I always thought 1982 was a transitional year for music. We saw the rise of synth pop. Hip-hop with a raw edge was introduced to the mainstream. The second wave of punk bands spread the word to a wider audience under the UK82 banner. The indie music scene started to evolve. And you'd be disappointed if I didn't mention that 1982 was the year we said goodbye to The Jam. Some of us still haven't got over it 43 years later!
With the advent of MTV, it became not so much about the song but the video. In some cases large amounts of cash were splashed on exotic locations and special effects. Sometimes you had to sit through five minutes of a kind of mini movie before getting to the actual song. I recall when I was writing my fanzine many of the up and coming bands I interviewed commented on how they felt the rise of the music video was changing the entire landscape and putting smaller bands at a disadvantage. It became more about image than talent in some cases. With hindsight you could say it was the thin end of the wedge!
When I first asked people to suggest songs they wanted including in the poll, it was a reminder of what an eclectic mix of genres there were floating in and around the charts at that time. At one end of the spectrum were bands like Anti-Nowhere League, GBH and Peter & The Test Tube Babies. At the other, Showaddywaddy, Dollar and Tight Fit.
I knew from the outset the poll was going to be lively and I wasn't wrong! We started with an incredible 240 songs. As with the page dedicated to the 1981 singles poll, I've added some of the interesting snippets that emerged relating to various songs, this time in alphabetical order according to the artist. You'll also find a series of poems penned by me based on certain songs dotted about. Towards the foot of the page is a countdown of all the tracks.
I hope you will enjoy riding the nostalgia train with me once again. Feel free to spread the word via your social media channels and if you'd like to get in touch my contact details can be found at the very bottom of this page.
To kick start things, here is a list of some of the forgotten gems, lesser known and in some cases best forgotten tunes that appeared in the poll. For me and others it was the first time of listening to some of them. If you'd like to refresh your memory, acquaint yourself or simply set the scene for the remainder of the post, YouTube links are included.
Haysi Fantayzee -' John Wayne Is Big Leggy'
Golden Earring - 'Twilight Zone'
Stevie Nicks - 'Edge of Seventeen'
The Adicts - 'Chinese Takeaway'
Imagination - 'Music and Lights'
The Fall - 'Look, Know'
INXS - 'Don’t Change'
Blitz - 'Warriors'
Depeche Mode - 'The Meaning of Love'
China Crisis - 'African and White'
America - 'You Can Do Magic'
Motörhead- 'Iron Fist'
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - 'From Head To Toe'
Showaddywaddy - 'Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp-A-Bomp-A-Bomp)'
Alexei Sayle - 'Ullo John! Gotta New Motor?'
Yazoo - 'The Other Side Of Love'
Aztec Camera - 'Pillar To Post'
Siouxsie & The Banshees - 'Fireworks'
Peter And The Test Tube Babies - 'Banned From The Pubs'
Chemise - 'She Can't Love You'
Anti Nowhere League 'For You'
Scandal - 'Goodbye To You'
Dire Straits - 'Private Investigations'
GBH - 'Give Me Fire '
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - 'You Got Lucky'
Squeeze - 'Black Coffee In Bed'
Thompson Twins - 'In The Name Of Love'
The Waitresses - 'Christmas Wrapping'
The Psychedelic Furs - 'Love My Way'
Africa Babaata & The Soul Sonic Force - 'Planet Rock'
Madonna - 'Everybody'
Bauhaus - 'Spirit'
Falco - 'Der Kommissar'
The Farmer's Boys - 'More Than A Dream'
Rush - 'Subdivisons'
U2 - 'A Celebration'
Go-Gos - 'Vacation'
The Undertones - 'Beautiful Friend'
Black Flag - 'TV Party'
The Church - 'Almost With You'
Thomas Dolby - 'She Blinded Me With Science'
Rudi - 'Crimson'
Tight Fit - 'Fantasy Island'
The Mob - No Doves Fly Here
Heaven 17 - Let Me Go!
Simple Minds - 'Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)'
Toyah - 'Brave New World'
Roxy Music - 'Take A Chance With Me'
Captain Sensible - 'Wot?'
Hüsker Dü - 'In A Free Land'
The Wild Swans - Revolutionary Spirit
Patrice Rushen - 'Forget Me Nots'
Gary Numan - 'We Take Mystery (To Bed)'
Rip, Rig & Panic - 'Storm The Reality Asylum'
Vice Squad - 'Out Of Reach'
The The - 'Uncertain Smile'
The Exploited - 'Alternative'
I could probably have saved myself a lot of time if I'd referred to these two compilation albums named "Raiders of the Pop Charts", that DJ Barnsley Sime found tucked away in his collection. They were released as a pair in 1982 and featured quite a few of the "blockbusting tracks" included in the poll. I wonder if the reason they topped the UK album charts in January 1983 was because so many people bought them to give to hard to buy for teenage relatives as a Christmas present.
ABC - The Look of Love
You can't think 1982 without thinking ABC. They had so many singles in the charts this year. A lot of love was shown for all of their songs in the poll.
@manmachine327 told us how The Cure's Robert Smith named 'The Look of Love' as one of his top 30 singles of the 1980s. The full chart can be found on Far Out magazine's site. You might be surprised by some of his selections.
Martin Fry is still touring and keeping the ABC flame burning to the present day. It's good to see he has a few 2026 dates lined up, where he's teaming up with fellow Sheffield 80s icons The Human League.
Adam Ant - Goody Two Shoes
There was one point in the poll when this song appeared alongside of 'Jackie Wilson Said...' by Dexys Midnight Runners. It triggered a memory for Dave Wakeling of The Beat/The English Beat fame, who we were honoured to have onboard once again. He said he seemed to remember hearing that 'Goody Two Shoes' was written about Kevin Rowland. @harryhpalmer shared a link shedding some light on things.
Apparently the lines below from 'Goody Two Shoes' were inspired by a Dexys Midnight Runners concert Adam saw in 1981.
"When I saw you kneeling, crying words that you mean, opening the eyeballs, pretending you're Al Green, Al Green"
Adam said, "When I saw Kevin Rowland sing those words and really get into it, I think it was more honest than anything the Clash had ever done."
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I was lucky enough to include several of What She Said's amazing photos in the last post. There are many more in this one. Here's the first batch. They were taken at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where Adam was supported by Toyah.
And to complete the picture, the lovely Toyah.
A Flock of Seagulls - Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)
I never see you
In twilight shadows
Swirls of darkness
Or a dewdrop's kiss
But magenta roses
Remind me of you
Your floral perfume
Elusiveness.
It feels like you
Are a drifting cloud
I yearn for
Something real
If only I had
A photograph of you
To carry
Into my dreams.
The 80s was the decade of big and in some cases outlandish hairstyles. Nobody ticked that box more than lead singer with A Flock of Seagulls - Mike Score. Even though Mike was a hairdresser in his pre-music days, it's well documented that his famous "winged" style came about by accident. What started out as a virtual Mohican turned into that famous flattened look after bassist Frank Maudsley patted his hair before an early gig.
I don't seem to remember seeing many other people walking around with hair like Mike's back in the day, well certainly not in Hull! But when I started digging online I came across a number of videos and websites showing people how to create "Flock of Seagulls hair", so I'm guessing it's still in demand in certain circles.
The band have undergone a series of line-up changes over the years, with the original members reuniting on several occasions, but they have continued recording and touring to this day. For me they fall into the category of a band I was indifferent towards at the time, but who I now associate with the 80s in a strangely affectionate way.
Anti-Nowhere League - For You
A biker punk from Tunbridge Wells and the BBC show 'Strictly Come Dancing' might seem an unlikely match, but there is a connection believe it or not.
The band have undergone a series of line-up changes over the years, with the original members reuniting on several occasions, but they have continued recording and touring to this day. For me they fall into the category of a band I was indifferent towards at the time, but who I now associate with the 80s in a strangely affectionate way.
