23 July 2016

TOTP81.29 23/07/81


Repeated on BBCFour: 31/03/2016
Presenter: Richard Skinner
Full chart here



The Vapors – “Jimmie Jones” (44)
A bit of a comeback after their top 3 hit Turning Japanese all of 18 months ago. This is a bit rubbish however and not helped by the sheer length of the singer's mullet, approx. 3 years too early. At no. 44 and got no higher.

Sheena Easton – “For Your Eyes Only” (16) (video)
Apparently "for the first time on British television" and according to Skinner something for those who like James Bond and Sheena Easton, which is hardly surprising as it's the new James Bond movie theme sung by Sheena Easton. Fun fact 1: Sheena Easton is the first Bond theme singer to actually appear in the film; Fun Fact 2: Blondie also recorded a song called For Your Eyes Only for the movie but it was rejected.

Shakin’ Stevens – “Green Door” (22)
New one for Shakey, straight in at no. 22 and obviously the nation's favourite record/artist at the time judging by what happens next. 1981? It might as well be 1958.



REO Speedwagon – “Take It On The Run” (28) (video)
American AOR/MOR. "Take it on the run, baby - exactly where you want it, baby". Ummm...

ABBA – “Lay All Your Love On Me” (7) (Legs & Co)
By Abba's standards this one didn't really get very high, perhaps due to the fact that it was a 'limited edition' 12" only release, so they probably ran out before it could get to the top like their previous two singles. That said, it was the highest charting position achieved for a 12-inch only release in the UK  at the time. Legs do their best to 'interpret' the song and the abandoned church stage-set is perhaps inspired by the song's opening chords which sound like they're played on a church organ, and the chorus is, well, choir-esque. Quite why they choose to dance in their nighties/pyjamas/knickerbockers is, however, beyond us. Skilfully covered by Erasure some years into the future.

Tight Fit – “Back To The ‘60s” (30)
Another one of those annoying medley singles, which time (up to now) had largely forgotten. Destined to ruin your summer.

Visage – “Visage” (25) (video)
Steve Strange et al scraping the barrel somewhat issuing the titular track off eponymous album, but any excuse to dress up for a video, eh Steve? Plus it was sort of their manifesto .. "new styles, new shapes" etc. Video directed by Midge Ure, who also had a hand in writing, playing, producing and God knows what else, which makes it sound very Ultravox-y.

Chart rundown from 20 'right up to' no. 11.



Gidea Park – “Beach Boy Gold” (35)
More cover-medley rubbish. Will also ruin your summer.

The Specials – “Ghost Town” (1) (rpt)
"A great song" .. at no. 1 for third and final week.

Starsound – “Stars On 45 Volume 2” (2) (Legs & Co/credits)
More Legs & co. in white dresses. At least this one was a medley of Abba songs. Hilarious seeing selected pubescent punters trying to "impress" Legs.




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