Top of the Pops on BBC Four

[Mr Banlon]

Yeah the Americanisms are a bit grating.
'Payphone wall' and 'corner store'. It's 'phone box' and 'corner shop'.

[daf]

Never made it to the iPlayer. So, among other things, I missed the Stiff Little Fingers. *sad face*

Still up there (for the next three weeks) - including Stiff Little Fingers :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0544glm/top-of-the-pops-15021980

[daf]

22 February 1980 : Presenter: Peter Powell

(30)    RAINBOW – All Night Long (and charts)
Shifted to Friday due to the Winter Olympics.
(40)    SHAKIN' STEVENS – Hot Dog
Hold the mustard.
(3)    BLONDIE – Atomic (video)
The classic Bin-bag and tights combo.
(48)    THE BEAT – Hands Off She's Mine
Ooh, hark at Possessive Pete!
(18)    BUGGLES – The Plastic Age
"Now hands that play keyboards can feel as soft as your face, with mild green Hairy Buggles."


https://www.flickr.com/photos/51106326@N00/sets/72157623317714152/

(10)    THE TOURISTS – So Good To Be Back Home Again
The Red Baron there, off his box.
(23)    FERN KINNEY – Together We Are Beautiful
Introducing Reginald Dixon at The Mighty Wurlitzer.
(8)    THE RAMONES – Baby I Love You
Cheer up you sulky buggers!
(2)    THE WHISPERS – And The Beat Goes On (danced to by Hatbox & Co)
Hot Crumpet hep to the handkerchief code (Purple: 'into hugs', Orange: 'no moustaches', Pink: 'mine's a Lambrini').
(6)    CLIFF RICHARD – Carrie (video)
Cliff's an American now, y'awl.
(46)    IRON MAIDEN – Running Free
Widdly-widdly-widdly
(1)    KENNY ROGERS – Coward Of The County (video)
A 'soft and sentimental' tale of horrific violence.
(25)    PETER GABRIEL – Games Without Frontiers (and credits)
It's a Knockout! 

[gilbertharding]

22 February 1980 : Presenter: Peter Powell

(30)    RAINBOW – All Night Long (and charts)
Shifted to Friday due to the Winter Olympics.

Yeah, I gathered that - because they really milked every last value for money drop from the 'Live from Lake Placid', didn't they?

[gilbertharding]

That's weird, I always heard it as "Sorry that she left no forwarding address, it's a mystery", which sounds a bit more natural.

Geared up to suit American tastes, I guess.

You made me listen to it again!

He definitely says what I said he said, except the last chorus, when he says what you said he said.

I like tall squeakers.

[gilbertharding]

Still up there (for the next three weeks) - including Stiff Little Fingers :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0544glm/top-of-the-pops-15021980

I'll have to check again, because it wasn't there before.

I shouldn't bother watching the edited version ever again though - they seem to have a knack of missing the bands I'm most interested in seeing.

[gilbertharding]

(3)    BLONDIE – Atomic (video)
The classic Bin-bag and tights combo.

I can vividly remember my big sister (who would have been 20) being appalled by that.

Also, to save another post - would you say the Buggles were showing their prog-rock roots in that track? They did have prog rock roots, right?

[daf]

Also, to save another post - would you say the Buggles were showing their prog-rock roots in that track? They did have prog rock roots, right?

Not sure about the roots  [nb](Horn and Downes met at an audition for Tina Charles backing band in 1976)[/nb] - but they certainly had prog 'sprouts' : joining a Jon-less Yes not long after this (Trevor singing on one album, and producing three . . possibly four?).

Following Yes, Downes went on to join Asia, rejoining Yes on Keyboards with Horn producing an LP in 2011 (which includes a 24 minute six part song originally demoed by The Buggles back in 1980).

[phantom_power]

I love that Buggles song. It deserves to be as well known as Video Killed The Radio Star.

Also, what the fuck was going on in the early 80s to allow Shakin' Stevens to exist?

[Chriddof]

There was a major 50s revival going on throughout the 80s, wasn't there? Adverts with old rock 'n' roll songs on them, much idolisation of James Dean / Marilyn Monroe, people going mental over stuff that could have been in a 50s diner. I guess Shakey was the first sprouting (can't think of a better word) of all that.[nb]Well, there was the American Graffiti and Happy Days thing in the 70s, but you know what I mean.[/nb]

[Uncle TechTip]

30 year rule I think. As each pop generation passes into middle age, they reminisce about their youth and the 50s would be the first movement to do this. Every major cultural movement - and some minor ones - have been revived in the years that followed.

I love these countdowns daf, I hope you stop only when the BBC does.

[daf]

Cheers!

The mid/late 80's era is going to serve up some mighty thin gruel, so I wouldn't be surprised if the BBC lose their nerve then, but who knows - I could be here for another 26 years!

[Gulftastic]

Shaky was the most successful UK solo male artist of the 80's.

[gilbertharding]

30 year rule I think. As each pop generation passes into middle age, they reminisce about their youth and the 50s would be the first movement to do this. Every major cultural movement - and some minor ones - have been revived in the years that followed.

