1980
The song of the month for January 1980
Guns Of Navarone by The Specials (peak chart position:No.1)
The Specials can lay a credible claim to recording the most successful 'extended player' in British chart history, as their live E.P. (featuring 'Too Much Too Young') somersaulted to the top of the U.K. hit parade in early 1980. This mini-album contained five frantic interpretations of previous classic ska recordings from the likes of the Pioneers. However,
my preference is for the hugely danceable 'Guns Of Navarone' which is a cover of an old Skatalites tune, which itself was borrowed from the epic movie of 1961. Here the veteran Anglo-Jamaican trombonist Rico Rodriguez blows up a storm. Is it possible to sit still to this energetic delight?

The song of the month for February 1980
Atomic by Blondie (peak chart position:No.1)
'Atomic' had been previously recorded almost a year ago for the 'Eat To The Beat' project. Remarkably it was the third selection for release as a single in Britain after 'Dreaming' had narrowly failed to reach Number One and 'Union City Blue' had mysteriously failed to reach the Top Ten. This awesome tune had no such misfortune. Co-written by the keyboardist Jimmy Destri, this four and a half minute treat benefited from an accompanying video which envisaged the group playing at a post-nuclear holocaust concert. The trademark interplay of guitars and Debbie Harry's vocals never sounded better. What a sensational start to the 1980s!

The song of the month for March 1980
King by UB40 (peak chart position: No.4)
'King' formed part of a double A-side with the equally popular 'Food For Thought' and became one of the great stories of the
independent music labels' scene when this Graduate Records product climbed into the British Top Five in the spring of 1980. This tribute to Martin Luther King from a multi-racial Birmingham outfit had most peculiar origins. This strapped-for-cash reggae group had to record this seminal track at their producer Bob Lamb's bedsit, which also doubled up as a home-made recording studio. This home-made hit was the humble origin of a popular bunch who became a British musical institution in the ensuing three decades.

The song of the month for April 1980
A Forest by The Cure (peak chart position: No.31)
Goth-rockers The Cure were too much of a cult act to ever expect much commercial success in the singles chart. Having said that, this didn't deter them from releasing several 45s which were considerably better than their chart positions would indicate. Chief among them was the terrific 'A Forest'. This atmospheric number with the slightly sinister guitar sound narrowly failed to penetrate the British Top 30, but then it only succeeded in confirming that some songs are just too good for the charts. The mesmeric 'A Forest' was one such song.

The song of the month for May 1980
Best Friend by The Beat (peak chart position: No.22)
The Beat had previously hit the ground running when their debut single, a re-working of Smokey Robinson's 'Tears Of A Clown' reached the Top Ten at the turn of the year. The group then followed up with two more Top Ten forays courtesy of 'Hands Off...She's Mine' and 'Mirror In The Bathroom'. Their fourth release was their least successful to date, and yet
it was arguably the best. 'Best Friend' has to be one of the great jangly guitar songs of the 'eighties. It formed part of a double A-side with the overtly political 'Stand Down Margaret'. Both songs first surfaced when the excellent album 'I Just Can't Stop It' was issued in May.

The song of the month for June 1980
Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division (peak chart position: No.13)
The appearance of 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' in the Top Twenty was bitter-sweet for Joy Division. Having just lost their lead vocalist Ian Curtis as a result of suicide, Manchester's finest new wave act were themselves effectively dead. Nevertheless, this posthumous single was a reminder of the soul-searching that afflicted the tormented psyche of Curtis. This poignant item was later bravely covered by Paul Young, but this original is just too good to imitate. The remaining members of the 'division' licked their considerable wounds from the tragic loss of Curtis and promptly re-appeared in
the guise of the hugely respected New Order indie act.

The song of the month for July 1980
Private Life by Grace Jones (peak chart position: No.17)
Jamaican chanteuse Grace Jones staked an early claim for the best cover version of the decade when she expertly re-interpreted 'Private Life' which had originally saw the light of day on the Pretenders' debut album. With the
notable assistance of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Jones unleashes a reggae wonder. Chrissie Hynde's brutal lyrics were tailor-made for Jones whose deadpan delivery does justice to such put-downs as "You ask my advice/I say use the door/ But you're still clinging to somebody you deplore." "I just feel pity when you lie/Contempt when you cry." This insensitive item was included on the 'Warm Leatherette' long player.

The song of the month for August 1980
Biko by Peter Gabriel (peak chart position: No.38)
The great Peter Gabriel was the latest artist to exploit the medium of popular music as an outlet for political protest. The ex-Genesis vocalist commendably decided to share his profound misgivings about the circumstances surrounding the
death of Steve Biko with the rest of the world via this landmark recording. Gabriel recruited African vocalists as well as Phil Collins and even made use of bagpipes on this remarkable single. Gabriel's revulsion at apartheid is best summed in the following extract:"You can blow out a candle/ But you can't blow out a fire/ Once the flame begins to catch/ The wind will blow it higher." Superb stuff.

The song of the month for September 1980
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley & The Wailers (peak chart position:No.17)
Marley's classic 'Three Little Birds' had originally been hatched three years earlier when it appeared on the popular 'Exodus' album. Eventually Island Records decided to issue it as a single. The simple but effective lyrics were uplifting for all who had the good fortune to hear it: "Don't worry about a thing/Cos every little thing is gonna be all right." Ironically, while this fine reggae pop song was climbing the British hit parade, the great man himself collapsed in Central Park in New York whilst jogging. Inoperable cancer was soon diagnosed and Marley then fought a losing battle against terminal illness for the last seven months of his life.

The song of the month for October 1980
Woman In Love by Barbra Streisand (peak chart position: No.1)
Barbra Streisand had previously flirted with the top regions of the charts with her collaborations with Neil Diamond and then Donna Summer. However, the Jewess decided that 'enough is enough' and she proceeded to treat the airwaves to a new solo recording, 'Woman In Love'. This romantic celebration certainly found favour with record buyers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean as it became a deserved chart-topper. The song would also prove to be one of the biggest-sellers of 1980.

The song of the month for November 1980
(Just Like) Starting Over by John Lennon (peak chart position: No.1)
John Lennon had gone into a self-imposed retreat from stardom and from recording music from early 1975 through to the summer of 1980 when he eventually swapped his house-husband duties for his more familiar role of a performing artist. The Beatle legend soon delivered a new album in collaboration with his less musically gifted wife, thus yielding the 'Double Fantasy' project. One highlight of this long player was the admirable rocker in which John states "It'll be just like starting over." However, it proved to be a false start as the author of some of the world's best love and peace anthems was gunned down in early December.

The song of the month for December 1980
The Call Up by The Clash (peak chart position: No.40)
The Clash were faced with the unenviable task of attempting to improve upon the critically acclaimed 'London Calling' double album. They not surprisingly failed, although they did themselves no favours by lumping all their new material
together onto a triple album, entitled 'Sandinista'. Nevertheless, this newly-released long player did have a number of highlights, including 'Somebody Got Murdered' and 'Bankrobber'. My own preference is for the anti-draft track, 'The Call Up'. This item features a wailing klaxon acting as a call to arms. What may have confused some observers was that the seemingly belligerent Clash were actually pacifists!

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1980:
Remain In Light by Talking Heads (released in October)
Side 1 Side 2
1. Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On); 5:46 1. Once In A Lifetime; 4:19
2. Crosseyed and Painless; 4:45 2. Houses In Motion; 4:30
3. The Great Curve; 6:26 3. Seen And Not Seen; 3:20
4. Listening Wind; 4:42
5. The Overload; 6:00
I think that I have about fourteen studio albums from 1980 in my possession, so this is clearly my favourite year in the history of popular music. I have a marginal preference for 'Remain In Light' which perhaps represents the creative peak of the extremely creative and quirky quartet, Talking Heads. I have often regarded these New Yorkers as the Pink Floyd of punk, in that they were always a bit more arty and cleverer than their peers and contemporaries. This bizarre album is a case in point. It features new ethnic sounds and rhythms before 'world music' was championed by the likes of Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon. The project also showcases the production talents of Brian Eno (a refugee from Roxy Music). 'Once In A Lifetime' made a deserved splash in the singles charts, but it is eclipsed by the excellent 'Houses In Motion'. 'Seen And Not Seen' is another highlight, but pride of place goes to the energetic opener which descends into the refrain: "Goes on/And the heat goes on/ Goes on/And the heat goes on." Chart material it wasn't. Compulsive listening it was.

1981
The song of the month for January 1981
Vienna by Ultravox (peak chart position: No.2)
The British record-buying public have been known to let themselves down on a number of occasions. One such notable instance was when they allowed the rather silly novelty song 'Shaddap Your Face' to occupy the Number One position ahead of the magnificent 'Vienna'. Dear oh dear. It is actually quite ironic but 'Vienna' actually sold more copies than the masterpiece from the Joe Dolce Music Theatre. Anyhow, this is unquestionably Ultravox's finest track and it is a strong candidate for the accolade of best song of 1981, although it was actually recorded the previous year. Its black and white video is as memorable as the song itself.

The song of the month for February 1981
Jealous Guy by Roxy Music (peak chart position: No.1)
The tragic death of John Lennon not surprisingly prompted the release of much of his esteemed material into the public domain as record companies and other artists both cashed in on his death and paid their own unique tribute. For example, George Harrison stepped forth with the admirable 'All Those Years Ago', Elton John released 'I Saw Her Standing There', Phil Collins recorded a formidable version of 'Tomorrow Never Knows' and Roxy Music finally made it to the top of the hit parade with their re-working of a song that had first surfaced on the 'Imagine' album. To be fair to Roxy Music, their own effort improves on Lennon's solo original.

