16th June 2010

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loose lips: top 5 moments in lip-synchery

For some reason, I had Wayne Newton’s “Danke Shoen” in my head a couple weeks ago. Let’s, for a moment, ignore the fact that I know the song well enough to have it stuck in my head in the first place.

Point is, this led me to think of the legendary parade scene through downtown Chicago in “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off.” (If you haven’t seen this movie, you should drop whatever you’re doing (unless you happen to be holding a small child) and go rent it.) 

From there, I wondered: what are the best moments of lip-synching in history? 

5. Milli Vanilli’s Career

I can’t help but wonder if, at the time this photo was taken, either of these gentlemen had ever thought or wondered if the things that were about to happen to them could ever happen to them. (I’m talking about the part where Milli Vanilli’s Grammy’s were taken away when it was revealed that they DIDN’T SING ANY OF THEIR OWN SONGS.)

4. Ray Charles’ “Night Time is the Right Time,” from Season 2, Episode 3: The Cosby Show

Priceless.

Pay particular attention to Rudy’s part at 0:49, and Dr. Huxtable’s face at 1:35.

3. Ashlee Simpson’s, uh, Talent Shines Through

“Shockingly, it appears Simpson may have been lip-synching…” Well, I sure was shocked. This little incident may have, in some way, contributed to this less-than lukewarm reaction at the Orange Bowl.

2. Risky Business

I’m including this despite my better judgment. But I have to respect the scene that spawned countless tribute videos and an entire advertising scheme. 

1. The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout,” from Ferris Beuller’s Day Off

The 2nd half of the landmark scene that sparked the entire conversation.

Its greatness is in all its elements.
-AWOL teen gains entry to a beer maid float during the Von Steuben Day Parade
-said teen convinces the float maids to give him a microphone
-said teen chooses to lip-synch a 1962 Wayne Newton song
-said teen takes over entire parade
-said teen chooses to lip-synch the Beatles
-passing marching band knows the sheet music to “Twist & Shout”
-entire city of Chicago joins him and goes nuts
-passing dance crew does the “Thriller” dance

Oh, and he’s wearing a leopard-print vest. Amazing.

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Hon. Mention: Shorewood High School (WA) Reverse-Lip-Dubs Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams”

I respect anyone’s choice to glorify the music of a visionary musical group. But to use an entire high school to create a full-length lip-synching music video? In reverse? That’s just special. 

Pretty sweet right? Now watch it forwards.