Up to a point. I'd argue the 50s revival started in the early/mid 70s, with things like American Graffiti, Happy Days, Grease... and the group Showaddywaddy (Darts, Mathchbox, etc) being merely mainstream flowerings. Obviously there was already a market for it by the time of the Rock n Roll Revival shows at Wembley Stadium in 1972 :http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_London_Rock_and_Roll_Show

I'd also suggest the Trad Jazz revival of the early 60s as a counter to the idea that the 70s was the first time this sort of thing happened.

What I've been trying to spot in these Top of the Pops reruns is early signs of the 60s revival which we know will last (on and off) until BlurvOasis and their ilk rear their hairy heads in 15 years time.

Early candidates include: Dollar, the Two Tone thing, and Dave Stewart's look. I guess in another part of the forest, Quadrophenia is being filmed - or is it a bit early?

[gilbertharding]

Cheers!

The mid/late 80's era is going to serve up some mighty thin gruel, so I wouldn't be surprised if the BBC lose their nerve then, but who knows - I could be here for another 26 years!

Thin gruel? Some would say consommé.

After all, 1976 was the year of Brotherhood of Man and Paul Nicholas, and we got through that!

[Norton Canes]

The mid/late 80's era is going to serve up some mighty thin gruel

Are you kidding?! That's the era I'm looking forward to the most!

That and the late-90's 'unofficial token indie band of the week' appearances.

[daf]

28 February 1980: Presenter: David 'Kid' Jensen

(21)    JEFFERSON STARSHIP – Jane (and charts)
Foot on monitor, clench fist . . . and EMOTE!
(5)    ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS – I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
Wonder if this is where Madness got the 'flying sax' idea from.
(6)    MARTI WEBB – Take That Look Off Your Face
. . . and your dinner's in the dog.
(34)    THE VAPORS – Turning Japanese
The daft racists.
(7)    MICHAEL JACKSON – Rock With You (video)
In a murky fish-tank.
(47)    LIQUID GOLD – Dance Yourself Dizzy
Excellent timing from one of the BBC's trained stunt bubbles there.
(40)    THE GIBSON BROTHERS – Cuba
KOOOOOOOOOBA!
(17)    PETER GABRIEL – Games Without Frontiers (video)
She's so Fffffopular.
(25)    STIFF LITTLE FINGERS – At The Edge
Stage invader!
(28)    DAVE EDMUNDS – Singing The Blues
Thin vocals squished right down in the mix.
(19)    THE POLICE – So Lonely (danced to by Bob Wellings & Co)
Sue Lawley, Sue Lawley, Sue Lawley, I feel Sue Lawley (aye aye!)



(22)    RAINBOW – All Night Long (video)
Rain-Bow Rain-Bow, Party time, Excellent!
(12)    THE SHADOWS – Riders In The Sky
Treading the fine line between genius and rubbish.
(1)    BLONDIE – Atomic (video)
BOOM!
(23)    DAVE BOWIE AND THE DAVE BOWIE BAND – Alabama Song (and credits)
He's lost it.

[kaprisky]

(17)    PETER GABRIEL – Games Without Frontiers (video)
She's so Fffffopular.

I've got to confess, I always thought that's what the lyric was.

When the Rainbow video was on I thought it was going to launch into Since You've Been Gone...

[gilbertharding]

28 February 1980: Presenter: David 'Kid' Jensen

(12)    THE SHADOWS – Riders In The Sky
Treading the fine line between genius and rubbish.

What I have come to admire about the Shadows is the absolutely strict division of labour within the group: Bruce Welch - Rhythm Guitar. That's his job, and that's what he does. The slightest hint of Hank playing more than two strings at once, and EVERYBODY OUT!

[gilbertharding]

Yeah the Americanisms are a bit grating.
'Payphone wall' and 'corner store'. It's 'phone box' and 'corner shop'.

There's a bit of that going on in the wince-making Take That Look Off Your Face, too. Luckily the only acting Marti Webb is tempted to do is clenching and unclenching her fists, which remain resolutely down by her sides.



Apart from the Americanisms and the overacting, is the fact I can't help imagining a sub plot "We've found Carrie, Mr Richards, and we'd like to ask you a few questions down at the station..."

[daf]

As this was never repeated on UK Gold, it's a bit of a miracle a copy of this has turned up (and thanks to Neil B. once again!)
https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/3a221256f6e43be581e79a073e75d3b820150322182512/2206b4

6 March 1980 : Presenter : Dave Lee Travis

(19)    THE GIBSON BROTHERS – Cuba (and charts)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(44)    THE LAMBRETTAS – Poison Ivy
Chunky headphones!


