Some great music from the 80s, no.47
Loose Ends. Mr.Bachelor
Loose Ends are one of the great under-appreciate British soul groups, whose 80s output is typified by this mid-tempo, percussive rhythm backed song with its lyrics about male infidelity (from the mistress' perspective). Jane Eugene distinctive voice alongside the infectious groove make this one of my favourite UK soul/dance records from that era. (They also did a great cover of Dexter Wansel's Sweetest Pain.)
Some great music from the 80s, no.46
Shalamar. A Night to Remember
This slice of LA-based pop-disco is a great bouncy eminently danceable party record. Driven by a strident drum sound typical of early 80s disco & a great bass line, its a classic pick-up record, enlivened by Shalamar's characteristic ensemble vocals. There's nothing particularly subtle going on here, but sometimes you just need to bounce on to the dance floor forgot it all (especially right now!).
Some great music from the 80s, no.45
Blue Rondo a La Turk. Klactoveesedstein
Taking its title (and lyrical anchor) from a 1940's Charile Parker composition (likely reflecting a bit of hip bop nonsense speak), Blue Rondo's eclectic frantic percussive jazz-pop is a great romp. Rooted in the arch club-culture of early 1980s London, it also a reflects a hip nostalgia for 1940s New York bebop culture. Not much like anything else, it a great three & half minutes.
Some great music from the 80s, no.44
Valentine Brothers. Money's Too Tight to Mention
Subsequently covered by Simply Red (not too shabbily), the Valentine Brothers signature hit is a great bit of 80s soul, with its introductory saxophone solo & its burbling rhythm backing. Its (timeless) political lyrics seem particularly apposite right now & are delivered passionately against its mid-tempo dance arrangement. its a personal favourite. Yup, money is too tight!
Some great music from the 80s, no.43
Cameo. Word UP
Having for much of the 70s been a relatively mainstream funk band, in the 1980s Cameo developed a much more muscular hard-edged percussive dance sound. This is best typified by Word Up, with its sparse, crisp rhythm arrangement, funky keyboard refrain & strident vocals. There's nothing subtle going on here, but its a great record. It drives forward relentlessly & maintains its energy throughout. Great stuff!
Some great music from the 80s, no.42
Herbie Hancock. A Quick Sketch
A change of pace for Sunday. This lovely (but pretty long) Herbie Hancock track should have featured Freddie Hubbard but he was not available & so it showcased a young Wynton Marsalis, playing with the personal of a classic Miles Davis group from the early 60s. Driven by Tony Williams & Ron Carter's superb rhythm section & punctuated by Hancock's great piano playing. Great modern jazz in any decade!
Some great music from the 80s, no.41
Blancmange. Feel Me (12" version)
Blancmange, now mostly forgotten, were part of the electro-pop movement of the early 1980s. This mash up of Talking Heads-like rhythm & vocal stylings with the then dominant synth-heavy instrumentation make for an intriguing record. The 12" was remixed to bring out its electro-dance elements and foregrounds the mesmeric qualities alongside the increasingly emotive vocals. A little obscure but great.
Some great music from the 80s, no.40
Bananarama. Venus
Bananarama became one of the biggest selling girl groups of all time, and Venus is a great example of why. A cover of a late 1960s global hit (their's is not the first cover version), this presents a quintessential mid-1980s sound, all electronic percussion & ensemble vocals. There's little subtle going on here but its a great slice of lively & strident pop, also reflecting the brashness of the time. They've got it!
Some great music from the 80s, no.39
Queen. I Want to Break Free
I'm not a great Queen fan but this track has become an absolute classic. Driven by a mid-tempo stop-start rhythm & showcasing Freddie Mercury's impassioned vocals & punctuated by Brian May's guitar playing, I want to Break Free is a testament to the band's ability to write anthems. It still sounds great & has a wonderful cross-dressing video with which you are likely familiar!
Some great music from the 80s, no.38
Arrow. Hot Hot Hot
As world music gained traction in the 80s, Arrow's soca classic Hot Hot Hot broke out of that niche & hit the UK charts. Its a joyful bit of party music, with a fabulous percussion led & horn punctuated arrangement which fleetingly bought African rhythms directly to UK radios. If you like this there's a great 7 minute version which is the ideal mood lifter - its all sun & sand... the sound of summer!
Emeritus Prof Christopher May