Repeated on BBCFour 10.06.2016
Presented by: Simon Bates
Full chart here
TOTP debut: The Snowmen, Brownsauce
Duran Duran – “My Own Way” (14)
Cliff Richard – “Daddy’s Home” (2) (live clip/audience dancing)
Chas & Dave – “Stars Over 45” (36)
Godley & Crème – “Wedding Bells” (8)
Brown Sauce – “I Wanna Be A Winner” (64) (video)
Rod Stewart – “Young Turks” (23) (video)
The Snowmen – “Hokey Cokey” (40) WATCH
Jon & Vangelis – “I’ll Find My Way Home” (26) (danced to by Sue)
Status Quo – “Rock ‘N’ Roll” (12) (rpt from 03/12/81)
The Human League – “Don’t You Want Me” (1) (video)
Altered Images – “I Could Be Happy” (29) (audience dancing/credits)
Showing posts with label Simon Bates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Simon Bates. Show all posts
16 December 2016
29 October 2016
TOTP81.43 29/10/81
Repeated on BBCFour 26/05/2016
Introduced by Simon Bates
Full chart here
TOTP debut: Haircut 100, The Fureys with Davey Arthur, Trevor Walters
Altered Images – “Happy Birthday” (2)
Peak position for Clare and the gang as they do a bit of a "Vienna" and stay at no. 2 for three weeks on the trot. Note Legs & Co. 'relegated' to dancing along at the front with the audience.
Rod Stewart – “Tonight I’m Yours (Don’t Hurt Me)” (18) (video)
I doubt he'd get away with a title like that these days but anyway it was acceptable in the 80s as Rod continues to reinvent himself as pioneer of American dance music (the irony!) even with a touch of synth pop. Apparently the album of the same name (released shortly after) wasn't all like this, but he stuck to the formula for the singles.
The Fureys with Davey Arthur – “When You Were Sweet Sixteen” (22)
Dreadful folk-pop thing, probably thrust upon us by Terry Wogan. Every now and then R2 get through the net.
Olivia Newton-John – “Physical” (29) (video)
Much like Rod Stewart, Olivia was also into a re-invention process after success with Grease in the late seventies, although she'd also been given a leg-up into MOR disco/dance music by ELO with last year's Xanadu. Another album-title-track-as-single and a 'steamy' video which would make it a bit of an 80s benchmark.
Trevor Walters – “Love Me Tonight” (38)
Reggae-pop thing which will somehow get to no. 27. See you again in two weeks Trev.
B.A. Robertson & Maggie Bell – “Hold Me” (13) (rpt from 15/10/81)
Repeated boredom which will get it up to no. 11 next week.
Haircut 100 – “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)” (40)
The original Whoop! song which seemed to burst in out of nowhere. The jangly guitars went somewhat against the current synth-pop conic tendencies, just as the chunky jumpers and fresh faces went against the "New Romantic all make-up and hair" fashions, but both made for a breath of fresh air in music for the kids - the girls and boys of the title's caveat in fact. Chunky jumpers were in and were the shape of things to come.
PS. Look closely enough and you will just about see Legs & Co.'s final appearance, again pretty much among the audience but at the back this time. A sad farewell, it has to be said.
OMD – “Joan Of Arc” (21)
And they're back! After surprising the aforementioned kids and an already hard-core following with a seemingly sloppy slow song about, um, being in love and stuff, the eclectic OMD (Orchestral Manoevres in the Dark to friends) return with a song about Saint Joan of Arc, no less. Said song starts off with a soft choral sound then sort of builds up into something you can almost dance to then fades out again. There's no chorus and no 'hook' this time even, in fact you just wouldn't be able to get away with it these days although back then you could because on the whole pop music was a lot more inventive and interesting, so there. This was also a taste of the new album, snappily entitled Architecture & Morality, which was just around the corner. After this performance the single rose an amazing 14 places to go Top 10 the following week, again possibly helped along by the chunky jumper chic. Eighties greatness in the making.