The song of the month for March 1981
Just A Feeling by Bad Manners (peak chart position: No.13)
Maybe it's just a feeling on my part, but the crazy bunch of Bad Manners never received the kudos that they perhaps merited. 'Just A Feeling' narrowly missed out on the British Top Ten, which is regrettable given the terrific harmonica of Winston Bazoomies. Bad Manners with their cartoon frontman, Buster Bloodvessel, were responsible for many oddball tunes which are nothing if not interesting. This fine single was a product of the aptly-titled 'Loonee Tunes' album, which also contained such gems as the hit single 'Lorraine', 'El Pussycat', and the energetic 'Undersea Adventures Of Ivor The Engine.' Now that's what I call a bit of culture.

The song of the month for April 1981
Flowers Of Romance by Public Image Limited (peak chart position: No.24)
Don't be fooled by the song title folks. There was nothing remotely floral or romantic about this John Lydon composition. The punk legend was enjoying a new lease of life, free from the manoeuvrings of the dastardly Malcolm McLaren, and with Public Image Limited he now had the opportunity to express his own art and individuality. 'Flowers Of Romance' is short and to the point. It builds with an awesome drumbeat before young Johnny unleashes his cynicism:"I can't depend on these so-called friends." The tune sounds a bit sinister, revealing John's wicked sense of humour and it certainly stood out from all the other songs in the Top 40.

The song of the month for May 1981
One Day In Your Life by Michael Jackson (peak chart position: No.1)
Michael Jackson had previously visited the top of the British singles lists in collaboration with the rest of his family on the dancefloor classic 'Show You The Way To Go'. The former infant prodigy subsequently decided that the way to go was on his own, away from any family assistance. It was slightly ironic that whilst Jackson had enjoyed new critical acclaim and increased record sales with the tremendous 'Off The Wall' album of 1979, the song which propelled him to the summit of the British charts had been recorded long before 'Off The Wall'. 'One Day In Your Life' is a beautiful item, and only a heart of stone could fail to agree.

The song of the month for June 1981
Friday Night, Saturday Morning by The Specials (peak chart position: No.1)
It seems rather strange that the hugely popular Specials should choose to go their separate ways at the very time when they ought to have been dining out on the glory of their most successful single, 'Ghost Town'. Unfortunately group disharmony decreed that this would be the last outing for Coventry's finest septet. It probably seems rather sacrilegious of me but I have a preference for the flip side of 'Ghost Town'. Here one finds Lynval Golding's 'Why' which addresses a recent racist knife attack on him. However, I am especially keen on 'Friday Night, Saturday Morning'. Terry Hall's travails about a night on the pull are most amusing.

The song of the month for July 1981
Girls On Film by Duran Duran (peak chart position: No.5)
With the demise of Two Tone and British ska, a new fad stepped into the vacuum. It was now the turn of the New Romantics with their synthesizers and their melodrama to capture the attention of the teenage market. Birmingham's Duran Duran were certainly bedroom poster material, but they were also responsible for many great singles. After 'Planet Earth' had introduced them to the music industry, the group really found their feet with the admirable 'Girls On Film'. Critics may have scoffed at what they perceived as escapist, make believe nonsense, but Duran Duran and their glamorous videos certainly struck a chord with Britain's 'yoof'.

The song of the month for August 1981
Day After Day by The Pretenders (peak chart position: No.45)
Day After Day was the least successful of the four tracks issued from the Pretenders' second album, yet it is arguably the most impressive. It took me a while to warm to this tune, but its piano and the heavier guitar sound distinguishes it from the rest of the group's jangly guitar repertoire. This was one of the last occasions when music enthusiasts would have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the product of a band that soon descended into turmoil in June 1982 when bass player Pete Farndon was sacked for excessive drug use literally days before the talented guitarist James Honeyman-Scott died from a drugs overdose.

The song of the month for September 1981
Prince Charming by Adam And The Ants (peak chart position: No.1)
How appropriate that the flamboyant Adam Ant should sing that "ridicule is nothing to be scared of". In 1981, Adam and his insects, having fled from their punk origins, were the flavour of the month, for just about every month. Previously 'Stand And Deliver' with its amusing tale of a highwayman (no laughing matter for his victims) had climbed to the top of the British charts, and the Ant colony colonised the pop summit again in the autumn with another large dollop of tongue-in-cheek lyrics. 'Prince Charming' was indeed a charmer of a single, but hereafter vocalist Stuart Goddard would slowly slide from fame into the oblivion of depression.

The song of the month for October 1981
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police (peak chart position: No.1)
I must confess to being more lukewarm than most to the 'great' Police. However, 'Every Little Thing' was a deserved chart-topper. This particular love song was a far cry from a previous one of twelve months earlier when 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' was a tale of a schoolgirl crush. More recently, the Police had dipped their toes in the stormy waters of political controversy with the outstanding 'Invisible Sun', but this time the trio abandoned the armalite in favour of the more conventional formula of a romantic tune. Sting's lyrics are unashamedly a celebration of being in love. There were clearly enough record-buyers who empathised.

The song of the month for November 1981
Under Pressure by Queen And David Bowie (peak chart position: No.1)
It was only to be expected that two of the great heavyweight acts of the previous decade should deliver an item of pure class. This song kicks off with that memorable John Deacon bass line, 'borrowed' thereafter by the likes of Vanilla Ice on 'Ice Ice Baby'. However, here is one occasion when neither Queen nor Bowie were under any pressure. The Fab Four were after all basking in the growing triumph of their 'Greatest Hits' album which went on to reside in the album charts for several years. I do so like the Bowie line about "Keep coming up with love/When it's so slashed and torn." They just don't make them like this anymore.

The song of the month for December 1981
Don't You Want Me? by The Human League (peak chart position: No.1)
The Yuletide season had become notorious for attracting a plethora of novelty acts who made logic-defying progress up to the top of the charts. Such formidable rock acts as Clive Dunn, Benny Hill, St. Winifred's School Choir, and Little Jimmy Osmond had all been there and done that. It was therefore something of a pleasant surprise when Sheffield's Human League helped themselves to an unlikely Christmas chart-topper with the far from merry 'Don't You Want Me'. The song benefits from trademark synthesizers as well as an interesting story. Phil Oakley might no longer have been 'wanted' but his song was wanted in large quantities.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1981:
Celebrate The Bullet by The Selecter (released in February)
Side 1: Side 2:
1. (Who Likes) Facing Situations; 3:32 1. Celebrate The Bullet; 4:34
2. Deep Water; 4:09 2. Selling Out Your Future; 3:59
3. Red Reflections; 3:38 3. Cool Blue Lady; 3:30
4. Tell Me What's Wrong; 4:30 4. Their Dream Goes On; 3:42
5. Bombscare; 3:05 5. Bristol And Miami; 4:58
6. Washed Up and Left For Dead; 3:57
Some albums can be something of an anti-climax because by the time that they are released, you are already familiar with a few of the ten items, which have previously been issued as singles. 'Celebrate The Bullet' therefore is something of a luxury as the eleven previously unheard tracks are still waiting to be discovered. Whilst many subsequent records profited from exposure on MTV as well as advertising campaigns conducted like a military offensive, this album had no such assistance. Having exited the Two Tone record label, the Selecter attempted to travel away from their high-energy ska origins into something more sophisticated, yet still danceable. The group commendably relied on their own material, with songwriting credits shared amongst a few of the members. The long player draws to an epic conclusion with 'Bristol And Miami' which recalls the race riots in those two locations in 1980. This record was subsequently washed up and left for dead as the musical climate changed, but here is one occasion when a lack of album sales was a great injustice.

1982
The song of the month for January 1982
Golden Brown by The Stranglers (peak chart position: No.2)
Apparently this song is about drugs, which comes as no surprise, since lead vocalist Hugh Cornwell had 'form' where illegal substances were concerned. Regardless of whether or not this item dealt with heroin, many British record buyers were addicted to this single with its waltz sound. The Stranglers had clearly come a long way since 'Peaches' and their punk origins. A two week stay at Number 2 was the very least this tune merited.

The song of the month for February 1982
See You by Depeche Mode (peak chart position: No.6)
Keyboardist Vince Clarke may have musically eloped with Alison Moyet for their Yazoo venture, but Depeche Mode kept the hits coming at regular intervals. 'See You' was a slightly different love song than the norm but it deservedly took Basildon's biggest export back to the British Top Ten. The Mode continued to carve out their own pop niche with the masterful 'Master And Servant' and the sensitive 'Shake The Disease' in ensuing years.

The song of the month for March 1982
My Camera Never Lies by Bucks Fizz (peak chart position: No.1)
Bucks Fizz had emulated the likes of Sandie Shaw and the Brotherhood Of Man by providing the United Kingdom with a success at the Eurovision Song Contest. One year later and Britain's latest unconvincing answer to Abba had notched up three British chart-toppers. The best of this trio was arguably 'My Camera Never Lies'. It is a half-decent pop song which certainly found favour with record purchasers who helped it to Number 1 for a week.