Anti-Nowhere League - For You
A biker punk from Tunbridge Wells and the BBC show 'Strictly Come Dancing' might seem an unlikely match, but there is a connection believe it or not.
Graeme surprised a few of us when he spoke about ANL singer Nick "Animal" Culmer. He said "I’ve met Animal a few times. He's a very nice man indeed. His son in law is/was TV presenter Ore Oduba who won Strictly."
Who remembers this front cover of Sounds from 1982?
The Associates - Party Fears Two
Jane loved this single so much she bought two copies in case one got broken. She must have guarded them with her life, because 43 years later she still has both.
Bauhaus - Ziggy Stardust
Several people expressed disappointment at this track being voted out at an early stage, but @harryhpalmer had words of consolation. "Bowie preferred their version of it. Pete Murphy, who toured with Bowie, said David told him, "I wish we had done Ziggy like you did it". He further added, "When Bowie tells me he likes my version better than his own, it really made me think I should just trust my instincts.”"
That's some endorsement!
The Beat - Save It For Later
This was a tune many would have liked to see in the final. I always loved the melodic yet melancholy feel. It's such a beautiful song. It has been covered by a whole host of artists including Pete Townshend and Pearl Jam, the former naming it as one of his favourite songs.
Bob Burke lives near Cleveland and visits the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame museum at least every other year. He said "I have always made a point to visit the white teardrop guitar Dave donated and if we're with someone unfamiliar, they get a crash course on The Beat". At this point Dave added that he missed the famous guitar so much he took it back last year. It's on stage with him once more.
@ParksAllenII responded to one of Dave's comments with a little story that will make you smile. He said, "My buddy and I opened our paid-audience gig (we paid some high school kids to show up) with this. I had a little plastic toy sax hidden in my jacket and whipped it out for the Saxa moment. We had far more fun than we were allowed in those days. Thanks for such a great song, Dave!"
Blue Zoo - Cry Boy Cry
'Cry Boy Cry' was the only single by Blue Zoo to hit the top 20 in the UK singles charts. The band split in 1985 but reformed in 2010. They were joined by Neil Pyzer, formerly of Spear of Destiny, and who is now a part of the current line-up of The Selecter.
Poet Steve Oxlee was previously unfamiliar with the song but he shared his feelings after acquainting himself with it.
"Cry Boy Cry has a real early 1980s nightclub vibe to it. Packed dance floors, everyone thinking they were the bees knees and that they could actually dance. Hoping you might hook up with someone, but the reality being a dodgy kebab and trying not to regurgitate on the bus home. It's another new one for moi and putting me in mind of Jimmy Somerville et al."
I wish our paths had crossed when I was writing my fanzine, I would definitely have asked him to write me something along similar lines. His vivid description of an 80s night out would have fitted perfectly.
As a sidenote, the final post on my poetry blog includes some of Steve's excellent work. If you'd like to have a read, here's the link.
Bow Wow Wow - Go Wild in the Country
Yet more brilliant photos courtesy of What She Said. They were taken at Saint Luke's in Glasgow.
Chas & Dave - Ain't No Pleasing You
We were in for an unexpected treat when the poll was brought to the attention of the late Chas's lovely daughter Kate Garner. She said if 'Ain't No Pleasing You' won the first poll it featured in she would post a video of herself playing and singing her dad's famous song. Spurred on by this, the votes started pouring in. Chas & Dave won hands down and sure enough, Kate was true to her word. Hearing her version added a whole new dimension. It sounded so different exchanging the pub singalong style vocals for Kate's soft tones. I reckon her dad would have been proud.
I have a soft spot for the song because my dad used to enjoy listening to Chas & Dave's music - something I didn't appreciate so much at the time! Pink Giraffe views it with fondness too. "I’ve got such a soft spot for Ain’t No Pleasing You. My grandad used to sing it to my nan if she had the hump with him ."
If you're reading this Kate, a big thank you for joining in. A lot of people were really touched.
The Clash - Should I Stay or Should I Go?/Straight to Hell
Russell Cox shared a stencil that came with the 12" single, which he still has to this day.
Depeche Mode - See You
This was the first DM single to be released after Vince Clarke's departure. Of the video, Jonathan Handler said, " Filming a video in Woolworths was a great high street weirdness move."
Who remembers this front cover of Sounds from 1982?
The Associates - Party Fears Two
Jane loved this single so much she bought two copies in case one got broken. She must have guarded them with her life, because 43 years later she still has both.
Bauhaus - Ziggy Stardust
Several people expressed disappointment at this track being voted out at an early stage, but @harryhpalmer had words of consolation. "Bowie preferred their version of it. Pete Murphy, who toured with Bowie, said David told him, "I wish we had done Ziggy like you did it". He further added, "When Bowie tells me he likes my version better than his own, it really made me think I should just trust my instincts.”"
That's some endorsement!
The Beat - Save It For Later
This was a tune many would have liked to see in the final. I always loved the melodic yet melancholy feel. It's such a beautiful song. It has been covered by a whole host of artists including Pete Townshend and Pearl Jam, the former naming it as one of his favourite songs.
Clipping shared by Russell Cox.
@ParksAllenII responded to one of Dave's comments with a little story that will make you smile. He said, "My buddy and I opened our paid-audience gig (we paid some high school kids to show up) with this. I had a little plastic toy sax hidden in my jacket and whipped it out for the Saxa moment. We had far more fun than we were allowed in those days. Thanks for such a great song, Dave!"
Blue Zoo - Cry Boy Cry
'Cry Boy Cry' was the only single by Blue Zoo to hit the top 20 in the UK singles charts. The band split in 1985 but reformed in 2010. They were joined by Neil Pyzer, formerly of Spear of Destiny, and who is now a part of the current line-up of The Selecter.
Poet Steve Oxlee was previously unfamiliar with the song but he shared his feelings after acquainting himself with it.
"Cry Boy Cry has a real early 1980s nightclub vibe to it. Packed dance floors, everyone thinking they were the bees knees and that they could actually dance. Hoping you might hook up with someone, but the reality being a dodgy kebab and trying not to regurgitate on the bus home. It's another new one for moi and putting me in mind of Jimmy Somerville et al."
I wish our paths had crossed when I was writing my fanzine, I would definitely have asked him to write me something along similar lines. His vivid description of an 80s night out would have fitted perfectly.
As a sidenote, the final post on my poetry blog includes some of Steve's excellent work. If you'd like to have a read, here's the link.
Bow Wow Wow - Go Wild in the Country
Yet more brilliant photos courtesy of What She Said. They were taken at Saint Luke's in Glasgow.
Chas & Dave - Ain't No Pleasing You
We were in for an unexpected treat when the poll was brought to the attention of the late Chas's lovely daughter Kate Garner. She said if 'Ain't No Pleasing You' won the first poll it featured in she would post a video of herself playing and singing her dad's famous song. Spurred on by this, the votes started pouring in. Chas & Dave won hands down and sure enough, Kate was true to her word. Hearing her version added a whole new dimension. It sounded so different exchanging the pub singalong style vocals for Kate's soft tones. I reckon her dad would have been proud.
I have a soft spot for the song because my dad used to enjoy listening to Chas & Dave's music - something I didn't appreciate so much at the time! Pink Giraffe views it with fondness too. "I’ve got such a soft spot for Ain’t No Pleasing You. My grandad used to sing it to my nan if she had the hump with him ."
If you're reading this Kate, a big thank you for joining in. A lot of people were really touched.
The Clash - Should I Stay or Should I Go?/Straight to Hell
Russell Cox shared a stencil that came with the 12" single, which he still has to this day.
Depeche Mode - See You
This was the first DM single to be released after Vince Clarke's departure. Of the video, Jonathan Handler said, " Filming a video in Woolworths was a great high street weirdness move."
