Sunday, October 20, 2013
The Pogues
After the Punk scene faded in the UK, there were many people left with which musical direction to go. Many opted for the New Wave sound, some opted for goth rock and some changed direction all together. One band that did change was the Pogues.
Following the embers of Punk the band decided the best route was to play more traditional celtic rock using more traditional instruments and the decision opened the ways for the likes of The Waterboys, Del Amitri, Hothouse Flowers through to the Levellers.
The band was originally formed in London by Shane Macgowan and Spider Stacy and soon enlisted the help of o'riordan and Ranken as there live shows were legendary and soon attracted the attention of London record label Stiff Records who had Elvis Costello and Madness on the books.
They toured with The Clash and changed there name to The Pogues, it was Pog Mo Thoin but was deemed offensive to the gaelic speakers. The next release was the infamous 'rum, sodomy and the Lash' which was loosely based on a Winston Churchill statement describing the British Navy and the songs on the depicted a poetic feel with the Old Main Drag, Waltzing Matilda and a cover of Ewan MacColl Dirty Old Town, whose daughter Kirsty would work with them at a later date.
The band released an EP as a follow up named Poguetry in Motion but the band was to see some changes in personnel with Darryl Hunt and Terry Woods joining the ranks but Cait O'Riordan exiting the band. Also Shane MacGowan erratic behaviour was causing concern with his hellish lifestyle of drink and partying.
Also the band released 'The Irish Rover' with the Dubliners to celebrate there 25 years in music and as that was released there record label Stiff Records went bankrupt. The band signed to Island Records and held it together to release 'If I should fall from grace with God' and this spawned the huge international hit 'Fairytale of New York' with Kirsty MacColl on joint lead vocals with Shane.
Although never actually reached the pivotal Christmas number one it is highly regarded as the most requested Christmas song and was kept of the top spot in the UK by Pet Shop Boys. Shane's behaviour was cause for concern as the bands commercial success was increasing, he failed to show for the start of the American tour in 1988 and was replaced by ex-Clash singer Joe Strummer, eventually MacGowan was sacked by the band in 1991 as he tried to stop the band releasing an album in 1990 named Hells Ditch.
Shane would eventually rejoin the band but not until 2001 for a reunion tour. During the 1980s the band released four studio albums with 3 going top 20 in the UK with 'If I should fall from grace with god' peaking at number three.
They also released 13 singles with four top 30 singles in the UK with 'The Irish Rover' and 'Fairytale of New York' both going top 10. However, Fairytale has been a significant entrant on the charts since 2005 based on downloads and enjoyed further top 10 entries in 2005-07 and top 20 every year since 2006! such is the popularity of the song.
The Human League Dare
32 years ago this week saw the release of one of the most significant synthpop albums. This was the bands third album released and a lot was riding on it considering there two previous works had not performed well and the band shifted in personnel to come up with this classic 80s gem.
The group saw the creative influences of Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh leave the band and Phil Oakey was the new driving force behind the change to get the band more commercially accepted. The band reinvented itself mainly due to Oakey directional change and the addition of the two young backing singers Jo Catherall and Susan Sulley and the musical influence and writing of Jo Callis.
They set to work and the first release was Love Action which was a top 3 in the UK and vindicated the moves the band had made to become more commercially accepted.
The album was completed and as the norm a single was released to promote the album. This saw Open your Heart released and again a top 10 hit. The record label decided to release 'Don't you want me' as a Christmas release. Oakey was much against this as he thought it was the weakest track on the album hence the last track on side 2 but he was overruled and the decision paid off for the record label when it went to number one, selling over 1 million copies and the 1981 Christmas number one! It still remains one of the top 30 best selling singles of all time in the UK!
The album went to number one in the UK in November 1981 and they also held a number one album and single at the same time. This was no mean feat in the 1980s. Such was the popularity of the album it remained in the charts for 71 weeks.
The album and the number one single is widely reported to have saved Virgin records from bankruptcy, The label had no success since Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells in 1977 and this helped prevent the company from going under. Such was Richard Branson relief that he bought Oakey a Motorbike but unfortunately Oakey was unable to ride one!
