First shown on BBC 1 on Christmas Day, 1980
Presented by Jimmy Savile and Peter Powell
not repeated by BBCFour in 2015
...so a huge thanks to Manorak for posting the show on vimeo, and thanks - as ever - to Popscene for the running order. Basically it's a 'The Best of [insert year here]' Christmas Day special, with lots of hits to keep everyone awake during the postprandial blow out and before The Queen comes on.
The Nolans - I’m In The Mood For Dancing
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno
Blondie - Atomic
Paul McCartney - Coming Up
Barbara Streisand - Woman in Love
Liquid Gold - Dance Yourself Dizzy
David Bowie - Ashes to Ashes
Marti Webb - Take That Look Off Your Face
(..having trouble with blog-tags so splitting this post into two..)
Showing posts with label Dexy's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dexy's. Show all posts
TOTP 80.19 08/05/1980
BBCFour repeat here.
Full chart here.
Introduced by Peter Powell (in a Radio 1 jumpsuit).
Before we go any further let me just say that in the unlikely event of me ever getting a tattoo done somewhere on my body, then this date in history would be that tattoo. Now let's get down to business...
Mystic Merlin - Just Can't Give You Up
And since we're well into 1980 and time is fast running out, why don't we start with a bland disco-instrumental just to get the ball rolling? C'mon Powell, you can do better than this. Mind you they have to dig into the far outer reaches of the charts to get anything interesting and "sound of the eighties" this week. In fact it's a rum old chart featuring a lot of bland disco and heavy metal music, possibly due to the fact that last week we had so much bland disco and heavy metal music. Jimmy Ruffin is the highest new entry after his stint on the wobbly, steam filled tower last week although Whitesnake and Motorhead both do well, the latter up to a massive 15 places to no. 8. Sales of patchuli oil were also said to have peaked. Thankfully Dexy's defend the top spot even though incredibly last week's nos. 2-10 all go down!
The Human League - Rock 'n' Roll (Holiday '80 EP)
Ok cut straight from the wobbly captions into...... what's this? Electronic panels and wires and knobs and stuff? We thought Tomorrow's World had just finished! But no! It's a bunch of funny looking blokes doing a cover version of Glitter's 'Rock n Roll Part 1' but with no drums, guitars and only a tape recorder and those new-fangled synthesiser thingys? Where's Gary Numan? Funnily enough Powell doesn't even introduce this band so we'll have to do the honours: "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you THE HUMAN LEAGUE!" For all the 'novelty acts' which tended to be presented first upon the 'Pops (see Rezillos, New Musik, The Bodysnatchers et al) there really never has been anything quite like Sheffield's Human League up to now. They were already well known to the average Sounds/NME reader and were about to release their second electronics only album, and their semi-experimental electronics-only music could hardly have been classed as TOTP/pop fodder. This glam rock cover was a brave attempt to achieve that elusive chart hit, but one which sadly failed. Legend has it that David Bowie had said that 'one day all music would be made this way'. However, the band in this particular formation would split by the end of the year although the bloke with the funny lop-sided haircut had a cunning plan....
(note: this is the first song/act tonight which made my 16-year old jaw drop to the living room carpet with a mighty thud, and my music tastes - and my life - would never be the same again. But I digress...)
Johnny Logan -What's Another Year?
Oh God it's this wimp again. At least this time he's taken the trouble to put his jacket on properly Not content with being voted The Best Song in the Whole of Europe, Logan has got to no. 2 in the charts. Can it get any worse?
Prelude - Platinum Blonde
Much like The Human League, this one had been 'bubbling under' as they used to say for a couple of weeks. I, and most people on twitter, had no recollection of this whatsoever. Unlike The Human league however they're sporting a whole load of guitars in all shapes and sizes and end up looking and sounding like a poor man's Fleetwood Mac. the lady singer wears a purple jumpsuit to give it an 'eighties' look, but other than that it's rubbish. Or am I supposed to be reading between the lines? Amazingly, this lot are still performing.
Michael Jackson - Out of My Life
Or is that 'Outta My Life'? Anyway this is Jackson's fourth single taken from the album Off the Wall, and not even the last one, which at the time was a bit of a, er, record. Despite having already milked the album for what it was worth this would keep Jacko's chart average positioning high. It's also one of his slowest songs ever fact fans. Even slower than Johnny Logan.
Matchbox - Midnite Dynamos
But don't fall asleep just yet! It's those whacky Matchbox guys with another rockabilly choon to get everyone dancing round the living room. This was the follow-up to the cringeworthy Buzz Buzz a Diddle It, and would in fact better it. Amazingly their "best" was still to come.
Average White Band - Let's Go Round Again (Legs & Co.)
In which the Leggettes dance around in their skimpy swimming cossies which are, er, white.
Jona Lewie - You Will Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties
Always loved this one. Someone on twitter said they'd had an 'O' Level flashback and that was definitely the case for me with this song. Always loved the synth sound, although he obviously wasn't aiming to be like The Human League or anything. A bit of a novelty record à la B A Robertson but miles better. Millions also noticed in 2015 that one of the girls on backing vocals was the late Kirsty McColl, although apparently she didn't sing on the record. I'm guessing that Phil Oakey saw these girls though and thought.....guys..what if.....?
Cockney Rejects - Cockney Rip-Off
Yes, here we go again. I think this has been on before but doesn't really do it for me.
Boney M - My Friend Jack
Can't help thinking that Boney M were past their sell by date at this point .. Rivers of Babylon, Rasputin, Hooray Holy-day etc. being very much products of the late seventies. Well I'm glad to say that this was indeed the case and this got nowhere. Obviously a non-TOTP recording as there's too much light in the studio.
