Showing posts with label not repeated. Show all posts
Showing posts with label not repeated. Show all posts
TOTP 80.43/2 25/12/80
..part two..
The Police - Don't Stand So Close to Me
Fern Kinney - Together We Are Beautiful
Johnny Logan -What's Another Year
Abba - Super Trouper
Lipps Inc - Funky Town (Legs & Co.)
Leo Sayer - More Than I Can Say
Sheena Easton - 9 to 5
Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2
St. Winifred's School Choir - There's No-One Quite Like Grandma
TOTP 80.43/1 25/12/80
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..)
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..)
TOTP 80.38 20/11/80
First broadcast 20/11/80
Not repeated on BBCFour in 2015
Presented by Dave Lee Travis
Full chart here.
This one not repeated for (by now) well known reasons, so thanks again to Popscene for the details.
Motorhead - Ace of Spades
Second performance of this one, now at no. 15, albeit a non-mover from last week. A fitting tribute to drummer Mr. Philthy Animal, RIP.
The Boomtown Rats - Banana Republic
The Rats are back, after their Top 5 Someone Looking at You at the beginning of the year, with soem new material and a 'modernist' sort of video. Sort of. New in at 23.
Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out (Legs & Co.)
Another single from Ms. Ross from her eponymous album, obviously not content with the success of Upside Down and Ol' Piano. No idea what Legs did with this one but I doubt it was anything about being gay. Up to no. 18.
Eddy Grant - Do You Feel My Love
One of those songs that sort of pops up out of nowhere and doesn't seem to be very 1980-ish at all. Anyway here's Eddy (né Edmond Montague) at no. 30.
Rod Stewart - Passion
If anything we should give Rod credit for passing seamlessly from the 70s to the 80s while keeping up the quality of his output, unlike many others (hello Elton and Gilbert). Sort of follows on from 1978's Do Ya Think I'm Sexy in terms of subject matter but hey, sex sells, right Rod?
Kool & the Gang - Celebration
Another one of those you don't necessarily associate with 1980 but here it is repeated, and now at no. 12.
Dennis Waterman & Dennis Waterman Band - I Could Be So Good For You
Now up to a staggering no. 4, selling more than even David Bowie, and Minder was probably top of the ratings.
Top 10 rundown:
(10) Status Quo – What You’re Proposing (down from 5)
(9) Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – Enola Gay (down from 8, again)
(8) Adam & The Ants – Dog Eat Dog (down from 7)
(7) Bad Manners – Special Brew (down from 3)
(6) Stephanie Mills – Never Knew Love Like This Before (up from 9)
(5) David Bowie – Fashion (up from 6)
(4) Dennis Waterman with the Dennis Waterman Band – I Could Be So Good For You (non-mover, see above)
(3) Barbra Streisand – Woman In Love (dowm from 2)
(2) ABBA – Super Trouper (up from 13)
Not repeated on BBCFour in 2015
Presented by Dave Lee Travis
Full chart here.
This one not repeated for (by now) well known reasons, so thanks again to Popscene for the details.
Motorhead - Ace of Spades
Second performance of this one, now at no. 15, albeit a non-mover from last week. A fitting tribute to drummer Mr. Philthy Animal, RIP.
The Boomtown Rats - Banana Republic
The Rats are back, after their Top 5 Someone Looking at You at the beginning of the year, with soem new material and a 'modernist' sort of video. Sort of. New in at 23.
Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out (Legs & Co.)
Another single from Ms. Ross from her eponymous album, obviously not content with the success of Upside Down and Ol' Piano. No idea what Legs did with this one but I doubt it was anything about being gay. Up to no. 18.
Eddy Grant - Do You Feel My Love
One of those songs that sort of pops up out of nowhere and doesn't seem to be very 1980-ish at all. Anyway here's Eddy (né Edmond Montague) at no. 30.
Rod Stewart - Passion
If anything we should give Rod credit for passing seamlessly from the 70s to the 80s while keeping up the quality of his output, unlike many others (hello Elton and Gilbert). Sort of follows on from 1978's Do Ya Think I'm Sexy in terms of subject matter but hey, sex sells, right Rod?
