Repeated on BBCFour 10/03/2016
Full chart here
Presented by Simon Bates
TOTP debut: Champaign (video)
A rather lacklustre show tonight, which is what seems to happen in TOTP-land after you've had a couple of good 'uns. To make things worse it's presented by the forever-irritating Simon Bates in his beige jacket. Here's the line-up with a few comments although time is tight so if you're looking for more insight (that ryhmes) go over to SOTC80s, who do it all so much better.
Polecats – “Rockabilly Guy” (36)
Follow-up to their cover of John, I'm Only Dancing and did equally as badly, both reaching no.35, which is quite an achievement in itself.
Champaign – “How ‘Bout Us” (11)
mis-spelling? Yeah, Cham-pain more like.
UB40 – “Don’t Let It Pass You By” (16)
Multi-cultural Brummies quietly continue with their string of hits, and even more to come.
Tenpole Tudor – “Swords Of A Thousand Men” (6) (rpt)
Is it just me who thinks the singer looks like the latest Doctor Who? Maybe it was him. Inexplicably at no. 6.
Vangelis – “Chariots Of Fire” (25) (video)
Now doing well at the box office, and so likewise in the record shops (remember those?). In 2016 Vangelis' timeless theme and 'classic' video contrast with a rather dated and dour film.
Enigma – “Ain’t No Stopping” (17) (Legs & Co)
More US disco-leftovers from the 70s, but Legs lap it up.
Hazel O’Connor – “Will You?” (23)
And more 'leftovers' as Hazel gets another hit with an old song from last year's Breaking Glass she probably didn't want to do anymore. But this sort of thing will happen quite a lot from now on. Japan (band), get ready.
Coast To Coast – “Let’s Jump The Broomstick” (30)
Enough rockabilly-revivals already. But I think I already said that a few months ago. Will get to 28 but it's the end of the road for this lot.
Kim Carnes – “Bette Davies Eyes” (10) (video)
America's idea of 'the eighties' and compared to a lot of other dross it's doing deservedly well over here too.
Adam & The Ants – “Stand & Deliver” (1) (video)
Fourth week at the top and it still ain't over.
George Harrison - "All Those Years Ago" (13) (audience dancing/credits)
This was actually the week's highest new entry, and some indication that John Lennon hadn't quite been forgotten yet. The record also features the other two remaining Beatles.
28 May 2016
20 May 2016
TOTP81.20 21/5/81
Not repeated on BBCFour in 2016
Full chart here
Presented by Dave Lee Travis
TOTP debut: (all tried and trusted acts this week)
After last week's super-short show due to FA Cup Final replay (won by Spurs) we're back to 'normal' this week although for obvious reasons this show was not repeated this time around. Shame really as it was another bumper show full of Great British (and Irish) talent performing loads of good music.
Setlist shamelessly ripped from Popscene), with thanks:
The Undertones – “It’s Going To Happen” (21)
Second outing for this one, this time sans armband.
Shakin’ Stevens – “You Drive Me Crazy” (2)
Title probably referes to Adam and his Ants in his Pants , as Shakin' ends up doing a bit of a Vienna by being no. 2 for a very long time.
Smokey Robinson – “Being With You” (23)
Sloppy, smoochy, girlie stuff which should never have made it over to this country. I blame Margaret Thatcher.
Toyah – “I Want To Be Free” (13)
Easy to forget how popular Toyah was/were in 1981. The second of four Top-tenners this year.
Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final Squad/Chas & Dave – “Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley)” (5)
Obviously gone up because they won. Repeat studio performance.
The Teardrop Explodes – “Treason (It’s Just A Story)” (18)
Julian Cope and co. go up a bit more into the Top 20. End of the road for this one but they'll be back.
Stray Cats – “Stray Cat Strut” (11) (Legs & Co)
If you're wondering what legs did to this then see here (warning: contains DLT getting hot under the collar).
The Human League – “The Sound Of The Crowd” (15)
All too brief world domination by former board game faction The Human League really takes off here with the second, even more brash performance of their first hit. Phil Oakey has forgotten to wear a shirt for the occasion. Watch here.
