The first Pops of '81 was actually shown on 1st January but was basically still a review of 1980, carrying on from the Christmas day show. The programme was co-hosted by Dave Lee Travis and Tommy Vance so needless to say it wasn't repeated in 2016, but just for the record here are the songs and acts that were featured.
STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing
Quo's comeback single got to No. 2 in November. The follow-up Lies was in the charts at the time but didn't go Top 10.
OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (promoclip)
Feels like this was on forever in 1980, I don't even want to count the times... But here's that clip again to keep the party rolling and keep the disco crowd happy. 10 weeks in the Top 30, peaking at no. 2
MADNESS – Baggy Trousers
The Nutty boys were the first act on TOTP '80 and here they are again in '81 after a very good year with four singles in the year's charts, and another one about to be released. Recorded festive performance of Trahziz sans audience. Watch it here.
THE JAM – Going Underground
Went straight into no. 1 back in March and stayed there for 3 weeks. In this studio performance Paul Weller is sans pinny but with a rather fetching Whaaam guitar he obviously bought with the proceedings.
BILLY PRESTON & SYREETA – With You I’m Born Again
Calming things down a bit, here's Bill and Sy giving us more of what they gave us early '80. The pair have never been seen again since.
THE DETROIT SPINNERS – Working My Way Back To You / Forgive Me Girl (Medley) ( Legs & Co.)
More four on the floor with Legs & Co. showing us how to do it best.
UB40 – Food For Thought
A surprise debut hit for the Brum multi-ethnic band or were a kind of mellow response to the neighbouring Specials. Two more hits followed during the year and there'll be new stuff an' ting in '81.
KELLY MARIE - Feels Like I’m In Love
This wee lass's debut got to no. 1 in September although sadly she failed to come up with a decent follow-up. Dooh-dooh dooh-dooh dooh-dooh.
HOT CHOCOLATE – No Doubt About It
Speaking of the Midlands, here's the late Errol and his mates with their cooool no. 2 hit from May. Like Status Quo they'd been around for years.
THE BOOMTOWN RATS – Banana Republic (promo)
These post-punkers were quite successful in updating their sound to match new styles although this recent hit was about as far as they got success-wise. But lead singer Bob Geldof has a cunning plan....
STEVIE WONDER – Masterblaster (Jammin')
Another no. 2-er (kept off the top by The mighty Police) although that wouldn't have bothered Stevie much. Possibly one of his last great tunes though. We'll see him again in '81.
We couldn't go through a Pops review without this tear-jerker which had been a hit in the summer, and predecessor to the Super Trouper album, and a story of break-uos and heartaches was to become very much the name of the game (geddit?)
THE PRETENDERS – Brass In Pocket
The first, and perhaps the best, no. 1 of 1980 wraps up the annual review rather nicely.
My thanks as always to Popscene for providing the rundown info.
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