“Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste. But when Sports came out in ‘83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He’s been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor.
In ‘87, Huey released this; Fore!, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is “Hip To Be Square”. A song so catchy, most people probably don’t listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it’s not just about the pleasures of conformity and the importance of trends. It’s also a personal statement about the band itself.”
I saw Huey Lewis and the News on my college campus, had to be 1982 or 1983, playing on an outdoor stage at a campus music and art festival, and there wasn't more than two dozen people listening. Huey said that they were working on a new song, and played "I Want a New Drug."
Being the straight-laced guy I was back then, I thought to myself "bah, I don't like songs about drugs" and left.
Either later that year or the next he was on SNL and the rest was history. (And I came to really like his music, including New Drug...)
In the 80’s in Northern California it was the 49ers and Huey Lewis and The News. What a great time. It was also the last great time in the SF Bay Area.
I suffer from Meniere’s Disease. I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. I feel for you Huey! You can manage this.
Saw them about 10 years or so ago on the 25th anniversary tour of “Sports.” Fantastic band. His drummer & guitarist are superb.
They didn’t do a bad rendition of the National Anthem, either:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3qD1jKNYaU&pp=ygUaaHVleSBsZXdpcyBuYXRpb25hbCBhbnRoZW0%3D