"Lock the doors and close the blinds -- we're going for a ride..."

A big thanks to myclette for the privelege of taking over the past few days. I was honored to do so. And would be happy to do so again -- even if it isn't hurricane related.

Anyone remember life before "Family Guy?"

"Family Guy" was inspired, in part, by the other successful animated shows appearing on prime time which were doing quite well. Such as "King of the Hill." And "The Simpsons."

Anyone remember life before "The Simpsons?"

It actually was a one-time Christmas special featuring the Springfield family. Cute. Funny. Poorly drawn (at least by today's Simpsons standards). But it was actually a spin-off -- a serial on a FOX half-hour variety show called "The Tracey Ullman Show."

Anyone remember life before "The Tracey Ullman Show?"

Actually, I remember the night that "Tracey Ullman" debuted on FOX. They decided to premiere FOX's prime time back on a Sunday in the beginning of 1987 (before then, the FOX network only consisted of "Late Show with Joan Rivers" by premiering a new show called "Married with Children" at 7:00, "The Tracey Ullman Show" at 7:30, a repeat of that same "Married with Children" at 8, a repeat of that same "Tracey Ullman" at 8:30, and then the same "Married with Children" and "Tracey Ullman" at 9 and 9:30 respectively. Lots of saturation into the market. Something new for a new network.

"21 Jumpstreet" premiered the next Sunday. But I digress...

Anyhow, Tracey Ullman was a comedian and pop star back in England before her show on this side of the puddle. She had one hit in the USA back in 1984. It was somewhat a novelty hit, but it really showed off her singing talents. It also showed that she could become a '60s singer quite well. And it featured a dream sequence where she was putting her hands all over Paul McCartney.

Tracey Ullman - They Don't Know (1984)



You've been around for such a long time now
Oh, maybe I could leave you but I don't know how
And why should I be lonely every night
When I could be with you, oh yes you make it right
And I don't listen to the guys who say
That you're bad for me and I should turn you away

Cause they don't know 'bout us
They've never heard of love

I get a feeling when I look at you
Wherever you go now I wanna be there too
They say we're crazy but I just don't care
And if they keep on talkin', still they get nowhere
So I don't mind if they don't understand
When I look at you and you hold my hand

Cause they don't know 'bout us
They've never heard of love

(do do-do-do)
Why should it matter to us if they don't approve
(do do-do-do)
We should just take our chances while we've got nothin' to lose

[musical bridge]

Baby


There's no need for living in the past
Now I've found a love, I'm gonna make it last
I tell the others don't bother me
Cause when they look at you they don't see what I see
No I don't listen to their wasted lines
Got my eyes wide open and I see the signs

Cause they don't know 'bout us
They've never heard of love

No I don't listen to their wasted lines
Got my eyes wide open and I see the signs

Cause they don't know 'bout us
They've never heard of love

Aaah aaah aaaah
Aaah aaah aaaah

Listen to a bit of "They Don't Know"