The Music Of The 80s - Favorites, Classics And Rarities

[hitman531ph]

TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY

 

Terence Trent d'Arby emerged in 1987 amid a storm of publicity. Claiming his debut record was the best since Sgt. Pepper, his brash arrogance captured headlines throughout the U.K., eventually winding their way back to America -- which, ironically, is the exact opposite of how d'Arby conducted his career.

During the early '80s, d'Arby was a soldier for the United States Army. While posted in Germany, he joined a funk band called Touch, which marked the beginning of his musical career. After leaving the Army, he moved to London, where he recorded the demo tape that led to his record contract with CBS. D'Arby's first single, "If You Let Me Stay," rocketed into the U.K. Top Ten upon its release. Its accompanying album, Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent d'Arby, was also a massive success, hitting number one and spending over a year in the top half of the chart.

 

D'Arby didn't have a major hit in the U.S. until 1988, when the sparse funk of "Wishing Well" hit number one. The ballad "Sign Your Name" followed it into the Top Five and Introducing ended up selling over two million copies.

 

All of the success -- both commercial and critical -- had d'Arby poised as a major act, artistically and popularly. D'Arby's mix of soul, rock, pop, and R&B recalled Prince in its scope and sound, yet his sensibility was grittier and earthier. At least they were at first. By the time of his second album, 1989's Neither Fish nor Flesh, his ambitions were more nakedly pretentious. The record carried the weighty subtitle "A Soundtrack of Love, Faith, Hope & Destruction" and attacked many self-consciously important themes, including homophobia and environmental destruction. In addition to the self import of the lyrics, the music added a variety of new textures, from Indian drones to straight-ahead '50s R&B.

 

All of the added baggage was too much for his audience and Neither Fish nor Flesh dropped off the charts quickly, without so much as one hit single. It took d'Arby a full four years to record a new album. When Terence Trent d'Arby's Symphony or Damn -- an album containing many of the same ideas as Neither Fish nor Flesh, only better executed -- was released in 1993, it received favorable reviews, as well as some airplay on modern rock radio stations and MTV. It was enough for d'Arby to regain some credibility, yet it wasn't enough to make the album a hit. Two years later, he released TTD's Vibrator, which received the same fate as Symphony or Damn.

 

Though d'Arby didn't make his commercial return until the early 2000s with Wildcard!, he remained active during the intervening years. He extracted himself from Sony and signed on with Glen Ballard's Java; an album titled Terence Trent d'Arby's Soular Return was recorded but never released. In 1999, he fronted INXS for the group's performance at the opening of Sydney's Olympic Stadium; later that year, he could be seen on TV as Jackie Wilson in the mini-series Shake, Rattle and Roll. After obtaining the rights to his Java album, he went about starting his Sananda label and eventually issued Wildcard! through the Internet. D'Arby had his name legally changed to Sananda Maitreya and, by the end of 2003, Wildcard! had received official release in most territories

[hitman531ph]

LIVING COLOUR

 

During the 1980s, rock had become completely segregated and predictable; the opposite of the late '60s/early '70s, when such musically and ethnically varied artists as Jimi Hendrix, Sly & the Family Stone, and Santana ruled the Earth. But bands such as New York's Living Colour helped break down the doors by the end of the '80s, leading to a much more open-minded musical landscape that would eventually pave the way for future bands (Rage Against the Machine, Sevendust, etc.). The group (singer Corey Glover, guitarist Vernon Reid, bassist Muzz Skillings, and drummer Will Calhoun) first formed in the mid-'80s, with Reid being the only member with real prior band experience; he was a member of Ronald Shannon Jackson's experimental jazz outfit, and had recorded with Defunkt, Public Enemy, as well as issuing a solo album with Bill Frisell, 1984's Smash & Scatteration.

 

It took the fledgling band a few years for their sound to gel, as they honed their act at N.Y.C.'s famed CBGB's. But the group found an unlikely supporter in Mick Jagger, who took the band under his wing, produced a demo for the quartet, and helped them secure a record deal with Epic (just prior, Glover had to take a brief leave of absence from the band, as he landed a role in Oliver Stone's Vietnam War epic movie, Platoon). Living Colour's debut album, Vivid, was issued in the summer of 1988, yet it would take a few months for momentum to build. By the winter, the band's striking video for their anthem "Cult of Personality" was all over MTV, pushing Vivid to the upper reaches of the charts and to platinum certification. Living Colour also took home their first of several Grammy Awards, as "Cult" won Best Hard Rock Performance at the 1989 ceremony, and the band supported the release with a string of dates opening stadiums for the Rolling Stones' first U.S. tour in eight years that autumn.