The short film, directed by Julien Temple, was a potpourri of all things 80s, but it sadly wasn't a favourite of the band's. They opted to exclude it from their 1985 'Some Great Videos' collection. What I remember the most about it was all those photo booth shots. Oh the memories! Here's a link to the video.
Photo shared by Paul Smith, who has happy memories of seeing Depeche Mode supported by Blancmange.
Duran Duran - Save a Prayer
Duran Duran - Save a Prayer
Duran Duran are another band inextricably linked to the year 1982. There was a lot of love for this song, no more so than from Joanne who had this to say. "I was 13 in 1982 and so the songs from that year are locked tightly in my memories. I became a life long Duran Duran fan that year too. Save a Prayer is my favourite and hearing it takes me back to the innocent young teenage years & the utter thrill of seeing my pop idols on the TV."
Fat Larry's Band - Zoom
What I love about running the polls is the personal memories they bring back for people.
Steve Oxlee said, "Grand to see 'Zoom' by Fat Larry's Band going deep into the polls. Along with 'Gloria' by Laura Branigan and 'Love Come Down' by Evelyn 'Champagne' King, the love for 80s Disco is still in evidence.
At Uni my best mate was massively into Soul and Disco music, but I never really took much notice. I, conversely, was into TSC, The Smiths, The Cure, The Housemartins et al, and my best mate never took much notice.
By the late 80s, and onto the stepping stones of mortgages and vocations; we'd laugh at how I was listening to so much Soul and Disco music, whilst he was tremendously into Morrissey, Paul Heaton, The Cure and The Modfather.
Music is a wonderful, lasting bond, like that."
'Zoom' has a special place in Martin Christie's heart too. He told me it is his and his wife's song. 1982 was the year they met.
John McCullogh is from Georgia in the USA. He was thrilled to discover Fat Larry's Band was included in the poll. He said, "It's so funny that a Philly Soul band is practically unknown in the USA but had a hit in the UK! Zoom is a good song!"
I couldn't resist sharing one of the photos I took of a rare post-sunset sky over the Humber to match some of the lyrics.
Zoom, just one look and then my heart went boom
Suddenly we were on the moon
Flying high in a neon sky, oh oh
.JPEG)
Gang of Four - I Love a Man in Uniform
Only recently, I was reading an interview with Andy Gill, Hugo Burnham and Dave Allen taken from Rock Against Racism fanzine 'Temporary Hoarding'. It reminded me of what a thriving post-punk music scene there was in Leeds. Gang of Four, The Mekons, Delta Five and The Three Johns were all names that appeared in fanzines around the time I was writing Kindred Spirit.
Fast forward to the summer of 2025. One of the final dates on Gang of Four's 'The Long Goodbye' farewell tour was at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town. Middlesaxon was there, and said, "I Love a Man in Uniform was brilliantly done with Rhoda Dakar from the Bodysnatchers on backing vocals."
According to Rhoda's Facebook page, the band "were having too much fun for it to be final". So who knows? It might not be the last we've seen of them.
Grandmaster Flash/The Furious Five - The Message
Tomorrow Never Knows perfectly summed up what a lot of people felt about this influential track.
"The Message was arguably the most important record of 1982. It hypnotised me back in the day. Lyrically it is a masterpiece that manages to fuse brutal social observation with poetry. The final verse delivers a powerful lesson that never struck as moralising. Absolute classic."
It was named as the NME's number one track of the year in 1982 and number one of 100 hip hop songs of the 80s by hiphopgoldenage.com Not only that but it has been sampled many times over the years as a nod to the pathways it opened for others no doubt. The ripples will continue to spread...
Haircut One Hundred - Fantastic Day
Jamie Parkinson had a lot to thank Nick Heyward for back in the early 80s. Nick was a guest on Saturday Superstore the week Jamie and his sister entered a competition to win a Sega console. Nick pulled out the card containing the lucky winner's name and it was them!
Imagination - Just An Illusion
Kevin Webster's comments always make me laugh out loud, but his comment over 'Illusion' created an unwanted mental image too! He told me "I did actually buy an Imagination album. From Woollies wearing a disguise. The things you do to try and impress the girls. It didn't work. Nightmare!"
I wonder if he dressed up like the band?? That might explain the lack of success.
On a serious note though... flamboyant singer Leee John has had a long career in the industry, but he has put his high profile status to positive use. He's an ambassador for the charity SOS Children's Villages. The charity has villages all over the world, providing a home and family to children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to civil war.
Digressing slightly, but definitely worth mentioning, Leee's mum - Jesse Davies MBE was the first black woman to work at Companies House in the 1950s.
The Jam - Beat Surrender
We marked the 43rd anniversary of The Jam's final gig in Brighton whilst the polls were running and also what would have been Rick Buckler's 70th birthday. Tomorrow Never Knows shared a heart warming story that combined the two. Apparently The Jam's final gig was filmed by Rick's parents and transferred to a video tape. The quality wasn't great, but Rick rushed away early the next morning to give the tape to a young fan of The Jam who was in hospital being treated for leukaemia. He sadly died shortly afterwards, but I bet Rick's kindness gave him comfort in his final weeks. There is a reference to his selfless act in the "The Jam 1982" book.
Russell Cox dug in his box of treasures once again and found the NME review below. Adrian Thrills chose 'Beat Surrender' as his single of the week.
I love Strawberry Switchblade Fan Site's description. "Not sure how many people feel the same, but Beat Surrender is my favourite Jam single. Their trademark muscular punch but with this huge optimistic energy, the contrast between Paul's intimate vocal & Bruce's urgent yawp, the brass so well integrated, such a big buoyant sound."
I always got the optimistic message Paul was trying to convey, but it won't ever change the fact that for us diehard fans of The Jam the song will always be tinged with sadness.
The Jam - The Bitterest Pill
It's probably not the first time I've said this, but of all The Jam's singles this one seems to divide opinion the most. Some people think it's the best single Paul wrote when he was with The Jam, others feel it lacks the fire of its predecessors. I often wonder how it would have sounded had it been released as a single by The Style Council. With hindsight, it seemed more suited to them, but that's just my opinion.
Here are Steve Oxlee's thoughts.
The Jam - Beat Surrender
We marked the 43rd anniversary of The Jam's final gig in Brighton whilst the polls were running and also what would have been Rick Buckler's 70th birthday. Tomorrow Never Knows shared a heart warming story that combined the two. Apparently The Jam's final gig was filmed by Rick's parents and transferred to a video tape. The quality wasn't great, but Rick rushed away early the next morning to give the tape to a young fan of The Jam who was in hospital being treated for leukaemia. He sadly died shortly afterwards, but I bet Rick's kindness gave him comfort in his final weeks. There is a reference to his selfless act in the "The Jam 1982" book.
Russell Cox dug in his box of treasures once again and found the NME review below. Adrian Thrills chose 'Beat Surrender' as his single of the week.
I always got the optimistic message Paul was trying to convey, but it won't ever change the fact that for us diehard fans of The Jam the song will always be tinged with sadness.
The Jam - The Bitterest Pill
There's a rumour circulating
That you call him my successor
I watch you stood
In the church doorway
A broken hearted prisoner
Your eyes are sparkling
Like the pears that adorn
Your ornate wedding dress
Drenched in mocking shadows
I turn and walk away
From your deceit-tinged
Happiness.
It's probably not the first time I've said this, but of all The Jam's singles this one seems to divide opinion the most. Some people think it's the best single Paul wrote when he was with The Jam, others feel it lacks the fire of its predecessors. I often wonder how it would have sounded had it been released as a single by The Style Council. With hindsight, it seemed more suited to them, but that's just my opinion.
Here are Steve Oxlee's thoughts.
