How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : The Cool-Notes, The Manhattans, The Brothers Johnson, Ten City, Martha & The Muffins, Loose Ends, Kate Ceberano, Sinitta, Shakin’ Stevens, Bow Wow Wow, Inner City, Siouxsie And The Banshees
They are the performers of twelve vintage dance tunes that were ranked in various charts, this week (30/52) BUT … in the EIghties 80s.
1. Who is the lead vocalist on “Blinding Lights”?
- A The Weeknd
- B Max Martin
- C Oscar Holter
2. What musical style does “Blinding Lights” prominently feature?
- A Synth-pop
- B Jazz
- C Classical
3. In which year did “Blinding Lights” reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100?
- A 2019
- B 2020
- C 2021
4. Which album includes “Blinding Lights”?
- A Dawn FM
- B After Hours
- C House of Balloons
5. What certification did “Blinding Lights” receive from the RIAA?
- A Gold
- B Diamond
- C Platinum
6. What decade of musical influences is evident in “Blinding Lights”?
- A 1960s
- B 1970s
- C 1980s
7. Who contributed to the production of “Blinding Lights” alongside The Weeknd?
- A Dave Kutch
- B Max Martin
- C Quincy Jones
8. What is a key theme in the lyrics of “Blinding Lights”?
- A Financial success
- B Longing for a partner
- C Adventure
9. How many countries did “Blinding Lights” top the charts in?
- A Over 10
- B Over 20
- C Over 40
10. Which songwriter was not involved with “Blinding Lights”?
- A The Weeknd
- B Belly
- C Adele
11. What significant chart record did “Blinding Lights” break as of November 2021?
- A Most Christmas releases
- B Best-performing song in Billboard history
- C Shortest stay at number one
12. Which visual element did not feature prominently in the music video for “Blinding Lights”?
- A Cars
- B Dinosaurs
- C Neon lights
1. What was the peak position of The Cool Notes’ “In Your Car” on the UK Singles Chart?
- A Number 13
- B Number 7
- C Number 5
2. Which Manhattans song is the B-side to the 7-inch single “Crazy”?
- A Love Is Gonna Find You
- B Forever by Your Side
- C Kiss and Say Goodbye
3. Which musical genres influenced The Brothers Johnson’s song “The Real Thing”?
- A Jazz and blues
- B Soul, funk, and disco
- C Rock and hip-hop
4. Who produced Ten City’s “Where Do We Go?”?
- A Byron Stingily
- B Marshall Jefferson
- C Herb Lawson
5. What topic does “Black Stations/White Stations” address?
- A Political corruption
- B Racism in radio
- C Economic inequality
6. Loose Ends’ cover of “Golden Years” by David Bowie belongs to which music styles?
- A R&B and British soul
- B Punk rock and metal
- C Jazz and blues
7. Which studio is associated with Kate Ceberano’s recording of “Young Boys Are My Weakness”?
- A PWL Studios
- B Electric Lady Studios
- C Abbey Road Studios
8. Who wrote and produced “Toy Boy” for Sinitta?
- A Michael Jackson
- B Stock Aitken Waterman
- C Madonna
9. What is the central theme of Shakin’ Stevens’ cover of “Green Door”?
- A Voyeurism
- B Exclusion
- C Celebration
10. What makes Bow Wow Wow’s “C30 C60 C90 Go” historically significant?
- A First cassette single
- B First digital download
- C First 12-inch vinyl release
11. Which member of Inner City is known for their role in Detroit techno?
- A Paris Grey
- B Kevin Saunderson
- C Derrick May
12. What distinguishes “Song From The Edge Of The World” in Siouxsie And The Banshees’ discography?
- A Their longest track
- B Not included on any studio album
- C Their only acoustic song
For TWENTY FOUR more ‘Music For The Dancers’ – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 30/52 – click here and here
Tracklist
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1 . The Cool-Notes – In Your CarFeatured on the 1985 album “Have a Good Forever”.
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2 . The Manhattans – CrazyFeatured on the 1983 album “Forever by Your Side”.
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3 . The Brothers Johnson – The Real ThingFeatured on the 1981 album “Winners”.