Squeeze – “Labelled With Love” (9)
Speaking of the Top 10, Squeeze have made it there too and it ain't even over yet.
Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin – “It’s My Party” (1) (video/credits)
Third week at no. 1 and at the risk of boring us with another repeat (or even another studio performance) Dave 'n' Babs have done a video and posted it along to The Pops.
See ya next week!
Introduced by Simon Bates
Full chart here
TOTP debut: Haircut 100, The Fureys with Davey Arthur, Trevor Walters
Altered Images – “Happy Birthday” (2)
Peak position for Clare and the gang as they do a bit of a "Vienna" and stay at no. 2 for three weeks on the trot. Note Legs & Co. 'relegated' to dancing along at the front with the audience.
Rod Stewart – “Tonight I’m Yours (Don’t Hurt Me)” (18) (video)
I doubt he'd get away with a title like that these days but anyway it was acceptable in the 80s as Rod continues to reinvent himself as pioneer of American dance music (the irony!) even with a touch of synth pop. Apparently the album of the same name (released shortly after) wasn't all like this, but he stuck to the formula for the singles.
The Fureys with Davey Arthur – “When You Were Sweet Sixteen” (22)
Dreadful folk-pop thing, probably thrust upon us by Terry Wogan. Every now and then R2 get through the net.
Olivia Newton-John – “Physical” (29) (video)
Much like Rod Stewart, Olivia was also into a re-invention process after success with Grease in the late seventies, although she'd also been given a leg-up into MOR disco/dance music by ELO with last year's Xanadu. Another album-title-track-as-single and a 'steamy' video which would make it a bit of an 80s benchmark.
Trevor Walters – “Love Me Tonight” (38)
Reggae-pop thing which will somehow get to no. 27. See you again in two weeks Trev.
B.A. Robertson & Maggie Bell – “Hold Me” (13) (rpt from 15/10/81)
Repeated boredom which will get it up to no. 11 next week.
Haircut 100 – “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)” (40)
The original Whoop! song which seemed to burst in out of nowhere. The jangly guitars went somewhat against the current synth-pop conic tendencies, just as the chunky jumpers and fresh faces went against the "New Romantic all make-up and hair" fashions, but both made for a breath of fresh air in music for the kids - the girls and boys of the title's caveat in fact. Chunky jumpers were in and were the shape of things to come.
PS. Look closely enough and you will just about see Legs & Co.'s final appearance, again pretty much among the audience but at the back this time. A sad farewell, it has to be said.
OMD – “Joan Of Arc” (21)
And they're back! After surprising the aforementioned kids and an already hard-core following with a seemingly sloppy slow song about, um, being in love and stuff, the eclectic OMD (Orchestral Manoevres in the Dark to friends) return with a song about Saint Joan of Arc, no less. Said song starts off with a soft choral sound then sort of builds up into something you can almost dance to then fades out again. There's no chorus and no 'hook' this time even, in fact you just wouldn't be able to get away with it these days although back then you could because on the whole pop music was a lot more inventive and interesting, so there. This was also a taste of the new album, snappily entitled Architecture & Morality, which was just around the corner. After this performance the single rose an amazing 14 places to go Top 10 the following week, again possibly helped along by the chunky jumper chic. Eighties greatness in the making.
Squeeze – “Labelled With Love” (9)
Speaking of the Top 10, Squeeze have made it there too and it ain't even over yet.
Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin – “It’s My Party” (1) (video/credits)
Third week at no. 1 and at the risk of boring us with another repeat (or even another studio performance) Dave 'n' Babs have done a video and posted it along to The Pops.
See ya next week!
24 September 2016
TOTP81.38 24/09/81
Repeated on BBCFour: 13.05.2016
Introduced by Simon Bates
Full chart here
TOTP debut: Heaven 17, Japan, Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin
Quite a good show this with lots of new stuff and a few new faces too.
Slade – “Lock Up Your Daughters” (45)
Old 70s pub/glam-rockers are back and we'd already forgotten their Top 10 hit at the beginning of the year.