September, 1982. Queuing at the door of Andy's Records in Cambridge, in the peeing down rain, waiting for opening time. Buying two copies of The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow). One copy to play, the other copy for my collection. Getting home and playing the track on repeat. Being so moved by Weller's lyrics, particularly the line, 'I watch smoke leave my lips and fill an empty room'.
A memory of thinking how Weller was moving The Jam into a more soulful genre. Wondering, where that move would take The Jam? Turning the 7" single over and being blown away by the song, 'Pity, Poor Alfie', with Weller decreeing, 'I felt so confined, just like glued to this spot'.
The Jam - Town Called Malice
Apart from perhaps a couple of moments early on in the contest, it was never in doubt what the winning song was going to be. Here's where I feel I have to make a confession. It took a while for Town Called Malice to grow on me. I thought the cutting lyrics were brilliant but initially didn't feel they sat right with the Tamla backdrop. Before you all start shouting at me, I should add that as time has gone on I have changed my view.
Russell Cox dug out the printed lyrics below.
When it came to the final, Nick Blake said, "Town Called Malice has been the ringtone on my phone ever since technology allowed you to create your own (over 20 years). No contest for me!"
A memory of thinking how Weller was moving The Jam into a more soulful genre. Wondering, where that move would take The Jam? Turning the 7" single over and being blown away by the song, 'Pity, Poor Alfie', with Weller decreeing, 'I felt so confined, just like glued to this spot'.
The Jam - Town Called Malice
Apart from perhaps a couple of moments early on in the contest, it was never in doubt what the winning song was going to be. Here's where I feel I have to make a confession. It took a while for Town Called Malice to grow on me. I thought the cutting lyrics were brilliant but initially didn't feel they sat right with the Tamla backdrop. Before you all start shouting at me, I should add that as time has gone on I have changed my view.
Russell Cox dug out the printed lyrics below.
@MrKintheUK gave his reason for voting for it in the final. "It’s got to be the song that Paul Weller wrote around the corner from me in Pimlico, and a few streets away from where Steve Marriott lived."
Japan - Ghosts
I am delighted to include more artwork from @julesobee who said "1982 was the year of my first gig - The Stranglers at Guildford Civic Hall, followed by Japan at Brighton Dome. Not the worst start!" The sketch of the stylish David Sylvian was completed after the aforementioned gig.
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock 'n' Roll
I was really surprised when this classic 80s anthem was voted out in the early stages of the poll. It wasn't until years later I learned the track was written and initially recorded by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker of 70s glam trio Arrows.
I am delighted to include more artwork from @julesobee who said "1982 was the year of my first gig - The Stranglers at Guildford Civic Hall, followed by Japan at Brighton Dome. Not the worst start!" The sketch of the stylish David Sylvian was completed after the aforementioned gig.
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock 'n' Roll
I was really surprised when this classic 80s anthem was voted out in the early stages of the poll. It wasn't until years later I learned the track was written and initially recorded by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker of 70s glam trio Arrows.
I'm going off at a bit of a tangent here, but 'Touch Too Much' was one of the first singles I bought with my pocket money. Arrows had their own TV show through 1976-77 which I remember watching. It was produced by Muriel Young. Guests included Bay City Rollers, Slade and Marc Bolan.
Apparently Joan Jett first became aware of the song in the mid 70s when she was touring in the UK. She certainly made it her own! Seeing her perform it live in 1982 at the Elland Road stadium, when Joan supported Queen was something I feel privileged to have witnessed.
Mama J was equally as surprised as me about it's early exit from the poll. She shared something of an unfinished story about it. "I used to have this really cool sticker that said "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" on it - had it since the 80s. It reminded me of the English Beat because of the colors and style. Anyway, I had moved quite a few times and always knew where my sticker was. I kept it with my ticket stubs etc. Then in the 2010s my daughter got her first car and asked if she could have the sticker to put on her bumper. I said absolutely! Unfortunately that first car was a clunker so she ended up trading it in for another not too many years later."
I wonder what happened to the sticker? Somebody ended up with a cool piece of music memorabilia for sure!
Kid Creole and the Coconuts - Stool Pigeon
I have never seen Kid Creole and the Coconuts live, but I was lucky enough to be able to include a review of one of their 1983 gigs in issue three of Kindred Spirit. What used to happen was fanzine writers from all over the UK (and beyond sometimes) would write reviews of any gig they went to locally, then send them via snail mail to other fanzine writers. If you'd like to read the review, written by the creator of Belfast based Youth Anthem fanzine, you'll find it at the foot of this page on my blog.
Fast forward to the Rewind festival at Henley last August and Jezza managed to capture a great photo of the inimitable Mr Darnell and the Coconuts on stage. He said they were better than he remembered them being first time around. Good to see they're still doing their stuff.
Madness - House of Fun
As luck would have it, the Nutty Boys were touring whilst the polls were running. Nik D went along to one of their gigs and took this photo. He said, "The boys were brilliant."
Willie Ross caught up with them in Glasgow.
The Maisonettes - Heartache Avenue
Shaun Hand recalled how a college lecturer of his produced 'Heartache Avenue'. He told his students how the success of the single had caught the band off guard and they didn't fully capitalise on it. That could explain why it was their only hit.
Strawberry Switchblade Fansite shared yet another interesting related fact. "Trivia time - the fella behind the Maisonettes, Lol Mason, was also behind City Boy who had a hit with 5705. Two one hit wonders in different genres & decades. In between times, his brother Jeremy played Richard Lord in Crossroads!"
Graeme voted for 'Heartache Avenue' on the strength of all the memories it brought back of hearing it played on the school bus.
Mari Wilson - Just What I Always Wanted
David shared a cool little review of when he saw Mari Wilson supporting Roxy Music at Wembley Stadium in September 1982.
"Mari and her band came on first, she had an amazing beehive. During one of the songs one of the band sat down reading a newspaper.
When Roxy took to the stage Ferry was wearing a black suit with a very fancy shirt. The jacket soon came off! He was incredibly energetic apart from when he went to the keyboards for the instrumental Tara. He came on for the encore fag in hand to send us off mesmerized by an unforgettable performance."
Nick Blake also has fond memories of seeing Mari live. He left a comment saying, "Saw her a couple of times when she supported Squeeze I think on their final (or so we thought) tour in 1982. She and The Wilsations were sensational!!"
Marillion - Market Square Heroes
According to Marillionations blog the song was originally titled 'UB 2,000,001' as a reference to the unemployment statistics at the time. It is based on the market square in Aylesbury. Fish wrote the track after having a drunken conversation with a punk he met who used to hang around Aylesbury and was a local character.
The opening lyrics set the scene:
Apparently Joan Jett first became aware of the song in the mid 70s when she was touring in the UK. She certainly made it her own! Seeing her perform it live in 1982 at the Elland Road stadium, when Joan supported Queen was something I feel privileged to have witnessed.
Mama J was equally as surprised as me about it's early exit from the poll. She shared something of an unfinished story about it. "I used to have this really cool sticker that said "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" on it - had it since the 80s. It reminded me of the English Beat because of the colors and style. Anyway, I had moved quite a few times and always knew where my sticker was. I kept it with my ticket stubs etc. Then in the 2010s my daughter got her first car and asked if she could have the sticker to put on her bumper. I said absolutely! Unfortunately that first car was a clunker so she ended up trading it in for another not too many years later."
I wonder what happened to the sticker? Somebody ended up with a cool piece of music memorabilia for sure!
Kid Creole and the Coconuts - Stool Pigeon
I have never seen Kid Creole and the Coconuts live, but I was lucky enough to be able to include a review of one of their 1983 gigs in issue three of Kindred Spirit. What used to happen was fanzine writers from all over the UK (and beyond sometimes) would write reviews of any gig they went to locally, then send them via snail mail to other fanzine writers. If you'd like to read the review, written by the creator of Belfast based Youth Anthem fanzine, you'll find it at the foot of this page on my blog.