The song of the month for April 1982
I Love Rock 'N' Roll by Joan Jett And The Blackhearts (peak chart position: No.4)
In Jamaican rastafarian culture, blackhearts are dreads who are to be feared. Joan Jett's own particular Blackhearts managed to offer a slice of rock which had a crossover appeal both in rock and pop circles. This was one of those sing-along anthems that belonged in a pub jukebox. Americans were particularly impressed as Joan Jett and her gang were awarded with a seven-week stint at the summit of the Billboard chart.

The song of the month for May 1982
I've Never Been To Me by Charlene (peak chart position: No.1)
This one-hit wonder was actually a product of the Motown hits factory, though it sounded nothing like Motown's typical dance tunes or soul records. Instead of which Charlene laments of her livelihood as a high-class hooker which prevented her from settling down and having a normal existence with a loving husband and doting children. Far from being sugary, this is a fantastic ballad with equally good music. More should have followed.

The song of the month for June 1982
Avalon by Roxy Music (peak chart position: No.13)
Bryan Ferry appeared to have a twin track approach to the music business. On the one hand, he carved out a solo career based largely on cover versions. On the other hand, the ex-art teacher displayed his creative side in association with Roxy Music. The band's latest project was entitled 'Avalon'. The album featured the excellent 'More Than This' but my preference is for the title track which is one of the ultimate ambient pop recordings.

The song of the month for July 1982
It Started With A Kiss by Hot Chocolate (peak chart position: No.5)
Hot Chocolate had been regular visitors to the British hit parade for the last decade, proving that they were everybody's cup of tea. Back in 1980, Errol and the team narrowly missed out on a Number One with 'No Doubt About It' but they were back in a lofty UK chart position again with the sweet 'It Started With A Kiss'. It was a testimony to the band's longevity that they varied their material from the raunchy to more sensitive items.

The song of the month for August 1982
Save A Prayer by Duran Duran (peak chart position: No.2)
'Save A Prayer' is a definite front-runner for the award of 'the best song of 1982', but perhaps this wouldn't be difficult as pop world was inhabited by the likes of Renee And Renato, Musical Youth, the Goombay Dance Band, and Tight Fit. Nevertheless, this five and a half minute epic is the definitive New Romantics' single. The exotic video was filmed in Asia which the eye-catching Brummies passed through en route to world domination.

The song of the month for September 1982
Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac (peak chart position: No.46)
The self-styled gypsy Stevie Nicks succeeded in mesmerising Fleetwood Mac followers with the marvel called 'Gypsy' which was a highlight of the supergroup's new long player, Mirage, which had the unenviable task of living up to the commercial and critical heights of the quintet's three previous studio albums. For some bizarre reason, Britain was slow to buy several classic Fleetwood Mac hits until 'Tango Of The Night' appeared in 1987.

The song of the month for October 1982
Ruby Baby by Donald Fagen (not released as a single)
Donald Fagen had previously decorated the sound of Steely Dan with his vocals and keyboard sounds before he pursued the new frontier of a solo record. The result was the forty-minute delight, entitled 'The Nightfly', which is one of the greatest albums of the 1980s. This long player consisted largely of feel-good music with a jazz-pop fusion. Amongst the eight jewels is the gem, 'Ruby Baby'. This re-working of an old Leiber and Stoller tune is not only an infectious dance song, but it ought to be a candidate for the best cover version of all time.

The song of the month for November 1982
Poor Tom by Led Zeppelin (not released as a single)
This recording had been completed a dozen years earlier, but it was criminally overlooked by rock's fearsome foursome until the band's lead guitarist and producer Jimmy Page included it in the 'posthumous' compilation, 'Coda', which was released in November 1982. The 8 tracks varied in quality, with 'Poor Tom' being the pick of the LP. Here Page goes all acoustic, Plant blows up a storm on mouth organ and Bonham's drums are superb.

The song of the month for December 1982
Beat Surrender by The Jam (peak chart position: No.1)
Paul, Rick and Bruce decided to quit while they were ahead by going their separate ways whilst their band were still supremely successful and popular. Woking's greatest trio clocked out with 'Beat Surrender' which was not a mournful goodbye but an up-tempo farewell which lit up the charts in December 1982, only to be eclipsed by the dreadful 'Save Your Love'. Ah yes, British record-buyers were expressing their sense of humour again.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1982:
New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) by Simple Minds (released in September)
Side 1: Side 2:
1. Someone, Somewhere in Summertime; 4:36 1. New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84); 5:39
2. Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel; 3:49 2. Glittering Prize; 4:33
3. Promised You A Miracle; 4:28 3. Hunter and the Hunted; 5:55
4. Big Sleep; 5:00 4. King Is White and in the Crowd; 7:00
5. Somebody Up There Likes You; 5:02
This majestic recording occupies its very own niche. It is almost inconceivable that a bunch of working-class Glaswegian blokes could compose such ambient items, but Simple Minds proved to be anything but simple. Whilst Jim Kerr's vocals are frequently blurred, the music is of the highest quality. 'Somebody Up There Likes You' is a delicious instrumental, whilst the title track is equally impressive. The guitar outro on 'Hunter and the Hunted' is also a joy to behold. Kerr is actually to be heard at the end of the marvellous 'Promised You A Miracle' suggesting that "Anything is possible". I believe him. This is one of those records which is indescribably outstanding. In fact, the word enchanting does spring to mind. Before U2 delivered 'The Joshua Tree' with its sombre moods, Simple Minds had got there first - five years earlier.

1983
The song of the month for January 1983
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson (peak chart position: No.1)
'Wacko Jacko' scored his second British chart-topper when 'Billie Jean' paved the way for the enduring appeal of the epic 'Thriller' album. The song kick starts with that unforgettable drum beat that ushers in a dancefloor treasure that became a staple of many an eighties discotheque. Jackson was consolidating his reputation as the best male vocalist on the planet. His solo career was going into orbit, while his personality did likewise.

The song of the month for February 1983
Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler (peak chart position: No.1)
Bonnie Tyler was the latest singing sensation from the principality of Wales, following the hallowed footsteps of Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones. Bonnie had enjoyed a number of flirtations with the hit parade in the late 1970s but her finest five minutes came courtesy of the outstanding 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart'. This track was a reminder to detractors of the merits of eighties music, as it totally eclipsed all the other singles in the UK chart.

The song of the month for March 1983
Blue Monday by New Order (peak chart position: No.9)
The three surviving members of the far from joyful Joy Division eventually recovered from the shattering loss of Ian Curtis and subsequently instigated a new order of indie dance music, with the assistance of new recruit, Gillian Gilbert. Their first major triumph was 'Blue Monday' which spent dozens of weeks on the hit parade, thus rendering it the most successful single to be released by an independent label, namely Factory Records.

The song of the month for April 1983
Church Of The Poison Mind by Culture Club (peak chart position: No.2)
Culture Club's latest toe-tapper invited comparisons with the trademark Motown sound. This description did not by any means flatter this fine tune. It may not have reached the pop summit but it was at least as good as the huge-selling 'Karma Chameleon' that did arrive there several months later. The lyrics are fairly forgettable but the rhythm and the harmonica input from Jud Lander were a real joy for my own poison mind.

The song of the month for May 1983
Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley And The Wailers (peak chart position: No.4)
Robert Nesta Marley had been firmly ensconced in his mausoleum at St.Ann's in rural Jamaica for the last three years, but the reggae superstar was still able to make his charismatic presence felt beyond the grave. 'Buffalo Soldier' was the key track from the posthumous compilation of unreleased material that comprised the 'Confrontation' album. Marley was able to successfully confront all chart competitors with this 'new' song which told the story of how black Americans were recruited to fight for the Union in the American Civil War.

The song of the month for June 1983
China Girl by David Bowie (peak chart position: No.2)
The ever-changing Bowie was now operating under the new alias of David Bowie. Casting off all his previous costumes and personas, the great Bowie showed that when it came to dance music, he could still cut it. Following on from the success of 'Let's Dance', Bowie covered his old mate Iggy Pop's 'China Girl' which had previously been performed in 1977. Not content with a majestic pop song, Bowie proceeded to trouble the censor with his nude re-enactment of 'From Here To Eternity' at the conclusion of the song's excellent video.

The song of the month for July 1983
Double Dutch by Malcolm McLaren (peak chart position: No.3)
Hardly one of the world's great vocalists, Malcolm McLaren nevertheless enjoyed chart success with 'Buffalo Gals' and the wonderful 'Double Dutch' which was a celebration of a new American dance craze. McLaren had previously sang 'You Need Hands', an old Max Bygraves number on 'The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle' soundtrack. After the success of 'Double Dutch', McLaren was embroiled in a losing battle with his old adversary Johnny Rotten in a protracted legal dispute arising out of the break-up of the notorious Sex Pistols.

The song of the month for August 1983
Gold by Spandau Ballet (peak chart position: No.2)
Spandau Ballet were one of the standard bearers of the New Romantics' pop craze. They peaked in the middle of 1983 with the impressive chart-topper, 'True'. Drawn from the same album was 'Gold' which was a worthy follow-up. Although 'Gold' had to settle for the silver medal position on the singles chart podium, it still stands the test of time as one of the great pop songs of the much-maligned 'eighties.

