History of “What I Like About You”

It was never thought of more than just another good song.. simply my constant intentional attempt at writing another of my simple three chord treatise to simplicity, a good Syncopated verse, and a infectious chorus to become something that fans could join in instantly during the show and then sing on the way to the car when leaving the club, like the rest our songs! 
Without thinking it seemed, I quickly came up with the chugging Guitar rhythm, in dads house and smoothed it out at the picnic table in the backyard of my family’s house one late summer, nearly fall, early afternoon. A tune that I/ we were always on the lookout for! That “Bolt of Lightning”, three or four chord “Latin Lupe Lu”, “Louie Louie”, “Your Gonna Miss Me”, Eddie Cochran/ Buddy Holly, Yardbirds, 2:00 minute and 45 second “white light” masterpiece.. but this tune didn’t seem any more special than any of the other ten to fifteen Guitar pieces I was inspired to rattle out in the first two months of our birth.
I was dropped off at band rehearsal by mom, I was without car at the time and for once showed up early, drummer Jimmy was alone waiting for the others when I arrived. It was dark with spot lights beaming over the drums and mic stands, in the cleaned up showcase like, store front/ clubhouse band studio. I offered that I had this new idea, we went over, I opened with the simple chords he jumped in with his signature animal groove… and instantly dropped in singing, scatting, jamming in free form, sketching a lyric, throwing words against the wall to see what would stick, As I scattered with back ups.. Uh huh, Hey! Uh huh!
I could always write something to his solid groove he laid down, as with too few drummers who just know how to “swing it”
This was a few years into the infancy of the band, Now we were noticing it was bouncing into a fun fan favorite!
After another year or so on the road we signed and recorded for Nat Weiss’ Independent of an Independent, Nemperor Records, distributed thru Epic/Portrait, by CBS records in 1980! Or what they once called a Custom label.
The Romantics, was the first L.P. Release to open the decade of the eighties!

Mike Skill

What I Like About You

Blended these together about a year ago. Never was fully happy with the final master, even after re-doing it 6 times. This is the original mix.

Animotion Vs. The Romantics - Talking In Your Sleep

Here's my cover of "Talking in Your Sleep — The Romantics", a 1983 song by The Romantics. 🎤 Please like and subscribe for a cover every other week!

🎸 Talking in Your Sleep — The Romantics

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Emissary Echo - If I'm Right

The Romantics:  Mike Skill first picked up a guitar at age 13. Through his over 50 years of experience with the instrument it has become second-nature. With his guitar, Skill’s lyrics and chords have become icons of popular culture and transcended generations of listeners. 

He is known best for his work in “The Romantics” as a founding member and principal songwriter. Everyone has heard a song by Skill with hits like “What I Like About You,” “Talking in Your Sleep” and “One in a Million.” Today, his vision continues with new solo releases. His new music digs into his Detroit roots and adds his years of experience to the mix.

Skill’s interest in music began in his parent’s car where he listened to the hits of the 50’s and 60’s on the radio. He formed his first band in junior high school and booked venues around the eastside of Detroit, MI, where Skill grew up. Music consumed his free time through high school. After graduating, Skill, Bobby East and Jimmy Marinos formed another band. In their rented storefront studio, they crafted originals to pair with the covers in the setlist. 

Detroit proved to be an influential home for Skill. To the east, New York City grew as a center for punk rock. To the west, California wrote the pop and folk music of the day. Between the two was Detroit. A factory town and once among the most bustling cities in the country, Detroit was a center for innovation. This was also a historic time in the city, where income disparity and racial inequality came to a head. Skill was all the wiser to the current events at the time.

Skill and Marinos set their heading for New York City with a newly formed band, the “Motor City Rockers.” They played the historic CBGB club, where Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren, Andy Warhol and countless others hung out. That gig served as a great motivator and started the ball rolling for “The Romantics.” 

Skill and Marinos recruited Wally Palmar and Rich Cole to join this new band of theirs. Their goal: always create new, original music and create an iconic look and sound. “The Romantics” played their first gig on Valentine’s Day 1977 (how fitting). They opened for the legendary MC5 at the My Fair Lady Club in Detroit. 

The band honed their look and sound under Skill’s creative vision. They were an early contributor to the new wave and power pop music that hit the airwaves during the late 1970’s. Through the 1980’s, Skill continued this vision. “The Romantics” released hit after hit, most of which are still relevant and beloved today. Skill, Palmar and Cole continue to tour the world and play their hits live. 

As with any artist, Skill saw his writing style evolve over his 40 year career. While different from “The Romantics,” his new releases are informed by the band’s catchy lyrics and driving beats. What you’ll find in these songs are the same strong lyrics that get stuck in your head (in the good kind of way) and raw guitar sound Skill has always written. His new music is also informed by the 40 years of life he’s lived since the creation of “The Romantics.” Some of the songs even reference his childhood in Detroit, like his single “67 Riot” about the Detroit riots in the summer of 1967. His signature riffs reference the roots and founders of rock and roll: Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and BB King. Listen closely and you’ll notice the deep and thoughtful lyrics he writes. Each line is like a piece of poetry.

Skill’s is constantly writing new music from his home in Portland, OR or while on the road traveling. His most recent work was recorded in Detroit at Pearl Sound Studios with Producer Chuck Alkazian. He is an active member of the music industry as both a performer and attendee. The past few years has seen his charitable work increase, as well, playing benefit concerts and fundraising for various initiatives.

What I Like About You

Mike Skill

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