 

Starting with Vivid and continuing on future albums, the band showed that rock could still convey a message (as evidenced by such tracks as "Open Letter to a Landlord," "Funny Vibe," among others). The quartet regrouped a year later for their sophomore effort, Time's Up, an album that performed respectfully on the charts but failed to live up to the expectations of their smash debut. An appearance at the inaugural Lollapalooza tour in the summer of 1991 kept the group in the public's eye, as did an EP of outtakes, Biscuits. Skillings left the group shortly thereafter (replaced by studio vet Doug Wimbish), as their darkest and most challenging release yet, Stain, was issued in 1993. Although it failed to sell as well as its predecessors, it retained the band's large and dedicated following, as Living Colour appeared to be entering an interesting and groundbreaking new musical phase of their career. The band began writing the following year for what would be their fourth full-length, but an inability to settle on a single musical direction caused friction between the members, leading to Living Colour's demise in early 1995.

 

In the wake of Living Colour's split, all of its former members pursued other projects. Reid issued a solo album, 1996's Mistaken Identity (as well as guesting on other artist's recordings), while Glover attempted to launch a career as a solo artist, issuing the overlooked Hymns in 1998 and finding time to appear as a VJ on VH1 and acting in the 1996 movie Loose Women. Calhoun and Wimbish remained together and launched a new outfit, the drum'n'bass-inspired Jungle Funk, who issued a self-titled debut release in 1997 (Wimbish also issued a solo album, Trippy Notes for Bass, in 1999). With Living Colour out of commission for several years by the early 21st century, Calhoun and Wimbish teamed up once more with Glover in a new outfit, Headfake, playing often in the New York City area. A few days before Christmas in 2000, Headfake played a show at CBGB's, and were joined on stage by Reid, which led to rumors of an impending Living Colour reunion. The rumors proved to be true, as Living Colour launched their first tour together in six years during the summer of 2001. Two years later, Living Colour returned with a deal with Sanctuary and their most experimental release to date. CollideØscope was slated for an October release date

[hitman531ph]

SOCIAL DISTORTION (the punk band, not the famous mobile sounds & lights crew)

 

The enduring L.A. punk band Social Distortion has overcome numerous personnel shifts, the demise of the Los Angeles hardcore scene that spawned them, and the heroin addiction of singer/guitarist/bandleader Mike Ness to achieve a measure mainstream acceptance for their rootsy, hard-hitting punk without compromise. Inspired by the fertile L.A. punk scene, Ness formed the group in 1978 with drummer Casey Royer and brothers Frank (bass) and Rikk Agnew (guitar). When the brothers left to join the Adolescents, Ness' schoolmate Dennis Danell joined on bass; the next few years saw a revolving-door membership. When the group finally recorded its debut album, Mommy's Little Monster in 1983, the band consisted of Ness, Danell (now on guitar), bassist Brent Liles, and drummer Derek O'Brien. Their music was often described as a punk version of the Rolling Stones, and "Another State of Mind" was one of the few punk videos to air on MTV in 1984. However, the band took four years to record a follow-up, as Ness descended into heroin addiction and self-consciously rebellious behavior. Liles and O'Brien left, and Ness, after straightening himself out, finally regrouped in 1988 with John Maurer on bass and Chris Reece on drums. This lineup recorded Prison Bound, a mature album broadening Social Distortion's roots rock influences with a country feel. Their self-titled 1990 effort included a cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and returned the group to MTV via "Ball and Chain." Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell became their most popular album to date, producing a minor radio hit in "Bad Luck" and keeping with their now-established blend of punk, blues, country, and rockabilly.

 

Social Distortion took an extended hiatus following the release of Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell, returning in 1996 with White Light, White Heat, White Trash, which proved to be a moderate hit on MTV and modern-rock radio; former Black Flag and D.O.A. drummer Chuck Biscuits made his debut on the album, following the departure of Reece. Live at the Roxy followed in 1998, and a year later Ness issued a pair of solo albums, Cheating at Solitaire and the covers collection Under the Influences. Danell died February 29, 2000 of an apparent brain aneurysm; the guitarist was just 38-years-old. In the fall of 2000, Jonny Wickersham signed on as the group's new guitarist, and Charlie Quintana took over on drums from the often busy Biscuits. After extensive touring, the band went back into the studio in 2004 to record Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll.

[hitman531ph]

80s Norwegian band Fra Lippo Lippi returns to the Philippines for a concert on May 13 at the Araneta Coliseum.