Alvin Stardust – “Pretend” (5)
Speaking of old glam-rockers, Alvin's doing rather well, probably due to lack of Shakin Stevens material.
Depeche Mode – “Just Can’t Get Enough” (24)
Back in the eighties, follow up to New Life makes its debut having entered the Top 40, and debut album out soon.
Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin – “It’s My Party” (36)
A bit of an odd one, and future no. 1.
Linx – “So This Is Romance” (18) (rpt from 10/09/81)
Slow progress for this one which will only make it to no. 15 next week.
Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – “Endless Love” (7) (danced to by Lulu & Jeremy)
Sloppy stuff from US crooners just showing us how far behind the Yanks were in new musical trends.
Japan – “Quiet Life” (39)
Old record label make the most of the band's increasing new-found success. Sylvian and pals play along. New album for them too soon but this isn't on it.
Heaven 17 – “Play To Win” (52)
Old Human Leaguers and new singer try hard but won't fare as well as their former comrades. New album out already perhaps. (I can never understand why Glenn Gregory looks and acts so aggressive in this)
Imagination – “In & Out Of Love” (21)
Again, it's slow progress for these saucy popsters but they'll just keep on trying until they pull it off (oo-er!)
Madness – “Shut Up” (22) (video)
Second highest new entry of the week and another anticipation of the new album.
Adam & The Ants – “Prince Charming” (1) (video)
Second week at the top and we still get the video.
The Police – “Invisible Sun” (9) (stills/credits)
This week's highest new entry and another new album for the wishlist.
Introduced by Simon Bates
Full chart here
TOTP debut: Heaven 17, Japan, Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin
Quite a good show this with lots of new stuff and a few new faces too.
Slade – “Lock Up Your Daughters” (45)
Old 70s pub/glam-rockers are back and we'd already forgotten their Top 10 hit at the beginning of the year.
Alvin Stardust – “Pretend” (5)
Speaking of old glam-rockers, Alvin's doing rather well, probably due to lack of Shakin Stevens material.
Depeche Mode – “Just Can’t Get Enough” (24)
Back in the eighties, follow up to New Life makes its debut having entered the Top 40, and debut album out soon.
Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin – “It’s My Party” (36)
A bit of an odd one, and future no. 1.
Linx – “So This Is Romance” (18) (rpt from 10/09/81)
Slow progress for this one which will only make it to no. 15 next week.
Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – “Endless Love” (7) (danced to by Lulu & Jeremy)
Sloppy stuff from US crooners just showing us how far behind the Yanks were in new musical trends.
Japan – “Quiet Life” (39)
Old record label make the most of the band's increasing new-found success. Sylvian and pals play along. New album for them too soon but this isn't on it.
Heaven 17 – “Play To Win” (52)
Old Human Leaguers and new singer try hard but won't fare as well as their former comrades. New album out already perhaps. (I can never understand why Glenn Gregory looks and acts so aggressive in this)
Imagination – “In & Out Of Love” (21)
Again, it's slow progress for these saucy popsters but they'll just keep on trying until they pull it off (oo-er!)
Madness – “Shut Up” (22) (video)
Second highest new entry of the week and another anticipation of the new album.
Adam & The Ants – “Prince Charming” (1) (video)
Second week at the top and we still get the video.
The Police – “Invisible Sun” (9) (stills/credits)
This week's highest new entry and another new album for the wishlist.
13 August 2016
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.
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.
26 June 2016
TOTP81.25 25/06/81
Repeated on BBCFour 24/03/2016
Full chart here
Presented by Simon Bates
TOTP debut: Kirsty MacColl (as solo artist), Depeche Mode.
All in all a very lacklustre show reflecting a very lacklustre chart with all those sloppy American ballads in the top spots and not much else going on. That said, there are a couple of important debuts tonight with the late Kirsty MacColl bursting onto the scene (an straight onto the cover of Smash Hits!), country 'n' western tongue firmly in cheek, and of course Basildon's finest Depeche-ay (sic.) Mode pushing forward The Sound of The New© with their second single just outside the Top 40.
