December 4, 2025Dec 4 Author Average score for 1981 was 5.57, up very slightly from 5.55 in 1980 and would have been higher without all the medleys.There were 14 1/10 scores up from 6 in 1980 (again largely thanks to medleys). I’ll give the worst hit of the year award to Children Of Tansley School - My Mum Is One In A Million.I gave 3 10s, 28 9s and 49 8s.I’ve put together my Top 40:1 Laurie Anderson - O Superman2 Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight3 Ultravox - Vienna4 The Human League - Don’t You Want Me5 Soft Cell - Tainted Love6 Visage - Fade To Grey7 Kraftwerk - The Model / Computer Love8 Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Souvenir9 Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime10 ABBA - One Of Us11 Ultravox - The Voice12 Ennio Morricone - Chi Mai13 The Specials - Ghost Town14 ABBA - Lay All Your Love On Me15 Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes16 Queen And David Bowie - Under Pressure17 The Teardrop Explodes - Reward18 Blondie - Rapture19 The Creatures - Mad Eyed Screamer20 The Police - Invisible Sun21 The Human League - The Sound Of The Crowd22 Ultravox - The Thin Wall23 Grover Washington Jr - Justin The Two Of Us24 Tom Tom Club - Wordy Rappinghood25 Kim Wilde - Cambodia26 Hazel O’Connor - Will You27 Godley And Creme - Under Your Thumb28 Kim Wilde - Kids In America29 Bruce Springsteen - The River30 Electric Light Orchestra - Twilight31 Genesis - Abacab32 The Jam - That’s Entertainment33 Fun Boy Three - The Lunatics (Have Taken Over The Asylum)34 Duran Duran - Girls On Film35 Kraftwerk - Pocket Calculator36 Rush - Tom Sawyer37 Yoko Ono - Walking On Thin Ice38 Adam And The Ants - Stand And Deliver39 Dave Stewart And Barbara Gaskin - It’s My Party40 UB40 - One In TenWould love to see yours again @jimwatts @Jade @dancember @King Rollo !
December 5, 2025Dec 5 This is my top 40:1. Ultravox - Vienna2. ELO - Twilight3. Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight4. Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Souvenir5. Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Joan Of Arc6. Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure7. Visage - Fade To Grey8. Laurie Anderson - O Superman9. Ultravox - All Stood Still10. Abba - One Of Us11. Ultravox - The Thin Wall12. Jon & Vangelis - I'll Find My Way Home13. Hazel O'Connor - Will You14. Ultravox - The Voice15. Godley & Creme - Under Your Thumb16. Landscape - Einstein A Go-Go17. Human League - Open Your Heart18. Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin - It's My Party19. Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime20. Teardrop Explodes - Reward21. New Order - Everything's Gone Green22. Kim Wilde - Cambodia23. Tom Tom Club - Wordy Rappinghood24. Dollar - Hand Held In Black And White25. Human League - Don't You Want Me26. Foreigner - Waiting For A Girl You27. Blondie - Rapture28. Visage - Mind Of A Toy29. The Jacksons - Can You Feel It30. Genesis - Abacab31. ELO - Hold On Tight32. Department S - Is Vic There?33. Visage - Visage34. The Passions - I'm In Love With A German Film Star35. Dave Stewart and Colin Blunstone - What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted36. REO Speedwagon - Keep On Loving You37. Landscape - Norman Bates38. The Pretenders - I Go To Sleep39. Dire Straits - Romeo And Juliet40. Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
December 6, 2025Dec 6 The Human League and ABBA would top those final two groups for me too this is my attempt at a top 40:Kraftwerk - The ModelVisage - Fade to GreyUltravox - ViennaABBA - Lay All Your Love On MeSoft Cell - Tainted LoveKim Wilde - CambodiaThe Human League - Don't You Want MeThe Specials - Ghost TownTalking Heads - Once In A LifetimeThe Jam - That's EntertainmentKim Wilde - Kids in AmericaEnnio Morricone - Chi MaiABBA - One Of UsKraftwerk - Computer LoveLaurie Anderson - O SupermanAdam and the Ants - Stand and DeliverPhil Collins - In The Air TonightNew Order - CeremonySiouxsie and the Banshees - SpellboundDave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin - It's My PartyAdam and the Ants - Prince CharmingThe Human League - The Sound of the CrowdGodley & Creme - Under the ThumbAdam and the Ants - Kings of the Wild FrontierFun Boy Three - The Lunatics (Have Taken Over the Asylum)Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - SouvenirKim Carnes - Bette Davis EyesDavid Bowie - Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)Ultravox - The VoiceQueen & David Bowie - Under PressureThe Human League - Open Your HeartThe Jam - Funeral PyreUltravox - The Thin WallNew Order - ProcessionThe Human League - Love Action (I Believe In Love)The Police - Invisible SunDuran Duran - Planet EarthNew Order - Everything's Gone GreenDepeche Mode - New LifeThe Teardrop Explodes - Reward
