Thursday, October 27, 2011
80s Music Revisited: House Storms the UK
80s Music Revisited: House Storms the UK: 1987 news seemed to be bad news on the back of bad news. Terry Waite the special envoy of Archbishop of Canterbury was kidnapped in Beirut. ...
House Storms the UK
1987 news seemed to be bad news on the back of bad news. Terry Waite the special envoy of Archbishop of Canterbury was kidnapped in Beirut. The ferry disaster at Zebrugge saw 180 passengers drown. We then had the Hungerford Massacre where Michael Ryan killed 16 people before turning on himself. 11 people were killed by the Provisional IRA at a Remembrance parade in Enniskillen. We then heard of the 31 people who lost there lives in the Kings Cross fire on the London Underground.
Storms then hit the UK and was worst in the south of England where 31 people lost there lives and then 2 days later we had the Black Monday when the stock market levels fell in New York then around the world in mass panic.
House music gained its first UK number one when American Steve Harley hit gold with jack your body despite no radio play and the dance theme continued with M/A/R/R/S pump up the volume at the end of the year which was to give a taste of things to come. However, more traditional avenues were still selling well. the older generation were still making an impact. Aretha Franklin duet with George Michael (I knew you wee waiting), Ben E King (stand by me) and the Bee Gees (you win again) all graced the top. Also Aretha's god daughter Whitney Houston also scored a number one with the huge catchy disco number I want to dance with somebody.
1987 saw two artists have two number ones with Madonna tracks of La isla Bonita and Papa Don't Preach and the Pet Shop Boys with Its a Sin and Always on my mind. A novelty was in between those none other than The Firm with Star Trekin in tribute to Star Trek.
Stock Aitken and Waterman were beginning to dominate the charts and 2 of there acts enjoyed stays at the top, first of all Mel and Kim with Respectable and tea boy Rick Astley Never gonna give you up which went on to be the biggest selling single of 1987.
Following his split from Culture club Boy George continued the success with everything I own. Ferry Aid also went top with the old Beatles classic Let it Be to raise funds for the Zebrugge disaster.
Movie themes had an influence on two number ones with Starship nothing gonna stop us now (Mannequin) and Los Lobos with the self titled film La Bamba.
To Finish 2 ballads hit the top with Michael Jackson Cant Stop loving you and Shropshire finest T'pau with china in your hand.
Did You Know?
Mel and Kim were the only British girl group to achieve a number one in the 1980s.
The Simpsons cartoon debuts on the Tracey Ullman show.
Def Leppard Hysteria album is the longest rock album ever released.
Irish man Johnny Logan was the first artist to win the Eurovision twice.
Deaths in the music industry saw the flamboyant pianist Liberace pass away and Reggae musician Pete Tosh gunned down in his own home during a bungled raid.
The album charts saw solo artists enjoy great success with Kate Bush (The whole story) and Paul Simon (Graceland) starting the year off. The middle of they year saw Whitney Houston (Whitney) and Terence Trent Darby (Introducing the hardline according to...) and then towards the end of the year The Boss (Tunnel of Love), Sting (Nothing like the sun), George Michael (Faith) and New boy Rick Astley (Whenever you need somebody).
The HITS V NOW battle still raged on with HITS 6 enjoying 2 spells at the top and NOW 9 and 10 assuming the customary role at the head of the pile.
Some older artists made a steady return to the top with Fleetwood Mac legendary Tango in the night, Def Leppard highly awaited Hysteria and Michael Jackson biggest selling album of the year BAD.
New talent was to freshen things up and none bigger than Curiosity killed the cat keep your distance, swing out sister Its better to travel and T'pau bridge of spies.
1987 also saw the battle of the stadium rockers. U2 released the Joshua Tree to critical acclaim and Simple Minds Live in the city of light received likewise applause.
Recommended Listening/Purchasing
The Joshua Tree - U2
Hysteria - Def Leppard
Tango in the Night - Fleetwood Mac
Faith - George Michael
Bad - Michael Jackson
Keep Your distance - Curiosity killed the cat
Storms then hit the UK and was worst in the south of England where 31 people lost there lives and then 2 days later we had the Black Monday when the stock market levels fell in New York then around the world in mass panic.
House music gained its first UK number one when American Steve Harley hit gold with jack your body despite no radio play and the dance theme continued with M/A/R/R/S pump up the volume at the end of the year which was to give a taste of things to come. However, more traditional avenues were still selling well. the older generation were still making an impact. Aretha Franklin duet with George Michael (I knew you wee waiting), Ben E King (stand by me) and the Bee Gees (you win again) all graced the top. Also Aretha's god daughter Whitney Houston also scored a number one with the huge catchy disco number I want to dance with somebody.