Fast forward to the Rewind festival at Henley last August and Jezza managed to capture a great photo of the inimitable Mr Darnell and the Coconuts on stage. He said they were better than he remembered them being first time around. Good to see they're still doing their stuff.
Madness - House of Fun
As luck would have it, the Nutty Boys were touring whilst the polls were running. Nik D went along to one of their gigs and took this photo. He said, "The boys were brilliant."
The Maisonettes - Heartache Avenue
Shaun Hand recalled how a college lecturer of his produced 'Heartache Avenue'. He told his students how the success of the single had caught the band off guard and they didn't fully capitalise on it. That could explain why it was their only hit.
Strawberry Switchblade Fansite shared yet another interesting related fact. "Trivia time - the fella behind the Maisonettes, Lol Mason, was also behind City Boy who had a hit with 5705. Two one hit wonders in different genres & decades. In between times, his brother Jeremy played Richard Lord in Crossroads!"
Graeme voted for 'Heartache Avenue' on the strength of all the memories it brought back of hearing it played on the school bus.
Mari Wilson - Just What I Always Wanted
David shared a cool little review of when he saw Mari Wilson supporting Roxy Music at Wembley Stadium in September 1982.
"Mari and her band came on first, she had an amazing beehive. During one of the songs one of the band sat down reading a newspaper.
When Roxy took to the stage Ferry was wearing a black suit with a very fancy shirt. The jacket soon came off! He was incredibly energetic apart from when he went to the keyboards for the instrumental Tara. He came on for the encore fag in hand to send us off mesmerized by an unforgettable performance."
Nick Blake also has fond memories of seeing Mari live. He left a comment saying, "Saw her a couple of times when she supported Squeeze I think on their final (or so we thought) tour in 1982. She and The Wilsations were sensational!!"
Marillion - Market Square Heroes
According to Marillionations blog the song was originally titled 'UB 2,000,001' as a reference to the unemployment statistics at the time. It is based on the market square in Aylesbury. Fish wrote the track after having a drunken conversation with a punk he met who used to hang around Aylesbury and was a local character.
The opening lyrics set the scene:
I found smog at the end of my rainbow
I found my thoughts shift slowly into phase
Declared the constitution of the walkway
I realise it's time to plan the day...
Steve Oxlee has fantastic memories of Fish performing the song at The Marquee Club in 1983 and encouraging the crowd to sing along, stating, "This is your big chance to get on a live Marillion album."
The Mob - No Doves Fly Here
Russell Gray was hoping for better things for The Mob, as he went to Gas college with singer/guitarist Mark Wilson "before he decided a life of rock and roll was more suited for him."
The group formed in the late 70s in Yeovil and were probably amongst the first punk bands to produce their own fanzine, entitled 'All The Madmen'. This became the name of their record label a couple of years further on down the line, through which they released their first two singles.
When Penny Rimbaud of Crass spoke to Five Rise Records about the track she said "The Mob's 'No Doves Fly Here' stands out as one of the great classic tracks of the punk era. Profound in its poetics, and poignantly atmospheric in its arrangement, it expresses so much of the hopes and aspirations that later became known as 'anarcho-punk'... War is over if you want it. The dream is not over."
This video was released to accompany the re-release of 'No Doves Fly Here' in the spring. It's unnerving stuff!
Modern English - I Melt With You
When this track was first released it received a lukewarm response. It was given a second chance however when MTV picked up the song's video and placed it on rotation, launching it into the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“MTV had just started,” guitarist Gary McDowell explained in an interview with Guitar Player. “They liked the video, so they put it in heavy rotation — three times a day! Suddenly, in one week, we went from playing small clubs for a couple of hundred people to touring across the States and playing bigger venues. It was just a run of good luck that happened on account of all that.”
@arcey66 told me his only claim to fame is that he once had a night out in New York with the singer from Modern English. He said, "It happened about 20 years ago when I was working in Greenwich Connecticut. As it was only 45 minutes on the train we decided to go to NYC for a few afternoon drinks. This turned into night time drinks and we ended up in a bar down Broadway....I think. He must have heard our English accents and got talking about usual stuff and mentioned Modern English. Only me out of our group, having a good taste in music, had heard of them. To cut a long story short he invited us to a bar near the Hudson river. The night ended with us on the train back to Stamford CT entertained by some rappers on the way to a recording studio in Hartford."
That sounds like quite a claim to fame to me and a highly memorable night out!
And bringing things up to date, AKI saw Modern English this summer, supporting Simple Minds. They were "very entertaining and got the audience involved".
Monsoon - Ever So Lonely
I remember this unusual track standing out as something different thanks to those dreamy vocals. It was one of the suggestions put forward by @harryhpalmer, who once again had some fascinating background information to share. It's a story tinged with both sadness and hope.
"Singer Sheila Chandra, who was 16 when ESL was recorded, later developed burning mouth syndrome, a rare and painful condition that left her unable to sing or speak for long periods, and she was forced to retire from singing.
Post Monsoon, Sheila released three albums on Peter Gabriel's Real World record label. These works involved drone-based vocal techniques, drawing from Indian ragas, English folk, and global traditions. The original Ever So Lonely reached number 12 in the UK charts, but it was remixed by Jakatta in 2002, becoming a bigger hit, reaching number eight.
On retiring, she became a writer, publishing several books, and creativity coach, working with artists to help them navigate creative blocks and career transitions."
Odyssey - Inside Out
Here's yet another surprising snippet from Strawberry Switchblade Fan Site.
"Weird factoid - Inside Out sounds like American soul but it was written by Jesse Rae, arguably the most Scottish person ever. So Scottish that he refused to play gigs in England!"
Have a listen to Jesse Rae's version and see what you think.
The track was produced by Jimmy Douglass, owner of the Magic Mix Room in Florida. Also referred to as "Senator Jimmy D" he is known recently for his work with hip-hop producer Timbaland, but his career stretches back to the 1970s. He's worked with artists such as Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones and Hall & Oates to name a few.
Rip Rig and Panic - Storm the Reality Asylum
I have to admit this was one of the songs I'd never heard of before the poll started. Having had a listen or two now, I wish it hadn't passed me by.
Thankfully @harryhpalmer was familiar with it and was able to provide some background.
"I remember first hearing it on the Radio One evening show, when Mark Ellen stood in for Richard Skinner. I used to tape the show. The band featured three ex-members of post-punksters, The Pop Group, Mark Springer, Gareth Sager and Bruce Smith (current PiL drummer), and Neneh Cherry. Neneh's Stepfather, Don Cherry, played Trumpet, Melodica and did some backing vox on several tracks on the album it was taken from, I Am Cold."
To add on to this, singer Andi Oliver is now a TV and radio broadcaster and a TV chef. She's probably best known for her links to the BBC's 'Great British Menu' and 'Saturday Kitchen'. She also teamed up with Neneh for the BBC series 'Dish it Up', first broadcast in 2007.
Simple Minds - Glittering Prize
Mama J shared a particularly special memory. She said, "This song is just so precious. The whole album is perfect from start to finish and reminds me of the birth of my oldest daughter, as it was playing during her delivery. Treasured moments."
She went on to say how she was wearing a Beat tee shirt for her special delivery. Beautiful!
Soft Cell - Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
Have a listen to Jesse Rae's version and see what you think.
The track was produced by Jimmy Douglass, owner of the Magic Mix Room in Florida. Also referred to as "Senator Jimmy D" he is known recently for his work with hip-hop producer Timbaland, but his career stretches back to the 1970s. He's worked with artists such as Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones and Hall & Oates to name a few.
Rip Rig and Panic - Storm the Reality Asylum
I have to admit this was one of the songs I'd never heard of before the poll started. Having had a listen or two now, I wish it hadn't passed me by.
Thankfully @harryhpalmer was familiar with it and was able to provide some background.