Kool & the Gang - Celebration
Another one of those you don't necessarily associate with 1980 but here it is repeated, and now at no. 12.
Dennis Waterman & Dennis Waterman Band - I Could Be So Good For You
Now up to a staggering no. 4, selling more than even David Bowie, and Minder was probably top of the ratings.
Top 10 rundown:
(10) Status Quo – What You’re Proposing (down from 5)
(9) Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – Enola Gay (down from 8, again)
(8) Adam & The Ants – Dog Eat Dog (down from 7)
(7) Bad Manners – Special Brew (down from 3)
(6) Stephanie Mills – Never Knew Love Like This Before (up from 9)
(5) David Bowie – Fashion (up from 6)
(4) Dennis Waterman with the Dennis Waterman Band – I Could Be So Good For You (non-mover, see above)
(3) Barbra Streisand – Woman In Love (dowm from 2)
(2) ABBA – Super Trouper (up from 13)
Blondie - The Tide is High
No. 1 per last week as the world awaits the new album.
UB40 - The Earth Dies Screaming (playout and dancing)
A less than cheery ending, but they were probably a bit pushed for chart risers. Brum's finest (post-ELO and pre-Duran) now at no. 11.
TOTP 80.36 06/11/80
First broadcast 06/11/80
Not repeated on BBCFour in 2015
Presented by Jimmy Saville
Full chart here.
Well the TOTP Time Machine is racing ahead on BBCFour (save for omitted shows) so we'd better get cracking with a catch-up.. Thanks to PopScene episode guide for the list of artists in this show.
Kool and the Gang - Celebrate
Debut for what would become a bit of a classic of its genre, perhaps because it doesn't really belong to any particular genre. Disco/funk/pop crossover\good-times-are-here song which would get them Top 10. Ya-ho!
Status Quo - What You're Proposing
Keeping the party atmosphere going with this repeat performance. Now incredibly up to no. 2.
Dennis Waterman & Band - I Could Be So Good For You
He was on a few weeks ago threatening that he was about to release a record, and here it is. A very British kind of record, but one which you wish had never been made. Again a bit of a 'cross-over' as it was the theme tune for Minder which had just been launched on ITV.
Stephanie Mills - I Never Knew Love Like This Before
Quite a fast pace this week with another jaunty number now at no. 18 and, like Kool and Waterman, was destined to go even higher. Ms. Mills only Top 10/20 song which also won Best RnB song at the 1981 Grammys.
Neil Diamond - Love on the Rocks
Bit of an odd inclusion this as this new single wasn't even near the Top 75 yet. Probably some mooovie mogul paid a lot of money to the BBC to promote the mooovie The Jazz Singer from whence this song comes. I'd rather listen to Status Quo again to be honest.
Roxy Music - Same Old Scene (Legs & Co.)
Third single, and hit, from the Flesh+Blood album, and I won't hide it's my fave one too. I am also rather cross I didn't get to see Legs doing their thang to it, too. Hrrmph.
UB40 - The Earth Dies Screaming
Was this really on TOTP? An anti-nuclear protest song? Wonder what Jimmy Savile, and indeed the British public made of that. It'll reach no. 10 so hope it's on again....
Motorhead - Ace of Spades
This is turning out to be a cracker of a show: here's the 'Head with another raucous heavy-metal stonker which just stinks of pachuli oil and dirty leather. Love it. Again, hope we get a repeat.
Top 10 rundown as follows:
(10) Ottawan – D.I.S.C.O. (down)
(9) Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – Enola Gay (down)
(8) David Bowie – Fashion (up)
(7) Odyssey – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (down)
(6) Matchbox – When You Ask About Love (down)
(5) Blondie – The Tide Is High (NEW!)
(4) Adam & the Ants – Dog Eat Dog (up)
(3) Bad Manners – Special Brew (up)
(2) Status Quo - What You’re Proposing (non mover)
Then,...
Barbara Streisand - Woman in Love (Number 1)
"Life is a moment in space.." etc. etc..
Got a bit of a lump in my throat when I read what the playout track was....Now only if I really did have a time machine...
John Lennon - (Just Like) Starting Over.......
Not repeated on BBCFour in 2015
Presented by Jimmy Saville
Full chart here.