Kim Wilde – “Chequered Love” (4)
Sadly Kim has remembered to put hers on but an enjoyable promo vid nonetheless. Top 5 but she won't reach such giddy heights again until 1986.
The Beat – “All Out To Get You” (25)
Another repeat and attempt to get a Big Hit out of this, but despite thsi one doing a yo-yo in the coming weeks it's the last we'll see of them.
Duran Duran – “Careless Memories” (37)
Now this is interesting: Duran Duran's follow-up to first hit Planet Earth and nearly one that sent them "down the dumper" as someone used to say. The non-success of Careless Mammaries (sic.) (off the newly released debut album) nearly meant they went off into New Romantic oblivion (hello Classix Nouveaux) although as we all know that just didn't happen. A bit o a rarity this so have a look here (warning: contains DLT picking his nose). This is also the one famously presented by Tony Blackburn on the Top 40 radio show as by Durran Durran ..
Adam & The Ants – “Stand & Deliver” (1) (video)
Third week at numero uno for the dandy highwayman.
play out to:
Quincy Jones - "Ai No Corrida" (audience dancing/credits)
Up to 14 but that's quite enough thankyou.
Full chart here
Presented by Dave Lee Travis
TOTP debut: (all tried and trusted acts this week)
After last week's super-short show due to FA Cup Final replay (won by Spurs) we're back to 'normal' this week although for obvious reasons this show was not repeated this time around. Shame really as it was another bumper show full of Great British (and Irish) talent performing loads of good music.
Setlist shamelessly ripped from Popscene), with thanks:
The Undertones – “It’s Going To Happen” (21)
Second outing for this one, this time sans armband.
Shakin’ Stevens – “You Drive Me Crazy” (2)
Title probably referes to Adam and his Ants in his Pants , as Shakin' ends up doing a bit of a Vienna by being no. 2 for a very long time.
Smokey Robinson – “Being With You” (23)
Sloppy, smoochy, girlie stuff which should never have made it over to this country. I blame Margaret Thatcher.
Toyah – “I Want To Be Free” (13)
Easy to forget how popular Toyah was/were in 1981. The second of four Top-tenners this year.
Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final Squad/Chas & Dave – “Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley)” (5)
Obviously gone up because they won. Repeat studio performance.
The Teardrop Explodes – “Treason (It’s Just A Story)” (18)
Julian Cope and co. go up a bit more into the Top 20. End of the road for this one but they'll be back.
Stray Cats – “Stray Cat Strut” (11) (Legs & Co)
If you're wondering what legs did to this then see here (warning: contains DLT getting hot under the collar).
The Human League – “The Sound Of The Crowd” (15)
All too brief world domination by former board game faction The Human League really takes off here with the second, even more brash performance of their first hit. Phil Oakey has forgotten to wear a shirt for the occasion. Watch here.
Kim Wilde – “Chequered Love” (4)
Sadly Kim has remembered to put hers on but an enjoyable promo vid nonetheless. Top 5 but she won't reach such giddy heights again until 1986.
The Beat – “All Out To Get You” (25)
Another repeat and attempt to get a Big Hit out of this, but despite thsi one doing a yo-yo in the coming weeks it's the last we'll see of them.
Duran Duran – “Careless Memories” (37)
Now this is interesting: Duran Duran's follow-up to first hit Planet Earth and nearly one that sent them "down the dumper" as someone used to say. The non-success of Careless Mammaries (sic.) (off the newly released debut album) nearly meant they went off into New Romantic oblivion (hello Classix Nouveaux) although as we all know that just didn't happen. A bit o a rarity this so have a look here (warning: contains DLT picking his nose). This is also the one famously presented by Tony Blackburn on the Top 40 radio show as by Durran Durran ..
Adam & The Ants – “Stand & Deliver” (1) (video)
Third week at numero uno for the dandy highwayman.
play out to:
Quincy Jones - "Ai No Corrida" (audience dancing/credits)
Up to 14 but that's quite enough thankyou.