1987 saw two artists have two number ones with Madonna tracks of La isla Bonita and Papa Don't Preach and the Pet Shop Boys with Its a Sin and Always on my mind. A novelty was in between those none other than The Firm with Star Trekin in tribute to Star Trek.
Stock Aitken and Waterman were beginning to dominate the charts and 2 of there acts enjoyed stays at the top, first of all Mel and Kim with Respectable and tea boy Rick Astley Never gonna give you up which went on to be the biggest selling single of 1987.
Following his split from Culture club Boy George continued the success with everything I own. Ferry Aid also went top with the old Beatles classic Let it Be to raise funds for the Zebrugge disaster.
Movie themes had an influence on two number ones with Starship nothing gonna stop us now (Mannequin) and Los Lobos with the self titled film La Bamba.
To Finish 2 ballads hit the top with Michael Jackson Cant Stop loving you and Shropshire finest T'pau with china in your hand.
Did You Know?
Mel and Kim were the only British girl group to achieve a number one in the 1980s.
The Simpsons cartoon debuts on the Tracey Ullman show.
Def Leppard Hysteria album is the longest rock album ever released.
Irish man Johnny Logan was the first artist to win the Eurovision twice.
Deaths in the music industry saw the flamboyant pianist Liberace pass away and Reggae musician Pete Tosh gunned down in his own home during a bungled raid.
The album charts saw solo artists enjoy great success with Kate Bush (The whole story) and Paul Simon (Graceland) starting the year off. The middle of they year saw Whitney Houston (Whitney) and Terence Trent Darby (Introducing the hardline according to...) and then towards the end of the year The Boss (Tunnel of Love), Sting (Nothing like the sun), George Michael (Faith) and New boy Rick Astley (Whenever you need somebody).
The HITS V NOW battle still raged on with HITS 6 enjoying 2 spells at the top and NOW 9 and 10 assuming the customary role at the head of the pile.
Some older artists made a steady return to the top with Fleetwood Mac legendary Tango in the night, Def Leppard highly awaited Hysteria and Michael Jackson biggest selling album of the year BAD.
New talent was to freshen things up and none bigger than Curiosity killed the cat keep your distance, swing out sister Its better to travel and T'pau bridge of spies.
1987 also saw the battle of the stadium rockers. U2 released the Joshua Tree to critical acclaim and Simple Minds Live in the city of light received likewise applause.
Recommended Listening/Purchasing
The Joshua Tree - U2
Hysteria - Def Leppard
Tango in the Night - Fleetwood Mac
Faith - George Michael
Bad - Michael Jackson
Keep Your distance - Curiosity killed the cat
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
80s Music Revisited: Hand of God Summer Madness
80s Music Revisited: Hand of God Summer Madness: The biggest news in 1986 was the Nuclear disaster in Chernobyl in the Ukraine where 190 tonnes of highly radioactive Uranium was thrown into...
Hand of God Summer Madness
The biggest news in 1986 was the Nuclear disaster in Chernobyl in the Ukraine where 190 tonnes of highly radioactive Uranium was thrown into the atmosphere and to this effects parts of Ukraine and Belarus.
Journalist John McCarthy was kidnapped in Beirut and was later released in 1991. Also we saw the emergence of sports baddest man on the planet Mike Tyson capture his first world title in Las Vegas.
The royals had there ups and downs with Hampton Court Palace submerged in fire but the royal wedding of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew at Westminster abbey help lift the mood.
1986 most talked about news was the hand of god goal that ended England's world cup hopes in Mexico. Diego Maradona small part ensured Argentina progresses all the way at England's expense.
The number one singles of 1986 went from the sublime to the ridiculous. 1986 we saw the demise of bands Wham, Madness, Culture Club and the Clash. This paved the way for others to take the challenge. Pet Shop Boys started the year with West End Girls and Norway's greatest import A-Ha took over with The sun always shine on TV. Billy Ocean rules the waves with when the going gets tough only to be knocked by a reaction a chain reaction that is by Diana Ross.