Well the TOTP Time Machine is racing ahead on BBCFour (save for omitted shows) so we'd better get cracking with a catch-up.. Thanks to PopScene episode guide for the list of artists in this show.
Kool and the Gang - Celebrate
Debut for what would become a bit of a classic of its genre, perhaps because it doesn't really belong to any particular genre. Disco/funk/pop crossover\good-times-are-here song which would get them Top 10. Ya-ho!
Status Quo - What You're Proposing
Keeping the party atmosphere going with this repeat performance. Now incredibly up to no. 2.
Dennis Waterman & Band - I Could Be So Good For You
He was on a few weeks ago threatening that he was about to release a record, and here it is. A very British kind of record, but one which you wish had never been made. Again a bit of a 'cross-over' as it was the theme tune for Minder which had just been launched on ITV.
Stephanie Mills - I Never Knew Love Like This Before
Quite a fast pace this week with another jaunty number now at no. 18 and, like Kool and Waterman, was destined to go even higher. Ms. Mills only Top 10/20 song which also won Best RnB song at the 1981 Grammys.
Neil Diamond - Love on the Rocks
Bit of an odd inclusion this as this new single wasn't even near the Top 75 yet. Probably some mooovie mogul paid a lot of money to the BBC to promote the mooovie The Jazz Singer from whence this song comes. I'd rather listen to Status Quo again to be honest.
Roxy Music - Same Old Scene (Legs & Co.)
Third single, and hit, from the Flesh+Blood album, and I won't hide it's my fave one too. I am also rather cross I didn't get to see Legs doing their thang to it, too. Hrrmph.
UB40 - The Earth Dies Screaming
Was this really on TOTP? An anti-nuclear protest song? Wonder what Jimmy Savile, and indeed the British public made of that. It'll reach no. 10 so hope it's on again....
Motorhead - Ace of Spades
This is turning out to be a cracker of a show: here's the 'Head with another raucous heavy-metal stonker which just stinks of pachuli oil and dirty leather. Love it. Again, hope we get a repeat.
Top 10 rundown as follows:
(10) Ottawan – D.I.S.C.O. (down)
(9) Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – Enola Gay (down)
(8) David Bowie – Fashion (up)
(7) Odyssey – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (down)
(6) Matchbox – When You Ask About Love (down)
(5) Blondie – The Tide Is High (NEW!)
(4) Adam & the Ants – Dog Eat Dog (up)
(3) Bad Manners – Special Brew (up)
(2) Status Quo - What You’re Proposing (non mover)
Then,...
Barbara Streisand - Woman in Love (Number 1)
"Life is a moment in space.." etc. etc..
Got a bit of a lump in my throat when I read what the playout track was....Now only if I really did have a time machine...
John Lennon - (Just Like) Starting Over.......
TOTP 80.34 23/10/80
First broadcast 23/10/80
Not repeated on BBCFour in 2015
Presented by Dave Lee Travis
Full chart here.
It's a pity this one wasn't repeated, if only for the fact that the it's a healthy female (artist) contingent that make it a bit interesting this week.
Status Quo - What You're Proposing
Obviously TOTP people thing this is a good one to get the party started as it's the second time it's been first act on. It does them no harnm though as they're up to 4, and heading even higher.
The Nolans - Gotta Pull Myself Together (video)
Struggling a bit and the 'video' thing evidently does them little good as this is their peak with this one.
Gilbert O'Sullivan - What's in a Kiss (rpt.)
We really are scraping the barrel having Gilbs back on again, also a struggler, although this will help him out a bit with all those legal fees.
Kelly Marie - Loving Just For Fun
She's back! And with her Number-One single still the charts an' all. Go Kels!
Air Supply - Out of Love
One of those tedious classic American MOR/AOR songs, already at no. 20. Their one and only hit, thank goodness.
Kate Bush - Army Dreamers
Poor Kate hasn't had much of a look in with her new material this year what with unacceptable subject matter (Breathing), strikes (Babooshka) and future Yewtree presenters all over the shop. But none of that is going to stop her. It's a bumper year for Kate and there's still more to come.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Enola Gay (rpt.)
