In the realm of 1980s rock videos, logic often took a backseat to creative expression. These videos, which we devoured for hours on end, presented a world where the rules of reality were bendable, if not entirely breakable. Take, for instance, the iconic video for Huey Lewis and the News' "I Want a New Drug."
This mega-hit from the Sports album, which later sparked a lawsuit from Lewis against Ghostbusters for allegedly stealing its theme, features a narrative that is as intriguing as it is illogical. The video opens with Huey, seemingly recovering from a wild night, realizing he has a performance later that evening at Sherwood Hall in Salinas, California.
What follows is a series of missteps and questionable decisions that would make any logical person scratch their head. Huey, dressed in the epitome of 80s fashion, jumps into his beat-up 1962 Porsche 356B and sets off on a journey that defies all sense of direction. The video showcases a unique perspective on automotive coolness, suggesting that a battered, air-cooled Porsche exudes a thousand times more charm than a pristine version owned by a typical proctologist.
As Huey navigates the streets of San Francisco, we notice two intriguing details: the diverse array of street-parked cars, including daily-driven Citroen DS sedans, and the fact that he's heading in the wrong direction. But the story takes an even more bizarre turn when our protagonist boards a Golden Gate Ferry, which, instead of taking him closer to his destination, only serves to further distance him from Salinas.
The narrative then becomes even more convoluted as Huey finds himself on a boat leaving from Angel Island or Tiburon, suggesting a magical car-flight or a quick ferry ride back to the right side of the bay. From there, he takes a helicopter ride that lands near water, a good ten miles away from his intended venue.
Despite these logistical nightmares, the gig goes off without a hitch, and Huey is reunited with a mysterious woman who has been a recurring presence throughout his day. For those not familiar with the Bay Area, these geographical inconsistencies might go unnoticed, much like how non-locals might not question the Blues Brothers' sudden transition from Park Ridge to a mall miles away.
This video, with its blend of musical talent and cinematic absurdity, serves as a reminder of the unique creative liberties taken in the world of 80s rock videos. It invites us to embrace the illogical, to enjoy the ride, and to appreciate the artistic expression that transcends the boundaries of reality. So, the next time you find yourself questioning the logic of a rock video, remember Huey Lewis and his journey to a new drug, and embrace the absurdity with a smile.