The number one history books then went through a indifferent phase. Cliff Richard and the young ones hit gold with living doll then was followed by two classy tracks George Michael a different corner and the Austrian showman Falco with rock me Amadeus. We then suffered the annoying Chicken song by spitting image and Dr and the medics monotone spirit in the sky. It picked briefly with Wham final Single Edge of Heaven and Madonna Papa dont preach. We then had a succession of disco slowies at number one with Chris DeBurgh Lady in red, Boris Gardner I want to wake up with you, actor Nick Berry every loser wins and Berlin's take my breath away from the film Top Gun.
Mixed in between all that was Madonna fighting the cause pop melody with true blue and the communards went on to have the biggest selling single of 1986 with the disco classic don't leave me this way.
The end of the year couldn't have been in more contrast with the Swedish perm rockers Europe with the final countdown to a capella song by Housemartins named caravan of love and the year ended with Jackie Wilson reet petite to end a rather confusing year of UK taste.
Did You Know?
A-ha were the first Norwegian act to top the UK singles chart. In addition they also won a record 8 awards at the MTV video music awards.
Sam Fox stopped posing on page 3 for the sun.
13 year old girl Sandra Kim won the eurovision song contest for Belgium.
Deaths in the musical world saw the unfortunate death of 24 year old Cliff Burton the bassist for Metallica who died whilst the tour bus was involved in a accident. Also the Irish rocker Phil Lynott who led the inspirational band Thin Lizzy who died at a very young 36.
The Album charts didn't see much activity, in fact the top spot only exchanged 14 times which was the lowest in the 1980s. NOW 6 started the year in pole position but was quickly replaced by Dire Straits again who were to stay 10 weeks at the top with Brothers in arms.
Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music greatest hits enjoyed a spell at the top then some legendary names equally followed Peter Gabriel So, Queen A kind of magic, Genesis Invisible touch and Madonna True Blue which went on to be the biggest seller of 1986.
The UK Jackson 5 equivalent Five Star silk and steel made an appearance at the top and Paul Simon influential Graceland enjoyed a long spell at the head only to be arrested by the Police whose single collection took over.
NOW and HITS were having there customary battle with HITS 4 and 5 topping but not be outshone NOW responded with NOW 7 and 8 also hitting the heady heights.
Recommended Listening/Purchasing
True Blue - Madonna
A kind of Magic - Queen
So - Peter Gabriel
Now that's what I call Music 7 - Various artists
Graceland - Paul Simon
Invisible Touch - Genesis
Journalist John McCarthy was kidnapped in Beirut and was later released in 1991. Also we saw the emergence of sports baddest man on the planet Mike Tyson capture his first world title in Las Vegas.
The royals had there ups and downs with Hampton Court Palace submerged in fire but the royal wedding of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew at Westminster abbey help lift the mood.
1986 most talked about news was the hand of god goal that ended England's world cup hopes in Mexico. Diego Maradona small part ensured Argentina progresses all the way at England's expense.
The number one singles of 1986 went from the sublime to the ridiculous. 1986 we saw the demise of bands Wham, Madness, Culture Club and the Clash. This paved the way for others to take the challenge. Pet Shop Boys started the year with West End Girls and Norway's greatest import A-Ha took over with The sun always shine on TV. Billy Ocean rules the waves with when the going gets tough only to be knocked by a reaction a chain reaction that is by Diana Ross.
The number one history books then went through a indifferent phase. Cliff Richard and the young ones hit gold with living doll then was followed by two classy tracks George Michael a different corner and the Austrian showman Falco with rock me Amadeus. We then suffered the annoying Chicken song by spitting image and Dr and the medics monotone spirit in the sky. It picked briefly with Wham final Single Edge of Heaven and Madonna Papa dont preach. We then had a succession of disco slowies at number one with Chris DeBurgh Lady in red, Boris Gardner I want to wake up with you, actor Nick Berry every loser wins and Berlin's take my breath away from the film Top Gun.
Mixed in between all that was Madonna fighting the cause pop melody with true blue and the communards went on to have the biggest selling single of 1986 with the disco classic don't leave me this way.
The end of the year couldn't have been in more contrast with the Swedish perm rockers Europe with the final countdown to a capella song by Housemartins named caravan of love and the year ended with Jackie Wilson reet petite to end a rather confusing year of UK taste.
Did You Know?
A-ha were the first Norwegian act to top the UK singles chart. In addition they also won a record 8 awards at the MTV video music awards.
Sam Fox stopped posing on page 3 for the sun.
13 year old girl Sandra Kim won the eurovision song contest for Belgium.
Deaths in the musical world saw the unfortunate death of 24 year old Cliff Burton the bassist for Metallica who died whilst the tour bus was involved in a accident. Also the Irish rocker Phil Lynott who led the inspirational band Thin Lizzy who died at a very young 36.