Gillan – “No Laughing In Heaven” (32)
Oh dear. At no. 32 and not going anywhere much, quite rightly. His last one New Orleans got to no. 17 but this one is going to get anywhere near. He'll be featured again for a fourth single much later in the year but that one's crap too.
Elaine Paige – “Memory” (9) (pre-recorded insert) (rpt from 11/06/81)
Cats had just had its premiere in the West End and Ms. Page is obviously doing well on the back of that despite not dressing like a cat at all, at least not for this 'video'. Writers Webber and Nunn will actually go on to win the Ivor Novello Award for the song, which isn't called Memories by the way.
Kirsty MacColl – “There’s A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis” (40)
Another kind of lady singer and indeed song now. Kirsty (daughter of a folk-country singer, y'all) had been trying for quite a bit to get a hit single, starting with They Don't Know in '79 which would later become a hit for Tracey Ullmann. This one sort of rides the rockabilly-revival wave but in a very ironic and enjoyable sort of way, out-rockabillying The Polecats, Matchbox et al. It's also got that very British comedy-novelty-song sort of appeal so off you go up the charts then Kirsty. Not her first time in the TOTP studio as you may remember her on backing vocals in Jonah Lewie's kitchen back in '80.
The Evasions – “Wikka Wrap” (31)
Speaking of "British comedy-novelty-song" appeal this one has that too but, like most of its genre, is also totally annoying and a bit rubbish. For those who don't know it's a spoof of Alan Whicker RIP and his Whicker's World programme which was quite popular at the time. TOTP would've done better to have featured Wordy Rappinghood by the Tom Tom Club which was one place higher at 30, but never mind. Wikka Wrap went up to no. 20 after this feature, but then mercifully died a death.
Randy Crawford – “You Might Need Somebody” (28) (rpt from 11/06/81)
Third songstress in a row tonight - talk about Women's Lib! Randy seems to crop up now and then with a very pleasant sounding song, and no-one seems to complain much. Although an American, apparently Randy was more successful here than Stateside, so good for her, even though she wouldn't be earning half as much money.
Depeche Mode – “New Life” (43) video
So here they are for the first time: a brand new ramshackle "new wave" quartet with a daft name, funny haircuts and a few cheap keyboards which they allegedly lugged along with them on the train when they made it up to Shepherd's Bush from Basildon. Barely out of the local comprehensive, the dizzy Deps had been doing the local pubs and clubs, with their synthesizers stacked on beer crates, for quite some time before signing up to indie label Mute and then doing some more pubs and clubs with their synthesizers stacked on beer crates. This was their second single (as we all know) and one which would propel them to fame, an unexpected split, finding their feet again, bashing bits of metal, US stadium tours, S&M cross-dressing, the fall of the Eastern Bloc, heroin addiction, the return from near-death and on to dream-homes in California and New York. But before all that, please dance along to this one and hail the birth of the synth-pop genre. New life indeed.
Michael Jackson – “One Day In Your Life” (1) (Legs & Co)
After all that modernity and happy-go-lucky abandon, better get back to something boring and irksome, danced to by the Legs. Oh and it's number one would you believe. Originally recorded in 1975, this was only released as a stop-gap after the successful Off the Wall album, included on a compilation album called, er, One Day In Your Life, not to be confused with the other greatest hits album out at the time which was called The Best of Michael Jackson, also originally released in 1975 but which doesn't have One Day In Your Life on it. Woolworths shop assistants were going mad at the time.
Quincy Jones - "Razzamatazz" (26) (audience dancing/credits)
I've no idea about this one and I haven't heard/watched it either so .. see you next week!
This week's Smash Hits
Full chart here
Presented by Simon Bates
TOTP debut: Kirsty MacColl (as solo artist), Depeche Mode.
All in all a very lacklustre show reflecting a very lacklustre chart with all those sloppy American ballads in the top spots and not much else going on. That said, there are a couple of important debuts tonight with the late Kirsty MacColl bursting onto the scene (an straight onto the cover of Smash Hits!), country 'n' western tongue firmly in cheek, and of course Basildon's finest Depeche-ay (sic.) Mode pushing forward The Sound of The New© with their second single just outside the Top 40.