Ruts - Staring at the Rude Boys
I do remember this one however although never quite worked out if they were taking the mick out of the 'Two Tone' establishment or what. Never really understood what Babylon's Burning was about either, although it was slightly better than this. At no. 22 and didn't get any higher.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Messages
Now then...if the opening act hadn't been enough to make me feel like I had seen the future - my future - then this performance got me into even more of a tizz. I think I'd been sort of 'following' OMITD (as we used to call them) for a few months since their early single Electricity, and possibly an OGWT performance around the same time as this. But whatever it was, as with Phil Oakey and pals, nothing in my life would ever be the same again. I would soon become the world's biggest OMD fan (fact) and I still adore this song to this day. Peter Powell announced that it was going to be 'a smash' and he wasn't far wrong, even though it would only struggle its way up to no. 26 by the end of the month, but in June would get to no. 13 - wonder why? Anorak note 1: this was a radical re-recording of the track off their debut album which was a little less powerful production-wise; anorak note 2: the line up here included Dave Hughes on keyboards, roped in for live work and promotion, even though he would be out of the band before their next appearance; anorak note 3 :...I'm an OMITD anorak.
The Undertones - My Perfect Cousin
According to Powell, without this one tonight's show wouldn't have been 'complete'. Ummm shouldn't that be without the no. 1 song, Pete? Or perhaps he was referring to Feargal's not so veiled lyrical reference to The Human League (plays air synth) which brings everything 'full circle'? We shall never know. A surprising inclusion nonetheless as it had crept up just one place to no. 10.
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno
Number One again and it's a repeat of last week's where, as legend would have it, they only arrived just in time at the beginning to pick up their instruments and start 'playing'.
Hot Chocolate - No Doubt About It
This was up to no. 6, quite right too.
post scriptum: the Saturday after this show, I went into town and bought these two babes:-
So 'til next week: goodbye!
TOTP 80.18 01/05/80
BBCFour repeat here.
Full chart here.
Welcome to the merry month of May and a new month of Top of the Pops 1980..or is it? Introduced tonight by Tommy Vance, on his TOTP debut (they've even put his name in writing in case you don't know who he is). It's not clear whether the amount of rock/heavy metal on tonight is because Vance wanted to 'push' his preferred genre, or if they got him on because he's the man in the know. Anyway, on with the show...
Leon Haywood - Don't Push It Don't Force It
Chart rundown (NB "special effects" on the writing). Leon's at no. 12 - same as last week. In other chart news, Sky go Top 5 with their classic-prog-pop number, the Undertones shoot up to no. 11 and Irish Eurovision winner Johnny Logan is straight in at no. 15, in the days when Eurovision winners still sold records. Bad Manners and Cockney Rejects go Top 30 after last week's appearances, although there does seem to be an unhealthy amount of heavy rock and disco about. "Sound of the eighties"..where are you?
New Musik - World of Water
Oh here it is! New effort from this lot after Living by Numbers which made it to no. 13 a couple of months back. This would fare less well as perhaps the geeky 'Buggles' effect was already wearing a bit thin. As John Foxx's recent mediocre success had highlighted, the world was still not ready for pop music fuelled by J.G. Ballard novels. Plus the keyboard player is embarrassing.
Narada Michael Walden - I Shoulda Loved Ya
So it's back to the disco, but what's happened to the TOTP studio? It's gone all.... Oh, sorry it's a clip of Narada and his band doing their thang on U.S. pop show Soul Train, which sort of showed how pop shows are done Stateside: bright stage sets, coloured lights, and people dancing and having a good time! Whatever next!
Chords - Something's Missing
Better get back to the grim and gritty world of the BBC Centre and the London suburbs, quick! The Chords really were trying hard to have a hit, after Maybe Tomorrow earlier in the year, but perhaps this time hoping to make the most of the angry young mod vibe set up by The Jam and their smash hit Going Underground. A brave attempt, but alas one wouldn't get them far chart-wise. New album out soon, and cult status assured.
Rodney Franklin - The Groove (Legs & Co.)
But enough of this mob music! Not good for the country ... let's give the masses what they want: banal dance music and scantily clad females! Indeed Legs & Co,'s knickers seem to be getting skimpier by the week and their legs even longer. There's even a huge long sofa featured this week, for rolling about on, hiding behind etc. Not trying to distract us from anything are they? Franklin's 'groove' (if you're paying any attention ot he music) was up to no. 13.
Whitesnake - Fool For You Loving
But enough of this cheapo girlie show, let's have some real men making some real, sweaty, hormone-fuelled music! Yes it's the first of a trio of c*ck-rock numbers, which see Vance in his element. This one was already Top 30 (just) and we get a gritty film of a live performance which looks like it might have been made circa 1973. I must admit I know nothing about this bunch of hairy rockers but wiki reliably informs me that lead singer David Coverdale (I've heard of him) formed the band in '78 after leaving Deep Purple (I've heard of them!). This would become a bit of a classic of its genre and indeed the start of a successful career for Whitesnake throughout the coming decade, and beyond.
Jimmy Ruffin - Hold On to My Love
Who? Well whoever he is they've put him on top of the wobbly tower and set the place on fire possibly in the hope he wouldn't be seen again? Ruffin had actually been churning out the hits since 1966 - his chart debut in that year was What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, soon to be covered by someone else. Anyway he was now getting a new lease of life thanks to the Bee gees, especially Robin Gibb, who co-wrote this number and and a few others on his new album Sunrise.