The Album charts didn't see much activity, in fact the top spot only exchanged 14 times which was the lowest in the 1980s. NOW 6 started the year in pole position but was quickly replaced by Dire Straits again who were to stay 10 weeks at the top with Brothers in arms.
Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music greatest hits enjoyed a spell at the top then some legendary names equally followed Peter Gabriel So, Queen A kind of magic, Genesis Invisible touch and Madonna True Blue which went on to be the biggest seller of 1986.
The UK Jackson 5 equivalent Five Star silk and steel made an appearance at the top and Paul Simon influential Graceland enjoyed a long spell at the head only to be arrested by the Police whose single collection took over.
NOW and HITS were having there customary battle with HITS 4 and 5 topping but not be outshone NOW responded with NOW 7 and 8 also hitting the heady heights.
Recommended Listening/Purchasing
True Blue - Madonna
A kind of Magic - Queen
So - Peter Gabriel
Now that's what I call Music 7 - Various artists
Graceland - Paul Simon
Invisible Touch - Genesis
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
80s Music Revisited: Live Aid - Music can change things
80s Music Revisited: Live Aid - Music can change things: The News in 1985 was dominated by 4 events which would change things radically. First Of all Prisoner Nelson Mandela rejected the offer of f...
Live Aid - Music can change things
The News in 1985 was dominated by 4 events which would change things radically. First Of all Prisoner Nelson Mandela rejected the offer of freedom by the South African Government.
Also tragedy was witnessed at football grounds nationally and internationally. There was 56 killed at the Bradford City Valley Parade ground as fire engulfed the wooden stand and 38 were killed at the Heysel Stadium in Belgium when Liverpool fans clashed with Juventus. As a result English clubs were banned from European competition for 5 years with Liverpool and additional 1 year and in the UK football grounds at all levels were to be made safer with all seaters a requirement in the top divisions.
The Brixton riots was on the news following the shooting of Cherry Grove by Metropolitan Police and civil unrest followed. The 13th July saw the worlds biggest musical event take place. Live Aid took place in the USA and London and raised £50 million for famine relief in Ethiopia.
The single charts saw various number ones and it seemed to be the year of duets. Elaine page and Barbara Dickson with I know him so well, Phil Bailey and Phil Collins with Easy Lover, UB40 and Chrissie Hynde with I got you babe and Bowie and Jagger with Dancing in the Streets all hitting the coveted top spot.
Charity records were to record success with the impending Live Aid concert USA for Africa released we are the world and You'll never walk alone also hit the top to raise funds following the Bradford and Heysel disasters.
Foreigner started the year at number one with I want to know what love is and the american success continued with Sister Sledge ode to Frankie, Madonna chart dominance was beginning with into the groove, Whitney Houston Saving all my love and Jennifer Rush with the biggest selling single of the year the Power of Love.
Dead or Alive started the Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory with there first number one called you spin me round. Phyllis Nelson enjoyed a brief stay at the top with Move closer but was replaced by Paul Hardcastle Vietnam song named 19 which stayed at the top for 5 weeks.
Scotland was enjoying success with Eurythmics there must be an angel and Ultravox lead man Midge Ure solo fling with If I was enjoying brief success. Towards the end of the year Feargal Sharkey a good heart was replaced by Wham I'm your man and at the end of the year Shaky did it with a Christmas number one aptly named Merry Christmas everyone.
1985 saw music lose old crooner Matt Monro, the b52 member Ricky Wilson and former teen idol Ricky Nelson.
Did you know?
Jennifer Rush was the first solo female singer to sell over a Million copies of a single in the UK with the Power of Love.
Titanic located by a USA/French Expedition.
Microsoft releases Windows 1.0 and Nintendo is released in America.
VH1 makes TV debut and Wham are the first western group to perform in China.
The number one albums of 1985 were a various mixture with Alison Moyet starting the new year with Alf. The British success continued with The Smiths Meat is Murder and Paul Young. There was some legendary albums also released in 1985 and all stole the march to the top. Kate Bush Hounds of love, Phil Collins No Jacket Required and the top selling album of 1985 Dire Straits Brothers in arms. However, 2 of the biggest iconic albums also hit number one from over the pond. Bruce Springsteen patriotic Born in the USA and Madonna Like a Virgin.
A spell in the summer saw the summit change with the Style Council Our favourite shop, Bryan Ferry Boys and Girls and Marillion Misplaced Childhood exchange places.
