On the latest Cultish Creative Music Club, Joseph and I got to talk about "Livin' on a Prayer," courtesy of Matt Ackermann's pitch. I love this song. You probably do too, and if you haven't actually listened to it in a while, go do that. Pay attention to the lyrics this time instead of just screaming the high notes at the windshield. Thanks to Matt for making us sit with it.

But the part I by far enjoyed the most was falling down the Desmond Child rabbit hole. He is such a legend, and it's easy to forget how long a shadow he's cast over my taste as an MTV kid from that era. He was a Bon Jovi co-writer, and he was also in all sorts of other places, which is where I want to take this post. So check out the episode, and then let's dive into some Desmond Child classics.

Just get this song into your head first.

Now let’s talk about Permanent Vacation (Aerosmith’s 1987 record). I love this album. It was one of my swingset tapes growing up, and long before I understood what any of these songs were actually about, they were burned into my brain in the best ways. They really do sound like a vacation from real life, as I'm relistening now, too.

Desmond co-wrote three of its songs, and "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" is the most famous one. The story there is great, too. Apparently, Steven Tyler had the hook and then got nervous the title might offend someone, so he swapped in "Cruisin' for the Ladies," which sounds like the worst Van Halen B-side ever, but Desmond, the gay kid from Florida told them the original was a smash. Tyler presumably put his scarf-covered mic stand to the side, and said, “yes Desmond, yes this is a hit, ye-ye-ye-ye-yowwww!” And to think that was their first top 20 single since "Walk This Way." Imagine that.

I have to give the other Permanent Vacation songs some love too. "Angel" is one of my favorite Aerosmith ballads. I still think it’s a stunner.

And "Heart's Done Time" gets a bonus shoutout. It’s a great album opener. One of the YouTube comments said they played it first on the tour, too, which totally makes sense. It’s a vibe setter.

Then we do have to mention "Crazy" - which shows up in the 90s and keeps the whole thing going for the band, which is a pretty good run for them and Desmond, carrying them all the way across their nearly obsolete period into the “how old are these guys hanging around Alicia Silverstone exactly?”

Next up is "Poison" by Alice Cooper. Wonderfully corny late-80s rock that sounds exactly like you’d think a Bon Jovi reject would sound. The reason for that? Child co-wrote nearly the entire Trash album, which the the title might have been a meta comment but this song charted well, so you’re ears don’t deceive you. I don't particularly love this album or this song, but I remember it being on the radio and TV, and can't not hear Child's presence on it now.

"I Hate Myself for Loving You" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts is next. Look, Joan Jett rules. Videos like this are somehow a big part of it. I love a faux concert, and think about how singular Joan Jett felt in the 80s. Seeing her do this one, and the Bangles "Walk Like an Egyptian" video also comes to mind here, there just weren't a lot of videos that presented this way in the MTV rotation, so it stands out.

We have to talk about Kiss. Everybody remembers "I Was Made for Lovin' You." As they should.

But who could forget late-80s Kiss classic "Bang Bang You"? If you know it, actually, maybe you should forget it. But once you hear it, you can't unhear it OR forget it, so I feel you. Those love guns just could not stop banging. I figure there’s an off-brand Viagra commercial using this to hawk its products to seniors in Florida now. And if there’s not, I just came up with a brilliant business idea.

P.S. I can’t let you go without pointing out how he also co-wrote "Livin' la Vida Loca" with Ricky Martin. This is cool, and fine, and I feel like a true full circle moment for him as a writer that I am thrilled he received. BUT…

…the real hit is "Shake Your Bon-Bon." IYKYK.

What about you - favorite Desmond Child songs beyond these? Let’s hear ‘em. I’ll even take your Meatloaf deep cuts.