The song of the month for September 1983
Come Back And Stay by Paul Young (peak chart position: No.4)
Paul Young had previously served his musical apprenticeship alongside the Q-Tips, before he plotted what would be a successful solo path. Young's big breakthrough came with 'Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)' but I have a stronger liking for his next smash hit, 'Come Back And Stay' which benefited from backing vocals from female duo, Kim and Maz. This hit was written by Jack Lee, author of Blondie's 'Hanging On The Telephone'.

The song of the month for October 1983
Uptown Girl by Billy Joel (peak chart position: No.1)
Billy Joel came along with an unlikely dancefloor favourite which succeeded in terminating Karma Chameleon's six week occupation of the British Number One position. In the process, Joel found he had created the second biggest-selling UK single of 1983. Not just a great reason for swaying your feet and hips to, 'Uptown Girl' featured Joel's model girlfriend Christie Brinkley in a video that included a brilliant choreography routine.

The song of the month for November 1983
Thank You For The Music by Abba (peak chart position: No.33)
The turbulent singing career of Abba drew to a close with the appropriate 'Thank You For The Music'. The fab four may have enjoyed phenomenal success, but they paid for it with the price of relationship turmoil. Thus when the greatest singles act of the 1970s took their bow, they were heartily sick of one another, and judging by the song's uncharacteristic failure in the hit parade, their once devoted public were tired of them too. Ironically, this is one of their best compositions sung by Agnetha, the "bit of a bore" "with the golden hair".

The song of the month for December 1983
Many Rivers To Cross by UB40 (peak chart position: No.16)
Not content with treating British music lovers to the year's third biggest-selling single, 'Red Red Wine', UB40 returned in mid-winter with a less successful incursion into the Yuletide charts. 'Many Rivers To Cross' had previously been performed by Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff on the movie, 'The Harder They Come'. UB40 recorded a magnificent soulful version which deserved a much bigger splash in the hit parade than it achieved.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1983:
Labour Of Love by UB40 (released in September)
Side 1: Side 2:
1. Cherry Oh Baby; 3:18 1. Red Red Wine; 5:21
2. Keep on Moving; 4:37 2. Guilty; 3:16
3. Please Don't Make Me Cry; 3:26 3. She Caught the Train; 3:17
4. Sweet Sensation; 3:42 4. Version Girl; 3:27
5. Johnny Too Bad; 4:57 5. Many Rivers To Cross; 4:31
Birmingham's finest octet had begun to flounder after the initial successes of 'Signing Off' and the trio of hit singles which richly contributed to the airwaves in 1980. By 1983 the group went back to their roots and recorded an album entirely of covers in tribute to the Jamaican artists who had provided them with joy and pleasure in their youth. The mysterious Dr.X explains this perfectly eloquently on the album sleeve. Forsaking their political stance, the lads concentrate on the well-worn formula of songs about falling in and out of love. The magnificent 'Guilty', the Top Ten hit single 'Please Don't Make Me Cry', and 'She Caught The Train' all visit the familiar pop territory of unrequited love, but their own reggae input is most refreshing. Above all, the combo actually benefit from prominent keyboards on the likes of 'Johnny Too Bad' and 'Keep On Moving'. Regrettably the band subsequently allowed their sound to be suffocated by an over-reliance on brass instruments. Meanwhile, 'Red Red Wine' is not only a peach of a recording, but the accompanying black and white video merits repeated viewing, even if the rest of the 'Labour Of Love' film is mediocre.

1984
The song of the month for January 1984
What Difference Does It Make? by The Smiths (peak chart position: No.12)
A new pop phenomenon invaded the airwaves in 1983 when the Smiths reached out to the disillusioned youth with their own jangly guitar anthems which were frequently provocative, sometimes humorous, and never dull. The frontman Morrissey projected himself as the very antithesis of the teen pop idol, selling himself as a celibate and loveless individual. Against this background the Smiths issued the typically downbeat 'What Difference Does It Make?' In actual fact, Manchester's fab four did make a big difference over the next 4 years.

The song of the month for February 1984
Michael Caine by Madness (peak chart position: No.11)
Ever since 'The Prince' had wandered into the British Top Twenty in the autumn of 1979, Madness had been a constant presence in the UK hit parade with their fast-paced observations of the modern world, helped by eye-catching videos that revealed their own playfulness and sense of humour. By their own high standards, the admirable 'Michael Caine' was something of a commercial failure, even though the great man contributes a spoken part in the hit. Unfortunately for Madness, Mike Barson, their main songwriter, had departed the group and the remaining six soldiered on with decreasing success without him until they too decided to become sane.

The song of the month for March 1984
Nelson Mandela by The Special AKA (peak chart position: No.9)
Aside from being a fine dance track that deservedly sneaked into the British Top Ten, this historic anti-apartheid anthem was firm proof that music can change the world. Who in the youth market after all had ever heard of Nelson Mandela, incarcerated twenty years earlier? Not only did this commendable song bring renewed attention to the plight of Mandela, but the assembled cast of musicians including Elvis Costello and Dave Wakeling from The Beat were a prototype Band Aid several months before it too impacted upon the world.

The song of the month for April 1984
I Want To Break Free by Queen (peak chart position: No.3)
Scarcely a year elapsed without Queen making their considerable presence felt in pop world. 1984 was especially fruitful for Freddie and his gang as first 'Radio Ga Ga' climbed into the British Top Three and then not to be outdone, the memorable 'I Want To Break Free' did likewise. This belting tune profited from a superb instrumental break as well as a video in which the foursome camp it up in drag as a spoof of Coronation Street.

The song of the month for May 1984
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham! (peak chart position: No.1)
George Michael and the apparently less talented Andrew Ridgeley succeeded in becoming the new heart-throbs of planet pop and were consequently guaranteed a large volume of record sales from young females. As a result Wham! achieved a string of hits on both sides of the Atlantic as they acted as the perfect antidote to the artists who took themselves too seriously. The duo peaked with the popular 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.'

The song of the month for June 1984
Two Tribes by Frankie Goes To Hollywood (peak chart position: No.1)
If 1976 belonged to Abba, and 1981 was the year of Adam And The Ants, then 1984 was the twelve months when Frankie Goes To Hollywood could do no wrong. First they had the supreme good fortune of having their single 'Relax' banned by the BBC thus guaranteeing it Number One status and a lengthy residence in the charts and then Liverpool's latest sensations sat at the singles summit for a mere nine weeks with 'Two Tribes' which was their own tongue-in-cheek assessment of the Cold War. Such was their phenomenal success that the rest of us had to suffer the 'Frankie Says' tee-shirts for many months thereafter, so they had a lot to answer for.

The song of the month for July 1984
A Hole In My Shoe by Neil (peak chart position: No.2)
While the formidable 'Two Tribes' fought off all comers, some British record buyers found relief in yet another novelty record. 'A Hole In My Shoe' had originally appeared in the British singles chart in the late 'sixties for Traffic. This time around it was re-interpreted by Neil, alternatively known as Nigel Planer. Neil formed one quarter of the cult comedy outfit, 'The Young Ones' as the conscientious but morose hippie. What a pop idol!

The song of the month for August 1984
Careless Whisper by George Michael (peak chart position: No.1)
If Frankie's Holly Johnson and Paul Rutherford were dominating the UK singles chart in 1984, George Michael was staking his own valid claim to superstardom. George stepped away from his collaboration with Andrew and promptly delivered not only one of the great love songs of its era but also one of the best chart-toppers of the 1980s. It was clear from this offering that George could deliver mature, soulful ballads which would enable him to extend his musical career a long way beyond the limitations of Wham's no nonsense pop formula.

The song of the month for September 1984
Purple Rain by Prince (peak chart position: No.8)
This was a giant recording from a tiny man. The album version weighs in at more than eight and a half minutes and it is a fitting finale to an epic long player. Rarely has the electric guitar and the more conventional stringed instruments functioned better in unison than they did on 'Purple Rain'. The single did manage to find its way into the Top Ten of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, and rightly so. Did the 'eighties produce a better track than this work of art?

The song of the month for October 1984
I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down by Paul Young (peak chart position: No.9)
The hugely likeable Paul Young built upon the success of his 'No Parlez' long player with his next album, entitled 'The Secret Of Association'. Again this fine soul singer drew upon other material from the likes of Hall And Oates for the splendid 'Everytime You Go Away' but he also had a bash at releasing a song of his own, namely the lively 'I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down'. Yet again, young Paul was aided by the backing vocals of Kim and Maz, 'the fabulous wealthy tarts'.

The song of the month for November 1984
All Through The Night by Cyndi Lauper (peak chart position: No.64)
British record-buyers spectacularly failed to pay due recognition to this wondrous single, which enjoyed better success on the other side of the 'big pond'. In my semi-humble opinion 'All Through The Night' ranks alongside 'Cruel Summer' by Bananarama and 'Take On Me' by A-ha for the imaginary prize of the best pop song of the decade. I remain perpetually puzzled why disc jockeys seem more smitten with the monotonous and infinitely inferior 'Time After Time'.