14 May 2016
TOTP81.19 14/5/81
Repeated on BBCFour 04/03/2016
Full chart here
Presented by Tommy Vance
TOTP debut: Kim Carnes (video)
Shorter edition due to Spurs vs. Man City FA Cup replay scheduled on the same night. Interestingly it was Tomorrow's World that got the chop on the night and TOTP was brought forward, testament to its importance in the BBC palimpsest at the time.
Anyway here are the songs that were featured:
Thin Lizzy – Are You Ready? (24)
Sheena Easton – When He Shines (23) (repeat from 30/04/81)
Department S – Is Vic There? (22)
Kim Carnes – Bette Davies Eyes (20) (video)
Tenpole Tudor – Swords Of A Thousand Men (10)
Adam & The Ants – Stand & Deliver (1) (video/credits)
No Legs & Co, of course and Kim Carnes was the only new thing, and quite rightly as she had entered the Top 30/40 at n. 20.
Had it not been for the short edition then The Human League would have featured again as they had entered the Top 30 but no matter as they were up to no. 15 the following week, presumably just on the strength of radio play. Their 2016 TOTP jinx starts next week though as it's DLT at the helm.
Madness were up to no. 4 which may have warrnted a studio appearance this week. Alas they were down next week though so Grey Day was never seen again.
..and of course Spurs and Chas n Dave were riding high and thanks to tonight's result go even higher next week but again not shown in 2016 due to DLT ban.
Anyway, speaking of which, we're off to see the football. T'ra!
Full chart here
Presented by Tommy Vance
TOTP debut: Kim Carnes (video)
Shorter edition due to Spurs vs. Man City FA Cup replay scheduled on the same night. Interestingly it was Tomorrow's World that got the chop on the night and TOTP was brought forward, testament to its importance in the BBC palimpsest at the time.
 |
| pic. and listing source Popscene |
Thin Lizzy – Are You Ready? (24)
Sheena Easton – When He Shines (23) (repeat from 30/04/81)
Department S – Is Vic There? (22)
Kim Carnes – Bette Davies Eyes (20) (video)
Tenpole Tudor – Swords Of A Thousand Men (10)
Adam & The Ants – Stand & Deliver (1) (video/credits)
No Legs & Co, of course and Kim Carnes was the only new thing, and quite rightly as she had entered the Top 30/40 at n. 20.
Had it not been for the short edition then The Human League would have featured again as they had entered the Top 30 but no matter as they were up to no. 15 the following week, presumably just on the strength of radio play. Their 2016 TOTP jinx starts next week though as it's DLT at the helm.
Madness were up to no. 4 which may have warrnted a studio appearance this week. Alas they were down next week though so Grey Day was never seen again.
..and of course Spurs and Chas n Dave were riding high and thanks to tonight's result go even higher next week but again not shown in 2016 due to DLT ban.
Anyway, speaking of which, we're off to see the football. T'ra!
7 May 2016
TOTP81.18 07/05/2016
Not Repeated on BBCFour
Full chart here
Presented by Peter Powell
TOTP debut: Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final Squad, Starsound
This show actually went out live, which is apparently why there is no longer any 'broadas quality' recordings to be repeated. Shame becuase it was quite a cracker of a show. Anyway thanks to Popscene for the listing and handily bracketed chart positions.
Kim Wilde – Chequered Love (32)
Follow up to Kids in America and the Wilde family just keeps on getting better. Work on debut album in progress.
Stray Cats – Stray Cat Strut” (26) (video)
Another follow-up single, and one which would become their signature tune in years to come. Third one from their debut album.
Shakin’ Stevens – You Drive Me Crazy (5)
Yet another follow up! And after his no. 1 smash, Shaky's already up at no. 5.
Keith Marshall – Only Crying (12)
This one's a bit more familiar and seems to have been hanging around for yonks. At its peak now and a TOTP adieu for Keith and his teeth.
Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final Squad/Chas & Dave – Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley) (45)
Another newbie with the Spurs FA Cup squad following that all British tradition of football teams doing pop songs. This one might be a bit of a novelty though as they got some professional mates in to give them a hand. FA Cup final was played two days later. Spoiler here.