Gillan – “No Laughing In Heaven” (32)
Oh dear. At no. 32 and not going anywhere much, quite rightly. His last one New Orleans got to no. 17 but this one is going to get anywhere near. He'll be featured again for a fourth single much later in the year but that one's crap too.
Elaine Paige – “Memory” (9) (pre-recorded insert) (rpt from 11/06/81)
Cats had just had its premiere in the West End and Ms. Page is obviously doing well on the back of that despite not dressing like a cat at all, at least not for this 'video'. Writers Webber and Nunn will actually go on to win the Ivor Novello Award for the song, which isn't called Memories by the way.
Kirsty MacColl – “There’s A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis” (40)
Another kind of lady singer and indeed song now. Kirsty (daughter of a folk-country singer, y'all) had been trying for quite a bit to get a hit single, starting with They Don't Know in '79 which would later become a hit for Tracey Ullmann. This one sort of rides the rockabilly-revival wave but in a very ironic and enjoyable sort of way, out-rockabillying The Polecats, Matchbox et al. It's also got that very British comedy-novelty-song sort of appeal so off you go up the charts then Kirsty. Not her first time in the TOTP studio as you may remember her on backing vocals in Jonah Lewie's kitchen back in '80.
The Evasions – “Wikka Wrap” (31)
Speaking of "British comedy-novelty-song" appeal this one has that too but, like most of its genre, is also totally annoying and a bit rubbish. For those who don't know it's a spoof of Alan Whicker RIP and his Whicker's World programme which was quite popular at the time. TOTP would've done better to have featured Wordy Rappinghood by the Tom Tom Club which was one place higher at 30, but never mind. Wikka Wrap went up to no. 20 after this feature, but then mercifully died a death.
Randy Crawford – “You Might Need Somebody” (28) (rpt from 11/06/81)
Third songstress in a row tonight - talk about Women's Lib! Randy seems to crop up now and then with a very pleasant sounding song, and no-one seems to complain much. Although an American, apparently Randy was more successful here than Stateside, so good for her, even though she wouldn't be earning half as much money.
Depeche Mode – “New Life” (43) video
So here they are for the first time: a brand new ramshackle "new wave" quartet with a daft name, funny haircuts and a few cheap keyboards which they allegedly lugged along with them on the train when they made it up to Shepherd's Bush from Basildon. Barely out of the local comprehensive, the dizzy Deps had been doing the local pubs and clubs, with their synthesizers stacked on beer crates, for quite some time before signing up to indie label Mute and then doing some more pubs and clubs with their synthesizers stacked on beer crates. This was their second single (as we all know) and one which would propel them to fame, an unexpected split, finding their feet again, bashing bits of metal, US stadium tours, S&M cross-dressing, the fall of the Eastern Bloc, heroin addiction, the return from near-death and on to dream-homes in California and New York. But before all that, please dance along to this one and hail the birth of the synth-pop genre. New life indeed.
Michael Jackson – “One Day In Your Life” (1) (Legs & Co)
After all that modernity and happy-go-lucky abandon, better get back to something boring and irksome, danced to by the Legs. Oh and it's number one would you believe. Originally recorded in 1975, this was only released as a stop-gap after the successful Off the Wall album, included on a compilation album called, er, One Day In Your Life, not to be confused with the other greatest hits album out at the time which was called The Best of Michael Jackson, also originally released in 1975 but which doesn't have One Day In Your Life on it. Woolworths shop assistants were going mad at the time.
Quincy Jones - "Razzamatazz" (26) (audience dancing/credits)
I've no idea about this one and I haven't heard/watched it either so .. see you next week!
This week's Smash Hits
28 May 2016
TOTP81.21 28/5/81
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.
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.
1 April 2016
TOTP81.13 2/04/81
Repeated on BBCFour 12/02/2016
Full chart here
Presented by Simon Bates
TOTP debut: Children Of Tansley School, Sugar Minott.
