The eighth book in The Music Chronicle series is now available.

The cheapest way to buy The Music Chronicle 1986, for £9.99 plus £2.40 p+p (UK), is by sending an e-mail to musicchronicle@yahoo.com. We will then send you our bank account details so you can make a direct transfer. We will dispatch the book as soon as the payment is received.

Alternatively, the book is available on eBay for £15.63 including postage and eBay buyer protection. Follow this link:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133938581613

Buyers outside the UK can choose to purchase the book directly from eBay, or by sending an e-mail to musicchronicle@yahoo.com, The latter will be the cheaper option.

 

All of the previous editions of The Music Chronicle sold out. However, we obtained a small number of re-prints. If you have any gaps in your collection, please contact us at the above e-mail address.

For anyone who wishes to buy the first six books, covering 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985, then there is a special offer at eBay which allows you to buy all six books for the price of five. Here is the link:- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/135291030938

The Music Chronicle 1986

The latest book in the highly acclaimed series looks in detail at 1986, documenting the best sellers, the major festivals and tours, the award winners, the films and television shows, the technological developments, the industry’s financials, the headline news stories and the unlikely trivia which go together to create the vibrant and diverse British music scene.

Across 271 pages, The Music Chronicle 1986 presents over 200 lists, graphics and short articles collecting everything you need to know about the British music scene and its place in music history.

In time for the 40th anniversary, The Music Chronicle 1986 shines a spotlight on Madonna, Graceland, Wham!, Sledgehammer, Jam & Lewis, Depeche Mode, Hair Metal, Spitting Image, Jimmy Somerville, Half Man Half Biscuit, Chris De Burgh, a-ha & Norwegian Pop Music, Phil Lynott, Pet Shop Boys, Bryan Ferry, Rhythm King Records, Trivial Pursuit, The Housemartins, Hugh Padgham, Q Magazine, Red Wedge, Five Star, Self Aid, Journalist-Musicians, Queen, EastEnders, The Bangles, Jeff Lynne, The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, C86, and much more, in this entertaining, informative and detailed book.

 

Who were the best selling songwriters and producers of 1986 ?  Which tours and festivals attracted the most attention ?  What were the critics’ favourite albums of the year ?  What were the biggest American hits that failed to chart in the UK ?  What were the biggest British hits abroad ?  Which artists sold more records in 1986 than they did in any other year ?  Which 1986 tracks have been streamed the most ?  Which musicians walked out of court happy in 1986, and who left disappointed ?  What were the top 1980s acts in Norway ?  What was the first big hit about AIDS ?  What was the first CD-only album to reach the Top 100 ?  Which Spitting Image voice actors have appeared on hit singles ?  Which hit was inspired by watching people moving around a cross-Channel ferry on a windy day ?  How are Bridget Jones and Living Doll connected ?  Which ground breaking hit saw two flat mates competing for chart success ?  Who is behind the newspaper in The Housemartins’ video, and why is he there ? All of these questions are answered amongst the wealth of information that builds to tell the complete story of popular music in 1986.

Edited December 5Dec 5 by Music Chronicle

Delighted to say that I have been lucky enough to have a copy of this book and it is a fascinating read. When I got it, I said to myself that I would put it down and read it over Christmas.... I did not do this as I simply could not put it down and have now read over half of it! If, like me, you enjoy charts, music, the 1980's, random trivia and excellently written commentary, then this is the book for you. Absolutely buy a copy! Your will not be disappointed.

Thank you very much for your kind words kingofskiffle. Coming from you, they mean a lot.

I can’t recommend these books enough! Wonderfully researched and presented chart/music facts and feats but also great articles and commentary. I find them impossible to put down once I start. I’ve bought each book since ‘1980’ and now look forward to it every year as my Christmas read. It never disappoints!

I’ve just received my 1986 copy and it looks great, just have to try to resist reading the whole thing before Christmas!