Towards the end of the year Sade dulcet soul tones with promise went number one and Simple Minds continued there success with the hugely popular Once Upon a Time which cemented there stadium anthems ambiance.
Also 1985 saw the compilation album dominate gradually. Hits one and Hits two both went top, George Benson collection of love songs also went top and the NOW series continued with NOW 5 and 6 going to the top and following the Christmas theme NOW Xmas album also went all the way. They all profited from the UK enthusiasm for various artists.
Recommended Listening/Purchasing
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen
Like a Virgin - Madonna
Once upon a Time - Simple Minds
Meat is murder - The Smiths
Also tragedy was witnessed at football grounds nationally and internationally. There was 56 killed at the Bradford City Valley Parade ground as fire engulfed the wooden stand and 38 were killed at the Heysel Stadium in Belgium when Liverpool fans clashed with Juventus. As a result English clubs were banned from European competition for 5 years with Liverpool and additional 1 year and in the UK football grounds at all levels were to be made safer with all seaters a requirement in the top divisions.
The Brixton riots was on the news following the shooting of Cherry Grove by Metropolitan Police and civil unrest followed. The 13th July saw the worlds biggest musical event take place. Live Aid took place in the USA and London and raised £50 million for famine relief in Ethiopia.
The single charts saw various number ones and it seemed to be the year of duets. Elaine page and Barbara Dickson with I know him so well, Phil Bailey and Phil Collins with Easy Lover, UB40 and Chrissie Hynde with I got you babe and Bowie and Jagger with Dancing in the Streets all hitting the coveted top spot.
Charity records were to record success with the impending Live Aid concert USA for Africa released we are the world and You'll never walk alone also hit the top to raise funds following the Bradford and Heysel disasters.
Foreigner started the year at number one with I want to know what love is and the american success continued with Sister Sledge ode to Frankie, Madonna chart dominance was beginning with into the groove, Whitney Houston Saving all my love and Jennifer Rush with the biggest selling single of the year the Power of Love.
Dead or Alive started the Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory with there first number one called you spin me round. Phyllis Nelson enjoyed a brief stay at the top with Move closer but was replaced by Paul Hardcastle Vietnam song named 19 which stayed at the top for 5 weeks.
Scotland was enjoying success with Eurythmics there must be an angel and Ultravox lead man Midge Ure solo fling with If I was enjoying brief success. Towards the end of the year Feargal Sharkey a good heart was replaced by Wham I'm your man and at the end of the year Shaky did it with a Christmas number one aptly named Merry Christmas everyone.
1985 saw music lose old crooner Matt Monro, the b52 member Ricky Wilson and former teen idol Ricky Nelson.
Did you know?
Jennifer Rush was the first solo female singer to sell over a Million copies of a single in the UK with the Power of Love.
Titanic located by a USA/French Expedition.
Microsoft releases Windows 1.0 and Nintendo is released in America.
VH1 makes TV debut and Wham are the first western group to perform in China.
The number one albums of 1985 were a various mixture with Alison Moyet starting the new year with Alf. The British success continued with The Smiths Meat is Murder and Paul Young. There was some legendary albums also released in 1985 and all stole the march to the top. Kate Bush Hounds of love, Phil Collins No Jacket Required and the top selling album of 1985 Dire Straits Brothers in arms. However, 2 of the biggest iconic albums also hit number one from over the pond. Bruce Springsteen patriotic Born in the USA and Madonna Like a Virgin.
A spell in the summer saw the summit change with the Style Council Our favourite shop, Bryan Ferry Boys and Girls and Marillion Misplaced Childhood exchange places.
Towards the end of the year Sade dulcet soul tones with promise went number one and Simple Minds continued there success with the hugely popular Once Upon a Time which cemented there stadium anthems ambiance.
Also 1985 saw the compilation album dominate gradually. Hits one and Hits two both went top, George Benson collection of love songs also went top and the NOW series continued with NOW 5 and 6 going to the top and following the Christmas theme NOW Xmas album also went all the way. They all profited from the UK enthusiasm for various artists.
Recommended Listening/Purchasing
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen
Like a Virgin - Madonna
Once upon a Time - Simple Minds
Meat is murder - The Smiths
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
80s Music Revisited: 1984 - Do they Know Its Frankie..
80s Music Revisited: 1984 - Do they Know Its Frankie..: The news in 1984 was dominated by two events one nationally and the other internationally. Firstly Britain was locked in a year long Miners ...
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