TRACK #196:
Computer Date by Dennis Michael Tenney
Much like Halloween, Dennis Michael Tenney has been on the All-Star roster without proper representation for some time now.
And just like Halloween, we’re gonna make it official for him in 2018.
Of all Dennis’ many contributions to his brother Kevin’s Class of 1988 valedictorian Night of the Demons, Computer Date may be the most curious.
It’s featured prominently, and basically in its entirety, when the gang first arrives and starts partying down at Angela’s Hull House Halloween Hootenanny.
But why this cut? Lord knows. It’s definitely a rocking little tune suitable for the scene and pretty danceable. Evidence to it’s 80’s danceablity can be seen here
and here.
But it’s a strange sort of song. Kinda feels like something Dennis had laying around with enough of a beat to work with the scene. Not a problem necessarily, but what is this track all about?
What sounds like a pretty standard song about using a computer dating service turns into, I think, a bizarre situation where Dennis is fucking a robot.
Now, correct me if I’m wrong please, cause I’m genuinely unsure what exactly is happening in this song. She talks a little roboticly, about “stereo taping” the fucking and playing it back. And apparently they need a whole reel-to-reel, which to me indicates a fair amount of fucking.
I’m not sure if we’re told who or what she is exactly, but what we do know is that she can take some abuse without blowing a fuse. That sounds like that could be robot talk, but could just be metaphoric too.
The problem for me occurs around the line
“When I asked them what they thought made her so different
From any other girl I’d meet on the street.”
This could be a great indicator as to what’s happening, but for the life of me I can not figure out what the hell Dennis is saying.
I think it’s
” they said believe it or not,
she’ll come with drive and a slot
and that’s a combination never to beat.”
I dunno, kinda sounds like he’s fucking a robot.
Or just a chick that’s ready to go, I guess, and it’s all a double entendre.
I think his “computer” date is the computer. But I have absolutely no idea if that’s what he’s actually saying.
Maybe it’s just me. I dunno. Maybe I’m a pervert and I’m adding all this weird robot sex shit where it isn’t, but I’m not sure. Maybe I’ve just been watchin’ too much Westworld. I am pretty infatuated with both Clementine and Angela…so
Whatever the hell is happening, it’s always a pleasure to hear Dennis Michael, and at 3 tracks, that officially add him The Shindig All-Star Team,
Now batting, center fielder Dennis Michael Tenney with Computer Date.
Discover more from Halloween Shindig
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I always thought he said
“Believe it or not
Your card fits right in her slot
And thats a combination that cannot be beat”
I believe they are referring to old computers having punch cards, or simply paper cards with holes punched in them. They were used to store data before floppy discs and CDs. You can see this punch card in the music video when he says the line.
I believe back in these “Computer Dating” days, an applicant would answer a bunch of questions about what they look for in a mate and the worker would input this information as data onto a punch card. Then they would compare data on the cards to try to find appropriate matches.
“Your card fits right in her slot” means the card data says they will hit it off, but it’s phrased as a sexual innuendo.
But I believe you are correct for the last line: “and that’s a combination never to beat.”
I always took the song as: he matched with a freak who likes to have sex and record the audio and then listen to it back when they go back for round two. Never thought of the girl as an actual computer.
But great post! I’ve been wondering about this for a while and this clears the lyrics up!
Cheers!
Hey Rob! Thanks for chiming in.
We listened to this tune on Episode 21 of Shindig Radio and the guys basically came to the same conclusion you did about the punch card, which is some solid decoding of the rapid fire lyrics. Nicely done!
I love the background of the punch card system as it pertained to the old computer dating systems though, as that certainly puts the line into useful context.
I will say though, that I think your original assessment of it being “a combination that can not be beat” sounds more accurate than my “a combination never to beat.” But without Dennis’ co-sign, I think it’s all up for grabs.
In that episode, the guys all thought I was a dumb perv for thinking she was an actual computer though, ha! So thanks for backing me up on that one. That may still mean I some kinda weird robo creep though.
I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to drop a line to add your perspective and show the post some love. Thanks again!