December 7, 2025Dec 7 My top 10 :Bucks Fizz - The Land Of Make BelieveAneka - Little Lady Sue Wilkinson - Time'N'TideClash and Ellen Foley - Hitsville UKBarbra Streisand - PromisesSue Wilkinson - Women OnlyRachel Sweet and Rex Smith - Everlasting Love Dooleys - And I Wish Kirsty MacColl - There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis Kate Robbins - More Than In Love
December 11, 2025Dec 11 My top 40 of 1981 would look something like this:1 Bruce Springsteen - The River2 Kraftwerk - The Model3 Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough4 Kim Wilde - Kids In America5 The Jam - That's Entertainment6 Tom Tom Club - Wordy Rappinghood7 Laurie Anderson - O Superman8 New Order - Ceremony9 Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Souvenir10 Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime11 Ultravox - Vienna12 REO Speedwagon - Keep On Loving You13 Diana Ross and Lionel Richie - Endless Love14 Modern Romance - Everybody Salsa15 Spandau Ballet - Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)16 The Specials - Ghost Town17 The Human League - Love Action (I Believe In Love)18 Altered Images - I Could Be Happy19 Visage - Fade To Grey20 Fun Boy Three - The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum21 Kirsty MacColl - There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis22 The Human League - Don't You Want Me23 Meat Loaf - Dead Ringer For Love24 Soft Cell - Tainted Love25 Blondie - Rapture26 Bad Manners - Can Can27 Shakin' Stevens - This Ole House28 The Human League - Open Your Heart29 Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Joan Of Arc30 Tenpole Tudor - Swords Of A Thousand Men31 Duran Duran - Planet Earth32 Japan - Visions Of China33 Ultravox - The Voice34 Soft Cell - Bedsitter35 Teardrop Explodes - Reward36 Depeche Mode - New Life37 Altered Images - Happy Birthday38 XTC - Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me)39 Pretenders - Message Of Love40 The Clash - The Magnificent Seven
December 15, 2025Dec 15 Author 1982 Spotify playlist:Group 1:#63926/12/1981Phil LynottYellow Pearl {1981 Re-Release}1447-47-25-22-{14}-21-24-34-70->9#64016/01/1982Shakin' StevensOh Julie113-3-{1}-2-3-7-14-29-39-48->10#64109/01/1982The Human LeagueBeing Boiled653-19-9-{6}-10-16-23-38-63->9#64209/01/1982The StranglersGolden Brown267-25-16-4-3-{2}-2-6-9-23-39-68->12#64317/10/1981Christopher CrossArthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)770-56-62-67-54R(9)-27-18-10-{7}-7-8-12-22-44-68->15#64409/01/1982The MobilesDrowning In Berlin948-30-13-14-{9}-10-16-24-36-66->10#64509/01/1982Alton EdwardsI Just Wanna (Spend Some Time With You)2062-33-{20}-20-23-20-22-44-70->9#64621/11/1981ShakatakEasier Said Than Done1274-47-42-42-42-51-51-42-36-22-19-{12}-13-15-26-37-64->17#64709/01/1982Electric Light OrchestraHere Is The News/Ticket To The Moon2457-38-26-{24}-26-31-43-54->8#64823/01/1982Orchestral Manoeuvres In The DarkMaid Of Orleans (The Waltz Of Joan Of Arc)431-17-6-6-{4}-7-10-19-27-49->10#64916/01/1982Olivia Newton-JohnLandslide1843-35-29-44-32-{18}-27-33-69->9#65023/01/1982GillanRestless2536-42-{25}-41-44-40-58->7#65123/01/1982George BensonNever Give Up On A Good Thing1437-26-21-23-{14}-18-17-31-47-73->10#65223/01/1982Stiff Little FingersListen3339-34-{33}-33-55-67->6
December 15, 2025Dec 15 Couldn't do a 1981 top 40 or even top 10; too hard to rank but I am drawn to synth stuff so Ultravox, Japan, ELO Twilight, Soft Cell, Human League Love Action, Duran Planet Earth and Toyah Thunder in the Mountains would all be there along with a great forgotten rock tune Graham Bonnet Night Games.1982 is perhaps the last really great year of the 80s for me a lot of music became a bit too slow/mid tempo poppy for me from 1983 on. There are exceptions though in dance and electro mostly. Edited December 15, 2025Dec 15 by TheSnake
