How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Fiat Lux, Big Audio Dynamite, B. A. Robertson, The Mission, Tom Waits, Deep Purple, Dexy´s Midnight Runners, The Stranglers, Visage, Spandau Ballet, Siouxsie And The Banshees, UK Subs
They are the performers of twelve vintage amusing, puzzling and sometimes shocking videos of songs that were ranked in various charts, this week (12/52) BUT … in the Eighties 80s.
1. What distinctive instrument is featured in The Stranglers’ “Golden Brown”?
- A Harpsichord
- B Synthesizer
- C Electric guitar
2. Which music video was banned due to its disturbing imagery?
- A “Mind of a Toy” by Visage
- B “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
- C “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
3. In what location was Spandau Ballet’s “Communication” primarily recorded?
- A Abbey Road Studios, London
- B Compass Point Studios, Nassau
- C Electric Lady Studios, New York
4. Which song features a sarcastic critique of family life?
- A “Happy House” by Siouxsie and the Banshees
- B “Our House” by Madness
- C “Family Affair” by Sly and the Family Stone
5. What topic does UK Subs’ “Warhead” scathingly critique?
- A Capitalism
- B Nuclear war
- C Environmental issues
6. What topped the charts due to Hilary Duff’s track “With Love”?
- A Billboard Hot 100
- B UK Singles Chart
- C Hot Dance Club Play
7. Which song incorporates a sample of Sting’s “Shape of My Heart”?
- A “Shape” by Sugababes
- B “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
- C “Shape of My Heart” by Backstreet Boys
8. For which song did Gwen Stefani draw inspiration from a Bush lyric?
- A “Don’t Speak”
- B “Ex-Girlfriend”
- C “Just a Girl”
9. What was Dream’s highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100?
- A “He Loves U Not”
- B “This Is Me”
- C “In My Dreams”
10. Which video features Tom Hanks lip-syncing a Carly Rae Jepsen song?
- A “Call Me Maybe”
- B “I Really Like You”
- C “Run Away with Me”
11. What chart position did Delays’ “Nearer Than Heaven” originally achieve?
- A Number 19
- B Number 91
- C Number 71
12. What odd element features in the “Nearer Than Heaven” video?
- A Headphones plugged into trees
- B Singing animals
- C Flying cars
For TWELVE more ‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 12/52 – click here
Tracklist
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1 . Fiat Lux – Blue EmotionFeatured on the 1984 album “Hired History”.
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2 . Big Audio Dynamite – E=MC2Featured on the 1985 album “This Is Big Audio Dynamite”.
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3 . B. A. Robertson – Kool In the KaftanFeatured on the 1980 album “Initial Success”.
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4 . The Mission – Tower Of StrengthFeatured on the 1988 album “Children”.
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5 . Tom Waits – In The NeighborhoodFeatured on the 1983 album “Swordfishtrombones“.
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6 . Deep Purple – Call Of The WildFeatured on the 1987 album “The House of Blue Light”.
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7 . Dexy´s Midnight Runners – Celtic Soul BrothersFeatured on the 1982 album “Too-Rye-Ay“.
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8 . The Stranglers – Golden BrownFeatured on the 1981 album “La folie”.
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9 . Visage – Mind Of A ToyFeatured on the 1980 album “Visage”.
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10 . Spandau Ballet – CommunicationFeatured on the 1983 album “True”.
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11 . Siouxsie And The Banshees – Happy HouseFeatured on the 1980 album “Kaleidoscope”. |
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12 . UK Subs – WarheadFeatured on the 1980 album “Brand New Age”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. “Golden Brown” by The Stranglers features a compelling harpsichord riff. Its unique rhythm changes and mysterious lyrics propelled it to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
2. Visage’s “Mind of a Toy” video was deemed too creepy for TV. It involved marionettes and fires, pushing the limits of visual artistry at the time.
3. Spandau Ballet recorded “Communication” at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas. This exotic location noticeably influenced the band’s evolving pop sound.
4. Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “Happy House” uses sardonic lyrics to parody suburban bliss. The track’s biting commentary masked by upbeat melodies left its mark.
5. “Warhead” by UK Subs critiques the chilling specter of nuclear warfare. This punk anthem captured Cold War anxiety, reaching No. 30 on the UK chart.
6. Hilary Duff’s “With Love” saw club success, topping the Hot Dance Club Play chart. Its infectious groove marked Duff’s first number-one on that list.
7. Sugababes’ “Shape” includes Sting’s “Shape of My Heart” sample. This lent the song its familiar melody, complementing their modern R&B style.
8. “Ex-Girlfriend” by No Doubt borrows from Bush’s lyrics. Gwen Stefani used Gavin Rossdale’s rock musings to fuel her personal pop narrative.
9. Dream’s “He Loves U Not” soared to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The group’s debut single remains their highest-charting and best-known hit.
10. Carly Rae Jepsen’s “I Really Like You” video stars Tom Hanks mouthing along. This blend of humor and celebrity cameo boosted the song’s popularity.
11. “Nearer Than Heaven” by Delays first charted at number 91. A year later, a reissue propelled it to much greater success, reaching number 21.
12. In the “Nearer Than Heaven” video, Delays’ friends plug headphones into nature. This eccentric visual element stands out in their indie music visuals.