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4 . Ten City – Where Do We Go?Featured on the 1989 album “Foundation”.
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5 . Martha & The Muffins – Black Stations White StationsFeatured on the 1984 album “Mystery Walk”.
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6 . Loose Ends – Golden YearsFeatured on the 1986 album “So Where Are You?”.
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7 . Kate Ceberano – Young Boys Are My WeaknessFeatured on the 1989 album “Brave”.
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8 . Sinitta – Toy BoyFeatured on the 1987 album “Sinitta!”.
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9 . Shakin’ Stevens – Green DoorFeatured on the 1981 album “Shaky”.
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10 . Bow Wow Wow – C30 C60 C90
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11 . Inner City – Do You Love What You FeelFeatured on the 1988 album “Paradise”. |
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12 . Siouxsie And The Banshees – Song From The Edge Of The World
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. “In Your Car” reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. This feat ensured The Cool Notes left a mark during their active years with a blend of pop-funk music.
2. “Love Is Gonna Find You” accompanies the 7-inch release of “Crazy.” It’s one of many B-sides that complemented a successful era for The Manhattans.
3. “The Real Thing” weaves soul, funk, and disco into its musical fabric. The Brothers Johnson are known for these influences, as well as some memorable bass lines.
4. Marshall Jefferson produced Ten City’s track “Where Do We Go?” His contribution ensured the track was a significant part of late-’80s Chicago house music.
5. “Black Stations/White Stations” tackles racism in the radio industry, addressing themes of discrimination with strong lyrical and instrumental statements.
6. Loose Ends rendered “Golden Years” with R&B and British soul, maintaining the essence while providing a unique twist to David Bowie’s classic.
7. Recording of “Young Boys Are My Weakness” took place partly at PWL Studios. Kate Ceberano’s single helped solidify her pop career in Australia.
8. “Toy Boy” features the touch of Stock Aitken Waterman, who wrote and produced this catchy Sinitta track, boosting her pop presence in the late ’80s.
9. The theme of exclusion is central to “Green Door.” Shakin’ Stevens’ cover maintains the original’s curiosity and intrigue about a hidden world.
10. “C30 C60 C90 Go” made history as the first-ever cassette single, showing Bow Wow Wow’s innovative edge in music distribution and marketing.
11. Kevin Saunderson is crucial to Detroit techno’s legacy, having shaped Inner City’s sound, particularly with “Do You Love What You Feel.”
12. “Song From The Edge Of The World” stands out as a single by Siouxsie And The Banshees that wasn’t initially included on a studio album yet remains popular on compilation releases.
And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. The Weeknd is the lead vocalist on “Blinding Lights.” As a Canadian singer-songwriter, he also contributed to both the songwriting and production of this hit track.
2. “Blinding Lights” prominently features the synth-pop style. This musical choice contributes to the song’s retro, 1980s-influenced sound.
3. “Blinding Lights” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020. It secured this top position in numerous other countries as well.
4. The album “After Hours” includes the track “Blinding Lights.” Released by The Weeknd, it reflects his exploration of synthwave styles.
5. The RIAA awarded “Blinding Lights” a diamond certification. This is a testament to the song’s enduring popularity and commercial success.
6. Musical influences from the 1980s are evident in “Blinding Lights.” The track’s production prominently features synthesizers typical of that era.
7. Max Martin co-produced “Blinding Lights” alongside The Weeknd. Martin’s involvement is part of the song’s formula for success.
8. Longing for a partner is a key lyrical theme in “Blinding Lights.” This emotional focus contributes to the track’s widespread relatability.
9. “Blinding Lights” topped the charts in over 40 countries. Its international appeal underscores its global impact.
10. Adele was not involved in writing “Blinding Lights.” The song was a collaborative effort between The Weeknd, Max Martin, and others.
11. As of November 2021, “Blinding Lights” broke the record for being the best-performing song in Billboard history. This accolade marks a significant achievement in its chart performance.
12. Dinosaurs did not appear in the “Blinding Lights” music video. The video capitalized on elements like cars and neon lights for its vibrant aesthetic.
For THE FULL ‘MUSIC FOR THE DANCERS’ COLLECTION click here