Tracks on album
The things that dreams are made of
Open your heart
The sound of the crowd
Darkness
Do or Die
Get Carter
I am the law
Seconds
Love Action
Don't you want me
Phil Chevron 1957-2013
This week saw the sad news that Phil Chevron of the Pogues had died after a long battle with Cancer. Having seen The Pogues live on many occasions this was certainly a sad week in music to see this talisman leave the Earth.
A Dubliner who after a brief foray into the Punk scene of the late 1970s with Radiators from Space he moved to London to seek his fame and Fortune and met up with the original hell raiser Shane MacGowan. He joined the Pogues as a back up musician but became full time when they released the legendary album 'Rum, sodomy and the Lash' where he played the Banjo and Mandolin.
He became one of the important member of the band with his musicianship along with his songwriting and singing. He became an all rounder which was needed on the numerous tours the band went on. His best writing was the homage to many Irish that emigrate called 'Thousands are Sailing' and became one of the most requested songs for the band to play.
He did have his demons like many and spent years battling drink and drugs problems but he overcame but unfortunately he lost the long battle with Cancer and now joins the other great musical Dubliners who have now departed. RIP Phil.
A Dubliner who after a brief foray into the Punk scene of the late 1970s with Radiators from Space he moved to London to seek his fame and Fortune and met up with the original hell raiser Shane MacGowan. He joined the Pogues as a back up musician but became full time when they released the legendary album 'Rum, sodomy and the Lash' where he played the Banjo and Mandolin.
He became one of the important member of the band with his musicianship along with his songwriting and singing. He became an all rounder which was needed on the numerous tours the band went on. His best writing was the homage to many Irish that emigrate called 'Thousands are Sailing' and became one of the most requested songs for the band to play.
He did have his demons like many and spent years battling drink and drugs problems but he overcame but unfortunately he lost the long battle with Cancer and now joins the other great musical Dubliners who have now departed. RIP Phil.
Desire U2 25 years on...
Today is the 25th anniversary of U2 first number single in the UK and the band are still going strong although there has been a hiatus of a few years.
At the time U2 were one of the hottest tickets in town and they were coming of a very successful Joshua Tree tour after the success of the 1987 release. The band decided to do a warts and all rockumentary following the band across America and they released an album mixed with new songs and live material.
A film followed with a book and the band were pretty much in everyone's radar. 1988 saw the release of Rattle and Hum and the first offering was in late September 1988 when Desire was released. The song went to number one in the UK and number three in America. The song was a shift away from previous material where the influence of Blues, folk and gospel.
There obsession with America was finally rewarded with this classic song and album that followed suit. The song was composed by the band and was produced by Jimmy Iovine who previously had worked with Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Patti Smith. The song b side was Hallelujah (here she comes) and was released on the Island record label.
Karma Chameleon 30 years on..
30 years ago today, Karma Chameleon was number one in the UK single charts, it also went on to become a USA number one as the bands global image took the world by storm.
It was the bands second number one in the UK following up to 'Do you really want to hurt me'. Karma Chameleon was the biggest selling single in 1983 and to date has sold in excess of 1.4 million copies in the UK and 5 million worldwide.
The song also won the BRIT awards for best British single. The song was written by Culture Club and was produced by Steve Levine who had worked previously with The Clash and Gary Moore amongst many. Steve's brother David was responsible for the artwork and photography on the single cover itself.
The song was released on the Virgin Label. The song pretty much hit number one all over Europe, South Africa, Japan and Australia and was a truly global smash hit.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The Unforgettable Fire
On this day in 1984 U2 released arguably there finest piece of work following on from the previous success of the last album War. The band went for a more different sound following the more rockier War album. The result was a more ambient sound which lost some of the rock fans but gained a new following plus more radio play which was important.
Recording began in early 1984 at Slane Castle in Co Meath and then was completed at Windmill Lane studios in Dublin. They compose some of there finest work here and the critics lavished praise on the album on release. The title was an odd one but was reference to an exhibition they saw in Japan in 1983 about the Hiroshima atomic bombings.
The band decided on a new direction and sought several producers to work with but in the end they opted for Brian Eno whose ambient expertise was seen on Roxy Music and Talking Heads. Eno bough along the production expert Daniel Lanois but not everyone was happy mainly Island Records owner Chris Blackwell who felt the band may regret the new sound just as they found there feet.