The song of the month for December 1984
Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid (peak chart position: No.1)
Bob Geldof and Midge Ure had both visited the top of the British singles charts before, but this time they were so moved by the television news coverage of the deteriorating famine in Ethiopia that they launched a new musical venture in a ploy to raise funds for famine relief. Consequently they hastily summoned the top names in British pop to form the most famous choir in the history of music, modern and classical. 'Do They Know It's Christmas' is not only a well-intentioned recording, but its lyrics are thought-provoking. The song had such a colossal impact that it remained the biggest-selling tune in the history of the British charts until the death of Princess Diana almost 13 years later. This Band Aid smash hit was one glorious occasion when planet pop changed the world for the better.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1984:
Purple Rain by Prince And The Revolution (released in June)
Side 1: Side 2:
1. Let's Go Crazy; 4:39 1. When Doves Cry; 5:52
2. Take Me with U; 3:58 2. I Would Die 4 U; 2:49
3. The Beautiful Ones; 5:17 3. Baby I'm A Star; 4:24
4. Computer Blue; 3:56 4. Purple Rain; 8:41
5. Darling Nikki; 4:13
"Ladies and gentlemen we are gathered here today, to get through this thing called" 'Purple Rain'. This long player is an obvious candidate for the accolade of the best album of the decade. Side One is flawless, right from the mock pulpit introduction of the pseudo-spiritual 'Let's Go Crazy' through to the risque 'Darling Nikki'. The temptress Nikki inspired a spoof version on 'The Fast Show' when a George Formby character performs his own 'interpretation'. It is surreal in the extreme. Meanwhile back in the real world, Prince and his Revolution pull off a successful coup with the fabulous 'When Doves Cry'. However, the fairest of them all is the title track which spectacularly brings the curtain down on the proceedings. It is not hard to comprehend why this LP is universally held in high regard. It is the glowing example of 'eighties pop music. 'Swinging 'sixties', eat your heart out!

1985
The song of the month for January 1985
I Know Him So Well by Elaine Paige And Barbara Dickson (peak chart position: No.1)
This Anglo-Scottish duet were responsible for the second-biggest selling single in the British chart in 1985. Their admirable effort had its origins in the West End musical, called 'Chess'. The composers were none other than Tim Rice and Abba's songwriting duo, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, whose songwriting royalties were boosted by this tune's four week sojourn at the top of the UK pop summit.

The song of the month for February 1985
How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths (peak chart position: No.24)
Morrissey was at his melancholy best with this tour de force which had originally featured on the group's 'Hatful Of Hollow' long player. 'How Soon Is Now' was hardly happy-go-lucky chart material but the Smiths had accumulated a cult following that compensated for a lack of radio airplay. This opus included such joyous lines as:"You shut your mouth/How can you say I go about things the wrong way/I am human and I need to be loved."

The song of the month for March 1985
Easy Lover by Philip Bailey With Phil Collins (peak chart position: No.1)
Philip Bailey's outstanding voice had decorated many successful efforts from Earth, Wind & Fire, but this Transatlantic collaboration with Phil Collins yielded him his only British chart-topper. Collins, a percussion man as well as a vocalist was experiencing more commercial success outside of his Genesis projects. This fine dance song failed narrowly to also climb to the peak of the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

The song of the month for April 1985
We Are The World by USA For Africa (peak chart position: No.1)
Not to be outdone by the heartwarming response to Band Aid's Christmas smash hit, a plethora of American singing stars belatedly followed in the footsteps of Bob Geldof and Midge Ure and issued their own fundraising single. Featuring the likes of Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and Huey Lewis, this superstar gathering not surprisingly found favour with music lovers on both sides of the Atlantic, and all in a worthwhile cause.

The song of the month for May 1985
19 by Paul Hardcastle (peak chart position: No.1)
Paul Hardcastle may not have provided the vocals but his keyboard wizardry underpinned this most unusual hit single. For the uninitiated, this song dwelt on the fact that the average age of the American combat soldier in the Vietnam military debacle was nineteen. The accompanying video footage of the world's first televised conflict reinforced this. Hardcastle was also the author of the 'Top Of The Pops' new signature tune.

The song of the month for June 1985
Crazy For You by Madonna (peak chart position: No.2)
Louise Madonna Ciccone had quickly joined the megastar league with several terrific pop hits in quick succession. However, 'Crazy For You' was something of a departure for the American icon as she excelled at a slow, romantic number that demonstrated her adaptability in terms of subject matter. Although this fine single was soon eclipsed by the chart-topping 'Into The Groove', it remains one of the best love songs of the 1980s.

The song of the month for July 1985
There Must Be An Angel by Eurythmics (peak chart position: No.1)
The Eurythmics enjoyed their only week at the summit of the British hit parade courtesy of the radio-friendly 'There Must Be An Angel', featuring the harmonica of the great Stevie Wonder. Annie and Dave had already managed to savour chart-topping glory in the United States with 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)' but this tune represented their peak, although they followed up with the admirable 'Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves.'

The song of the month for August 1985
Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush (peak chart position: No.3)
Kate Bush re-appeared on the airwaves with a vengeance with a number of impressive singles that reminded everyone of her unique talent. 'Running Up That Hill' ran up the British and even American hit lists thanks to a memorable double drum sound to this dark piece. Bush had been absent from the public domain since she issued 'The Dreaming' album in 1982. 'Running Up That Hill' was a welcome return for the south London prodigy.

The song of the month for September 1985
Something About You by Level 42 (peak chart position: No.6)
There was certainly something about this superb pop song which appealed to the music-buying public, as Mark King and his team stayed on the Top 75 for a noteworthy seventeen weeks. 'Something About You' is something which merits inclusion on any 'eighties compilation disc. The keyboards, guitar and vocals all join ranks to cultivate a feel-good track. Level 42 released several decent singles but this was surely their best effort.

The song of the month for October 1985
Uncle Sam by Madness (peak chart position: No.21)
Now a sextet, Madness were experiencing something of an identity crisis as the decade unfolded. They perhaps felt they could only project their nutty image for so long, and they were keen to record music which was a bit more subtle than their early material. Consequently, the group lost some of their charm, yet they still contrived to offer very listenable items. 'Uncle Sam' revealed the band's political leanings as they poked fun at the gung-ho militarist nature of some American citizens. The accompanying video makes for amusing watching.

The song of the month for November 1985
West End Girls by The Pet Shop Boys (peak chart position: No.1)
A new sensation was coming to the surface towards the end of the year as the duo of Neil Tennant and the po-faced Chris Lowe launched a brilliant pop career with the tremendous dance song, 'West End Girls'. This techno-pop classic had to wait until the Yuletide season ran its course before it climbed to the top of the British singles chart in January 1986. From then on, the Pet Shop Boys proceeded to nourish their followers with a constant diet of outstanding and innovative recordings that remain worthy of mention many years later.

The song of the month for December 1985
The Sun Always Shines On T.V. by A-ha (peak chart position: No.1)
A-ha had exploded on to the television screens with a memorable video for 'Take On Me' which switched between animation and 'reality'. Norway's finest musical trio then built on this triumph with another marvellous pop song which topped the UK hit parade in early 1986. Morten Harket and his colleagues were also regarded as pin-up material, but this should not detract from the decent quality of 'The Sun Always Shines On T.V.'

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1985:
Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush (released in September)
Side 1 (Hounds Of Love): Side 2 (The Ninth Wave):
1. Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God); 5:03 1. And Dream of Sheep; 2:45
2. Hounds of Love; 3:02 2. Under Ice; 2:21
3. The Big Sky; 4:41 3. Waking the Witch; 4:18
4. Mother Stands for Comfort; 3:07 4. Watching You Without Me; 4:06
5. Cloudbusting; 5:10 5. Jig of Life; 4:04
6. Hello Earth; 6:13
7. The Morning Fog; 2:34
Kate Bush emerged from hibernation with an album that even exceeded the kudos that she had accumulated from her four previous admirable efforts. This new project was divided into a side one of commercially appealing chart material items while the reverse side focused on the nightmare scenario of drowning. Bush remained her own woman. She wrote and recorded what she wanted when she wanted. Her single-minded approach paid off handsomely here. Even Uncle Sam warmed to 'Running Up That Hill', although the wondrous title track is at least equally deserving of acclaim. 'Cloudbusting' featured the venerable Donald Sutherland in the video and it is difficult not to be swept along on the wave of ecstasy that Kate emotes at the song's joyful conclusion. 'Hounds Of Love' is quirky, just like its author, but it remains hugely listenable.

1986
The song of the month for January 1986
Chain Reaction by Diana Ross (peak chart position: No.1)
The great Diana Ross re-visited the British pop summit for the first time in more than fourteen years with the excellent 'Chain Reaction'. In the intervening decade and a half the talented chanteuse had unleashed a whole host of wondrous love songs and dance tunes for music lovers to feast themselves on, yet it took the likeable 'Chain Reaction' to land the popular lady back on once-familiar territory. 'Chain Reaction' was penned by the Bee Gees who also provided vocals.

The song of the month for February 1986
Eloise by The Damned (peak chart position: No.3)
The Damned sold their punk souls for a slice of pop fame when they abandoned their usual repertoire in favour of an excellent cover version of Barry Ryan's 'Eloise'. The single narrowly missed out on a British Number One, but it was obviously one of the highlights of 1986, albeit from an unlikely source. Quite clearly Rat Scabies and the gang had bills to pay, hence their surprising choice of recording. 'Eloise' had previously climbed to Number 2 back in 1968.

The song of the month for March 1986
A Kind Of Magic by Queen (peak chart position: No.3)
After the success of 'The Works', Queen were once more parading an exciting new array of tunes, that comprised the 'A Kind Of Magic' album. The long player was magical by name and magical by nature, with some of the songs forming the soundtrack to the new 'Highlander' movie. The singles from this LP were of the highest order, namely the poignant 'Who Wants To Live Forever' and the Top 10 hit 'One Vision'. However Roger Taylor's 'A Kind Of Magic' is in a class of its own.

