Guilty Pleasures (Valentine's Edition): Dino - 'Romeo'

 Happy Valentine's Day, fellow music lovers.

It's hard to believe I've never posted about Dino before, but it seemed appropriate to wait until V-Day to drop his 1990 cheesefest, "Romeo" on you.

I first heard Dino in my favorite 1992 Rodney Dangerfield/Jonathan Brandis cross-dressing soccer comedy, Ladybugs, in which his song, "Summergirls" was used.

Dino, AKA Dean Esposito, was a Top 40 DJ who took a turn at singing with the group, Esquire, in the '80s before going solo in '89 with his first album, 24/7.  The album also featured the single, "I Like It".  

The same year, Dino got booked as an opening act for the insanely popular New Kids on the Block tour.

In 1990, Dino returned with his sophomore album, Swingin', which featured today's song du jour, "Romeo".

"Romeo" shot its way to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year, due to a sugary sweet pop chorus and, yep, a guest rap by Doctor Ice (of UTFO).

With a healthy dose of New Jack Swing and freestyle dance, "Romeo" was destined to break some hearts while tearing up the charts.  

The music video is a pretty incredible historical document of the culture of 1990, as well.  

With fashion choices nothing short of colorful, Dino alternates between a mustardy sport jacket and a white tee emblazoned with the slogan, "My Race is Human", as he serenades our souls.

Enthusiastic backup dancers bounce in and out of frame like over-caffeinated extras at the Peach Pit on Beverly Hills 90210, cementing the video's place in the annals of pop history.  

Whether you're feeling hopelessly romantic or just a little '90s nostalgic this V-Day, take a page from the Dino, the master of smooth:

"I'll be your Romeo, I love you so, I can't let go... of these feelings in my heart!"

 

It will soon be Valentine's Day, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than with one of the most hard-rockin' love songs of all time.

Stream AC/DC's 'Love Hungry Man' below:

Love Hungry Man - ACDC

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Caught On Tape: Valentine's Day Edition

First and foremost, Happy Valentine's Day. I understand some of you may be celebrating whilst others are sulking in apathy to the utter commercialization of the holiday, but either way, I'm here to add that little extra something to your day.

The concept of love may be the single biggest inspiration in all of songwriting. Songs about love may easily date back to the dawn of man. And while countless songs continue to be written about the subject, we never grow tired of them. It's an emotional experience that everyone can relate to in one way or another, and something that continues to baffle minds and break hearts. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but speaking from experience...

Now, I could have easily taken the nihilistic approach and posted something like Cannibal Corpse's "F$&%#@ with a Knife;" however, I've chosen the high ground, and picked a song that is dear to my heart. That song is Pet Shop Boys' "Love Comes Quickly," from their phenomenal 1986 album Please.

One of my personal favorites - particularly within the PSB catalog, "Love Comes Quickly" is an optimistic song for anyone who hasn't found a special someone. I was going to post the original music video to the song, but then I found this awesome live performance from London's Wembley Arena, and my mind was made. If you're one of those people who thinks love will never get to you, don't fret. Sooner or later, this happens to everyone.


Pet Shop Boys - "Love Comes Quickly" (Live at Wembley Arena, 1989)