Saxon - Wheels of Steel
Back to the c*ck-rock after all that sloppy ballad stuff. Third appearance and slow progress for this lot which has been up and down the charts, and back up again. It won't get any higher than this week's no. 20 though notwithstanding Tommy Vance's plug.
Hot Chocolate - No Doubt About It
...and back to the disco. It's a sad fact that Hot Choc's vocalist Errol Brown passed away just a few weeks ago. Looking back, he was amazingly cool, had a great voice and sang on some really good records. Wiki duly reminds us that the Choc had at least one hit every year between 1970 and 1984 inclusive, and their song "You Sexy Thing" made the Top 10 in three decades. They were also a multi-coloured multi-ethnic band, so what a shame that Vance (and some bright spark in production) has to muster a bevvy of young ladies of evident Afro-Caribbean origin only to introduce the band. Anyway this was an excellent attempt to bring the Hot Chocolate up to date and into the eighties: love the synthy-Moogy intro to this one, which TOTP cameras naturally fail to spot since, as usual, they've put the keyboards way to the back.
Motorhead - Leaving Here (from 'Golden Years live EP')
But enough smooching already, let's get the greasers back in, eh Tommy? I'm not sure of Motorhead's previous track record but they must have been pretty popular already as this was straight in at no. 23. You can smell the stale beer stains and patchuli oil from here.
The Nolans - Don't Make Waves
Talk about contrasts: after the great unwashed come...the mighty Nolan sisters, in all their squeaky-cleanliness and smiles to the camera. I wonder if they ever met Motorhead backstage? The girls were struggling at no. 25 although could and would do better. Whether we shall see them again remains to be seen....
The Beat - Mirror in the Bathroom
Now this is good. A nice bit of intelligent ska and a worthy follow up to Hands Off She's Mine which in turn had been a worthy follow up to Tears of a Clown/Rankin'. Perhaps the only let down is that the singer actually holds up a 'bathroom mirror' but they manage to carry off even the cheapest of TOTP props with style. Not exactly the sound of the eighties, but a classic for sure.
Kate Bush - Breathing
Blimey! Just when you thought it was no. 1 time here comes Kate with something even weirder than Wuthering Heights! Kate's inside a kind of plastic bubble doing a bit of 'in-out, in-out, in-out'. With her breathing that is. What's that? She represents a fetus inside the womb, scared of smoking and the nuclear threat? Sounds like great chart material! This was Kate's first new stuff since her big success in '78 and live shows in '79, a preview of the new album in progress.
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno
It's been quite a roller coaster ride of a show and seems to have lasted for ages but here we are at last with the new number 1 folks! Blondie have been sent packing and notwithstanding the big names McCartney and Essex, Dexy's have made it to the top spot and deservedly so. Haven't got much more to say cos I'm knackered after this plethora of popular musics, but best be grateful for what we get every week, while it lasts. Ge-no! Ge-no! Ge-no!
Johnny Logan - What's Another Year? (credits)
He was on last week (despite being nowhere near the charts) so can't appear this week - serves him right.
See ya!
TOTP 80.17 24/04/80
BBCFour repeat here.
Full chart here.
Introduced by Steve Wright. A lot of 'repeats' from last week (in the year 2015), but a few interesting new ones too.
Full chart here.
Introduced by Steve Wright. A lot of 'repeats' from last week (in the year 2015), but a few interesting new ones too.
Rodney Franklin - The Groove
Straight in at no. 27 (from 70) so this since forgotten number deserved a spin. Apart from one big new entry in the Top Ten the charts aren't terribly exciting this week. Notwithstanding the dullness (and Steve Wright) it's not a bad show.
Smokie - Take Care of My Baby
Oh dear. What are this lot doing here? This the eighties! Very much in the David Essex category of making some kind of 'comeback' after a run of success mid-70s-ish,although this was just about the end, my friends.
Paul McCartney - Coming Up
And here is that exciting new song of the week, featuring a goofy Macca 'n' Linda (last seen in a Christmas mood) in state-of-the-art video montage with all the special effects, which is what you'd expect from a multi-millionaire who still feels it fit to churn out pop songs now and then. This was the first of two singles off upcoming album McCartney II, in which Macca had discovered the synthesiser. Maybe he'd got The Human League in to advise..him. Nice homage to Buddy Holly and Ron Mael too.
The Cure - A Forest
For those interested, "Goth" starts here. This was one of those singles which was milling around in the lower reaches of the cahrts, gets a leg-up on TOTP, doesn't do much and becomes legendary. Robert Smith still with short hair, but looking suitably alienated and angstful, something which hundreds, nay thousands, of groups/singers would imitate. The thing is with A forest is that it never had a decent follow up either although John peel would continue to champion them (see also Siouxsie & the Banshees) til they made it big time.
Elvis Costello - Hi Fidelity
More post-punk/new wave fayre although in a somewhat lighter mood and Mr Costello of course being no alienated and angstful stranger to the the pop charts. Bizarre video (much in the vein of the last one) although oddly though this didn't get any further than this week's no. 30 spot.
Sky - Toccata
New performance from these musos who are obviously still having a good time despite the poor lighting. Now up to no. 11 but could do better... Not sure about Steve Wright's jerky hand movement between this and the next one, but there you go.
Sad Café - My Oh My
Super special effects to introduce this one, which still remains dull and is inexplicably up to no. 14 already.