December 18, 2025Dec 18 Author 1982 starts with a bang: a very high scoring group and I’m already blowing my first 10. “Golden Brown” is perfection to me, with one of the best instrumental parts ever made. “Being Boiled” is a thrillingly dark follow up to The Human League’s festive million seller. But most of the other songs here are really good too.10The StranglersGolden BrownBy far their biggest hit and an utterly captivating track with a unique irregular metre and a warm dancing harpsichord sound9The Human LeagueBeing BoiledA big contrast between the poppy "Don't You Want Me" and the stark synth heavy sound of this, but another brilliant single8Orchestral Manoeuvres In The DarkMaid Of Orleans (The Waltz Of Joan Of Arc)A second Joan Of Arc related Top 5 hit for them: beautiful again with a mesmerising distorted bagpipe style backing track 8The MobilesDrowning In BerlinOnly Top 40 for this UK new wave band: this has a style very similar style to Toyah and it's a really gutsy and punchy track8Phil LynottYellow Pearl {1981 Re-Release}Only #56 last year for this, fortunately re-released as it's surely one of his best songs and an electrifying piece of synth pop 7Stiff Little FingersListenLast Top 40 for them: it's surprisingly soft for them, especially in the verses, but an excellent and emotionally powerful song7Electric Light OrchestraHere Is The News/Ticket To The MoonMore time travel from them with "Here Is The News" broadcasting from the future and the other about futuristic life: both strong7Christopher CrossArthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)Only Top 40 for this US singer for the film "Arthur" and something of a soft rock classic: it's a lovely gentle and tender song 6Olivia Newton-JohnLandslideHer last solo Top 40: this is another fairly standard but strong and slightly rocky track from her that shows off her voice well6George BensonNever Give Up On A Good ThingAll his hits sound quite similar, with "Give Me The Night" being the best version of the sound, but this is one of the better ones5GillanRestlessLast of their 6 Top 40s in 15 months: it's nothing really special but a rather catchy tune and one of their more enjoyable efforts4ShakatakEasier Said Than Done1st Top 40 for this UK group after a few near misses: it's quite a pleasant jazzy track and melody but doesn't have much bite to it3Alton EdwardsI Just Wanna (Spend Some Time With You)Only hit for this Zimbabwean singer: unfortunately it's one of these unnecessarily long funk tracks that leaves little impression 2Shakin' StevensOh Julie493rd #1: an original chart topper written by Shaky himself, but the lyrics are clumsy and the track has a rather brash feel to it #65316/01/1982Elkie BrooksFool If You Think It's Over1757-55-30-41-29-21-{17}-24-28-40->10#65416/01/1982Lindsey BuckinghamTrouble3165-50-{31}-37-35-45-50->7#65523/01/1982XTCSenses Working Overtime1041-32-15-17-{10}-16-19-46-67->9#65623/01/1982JapanEuropean Son3152-33-{31}-38-53-65->6#65730/01/1982Haircut One HundredLove Plus One336-36-12-11-4-4-{3}-4-10-23-40-58->12#65830/01/1982Diana RossMirror, Mirror3637-42-{36}-51-59->5#65923/01/1982Rhoda With The Special AKAThe Boiler3566-38-{35}-47-69->5#66016/01/1982Mike Post featuring Larry CarltonThe Theme From 'Hill Street Blues'2564-44-39-34-30-32-{25}-28-27-34-63->11#66123/01/1982Daryl Hall And John OatesI Can't Go For That (No Can Do)849-40-27-11-12-{8}-12-20-28-58->10#66206/02/1982AC/DCLet's Get It Up1314-22-{13}-21-34-56->6#66306/02/1982Soft CellSay Hello Wave Goodbye320-18-{3}-5-7-17-24-40-70->9#66423/01/1982Tight FitThe Lion Sleeps Tonight170-43-29-8-6-2-{1}-1-1-2-6-20-31-50-72->15#66523/01/1982Stevie WonderThat Girl3975-49-{39}-49-57-74->6
December 18, 2025Dec 18 Yellow Pearl the iconic 1982-5 TOTP theme tune with Ultravox style production!You're right, The OMD song production sounds like electronic bagpipes and drums.Drowning In Berlin dark and atmospheric.I do prefer Shakatak to Shalamar easy to get those names confused!As for Golden Brown the medieval baroque instrumentation is good.Oh Julie is catchy I must admit but yeah more for the older audience with the late 50s rock and roll revival. Edited December 18, 2025Dec 18 by TheSnake
December 18, 2025Dec 18 Golden Brown, the record that started phase 2 of their career, and a classic 10/10. As fresh as it ever was, as it never sounded like anything else much at the time or now. Being Boiled being Human League/Heaven 17 era was more of a label cash-in at the time than a proper single from Dare - Things That Dreams Are Made Of or another track would have made more sense, but this was OK 7/10. Maid Of Orleans may well be fave OMD single (of very many) just gorgeous 10/10. Drowning In Berlin sounded 2 or years old in terms of synthpop development of the time, and never a big fave, 7/10. Yellow Pearl OTOH was fab and sounded new and exciting, Midge could do no wrong around 80/81 9/10. I have no memories at all of that Stiff Little Fingers record! ELO's a good double feature, with neither of them quite top tier ELO but I prefer Here Is The News 9/10 to Moon's 7/10.Arthur's Theme is pleasant enough, but Ride Like The Wind and Sailing were way better and flopped in the UK, annoyingly. 