This page is dedicated to the countless alternative or Indie that made the 80s charts interesting. The Indie scene really grew in the 1980s and causing the major labels to adopt new strategies to become more 'indie'. I will look at the songs that really turned this genre into a relevant scene.
The Pixies - Monkey gone to Heaven
Were an American alternative band and this song enjoyed great success long after it's release in 1989. The song touched on Environmental and biblical issues which were not the usual topics for hit singles but unusually worked. The song was written by singer Black Francis and produced by Gil Norton who had worked with Echo and the Bunnymen amongst others. The song peaked at number 60 in the UK singles charts but the song was popular amongst the written media. It was the single of the year in Melody Maker 1989 poll and NME ranked it 35 in the greatest Indie anthems of all time. A true classic song.
Killing Joke - Love like blood
Killing Joke were a post punk band from London who formed in the late seventies and the above single is probably there most famous with the song being there only top 20 hit in the UK, peaking at 16 in 1985. The song was a very dark gothic feel to it and was produced by Chris Kimsey who had worked with New Model Army and Anti nowhere league amongst others.The song was released on E'G records and the track was Featured on the 'Night Time' album which peaked at 11 in the UK album charts and the work on that album is regarded as there finest with 'Kings and Queens' and 'eighties'.
New Model Army - No Rest
An alternative rock band from Bradford and often expressed political and humanitarian messages in there material and were vocal against American imperialism which caused a few issues as they could not play over there! No Rest was one of there biggest commercial successes in the UK peaking at 28 in the singles chart.
The Smiths - What difference does it make?
The smiths hailed from Manchester and was taken from the debut album 'The Smiths'. The track written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr and released on Rough Trade Records. The track was produced by John Porter who had worked with Japan and Billy Bragg amongst his credits. The song infamously was released without any video and Morrissey quipped that the video market would not last! The song peaked at number 12 in the UK single charts. A true classic guitar song to listen to.
Jesus and Mary Chain - April Skies
An alternative rock band from Scotland and these guys shot to prominence with the album Psychocandy and the release of singles Upside Down and Just like honey which made an appearance in the top 50. After the early problems they encountered with personnel changes, arrests, concert meltdowns and general bad press, the band settled down and released the album Darklands and from this the gem 'April Skies'. The track became there first top 10 hit peaking at number 8. The song was written by the Reid brothers and was also produced by Bill Price who includes Sex Pistols and The Clash on his credits. The heavy influence of Guitars and Bass made this a true gem in between all the manufactured pop.
All about Eve - Martha's Harbour
The band consisted of Julianne Regan and Andy Cousin and they perfected the early art of Goth Rock mixed with Folk. They shot to prominence with the haunting sound of Martha's Harbour with dreamlike lyrics which caught the imagination of the British public. The song was a top 10 hit in the UK and the song only consisted of Regan's vocals, Cousins acoustic guitar and sound affects of the sea. The song received publicity when an appearance on Top of the Pops where they sang over a dubbed version did not happen as the music did not relay to them, they just sat there until the end of the song unaware of what happened, TOTP invited them back and they did a live version to make up for the glaring error.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
80s Film Soundtracks
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:
80s Anorak Track - Furniture
Were a new wave band formed in London in the late 1970s but enjoyed a rare piece of success in 1986 when they broke the top 30 in the UK with the release of Brilliant Mind.
They went from various small independent labels until they were signed by major independent label Stiff Records.
The song was produced by Mick Glossop and the song peaked at number 21 in June 1986. The song was released from the album The Wrong People.
The band were beginning to build momentum and quickly released Love your shoes but Stiff Records suffered financial disaster and were only able to press a certain amount of copies which quickly went.
The album was released and Stiff Records went into liquidation. ZTT took over but did not press any copies thus any build up or momentum was lost and the band success quickly receeded. Sadly the success never came back and the demise of the band occurred in 1992. Notably the singer Jim Irvin went on to be a feature Editor for MOJO magazine.
80s Anorak Track - Stan Ridgway
In 1986 saw an American singer hit the top 5 in the UK with a lyrical narrative song named Camouflage.
The song was released from the 1986 album 'The Big Heat' on IRS records and this unusual song stormed the UK charts, although it did not chart in the USA.