Cockney Rejects - Cockney Rip-Off
With poor faux-Cockney accent intro, of course. A bit of a mad thrash but at least they liven the place up a a bit. But what's with the scarf tied to the guitar neck Bay City Roller style mate? A bit anarchic but so it should be. i wonder if they met Sky for a drink after?
Bobby Thurston - Check Out the Groove
..or even went out clubbing with the Legs? the mind boggles, as indeed ido the eyes as the girls doing a bit of what was effectively even then old school disco-style 'strutting' in their knickers! Plenty of low lying camera shots too. Phew! Calm down a bit...
Bad Manners - Ne Ne Na Na Nu Nu
But no! Don't sit down just yet folks as it's time for this lot! Actually since the panting and heaving Legs gathered round Wright for the introduction they might as well have stayed on and joined in. Sadly this is not the case and we get the big fat sweaty bloke and his pals instead. This was their first hit, so I imagine that, as with The Cure, this was their TOTP debut.
David Essex - Silver Dream Machine
Second time for Essex and his new song/new movie plug. Doing well in the Top 10, although that was perhaps not the case for said film at the box offices.
The Undertones - My Perfect Cousin
Is it me or does this show seem to be going on for like forever? Anyway here's another repeat of the la's from 'Derry (or somewhere like that). Just noticed that the drums sound a bit like the ones on A Forest. Is there any link? Answers on a postcard...
Johnnie Logan - What's Another Year
Oh God. What's this? Eurovision winner? Rubbish! It's not even in the charts! But Logan did indeed win the contest in The Hague on the 20th of the month with a massive 143 points so obviously he's got some kind of automatic qualification for the Pops. This show was long enough already but the "wait" for Blondie is made even more agonizing!
Blondie - Call Me
And here they are! No they aren't! Wright very unceremoniously announces the new number one and indeed Blondie's second in a matter of weeks. In fact it's obviously all been a bit too quick for them too as they haven't even got a proper video together. So what we get is even more of a movie-plug than David Essex's thing, and indeed more of Richard Gere than Debbie Harry. The film was of course American Gigolo and effectively launched Gere as a Hollywood superstar (probably because he bared his arse to the camera). Back to the song, it was written by Harry and the legendary Giorgio Moroder, although Wright doesn't mention any of this and just plugs his radio show instead.
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno
This had rocketed up to no. 2 from no. 12, so Blondie 'n' Moroder beware!
Be back in two weeks. T'ra.
TOTP 80.16 17/04/1980
Full chart here.
This show was not repeated on BBC4 in 2015, as it was presented by J*mmy S*vile, but here's the line-up anyway, courtesy of Turn it on Again > Top of the Pops 1980:
Leon Haywood – Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It (chart rundown)
Not a terribly exciting chart this week, the highest new entry being Sky's Toccata, as featured last week. There are however are couple of big movers who make fairly unlikely bedfellows in the battle for the top spot before long....
Phil Lynott – Dear Miss Lonely Hearts
Thin Lizzy leader had obviously got a bit peed off with working with bandmates so decided to embark on a solo career à la John Foxx. Unlike Foxx however, Lynott continued to stay in Thin Lizzy at the same time and even have his band mates guest on the album Solo in Soho. Confused? Well never mind cos this will get nowhere. Lynott's biggest solo hit would be Yellow Pearl, co-written with Midge Ure for said album, which would later become the TOTP theme tune. Midge Ure of course replaced John Foxx in Ultravox - see what I did there?
Barbara Dickson - January February
Stable at last week's no. 11, but somebody obviously decided she needed to a leg-up. Which she didn't get.
Girl – Hollywood Tease
Blimey! Who's this? Some kind of glam-rock outfit who don't want to join the new heavy metal movement? Reminds one of early Japan (David Sylvian's band, not the country) but more Led Zeppelin than Roxy Music. I swear I'd never heard this before in my life, and probably never will again either.
Blondie – Call Me (Legs & Co)
This one is already at no. 2 - yes number two - guys n gals, without so much of a Pops' credits run-out up to now. Still no sign of Debs and the boys though so one will have to make do with the Legs, dressed a kind of ska suit affair with coloured tops, Pauline Black wouldn't be seen dead in.
B. A. Robertson – Kool In The Kaftan
Tiresome and thankfully here for the last time with this one.
The Selecter – Missing Words
Again, struggling somewhat chart-wise but they won't need to make the trip down from Coventry again for a bit.
The Ruts – Staring At The Rude Boys
New in at, er, no. 51 folks. Not a patch on Babylon's Burning but this wouldn't do too badly for them.
The Pretenders – Talk Of The Town
Top 10 again after their no. 1 smash, but we won't have to endure this tedious video no more. Still a great tune though.
Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno
Geno! Geno! Geno! This one's up to no. 12 this week and obviously causing a bit of a stir up and down the country as the single is bought by young punters who had no idea who Geno Washington was. And to think Record Mirror called this "a turgid eulogy with few redeeming features". Stay tuned.
The Nolans – Don’t Make Waves
Bubbling under the Top 30, and we still have I'm in the Mood for Dancing still ringing in our ears. Lovely ladies with a lovely dance routine and a lovely live vocal. Lovely.
UB40 – Food For Thought
Up one more place for the Brummie boys who were hitting their peak with this one at no. 4.
Sham 69 – Tell The Children
More fag-end of punk rock, although would fare much worse than, say, The Ruts. But Sham 69, you may now disband.
The Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back To You
My colleague Angelo has reminded me that this is actually a medley with Forgive Me Girl. Still at no. 1 but I think that's quite enough of the '70s for now thank you very much.
Bobby Thurston – Check Out The Groove
Oh no! More seventies?