Speaking of odd subject mater here's that funny lot from the Wirral again with their amiable little tune about nuclear bombing. Not able to make it to the studio this as they were probably rehearsing for the tour to promote their new album, Organisation.
Ottawan - D.I.S.C.O.
After what seems like weeks, at last Legs & Co. get to have a go with this one.
Barbara Streisand - Woman in Love
..and a new number one! Much as we liked Don't Stand So.. it was time for a change...and a double-helping of Legs this week to boot! Babs' short-ish run at the top starts here.
Coffee - Casanova
We've already had Ottawan so lets get the other disco number on again for the kids to jig along to, even though it's stallin' at no. 13.
Not repeated on BBCFour in 2015
Presented by Dave Lee Travis
Full chart here.
It's a pity this one wasn't repeated, if only for the fact that the it's a healthy female (artist) contingent that make it a bit interesting this week.
 |
| pic.: PopScene |
Status Quo - What You're Proposing
Obviously TOTP people thing this is a good one to get the party started as it's the second time it's been first act on. It does them no harnm though as they're up to 4, and heading even higher.
The Nolans - Gotta Pull Myself Together (video)
Struggling a bit and the 'video' thing evidently does them little good as this is their peak with this one.
Gilbert O'Sullivan - What's in a Kiss (rpt.)
We really are scraping the barrel having Gilbs back on again, also a struggler, although this will help him out a bit with all those legal fees.
Kelly Marie - Loving Just For Fun
She's back! And with her Number-One single still the charts an' all. Go Kels!
Air Supply - Out of Love
One of those tedious classic American MOR/AOR songs, already at no. 20. Their one and only hit, thank goodness.
Kate Bush - Army Dreamers
Poor Kate hasn't had much of a look in with her new material this year what with unacceptable subject matter (Breathing), strikes (Babooshka) and future Yewtree presenters all over the shop. But none of that is going to stop her. It's a bumper year for Kate and there's still more to come.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Enola Gay (rpt.)
Speaking of odd subject mater here's that funny lot from the Wirral again with their amiable little tune about nuclear bombing. Not able to make it to the studio this as they were probably rehearsing for the tour to promote their new album, Organisation.
Ottawan - D.I.S.C.O.
After what seems like weeks, at last Legs & Co. get to have a go with this one.
Barbara Streisand - Woman in Love
..and a new number one! Much as we liked Don't Stand So.. it was time for a change...and a double-helping of Legs this week to boot! Babs' short-ish run at the top starts here.
Coffee - Casanova
We've already had Ottawan so lets get the other disco number on again for the kids to jig along to, even though it's stallin' at no. 13.
TOTP 80.31 02/10/80
First broadcast 02/10/80
Not repeated by BBCFour in 2015.
Presented by Dave Lee Travis
Full chart here.
Not repeated due to DLT presenterage. Despite having paid him good (taxpayers') money for 25 years, the BBC now deem him unfit for broadcasting, even in a historical context. One wonders if they still have it in for him after his on-air resignation in 1993, but there you go. Anyway thanks to those nice people at Popscene and Turn It on Again/TOTP 1980 here's a brief description of what came up on this particular show, with a few comments.
Show preview in (three) videos is preceded by a lengthy rambling about a special car and a motor show or some such. But on with the show.
Gillan - Trouble
Highest chart entry at 22 and it's back to the heavy-metal 'head banging' genre, even without Tommy Vance at the helm. As DLT duly informs us this is a cover version of an Elvis Presley song (from 1958), and pretty dismal it is too. This might as well be 1973. I'm no expert but he sounds like the bloke from Deep Purple to me.
..a lot more rambling on about that stupid car then..
Stevie Wonder - Master Blaster (video inter-spliced with studio dancing)
At no. 2 and the first of a string of hits by Wonder over the next few months or so. It'll be 'Happy Birthday' within a year so we should be grateful for this.
Matchbox - When You Ask About Love
Their follow up to....the previous one, and more 50s-nostalgia nonsense. Now at no. 38, this did surprisingly well although thankfully has since fell into the depths of oblivion.
