TOTP81.32 13/08/81

Repeated on BBCFour 07/04/2016
Presented by Simon Bates
Full chart here

TOTP debut: Soft Cell, Aneka

Duran Duran – “Girls On Film” (6)
Duran open up the show as they did two weeks ago although this time with even more vigour and confidence! Will reach its no. 5 peak next week.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – “Hooked On Classics” (2) (video)
Another one we saw two weeks ago, and with Shaky at no. 1 they obviously ain't gonna go much higher.

Soft Cell – “Tainted Love” (26)
ooo.. this is new! this is interesting! they look a bit weedy though...will this ever be a hit?

Kim Wilde – “Water On Glass” (13)
Another one we sw two weeks ago and this time it's also a repeat showing. Will reach no. 11 peak next week.

Bill Wyman – “(Si Si) Je Suis Un Rock Star” (22)
As above.

Startrax – “Startrax Club Disco” (27) (Legs & Co)
Another medley, sigh.

Aneka – “Japanese Boy” (19)
Something else new, and a bit of a novelty hit.

ELO – “Hold On Tight” (9) (video)
This one had been ignored last week when it had already gone top 20, but no matter as this week it's gone top 10, testament to their popularity at the time.

Shakin’ Stevens – “Green Door” (1)

UB40 – “One In Ten” (23) (audience dancing/credits)
Those "politically aware" Brummies are back, and heading for the Top 10 again.

TOTP81.30 30/07/81

Repeated on BBCFour 01/04/2016
Presented by Steve Wright
Full chart here

TOTP debut: Bill Wyman (as solo artist)

Last show of the month during the heady days of summer and the decade seems finally to be taking shape musically with some "classic" eighties acts taking part. Plus a novelty hit for Stones bass player Bill Wyman and of course a medley hit too, this time by the RPO.


Duran Duran – “Girls On Film” (23)
Back with a vengeance after the non-hit Careless Memories, and with what will become one of their better known songs. Renewed confidence, vigour and a saucy video (not shown here).

Kim Wilde – “Water On Glass” (35)
Another hit for Kim, with her bro & pals, although this one will just fail to go Top 10.

Depeche Mode – “New Life” (12)
Still gradually climbing although the Top 10 will also prove out of reach for this one too even after going up one more notch next week.

Bill Wyman – “(Si Si) Je Suis un Rock Star” (36)
Here's the summer novelty hit for stone (sorry) faced Bill. Will be a hit although his solo career practically ends here.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – “Hooked On Classics” (7) (Legs & Co)
The almost obligatory medley song on this week, as the RPO toffs cash in on the craze. I must admit this one did introduce me to a lot of classics though. Starsiund Abba edley going down this week, by the way.

The Undertones – “Julie Ocean” (45)
Uncharacteristically slow one for these post-punkers. Obviously not even the fans liked it as it didn't go Top 40.

Stevie Wonder – “Happy Birthday” (4) (video)
Yes well, it's this one which you will have heard a million times since. Gets to no. 2 next week.

Spandau Ballet – “Chant No.1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On)” (3) (video)
This is more like it - Spandau Ballet in their funky phase with gritty, sweaty video to go with it. This as far as it goes though for this one.

Shakin’ Stevens – “Green Door” (1) (rpt from 23/07/81)
All the way up from no. 22 and the first of four weeks at no. 1.

The Jacksons - "Walk Right Now" (15) (audience dancing/credits)
Will go Top 10 next week.

See ya!