6/10. Landslide was a weird single, and it's shocking to think that she went from 3 number ones and a global monster in Physical to this and then nothing ever again. 6/10. George Benson's 80's career never far from the Rod Temperton template, but he never got the A-team level songs, Michael J grabbed those. 7/10.Restless another forgotten oldie for me, Shakatak were always laid-back jazz-vibes pleasant but they had better songs to come, 7/10, Alton Edwards indeed has left little impression in me, not heard it since 1981. Oh Julie, how on earthb it got to number one when The Stranglers didnt remains a mystery, always got on my nerves and a "stick to the covers" was my general view. 4/10.
December 18, 2025Dec 18 'Golden Brown' would top this group for me too the unusual, hypnotic time signature chosen for the harpsichord really stands out. The equally psychedelic lyrics keep me hooked for the whole duration too despite never having a proper chorus. I was delighted when this song appeared on the Spotify chart for the first time this year, an enduring classic.'Being Boiled' is also excellent. I'm glad The Human League were now big enough to propel something that doesn't really sound like much of a hit into the top 10. I would've first come across this song through Richard X vs. Liberty X sampling it, but later checked out the accompanying Travelogue album and I'd highly recommend.Speaking of unusual top 10s... 'Drowning In Berlin' is fabulous, love its dark cabaret feel with the intensity of both the vocals and synth production. Great stuff from OMD too. I'm still getting used to 'Yellow Pearl' actually having vocals, rather than just being the TOTP instrumental for a while A strong start to the year indeed.
December 21, 2025Dec 21 Author “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” is a wonderfully bitter storytelling masterpiece that tops this group.I’ve reviewed over 6,000 Top 40 hits and heard many thousands more, and I’ve never come across anything like “The Boiler”. It’s very shocking and not for the faint hearted. I’ve read that it was intended to be heard only once which makes sense, and for that reason haven’t given it more than 8, but it’s also a masterpiece in its way.9Soft CellSay Hello Wave Goodbye"Tainted Love" is great but this is likely their best remembered original song, with a heartbreaking and beautiful lyrical story 8Rhoda With The Special AKAThe BoilerOnly hit for this UK singer who worked with The Specials: I love the instrumental and it's a brilliantly written but harrowing song8Lindsey BuckinghamTroubleDebut release and only solo hit for this Fleetwood Mac member: this is quite understated but a lovely song with a wistful feel7XTCSenses Working OvertimeTheir highest peaking hit reaching #10, and they won't be in the Top 40 again for a long time: a strong track with some fun lyrics 7Daryl Hall And John OatesI Can't Go For That (No Can Do)The instrumental backing here is wonderful and will be sampled on other hits: otherwise it's a very nice and laid back number7Mike Post featuring Larry CarltonThe Theme From 'Hill Street Blues'Only Top 40 for this US composer with the theme to a drama series: a gorgeous intrumental with piano and soft electric guitar6JapanEuropean SonA remix of a song written a few years prior: it's good with a cascading synth backing, but not as striking as their last couple of hits5Haircut One HundredLove Plus OneTheir highest peaking hit and a nice song, but it doesn't have a memorable ring like "Favourite Shirts" and I find it less dynamic5Elkie BrooksFool If You Think It's OverOriginally a Chris Rea song, this cover is her first hit for a few years and a nicely done version but unremarkable easy listening 4Tight FitThe Lion Sleeps Tonight496th #1: it's been a hit in several versions and originally a 1939 South African song: this is fairly well done but nothing new4Stevie WonderThat GirlFrom his greatest hits album, a nice enough song with a similar feel to "Happy Birthday", but certainly not one that stands out3AC/DCLet's Get It UpThe suggestive lyrics are not very subtle here, but aside from that I don't find it a very interesting track with no light and shade3Diana RossMirror, MirrorIt's hard to put my finger on why I don't enjoy this: it feels flat and laboured somehow, and like it never