Andy Taylor “Take It Easy” 45 rpm. 1986. B-side “Angel Eyes.” From the movie soundtrack “American Anthem.” The single “Take It Easy” reached #24 in the US. “American Anthem” (which I do not think I ever bothered to see) is so 1980′s Reagan America its painful: football player turned gymnast seeing to join the Olympic team, which earned star Mitch Gaylord a Razzie Award nomination (not really something to brag about, obviously).

Taylor is, of course, best known as his role as guitarist in Duran Duran, but he began exploring his more rockin’-less-new-wavin’ interests with Power Station and solo recording in the mid-80′s. The singles “Take It Easy” and “Angel Eyes,”, I’m sad to say, feel like covers of better Power Station singles and the video for “Take It Easy”  showcases a visual mix of  hair metal with a dash of John Cougar Mellencamp styling, 80′s dance moves, oily movie clips and Taylor showcasing his on-a-DD2-break guitar grit.

I love Andy Taylor but…..