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.
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