The band were a conventional Guitar and Bass sound but for the first time a synthesiser was heard on a U2 record and during the recording it was beset with problems such as recording in too big rooms and the bands ability not too finish tasks which saw the deadline looming the band were forced to work 20 hour days for the last 2 weeks.
The work was completed and released in October 1984 and the result saw a more atmospheric album with low bass sound and more string arrangements which suited the radio and lounge music departments.
The album was highly anticipated and as a taster the band released the lead single Pride(in the name of love) a tribute to MLK and the song was at the time the biggest UK hit as a top 5 hit. The album went to number in the UK and was a top 20 in America.
The follow up single to Pride was Unforgettable Fire and again this was a top 10 hit in the UK. Following the album a tour ensued but it was difficult to replicate the textured sound live so reluctantly the band used sequencers and this proved popular for songs such as A sort of homecoming and Bad.
The latter song was played at the Live Aid concert in 1985 and still is one of the most popular live U2 songs.
Tracks on album
A sort of homecoming,Pride (in the name of love), Wire, The Unforgettable Fire, Promenade, 4th of July, Bad, Indian summer sky, Elvis Presley and America and MLK
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Classic 80s films songs
The 1980s saw many big films and behind most big films was a huge soundtrack which record labels cottoned on to. As a result the 80s saw a huge rise in songs released in conjuction with films to boost the popularity and marketing potential. Some artistes relied solely on the film industry and produced constant scores for them. Where would survivor be without the Rocky films and vice versa?
I will take a look at some of the biggest film soundtracks of the 1980s.
Simple Minds - Don't you forget about me (The Breakfast Club)
A huge anthem for the brat pack film, the song intended for Billy Idol and then rejected by Bryan Ferry but was passed to Simple Minds and that decision led to a number one in America. Written by Keith Forsey the song was huge both sides of the pond and in the UK remained in the top 100 for almost 2 years such was it's popularity. It remains one of there most requested songs.
Huey Lewis and the News - Power of Love (Back to the future)
This again was a huge hit and earned Huey Lewis a cameo role in the film and a academy award to sit with a number one in America. The song was co written by Lewis and Colla and remains an integral part of the film.
Ray Parker Jr - Ghostbusters (Ghostbusters)
Probably and arguably one of the biggest films in the 80s behind ET. Written and produced by Parker the song reached number one in America and number two in the UK as Ghostbusters gripped the world in 1984. It was nominated for an academy but fell short at the final hurdle. The song was written to be similar to a advert and was many years used as this for a 118 advert in the UK. The song also courted legal issues as was similar in riff to a Huey Lewis song and was eventually settled out of court.
Irene Cara - Fame and Flashdance
This young lady firmly put the dance floor back into the public conscious with these two huge hits of the 80s. Fame Written by Gore and Pritchard it was wrote for the original film and won the academy award that year as a number one in the UK, it wasn't until the TV spin off series was released in 1982 that the song hit the shores here and again enjoyed a number one success as Fame became a huge success. It remains one of the few songs in the UK to sell one million plus copies.
Flashdance written by Miroder, Forsey and Cara again enjoyed huge success topping the charts in America, countless awards and a number 2 in the UK. The song again featured in another film The Full Monty in 1997.
Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F (Beverley Hills Cops)
One of the most recognised names in Film scores and producing synth pop with his German background. This instrumental classic enjoyed number 2 peaks in the UK and America. The song enjoyed a revival by that annoying Crazy Frog but thankfully didn't do too much damage to this synth classic.
Kenny Loggins - Footloose (Flashdance)
Another classic song from the Flashdance film which saw Kevin Bacon dancing mentally to this toe tapper. The song reached number one in America and was a top 10 hit in the UK. The song was written and produced by Loggins and Pitchford. The song has been covered recently in films such as Alvin and the Chipmunks and Glee!
Phil Oakey and Giorgio Miroder - Electric Dreams (Electric Dreams) This brief partnership produced an absolute gem of a song in the 1980s. Both written and produced by Miroder the song reached number 3 in the UK singles charts and many thought the song actually eclipsed the film itself! Miroder came up with the concept and Director of the film Steve Barron suggested Phil Oakey as he had worked with him on the Human League promo video 'don't you want me' and the rest they say is history.
