Author Tom Bromley unearths some forgotten 80s Gems
It is with Great pleasure that we are able to publish a Top Ten from the pen of, highly respected author of everything 80s, Tom Bromley.
Toms latest book is “Wired for Sound” where through his own eyes as a 7 year old in 1980 takes you on a persoanl journey through to 1989. If , like me, you too grew up in this era you can relate to what he is writing about. I found myself constantly smiling, nodding in agreement and even laughing out loud at every chapter. If you didn’t grow up in the 80s, the book is still an excellent read and will take you back there in an instant, making you wish that you had spent your childhood there. This is not another reference book of music but a brilliant trip down memory lane to probably the most important decade in Pop Music.
The Top Ten 80s Hidden Gems by Tom Bromley
One of the delights of writing a book about 80s music is the ‘research’
involved: the trawling through the archives of Smash Hits, the digging out of
the singles collection from the attic, the dusting down of all those Now and
Hits compilations albums. Many of the songs remain as fresh and familiar
as the day you first heard them – ‘Don’t You Want Me’, ‘Relax’, ‘Kiss’ and so
forth. But particularly exciting was to discover (or rather, rediscover) a whole
host of other tunes – hidden gems, forgotten classics and one hit wonders
that had somehow slipped through the musical net as the years have gone by.
Here are just ten of my favourite 80s hidden gems – what are yours?
1. Since Yesterday by Strawberry Switchblade. Polka Dots, fanfares and
lyrics about ‘thoughts of yesterday’. What more could anyone want from a pop
song?
2. Obsession by Animotion. Animotion, one of those almost 80s words, like
Spandau Ballet’s ‘Instinction’. A stone cold, seedy synth classic.
3. Duel by Propaganda. Typical Trevor Horn wizardry by Frankie Goes To
Hollywood’s ZTT stablemates. Also comes in alternate ‘Jewel’ version.
4. Brilliant Mind by Furniture. Perennial 80s underachievers, but what a
glorious, brooding way to score your only hit.
5. Driving Away From Home (Jim’s Tune) by It’s Immaterial. By far the
best (and only?) song ever written about the M62.
6. Drag My Bad Name Down by The 4 Of Us. Big in Ireland, less so in the
UK. But debut album ‘Songs for the Tempted’ remains a pop rock corker.
7. I Won’t Let You Down by PhD. Top five 1982 hit by Jim Diamond led trio.
Group name came from the initials of the band member surnames.
8. I’m An Adult Now by The Pursuit of Happiness. Canadian friends of
Duran Duran, their MTV friendly hits like this never quite made it across the
pond.
9. The Captain of Her Heart by Double. An often covered, smooth, soulful
chunk of Toblerone balladry from the Swiss one hit wonders.
10. Kathleen by Roachford. Fourth single from Roachford’s debut album
stalled at number 43, but a cool, crisp alternative for those who only
know ‘Cuddly Toy’.
Enjoy these and many more hidden gems on Spotify at ‘Wired For Sound 80s
Neglected Gems’: Wired For Sound 80s Hidden Gems
‘Wired For Sound: Now That’s What I Call An 80s Music Childhood’ by Tom
Bromley is out now. For more details please visit www.tombromley.co.uk.
Short URL: http://80slegends.com/?p=1541
Posted by 80sHog
on Jul 9 2012 Filed under 80's Buzz, Headline, Uncategorized.
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