The song of the month for April 1986
Live To Tell by Madonna (peak chart position: No.2)
Madonna cemented the sensational success of her previous two years with more triumphant forays into the British singles chart in 1986, courtesy of her new 'True Blue' album. Nevertheless my own preference is for the tremendous 'Live To Tell' hit in which our Madge bares her soul and forsakes her customary dance repertoire, confirming that she was more than a one trick pony. As long as she continued to vary her output, Madonna was assured of a sustained chart career.

The song of the month for May 1986
Bigmouth Strikes Again by The Smiths (peak chart position: No.26)
In an exercise of revisionism, the eminent historian Steven Patrick Morrissey made us all aware that Joan Of Arc had actually been the first proud owner of both a walkman and a hearing aid as well as being a temporary scourge of the English. Bigmouth himself, Mr Morrissey, was once more offering his alternate take on that old thing called love, as he sings from the point of view of an apologetic bloke who pleads with his "sweetness" that he was only joking when he said that by rights she "should be bludgeoned" in her bed. It did make a refreshing change from the "I'm lonely without you baby" drivel that usually invaded the charts.

The song of the month for June 1986
Higher Love by Steve Winwood (peak chart position: No.13)
'Sixties legend Stevie Winwood made a welcome return to the upper echelons of the British hit parade with 'Higher Love'. Having previously tasted chart-topping glory with the Spencer Davis Group as a teenage prodigy as well as further success with Traffic , the grown-up Winwood was back in vogue, especially in the United States where this new recording leapt to the peak position of the Billboard Hot 100 listings towards the end of the summer.

The song of the month for July 1986
Every Beat Of My Heart by Rod Stewart (peak chart position: No.2)
Scotland's greatest vocalist was back on the airwaves with another formidable composition, a mere three years after 'Baby Jane' had yielded him his fifth UK chart-topper. 'Every Beat Of My Heart' just failed to become Rod's sixth Number One, but it was a throwback to his seminal 'Sailing' recording as the old Mod gets all sentimental about his homeland with the accompaniment of bagpipes and forgets about his fun blondes for a few minutes.

The song of the month for August 1986
Word Up by Cameo (peak chart position: No.3)
Cameo hardly enjoyed a durable career in the world of music but they did make one enormous splash with the dancefloor favourite 'Word Up'. This superb pop song was a welcome inclusion in the British Top Three in the autumn of 1986, and it will perhaps be best remembered for the group's appearances on BBC's 'Top Of The Pops' whereupon the lead singer cheekily displays an outfit that came seriously close to exposing his manhood, though I guess that was his intention.

The song of the month for September 1986
True Colors by Cyndi Lauper (peak chart position: No.12)
'True Colors' is a truly towering piece from the colourful Cyndi Lauper. It perhaps surpasses the very different 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' as her best recording. Here Miss Lauper shares words of wisdom and encouragement with a beautiful, uplifting track that found favour with American record buyers. Not for the first time, British music lovers took leave of their senses and failed to appreciate this stunning song. A plague on all their houses!

The song of the month for October 1986
Always The Sun by The Stranglers (peak chart position: No.30)
Punk pioneers The Stranglers continued to invade the singles charts at various intervals, but not even the hugely popular 'Golden Brown' can quite compare with the musical treat that was 'Always The Sun'. Here Hugh and his comrades get all philosophical about the fact that no matter how much life sucks and doesn't go according to plan, "there's always the sun". This brilliant item also ought to have been embraced by more record-buyers, but it is still an 'eighties classic.

The song of the month for November 1986
French Kissin' In The USA by Debbie Harry (peak chart position: No.8)
Debbie Harry might have expected to go from strength to strength after the break-up of Blondie but her initial solo effort 'Backfired' did precisely that and the ageing blonde bombshell had to jettison her solo career for a while as she nursed her partner Chris Stein back from a serious bout of ill health. Stein and Harry were eventually back on top form with the marvellous 'French Kissin' In The USA' which actually represented their first UK Top Ten hit in almost six barren years.

The song of the month for December 1986
Hymn To Her by The Pretenders (peak chart position: No.8)
Chrissie Hynde survived the double trauma of losing half her band to drug abuse to re-group and return with the occasional jewel of a recording. The new look Pretenders sneaked back into the British Top Ten with the commendable 'Hymn To Her'. It was refreshing for Hynde to have a musical success story to crow about, away from regular tabloid coverage of her dalliances with the singers Ray Davies of the Kinks, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, and then Ali Campbell of UB40.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1986:
Graceland by Paul Simon (released in August)
Side 1: Side 2:
1. The Boy In The Bubble; 3:59 1. You Can Call Me Al; 4:39
2. Graceland; 4:48 2. Under African Skies; 3:37
3. I What I Know; 3:13 3. Homeless; 3:48
4. Gumboots; 2:44 4. Crazy Love, Vol.II; 4:18
5. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes; 5:45 5. That Was Your Mother; 2:52
6. All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints; 3:15
Paul Simon incurred the wrath of the anti-apartheid movement when he recorded his new 'Graceland' project in South Africa, thus defying an international boycott. This was a bit harsh, considering that his album acted as a commercial for (South) African music as he was showcasing the talents of some of the country's most renowned performers. The vocal harmonies of 'Homeless' and 'I Know What I Know' are the obvious examples of that. Furthermore, Simon recruited the likes of Linda Ronstadt for a memorable bout of backing vocals on 'Under African Skies', whilst Phil and Don Everly were drafted in to vocally decorate the outstanding title track. For all the negative reaction in certain quarters, Simon had delivered his most impressive long player since 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and it certainly found favour with record buyers around the globe. It narrowly defeats 'So' by Peter Gabriel for my choice of the best album of 1986.

1987
The song of the month for January 1987
I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) by Aretha Franklin & George Michael (peak chart position: No.1)
George Michael, having previously collaborated with Andrew Ridgeley would proceed over the course of the next decade to join forces with such slightly more talented acts as Elton John and Queen, and on this notable occasion with the 'Queen of soul', Aretha Franklin. Remarkably, this was the only chart-topping triumph for Aretha but this Transatlantic smash hit is undoubtedly one of the great Number Ones of the 'eighties.

The song of the month for February 1987
Shoplifters Of The World Unite by The Smiths (peak chart position: No.12)
The polar opposites of Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr have accurately been held up as Britain's most important songwriting duo since Lennon and McCartney. The latest poetry in motion from their factory of hits was the black humour of 'Shoplifters Of The World Unite' in which Morrissey confesses that his "only weakness is a listed crime." Regrettably, Morrissey and Marr would soon sue for divorce due to irreconcilable differences.

The song of the month for March 1987
Mothers Of The Disappeared by U2 (not released as a single)
U2 had come a long way since their early punk leanings and their raw rock. Now the Edge, with the considerable help of ace producers Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, was constructing sounds and imagery that took rock onto a new plateau. Bono was now in the business of raising awareness of serious issues rather than reverting to the standards of female conquests and such like. 'Mothers Of The Disappeared' was one such dark example of the new art that U2 typified. After Band Aid, rock too was maturing and confronting reality.

The song of the month for April 1987
Let It Be by Ferry Aid (peak chart position: No.1)
The tragedy of the Herald Of Free Enterprise capsizing at the port of Zeebrugge in early March prompted the latest well-intentioned fundraising single for the victims. Paul McCartney's classic composition was updated, with the great man himself lending his vocal support. Other pop luminaries such as Kate Bush weighed in with their contribution, and voila we had another chart-topping chart smash, which sounded better than the original.

The song of the month for May 1987
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston (peak chart position: No.1)
Now that Diana Ross and Tina Turner were in the twilight of their illustrious careers, a new African-American female singing sensation stepped into the large void vacated by their gradual disappearance. Whitney Houston was the latest pop wonder who would be a constant presence in hit parades for the subsequent decade. Her biggest smash to date was 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)'. Many more hit singles would follow.

The song of the month for June 1987
Star Trekkin' by The Firm (peak chart position: No.1)
The enduring popularity of the science fiction series 'Star Trek' would prompt the latest novelty pop release. The Firm clinched a Number One position in the British chart with a daft little ditty which many music-buyers clearly found a liking for. The Firm had previously visited the UK singles lists with a tribute to the artful dodger Arfur Daley of Minder. 'Star Trekkin' was their finest glory and a reminder of the zany taste of UK music lovers.

The song of the month for July 1987
Who's That Girl? by Madonna (peak chart position: No.1)
Madonna's relentless pursuit of global domination continued in earnest as 'Who's That Girl' quickly followed 'La Isla Bonita' to the summit of the BBC Top 40. Madonna had also branched out into a less successful acting career. In fact she was such a household name that perhaps every High Court judge had probably even heard of her. Popular singers come and go but the genuinely talented Madonna was here to stay, like it or not.

The song of the month for August 1987
I Just Can't Stop Loving You by Michael Jackson With Siedah Garrett (peak chart position: No.1)
Michael Jackson renewed his onslaught upon both album and singles charts with ten new mouthwatering items from his exciting new long player, entitled 'Bad'. Although 'The Way You Make Me Feel' would be my choice as the best of a very good bunch, the first track to be lifted from the LP was the love song 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You.' Siedah Garrett was drafted in for this duet, but not before the superstar opened with the autobiographical lines:"A lot of people misunderstand me/That's because they don't really know me at all." 'Bad' was a worthy successor to the giants, 'Off The Wall' and 'Thriller'. Michael sang of being 'bad', but 'mad' seemed more apt.

