I still think the show peaked in Springtime 1978 - with the likes of Kate Bush, Blondie, Abba, Elvis Costello etc etc..and also again this year - when we had Gary Numan and all that New Wave stuff..;-)
Winter 1979- Spring 1980 is a great period to look forward to as well! ;-)
1978 had some great moments, for sure, but i never felt the Top Of The Pops episodes as a whole were quite as consistent as 1979. However, Kate Bush with ''Wuthering Heights'' marked a real breakthrough of a type/style that seemed pretty unique at that time. ''Rat Trap'' by the Boomtown Rats from November of that year was the first new wave-ish no 1, and set the precident for those new wave acts who began also achieving no 1 chart placings in 1979.
I would agree though, the first few months of 1980 are very exciting. No 1 hits like The Specials ''Too Much Too Young'', The Pretenders ''Brass In Pocket'', The Jam's ''Going Underground'' and Dexys Midnight Runners ''Geno'' are really worth looking forward to. However, Kenny Rogers ''Coward Of The County'', Fern Kinney's ''Together We Are Beautiful'' and later, Johnny Logan's ''What's Another Year'', may evoke similar sentiments to those expressed of Lena Martell's ''One Day At A Time'', although i really don't mind them personally (however, i'm not really too struck on ''Coward Of The County''). Of course the show isn't simply about no 1s. I'm actually looking forward to seeing UB40s debut hit ''Food For Thought'', and Cliff's ''Carrie''. Also the two tone sound in general, is going from strength to strength, around this time.
Don't get the hate for Knocked It Out by BA Robertson/Inspector Gadget/80s Jeremy Clarkson. That was a genuine lost gem with smart lyrics.
Yes I like Knocked it OFF too!! I also remember the episode with the footballs Robbie. But my fave BA song was Kool in the Kaftan - which I believe is his next single we see!
Yes I like Knocked it OFF too!! I also remember the episode with the footballs Robbie. But my fave BA song was Kool in the Kaftan - which I believe is his next single we see!
Yes, Knocked It OFF.
Seriously, my effing brain. I was even singing it my head and still typed 'Out'. It does it to me on purpose, I swear.
Yes I like Knocked it OFF too!! I also remember the episode with the footballs Robbie. But my fave BA song was Kool in the Kaftan - which I believe is his next single we see!
Kool in the Kaftan appears in the absolutely classic 3rd April episode next year, which is still available to view in full on Youtube (although we'll see it on BBC4 as it's presented by Kid Jensen). Even Barbara Dickson has a great song in that episode!
Kool in the Kaftan appears in the absolutely classic 3rd April episode next year, which is still available to view in full on Youtube (although we'll see it on BBC4 as it's presented by Kid Jensen). Even Barbara Dickson has a great song in that episode!
Yeah - there were some great songs out at around that time. Dexy's & UB40 had their best songs out then - I remember taping them off the Top 40!!
Yeah - there were some great songs out at around that time. Dexy's & UB40 had their best songs out then - I remember taping them off the Top 40!!
Yes, the episode in question (3/4/1980) is pretty much as good as it gets (with maybe the exception of Prima Donna and ''Love Enough For Two''), and is perhaps my favourite from 1980. I think even today, nearly 35 years on neither Dexys Midnight Runners nor UB40 have bettered those singles, ''Geno'' and ''Food For Thought''. It's amazing how great many of those songs from the early part of 1980 are, and it's also a reminder of the catastrophic decline pop would endure as we get deeper into that decade. The Human League (covering Gary Glitter's ''Rock And Roll''), OMD and Ultravox, also make their debuts during 1980. Kid Jensen would disappear as host too, roughly midway through 1980, as he started a new job working for CNN, based in the US, but he would be back before 1981 was through.
Quatro moving into MOR territory with that awful dirge, ditching the leather catsuit [ BIG mistake Suze, I've not forgiven you ] and the bad girl image.
Still, 6 years as a chart regular is not bad going.
Yes, the episode in question (3/4/1980) is pretty much as good as it gets (with maybe the exception of Prima Donna and ''Love Enough For Two''), and is perhaps my favourite from 1980. I think even today, nearly 35 years on neither Dexys Midnight Runners nor UB40 have bettered those singles, ''Geno'' and ''Food For Thought''. It's amazing how great many of those songs from the early part of 1980 are, and it's also a reminder of the catastrophic decline pop would endure as we get deeper into that decade. The Human League (covering Gary Glitter's ''Rock And Roll''), OMD and Ultravox, also make their debuts during 1980. Kid Jensen would disappear as host too, roughly midway through 1980, as he started a new job working for CNN, based in the US, but he would be back before 1981 was through.
Nothing wrong with Prima Donna!
The lovely Sally Ann Triplett and Kate Robbins in one group can't be bad
During the playout track Tusk you can see someone signing autographs. It's not totally clear but it could be either B.A Robertson or Phil Lynott. Anyone else notice it?
During the playout track Tusk you can see someone signing autographs. It's not totally clear but it could be either B.A Robertson or Phil Lynott. Anyone else notice it?