This show was not repeated on BBC4 in 2015, as it was presented by J*mmy S*vile, but here's the line-up anyway, courtesy of Turn it on Again > Top of the Pops 1980:
Leon Haywood – Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It (chart rundown)
Not a terribly exciting chart this week, the highest new entry being Sky's Toccata, as featured last week. There are however are couple of big movers who make fairly unlikely bedfellows in the battle for the top spot before long....
Phil Lynott – Dear Miss Lonely Hearts
Thin Lizzy leader had obviously got a bit peed off with working with bandmates so decided to embark on a solo career à la John Foxx. Unlike Foxx however, Lynott continued to stay in Thin Lizzy at the same time and even have his band mates guest on the album Solo in Soho. Confused? Well never mind cos this will get nowhere. Lynott's biggest solo hit would be Yellow Pearl, co-written with Midge Ure for said album, which would later become the TOTP theme tune. Midge Ure of course replaced John Foxx in Ultravox - see what I did there?
Barbara Dickson - January February
Stable at last week's no. 11, but somebody obviously decided she needed to a leg-up. Which she didn't get.
Girl – Hollywood Tease
Blimey! Who's this? Some kind of glam-rock outfit who don't want to join the new heavy metal movement? Reminds one of early Japan (David Sylvian's band, not the country) but more Led Zeppelin than Roxy Music. I swear I'd never heard this before in my life, and probably never will again either.
Blondie – Call Me (Legs & Co)
This one is already at no. 2 - yes number two - guys n gals, without so much of a Pops' credits run-out up to now. Still no sign of Debs and the boys though so one will have to make do with the Legs, dressed a kind of ska suit affair with coloured tops, Pauline Black wouldn't be seen dead in.
B. A. Robertson – Kool In The Kaftan
Tiresome and thankfully here for the last time with this one.
The Selecter – Missing Words
Again, struggling somewhat chart-wise but they won't need to make the trip down from Coventry again for a bit.
The Ruts – Staring At The Rude Boys
New in at, er, no. 51 folks. Not a patch on Babylon's Burning but this wouldn't do too badly for them.
The Pretenders – Talk Of The Town
Top 10 again after their no. 1 smash, but we won't have to endure this tedious video no more. Still a great tune though.
Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno
Geno! Geno! Geno! This one's up to no. 12 this week and obviously causing a bit of a stir up and down the country as the single is bought by young punters who had no idea who Geno Washington was. And to think Record Mirror called this "a turgid eulogy with few redeeming features". Stay tuned.
The Nolans – Don’t Make Waves
Bubbling under the Top 30, and we still have I'm in the Mood for Dancing still ringing in our ears. Lovely ladies with a lovely dance routine and a lovely live vocal. Lovely.
UB40 – Food For Thought
Up one more place for the Brummie boys who were hitting their peak with this one at no. 4.
Sham 69 – Tell The Children
More fag-end of punk rock, although would fare much worse than, say, The Ruts. But Sham 69, you may now disband.
The Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back To You
My colleague Angelo has reminded me that this is actually a medley with Forgive Me Girl. Still at no. 1 but I think that's quite enough of the '70s for now thank you very much.
Bobby Thurston – Check Out The Groove
Oh no! More seventies?
TOTP 80.14 03/04/1980
Introduced by Kid Jensen
BBCFour repeat here
Chart here.
Full show on youtube here.
Judas Priest - Living After Midnight
The Priest were up ten places after last week's appearance so get the chart rundown slot. Indeed many of the acts on last week benefit from last week's show (except for John Foxx and The Dooleys, both non-movers), especially Genesis, The Brothers Johnson and Secret Affair although it's those creepy Dr. Hook who storm into the Top 10, beating even Madness with their new one. The Top 5 is still pretty much distributed between the usual handful of artistes although The Vapors are on their way down and Liquid Gold dangerously close to the top spot.
Madness - Nightboat to Cairo
And indeed here are the nutty boys from Camden appropriately dressed for this Egyptian pastiche straight in at no. 14. It was actually the lead track from their Work Rest and Play EP, a compliment to their debut album One Step Beyond (which featured 'Cairo') and a stop-gap prior to their new album in the making.
Barbara Dickson - January February
Here's Babs again with one of her best known numbers, doing very nicely thank you at no. 12. In April.
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno
Their debut effort didn't do so well chartwise, despite a rousing TOTP performance, although by now word had obviously got round that this lot were a bit good and Geno would become one of those new wave/eighties anthems still renowned to this day. Still bubbling inder the Top 30 but destined to do a lot better. A lot better indeed.
Pretenders - Talk of the Town
Another much anticipated new single after their surprise No. 1 success earlier in the year. Here the lads 'n' lass appear in a Blondie-esque promo-video (for 'tis surely captured on new-fangled videotape rather than film) on an eye-dazzling set. Very Kenny Everett-ish in a way, which is probably what it was made for rather than drab old TOTP. Great track by the way.
Leon Hayward - Don't Push It Don't Force It.
Kid invites us to exercise our eyeballs on this one and sound advice indeed as this week Legs & Co. really are rather phwaor. (Male chauvinist mode on, note the flash of bum in the opening seconds) The skimpy night dress things remind one of Kim Basinger's favourite kitchen get-up in a future 9½ Weeks, and the girls here really show us how silly animal/workman/ballet costumes often get in the way of the enjoyment. So don't force it, keep in simple girls, keep it simple. (Male chauvinist mode off).