 

Tickets available at Ticketnet outlets

[hitman531ph]

WXB 102 RESURRECTED!!!

 

Tune in to WXB 102 by clicking on the link below:

 

WXB 102 Forever

[willow_boy]

Change, Shout, and Sowing the Seeds of Love - Tears for Fears

Hungry Like the Wolf, New Moon on Monday, Save a Prayer - Duran Duran

Boys Don't Cry - The Cure

Heaven - Bryan Adams

Someday - Glass Tiger

[BlackWizard]

I'll Fly For You - Spandau Ballet

[hitman531ph]

KENNY G.

 

Kenny G. has long been the musician many jazz listeners love to hate. A phenomenally successful instrumentalist whose recordings make the pop charts, G.'s sound has been a staple on adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio stations since the mid-'80s, making him a household name. Kenny G. is a fine player with an attractive sound (influenced a bit by Grover Washington Jr.) who often caresses melodies, putting a lot of emotion into his solos. Because he does not improvise much (sticking mostly to predictable melody statements), his music largely falls outside of jazz. However, because he is listed at the top of "contemporary jazz" charts and is identified with jazz in the minds of the mass public, he belongs in this book.

 

Kenny Gorelick started playing professionally with Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra in 1976. He recorded with Cold, Bold & Together (a Seattle-based funk group) and freelanced locally. After graduating from the University of Washington, G. worked with Jeff Lorber Fusion, making two albums with the group. Soon he was signed to Arista, recording his debut as a leader in 1982. His fourth album, Duotones (which included the very popular "Songbird"), made him into a star. He followed this up with an even more successful "Silhouette" that brought him back to the pop charts in 1989. A San Miguel Beer commercial popularized this in the Philippines. Kenny G had a love for performing around his concert audiences as he did in his Kenny G Live video. The Kenny G Live recording also did well in sales and relaunched Michael Bolton back to superstardom. Soon, Kenny G was in demand for guest appearances on recordings of such famous singers as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole. Kenny G.'s own records have sold remarkably well, particularly Breathless, which has easily topped eight million copies in the U.S.; his total album sales top 30 million copies. 1994's holiday album Miracles, and 1996's Moment continued the momentum of his massive commercial success. He also recorded his own version of the Celine Dion/Titanic smash "My Heart Will Go On" in 1998, but the following year he released Classics in the Key of G, a collection of jazz standards like "Round Midnight" and "Body & Soul," possibly to reclaim some jazz credibility. Regardless, he has made the soprano sax sound appealing to millions of fans, while simultaneously annoying many jazz purists.

Edited May 2, 2006 by hitman531ph

[hitman531ph]

YUTAKA YOKOKURA

 

A fine keyboardist who also plays koto, Yutaka Yokokura has often mixed in his Japanese heritage with his love for Brazilian music. He took classical piano lessons from the age of four, listened to pop music of the era and at the age of 15 in the mid-1960's he became attracted to Brazilian music. Soon Yokohura was leading his own group, mostly playing Brazilian material that was influenced by Sergio Mendes. In 1972 Yokohura moved to the U.S. to attend Cal State Long Beach. He performed with Hiroshima during 1975-78 which served ironically as an opportunity for the keyboardist to be introduced to his own Japanese culture. In 1978 he recorded his debut album (Lovelight) for a Japanese label; his producers were Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen. The title track was a duet with Patti Austin. After years of studio work, he recorded Yutaka for GRP in 1988 and by then he was doubling on koto. That project was followed up by Brazasia, a CD that in its title definitively sums up Yutaka Yokohura's music.

 

Yutaka was also credited for vocals, arrangement and engineering for other jazz artists as well.

[hitman531ph]

HIROSHIMA

 

Hiroshima, a group whose music falls between R&B, pop, world music, and jazz, has long had its own niche. The band integrates traditional Japanese instruments into their musical blend and has generally been both commercial and creative within its genre. Hiroshima's founding members are keyboardist Dan Kuramoto (who also played shakuhachi), June Okida Kuramoto on koto (a key part of the group's sound), Johnny Mori on taiko drums, and Danny Yamamoto on drums, percussion, and taiko. Other additions include keyboardist Kimo Cornwell, bassist Dean Cortez, and singer Teri Koide (who was later succeeded by Kimaya Seward). Some of the musicians were descendants of Japanese Americans held in U.S. detention camps during World War II. Hiroshima has recorded a series of best-selling albums for Arista, Epic, and Qwest and, although they have evolved over time (moving further away from jazz), they have managed to not only retain but increase their popularity.