"I remember first hearing it on the Radio One evening show, when Mark Ellen stood in for Richard Skinner. I used to tape the show. The band featured three ex-members of post-punksters, The Pop Group, Mark Springer, Gareth Sager and Bruce Smith (current PiL drummer), and Neneh Cherry. Neneh's Stepfather, Don Cherry, played Trumpet, Melodica and did some backing vox on several tracks on the album it was taken from, I Am Cold."
To add on to this, singer Andi Oliver is now a TV and radio broadcaster and a TV chef. She's probably best known for her links to the BBC's 'Great British Menu' and 'Saturday Kitchen'. She also teamed up with Neneh for the BBC series 'Dish it Up', first broadcast in 2007.
Simple Minds - Glittering Prize
Constant rolling river
I feel I know you personally
I have lost count
Of how many times
You have captured my laughter
Absorbed my tears
And every time
I see sunbeams
Shining a light
On a cold winter's day
I am bewitched
My glittering prize
You take my breath away.
She went on to say how she was wearing a Beat tee shirt for her special delivery. Beautiful!
Soft Cell - Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
Stood beneath a street light
Cigarette smoke mingles
With steamy breath
I tried to fit with your idea of chic
Allowed my heart to rule my head
Caught in the artificial rainy glow
I see only smeared makeup
It's as if I never knew you at all
Goodbye, pink flamingo love.
When it comes to telling a story in a song, things don't get much better than 'Say Hello, Wave Goodbye'. The plaintive way Marc Almond paints a picture, fluctuating between singing and speaking adds to the drama of it all. You can almost feel the cold night air outside the Pink Flamingo club.
With the sad news of the passing of Dave Ball in October, a lot of affection was shown for all Soft Cell tracks in the poll, but this one in particular was named as a favourite by multiple people.
Mike Jones said, "I heard a busker absolutely “murder” the song a few years ago but the number of people who threw a quid in his hat and said “great choice of song” said it all."
I understood exactly what he meant.
Split Enz - Six Months in a Leaky Boat
Another song that suffered in the UK because of the Falklands war, as Richard Hills explains. "Ahhhhhh . Split Enz. What a song. It was released just before the Falkland War and with that title, was deemed inappropriate due to the task force being sent down. A real shame as it’s one of their best, IMO, especially the extended version."
Thankfully it didn't stop the song from being nominated for best Australian single at the 1982 Countdown Music Awards. And Tim Finn won the award for best songwriter the same year.
Squeeze - Black Coffee in Bed
You bought me a notepad
When we first met
With a shiny cover
In gaudy black and red
I thought no more about it
Until after you left
Now the ink flows freely
When I sit up in bed
Fractured coffee cup
Leaves marks on the page
Stains of consolation
Diversion with a pen.
More of What She Said's photos taken when Squeeze played at the OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow.
Stiff Little Fingers - Bits of Kids
SLF didn't fair so well in this poll, but it did provide Wortley Seasiders with an opportunity to share a special memory.
"A small claim to fame of mine which I always rattle out is standing next to Stuart Pearce watching SLF at Blackpool rebellion, I didn’t even realise until after about the 10th person had come up to him to shake his hand."
Apparently Stuart is a big fan of punk music. He has cited Joe Strummer as one of his heroes. His love of The Stranglers was picked up by the band and they invited him to appear in the video for 'This Song', where he played a James Bond-style part.
The Stranglers - Golden Brown
Several people commented on how it was history repeating itself, the way this haunting tune was kept off the top spot by The Jam's 'Town Called Malice'. It was something that caused controversy at the time.
The way the charts worked back then was it allowed sales of multiple versions of the same single to be combined, to determine the chart position. 'Town Called Malice' was released as a standard 7-inch single and also as a 12-inch featuring a live version of 'Town Called Malice' and an extended mix of 'Precious'. EMI argued that The Jam's fans were buying both versions, artificially inflating the single's sales and preventing 'Golden Brown' from reaching number one.
Mark Witty went along to watch Hugh Cornwell on the opening night of his tour.
He said it was a fantastic night and really interesting to hear Hugh play 'Nosferatu' live.
Tight Fit - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Dawn Aston-Adams' story made me smile. She said, "I had just started work on a YOP scheme in the council offices when 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' was released. We booked Tight Fit to play a promo gig in the town hall in the day and they were so loud the Coroners court next door had to abandon an inquest hearing."
I'd better keep my opinions to myself about Tight Fit and this song in particular, as it was apparently one of my mother in law's favourites! Wouldn't want to go upsetting anybody.
And one final piece of useless information... TF's Denise Gyngell has appeared with her husband in a series of TV adverts for All Clear travel insurance. She was previously married to Pete Waterman.
Toni Basil - Mickey
Brian Noir was disappointed to see this foot stomper voted out so early. He commented, "Maybe voters are not aware of Toni Basil's ground breaking influence re dance choreography! Her work with the Lockers! She coached David Byrne for 'Once In A Life Time'!"
For those not aware, The Lockers were a legendary 1970s dance crew, who revolutionized dance, by bringing locking and street styles to the mainstream. They are considered to be the group that changed the face of dance. Check out this video. It's ground breaking stuff!
For Tony McKay being reminded of 'Mickey' brought back "such fond memories of my secondary school crush watching her dance to this at the teen disco."
I couldn't believe it when Roy Llowarch reminded us all of Toni's age. She is now 82. That meant she was approaching 40 when Mickey was released! He added "Toni Basil or Antonia Christina Basilotta has had an amazing career in music and film. She even had a small role in "Easy Rider" back in 1969. Toni worked with David Byrne on the "Stop Making Sense" film and so much other stuff."
A multi-talented lady.
WAH! - The Story of the Blues
Of all the songs that featured in the poll I think it would be fair to say this one provoked the strongest reactions in people. There was such an outpouring of love for it, as there was when it was first released. I remember all too well what a stir it caused.
Several people mentioned how hearing the song makes them feel emotional. I too have the same experience. I read a clip from an interview with Pete Wylie, which I think could explain our reaction. He said, "It’s a song about survival and finding strength when you’ve got nothing left to lose." And I think that's exactly what many people took away from it. There was something in the vocals that spoke of understanding struggles, yet staying strong. It was amplified by those searing violins. That wall of sound...
Strawberry Switchblade Fansite summed things up perfectly as always. "I remember reading somewhere that he was aiming for a cross between the Chi-Lites and Phil Spector. Can't unhear it now!"
AJ met Pete whilst he was touring last year. She described him as "a real character and a gent."
'The Story of the Blues' is in What She Said's top 10 songs of all time. It's good to see she became acquainted with Pete when she went along to see him at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow.
And it would be remiss of me not to say thank you to Pete Wylie for all the reposts and likes whilst the polls were running. It was appreciated by many of us.
The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
Alun Bishop knows a thing or two about the bass. He was inspired to pick up a guitar by Bruce Foxton in the late 70s and has played many times since. It was a pleasure to include his story in the final The Jam scrapbook here on my blog.
Regarding 'Christmas Wrapping' he said, "For all the bassists - check out the bass line as performed by Tracy Wormworth (who went on to join the B52's). Top banana!"
Chris Butler, the guitarist with The Waitresses, who penned the tune echoed Alun's sentiments in an interview he did with Akron Beacon Journal. As far as he was concerned "the funky, rollicking bass line is what truly makes the five-minute song. You give something like that to Tracy Wormworth and she just runs with it.”
The song has been covered by The Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue and Miranda Cosgrove, amongst others. It has featured in TV shows such as The Office and Malcolm in the Middle. Even though it was written in the middle of summer, and is something of an anti-Christmas song, as the years have passed it has secured itself as a jangly seasonal favourite.
Stiff Little Fingers - Bits of Kids
SLF didn't fair so well in this poll, but it did provide Wortley Seasiders with an opportunity to share a special memory.