Joe Cocker - Up where we belong (an officer and a Gentlemen)
A weepy girlie film saw the lead song smash the charts and take the Grammy award for that along with the film success. Joe duetted with Jennifer Warnes. It went to number one in America and number 7 in the UK charts. The song was famously used at the end where Zak would sweep his intended of her feet at the factory thus the tears and cheers. The song was used against the producer and Gere advices but when they saw the final cut they were overwhelmed by the nature of the song.
Vangelis - Chariots of Fire
Arguably the biggest British film of the 1980s and this instrumental classic was pivotal to the ambience of the film. Composed by a Greek man who manages to catch the essence of the film and earned an Oscar for the musical score. The song reached number one in America and number 12 in the UK but the album did reach number in the UK. The song enjoyed a comeback for the 2012 London Olympics when MR Bean played the song at the opening ceremony.
Echo & the Bunnymen - People are Strange (Lost Boys)
This featured heavily on the Lost Boys film and was a cover by the 1970s rockers The Doors. The song was released as a single in the UK and peaked at number 29. The song was ironically produced by Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek. A classic 2 minute song which is perfect for films and this song proved to be a popular one amongst fans of 80s film music.
Psychedelic Furs - Pretty in Pink (Pretty in Pink)
Another classic gem from the 1980s and this post punk band came to prominence with this track for Pretty in Pink. The song was originally released in 1981 after being produced by Steve Lillywhite of U2 fame and the song just failed the top 40 but was revamped for the 1986 movie and the song made the top 20 in the UK and just outside the top 40 in America. A true pop guitar sound.
Starship - Nothings gonna stop us now (Mannequin)
A huge hit which went number one on both sides of the pond and also the second best selling song in the UK in 1987. It was the main song for the romantic comedy film and was nominated for a academy award in 1987 but unfortunately missed out. The song featured Grace Slick on vocals who at the time was the oldest vocalist to get to number one in America at the time.
Duran Duran - View to a Kill (James Bond Film)
A song written by Duran Duran and John Barry and this song reached number one in America and number two in the UK. At the time Duran Duran were one of the biggest bands at the time and was the last song recorded before the original line up broke up. They met up with Barry who was the Bond composer and came up with this classic song which also saw Simon Le Bon play a James Bond character in the video promo.
A-ha - Living Daylights (James Bond Film)
Again John Barry worked with A-ha on this song and the song didn't fare well in America and didn't make the top 100 but was a top 5 hit in the UK. Despite the lack of success in America it sold over 2 million copies.
Survivor - Eye of the Tiger (Rocky)
A true heart beating song of the 1980s and a must for anyone who deems themselves a underdog in this world. It topped the charts in America and UK and was a last minute song originally when Stallone was unable to get permission to use a Queen song, Survivor came up with this effort and help revolutionise the film. The song alone has sold over 9 million copies such is the popularity of the song.
To purchase some of the 80s movie hits click below:
Simple Minds - Don't you forget about me (The Breakfast Club)
A huge anthem for the brat pack film, the song intended for Billy Idol and then rejected by Bryan Ferry but was passed to Simple Minds and that decision led to a number one in America. Written by Keith Forsey the song was huge both sides of the pond and in the UK remained in the top 100 for almost 2 years such was it's popularity. It remains one of there most requested songs.
Huey Lewis and the News - Power of Love (Back to the future)
This again was a huge hit and earned Huey Lewis a cameo role in the film and a academy award to sit with a number one in America. The song was co written by Lewis and Colla and remains an integral part of the film.
Ray Parker Jr - Ghostbusters (Ghostbusters)
Probably and arguably one of the biggest films in the 80s behind ET. Written and produced by Parker the song reached number one in America and number two in the UK as Ghostbusters gripped the world in 1984. It was nominated for an academy but fell short at the final hurdle. The song was written to be similar to a advert and was many years used as this for a 118 advert in the UK. The song also courted legal issues as was similar in riff to a Huey Lewis song and was eventually settled out of court.
Irene Cara - Fame and Flashdance
This young lady firmly put the dance floor back into the public conscious with these two huge hits of the 80s. Fame Written by Gore and Pritchard it was wrote for the original film and won the academy award that year as a number one in the UK, it wasn't until the TV spin off series was released in 1982 that the song hit the shores here and again enjoyed a number one success as Fame became a huge success. It remains one of the few songs in the UK to sell one million plus copies.
