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Thomas Dolby — I Scare Myself
Album: The Flat Earth
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1067








Released: 1984
Length: 5:22
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I scare myself just thinking about you
I scare myself when I'm without you
I scare myself, the moment that you're gone
I scare myself when I let my thoughts run

And when they're running
I keep thinking of you
And when they're running
What can I do?

I scare myself and I don't mean lightly
I scare myself, it can get frightening
I scare myself to think what I could do
I scare myself, it's some kind of voodoo

And with that voodoo
I keep thinking of you
And with that voodoo
What can I do?

And with that voodoo
I keep thinking of you
And with that voodoo
What can I do?

But it's so, so very different when we're together
And I'm so, so, so much calmer, I feel better
'Cause the stars already crossed our paths forever
And the sooner that we realize it, the better

And then I'll be with you and I won't scare myself
And I'll know what to do and I won't scare myself
And my thoughts will run and I won't scare myself
And I'll think of you and I won't scare myself

''...it's me I'm scaring...
...it's me I'm scaring...
...it's me I'm scaring...''
Comments (104)add comment
if you like this, look for Map if the Floating City.
Posted 3 weeks ago by bn6    [ Reply ]
One of the few tracks helped me out about my deepest sadness about Led Zepp's dissolving, and the death of those summers of love, finally!
Posted 3 weeks ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

Who is the female singer on the 1st half of this version?



Credits list Lesley Fairbairn as backing vocals.
Posted 3 months ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
Who is the female singer on the 1st half of this version?
Posted 4 months ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
This is from a great album.  Eddie Van Halen makes a few scorching visits on a few songs.  Always a fan of Mr. Dolby. 
Posted 4 months ago by tripp1    [ Reply ]
 jpfueler wrote:


I just ride my motorcycle a bit too fast. 58yr old arthritic me doesn't have the balance and reactions even 48yr old me had. Far easier and lower speeds will scare meself, now.


57yo here with a 2007 Speed Triple 1050. Can confirm. 
Posted 5 months ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

All I have to do is get up in the morning and look in the mirror.   ; )



I just ride my motorcycle a bit too fast. 58yr old arthritic me doesn't have the balance and reactions even 48yr old me had. Far easier and lower speeds will scare meself, now.
Posted 6 months ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
 HazzeSwede wrote:

    In 5.1,,,scares' me to!  Very nice sound.As a song,,might grow on me,#7 for now.



You know it's in stereo, right?
Posted 9 months ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 Baum74 wrote:

Ever tried to scare yourself? BOO! Just doesn't work!  . . . 


All I have to do is get up in the morning and look in the mirror.   ; )

Posted 10 months ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I loves me some trombone solo!
Posted 10 months ago by Pound33    [ Reply ]
 timjclark wrote:

I Scared Myself ... with Science!!!



So did Oppenheimer.
Posted 11 months ago by q4Fry    [ Reply ]
Not familiar with this song, but knew who the voice was.  I've always liked what Mr. Dolby puts out.
Posted 1 year ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
Oh hell, yeah! I like it, I like it -- it's good... Sure, it's a Dan Hicks song, but it fits Mr. Dolby's personality so perfectly it probably scares him!  Genius artist!
Posted 1 year ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
This is a little different than the usual music I prefer, but I'm really digging this!
Posted 1 year ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite songs of all time... just something about it... TD is just brilliant!
Posted 1 year ago by tabbygreen    [ Reply ]
I've loved this album since it first came out; for me the title track is the standout song, but I'm just grateful to hear anything 
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
just excellent. When TD first arrived in 1982 to seeing him live in Bristol in 2008. Astronauts and Heretics in 93 is well worth. Not convinced? Try that fact he produced the Prefab Sprout Steve McQueen album. Genius 
Posted 1 year ago by john24    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:
Technically it's a cover, but yeah. 'Blinding Me' is just kind of a novelty bit - and played to death.
c.


Now that is an understatement 
Posted 1 year ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 jp33442 wrote:

Finally another song by thomas dolby besides blinding me with science

Technically it's a cover, but yeah. 'Blinding Me' is just kind of a novelty bit - and played to death.
c.

Posted 1 year ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 shhhh777 wrote:

After She Had Blinded Me With Science...
...which She did, and cost me a marriage.
This.
Hardly a decent Cover of, my favorite, 
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks.
Caught my attention. 
Thanks. RP.
Next.

