One Step Up, Two Steps Back

I 've always been a sucker for a pristine power-pop number (some may just say sucker period), and the late 70s/early 80s pop scene was rife with prime examples, courtesy of the New Wave. At times, there's just nothing better than shimmering guitars with hooks that punch you right in the gut.

And often, the lyrics will punch you in the gut as well.

Here are two of my favorites that really strike a nerve with me; obstensibly one-offs that played back-to-back aurally illustrate the old adage -- be careful what you wish for.