"A small claim to fame of mine which I always rattle out is standing next to Stuart Pearce watching SLF at Blackpool rebellion, I didn’t even realise until after about the 10th person had come up to him to shake his hand."
Apparently Stuart is a big fan of punk music. He has cited Joe Strummer as one of his heroes. His love of The Stranglers was picked up by the band and they invited him to appear in the video for 'This Song', where he played a James Bond-style part.
The Stranglers - Golden Brown
Several people commented on how it was history repeating itself, the way this haunting tune was kept off the top spot by The Jam's 'Town Called Malice'. It was something that caused controversy at the time.
The way the charts worked back then was it allowed sales of multiple versions of the same single to be combined, to determine the chart position. 'Town Called Malice' was released as a standard 7-inch single and also as a 12-inch featuring a live version of 'Town Called Malice' and an extended mix of 'Precious'. EMI argued that The Jam's fans were buying both versions, artificially inflating the single's sales and preventing 'Golden Brown' from reaching number one.
Mark Witty went along to watch Hugh Cornwell on the opening night of his tour.
He said it was a fantastic night and really interesting to hear Hugh play 'Nosferatu' live.
Tight Fit - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Dawn Aston-Adams' story made me smile. She said, "I had just started work on a YOP scheme in the council offices when 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' was released. We booked Tight Fit to play a promo gig in the town hall in the day and they were so loud the Coroners court next door had to abandon an inquest hearing."
I'd better keep my opinions to myself about Tight Fit and this song in particular, as it was apparently one of my mother in law's favourites! Wouldn't want to go upsetting anybody.
And one final piece of useless information... TF's Denise Gyngell has appeared with her husband in a series of TV adverts for All Clear travel insurance. She was previously married to Pete Waterman.
Toni Basil - Mickey
Brian Noir was disappointed to see this foot stomper voted out so early. He commented, "Maybe voters are not aware of Toni Basil's ground breaking influence re dance choreography! Her work with the Lockers! She coached David Byrne for 'Once In A Life Time'!"
For those not aware, The Lockers were a legendary 1970s dance crew, who revolutionized dance, by bringing locking and street styles to the mainstream. They are considered to be the group that changed the face of dance. Check out this video. It's ground breaking stuff!
For Tony McKay being reminded of 'Mickey' brought back "such fond memories of my secondary school crush watching her dance to this at the teen disco."
I couldn't believe it when Roy Llowarch reminded us all of Toni's age. She is now 82. That meant she was approaching 40 when Mickey was released! He added "Toni Basil or Antonia Christina Basilotta has had an amazing career in music and film. She even had a small role in "Easy Rider" back in 1969. Toni worked with David Byrne on the "Stop Making Sense" film and so much other stuff."
A multi-talented lady.
WAH! - The Story of the Blues
Of all the songs that featured in the poll I think it would be fair to say this one provoked the strongest reactions in people. There was such an outpouring of love for it, as there was when it was first released. I remember all too well what a stir it caused.
Several people mentioned how hearing the song makes them feel emotional. I too have the same experience. I read a clip from an interview with Pete Wylie, which I think could explain our reaction. He said, "It’s a song about survival and finding strength when you’ve got nothing left to lose." And I think that's exactly what many people took away from it. There was something in the vocals that spoke of understanding struggles, yet staying strong. It was amplified by those searing violins. That wall of sound...
Strawberry Switchblade Fansite summed things up perfectly as always. "I remember reading somewhere that he was aiming for a cross between the Chi-Lites and Phil Spector. Can't unhear it now!"
AJ met Pete whilst he was touring last year. She described him as "a real character and a gent."
'The Story of the Blues' is in What She Said's top 10 songs of all time. It's good to see she became acquainted with Pete when she went along to see him at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow.
And it would be remiss of me not to say thank you to Pete Wylie for all the reposts and likes whilst the polls were running. It was appreciated by many of us.
The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
Alun Bishop knows a thing or two about the bass. He was inspired to pick up a guitar by Bruce Foxton in the late 70s and has played many times since. It was a pleasure to include his story in the final The Jam scrapbook here on my blog.
Regarding 'Christmas Wrapping' he said, "For all the bassists - check out the bass line as performed by Tracy Wormworth (who went on to join the B52's). Top banana!"
Chris Butler, the guitarist with The Waitresses, who penned the tune echoed Alun's sentiments in an interview he did with Akron Beacon Journal. As far as he was concerned "the funky, rollicking bass line is what truly makes the five-minute song. You give something like that to Tracy Wormworth and she just runs with it.”
The song has been covered by The Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue and Miranda Cosgrove, amongst others. It has featured in TV shows such as The Office and Malcolm in the Middle. Even though it was written in the middle of summer, and is something of an anti-Christmas song, as the years have passed it has secured itself as a jangly seasonal favourite.
Well that concludes the post celebrating all things 1982 and another year of polls on X. Many thanks to everyone who shared their stories, memories and photographs. I couldn't have put the post together without you.
I'd also like to give a shout out to West Ham Van for once again taking the time to put together a Spotify playlist to accompany the poll, which you can check out here. And to Michael Hirst for all the wonderful gifs he shared every night whilst the polls were running, which I think might have given a clue as to who he was voting for.
I hope you all enjoyed the ride as much as I did! Happy New Year!
I'd also like to give a shout out to West Ham Van for once again taking the time to put together a Spotify playlist to accompany the poll, which you can check out here. And to Michael Hirst for all the wonderful gifs he shared every night whilst the polls were running, which I think might have given a clue as to who he was voting for.
I hope you all enjoyed the ride as much as I did! Happy New Year!
Here's the rundown of all 240 songs.
- The Jam – Town Called Malice
- The Stranglers – Golden Brown
- The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go?
- WAH! – The Story of the Blues
- The Jam – The Bitterest Pill
- Soft Cell – Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
- XTC – Senses Working Overtime
- Tears for Fears – Mad World
- Simple Minds – Promised You a Miracle
- Dexys Midnight Runners – Come on Eileen
- The Clash – Rock the Casbah
- The Associates – Party Fears Two
- Joe Jackson – Steppin’ Out
- ABC – The Look of Love
- The Jam – Beat Surrender
- Yazoo – Don’t Go
- The Stranglers – Strange Little Girl
- Duran Duran – Save a Prayer
- Haircut One Hundred – Love Plus One
- Madness – Our House
- The Clash – Straight to Hell
- The Beat – Save It for Later
- Blancmange – Living on the Ceiling
- A Flock of Seagulls – Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)
- ABC – Poison Arrow
- Talk Talk – Talk Talk
- ABC – All of My Heart
- Dexys Midnight Runners – Jackie Wilson Said…
- Haircut One Hundred – Fantastic Day
- The Pretenders – Back on the Chain Gang
- Roxy Music – More Than This
- The Human League – Mirror Man
- Madness – House of Fun
- Roxy Music – Avalon
- Grandmaster Flash/The Furious Five – The Message
- Yazoo - Only You
- The Associates - Club Country
- Simple Minds – Glittering Prize
- Soft Cell - What!