quite gets off the grou1982 Group 3:#66623/01/1982Theatre Of HateDo You Believe In The Westworld4042-53-{40}-44-40-52-60->7#66713/02/1982The JamTown Called Malice/Precious1{1}-1-1-3-11-20-39-54->8#66813/02/1982The J. Geils BandCenterfold326-17-{3}-5-5-9-17-40-66->9#66913/02/1982Black SabbathTurn Up The Night37{37}-49-39-51-72->5#67006/02/1982Toni BasilMickey264-39-24-11-{2}-2-3-5-13-26-35-46->12#67113/02/1982Depeche ModeSee You640-31-10-8-{6}-11-13-27-42-59->10#67220/02/1982MadnessCardiac Arrest1426-28-{14}-15-14-20-29-49-52-74->10#67306/02/1982The JetsLove Makes The World Go Round2147-55-28-45-26-{21}-22-34-62->9#67406/02/1982Earth, Wind And FireI've Had Enough2945-42-{29}-41-45-73->6#67506/02/1982D TrainYou're The One For Me3053-54-{30}-36-31-35-38-56->8#67620/02/1982Iron MaidenRun To The Hills733-19-11-{7}-13-15-32-38-50-64->10#67720/02/1982KraftwerkShowroom Dummies2535-35-{25}-34-57->5#67813/02/1982Fun Boy Three And BananaramaIt Aint What You Do It's The Way That You Do It443-36-9-6-{4}-5-12-22-46-55->10
December 24, 2025Dec 24 Author Another excellent group overall. “A Town Called Malice” would top it on its own, but “Precious” while good isn’t on the same level and pulls the overall package down to an 8. That allows the crown to pass to this wonderful not so well known song.9Theatre Of HateDo You Believe In The WestworldOnly Top 40 for this UK group and it only just made it: this is a fabulously delivered track using the pulsating Burundi Beat 8The JamTown Called Malice/Precious495th #1: “A Town Called Malice" is a brilliant song about Woking: the other is not as good but an enjoyable bouncy funk track8Iron MaidenRun To The HillsFinally a really great song from them: this builds from an arresting opening section to a frenetic, dramatic and powerful track8KraftwerkShowroom DummiesThis is in fact a track from their 1977 album "Trans-Europe Express": a great track with their wonderfully stark and robotic style7Depeche ModeSee YouIt feels like they haven't quite found their style yet and this feels very Kraftwerk inspired, but it's a gorgeous atmospheric track 7Fun Boy Three And BananaramaIt Aint What You Do It's The Way That You Do ItA ska flavoured cover of a 1939 jazz song and Bananarama's 1st hit: this feels like a breath of fresh air, is fun and works well 7The J. Geils BandCenterfoldA well remembered US #1, and by far the biggest hit for this band; it's thoroughly enjoyable and catchy without being brilliant6Toni BasilMickeyOnly Top 40 for this US singer which is a cover of a song called "Kitty": this can grate but it's very well made and performed 6MadnessCardiac ArrestThis ended a run of 9 straight Top 10 hits: it is enjoyable with their usual fun lyrics and cheeky style, but not distinctive enough5Black SabbathTurn Up The NightTheir last Top 40 for a decade: this is typical of its style with high drama and frantic electric guitar parts, but not memorable 5D TrainYou're The One For Me1st Top 40 for this US RnB duo: this has a nice insistent riff and overall is an enjoyable track, but again not one you'll remember4The JetsLove Makes The World Go RoundAnother cover of an old rockabilly song from them: this is fine but fairly by the numbers and they won't grace the Top 40 again3Earth, Wind And FireI've Had EnoughTheir last new Top 40 hit and a big comedown from their #3 a few months ago: this is fairly dull and doesn't really go anywhere1982 Group 4:9Theatre Of HateDo You Believe In The WestworldOnly Top 40 for this UK group and it only just made it: this is a fabulously delivered track using the pulsating Burundi Beat 8The JamTown Called Malice/Precious"A Town Called Malice" is a brilliant song about Woking: the other is an enjoyable bouncy funk track similar to "Papa's Got A…" 8Iron MaidenRun To The HillsFinally a really great song from them: this builds from an arresting opening section to a frenetic, dramatic and powerful track8KraftwerkShowroom DummiesThis is in fact a track from their 1977 album "Trans-Europe Express": a great track with their wonderfully stark and robotic style7Depeche ModeSee YouIt feels like they haven't quite found their style yet and this feels very Kraftwerk inspired, but it's a gorgeous atmospheric track 7Fun Boy Three And BananaramaIt Aint What You Do It's The Way That You Do ItA ska flavoured cover of a 1939 jazz song and Bananarama's 1st hit: this feels like a breath of fresh air, is fun and works well 7The J. Geils BandCenterfoldA well remembered US #1, and by far the biggest hit for this band; it's thoroughly enjoyable and catchy