Thin Lizzy - Killer on the Loose (video)
Not sure if Lynott is warning us against the killer or actually saying he is the killer given all his aggressive posing, snarling and finger wagging. Anyway having abandoned his solo "career" he's on his way to the Top 10 (for the last time) wiv Ver Lizzy.
Change - Searching (Legs & Co.)
We had a quick preview of this one in the credits run-out last week, and a classy bit of soul-funk it has turned out to be too. Legs give it their all, dressed as French maids (what else?) but you'll have to do some "searching" (geddit?) around for that for yourselves. Up to their no. 11 peak.
30-20 rundown. Good to see Lynx at 23.
Odyssey - If You're Looking For a Way Out (video)
Better have some more disco music then. Oh no..it's a slow one! This is the follow up to their unforgettable no. 1 of a few months back (the title of which escapes me) and will likewise go top 10, staying Top 40 for 12 weeks. And we haven't even seen the back of them yet.
The Charts (sic.) 19-11
Madness - Baggy Trousers
Well they've certainly kept the best til last and I can imagine that a large part of the viewing public had been eagerly awaiting this "nutty" studio performance (we only had the video last time). Up to no. 4, which is a gross injustice innit. Love Suggs' stop/start 'dancing' and all that arsing about. At least it meant max. audience participation, something which was still largely lacking on The Pops.
Top 9 rundown, including The Giant Sombrero. Then DLT kisses two young girls on the lips while handing out free LPs.
The Police - Don't Stand So Close To Me (video)
Summers/Copeland/Sumner continue their run at the top. One wonders whether there could've been some kind of Madness vs. The Police rivalry competition if this chart had been some years into the future when record companies and such liked to play up such things (hello Oasis and Blur).
Bob Marley & Wailers - Three Little Birds (credits)
The band had just completed their massive Uprising World Tour even though Marley was already very ill. But he didn't worry 'bout a ting.
Tune in Thursday 08/10/15 for the 09/10/80 show.
Not repeated by BBCFour in 2015.
Presented by Dave Lee Travis
Full chart here.
Not repeated due to DLT presenterage. Despite having paid him good (taxpayers') money for 25 years, the BBC now deem him unfit for broadcasting, even in a historical context. One wonders if they still have it in for him after his on-air resignation in 1993, but there you go. Anyway thanks to those nice people at Popscene and Turn It on Again/TOTP 1980 here's a brief description of what came up on this particular show, with a few comments.
Show preview in (three) videos is preceded by a lengthy rambling about a special car and a motor show or some such. But on with the show.
Gillan - Trouble
Highest chart entry at 22 and it's back to the heavy-metal 'head banging' genre, even without Tommy Vance at the helm. As DLT duly informs us this is a cover version of an Elvis Presley song (from 1958), and pretty dismal it is too. This might as well be 1973. I'm no expert but he sounds like the bloke from Deep Purple to me.
..a lot more rambling on about that stupid car then..
Stevie Wonder - Master Blaster (video inter-spliced with studio dancing)
At no. 2 and the first of a string of hits by Wonder over the next few months or so. It'll be 'Happy Birthday' within a year so we should be grateful for this.
Matchbox - When You Ask About Love
Their follow up to....the previous one, and more 50s-nostalgia nonsense. Now at no. 38, this did surprisingly well although thankfully has since fell into the depths of oblivion.
Thin Lizzy - Killer on the Loose (video)
Not sure if Lynott is warning us against the killer or actually saying he is the killer given all his aggressive posing, snarling and finger wagging. Anyway having abandoned his solo "career" he's on his way to the Top 10 (for the last time) wiv Ver Lizzy.
Change - Searching (Legs & Co.)
We had a quick preview of this one in the credits run-out last week, and a classy bit of soul-funk it has turned out to be too. Legs give it their all, dressed as French maids (what else?) but you'll have to do some "searching" (geddit?) around for that for yourselves. Up to their no. 11 peak.
30-20 rundown. Good to see Lynx at 23.
Odyssey - If You're Looking For a Way Out (video)
Better have some more disco music then. Oh no..it's a slow one! This is the follow up to their unforgettable no. 1 of a few months back (the title of which escapes me) and will likewise go top 10, staying Top 40 for 12 weeks. And we haven't even seen the back of them yet.