Here we are again and it's April, a wicked month according to some, and we start off with a TOTP as thick as treacle. Some new faces, some new songs although six out of the thirteen featured aren't in the Top 30 and one isn't even near anywhere. Let's get crackin' Simes.
Stiff Little Fingers - Just Fade Away
An energetic start with a somewhat re-vamped Fingers at no.47. Apparently they were told to behave themselves a bit better after last year's shambolic At the Edge performance,. Notwithstanding their somewhat better behaviour this one did indeed fade away.
Dave Stewart & Colin Blunstone – What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted?
A repeat of the studio performance for this cover version now at 17. Spoiler alert: we won't see them again until Christmas.
Light Of The World – Time
More outside the charts wannabes hoping to cash-in on the success of their stablemates Beggar & Co. When it actually gets to the dizzy heights of no. 35 this will be the modestly named Light of the World's biggest 'hit'. By the way they'd already been on The Pops this year with 'I Shot the Sheriff', yewtreed out in 2016.
Liquid Gold - Don't Panic
They just don't give up do they? One place above the Light and still gutted over not getting to no. 1 last year, and to make matters worse this one wasn't chosen as a "Song for Europe" either. The Great British public duly respond by getting this one all the way up to no. 42. Their next single will appropriately be entitled Where Did We Go Wrong?
Stevie Wonder - Lately (video)
Meanwhile in the upper echelons of the chart we hit snooze-ville once more with a Stevie Wonder 'classic'. Mind you if you think this is bad, just wait for Stevie's next single. And he's still sporting the 'big perm' look. When was this video made? 1979?
The Jacksons - Can You Feel It?
Third single from last year's Triumph album and third time lucky it is as it's a hit at last, after the less memorable Lovely One and, er, Heartbreak Hotel singles. A bit of a stomper although it's clear that American dance/disco music is still so clearly stuck in the late seventies. Li'l bro Michael will soon take care of that though.
Children Of Tansley School – My Mum Is One In A Million
Perhaps unsurprisingly, I know very little about this single and its story although we suggest you refer to the excellent World's Worst Records blog for further reading. The only obvious thing is that again they were trying to cash-in on the success of a predecessor: St Winifred's School Choir and their Grandma song, a hit over Christmas. There had already been a "Granddad" one so they went for "Mum" instead, possibly in view of Easter/Mother's Day and all that. I don't think "Dads" ever got a similar treatment, unless you the reader can prove otherwise. This lot are cute enough but they won't be coming back. They're not even a proper 'choir'.
Sugar Minott – Good Thing Going (We’ve Got A Good Thing Going)
Better get back to the groove. A debut if I'm not very much mistaken and indeed a one-hit wonder. Pity really as, in hindsight, this was quite good and Sugar could've done some more just as good as this.
Lena Zavaroni – Roses & Rainbows
Were it not for the fact that Ms Zavaroni is sadly no longer with us, we might have a few bones to pick with her about how she managed to get her own TV series on BBC One and get on to The Pops without even being anywhere near the charts, and for the second year running! Don't know about audience ratings for her series(s) but record sales were practically zilch! Cynical as we are, we can only conclude that Lena had a lot of friends in high places. One day the truth will out. Rest in peace Lena.
Spandau Ballet - Musclebound
With most of the high-flyers having already been featured last week, The Pops people really have had to dig quite deep to get some new stuff on and we're now way down at no. 53 to drag up the not particularly muscular Spandau Ballet and their third single, a remix of the track from their Journeys to Glory album. It's a bit of a dirge and on the face of it the 'other' A side Glow might have been a better choice to showcase. Nevertheless this performance did the Spans no harm and they're Top 10-bound.
Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up
Eurovision now literally only days away and so here's a repeat of that performance from two week's back, as The Fizz are no doubt busy rehearsing their routine somewhere in Dublin as we speak. Good luck chaps! At no. 5 in the charts now anyway.
Top 10 countdown, featuring Bucks Fizz in a video clip that looks like it was made in the Soviet Union.
Shakin' Stevens - This Ole House
Still at no. 1 and what appears to be a new studio performance, much like the old one except it features - shock! horror! - male dancers accompanying the five Legs! Sacrilege! Whatever next?
The times they are a-changing.
Play out: The Nolans – Attention To Me
..and I'd really like to know who that guy in the red jumper and school tie is/was. I want to shake his hand.
5 February 2016
TOTP81.5 5/2/81
Fist shown 5 February 1981
Presented by Simon Bates.
Repeated on BBCFour from
Full chart here
It's February already, and 1981 starts to get into some kind of swing although don't get too excited this is still a pretty poor show with lots of repeats and some rubbish. And Simon Bates is wearing a bloody awful jacket.
Stray Cats - Rock This Town
You may remember The Cats' debut last year with Top 10-er Runaway Boys. Now they're back with their new one which would do equally as well. Album coming soon. . .and there's some pretty wild-cat dancing going on the studio I'm pleased to say.
Blondie - Rapture
Blondie were stuck at no. 5 with this one and with all the jostling for the top going on, it never got any higher. Album Autoamerican had a slight recovery though in its eleventh week on the chart. Amazingly also this week the Yanks still had The Tide Is High at no. 1 although Rapture would also get to the top of the Billboard 100, making it the first single to feature "rapping" to achieve such a feat.
Spandau Ballet - The Freeze
A repeat of the performance from three weeks back. "Difficult second single" The Freeze was flailing a bit at no. 17 and indeed wouldn't get any higher - rather a disappointment after To Cut a Long Story Short. But they also had an album coming out pretty soon, and a cunning plan for their next single.
Fred Wedlock - The Oldest Swinger in Town
But of course this being Great Britain we can easily pass from the 'futurist' avant-garde (a clue) pop of Spandau Ballet to the ridiculous folk-pop songery of Fred Wedlock (real name Peter Frederick Wedlock). Bristol born Fred had been doing the rounds as a folk singer for ages before becoming Britain's latest pop sensation (cough), with this his one and only hit. One wonders about what the term 'swinger' actually refers too (oo-er), and in fact this one was edited out of the early evening repeat. It's all Noel Edmonds' fault of course. RIP Fred who passed away in 2010.
Rainbow - I Surrender
A healthy slice of Anglo-American c*ck-rock from Rainbow, who had recruited some new guys for the new album Difficult To Cure, including singer Joe Lynn Turner (real name Joe Lynn Turner). Already stonking its way up to no. 12 and would go on to do even better. Heavy metal for the 80s.
Dire Straits - Romeo and Juliet
Another repeat from a couple of weeks back and now Knopfler and pals were up to no. 11. Fun fact: the song itself, written by Knopfler, was inspired by his failed romance with Holly Vincent, lead singer of the short-lived band Holly and The Italians. Thank you wikipedia for that.
XTC - Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)
Much like Spandau, XTC also were struggling a bit although au contraire this repeat would give them a good boost up the cahrts - or was it the special 7" fold out sleeve that helped them along a bit? Who cares...it remains a great track!
Cliff Richard - A Little in Love
A belated release form last year's I'm No Hero album which had already spawned Top 10 single Dreamin' last summer. Somebody obviously wanted to go with the success of Suddenly with ONJ and rush released this one. For me, nowhere near as good as anything and it peaks here at no. 15.
The Passions - I'm in Love With a German Film Star
Something really really great at last. Absolutely loved this since I first heard it and always remember this epic TOTP performance too, not least due to the fact that I fell in love with singer Barbara Gogan on the spot. It's a lovely song full of adolescent ennui which was right on my wavelength at the time. It's a shoe-gazing song even before the term 'shoe gazing' had been invented. I've read that there have been plenty of cover versions made of this song over the years but I really don't want to hear any of them. This is already perfection.
Joe Dolce - Shadappa Your Face
Oh dear. Never has the term 'from the sublime to the ridiculous' been more appropriate. This is irritating, racist and downright crap. Needless to say the next time we hear it it will be at no. 1.
