Song of the Day: 'Bad Dreams in Hollywood' by Carol Chapman

Musicologist Kenny Eisenberger uncovered the original version of "French Kissin' in the USA" yesterday, which was the B-side of singer Carol Chapman's one and only single back in 1985. But the real news is that the A-side -- a Julie Brownish number called "Bad Dreams in Hollywood" -- is a real ear worm, prompting my friend CS to squeal "That key change at the end!"

I believe Debbie Harry, whose version of "French Kissin'" was her only solo Top 10 hit in the U.K., where Blondie had about a dozen including five number ones -- discussed how Chapman confronted her about "stealing" the song from her, which Debbie seemed to have no idea about. (That it was Chapman's B-side -- a song that suited her far less than the actual single -- makes her irritation somewhat confounding.) 

I remember hearing Chapman's version of "French Kissin'" in late '80s films like "Can't Buy Me Love" and thinking it was a cover, which given the fact that Debbie's take stalled at No. 57 in the U.S. seemed like an odd choice!