The song of the month for September 1987
Kings Cross by The Pet Shop Boys (not released as a single)
Pop duos were in fashion in the eighties, what with the success of Erasure, Soft Cell, and Yazoo to name but three, but the best of them all was actually the Pet Shop Boys who actually released an album called 'Actually' in September. This project boasted such heavyweights as a collaboration with the pop legend, Dusty Springfield, as well as the big hits 'Heart', 'It's A Sin', and 'Rent'. However, the closing track 'Kings Cross' is one of the great undiscovered treasures in popular music. This atmospheric number is one of the highlights of the 1980s.

The song of the month for October 1987
China In Your Hands by T'Pau (peak chart position: No.1)
Carole Decker and her crew enjoyed the distinction of providing the British hit parade with the six hundredth Number One single. 'China In Your Hands' was an excellent pop song which deservedly lingered at the summit for a full month. The track featured a fine vocal performance from Decker as well as an equally good cameo from the saxophone. T'Pau were not one-hit wonders, yet they failed to replicate this commendable triumph.

The song of the month for November 1987
Build by The Housemartins (peak chart position: No.15)
The likeable, self-deprecating Housemartins hailed from Humberside, a fact they reminded everyone of with their album title 'London 0 Hull 4'. Paul Heaton and the lads had enjoyed a highly satisfactory 1986, courtesy of the chart-topping 'Caravan Of Love' and the jolly 'Happy Hour'. They had less commercial success thereafter but they did construct the admirable 'Build' which made an incursion into the Top Twenty near the end of 1987.

The song of the month for December 1987
Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues, Featuring Kirsty MacColl (peak chart position: No.2)
Shane MacGowan became one of the most recognisable faces on the British music scene, with enough tooth decay to keep several dentists occupied. This Anglo-Irish vocalist remained sober long enough to record one of the great Christmas songs in the history of popular music. Kirsty MacColl, daughter of English folk singer Ewan MacColl, played the role of MacGowan's disillusioned other half in this mini-epic. Shane sang of envisaging "a better time when all our dreams come true". Unfortunately, Kirsty died in a boating accident in 2000, aged 41.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1987:
The Joshua Tree by U2 (released in March)
Side 1: Side 2:
1. Where the Streets Have No Name; 5:38 1. Red Hill Mining Town; 4:54
2. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For; 4:38 2. In God's Country; 2:57
3. With or Without You; 4:56 3. Trip Through Your Wires; 3:33
4. Bullet the Blue Sky; 4:32 4. One Tree Hill; 5:23
5. Running to Stand Still; 4:18 5. Exit; 4:13
6. Mothers of the Disappeared; 5:12
Did the 1980s produce a better album than this? Here U2 make the transition from promising rock group to superstars with a project which was a refreshing break from the alpha male, macho posturing nonsense that characterised most 'great' rock outfits. Instead of which Bono and the gang get all introspective and spiritual with 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'. More than anything the album reveals the band's conscience as they draw attention to the plight of South America's 'Mothers of the Disappeared'. 'The Joshua Tree' is a product of U2's growing fascination with America, be it the music scene, the culture, or the politics. The Dubliners were both intrigued and horrified by their discovery of America, north and south. This is conveyed on this seminal record. The fabulous foursome proceeded to world domination in the two decades hereafter, though it is doubtful whether anything they created quite compared with 'The Joshua Tree'. This magnificent LP is best appreciated in the dark, with the lights turned off, and sits comfortably alongside any classic album from any era.

1988
The song of the month for January 1988
Gimme Hope Jo'anna by Eddy Grant (peak chart position: No.7)
Veteran Caribbean performer Eddy Grant had put in appearances in the British hit parade in the two previous decades with the likes of the poptastic 'Baby Come Back' with the Equals in 1968 and then the formidable 'Living On The Frontline' in 1979. Guyana's greatest singer stepped out of Electric Avenue to address the running sore of apartheid. Far from appealing to a lover called Joanna, Grant was urging Johannesburg to come to her senses and embrace democracy. The worthy sentiments were eventually heeded a few years later.

The song of the month for February 1988
I'm Not Scared by Eighth Wonder (peak chart position: No.7)
1988 was a year that witnessed much chart action from the fairer sex as the likes of Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Tiffany, and Kylie Minogue all invaded the airwaves. However, there was a new trend for groups fronted by an eye-catching female, as pioneered by Blondie and the Pretenders. Transvision Vamp and Voice Of The Beehive were two such bands along with the short-lived Eighth Wonder. The latter featured the blonde bombshell Patsy Kensit. Patsy and her male companions released the fine pop song, 'I'm Not Scared'. They had previously contributed the excellent 'Having It All' for the 'Absolute Beginners' soundtrack.

The song of the month for March 1988
I Pronounce You by The Madness (peak chart position: No.44)
Camden Town's finest act had called it a day, and effectively split in two. The likeable Suggs and co-vocalist Carl Smyth decided to remain slightly mad and they consequently released an album which flopped, but which contained a number of quirky delights, such as the minor hit 'I Pronounce You'. This unusual wedding song included the sound of a sitar from the semi-mad guitarist Chris Foreman. It's worth checking out, if you're mad.

The song of the month for April 1988
There Is Always Something There To Remind Me by The Housemartins (peak chart position: No.35)
Shortly before the Housemartins flew the nest and reinvented themselves in the Beautiful South and in the guise of Fatboy Slim, they signed off with the delightful 'There Is Always Something There To Remind Me' which should not be confused with Sandie Shaw's superb Number One from 1964. Hull's greatest foursome released a 'quite good' compilation which amusingly detailed the impact of their songs upon the likes of New Zealand.

The song of the month for May 1988
With A Little Help From My Friends by Wet Wet Wet (peak chart position: No.1)
After the monumental triumph of Band Aid, there seemed no end to pop acts who wished to volunteer for a charity single. Now it was the turn of Scotland's Wet Wet Wet who shrewdly dipped into the Beatles' catalogue, thus ensuring a smash hit. This was the second time that this Sergeant Pepper track had been successfully covered. To be fair, both Joe Cocker's version and this pop interpretation were improvements on the original. Meanwhile, Billy Bragg was on the flip side,with his attempt at the Fab Four's 'She's Leaving Home'.

The song of the month for June 1988
Breakfast In Bed by UB40 With Chrissie Hynde (peak chart position: No.6)
Whilst Wet Wet Wet delighted many with their breezy cover version, UB40 and their old mate Chrissie Hynde re-united for a bash at an old reggae hit. This updated interpretation of 'Breakfast In Bed' was infinitely superior to 'I Got You Babe' though less successful. Encouraged by this new success, UB40 couldn't resist the temptation to return to the studio a year later and release another 'Labour Of Love' album entirely of covers.

The song of the month for July 1988
The Only Way Is Up by Yazz And The Plastic Population (peak chart position: No.1)
The summer sensation of 1988 was 'The Only Way Is Up' which was a regular ingredient in all disco nights out as even I can testify. Far from being merely an energetic toe-tapper, this brilliant dancefloor favourite actually possessed uplifting lyrics and was less 'empty' than many dance songs. It was a pity however that Yazz then descended into the banality of 'Stand Up For Your Love Rights'. 'The Only Way' was the year's 2nd biggest seller.

The song of the month for August 1988
Teardrops by Womack And Womack (peak chart position: No.3)
The universally respected musical duo of Womack and Womack enjoyed much deserved success with the ascent of 'Teardrops' towards the peak of the BBC Top Forty. This marvellous single was unquestionably one of the best pop songs to emerge from an American recording studio in the 'eighties. 'Teardrops' featured in the duo's fourth long player, entitled 'Conscience', and it did manage to achieve chart-topping glory in the Netherlands.

The song of the month for September 1988
Storms In Africa by Enya (peak chart position: No.41)
The magnificent Enya enchanted music aficionados with a brand new album of sounds that were markedly different from anything else on the airwaves. The towering track of the 'Watermark' project is arguably 'Storms In Africa'. Enya brews up a musical storm here with a quality recording decorated by a combination of a formidable drumbeat and sumptuous vocals. Never has a storm seemed more attractive. This monster of a single failed to impress the UK's music lovers, but then they did prefer Bros, Kylie and Jason. Enough said.

The song of the month for October 1988
Elephant Stone by The Stone Roses (peak chart position: No.8 in 1990)
The pop pendulum had swung from the Mersey sound to the mods and then punks of London and then back oop north to Lancashire where Manchester would become the new mecca for British youth. The latest big thing were the Stone Roses. It took this four man combo a few attempts to find their feet, but in October 1988 they released 'Elephant Stone' with its elephant riff and awesome drums. The world of music had changed for good.

The song of the month for November 1988
In Your Room by The Bangles (peak chart position: No.35)
Long before the Spice Girls took the world by storm, the Bangles spiced up our lives with a series of terrific singles. 'Manic Monday' and 'Walk Like An Egyptian' were monster smashes from the fine 'A Different Light' album. Its successor, 'Everything' is less appealing, though it contains the superb 'Be With You' and 'Eternal Flame'. However, its best item is perhaps the seductive 'In Your Room'. Susanna Hoffs sounds and looks even more irresistible than ever. Why oh why didn't British record buyers recognise the quality of this ace pop tune?