A friend did a poster for him once. I don't think it was distributed though - damn censors.
c.

Posted 2 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Wow, he's just down the road in Baltimore....great asset for Peabody Institute. 

I loved this album back in college; it's worth a full listen on the old turntable.
Posted 2 years ago by dmiklitz    [ Reply ]
Outstanding version of this song that I have never heard until now ... WOW!
Posted 2 years ago by jobohocomo    [ Reply ]
Fun fact:
The Flat Earth Society has members spread out all around the globe...
Posted 2 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
Wow - this is Thomas Dolby? Thanks RP for the introduction some 30+ years later!
Posted 2 years ago by Dana_Montroy    [ Reply ]
Oh William, you made me turn it up to 'flac' and put on the headphones.
Posted 2 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
After She Had Blinded Me With Science...
...which She did, and cost me a marriage.
This.
Hardly a decent Cover of, my favorite, 
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks.
Caught my attention. 
Thanks. RP.
Next.
Posted 2 years ago by shhhh777    [ Reply ]
This is why we love RP! Always showing us great music!
Posted 2 years ago by cropduster    [ Reply ]
Finally another song by thomas dolby besides blinding me with science
Posted 2 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
keys make me think of Aladdin sane
Posted 2 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Notice the resemblance to Marc Andreessen formerly of Netscape fame?
Posted 2 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
This could be the theme music of Radio Paradise, Bill & Rebecca.
What a fantastic mood
Posted 2 years ago by RoelantSiekman    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:

Dan Hicks does an updated version of this with Rickie Lee Jones on his Beating the Heat Album thats pretty good also but it got insta-sorried on the LRC when I uploaded it.  I still Like Dan Hicks original version from Striking It Rich the best though...


One of the reasons I listen to Radio Paradise is that if I hear a different version of a song that I know, it is a 50/50 chance that I didn't realize the version I grew up with was a cover.
Posted 2 years ago by NotShakespeare    [ Reply ]
Try riding a motorbike, its quite easy to scare yourself!
Posted 2 years ago by frogtoad    [ Reply ]
I only know this from the Dan Hicks album. It's not clear that this version is an improvement, but I suppose an homage. I like this version.
Posted 2 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Where has this been the last few decades?
Posted 2 years ago by atomicpunk    [ Reply ]
This track is a solid 8.  Gotta love the Dolby sound, amazingly ahead of his time, this one just sounds great on these new planar open-backs; LLRP!!
Posted 2 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 Baum74 wrote:
Ever tried to scare yourself? BOO! Just doesn`t work! As tickling doesn't.
What is this nonsense all about??

I regularly scare myself. Perhaps it’s a lifestyle thing!
Posted 14 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
Dan Hicks does an updated version of this with Rickie Lee Jones on his Beating the Heat Album thats pretty good also but it got insta-sorried on the LRC when I uploaded it.  I still Like Dan Hicks original version from Striking It Rich the best though...
I saw Dan Hicks do this live at "The Last Resort" in Grayslake IL back around '72.

Edit: I tried uploading the Rickie Lee Jones version of this to the LRC but it got insta-sorried...


Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
apd wrote:
Can anyone recommend a good place to start exploring Dan Hicks work?


His first 4 albums are great! Last Train to Hicksville has a great tune, 'Long Comes a Viper' which is speed scat singing at its best! It'll blow your mind!!! {#Notworthy}
Posted 14 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
groove ? Question groove... no major complaints, I found out today , I am good at the third?...??...? 5-7.5
Posted 14 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
gatorade wrote:
Prefer the Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks version.

Couldn't agree more!!! This is dreck!!!{#Puke}
Posted 14 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
aaaaargh the eighties!!!
Posted 14 years ago by MannAudioltd    [ Reply ]
 Krispian wrote:
I'm a huge TD fan, and this is one of his best albums.
 

Couldn't agree more.  I absolutely love this album.  I must admit that I prefer this version over the Dan Hicks version, mainly because this is the 'original' to me.
Posted 14 years ago by jeremyleo    [ Reply ]
Bill, you should play that one Divinyls tune you've got in the Library as a followup! :)
Posted 14 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Prefer the Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks version. 
Posted 15 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 Baum74 wrote:
Ever tried to scare yourself? BOO! Just doesn`t work! As tickling doesn't.
What is this nonsense all about??