UB40 - Food for Thought
This was by now blaring out of the nation's radio sets morning, noon and night as is reflected in its formidable no. 10 spot. Ironically, in a few years, they will not only be appearing on the same show as Chrissie Hynde (albeit virtually) but on the same song even.
The Selecter - Missing Words
Yet another eagerly anticipated follow-up single from these 2-Toners who as usual give an energetic delivery with lost of jumping around on the wobbly TOTP stage. Discrete success for this one although their chart performance was decreasing with each release.
B.A. Robertson - Kool in the Kaftan
Slow chart progress for this Scotsman who seems even more irksome than last time. This kind of 'comedy' single seems to have aged even more poorly than, say, Captain Beaky. Love and peace, man.
The Lambrettas - Poison Ivy
More jerking and jumping about à la Selecter which is quite a relief after "B.A.". The Lambrettas had gone Top 10 with this cover version, although this is as high as they got with it. No matter. They'll be back again soon, I'll wager.
Prima Donna - Love Enough For Two
Well it's April and so it's Eurovision Song Contest time and this is the UK's 1980 entry folks. A fairly banal affair although to their credit it got to third place with cent et six points, pipped to the top spot by Ireland's Johnny Logan (more of him later). The German entry came second, although that year I was of course rooting for synth-poppers Telex from Belgium who naturally came third last.
The Jam - Going Undergound
But enough of this soppy Eurovision malarkey! Let's get back to real English music wot ver kids are interested in. Yes, Weller & Co. hold out at no. 1 for a third week. After which it may have seemed as though The Jam had their moment of glory, but it ain't over yet!
Doctor Hook - Sexy Eyes (play-out)
Thank you Mr Kid Jensen for an ace show by the way - pity we had to end with this but, sadly, it was doing rather well.
See you next week!
BBCFour repeat here
Chart here.
Full show on youtube here.
 |
| Cheeky! Kid Jensen excercises his eyeballs (see Legs & Co.) |
Judas Priest - Living After Midnight
The Priest were up ten places after last week's appearance so get the chart rundown slot. Indeed many of the acts on last week benefit from last week's show (except for John Foxx and The Dooleys, both non-movers), especially Genesis, The Brothers Johnson and Secret Affair although it's those creepy Dr. Hook who storm into the Top 10, beating even Madness with their new one. The Top 5 is still pretty much distributed between the usual handful of artistes although The Vapors are on their way down and Liquid Gold dangerously close to the top spot.
Madness - Nightboat to Cairo
And indeed here are the nutty boys from Camden appropriately dressed for this Egyptian pastiche straight in at no. 14. It was actually the lead track from their Work Rest and Play EP, a compliment to their debut album One Step Beyond (which featured 'Cairo') and a stop-gap prior to their new album in the making.
Barbara Dickson - January February
Here's Babs again with one of her best known numbers, doing very nicely thank you at no. 12. In April.
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno
Their debut effort didn't do so well chartwise, despite a rousing TOTP performance, although by now word had obviously got round that this lot were a bit good and Geno would become one of those new wave/eighties anthems still renowned to this day. Still bubbling inder the Top 30 but destined to do a lot better. A lot better indeed.
Pretenders - Talk of the Town
Another much anticipated new single after their surprise No. 1 success earlier in the year. Here the lads 'n' lass appear in a Blondie-esque promo-video (for 'tis surely captured on new-fangled videotape rather than film) on an eye-dazzling set. Very Kenny Everett-ish in a way, which is probably what it was made for rather than drab old TOTP. Great track by the way.
Leon Hayward - Don't Push It Don't Force It.
Kid invites us to exercise our eyeballs on this one and sound advice indeed as this week Legs & Co. really are rather phwaor. (Male chauvinist mode on, note the flash of bum in the opening seconds) The skimpy night dress things remind one of Kim Basinger's favourite kitchen get-up in a future 9½ Weeks, and the girls here really show us how silly animal/workman/ballet costumes often get in the way of the enjoyment. So don't force it, keep in simple girls, keep it simple. (Male chauvinist mode off).
UB40 - Food for Thought
This was by now blaring out of the nation's radio sets morning, noon and night as is reflected in its formidable no. 10 spot. Ironically, in a few years, they will not only be appearing on the same show as Chrissie Hynde (albeit virtually) but on the same song even.
The Selecter - Missing Words
Yet another eagerly anticipated follow-up single from these 2-Toners who as usual give an energetic delivery with lost of jumping around on the wobbly TOTP stage. Discrete success for this one although their chart performance was decreasing with each release.
B.A. Robertson - Kool in the Kaftan
Slow chart progress for this Scotsman who seems even more irksome than last time. This kind of 'comedy' single seems to have aged even more poorly than, say, Captain Beaky. Love and peace, man.
The Lambrettas - Poison Ivy
More jerking and jumping about à la Selecter which is quite a relief after "B.A.". The Lambrettas had gone Top 10 with this cover version, although this is as high as they got with it. No matter. They'll be back again soon, I'll wager.
Prima Donna - Love Enough For Two
Well it's April and so it's Eurovision Song Contest time and this is the UK's 1980 entry folks. A fairly banal affair although to their credit it got to third place with cent et six points, pipped to the top spot by Ireland's Johnny Logan (more of him later). The German entry came second, although that year I was of course rooting for synth-poppers Telex from Belgium who naturally came third last.
The Jam - Going Undergound
But enough of this soppy Eurovision malarkey! Let's get back to real English music wot ver kids are interested in. Yes, Weller & Co. hold out at no. 1 for a third week. After which it may have seemed as though The Jam had their moment of glory, but it ain't over yet!