The song of the month for December 1988
Fine Time by New Order (peak chart position: No.11)
The enigmatic New Order were indeed enjoying a fine time as the 1980s unfolded. Tracks such as 'Thieves Like Us', 'The Perfect Kiss' and 'Bizarre Love Triangle' were giants on the music landscape. The foursome then tapped into the techno-rhythms of the emerging Ibiza dance scene to construct the 'Technique' album. This new LP opens with the infectious 'Fine Time'. If there was any justice, it should have stayed at No.1 for months.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1988:
Watermark by Enya (released in September)
Side 1: Side 2:
1. Watermark; 2:24 1. Orinoco Flow; 4:25
2. Cursum Perficio; 4:06 2. Evening Falls; 3:46
3. On Your Shore; 3:59 3. River; 3:10
4. Storms In Africa; 4:03 4. The Longships; 3:36
5. Exile; 4:20 5. Na Laetha Geal M'Oige; 3:54
6. Miss Clare Remembers; 1:59
By the late 'eighties celtic music was very much in vogue, whether it be the Pogues, Hothouse Flowers, the Waterboys, Scotland's Proclaimers, or even U2. However, the latest sensation from the Emerald Isle, Enya, stepped forth with sounds that simply took the breath away. The 'Watermark' album is frequently categorised as 'easy listening' which is an apt description, but it was of sufficient commercial appeal to attract record buyers of all ages. The instruments are almost exclusively performed by Enya who also composes all the music, with the lyrical assistance of Roma Ryan. The long player possesses three wonderful instrumentals, namely 'The Longships', the beauty of the piano-dominated title track, and the item entitled 'River' which is decorated by excellent keyboards. Enya's decision to fly away from the Brennan family nest had clearly paid dividends, especially when 'Orinoco Flow' sailed away to the Number One position in the British charts. 'Cursum Perficio' is also worthy of mention as the title is drawn from the inscription over Marilyn Monroe's house, meaning 'my journey ends here'. Enya continued to delight music aficionados with further similar records. When you can conjure such magical music, why wander away from a winning formula?

1989
The song of the month for January 1989
Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys (peak chart position: No.32)
'Fisherman's Blues' was undeniably one of the great albums of the decade, helped by the introductory track of the same name. Here is one of those numbers that one would find impossible to sit still to. Mike Scott yearns to be a fisherman out on the sea "far away from dry land and its bitter memories." I can dig that, brother. The words include such imagery as "crashing headlong into the heartland like a cannon in the rain". What a song.

The song of the month for February 1989
Nothing Has Been Proved by Dusty Springfield (peak chart position: No.16)
'Sixties singing sensation Dusty Springfield experienced a new burst of life after having been championed and encouraged by the Pet Shop Boys. Chris and Neil were on hand to provide musical assistance to this majestic single which had its origins in the closing credits of the superb film, 'Scandal'. Previously, 'What Have I Done To Deserve This' narrowly failed to hit No.1 and now the lukewarm response to this new item was another scandal.

The song of the month for March 1989
Oh Father by Madonna (peak chart position: No.16 in 1996)
Madonna, as only she could, succeeded in delighting one half of the population and enraging the other half with her new album 'Like A Prayer'. Folks were confused by what they perceived as moralising one moment and seduction and sexuality the next. Whatever the truth, the new album contained the dark 'Oh Father'. Here the singer recounts an abusive upbringing which many of her young fans could possibly relate to. Such are the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, but this epic item is far superior to many of her biggest sellers.

The song of the month for April 1989
If You Don't Know Me By Now by Simply Red (peak chart position: No.2)
It wasn't until the autumn of 1995 that Mick and his partners would travel to the top of the hit parade on their fairground rollercoaster ride. Back in the 'eighties, Simply Red were responsible for two of the most popular songs of the decade. 'Holding Back The Years' was one of the best singles of 1986, and three years later the group were giving their own creditable soul assessment of this old hit by Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes.

The song of the month for May 1989
Disappointed by Public Image Limited (peak chart position: No.38)
John Lydon had gradually retreated from the public domain after the notoriety of his existence as the infamous Johnny Rotten. Lydon continued to record with Public Image Limited at various intervals. They failed to put compilers of the charts to any trouble terribly often, but they still came forth with the occasional gold nugget. In 'Disappointed' Lydon scoffs about how "friendship rears its ugly head." The guy was a true individual.

The song of the month for June 1989
Negative Creep by Nirvana (not released as a single)
Would-be rock stars Nirvana took their first steps on a phenomenal path to fame with the release of their debut album, 'Bleach'. Still very much a cult act from Seattle, the self-confessed former nerd Kurt Cobain was already revealing his grunge power chords and songs of self-loathing and insecurity. 'Negative Creep' spoke to a lot of the disillusioned young people of Generation X who felt alienated by the so-called 'American dream.'

The song of the month for July 1989
Misty Morning Albert Bridge by The Pogues (peak chart position: No.41)
The Pogues may have previously performed items related to the 'majestic Shannon' and to Kilkenny, but they were equally sentimental about London, hence the tracks 'White City' and this outstanding composition. Sexy Shane 'sings' from the viewpoint of a soul incarcerated abroad in a jail or even hotel room who dreams of a reunion with his sweetheart on a misty morning at the west end's Albert Bridge. The accompanying music is of the highest quality. This is yet another reminder that 'eighties music had songs that other eras could only envy.

The song of the month for August 1989
Stand by R.E.M. (peak chart position: No.48)
Georgia's R.E.M. had spent several years cultivating a following. Now they were reaching new audiences with the success of their recent album, called 'Green'. One of the long player's products was 'Stand' and this fine rocker would succeed in standing in the British singles list in the late summer of 1989. It might have stood a lot higher but regrettably Jive Bunny was the flavour of the month. R.E.M. however were on the brink of glory.

The song of the month for September 1989
Sowing The Seeds Of Love by Tears For Fears (peak chart position: No.5)
It was like Sergeant Pepper all over again when Tears For Fears delivered their very own peace and love anthem. There may no longer have been enough hippies or flower power devotees around to dig the sentiments of this single, but it had sufficient class to reach out to many music enthusiasts. Curt and Roland had contributed enormously to the rich tapestry of the 1980s. This Top 5 hit was arguably their greatest legacy.

The song of the month for October 1989
All Around The World by Lisa Stansfield (peak chart position: No.1)
Rochdale's finest female vocalist had the difficult task of competing in the marketplace against the plethora of Stock, Aitken And Waterman creations which appeared to monopolise the singles listings, but she managed to succeed with an absolute peach of a pop song. The subject matter of the tune may have been far from happy, but Lisa's desire to find her man and make amends certainly struck a chord with Britain's fickle record buyers.

The song of the month for November 1989
Fools Gold by The Stone Roses (peak chart position: No.8)
As the eighties drew to a close, the new decade beckoned with endless opportunities for Manchester's Fab Four. They had now unleashed a remarkable double A-side featuring 'Fools Gold' which belonged in both the disc collections of indie followers and dance disciples. This song sounded so cool and sexy that it looked like game, set and match to its authors, courtesy of Ian Brown's hushed vocals and John Squire's wah-wah guitar. The other side was 'What The World Is Waiting For'. Over the course of the next few years the world waited for more material, but the enigmatic Roses vanished into a labyrinth of record company disputes and also drugs.

The song of the month for December 1989
Brite Side by Deborah Harry (peak chart position: No.59)
The 1980s began with the triumph of 'Atomic' in the British chart, and although Blondie accumulated two more chart-toppers before the end of that year, Debbie Harry then experienced fluctuating fortunes in the rest of the decade. The hits may have dried up but Deborah refused to capitulate. The hit parade may be a playground for the young but Debs was still present in the charts at the end of the 'eighties with the aptly-titled 'Brite Side'.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR 1989:
The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses (released in March)
Side 1: Side 2:
1. I Wanna Be Adored; 4:52 1. Elizabeth My Dear; 0:59
2. She Bangs the Drums; 3:42 2. (Song for My) Sugar Spun Sister; 3:25
3. Waterfall; 4:37 3. Made of Stone; 4:10
4. Don't Stop; 5:17 4. Shoot You Down; 4:10
5. Bye Bye Badman; 4:00 5. This Is the One; 4:58
6. I Am the Resurrection; 8:12
After punk had petered out a decade earlier followed by the rapid rise and then demise of Two Tone, British working-class youth failed to provide a new movement that would revolutionise planet pop until the emergence of the 'Madchester' indie scene at the end of the 'eighties. Spearheading this new craze were such crazies as the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses. Whilst the footballing giants of Manchester continued to under-perform, here were Mancunian acts determined to leave their mark on the music world. It was the four 'Roses' who spearheaded the latest musical trend with a project which has been hailed as unquestionably the masterpiece of its era. Here was a group with so much confidence, it could have been mistaken for arrogance. However when you just happen to possess one of the world's best young guitarists in John Squire, not to mention the impressive drumming from Mani, well how can you possibly fail? The outro for example on 'Waterfall' is simply stunning, whilst the prolonged psychedelic jam at the end of 'I Am The Resurrection' far surpasses anything from the much-trumpeted late 'sixties. This album is a giant. 'Britpop' started back here.

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Publication Date: 01-02-2011

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