Six '80s Videos That Made Me Weird and Gay

-- scribegrrrl from AfterEllen.com

A couple of months ago, I blogged about some '80s videos that made me gay. At the end of that post, I said that Les Rita Mitsuoko made me feel weird. I've come to realize that '80s videos are probably largely responsible for my weirdness. Here are some examples of musical abnormality that helped me shun conventionality and further embrace my lady-loving ways.

1. Laurie Anderson, "O Superman" (1982)

It doesn't get better or weirder than this. Laurie Anderson has always freaked me out and turned me on at the same time. The lit-up mouth! Eeek! And the jacket and tie. Mmm.

2. Grace Jones, "Slave to the Rhythm" (1985)

So bizarre and so butch. And Jones is so very talented. Awesome.

3. Parachute Club, "Rise Up" (1983)

This revolutionary song from the Canadian group Parachute Club made me feel strong and optimistic, and Lorraine Segato's perfect '80s wardrobe and hair made me feel, um, something else. (Plus there's that line, "We want freedom to love who we please.") But the weird mummy-face float-truck — and the mime — kinda spooked me.

4. Thomas Dolby, "She Blinded Me With Science" (1982)

Exceptionally weird, to the point of inducing nightmares. But how hot is that woman in her nerdy glasses and white coat?  And how hot is the whole concept of a woman blinding you with science? SCIENCE!

5. Culture Club, "The Church of the Poison Mind" (1983)

This one isn't that weird, really. But it certainly is gay, from Boy George's fabulousness to backup singer Helen Terry's hair — which later inspired Rosie O'Donnell's Taboo-era hair.

6. Bonnie Tyler, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (1983)

Laurie Anderson's glowing mouth is weird, but it's no match for the bright-eyed chorus of possessed zombie children that makes Bonnie turn around. Her raspy voice and Aqua-Netted hair are fantastic, even though this is one of the most nonsensical videos ever. And she wears a tie at the end. Ties seem to be a theme with me.

Every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the [music video] years have gone by ... long live the '80s!