The song was about a young soldier who was on a mission in Vietnam and became separated from his patrol. Alone and afraid he meets up with a Marine called Camouflage and they fight there way back to base only to be told that the very man who helped him was already dead!
Unusual topic which captured the UK imagination rather than the Americans. Following that the solo success went on hold as Stan went on to write and produce many films scores.
The song was released from the 1986 album 'The Big Heat' on IRS records and this unusual song stormed the UK charts, although it did not chart in the USA.
The song was about a young soldier who was on a mission in Vietnam and became separated from his patrol. Alone and afraid he meets up with a Marine called Camouflage and they fight there way back to base only to be told that the very man who helped him was already dead!
Unusual topic which captured the UK imagination rather than the Americans. Following that the solo success went on hold as Stan went on to write and produce many films scores.
Steve Strange 1959-2015
Earlier this month saw the premature death of 80s pop singer/promoter/ club host Steve Strange.
The man from South Wales aimed to put the glamour back into the pop industry after the demise of punk rock and the emerging sound of synth pop.
Born as Steven Harrington, he became interested in music after watching a Sex Pistols concert in Wales and quickly formed a band The Moors Murderers who had amongst its personnel Soo Catwoman and Chrissie Hynde.
At the same time he started working for Malcolm McLaren and with the demise of his first band he joined the Photons but then he left he met up with some fellow like minded people and his career took off.
Using his stage name of Steve Strange he formed Visage with Rich Kids members Rusty Egan and Midge Ure and Magazine members Barry Adamson, John McGeoch and Dave Formula. The band was started purely a studio project to release material to coincide with there day to day jobs. They signed to Radar Records and released TAR in 1979 but the single was not a massive hit.
The success was around the corner when Steve appeared in David Bowie 'Ashes to Ashes' promo video and the whole new romantic scene took off. They released 'Fade to Grey' on Polydor records and enjoyed a top 10 hit in the UK. Further top 20 hits followed on the back of this with 'mind of a toy', 'visage' and 'the damned don't cry'.
They also released 3 albums with 'visage' a top 20 success and 'the anvil' a top 10 and there most successful album. The band split in 1985 following some low sales but there music was the fledgling sound for the new romantic scene.
Also Steve was involved with Rusty Egan as a nightclub host and DJ respectively. They started at Billys club in Soho, London before moving to Blitz Club in Covent Garden. Steve had a strict door policy of admitting the weird and wonderful but it attracted huge success and a result they moved to Club for Heroes On Baker Street, London for 2 nights a week.
They eventually settled at Camden Palace for 2 years and became the scene for famous people to attend. When this success all died down he moved to Ibiza and became part of the new party scene hosting for the rich and famous.
Visage did reform in 2012 and released 'Hearts and Knives' album which enjoyed some moderate success and gave a blast back to the early 1980s.
RIP Steve Strange
The man from South Wales aimed to put the glamour back into the pop industry after the demise of punk rock and the emerging sound of synth pop.
Born as Steven Harrington, he became interested in music after watching a Sex Pistols concert in Wales and quickly formed a band The Moors Murderers who had amongst its personnel Soo Catwoman and Chrissie Hynde.
At the same time he started working for Malcolm McLaren and with the demise of his first band he joined the Photons but then he left he met up with some fellow like minded people and his career took off.
Using his stage name of Steve Strange he formed Visage with Rich Kids members Rusty Egan and Midge Ure and Magazine members Barry Adamson, John McGeoch and Dave Formula. The band was started purely a studio project to release material to coincide with there day to day jobs. They signed to Radar Records and released TAR in 1979 but the single was not a massive hit.
The success was around the corner when Steve appeared in David Bowie 'Ashes to Ashes' promo video and the whole new romantic scene took off. They released 'Fade to Grey' on Polydor records and enjoyed a top 10 hit in the UK. Further top 20 hits followed on the back of this with 'mind of a toy', 'visage' and 'the damned don't cry'.
They also released 3 albums with 'visage' a top 20 success and 'the anvil' a top 10 and there most successful album. The band split in 1985 following some low sales but there music was the fledgling sound for the new romantic scene.
