonk-style piano and prominent finger-snapping, the song starts with a bluesy riff followed by a more straightforward rock sound. INXS originally was comprised of three Farriss brothers, but they were down to Andrew and Tim Farriss by this time.

I'm an Adult Now by Pursuit of Happiness

Wayne's staff pick is a hidden gem from Canada. This humorous single alternates between spoken verses and a sung chorus that capture the worries that plague the singer as he deals with becoming an adult and embracing adult problems. It peaked at number 6 on the alternative music charts.

Wild Wild West by Escape Club

Mike brings us an English band with a song written by eight different people, including Stevie Wonder and Bootsy Collins. This song has the distinction of being the only British band to have a number 1 hit in the US without charting in the UK. "Headin' for the nineties, living in the wild, wild west."

Where Is My Mind by Pixies

Lynch closes out with a signature song from the Pixies. The inspiration for this grunge song began with an underwater diving experience, and the lyrics convey disconnection. The Pixies were reintroduced to fans after this song appeared in "Fight Club."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Silhouette by Kenny G.

Bruce sneaks a soft sax piece from Kenny G. onto the playlist to exit this week's podcast.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings