And here is the (almost) complete Qobuz playlist.
All of the 50 tracks are here, in order, but one is now sadly listed as unavailable.
Tom Tom Club's eponymous first album, which contains Genius of Love, the fifteenth track in the list, has been delisted by Qobuz since I added that track to the list.
And I thought we had a clean sweep this time too...
https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/57525508
Some great music from the 80s, no.50
Madonna. La Isla Bonita
And so 80s classics comes to an end where is started with Madonna. This stone cold latin-disco classic is one of my favourite 80s records. The lilting shuffle rhythm, the latin tinge, the modulation in the vocals & its nicely sparse production all make for a wonderful & atmospheric track, which evokes a steamy summer.
(There will now, as usual, be a post-series pause before I restart with something different)
Some great music from the 80s, no.49
Michael Jackson. Thriller
There's a reason this Michael Jackson classic remains one of the best selling singles (and albums) of all time & its not just because of the iconic early music video (directed by John Landis). Its a great bit of pop-disco, with a anthem chorus, a brilliant arrangement by Quincy Jones & of course that touch of genius from Jackson at the height of his powers (before he was engulfed by scandal); just brilliant!
Some great music from the 80s, no.48
Madness. Our House
With this fabulous bit of social observation wrapped up in a pop song, Madness cemented their place in British culture (with a nod back to the Kinks). It balances some great conversational lyrics with Madness' by then typical post-ska, almost musical hall instrumentation and rhythmical drive. It is somehow quintessentially British & remains a timeless classic celebrating non-elite community culture. A real treat.
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!
Christopher Linfoot
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