The Charts (sic.) 19-11
Madness - Baggy Trousers
Well they've certainly kept the best til last and I can imagine that a large part of the viewing public had been eagerly awaiting this "nutty" studio performance (we only had the video last time). Up to no. 4, which is a gross injustice innit. Love Suggs' stop/start 'dancing' and all that arsing about. At least it meant max. audience participation, something which was still largely lacking on The Pops.
Top 9 rundown, including The Giant Sombrero. Then DLT kisses two young girls on the lips while handing out free LPs.
The Police - Don't Stand So Close To Me (video)
Summers/Copeland/Sumner continue their run at the top. One wonders whether there could've been some kind of Madness vs. The Police rivalry competition if this chart had been some years into the future when record companies and such liked to play up such things (hello Oasis and Blur).
Bob Marley & Wailers - Three Little Birds (credits)
The band had just completed their massive Uprising World Tour even though Marley was already very ill. But he didn't worry 'bout a ting.
Tune in Thursday 08/10/15 for the 09/10/80 show.
TOTP 80.28 11/09/80
Another one not repeated this time around, hosted by Saville and Richard Skinner, who was in fact already a R1 DJ, but getting his introduction to the TOTP public Steve Wright style.
You can watch the full programme here on Vimeo (via Manorak)
Full chart here
I have a feeling that good and exciting material was pretty thin on the ground for this edition, since most of the songs were in the lower reaches of the chart and struggling to get anywhere. But anyway these things seem to go in cycles so let's just get on with it:
The Skids - Circus Games
And by way of proof of the above statement here's the second outing for The Skids who had crept up just one place to no. 32 from no. 33, which is where they were two weeks ago when featured on the show. They must have been chuffed to have got a second chance although again the Great British public weren't buying it (literally) and they dropped down to no. 40 the week after.
Black Sabbath - Paranoid (promo)
I can't seem to find any information out there as to why this 1970 song from The Sabbath became an unexpected hit again a decade later, so any gen would be gladly accepted. Over the years Paranoid has turned out to be quite an 'evergreen' as it crops up every now and then on films and stuff. Already at no. 17 this week.
Ian Dury & the Blockheads - I Want to Be Straight
Again? Like the Skids' single this had stalled after its TOTP showing a couple of weeks back, yet somehow was miraculously 'rescued' for this week, and then got nowhere. Next!
Elvis Presley - It's Only Love
Again it's an old one re-marketed, perhaps in the wake of Presley's death, which had happened three years hence. HAd someone from Black Sabbath died too? Legs & Co. give it the once over this week so let's break the monotony a bit and watch it over on One For the Dads.
Shakin' Stevens - Marie Marie
Another 'rescued from obscurity' feature, which again hadn't done very much since being on three weeks ago. Now at the dizzy heights of no. 21 it gained another two places next week. Then nothing. A bientot, Shaky. Next!
Judas Priest - United
More p*ss poor strugglers, I'm afraid. And it's even a repeat of two weeks ago. Next!
Splodgenessabounds - Two Little Boys
Oh something a bit fun and interesting at last, although one wonders why this lot weren't put in the opening 'novelty band' slot. A not-so-good follow-up to Two Pints of Lager.. which had been a hit during the Wilderness Weeks of The Strike. Not surprisingly this song has its origins in English music-hall and this is more or less what we get 'post-punk' style with The Splodge Ones, albeit on a very cramped and overcrowded stage. God knows what they were on but they certainly gave tonight's lacklustre show a kick up the backside. They also went whizzing up the charts after tonight's showing, my lords, laydees and gennle-meeen, but its success was short-lived.
Split Enz - I Got You
Maybe it was a new TOTP strategy to save the best bits til last, after wading through the drudgery? That would certainly seem the case this week. Colourful Australian cousins Split Enz make their TOTP debut with this number, which is actually a bit creepy, but a well-crafted song nonetheless, somewhat in the style of say, Squeeze. This one had already made it to no. 27 and would deservedly go on to do better.