John Lennon - Woman
Imagine gets knocked off the top spot only to be replaced by Lennon's new single Woman which had been biding its time for a couple of weeks. Phil Collins and indeed Ultravox left very disappointed, although the latter will certainly have to get used to it.
The no. 1 video plays out over the credits - was this a TOTP first? Answers on a postcard and I'll see you next week...
Presented by Simon Bates.
Repeated on BBCFour from
Full chart here
Stray Cats - Rock This Town
You may remember The Cats' debut last year with Top 10-er Runaway Boys. Now they're back with their new one which would do equally as well. Album coming soon. . .and there's some pretty wild-cat dancing going on the studio I'm pleased to say.
Blondie - Rapture
Blondie were stuck at no. 5 with this one and with all the jostling for the top going on, it never got any higher. Album Autoamerican had a slight recovery though in its eleventh week on the chart. Amazingly also this week the Yanks still had The Tide Is High at no. 1 although Rapture would also get to the top of the Billboard 100, making it the first single to feature "rapping" to achieve such a feat.
Spandau Ballet - The Freeze
A repeat of the performance from three weeks back. "Difficult second single" The Freeze was flailing a bit at no. 17 and indeed wouldn't get any higher - rather a disappointment after To Cut a Long Story Short. But they also had an album coming out pretty soon, and a cunning plan for their next single.
Fred Wedlock - The Oldest Swinger in Town
But of course this being Great Britain we can easily pass from the 'futurist' avant-garde (a clue) pop of Spandau Ballet to the ridiculous folk-pop songery of Fred Wedlock (real name Peter Frederick Wedlock). Bristol born Fred had been doing the rounds as a folk singer for ages before becoming Britain's latest pop sensation (cough), with this his one and only hit. One wonders about what the term 'swinger' actually refers too (oo-er), and in fact this one was edited out of the early evening repeat. It's all Noel Edmonds' fault of course. RIP Fred who passed away in 2010.
Rainbow - I Surrender
A healthy slice of Anglo-American c*ck-rock from Rainbow, who had recruited some new guys for the new album Difficult To Cure, including singer Joe Lynn Turner (real name Joe Lynn Turner). Already stonking its way up to no. 12 and would go on to do even better. Heavy metal for the 80s.
Dire Straits - Romeo and Juliet
Another repeat from a couple of weeks back and now Knopfler and pals were up to no. 11. Fun fact: the song itself, written by Knopfler, was inspired by his failed romance with Holly Vincent, lead singer of the short-lived band Holly and The Italians. Thank you wikipedia for that.
XTC - Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)
Much like Spandau, XTC also were struggling a bit although au contraire this repeat would give them a good boost up the cahrts - or was it the special 7" fold out sleeve that helped them along a bit? Who cares...it remains a great track!
Cliff Richard - A Little in Love
A belated release form last year's I'm No Hero album which had already spawned Top 10 single Dreamin' last summer. Somebody obviously wanted to go with the success of Suddenly with ONJ and rush released this one. For me, nowhere near as good as anything and it peaks here at no. 15.
The Passions - I'm in Love With a German Film Star
Something really really great at last. Absolutely loved this since I first heard it and always remember this epic TOTP performance too, not least due to the fact that I fell in love with singer Barbara Gogan on the spot. It's a lovely song full of adolescent ennui which was right on my wavelength at the time. It's a shoe-gazing song even before the term 'shoe gazing' had been invented. I've read that there have been plenty of cover versions made of this song over the years but I really don't want to hear any of them. This is already perfection.
Joe Dolce - Shadappa Your Face
Oh dear. Never has the term 'from the sublime to the ridiculous' been more appropriate. This is irritating, racist and downright crap. Needless to say the next time we hear it it will be at no. 1.
John Lennon - Woman
Imagine gets knocked off the top spot only to be replaced by Lennon's new single Woman which had been biding its time for a couple of weeks. Phil Collins and indeed Ultravox left very disappointed, although the latter will certainly have to get used to it.
The no. 1 video plays out over the credits - was this a TOTP first? Answers on a postcard and I'll see you next week...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)