How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : UB40, Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, Matthew Wilder, Bobby Brown, Sinitta, Bruce Willis, Shannon, A Guy Called Gerald, Aretha Franklin, J. Geils Band, Duran Duran, Fuzzbox
They are the performers of twelve vintage dance tunes that were ranked in various charts, this week (12/52) BUT … in the EIghties 80s.
1. Shannon’s debut single, “Let the Music Play,” is considered pioneering in which music genres?
- A Jazz and Blues
- B Freestyle and Dance-Pop
- C Rock and Roll
2. A vocal sample mishap led to the iconic title of A Guy Called Gerald’s “Voodoo Ray.” What was the original phrase?
- A Voodoo Range
- B Voodoo Rage
- C Voodoo Raise
3. Which 1980s Aretha Franklin song, blending R&B and pop, features Randy Jackson on bass?
- A Freeway of Love
- B Who’s Zoomin’ Who?
- C Another Night
4. In J. Geils Band’s song “Centerfold,” what surprising revelation does the protagonist make?
- A His teacher is a rock star
- B His high school crush is a magazine centerfold
- C His best friend is a secret agent
5. “Planet Earth” by Duran Duran is credited with being the first song to explicitly reference which fashion movement?
- A Disco
- B New Romantic
- C Punk
6. Which television series inspired the theme and title of Fuzzbox’s “International Rescue”?
- A Doctor Who
- B Star Trek
- C Thunderbirds
7. Annie Lennox’s “Why” appeared on which position on Stereogum’s list of “The 10 Best Annie Lennox Songs”?
- A Number five
- B Number ten
- C Number one
8. What notable instrument arrangement backs Katie Melua’s “Call Off the Search”?
- A A capella voices
- B Jazz and blues-influenced band
- C String quartet
9. “Thank God I Found You” by Mariah Carey shares the chart-topping spot with which fellow artists?
- A Boys II Men and Janet Jackson
- B Joe and 98 Degrees
- C The Backstreet Boys
10. James Blunt’s “Carry You Home” music video was filmed in which format?
- A 3D animation
- B Colorized film
- C Black and white
11. What is the title of Natalie Imbruglia’s hit single from her “White Lilies Island” album?
- A Torn
- B Wrong Impression
- C Shiver
12. Sade’s “King of Sorrow” music video pays homage to which film?
- A Casablanca
- B Two Women
- C La Dolce Vita
For TWELVE more ‘Music For The Dancers’ – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 12/52 – click here
Tracklist
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1 . UB40 – Food For ThoughtFeatured on the 1980 album “Signing Off“.
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2 . Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force – Renegades of FunkFeatured on the 1986 album “Planet Rock: The Album”.
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3 . Matthew Wilder – The Kid’s AmericanFeatured on the 1984 album “I Don’t Speak the Language”.
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4 . Bobby Brown – Don’t Be CruelFeatured on the 1988 album “Don’t Be Cruel“.
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5 . Sinitta – So MachoFeatured on the 1987 album “Sinitta!”.
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6 . Bruce Willis – Respect YourselfFeatured on the 1987 album “The Return of Bruno”.
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7 . Shannon – Let The Music PlayFeatured on the 1984 album “Let the Music Play”.
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8 . A Guy Called Gerald – Voodoo Ray
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9 . Aretha Franklin – Another NightFeatured on the 1986 album “Whos Zoomin Who?“.
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10 . J. Geils Band – CenterfoldFeatured on the 1981 album “Freeze Frame”.
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11 . Duran Duran – Planet EarthFeatured on the 1981 album “Duran Duran (1981) >“. |
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12 . Fuzzbox – International RescueFeatured on the 1989 album “Big Bang!”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. “Let the Music Play” by Shannon is a pivotal song in the freestyle and dance-pop genres, not just for its rhythmic appeal but also for its innovative electronic sound.
2. The iconic “Voodoo Ray” vocal sample originates from the clipped recording of Peter Cook’s “voodoo rage,” giving the track its distinctive title.
3. “Another Night,” part of Aretha Franklin’s 1985 album, showcases a stellar lineup, including Randy Jackson on bass, adding depth to its R&B and pop fusion.
4. The J. Geils Band’s “Centerfold” humorously reflects on the shock of seeing a high school crush as a men’s magazine centerfold, tackling themes of nostalgia and surprise.
5. Duran Duran proudly leads with New Romantic flair in “Planet Earth” through sophisticated synths and fashion-forward lyrics, placing them at the forefront of the movement.
6. “Thunderbirds” inspired the title and theme of Fuzzbox’s “International Rescue,” celebrating the band’s transition in sound and paying homage to this iconic series.
7. “Why” by Annie Lennox hits a high note with Stereogum, landing at number one, recognized for its emotional depth and vocal power.
8. Katie Melua’s “Call Off the Search” features a rich band arrangement with jazz and blues elements, complementing Melua’s signature vocal style and showcasing her musical roots.
9. Mariah Carey, along with Joe and 98 Degrees, hit number one with “Thank God I Found You,” underscoring their successful collaboration on this romantic ballad.
10. The “Carry You Home” video by James Blunt is starkly emotive, shot in black and white to enhance its poignant narrative of lost comradery.
11. “Wrong Impression” stands out on Natalie Imbruglia’s “White Lilies Island,” achieving global popularity and maintaining her position in pop music spheres.
12. Sade’s “King of Sorrow” video subtly mirrors the narrative of “Two Women,” dealing with themes of personal struggle amid familial responsibilities, filmed in evocative settings.
For THE FULL ‘MUSIC FOR THE DANCERS’ COLLECTION click here