Doctor Hook - Sexy Eyes (play-out)
Thank you Mr Kid Jensen for an ace show by the way - pity we had to end with this but, sadly, it was doing rather well.
See you next week!
TOTP 80.3 17/01/1980
Repeat showing: 29.01.2015
Presented this week by the rather more irksome Simon Bates (turn that collar down man!), and a show which must hold the record for the highest number of non-chart or low-placed songs. Most of the big movers had already been featured last week (KC, Nolans, Dollar), while other high climbers were now falling in the post-Xmas lull. Plenty of room then for some new sounds. Let's get cracking:
Bee Gees - Spirits Having Flown (chart rundown)
In at no. 26, the title track from the eponymous album which had been released almost a year earlier. Wiki informs that it was released as single in conjunction with the Bee Gees Greatest album which had come out before Christmas, and furthermore was the last Top 40 hit the band had in the UK for almost eight years. I can believe that.
New Musik - Living By Numbers
And new music it was indeed, brought to you by Tony Mansfield and his band. Peter Powell had announced "the sound of the eighties" two weeks ago although perhaps this really was the first hint of the new electronic-based pop music we would soon be seeing the likes of in the new decade. A spritely sing-along tune with a catchy synth-riff, electronic snare drum sound, but backed with skin-and-bone drummer and guitars. Still outside the charts at this point, it would become their biggest hit.
Billy Preston & Syreeta - With You I'm Born Again
Here we go again. This hadn't been on last week so it was one of the few high-flyers who were on this week. Justifiably so as it was already at no. 2.
Sad Café - Strange Girl
Another non-charter by 'a band from Manchester' although a far cry from fellow citizens Joy Division and Buzzcocks. The song is actually a bit pervy: "Little girl who lives down the lane...".. eh? Their previous single Every Day Hurts had been a hit although this one failed to make the Top 30. "Sad" on many levels.
Sister Sledge - I've Got to Love Somebody
More sadness here too I'm afraid which is a shame as their 1979 hits (look 'em up) have become disco classics. Seeing this rather shabolic studio performance makes you realise we were at the fag end of the genre however, and probably just as well.
Madness - My Girl
It would seem that there's always room for Madness in the 1980's TOTP line-up and this studio performance repeat makes them the most featured band and song to date, making it onto the playlist for three weeks running. The nutty boys from Camden had at this point made it to no. 4.
Positive Force - We've Got the Funk
Back to disco again, more's the pity, with this number which was just on the threshold of the Top 30. Signed to the Sugarhill label, these "two young ladies" (sic.) had made a contribution to the Sugarhill Gang's Rapper's Delight hit, also in the charts. Despite getting the studio audience animated, this TOTP performance did little to help their no. 32 chart position
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Dance Stance
I'm sure there's a wonderful story about how Dexy's ("some people from Birmingham") first got onto TOTP without yet being in the charts, although I have failed to find anything along those lines. But it's a significant debut nonetheless, and good to know that TOTP producers still kept their eye on the 'alternative' scene. Dance Stance only made it to aplatry no. 40, although they'd do better next time.
Doctor Hook - Better Love Next Time
From the sublime to the ridiculous. TOTP couldn't keep this 'alternative' nonsense up for too long though and it's back to repeat showing of this frankly embarassing maracas-shaking performance. The song had shot up to 14 from no. 13. Groan.
Amii Stewart - Paradise Girl
Here's an interesting one. Although better known for her disco hits Knock on Wood and Light My Fire, Amii tones things down a bit (although not in the costume dept.9 with this little number, which sadly time seems to have forgotten. Artificial tweets aside, the song highlights Ms. Stewarts vocal talents with a live performance. The song scrpaed into the Top 40 the following week, deserved to do better.
Styx - Babe
Judging by the promo-film this hairy lot were obviously already hugely popular in 'the States'. Thankfully, this would be their only UK hit.
Booker T. - Green Onions
Bates' appreciation of 'little dresses' and sexist nuance towards Legs & Co. was embarassing enough at the time, so now it all seems just so wrong. However, the in-house dance troupe do indeed seem to have modelled their mises on Thereza Bazar's fetching number from last week in order to showcase the vintage ska-esque number of the moment. Impeccable as ever, perhaps it would have been even more effective if they'd filmed it in black and white.
Rupert Holmes - Pina Colada Song
Another low placed number is given the prime prior-to-the-number-one spot. And just because this is number 1 in 'the States' it also has to be inflicted upon us. The raised platform / spiral staircase is put to full use for this dreary anti-health food song. Actually called 'Escape' (but who really cares?), it would hang around the charts for an unhealthy seven weeks.
Pretenders - Brass in Pocket
New Number 1! No more Pink Floyd! Hurrah! The combined efforts of (The) Pretenders, Madness, KC and Preton/Syreeta had brushed away the cobwebs from the post-Christmas lull knocking The Floyd, Abba and, yes, Fidler's Dram down a few notches. A repeat studio performance for the Herefordians plus one in their moment of glory, but no-one's complaining. Although not strictly UK home-grown, Chrissie Hynde was "our" Debbie Harry for a bit. You can't get more English than 'brass' in the sense of 'money' though. Said Hynde of her lyrics (in Smash Hits). "I don't want to tell you what they're about because what they're about is what they sound like to you". Whatever you say, miss.
Jon & Vangelis - I Hear You Now (closing credits)
More early-electronica sublimeness from the edges of the Top 30 and it makes for nice closing music with those very special TOTP lens/lights effects. Fun fact: Vangelis (né Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou) auditioned for (Jon) Anderson's band Yes in 1974, but was turned down.
