Saturday, July 25, 2015

Friday 80s Flashback for 7/24/2015



[Bucks Fizz] -- In late 1980, the songwriting team of Nicola Martin and Andy Hill crafted a tune for the Eurovision Song Contest. In January of 1981, Martin and Hill put together a band to perform their new song. Following the two male, two female formula pioneered by ABBA, Martin and Hill lined up as Jay Aston, Cheryl Baker, Bobby G, and Mike Nolan as Bucks Fizz -- the performing vehicle for their potential hit. And it seemed to work. "Making Your Mind Up" ended up winning the contest and even reached #1 in the UK singles chart (and it charted in a few other European countries). Bucks Fizz did not, however, have much chart success in North America. And they had their detractors. Daniela Soave, in a review for the Record Mirror, wrote: "I think Bucks Fizz are bunch of gutless wonders who can perhaps sing in tune but don't know the meaning of singing with emotion." Still, over the course of five studio albums (1981 through 1986), Bucks Fizz racked up 20 top 40 hits. Their self-titled debut album was released in July 1981, and it was responsible for three of those hits. And today, the Friday 80s Flashback looks to that debut LP for our weekend playlist. Check out some tracks after the break!

Flashback #1"Stars in your eyes, little one | Where do you go to dream | To a place, we all know | The land of make believe."

"The Land of Make Believe" as Buck Fizz's second single to reach the #1 position on the UK singles chart. 




Flashback #2"Well I know it sounds funny | But I don't wanna be in love | Just wanna piece of the action."

I'm still surprised that "Piece of the Action" wasn't a hit in the US. I mean, the music video alone is so chock full of 80s tropes that it should have been instant gold ... had it actually received a North American release. Still, this follow-up to the band's big debut did score as a top 20 hit in their native UK. 




Flashback #3"Don't let your indecision | Take you from behind | Trust your inner vision | Don't let others change your mind."

The 1981 Eurovision Song Contest winner, "Making Your Mind Up" peaked at #1 in the UK. Not bad for a debut song by a band that had not even existed prior to the contest. And given that this music video looks like an "Up With People" knock-off, the band's achievement is all the more impressive. Well, that or a terrible indictment of UK's mid-1981 music scene. Probably both! 




Once again, I remind you that the rule of three applies when doing Flashbacks. As I've made my three offerings, that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the archives. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

And if you are on Twitter, and feel so inclined, please +K my influence in Music on @klout.

I'll see you in seven!

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