Quatro moving into MOR territory with that awful dirge, ditching the leather catsuit [ BIG mistake Suze, I've not forgiven you ] and the bad girl image.
Still, 6 years as a chart regular is not bad going.
MOR! Dirge! I wouldn't call SILWY either of those. Its predecessor "Stumblin' In", now that was very MOR. SILWY was more pop/rock though and to me sounded like an attempt to update her sound to make it a bit comparable to what else was going on at the time. I loved it and I thought it was one of her best singles. It's all about personal taste as usual though.
Yes I like Knocked it OFF too!! I also remember the episode with the footballs Robbie. But my fave BA song was Kool in the Kaftan - which I believe is his next single we see!
Mine too. And another lyrically clever, witty song.
I've got no memories at all of this football business will look forward to seeing that.
Partly their own fault - after diminishing returns in the UK they turned back to the US again, and largely disappeared as far as we were concerned.
Sparks celebrate their 40th anniversary this year - and they've certainly not 'disappeared'. They tour every year and continue to write and record.
I've been lucky enough to see them live 6 times over the past few years, and they never disappoint.
The 'Number 1 in Heaven' album, produced by Giorgio was electronic, but that was by no means their sole modus operandi, it was just one of the many musical styles they've experimented with over the years.
Primary school Christmas disco 1979 and this was played a couple of times while me and a few other's strummed on our nether regions and sung we'd knocked it off to some female classmates.
10 year old boys would struggle to knock one out, let alone knock one off.
No it's Caroline who was involved with Phil Lynott.
The link below includes their wedding photograph (with Leslie Crowther) and a picture of Lynott holding Sarah, his first child with Caroline and the subject of the song on last week's TOTP.
I always wondered how clean-cut Leslie Crowther's daughter got together with Phil Lynott
I remember reading in the Daily Express that Leslie was non too pleased when his convent educated daughter Caroline posed for a nude photoshoot under the alias 'Hilary Stephens' which featured in the November 1977 issue of Mayfair (thirteen published stills including the cover shot appear in the link below) which he attributed to Lynott's bad influence (WARNING: contains nudity):
Thanks for that. Mmm, not the best performance really but I suppose he's trying to do something a bit different. I like the little lyric changes, I sometimes forget they had to re-record the vocals for TOTP back then.
There's a few interesting comments beneath the clip, BA was a real 'marmite' artist back then and still to this day it seems. Looking at the clip again, he was quite an irritating performer at times actually. Nothing wrong with a confident performance but its a fine line to step into what looks like a cocky and arrogant one. Makes me think he was an artist who was better heard but not seen!
I remember reading in the Daily Express that Leslie was non too pleased when his convent educated daughter Caroline posed for a nude photoshoot under the alias 'Hilary Stephens' which featured in the November 1977 issue of Mayfair (thirteen published stills including the cover shot appear in the link below) which he attributed to Lynott's bad influence (WARNING: contains nudity):
I think it's hilarious that you added that (WARNING: contains nudity)
I remember this as I knew someone at the time who worked at the school where her little brother was a boarder.
It was quite the talking point among the boys, apparently. ;-)
(43) THIN LIZZY – Sarah
I quite liked this track. 'Sarah' was written by Phil Lynott and Gary Moore about Lynott's newborn daughter. The track features Huey Lewis, of The News fame, on harmonica and the track was originally recorded for an intended Lynott solo album.
Which came out in 1980 as 'Solo In Soho' . Had the great single 'Dear Miss Lonely Hearts', and 'Yellow Pearl' which was the theme tune to a long-forgotten TV series.
Some still do now Centaurion!
Not every female tries to copy internet porn just to please their blokes - just the gullible ones!!
Couldn't agree more Ursula.
On a separate subject..........does anyone know when we will be seeing the fantastic ELO on TOTP next ?
I can't stop listening to them since the Hyde Park concert.
Missed Bev on drums though
On a separate subject..........does anyone know when we will be seeing the fantastic ELO on TOTP next ?
I can't stop listening to them since the Hyde Park concert.
Missed Bev on drums though
Thank you China Girl .
Regarding ELO they had a few hits in 1979/80 - so it shouldn't be too long! Confusion & Last train to London are due soon & Xanadu should be on in a few months time! - Apparantely they may do a tour after Hyde Park now too! ;-)
Regarding ELO they had a few hits in 1979/80 - so it shouldn't be too long! Xanadu should be on in a few months time! - Apparantely they may do a tour after Hyde Park now too! ;-)
Isn't Xanadu at number one during that long strike in the summer?
Comments
1978 had some great moments, for sure, but i never felt the Top Of The Pops episodes as a whole were quite as consistent as 1979. However, Kate Bush with ''Wuthering Heights'' marked a real breakthrough of a type/style that seemed pretty unique at that time. ''Rat Trap'' by the Boomtown Rats from November of that year was the first new wave-ish no 1, and set the precident for those new wave acts who began also achieving no 1 chart placings in 1979.