Eddy Grant – Can’t Get Enough Of You (13)
Again like Keith MArshall seems to have been doing the rounds for quite a bit, and like MArshall's effort the record buying public say 'no more!' to this one too. But he'll be back.
Starsound – Stars On 45 (2) (Legs & Co)
The 'starsound' medley records were one of those aspects of 1981 music that are often forgotten, and perhaps understandably so. Annoying then as now, but boy did they shift the units.
REO Speedwagon – Keep On Loving You (21) (video)
Yawnsome American AOR although perhaps their best known tune, and Top 10-bound.
The Nolans – Attention To Me (9)
Speaking of the Top 10, the nations best loved siblings are on again, and at their peak this time around.
The Undertones – It’s Going To Happen (36)
Ooo some daring post-punk bands still getting through even though they've tarted up their sound somewhat with trendy horns and things. All the more daringly the song was actually about the Maze prisoners hunger strikes led by Bobby Sands, and even more ironically sands died just two days before the show went out, hence black arm band worn by one of the song's writers Damian O'Neill.
Adam & The Ants – Stand & Deliver (1) (video)
And yet another follow up yet this one beats them all going straight in at no. 1, a feat achieved at a time when it really was a, er, feat to achieve. Not in the studio but flashy new video to show off in all its panto glory, Diana Dors included.
Starsound – Stars On 45 (2) (audience dancing/credits)
Again? Oh well....
See you "next week".
Full chart here
Presented by Peter Powell
TOTP debut: Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final Squad, Starsound
This show actually went out live, which is apparently why there is no longer any 'broadas quality' recordings to be repeated. Shame becuase it was quite a cracker of a show. Anyway thanks to Popscene for the listing and handily bracketed chart positions.
Kim Wilde – Chequered Love (32)
Follow up to Kids in America and the Wilde family just keeps on getting better. Work on debut album in progress.
Stray Cats – Stray Cat Strut” (26) (video)
Another follow-up single, and one which would become their signature tune in years to come. Third one from their debut album.
Shakin’ Stevens – You Drive Me Crazy (5)
Yet another follow up! And after his no. 1 smash, Shaky's already up at no. 5.
Keith Marshall – Only Crying (12)
This one's a bit more familiar and seems to have been hanging around for yonks. At its peak now and a TOTP adieu for Keith and his teeth.
Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final Squad/Chas & Dave – Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley) (45)
Another newbie with the Spurs FA Cup squad following that all British tradition of football teams doing pop songs. This one might be a bit of a novelty though as they got some professional mates in to give them a hand. FA Cup final was played two days later. Spoiler here.
Eddy Grant – Can’t Get Enough Of You (13)
Again like Keith MArshall seems to have been doing the rounds for quite a bit, and like MArshall's effort the record buying public say 'no more!' to this one too. But he'll be back.
Starsound – Stars On 45 (2) (Legs & Co)
The 'starsound' medley records were one of those aspects of 1981 music that are often forgotten, and perhaps understandably so. Annoying then as now, but boy did they shift the units.
REO Speedwagon – Keep On Loving You (21) (video)
Yawnsome American AOR although perhaps their best known tune, and Top 10-bound.
The Nolans – Attention To Me (9)
Speaking of the Top 10, the nations best loved siblings are on again, and at their peak this time around.
The Undertones – It’s Going To Happen (36)
Ooo some daring post-punk bands still getting through even though they've tarted up their sound somewhat with trendy horns and things. All the more daringly the song was actually about the Maze prisoners hunger strikes led by Bobby Sands, and even more ironically sands died just two days before the show went out, hence black arm band worn by one of the song's writers Damian O'Neill.
Adam & The Ants – Stand & Deliver (1) (video)
And yet another follow up yet this one beats them all going straight in at no. 1, a feat achieved at a time when it really was a, er, feat to achieve. Not in the studio but flashy new video to show off in all its panto glory, Diana Dors included.
Starsound – Stars On 45 (2) (audience dancing/credits)
Again? Oh well....
See you "next week".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)