https://www.flickr.com/photos/51106326@N00/sets/72157623524087866/

(25)    CAPTAIN & TENILLE – Do That To Me One More Time (video)
Impressive boob curtain.
(42)    U.K. SUBS – Warhead
Featuring the world's feeblest guitar solo.
(16)    THE BEAT – Hands Off She's Mine
Dubious neck frottage from old Rubber Legs.
(39)    MARTHA & THE MUFFINS – Echo Beach
Klurk!
(30)    SHAKIN' STEVENS – Hot Dog
Hands off, greaseball!
(40)    SQUEEZE – Another Nail In My Heart
Attention UK Subs - now THAT is a guitar solo!
(2)    FERN KINNEY – Together We Are Beautiful (danced to by Fairy Bunker & Co)
Divorced . . . Dead . . . ooh, still together. (Congratulations to Keggy and Mrs Keegle!)
(41)    TONY RALLO & THE MIDNIGHT BAND – Holdin' On
Let your Geek flag fly free!
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
(1)    BLONDIE – Atomic (video)
(23)    LIQUID GOLD – Dance Yourself Dizzy (and credits)

[Mr Banlon]

I've just seen Steve Wright on TOTP introduce Turning Japanese by The Vapours in a 'sirri irriot' racist voice. Cunt.
Plus, isn't that 'diddle-liddle-did-did-did-did-dee' intro to Turning Japanese actually Chinese ?

[gilbertharding]

Steve Wrightintheafternoon seemed to have a bit of a nervous tick, like he was kind of dancing to a tune only he could hear. Not as bad the Peter Powell jig, which HE seems to DO so that he CAN inJECT MAXimum PERsonALity into EVERY third OR fourth syllable. Much more low-key than that, but no less distracting nonetheless.

[daf]

13 March 1980 : Presenter : Steve Wright

(23)    RUSH – Spirit Of Radio (and charts)
Some names falling off the edge here ('Brothers Johnso' , Martha and the Muffin')
(39)    THE DOOLEYS – Love Patrol
On the beat with Inspector Quitled Blouson.
(6)    THE POLICE – So Lonely (video)
10-4 for a copy.
(20)    THE DETROIT SPINNERS – Working My Way Back To You – Forgive Me Girl (Medley) (danced to by Pothole Pat & Co)
Health and safety gone . . sexy!
(25)    BROTHERS JOHNSON – Stomp (video)
Windscreen wipers!
(40)    SECRET AFFAIR – My World
Spot the saucy lady pulling a moonie.
(14)    LIQUID GOLD – Dance Yourself Dizzy
Cool it Tarzan - it's not all about you!



(5)    RAINBOW – All Night Long (video)
The famous 'superband' there.
(8)    THE VAPORS – Turning Japanese
Oh no Steve . . don't do that.
(36)    SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES – Happy House
Pioneer of the HD brow.
(18)    THE GIBSON BROTHERS – Cuba
Exotic!
(4)    PETER GABRIEL – Games Without Frontiers (video)
Hans plays with Willie and promptly gets chopped in half.
(3)    MARTI WEBB – Take That Look Off Your Face
You great big daft duck's egg!
(35)    GENESIS – Turn It On Again
Love the insane time signature (13/8 is it?)
(1)    FERN KINNEY – Together We Are Beautiful
Another ramshackle performance from an audibly 'refreshed' Orchestra (save the pub for after the show fellers!)
(7)    CAPTAIN & TENILLE – Do That To Me One More Time (and credits)
Oh, go on then, cheeky-chops.

[gilbertharding]

13 March 1980 : Presenter : Steve Wright


(14)    LIQUID GOLD – Dance Yourself Dizzy
Cool it Tarzan - it's not all about you!

My Harding Senses tingling, I decided to check and see who from Liquid Gold was 'getting it'.

According to wikipedia, the answer is The Bass Player. That's The Bass Player.


And the singer, obviously.

[daf]

My Harding Senses tingling, I decided to check and see who from Liquid Gold was 'getting it'.

Not sure I quite understand what the 'getting it' refers to here (sex?), but the 'brawn behind the throne' seems to be Adrian Baker - who (it says here) wrote, arranged, engineered and produced all their songs - move over Phil Spector!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Baker

[gilbertharding]

I'm afraid, DafPoster, yes- I watch TotP with one eye on the Below The Waist aspect firmly in mind. The spirit, it emerges, in which it was made.

I was fascinated by what we would now call the chemistry between the singer, the guitarist and the bass player. Obviously the drummer was trying far too hard to be considered a contender.

Idle contemplation of which member of the Dooleys is most fanciable... Sad, I know.

Still, also, distracted by Steve Wright's listless jiggling while he's announcing the acts. I don't reckon it's drugs.

[gilbertharding]

I've just seen Steve Wright on TOTP introduce Turning Japanese by The Vapours in a 'sirri irriot' racist voice. Cunt.
Plus, isn't that 'diddle-liddle-did-did-did-did-dee' intro to Turning Japanese actually Chinese ?

It's about wanking, right?

Would make a nice medley into the BitRacistByTodaysStandards Hong Kong Garden by Souixie and them Banshees.

[daf]

Idle contemplation of which member of the Dooleys is most fanciable... Sad, I know.

Despite a succession of disastrous hairdo's (since the magnificent bowl-cut debut), gap toothed sauce-pot Anne Dooley gets my vote :

[gilbertharding]