Flashdance written by Miroder, Forsey and Cara again enjoyed huge success topping the charts in America, countless awards and a number 2 in the UK. The song again featured in another film The Full Monty in 1997.
Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F (Beverley Hills Cops)
One of the most recognised names in Film scores and producing synth pop with his German background. This instrumental classic enjoyed number 2 peaks in the UK and America. The song enjoyed a revival by that annoying Crazy Frog but thankfully didn't do too much damage to this synth classic.
Kenny Loggins - Footloose (Flashdance)
Another classic song from the Flashdance film which saw Kevin Bacon dancing mentally to this toe tapper. The song reached number one in America and was a top 10 hit in the UK. The song was written and produced by Loggins and Pitchford. The song has been covered recently in films such as Alvin and the Chipmunks and Glee!
Phil Oakey and Giorgio Miroder - Electric Dreams (Electric Dreams) This brief partnership produced an absolute gem of a song in the 1980s. Both written and produced by Miroder the song reached number 3 in the UK singles charts and many thought the song actually eclipsed the film itself! Miroder came up with the concept and Director of the film Steve Barron suggested Phil Oakey as he had worked with him on the Human League promo video 'don't you want me' and the rest they say is history.
Joe Cocker - Up where we belong (an officer and a Gentlemen)
A weepy girlie film saw the lead song smash the charts and take the Grammy award for that along with the film success. Joe duetted with Jennifer Warnes. It went to number one in America and number 7 in the UK charts. The song was famously used at the end where Zak would sweep his intended of her feet at the factory thus the tears and cheers. The song was used against the producer and Gere advices but when they saw the final cut they were overwhelmed by the nature of the song.
Vangelis - Chariots of Fire
Arguably the biggest British film of the 1980s and this instrumental classic was pivotal to the ambience of the film. Composed by a Greek man who manages to catch the essence of the film and earned an Oscar for the musical score. The song reached number one in America and number 12 in the UK but the album did reach number in the UK. The song enjoyed a comeback for the 2012 London Olympics when MR Bean played the song at the opening ceremony.
Echo & the Bunnymen - People are Strange (Lost Boys)
This featured heavily on the Lost Boys film and was a cover by the 1970s rockers The Doors. The song was released as a single in the UK and peaked at number 29. The song was ironically produced by Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek. A classic 2 minute song which is perfect for films and this song proved to be a popular one amongst fans of 80s film music.
Psychedelic Furs - Pretty in Pink (Pretty in Pink)
Another classic gem from the 1980s and this post punk band came to prominence with this track for Pretty in Pink. The song was originally released in 1981 after being produced by Steve Lillywhite of U2 fame and the song just failed the top 40 but was revamped for the 1986 movie and the song made the top 20 in the UK and just outside the top 40 in America. A true pop guitar sound.
Starship - Nothings gonna stop us now (Mannequin)
A huge hit which went number one on both sides of the pond and also the second best selling song in the UK in 1987. It was the main song for the romantic comedy film and was nominated for a academy award in 1987 but unfortunately missed out. The song featured Grace Slick on vocals who at the time was the oldest vocalist to get to number one in America at the time.
Duran Duran - View to a Kill (James Bond Film)
A song written by Duran Duran and John Barry and this song reached number one in America and number two in the UK. At the time Duran Duran were one of the biggest bands at the time and was the last song recorded before the original line up broke up. They met up with Barry who was the Bond composer and came up with this classic song which also saw Simon Le Bon play a James Bond character in the video promo.
A-ha - Living Daylights (James Bond Film)
Again John Barry worked with A-ha on this song and the song didn't fare well in America and didn't make the top 100 but was a top 5 hit in the UK. Despite the lack of success in America it sold over 2 million copies.
Survivor - Eye of the Tiger (Rocky)
A true heart beating song of the 1980s and a must for anyone who deems themselves a underdog in this world. It topped the charts in America and UK and was a last minute song originally when Stallone was unable to get permission to use a Queen song, Survivor came up with this effort and help revolutionise the film. The song alone has sold over 9 million copies such is the popularity of the song.
To purchase some of the 80s movie hits click below:
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