without being brilliant6Toni BasilMickeyOnly Top 40 for this US singer which is a cover of a song called "Kitty": this can grate but it's very well made and performed 6MadnessCardiac ArrestThis ended a run of 9 straight Top 10 hits: it is enjoyable with their usual fun lyrics and cheeky style, but not distinctive enough5Black SabbathTurn Up The NightTheir last Top 40 for a decade: this is typical of its style with high drama and frantic electric guitar parts, but not memorable 5D TrainYou're The One For Me1st Top 40 for this US RnB duo: this has a nice insistent riff and overall is an enjoyable track, but again not one you'll remember4The JetsLove Makes The World Go RoundAnother cover of an old rockabilly song from them: this is fine but fairly by the numbers and they won't grace the Top 40 again3Earth, Wind And FireI've Had EnoughTheir last new Top 40 hit and a big comedown from their #3 a few months ago: this is fairly dull and doesn't really go anywhere
December 24, 2025Dec 24 I was intrigued to hear 'The Boiler' when a trigger warning was issued for its contents on SyncTube. Harrowing is exactly how I'd describe it too. I think we were all stunned into silence during that devastating final portion. It's one that would be difficult to return to (although I may check out its sole live performance one day when I'm in the right frame of mind, as I imagine that must have been pretty powerful) but I do appreciate that it's a well-made song that highlights a heart-breaking, important issue.'Town Called Malice' is an absolute classic Weller paints a great picture of tough times and flips it infectiously with a message of hope, on top of the energetic production. I agree that 'Precious' isn't quite as good, I appreciate them doing something a bit different with the funky backing, but I usually check out of it after a couple of minutes. Elsewhere, 'See You' also particularly jumps out at me as a highlight ❤️
December 24, 2025Dec 24 The 'See You" music is quite a bit darker than the previous Depeche Mode tracks so I would say it is progress in their sound even if the lyrics are still rather happy.Town Called Malice is one of The Jam's most effortless songs.Used to really like 'Centerfold' its very catchy and the Na na na-na-na bit makes you want to sing along, but the lyrical themes have aged very badly.'It Ain't What You Do' is familiar from adverts over the years especially B&Q. Still good though even though I prefer Fun Boy Three's 'The Telephone Always Rings'.'Mickey' was on music channels too much even in the late 90s/ early 00s when I was growing up and soon grew tiresome. Edited December 24, 2025Dec 24 by TheSnake
December 25, 2025Dec 25 Say Hello Wave Goodbye, a 10/10 as it helpfully tops my chart in tribute to Dave Ball, very much their best self-written song. The Boiler, I'm not sure I heard it at the time, or since! 😯Trouble Topped my chart at the time, what a melody, and Lindsey is a stunning guitarist musician 10/10. Senses Working Overtime not a patch on Making Plans For Nigel or many of their later quirky XTC singles, I still dont get it going top 10 but it's OK 7/10. Hall & Oates another 10/10 pop classic, that rhythm is a classic, see Simply Red's Sunrise, and the record is one of their best, love it, loved it then on top of my charts, Mike Post was a quality Tv theme writer/producer, from his days behind Mason Williams' Classical Gas and onwards via Rockford Files, a major all-time great theme, with Hill Street Blues he captured a vibe of classy melodic melancholy for the game-changing multi-plotline cop show TV series, with ensemble casts and realism and humour at it's heart in amongst the tragedy and drama and social commentary. The theme and show are top notch 9/10.European Sun was alright, sort of passed me by a bit, nice sounds but something was lacking in it 6/10, unlike Love Plus One, Nick Heyward's most outright guitar-pop catchy song while in the band, just bursts with whimsy in a charming way. 9/10. Elkie's cover of the late Chris Rea's debut was nice enough, as one great vocalist to another, but Chris' is the definitive for me 7/10. I like every version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight/Wimoweh, but Tight Fit managed to polish it up to catch the moment nicely. 8/10. That Girl sounded like a track that had been left-over from his 1980 album, as opposed to a preview of the next one. Pity. 7/10 because its Stevie Wonder. Ac/DC and Diana Ross are both pretty mundane examples of what they were bunging out in those days. 3/10.