I would agree though, the first few months of 1980 are very exciting. No 1 hits like The Specials ''Too Much Too Young'', The Pretenders ''Brass In Pocket'', The Jam's ''Going Underground'' and Dexys Midnight Runners ''Geno'' are really worth looking forward to. However, Kenny Rogers ''Coward Of The County'', Fern Kinney's ''Together We Are Beautiful'' and later, Johnny Logan's ''What's Another Year'', may evoke similar sentiments to those expressed of Lena Martell's ''One Day At A Time'', although i really don't mind them personally (however, i'm not really too struck on ''Coward Of The County''). Of course the show isn't simply about no 1s. I'm actually looking forward to seeing UB40s debut hit ''Food For Thought'', and Cliff's ''Carrie''. Also the two tone sound in general, is going from strength to strength, around this time.
'When Tommy turned around they said 'Hey look, ol' yeller's leavin'
But you could have heard a pin drop, when Tommy stopped and locked the door...'
Yes I like Knocked it OFF too!! I also remember the episode with the footballs Robbie. But my fave BA song was Kool in the Kaftan - which I believe is his next single we see!
Yes, Knocked It OFF.
Seriously, my effing brain. I was even singing it my head and still typed 'Out'. It does it to me on purpose, I swear.
Kool in the Kaftan appears in the absolutely classic 3rd April episode next year, which is still available to view in full on Youtube (although we'll see it on BBC4 as it's presented by Kid Jensen). Even Barbara Dickson has a great song in that episode!
Yeah - there were some great songs out at around that time. Dexy's & UB40 had their best songs out then - I remember taping them off the Top 40!!
Yes, the episode in question (3/4/1980) is pretty much as good as it gets (with maybe the exception of Prima Donna and ''Love Enough For Two''), and is perhaps my favourite from 1980. I think even today, nearly 35 years on neither Dexys Midnight Runners nor UB40 have bettered those singles, ''Geno'' and ''Food For Thought''. It's amazing how great many of those songs from the early part of 1980 are, and it's also a reminder of the catastrophic decline pop would endure as we get deeper into that decade. The Human League (covering Gary Glitter's ''Rock And Roll''), OMD and Ultravox, also make their debuts during 1980. Kid Jensen would disappear as host too, roughly midway through 1980, as he started a new job working for CNN, based in the US, but he would be back before 1981 was through.
Still, 6 years as a chart regular is not bad going.
Nothing wrong with Prima Donna!
The lovely Sally Ann Triplett and Kate Robbins in one group can't be bad
I did...
MOR!
Mine too. And another lyrically clever, witty song.
I've got no memories at all of this football business
Sparks celebrate their 40th anniversary this year - and they've certainly not 'disappeared'. They tour every year and continue to write and record.
I've been lucky enough to see them live 6 times over the past few years, and they never disappoint.
The 'Number 1 in Heaven' album, produced by Giorgio was electronic, but that was by no means their sole modus operandi, it was just one of the many musical styles they've experimented with over the years.
If you have the chance, see them live.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparks_(band)
Or you can watch it right now... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt82hXYNr_4
Ah, sorry Little Girl. Hadn't spotted your bit. Thanks for identifying it was Mike Read.
10 year old boys would struggle to knock one out, let alone knock one off.
The link below includes their wedding photograph (with Leslie Crowther) and a picture of Lynott holding Sarah, his first child with Caroline and the subject of the song on last week's TOTP.
http://brandnewretro.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/wddingpix.jpg
I remember reading in the Daily Express that Leslie was non too pleased when his convent educated daughter Caroline posed for a nude photoshoot under the alias 'Hilary Stephens' which featured in the November 1977 issue of Mayfair (thirteen published stills including the cover shot appear in the link below) which he attributed to Lynott's bad influence (WARNING: contains nudity):
http://venusobservations.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/centrefold-venus-of-month-42-hilary.html
Thanks for that. Mmm, not the best performance really but I suppose he's trying to do something a bit different. I like the little lyric changes, I sometimes forget they had to re-record the vocals for TOTP back then.
There's a few interesting comments beneath the clip, BA was a real 'marmite' artist back then and still to this day it seems. Looking at the clip again, he was quite an irritating performer at times actually. Nothing wrong with a confident performance but its a fine line to step into what looks like a cocky and arrogant one. Makes me think he was an artist who was better heard but not seen!
I think it's hilarious that you added that (WARNING: contains nudity)
I remember this as I knew someone at the time who worked at the school where her little brother was a boarder.
It was quite the talking point among the boys, apparently. ;-)
Some still do now Centaurion!
Not every female tries to copy internet porn just to please their blokes - just the gullible ones!!
Still sounds great - especially 'King Call' imo.
Couldn't agree more Ursula.
On a separate subject..........does anyone know when we will be seeing the fantastic ELO on TOTP next ?
I can't stop listening to them since the Hyde Park concert.
Missed Bev on drums though
Thank you China Girl
Regarding ELO they had a few hits in 1979/80 - so it shouldn't be too long! Confusion & Last train to London are due soon & Xanadu should be on in a few months time! - Apparantely they may do a tour after Hyde Park now too! ;-)
Isn't Xanadu at number one during that long strike in the summer?