 

Looking in the mirror during an acid trip does the trick.  Pretty effectively, I must say.
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
    In 5.1,,,scares' me to!  Very nice sound.As a song,,might grow on me,#7 for now.
Posted 15 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
 apd wrote:
Can anyone recommend a good place to start exploring Dan Hicks work?

 
A lot of folks have recommended the Return to Hicksville compilation. I think Striking It Rich!, which has the original version of this song, is Hicks's most coherent statement with one version of the Hot Licks.

Posted 15 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Ah, a lost classic! Well maybe not lost, and maybe not even a classic, but a nice tune nonetheless.
 
I was thinking the same thing(s).

Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
This version is OK, gave it a 7, but does not come close to the Dan Hicks version with Sidney C Page on that incredibly haunting violin solo.  After all these years, it still gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it.
Posted 15 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
Ah, a lost classic! Well maybe not lost, and maybe not even a classic, but a nice tune nonetheless.    ;  )
Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Very interesting.

Caught Dan at an outdoor pops festival a couple of summers ago at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in (the aptly-named) Grass Valley, CA. It was hilarious to hear him rambling on about hash brownies before an audience comprised primarily of septo- and octogenarians. I'm not sure the promoters had any idea who they were booking; they probably saw a picture of a group with two female vocalists and a violinist and thought, "Hey, this looks OK...."
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Krispian wrote:
I'm a huge TD fan, and this is one of his best albums.


i love this, and am a huge TD fan too, but really love ALIENS ATE MY BUICK and ASTRONAUTS AND HERETICS more.

Posted 15 years ago by Gartholamundi    [ Reply ]
 Bridieboo wrote:

Thomas Dolby put out some fantastic music - absolutely love this CD.  Loved the little round spectacles and his mad hair, as well!
Thomas Dolby


 
...And Egon Spengler, seperated at birth?: 
Posted 15 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]

Thomas Dolby put out some fantastic music - absolutely love this CD.  Loved the little round spectacles and his mad hair, as well!
Thomas Dolby


Posted 15 years ago by Bridieboo    [ Reply ]
very nice song!
Posted 15 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
Ever tried to scare yourself? BOO! Just doesn`t work! As tickling doesn't.
What is this nonsense all about??

Posted 15 years ago by Baum74    [ Reply ]
I'm a huge TD fan, and this is one of his best albums.
Posted 16 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:
I've always liked TD's style....though I've never heard this song before!
 
We heard Dan Hick's original version earlier today. It's WAY better, although I understand why Bill elected to play this today.


Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
I've always liked TD's style....though I've never heard this song before!
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
I thought Phlegmaticman's name was Phlegmatician. And thought, man...an entire field devoted to the study of phlegm? And then I thought, what kind of stuff do they study? And then I tried to think of something that might get funded. And then I figured out the name. I'm serious. Sad, really.
i was right there with you Wizzuvv. Phlegmatician.
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
More of this great artist! He's been and is such an influence on a never ending list of artists. And a refreshing composer/performer himself.
Posted 16 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
Inamorato wrote:
Return to Hicksville is a compilation of his best early stuff that might be a good place to start. Click image for the Amazon offering.
Thanks - and hard to complain about $8.98!
Posted 16 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
apd wrote:
Can anyone recommend a good place to start exploring Dan Hicks work?
Return to Hicksville is a compilation of his best early stuff that might be a good place to start. Click image for the Amazon offering.
Posted 16 years ago by Inamorato    [ Reply ]
Can anyone recommend a good place to start exploring Dan Hicks work?
Posted 16 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
I like this version, particularly the use of the horns, but it still takes a back seat to the Dan Hicks original.
Posted 17 years ago by Inamorato    [ Reply ]
I want some Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks----although I love Thomas Dolby too
Posted 17 years ago by prairieskye    [ Reply ]
siandbeth wrote:
Please yes. Come on, for Halloween do something totally crazy and play them on the same day. I'll share my Halloween candy!
I thought Phlegmaticman's name was Phlegmatician. And thought, man...an entire field devoted to the study of phlegm? And then I thought, what kind of stuff do they study? And then I tried to think of something that might get funded. And then I figured out the name. I'm serious. Sad, really.
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
siandbeth wrote:
Please yes. Come on, for Halloween do something totally crazy and play them on the same day. I'll share my Halloween candy!
The original was already played this morning... (click here)
Posted 17 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
Boo. Boo, I say.
Posted 17 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
Phlegmaticman wrote:
Yeah, this is fun to hear, but it makes me want to hear some Dan Hicks.
Please yes. Come on, for Halloween do something totally crazy and play them on the same day. I'll share my Halloween candy!
Posted 17 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
Misterfixit wrote:
Ah Dear Tom, why did you have to leave us so soon?
He's still pretty active, and certainly not dead as this post implies.
Posted 17 years ago by Pazzat    [ Reply ]
jimoore wrote:
<...> And the earth ain't flat Thomas Dolby.
Obviously some people don't know. And some of them lead nations. One of them is in D.C.
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Highly original innovator.......dig that bass!
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Now I want to hear Dan Hicks. And the earth ain't flat Thomas Dolby.
Posted 17 years ago by jimoore    [ Reply ]
Misterfixit wrote:
Ah Dear Tom, why did you have to leave us so soon?
What the heck are you talking about?
Posted 17 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
Ah Dear Tom, why did you have to leave us so soon?
Posted 17 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Thomas Dolby!
Posted 17 years ago by winter    [ Reply ]
My favourite TD album. The first time I heard his version of "I Scare Myself", I was mesmerized. And, almost twenty years later, I still get that sensation whenever I hear it.
Posted 17 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
Great Tune! Never heard the Dolby version. Like it. Still, would adore hearing some Dan Hicks!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Interesting treatment of the Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks tune! Interestingly, this is the only one of Dan Hicks's tune to make it onto the playlist! (Last Played: Mar 10, 2007 - 06:01)
Posted 17 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
Actually circa 1984...had the album on vinyl...one of my most favorites...saw TD perform live at Gammage Auditorium, one of the most outstanding shows I've ever seen.
Posted 17 years ago by lindalargo    [ Reply ]
rocco1207 wrote:
wow - never heard this version. How about playing the original or ANY Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks btw
I'll second that!
Posted 17 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
Jacksonstat wrote:
Never in a million years would I have guessed this was Thomas Dolby... quite likeable tune indeed!
Agree on both points.
Posted 17 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
LOVE that trombone solo. Sweet song... c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Thomas Dolby and his Hot Licks? Actually, I heard this before I ever heard of Dan Hicks, and I'm glad to have heard both.
Posted 17 years ago by fretman    [ Reply ]
Never in a million years would I have guessed this was Thomas Dolby... quite likeable tune indeed!
Posted 17 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
Phlegmaticman wrote:
Yeah, this is fun to hear, but it makes me want to hear some Dan Hicks.
This version is really quite different from Dan Hicks. Less breezy, more enigmatic.
Posted 17 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
yet another killer tune that i've never heard anywhere else outside of my home...until now. love this station.
Posted 17 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
timjclark wrote:
I Scared Myself ... with Science!!!
Posted 17 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
Yeah, this is fun to hear, but it makes me want to hear some Dan Hicks.
Posted 17 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
I Scared Myself ... with Science!!!
Posted 17 years ago by timjclark    [ Reply ]
please
Posted 17 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
Very nice arrangement.
Posted 17 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
I'm really liking this. Totally unexpected, but most welcome.
Posted 17 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
wow - never heard this version. How about playing the original or ANY Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks btw
Posted 17 years ago by rocco1207    [ Reply ]
This is the "She Blinded Me with Science" guy?
Posted 17 years ago by MylenerHead    [ Reply ]
DoctorHooey wrote:
I'll be the first to say that the Dan Hicks original kicks a superlative amount of ass and far exceeds this version in every conceivable way. As much as I like Thomas Dolby. Fun to hear this on RP!!
Never knew this was a cover. Colour me surprised. This is such a polar opposite to "Blinded Me with Science," and that's a good thing.
Posted 17 years ago by shakylegs    [ Reply ]
Kind of like "Who'd a Thunk It". Rinse, repeat...
Posted 17 years ago by lionirons    [ Reply ]
nice...
Posted 17 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
I love Bill's sick cover collection. Thanks for mentioning Dan Hicks--I couldn't remember who I'd heard sing this.
Posted 17 years ago by bobrk    [ Reply ]
Fascinating!
Posted 17 years ago by timjclark    [ Reply ]
I'll be the first to say that the Dan Hicks original kicks a superlative amount of ass and far exceeds this version in every conceivable way. As much as I like Thomas Dolby. Fun to hear this on RP!!
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]