December 25, 2025Dec 25 Theatre Of Hate wasnt a big track, and not one I recall that well, but I know I liked it, maybe a 7/10. Precious Little Airplay it should have been called, as Town Called Malice was the classic side, a genuine 9/10 for me. 60's Mod-vibes via punk. Run To The Hills is Iron Maiden at their best. That's still a 7/10, but at least I hadnt been subjected to 30 years of More Of The Same. Showroom Dummies, not a fave with me, as always the production made sense for 1977 but synthpop had moved on even in 1977, Magic Fly and I Feel Love, and Oxygene put this in its more rightful place as a cash-in release from The Model. 6/10. See You was a welcome move away from Vince-pop to Martin-darker-melodic-pop, my fave to date from Depeche. 9/10. Fun Boy 3, quirky and fab cover 9/10, and the step up for Bananarama was most welcome, their shambolic girlie pop had already had my approval for the under-appreciated version of 1971's AIEMWANA, The Yamasukis/ dad of Daft Punk's Bangalter.Centerfold is fun enough, bit of a romp, 8/10. Mickey a chant-pop Chinn/Chapman B side throwaway, Toni made a bit of a silk purse out of it considering, 7/10. Cardiac Arrest was Madness' weakest to date, 7/10, Turn Up The Night failed to impress me much, it's no Paranoid! 4/10. D Train upped the funk, one I enjoyed, 7/10. The Jets roared mildly in and went unremembered, 5/10. I've Had Enough was the beginning of the End for EW&F sadly, pleasant but not up to Let's Groove. 6/10
December 30, 2025Dec 30 Author Two big ‘80s classics: I’ve put “Party Fears Two” at the top because it feels less polished and more of a one off.9AssociatesParty Fears Two1st hit for this Scottish post punk band: this has a wonderful riff and a very powerful angst ridden vocal that builds beautifully 9ABCPoison ArrowTheir 2nd hit and 1st Top 10 with Trevor Horn production: a brilliant archetypal 1980s track that's immaculately delivered8David BowieBaal's Hymn EPA collection of tracks for the BBC "Baal" adaptation where he played the lead: all excellently performed interesting tracks 8Bow Wow WowGo Wild In The CountryAfter 4 Top 40 misses they're back with their highest peaking hit: an excellent and punchy track about going back to basics 7Gary NumanMusic For ChameleonsThe lead from his "I, Assassin" album that he wrote while flying around the world: another great piece of moody synth pop7AbbaHead Over HeelsThis broke their run of 18 Top 10 hits as they fell out of fashion, but it's a fun track that's lighter than most of their later output 6ImaginationJust An IllusionTheir biggest hit, and like the others it's a funk track with a strong bassline and an intensity that gently builds: it's enjoyable 6Robert PalmerSome Guys Have All The LuckHis biggest hit to date: this doesn't quite have the quirkiness of "Looking For Clues" but it's also a good and well performed song 5Modern RomanceQueen Of The Rapping Scene (Nothing Ever Goes The Way You Plan)More interesting than some of their others, this does go on a bit but it's rather catchy and the rapped parts are quite good fun 4Adam And The AntsDeutscher GirlsAlready their last Top 40 as a group after only 18 months: this is pleasant enough but quite ordinary and feels a little perfunctory 3UB40I Won't Close My EyesUnfortunately after "One In Ten" they've gone back to this slow and languid style, that could blend into many of their other hits3Adrian GurvitzClassicOnly Top 40 for this UK singer: the lyrics almost seem like a parody and it's a not very exciting radio friendly soft rock ballad 2Goombay Dance BandSeven Tears497th #1: only Top 40 for this German calypso band and it's grimly catchy but doesn't really go anywhere and has terrible lyrics 2StarsoundStars On StevieTheir last hit with another medley: these Stevie tracks are good and blend reasonably well