Emeritus Prof Christopher May

Some great music from the 80s, no.28

Paul Hardcastle. 19

Yesterday's choice, reminded me of this other classic of cut-up, Paul Hardcastle's more political stomper focussing on the age of US soldiers in Vietnam (using a documentary narration as its source). Now we might question its political thrust, but the stuttering (n..n...n...nineteen) ended up being pretty influential. Maybe not a timeless record, but an interesting production time-capsule, evocative of a moment.

#music #80sClassics

Mar 15 at 10:10amWeb
Show threadColumb DuffyMar 15
@ChrisMayLA6 I initially was offended by the stuttering but then wondered was it nodding to ptsd.
Show threadEmeritus Prof Christopher MayMar 15

@columbduffy

I think so.... but cannot be sure

Show threadAlex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK6d ago

@ChrisMayLA6 @columbduffy

it was a common effect in electronic music of the time, simply because the available samplers had limited memory and were relatively novel things.. Its one of those tropes of 80s music like the orchestra hit sound (and even the dog bark that was a sample on some Yamaha keyboards)

Show threadMike 🇬🇧 🇪🇺6d ago
@columbduffy @ChrisMayLA6
I have always wondered if it was a reference to drug use by the troops
Show threadCharlie StrossMar 15
@ChrisMayLA6 It's still seeing homages: DJ Hell released a single a year or so ago called "Ukraine" which samples it extensively, and adds Zelenskyy. (Worth a listen.)
Show threadScurraMar 15

@ChrisMayLA6
My problem with this record is that I heard Rory Bremner's splendid "N-N-Nineteen Not Out" first, and had no idea it was a parody. (And TIL that Hardcastle himself was involved.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3bl4xaFZMM

The Commentators - 19 Not Out

YouTube
Show threadRichard WebbMar 15

@Scurra @ChrisMayLA6

The year of the Four Captains.

Show threadDavid S6d ago

@ChrisMayLA6

I didn't like it when it came out, but it has many musical layers I didn't hear at first, not to mention the political (sub?)text. Definitely a grower!