See you next week.
Full chart here: Offical Chart Company
 |
| pic: @DamoIRL |
Presented this week by the rather more irksome Simon Bates (turn that collar down man!), and a show which must hold the record for the highest number of non-chart or low-placed songs. Most of the big movers had already been featured last week (KC, Nolans, Dollar), while other high climbers were now falling in the post-Xmas lull. Plenty of room then for some new sounds. Let's get cracking:
Bee Gees - Spirits Having Flown (chart rundown)
In at no. 26, the title track from the eponymous album which had been released almost a year earlier. Wiki informs that it was released as single in conjunction with the Bee Gees Greatest album which had come out before Christmas, and furthermore was the last Top 40 hit the band had in the UK for almost eight years. I can believe that.
New Musik - Living By Numbers
And new music it was indeed, brought to you by Tony Mansfield and his band. Peter Powell had announced "the sound of the eighties" two weeks ago although perhaps this really was the first hint of the new electronic-based pop music we would soon be seeing the likes of in the new decade. A spritely sing-along tune with a catchy synth-riff, electronic snare drum sound, but backed with skin-and-bone drummer and guitars. Still outside the charts at this point, it would become their biggest hit.
Billy Preston & Syreeta - With You I'm Born Again
Here we go again. This hadn't been on last week so it was one of the few high-flyers who were on this week. Justifiably so as it was already at no. 2.
Sad Café - Strange Girl
Another non-charter by 'a band from Manchester' although a far cry from fellow citizens Joy Division and Buzzcocks. The song is actually a bit pervy: "Little girl who lives down the lane...".. eh? Their previous single Every Day Hurts had been a hit although this one failed to make the Top 30. "Sad" on many levels.
Sister Sledge - I've Got to Love Somebody
More sadness here too I'm afraid which is a shame as their 1979 hits (look 'em up) have become disco classics. Seeing this rather shabolic studio performance makes you realise we were at the fag end of the genre however, and probably just as well.
Madness - My Girl
It would seem that there's always room for Madness in the 1980's TOTP line-up and this studio performance repeat makes them the most featured band and song to date, making it onto the playlist for three weeks running. The nutty boys from Camden had at this point made it to no. 4.
Positive Force - We've Got the Funk
Back to disco again, more's the pity, with this number which was just on the threshold of the Top 30. Signed to the Sugarhill label, these "two young ladies" (sic.) had made a contribution to the Sugarhill Gang's Rapper's Delight hit, also in the charts. Despite getting the studio audience animated, this TOTP performance did little to help their no. 32 chart position
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Dance Stance
I'm sure there's a wonderful story about how Dexy's ("some people from Birmingham") first got onto TOTP without yet being in the charts, although I have failed to find anything along those lines. But it's a significant debut nonetheless, and good to know that TOTP producers still kept their eye on the 'alternative' scene. Dance Stance only made it to aplatry no. 40, although they'd do better next time.
Doctor Hook - Better Love Next Time
From the sublime to the ridiculous. TOTP couldn't keep this 'alternative' nonsense up for too long though and it's back to repeat showing of this frankly embarassing maracas-shaking performance. The song had shot up to 14 from no. 13. Groan.
Amii Stewart - Paradise Girl
Here's an interesting one. Although better known for her disco hits Knock on Wood and Light My Fire, Amii tones things down a bit (although not in the costume dept.9 with this little number, which sadly time seems to have forgotten. Artificial tweets aside, the song highlights Ms. Stewarts vocal talents with a live performance. The song scrpaed into the Top 40 the following week, deserved to do better.
Styx - Babe
Judging by the promo-film this hairy lot were obviously already hugely popular in 'the States'. Thankfully, this would be their only UK hit.
Booker T. - Green Onions
Bates' appreciation of 'little dresses' and sexist nuance towards Legs & Co. was embarassing enough at the time, so now it all seems just so wrong. However, the in-house dance troupe do indeed seem to have modelled their mises on Thereza Bazar's fetching number from last week in order to showcase the vintage ska-esque number of the moment. Impeccable as ever, perhaps it would have been even more effective if they'd filmed it in black and white.
Rupert Holmes - Pina Colada Song
Another low placed number is given the prime prior-to-the-number-one spot. And just because this is number 1 in 'the States' it also has to be inflicted upon us. The raised platform / spiral staircase is put to full use for this dreary anti-health food song. Actually called 'Escape' (but who really cares?), it would hang around the charts for an unhealthy seven weeks.
Pretenders - Brass in Pocket
 |
| pic: Like Punk Never Happened |
New Number 1! No more Pink Floyd! Hurrah! The combined efforts of (The) Pretenders, Madness, KC and Preton/Syreeta had brushed away the cobwebs from the post-Christmas lull knocking The Floyd, Abba and, yes, Fidler's Dram down a few notches. A repeat studio performance for the Herefordians plus one in their moment of glory, but no-one's complaining. Although not strictly UK home-grown, Chrissie Hynde was "our" Debbie Harry for a bit. You can't get more English than 'brass' in the sense of 'money' though. Said Hynde of her lyrics (in Smash Hits). "I don't want to tell you what they're about because what they're about is what they sound like to you". Whatever you say, miss.
Jon & Vangelis - I Hear You Now (closing credits)
More early-electronica sublimeness from the edges of the Top 30 and it makes for nice closing music with those very special TOTP lens/lights effects. Fun fact: Vangelis (né Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou) auditioned for (Jon) Anderson's band Yes in 1974, but was turned down.
See you next week.
Full chart here: Offical Chart Company
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