- Eddy Grant - I Don’t Wanna Dance
- Simple Minds - Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
- Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing
- Japan - Ghosts
- Duran Duran – Rio
- Eurythmics - Love is a Stranger
- Squeeze - Black Coffee In Bed
- Musical Youth - Pass the Dutchie
- Echo & The Bunnymen - The Back of Love
- Icehouse - Hey Little Girl
- Bow Wow Wow - Go Wild In The Country
- Chas & Dave - Ain’t No Pleasing You
- Prince – 1999
- The Beat - I Confess
- The Jam – Precious
- Evelyn King - Love Come Down
- Kate Bush - The Dreaming
- Laura Branigan - Gloria
- Spandau Ballet – Lifeline
- Wham! - Young Guns (Go For It)
- Madness - Driving In My Car
- The Steve Miller Band – Abracadabra
- The Jam - Just Who Is The 5 O’Clock Hero
- OMD - Maid of Orleans
- The The - Uncertain Smile
- A Flock of Seagulls - I Ran
- Kid Creole & the Coconuts - Annie I’m Not Your Daddy
- Dire Straits - Private Investigations
- Siouxsie & the Banshees - Melt
- Dexys Midnight Runners - Celtic Soul Brothers
- Billy Idol - White Wedding
- Fat Larry’s Band – Zoom
- Kool & the Gang - Get Down On It
- The Cure - Let’s Go To Bed
- Theatre of Hate - Do You Believe in the Westworld
- KC & the Sunshine Band - Give It Up
- Bruce Springsteen - Atlantic City
- Captain Sensible – Happy Talk
- Gang of Four - I Love a Man in Uniform
- Malcolm McLaren – Buffalo Gals
- Kid Creole & the Coconuts - Stool Pigeon
- Thomas Dolby - She Blinded Me With Science
- Spandau Ballet – Instinction
- Soft Cell – Torch
- Heaven 17 - Let Me Go
- Depeche Mode - Leave In Silence
- Orange Juice - I Can’t Help Myself
- Billy Idol - Hot in the City
- John Cougar - Jack and Diane
- Toto – Rosanna
- Carly Simon – Why
- Adam Ant - Goody Two Shoes
- Depeche Mode – See You
- Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
- Yazoo - Situation
- The Funboy Three/Bananarama - It Ain’t What You Do
- The Psychedelic Furs - Love My Way
- Mari Wilson - Just What I Always Wanted
- Whitesnake - Here I Go Again
- Aztec Camera - Pillar to Post
- The Clash - Know Your Rights
- Toto – Africa
- Madness - Cardiac Arrest
- Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll
- Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy
- The Stranglers - European Female
- Alexei Sayle - 'Ullo John! Gotta New Motor?
- The Cure - The Hanging Garden
- The Associates - 18 Carat Love Affair
- Joe Cocker/Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong
- The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
- Odyssey - Inside Out
- Altered Images - See Those Eyes
- Hüsker Dü - In A Free Land
- The Maisonettes - Heartache Avenue
- Stevie Nicks - Edge of Seventeen
- Wham! - Wham Rap
- Secret Affair - Lost In The Night (Mac The Knife)
- Gary Numan - We Take Mystery (To Bed)
- Gary Numan - Music For Chameleons
- Anti-Nowhere League - For You
- ABBA - The Day Before You Came
- Orange Juice - Felicity
- Ph.D. - I Won’t Let You Down
- Culture Club - Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?
- Fleetwood Mac – Gypsy
- Robert Wyatt – Shipbuilding
- Talk Talk – Today
- Asia - Heat Of The Moment
- Elvis Costello - Man Out Of Time
- Killing Joke - Empire Song
- Roxy Music - Take A Chance With Me
- Squeeze - Annie Get Your Gun
- Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast
- INXS - Don’t Change
- Ultravox – Hymn
- Shalamar – There It Is
- Toni Basil – Mickey
- Rockers Revenge - Walking On Sunshine 82
- The Undertones - Beautiful Friend
- Shalamar - I Can Make You Feel Good
- Modern English - I Melt With You
- Imagination - Music and Lights
- Blue Zoo – Cry Boy Cry
- Tight Fit - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
- Falco - Der Kommissar
- Siouxsie & the Banshees – Fireworks
- Steel Pulse - Your House
- Black Flag - TV Party
- Trio - Da Da Da
- Split Enz - Six Months In A Leaky Boat
- UB40 - So Here I Am
- Monsoon - Ever So Lonely
- Toyah - Brave New World
- Yazoo - The Other Side Of Love
- Dollar - Give Me Back My Heart
- Bad Manners - My Girl Lollipop
- Vice Squad - Out Of Reach
- Joan Jett & the Blackhearts - Crimson And Clover
- Chelsea - Evacuate
- Rudi - Crimson
- Robert Palmer - Some Guys Have All The Luck
- David Bowie - Cat People (Putting Out Fire)
- New Order - Temptation
- Clannad - Theme From Harry’s Game
- The Exploited - Alternative
- The Undertones - The Love Parade
- Ultravox - Reap The Wild Wind
- Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf
- Imagination - Just An Illusion
- Culture Club - Time (Clock Of The Heart)
- David Essex - A Winter’s Tale
- Stiff Little Fingers - Bits Of Kids
- The Funboy Three - The Telephone Always Rings
- The Beat - Jeanette
- Classix Nouveaux - Is It A Dream
- The Fall - Look, Know
- Rod Stewart - Young Turks
- Slade - Okey Cokey
- Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills
- The Scotland World Cup Squad - We Have A Dream
- Elvis Costello - You Little Fool
- Visage - The Damned Don’t Cry
- Scritti Politti - Asylums in Jerusalem
- Captain Sensible - Wot!
- Steve Winwood - Valerie
- Lionel Richie - Truly
- Go-Gos - Vacation
- Madonna - Everybody
- Olivia Newton John - Make A Move On Me
- Donna Summer - State of Independence
- Fleetwood Mac - Hold Me
- Bauhaus - Ziggy Stardust
- Jackson Browne - Somebody’s Baby
- Lords of the New Church - Russian Roulette
- Peter & the Test Tube Babies - Banned From The Pubs
- Thompson Twins - In The Name Of Love
- Africa Bambaata & The Soul Sonic Force - Planet Rock
- GBH - Give Me Fire
- Showaddywaddy - Who Put The Bomp…
- The England World Cup Squad - This Time (We’ll Get It Right)
- U2 - A Celebration
- J Geils Band - Freeze-Frame
- Modern Romance - Best Years Of Our Lives
- Patrice Rushen - Forget Me Nots
- Marillion - Market Square Heroes
- Siouxsie & the Banshees - Slowdive
- Dolly Mixture - Everything And More
- Japan - Nightporter
- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - You Got Lucky
- The Farmer’s Boys - More Than A Dream
- Golden Earring - Twilight Zone
- Depeche Mode - The Meaning Of Love
- Blitz - Warriors
- Elvis Costello - Party Party
- China Crisis - African and White
- Gary Numan - White Boys And Heroes
- Dire Straits - Industrial Disease
- The Church - Almost With You
- Adrian Gurvitz - Classic
- Tight Fit – Fantasy Island
- America - You Can Do Magic
- Charlene - I’ve Never Been To Me
- Bauhaus - Spirit
- Haysi Fantayzee - John Wayne Is Big Leggy
- The Wild Swans - Revolutionary Spirit
- The Mob - No Doves Fly Here
- Rush - Subdivisions
- Motörhead - Iron Fist
- The Adicts - Chinese Takeaway
- The Kids From Fame - Hi-Fidelity
- Rip Rig & Panic - Storm The Reality Asylum
- The Monochrome Set - The Mating Game
- Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney - The Girl Is Mine
- Nicole - A Little Peace
- David Christie - Saddle Up
- Elvis Costello - From Head To Toe
- The Jets - Love Makes The World Go Round
- Asta Kask - För Kung & Fosterland
- Chemise - She Can’t Love You
- Scandal - Goodbye To You
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All of the 40th anniversary editions of my fanzine have sold, but there are still a limited number of the original issues for sale on eBay. Links to each are included below. I am signed up to the Global Shipping Programme, but I understand the shipping costs charged by eBay are pretty high for those living outside the UK. If that applies to you and you would like to purchase a copy, feel free to drop me an email and we'll see what we can work out.
Issue 1 (September 1983)
Issue 2 (November 1983)
Issue 3 (February 1984)
Issue 4 (May 1984)
All 4 issues
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Kindred Spirit is on Instagram!Email: kindredspiritfanzine@gmail.com
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