Also Steve was involved with Rusty Egan as a nightclub host and DJ respectively. They started at Billys club in Soho, London before moving to Blitz Club in Covent Garden. Steve had a strict door policy of admitting the weird and wonderful but it attracted huge success and a result they moved to Club for Heroes On Baker Street, London for 2 nights a week.
They eventually settled at Camden Palace for 2 years and became the scene for famous people to attend. When this success all died down he moved to Ibiza and became part of the new party scene hosting for the rich and famous.
Visage did reform in 2012 and released 'Hearts and Knives' album which enjoyed some moderate success and gave a blast back to the early 1980s.
RIP Steve Strange
Stuck at number 2..
This week in 1981 saw the classic synth ballad 'Vienna' by Ultravox peak at number 2 for an incredible 4 weeks and one of those tunes that was never destined to be number 1.
The single was released of there self titled album and the previous 2 offerings had made an imprint on the charts but these release was to take the charts by storm and bad luck prevented the band enjoying a chart topping hit in the UK.
Released by Chrysalis records in January 1981, the song written by the band and produced by the legendary German electrical pioneer Conny Plank had a mixture of synth fused with orchestral grand piano sound and backed by a thumping bass sound.
The song was inspired and based on the 1940s film 'The Third Man' which was based around the Austrian capital Vienna. The song rose steadily but was kept of the top spot by firstly John Lennon 'Woman' (Released following the untimely death of John Lennon) and then the novelty hit 'Shaddap your face' by Joe Dolce for a further 3 weeks.
A small consolation was that the single sold more than the number ones and also won the 1981 BRIT award.
The official Charts Company granted the song an honorary number one after a poll in 2012 saw it voted the best song never to get to number one!
The video shot by Russell Mulcahy was based mainly in London's Covent Garden and a few stills in Vienna. A classic song that sadly didn't get the top spot it deserved.
The single was released of there self titled album and the previous 2 offerings had made an imprint on the charts but these release was to take the charts by storm and bad luck prevented the band enjoying a chart topping hit in the UK.
Released by Chrysalis records in January 1981, the song written by the band and produced by the legendary German electrical pioneer Conny Plank had a mixture of synth fused with orchestral grand piano sound and backed by a thumping bass sound.
The song was inspired and based on the 1940s film 'The Third Man' which was based around the Austrian capital Vienna. The song rose steadily but was kept of the top spot by firstly John Lennon 'Woman' (Released following the untimely death of John Lennon) and then the novelty hit 'Shaddap your face' by Joe Dolce for a further 3 weeks.
A small consolation was that the single sold more than the number ones and also won the 1981 BRIT award.
The official Charts Company granted the song an honorary number one after a poll in 2012 saw it voted the best song never to get to number one!
The video shot by Russell Mulcahy was based mainly in London's Covent Garden and a few stills in Vienna. A classic song that sadly didn't get the top spot it deserved.
Kings of the wild frontier
In 1980 saw the album charts dominated by ABBA but a scally lot from London were about to unleash there post punk Burundi sound and knock the Swedish Popsters of there perch.
This week in 1981 saw Adam and the Ants rise to the top of the album charts with Kings of the Wild Frontier. Released in November 1980 the album knocked off ABBA in January 1981 and cemented there position as the most talked about group in the early 1980s.
The album was released by CBS and wasn't without it's early problems. Adam backing suffered a mass exit when music Guru the late Malcolm McLaren persuaded the band to leave and form his own supergroup Bow Wow Wow to complement the thriving New Romantic scene.
Undeterred Adam continued with his long term musical partner Marco Pirroni to finish the album. The album was three single releases in the UK and were all huge hits. The self titled song reached number 2 and this was followed by Dog eat Dog which reached number 2 and the perhaps the true Ant anthem Antmusic peaked at number 2 only kept off the top spot by John Lennon's Imagine.
The album was a huge international hit and the album received several distinctions including best selling UK album in 1981, the 1982 BRIT award for best album and was featured in the music book '1001 albums you must listen to before you die'.
The tracks on the album are:- Dog eat Dog
Antmusic
Feed me to the lions
Los Ranceros
Ants invasion
Killer in the home
Kings of the Wild Frontier
The magnificent 5
Don't be square (be there)
Jolly Roger
Making History
The human beings
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