Originals: “Maniac” by Michael Sembello

It’s no secret that “Maniac” was a popular #1 hit by Michael Sembello (especially given its appearance in the film Flashdance), and it was a natural for Herb to cover the tune in a modern TJB fashion on his Bullish album.  To the uninitiated, Sembello seemed like a one-hit wonder, but he was (and still is) a busy gigging musician, having appeared on many popular recordings.  His experiences reach as far back as Stevie Wonder’s landmark Songs in the Key of Life, which he recorded on as a teenager. Sembello has also recorded his own music on A&M.  Herb’s Bullish album hinted at “Tijuana Brass” on its cover, and the album coincided with a reunion tour of the 70s-era T.J.B..