Kelly Marie - Feels Like I'm in Love
It's a new number one folks, and full marks to Kelly for hangin' on in there and getting to the top after six weeks grafting and sweating (enough of these short lived 'instant hits' already!). It must also have been a big satisfaction to have out-done fellow females Sheena 'I've Got Two Singles Out Actually' Easton and Hazel 'I'm a Film Star Too Actually' O'Connor, and beating both to the top spot (can you imagine the backstage bitchin'!!?). Randy Crawford also hot on her heels, so we'll see what happens next week folks.
Queen - Another One Bites the Dust (playout)
You'd have thought that Queen going all disco would've deserved more pops attention, but there obviously wasn't even a decent promo-video around, so just unleash the kids!
Back next week with a proper Pops showing, at last. T'ra!
You can watch the full programme here on Vimeo (via Manorak)
Full chart here
I have a feeling that good and exciting material was pretty thin on the ground for this edition, since most of the songs were in the lower reaches of the chart and struggling to get anywhere. But anyway these things seem to go in cycles so let's just get on with it:
The Skids - Circus Games
And by way of proof of the above statement here's the second outing for The Skids who had crept up just one place to no. 32 from no. 33, which is where they were two weeks ago when featured on the show. They must have been chuffed to have got a second chance although again the Great British public weren't buying it (literally) and they dropped down to no. 40 the week after.
Black Sabbath - Paranoid (promo)
I can't seem to find any information out there as to why this 1970 song from The Sabbath became an unexpected hit again a decade later, so any gen would be gladly accepted. Over the years Paranoid has turned out to be quite an 'evergreen' as it crops up every now and then on films and stuff. Already at no. 17 this week.
Ian Dury & the Blockheads - I Want to Be Straight
Again? Like the Skids' single this had stalled after its TOTP showing a couple of weeks back, yet somehow was miraculously 'rescued' for this week, and then got nowhere. Next!
Elvis Presley - It's Only Love
Again it's an old one re-marketed, perhaps in the wake of Presley's death, which had happened three years hence. HAd someone from Black Sabbath died too? Legs & Co. give it the once over this week so let's break the monotony a bit and watch it over on One For the Dads.
Shakin' Stevens - Marie Marie
Another 'rescued from obscurity' feature, which again hadn't done very much since being on three weeks ago. Now at the dizzy heights of no. 21 it gained another two places next week. Then nothing. A bientot, Shaky. Next!
Judas Priest - United
More p*ss poor strugglers, I'm afraid. And it's even a repeat of two weeks ago. Next!
Splodgenessabounds - Two Little Boys
Oh something a bit fun and interesting at last, although one wonders why this lot weren't put in the opening 'novelty band' slot. A not-so-good follow-up to Two Pints of Lager.. which had been a hit during the Wilderness Weeks of The Strike. Not surprisingly this song has its origins in English music-hall and this is more or less what we get 'post-punk' style with The Splodge Ones, albeit on a very cramped and overcrowded stage. God knows what they were on but they certainly gave tonight's lacklustre show a kick up the backside. They also went whizzing up the charts after tonight's showing, my lords, laydees and gennle-meeen, but its success was short-lived.
Split Enz - I Got You
Maybe it was a new TOTP strategy to save the best bits til last, after wading through the drudgery? That would certainly seem the case this week. Colourful Australian cousins Split Enz make their TOTP debut with this number, which is actually a bit creepy, but a well-crafted song nonetheless, somewhat in the style of say, Squeeze. This one had already made it to no. 27 and would deservedly go on to do better.
Kelly Marie - Feels Like I'm in Love
It's a new number one folks, and full marks to Kelly for hangin' on in there and getting to the top after six weeks grafting and sweating (enough of these short lived 'instant hits' already!). It must also have been a big satisfaction to have out-done fellow females Sheena 'I've Got Two Singles Out Actually' Easton and Hazel 'I'm a Film Star Too Actually' O'Connor, and beating both to the top spot (can you imagine the backstage bitchin'!!?). Randy Crawford also hot on her heels, so we'll see what happens next week folks.
Queen - Another One Bites the Dust (playout)
You'd have thought that Queen going all disco would've deserved more pops attention, but there obviously wasn't even a decent promo-video around, so just unleash the kids!
Back next week with a proper Pops showing, at last. T'ra!
