How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Kool & The Gang, Heaven 17, Level 42, Total Contrast, Little Richard, Thompson Twins, Stacy Lattisaw, Swing Out Sister, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Psychedelic Furs, The Sisters Of Mercy, Norman Cook
They are the performers of twelve vintage dance tunes that were ranked in various charts, this week (42/52) BUT … in the EIghties 80s.
1. What was the peak position of Kool & The Gang’s “Let’s Go Dancing (Ooh, La, La, La)” on the UK Singles Chart?
- A Number 3
- B Number 6
- C Number 10
2. Which dance style is prominently featured in the music video for Heaven 17’s “Contenders”?
- A Salsa
- B Waltz
- C Breakdance
3. Level 42’s “Micro-Kid” references which cultural phenomenon from the early 1980s?
- A The rise of disco
- B Synth-pop dominance
- C Home computer craze
4. What chart impact did Total Contrast’s “Hit and Run” have on the UK music scene in the mid-1980s?
- A Launched the duo into rock stardom
- B Strengthened their presence in UK clubs
- C Dominated the classical charts
5. Little Richard’s “Operator” from 1986 is part of which musical styles?
- A Classical and Jazz
- B Reggae and Ska
- C Hip Hop and Rock
6. What theme is addressed in Thompson Twins’ “Sugar Daddy”?
- A Environmental change
- B Musical evolution
- C Sexual manipulation
7. What aspect of Stacy Lattisaw’s career does “Nail It to the Wall” represent?
- A A move towards mature sound
- B A shift to classical music
- C Her early experimental phase
8. Swing Out Sister’s chart-topping single was nominated for which award at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards?
- A Best Rock Album
- B Best Alternative Performance
- C Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group
9. What unique feature marked the art of A Flock of Seagulls’ “Who’s That Girl (She’s Got It)” single release?
- A Holographic cover design
- B Lauren Bacall photo inclusion
- C Fluorescent vinyl pressings
10. Which distinguishing genre does “Heartbreak Beat” by the Psychedelic Furs fall under?
- A Jazz fusion
- B Country Rock
- C New wave and pop rock
11. What was the impact of “Walk Away” on The Sisters of Mercy’s internal dynamics according to its lyrics?
- A Reflected cohesion and unity
- B Illustrated harmonious collaboration
- C Highlighted separation and turmoil
12. “For Spacious Lies” is notable for being one of the solo releases by which artist before forming a well-known collective?
- A Roy Orbison
- B Norman Cook
- C Sting
For TWELVE more ‘Music For The Dancers’ – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 42/52 – click here
Tracklist
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1 . Kool & The Gang – Let’s Go Dancing Ooh, La, La, LaFeatured on the 1982 album “As One”.
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2 . Heaven 17 – ContendersFeatured on the 1986 album “Pleasure One”.
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3 . Level 42 – Micro-KidFeatured on the 1983 album “Standing in the Light”.
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4 . Total Contrast – Hit And RunFeatured on the 1985 album “Total Contrast”.
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5 . Little Richard – OperatorFeatured on the 1986 album “Lifetime Friend”.
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6 . Thompson Twins – Sugar DaddyFeatured on the 1989 album “Big Trash”.
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7 . Stacy Lattisaw – Nail It To The WallFeatured on the 1986 album “Take Me All the Way”.
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8 . Swing Out Sister – BreakoutFeatured on the 1986 album “It’s Better to Travel”.
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9 . A Flock Of Seagulls – Who’s That Girl She’s Got It]Featured on the 1986 album “Dream Come True”.
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10 . The Psychedelic Furs – Heartbreak BeatFeatured on the 1987 album “Midnight to Midnight”.
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11 . The Sisters Of Mercy – Walk AwayFeatured on the 1987 album “First and Last and Always”. |
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12 . Norman Cook – For Spacious Lies (w/ Lester)
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. The song peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart, testament to its infectious rhythm and mainstream appeal. Its R&B/Soul blend resonated with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
2. The music video for “Contenders” features breakdance routines, with lead singer Glenn Gregory even risking a back flip. The choreography complements the track’s energetic beat.
3. “Micro-Kid” nods to the home computer craze of the early 1980s, a time when technology began entering personal spaces. Level 42 captured this cultural shift in their lyrics.
4. “Hit and Run” bolstered Total Contrast’s presence in UK clubs. The track’s popularity in nightspots highlighted their funky rhythm compositions and catchy hooks.
5. “Operator” by Little Richard is a fusion of Hip Hop, Organic Grooves, and Rock, demonstrating the artist’s adaptability and contemporary influences during the mid-1980s.
6. “Sugar Daddy” juxtaposes sugary pop sounds with themes of sexual manipulation. The lyrics explore affection and power dynamics under a pop rock veneer.
7. Lattisaw’s “Nail It to the Wall” signified her transition toward a more mature sound, evidenced by its polished production and sophisticated vocal arrangement.
8. Swing Out Sister was nominated for a Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group award. Their infectious pop sound and chart success captured industry recognition.
9. The single release of “Who’s That Girl (She’s Got It)” featured covers with photos of Lauren Bacall, adding a classic Hollywood allure to the band’s new wave image.
10. “Heartbreak Beat” is defined by its new wave and pop rock stylings. The track marked a commercial success for the Psychedelic Furs, charting in the US and UK.
11. The lyrics of “Walk Away” portray themes of separation and personal turmoil, echoing internal band changes and creative tensions during its production period.
12. “For Spacious Lies” was released by Norman Cook before he became Fatboy Slim and formed Beats International. It represents a transitional phase in his musical career.
For THE FULL ‘MUSIC FOR THE DANCERS’ COLLECTION click here
