Although not his first film role, this was the original starring role for Nicolas Cage. He did have a non-speaking role in the classic 1982 teen comedy, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” (as one of Judge Reinhold's friends), but proved in “Valley Girl” that he was a bona fide leading man. He would later give amazing performances in 'Moonstruck' and finally win an Oscar for 'Leaving Las Vegas'.
While Cage was easily the star of “Valley Girl” (although supporting actress EG Daly would go on to have roles in “Better Off Dead” and “Pee Wee's Big Adventure”), the film's soundtrack was also amazing. A great mix of New Wave and Pop gems of the era added to the film's charm and made it very relevant in 1983.
It's almost impossible not to think of “Valley Girl” when you hear Modern English's “I Melt With You” and Psychedelic Furs' “Love My Way.” But no band appeared in the film. The musical acts performing were The Plimsouls and Josie Cotton, who have just embarked on a short tour to mark the film's 40th anniversary.
Josie Cotton and The Plimsouls performed at the Middle East Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 13, 2023.
Playing to a packed room, the Plimsouls revived their power-pop gems from the 80s. They peppered their set with hits like, “How Long Will It Take”, “Lost Things”, “Zero Hour” and “I'll Get Lucky”.
Wearing a new line-up, the band's only original member, Eddie Munoz, belted out some notable guitar licks and leads.
The most recognizable moments of the set came with the tracks from “Valley Girl”: “Oldest Story in the World”, “Everywhere At Once” and their epic cult-classic “A Million Miles Away”.
Cotton is a fireball. Dressed in a plaid top that said “Reform School” on the back, she's from the original 70s California punk scene (which included members of the Go Go's) and she's the real deal.
Opening with “Creeps”, “So Close” and “Systematic Way”, he did a fun retro cover of Johnny Rivers' “Secret Agent Man”. Cotton then donned a guitar for a pair of tunes, “Pussycat Babylon” and a newer song, “Day of the Gun”.
A middle track from “Valley Girl”, “School Is In”, followed by killer takes on “Money” and “Loves Love”.
During “(Let's Do) The Blackout”, Cotton brought to mind X's Exene Cervenka and it was the most punk rock song of the night.
Cotton wrapped things up with her most famous song from “Valley Girl,” “Johnny Are You Queer?” (from the film's climax at the senior prom), nostalgically transporting the crowd back to the much funnier days of 1983.