TOTP 80.27 04/09/80
Presented by DLT and Kevin Keegan so not repeated. Keegan's perm obviously considered too offensive in this day and age.
But anyway here's the full chart and the list of acts/songs featured:
Secret Affair - Sound of Confusion
Follow up to the rather spiffing My World, at no. 45 but did no better.
Kelly Marie - Feels Like I'm in Love
There's a new no. this week but this isn't it. up to no. 3.
Nick Straker Band - A Walk in the Park
Catchy summer hit at no. 22.
Hazel O'Connor - Eighth Day
Ironically beating Gary Numan to the No. 5 spot.
Billy Joel - It's Still Rock n Roll To Me - (Legs & Co.)
The Leggies are back after their brief summer holidays, in some exotic location, no doubt. Sadly we didn't get to see their routine to Joel's new one, now at no. 20.
Cliff Richard - Dreamin'
More male solo stuff with Sir Cliff at no. 10.
Sheena Easton - Modern Girl
With 9 to 5 already on its way down, Sheens gets to perform her other hit, now at no. 13.
The Beat - Best Friend
As mentioned last week it was probably Stand Down Margaret that was shifting the units on this 7" but here's the more acceptable and uncensored other A side. (promo video).
Randy Crawford - One Day I'll Fly Away
A touch of class is tonight's rather raunchy homegrown line-up. Have a look at the video recording here cos it's a bit of a classic.
The Jam - Start!
A surprising new no. 1 although the fanbase was huge by this time, which may explain its rather short reign. A lot of us heard Taxman for the first time too.
The Clash - Bankrobber
Up to no. 12 although The Clash were still no-show so you just get the the playout spot and loads of kids going mad on stage again, probably.
TOTP 80.20 15/05/80
Introduced by DLT, so not repeated on BBCFour this time.
Full chart here
For full playlist see Turn It On Again.
Hand-crafted list courtesy of Sir LeeThommo:
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 80.10 06/03/1980
In their infinite wisdom, BBCFour have decided not to repeat this particular episode presumably because it was hosted by then Radio 1 deejay Dave Lee Travis who has been struck off a lot of Christmas card lists lately.
I am however indebted to Twitter followee Lee @leethommo Thompson who regularly publishes his vintage hand-written TOTP lists and who kindly tweeted me the list for this week's missing episode. And quite a cracker it would have been...
Mr. Thompson has also informed me that this was Martha & the Muffins' only live in the studio appearance and there will also be no repeat to come either as we get the filmed video next week. We can only live in a hope for repeats of the likes of Squeeze, The Lambrettas and UK Subs. But, er, Tony Rallo......?
In other chart action, power-ballard songstresses Marti Webb and Kern Finney were putting the scares on Blondie, still at the top spot. Cliff and the Whispers were slipping down whereas both Peter Gabriel and Rainbow obviously benefited from their respective promo-video showings last week and have both gone Top 10. (Post) punk rockers Stiff Little Fingers, the Police and The Vapors (highest new entry into Top 30) all going strong, as are (post) disco-ers Gibson Bros. and Liquid Gold.
Full chart here, and stick around for the next show.. coming soon!
I am however indebted to Twitter followee Lee @leethommo Thompson who regularly publishes his vintage hand-written TOTP lists and who kindly tweeted me the list for this week's missing episode. And quite a cracker it would have been...
Mr. Thompson has also informed me that this was Martha & the Muffins' only live in the studio appearance and there will also be no repeat to come either as we get the filmed video next week. We can only live in a hope for repeats of the likes of Squeeze, The Lambrettas and UK Subs. But, er, Tony Rallo......?
In other chart action, power-ballard songstresses Marti Webb and Kern Finney were putting the scares on Blondie, still at the top spot. Cliff and the Whispers were slipping down whereas both Peter Gabriel and Rainbow obviously benefited from their respective promo-video showings last week and have both gone Top 10. (Post) punk rockers Stiff Little Fingers, the Police and The Vapors (highest new entry into Top 30) all going strong, as are (post) disco-ers Gibson Bros. and Liquid Gold.
Full chart here, and stick around for the next show.. coming soon!
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