together, but they won't be missed1Julio IglesiasQuiereme Mucho (Yours)A Cuban track from the 1910s: this translated to English version is terribly turgid and more of a chore even than his chart topper1982 Group 5 (omitting “Layla” which has already been a Top 40 hit on its own):#69406/03/1982Derek And The Dominos/Eric ClaptonLayla/Wonderful Tonight (Live Version)468-30-16-7-{4}-8-18-24-48-72->10#69506/03/1982Kool And The GangTake My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It)2953-32-30-{29}-38-55-69->7#69613/03/1982VisageDamned Don't Cry1133-23-18-{11}-12-22-25-65->8#69706/03/1982PlutoYour Honour1959-36-26-22-{19}-28-36-59->8#69827/02/1982Foster And AllenA Bunch Of Thyme1856-43-37-32-28-24-{18}-21-32-39-73->11#69920/02/1982The NolansDon't Love Me Too Hard1462-48-46-38-29-26-21-{14}-14-20-30-62->12#70013/03/1982Chas And DaveAin't No Pleasing You261-31-14-7-4-{2}-5-12-22-36-61->11#70113/03/1982Leo SayerHave You Ever Been In Love1052-35-21-14-{10}-13-23-45-74->9#70213/03/1982Classix NouveauxIs It A Dream1158-36-23-16-{11}-12-21-40-75->913/03/1982Elvis PresleyAre You Lonesome Tonight? {1982}2542-37-27-28-{25}-29-37->7#70320/03/1982JapanGhosts542-16-9-{5}-7-14-25-54->8#70427/03/1982Bucks FizzMy Camera Never Lies133-5-2-{1}-2-11-26-46->8#70527/03/1982DollarGive Me Back My Heart435-15-7-5-{4}-8-20-29-54->9#70627/03/1982Status QuoDear John1036-25-13-{10}-16-20-38-70->8#70720/03/1982Bill WymanA New Fashion3754-{37}-41-53->4#70820/03/1982Barbra StreisandMemory3474-38-{34}-36-39-53->6
December 30, 2025Dec 30 Two hugely-impacting emotional and original-sounding 10/10 monsters for me in Associates and ABC. Epic both in very different ways. I bought that Baal EP, I'm guessing it's quite collectible, gatefold sleeve and all as it ain't available any other where! Truthfully, it was a bit weird and I haven't played it since I reckon! Plus side, near mint condition! 6/10. Go Wild In The Country is upbeat jolly-ness but wasn't a massive fave, OK though, 7/10, Music For Chameleons not heard in yonks, middling Numan for me 7/10, Head Over Heels was a mis-fire, When All Is Said And Done was the bleedingly obvious single that much of the world went for - and I was annoyed they missed keeping the impetus going (UK record label Epic is to blame) HOH is fun, but fairly fluffy. 8/10. Just An Illusion is fab, and I told Leee John that when I bumped into him in a club in Bournemouth (and got a hug) 9/10. Sultry 80's UK soul bop classic. Some Guys Have All The Luck is quirky and upbeat 8/10. Robert Palmer is under-appreciated these days. Modern Romance yeah, more of the same 6/10. Deutscher Girls another 70's cash-in that didnt deserve to be a hit, 5/10. UB40 not one of their more memorable tracks of the time but I like reggae vibes 7/10, Classic, ironically, wasn't in my eyes, and got on my tits. A lot. 4/10. Seven Tears had a sort of Boney M European singalong feel that I liked, and I'm still happy to hear it 8/10. Starsound hey ho, 4/10, and Julio wasnt a great hit either, though I'm more interested in it now I know it's from 1910 - I'm more forgiving of romantic cliche lyrics from that era as that was expected 4/10.
December 30, 2025Dec 30 'Poison Arrow' is my favourite of this batch but 'Party Fears Two' is a strong pick nevertheless, what a unique vocal.Just me who really enjoys 'Deutscher Girls' then I won't blindly defend all the '70s cash-ins, as 'Young Parisians' is one of their worst songs for me, but I enjoy the post-punk production and tongue-in-cheek lyrics of this one. Although probably for the best that the "Nazi" line was later replaced with "nasty"... not that it's on streaming in any form!On an Ants-adjacent note, 'Go Wild In The Country' is a highlight here for me too, vibrant and packs a punch indeed.
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