Friday 80s Flashback for February 12, 2016

[February 1988] -- Even with my new day job, which I started in December, I started 2016 strong with three straight weeks of 80s music blogging.

And then I lapsed for two weeks.

But I'm here this week with a brand new post. And although the Billboard Hot 100 provided no inspiration (I mean, come on, Tiffany at #1?), there were several strong albums released in February 1988. So, I felt I could highlight three. In no particular order, we have ... Robert Plant, that guy who used to front a little band called Led Zeppelin, releasing his fourth solo studio album, Now and Zen. It was a top 10 record in both the US and the UK, and it included two tracks featuring Jimmy Page on guitar. Australian rock band The Church released their fifth (and most commercially successful) studio album, Starfish. And The Primitives released their debut album, Lovely. OK, that last one was actually released in March of 1988, but its first single did hit the charts in February of 1988. 

Flashback #1: "I got no time for private consultation | Under the Milky Way tonight."

"Under the Milky Way" was the first single off The Church's 1988 album, Starfish. With this song, the band climbed out of their previous relative obscurity. "Under the Milky Way" peaked at #24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. Although it sold very well, particularly in the US, lead vocalist Kilbey claimed the band didn't see much (if any) of that money because the song "cost so much to make." However, they did see some serious coin by licensing the track: It was used for a car commercial and it's on the soundtrack for the Jake Gyllenhaal movie, Donnie Darko (2001). Neither of those uses explains why a kid is carrying a picture frame around town in the music video. 

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Flashback #2: "Lighten up baby I'm in love with you."

Robert Plant's fourth solo album, Now and Zen, was a top 10 record in the US (#6) and the UK (#10). "Tall Cool One" was the third single off the album, and it fared better in the US than most other locals. It peaked at #25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and it topped the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Plant's former collaborator, Jimmy Page, played guitar on this song which also features a few guitar riff samples of other Led Zeppelin songs (most notably "Black Dog" and "Whole Lotta Love").

Now, I'm not certain, but Robert Plant might be attempting some form of hands-only hula in this music video for "Tall Cool One." That, or he's sending subliminal messages to the bartender. 

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Flashback #3: "Don't slow down, you gonna crash."

Our final Flashback is "Crash," the Primitives' first single off their debut album, Lovely (1988). "Crash" was an international hit peaking at #5 on the UK Singles, #3 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks, and #15 on the South African Singles Charts, for example. A later remix, known as "the 95 mix" was featured on the Dumb & Dumber (1994) movie soundtrack. But "Crash" is so good I can't hold that slight miscue against it. It's a perfect cruising song.

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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.

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I'll see you in seven!