Barry loves the "Eighties"

Admittedly, in all the recent New Kids On The Block hoopla — between their new CD and their new tour — it seems like I've almost forgotten about my fav solo artist, Barry Manilow. But fear not, fanilows...
Earlier this week, I got word Barry's latest release, "The Greatest Songs of the Eighties," is set to drop on Tuesday, Nov. 25th, giving Manilow fans like me something to be truly thankful for on Thanksgiving, two days later.

For those of you keeping score at home, Barry's new release will be the latest in a series, spanning "The Greatest Songs of the Fifties," "The Greatest Songs of the Sixties" and "The Greatest Songs of the Seventies."

Obvisously, I'm a great fan of the man writes (and performs) "the songs that make the whole world sing," but these most recent CDs have been an even better experience for fans like me. They're like getting in a time machine and getting a musical do-over.

These "Greatest Songs of the (insert decade here)" CDs give us a glimpse into how Barry would have performed such hits as "Unchained Melody," "And I Love Her" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," among others, if he'd had the chance.

And this '80s CD?! OMG! That's like musical nirvana for me, who only regrets that the '80s lasted just 10 years! Even folks who aren't fans of Barry are bound to dig this CD, as it will feature, among other songs, "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper, "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx, and Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," a particular favorite to my colleague, Phil Strum.

Until his CD comes out, though, I'll wait patiently — wearing my Members Only jacket while still trying to figure out how to solve my Rubik's Cube and watching "Silver Spoons" re-runs on DVD!