[hitman531ph]

RONNIE LAWS

 

The younger brother of Hubert Laws, Ronnie Laws has a nice soulful sound on tenor, but has never seriously pursued playing jazz. Throughout his career, which includes early-'70s gigs with Quincy Jones, his brother, Ramsey Lewis, and Earth, Wind & Fire, Laws has essentially been an R&B player. He has led his own albums since 1975, but recorded very little of interest to the jazz world, although he is often listed on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart.

 

In 1980, Ronnie Laws scored two hits in the jazz fusion genre. "Stay Awake" and "Every Generation" off the album "Every Generation." A subsequent album followed in 1986 but went largely unnoticed. Ronnie Laws continued recording and did not cross over to the pop charts again.

Edited May 2, 2006 by hitman531ph

[misbyutiful]

i was at friend's bar sa el pueblo last thurs. 80's and 90's night. saya.

 

buy one take one pa un beer.

 

anyway, i love " i touch myself" by the divinyls

[noelboc]

I'll Fly For You - Spandau Ballet

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

right on, I can relate

[noelboc]

because there's nothing else that i can do

[hitman531ph]

BUCKS FIZZ

 

Bucks Fizz consists of four members- they are Bobby G, Heidi, Tammy and Wayne.

 

Bobby is only the original member of Bucks Fizz. The only remaining founder vocalist, he has remained loyal to the group since 1981, for the same reasons that first brought him into show-business: "I never wanted to be a big pop star, that just came along with our success. What I like is the huge buzz I get entertaining a live audience." Before joining Bucks Fizz ,Bobby tried his luck in Building Construction Company. Later he joined to a club as an entertainer in cabaret shows. He was starring in the London stage version of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' when he join Bucks Fizz. The group was formed after his successful audition.

 

Bobby was the lead vocalist on the majority of Bucks Fizz singles, including 'One Of Those Nights', 'Land Of Make Believe', and 'Talking In Your Sleep'. He composed many of the group's own tracks, in addition to producing for other artistes. Several television themes were written by Bobby. He scored hits with two releases of his theme song to 'Big Deal'. The next is Heidi. She was trained in singing, dance and drama at London's leading stage school, 'Laine Theatre Arts', for three years.She became Laines Student Of The Year, as well as winning an award for 'Most Outstanding Student'. She started her carrer in Butlin as as an Entertainer Redcoat at age 19.Within two weeks of joining, she was promoted to her own cabaret spot, and presented numerous television programmes. Her talents were employed further when she was asked to produce all of the redcoat shows. She was also producer to headline names such as Bernie Cliftdon and Grotbags. She was spotted by Bucks Fizz when one of the Buck Fizz's member was quiting. Bobby told ‘Hello’ magazine, “We were looking for someone who was attractive, a good singer and a quick learner. Above all she had to be a friendly person who would fit in. Heidi was so right that we offered here the job on the spot.” It is ten years since Heidi is a member of Bucks Fizz for a longer period than her predecessors Jay Aston and Shelley Preston combined, and is the group’s manager.

 

Three years ago, Heidi became Mrs. Bobby G - the happy couple tied the knot in Florida. She told ‘Hello’ magazine, “I felt like Cinderella. I was excited and so nervous, my legs turned to jelly. As I reached Bobby in the gazebo, I could see tears well in his eyes. ’You look beautiful,’ he said, and I though I was going to cry.” Tammy started her professional career at the tender age of 5 when she began her training in all aspects of dance.She worked as child actor in many TV Commercials, Royal Command Performances, Pantomimes at the Dominion Theatre and the London Palladium and a number of TV appearances on The Bill and Blue Peter.

 

At the age of 18, Tammy became a World Famous Bluecoat before leaving for a career as a solo vocalist working clubs and venues in the South West & Wales. Tammy then joined an illusion act called Abraxas and embarked on a grueling contract of several summer seasons and stints on cruise ships. A national Diploma Holder in performing Arts,Wayne went to Butlins starring as a redcoat, he stayed there 3 years progressing into choreographer and set design. Wayne then decided to fulfill a dream and take time out to travel the world visiting places like Bali. Singapore, New Zealand, Vienna, LA & Australia. In 1997 as a principal cast member in Butlins, he stayed another year until he joined a new pop band called ‘KRAVE’ as one of its five members (Nikki Winters was one of the other members). Things progressed well for the group and in 1999 work came in fast and furious. During this time came a chance meeting with 80’s queen of pop Hazel Dean. Hazel became the bands new agent and manager. Wayne feels very excited to work with Bucks Fizz and he is looking forward for better performance this year.