How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Bonnie Tyler, Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Olivia Newton John, Kate Bush, Toyah, The Cure, T’Pau, Erasure, Depeche Mode, Laurie Anderson, Ultravox
They are the performers of twelve vintage amusing, puzzling and sometimes shocking videos of songs that were ranked in various charts, this week (43/52) BUT … in the Eighties 80s.
1. Which version of Bonnie Tyler’s “Here She Comes” was the longest?
- A 3:48 album version
- B 5:35 extended version
- C 3:28 single version
2. What was the original name proposed for Aerosmith’s song before it became “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)”?
- A Hunk of the Month
- B Cruisin’ for a Lady
- C Man in the Mirror
3. How many political, cultural, and sporting events does Billy Joel reference in his song from 1989?
- A 119
- B 100
- C 80
4. What notable shift occurred in Olivia Newton-John’s public image due to her single “Physical”?
- A Erased candy floss image
- B Embraced new wave style
- C Became known as a disco diva
5. Which process is described in Kate Bush’s “Cloudbusting”?
- A Time travel
- B Cloudbusting
- C Stargazing
6. Which UK single by Toyah reached number four in 1981?
- A It’s a Mystery
- B Thunder in the Mountains
- C I Want to Be Free
7. What specific guitar tuning and time signature does “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure use?
- A Drop D tuning and 4/4
- B Standard E tuning and 6/8
- C Open G tuning and 3/4
8. Which T’Pau single spent five weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart?
- A Heart and Soul
- B China in Your Hand
- C Valentine
9. Which band supplied backing vocals for Erasure’s song “Drama!”?
- A Pet Shop Boys
- B The Cure
- C The Jesus and Mary Chain
10. What noteworthy first did Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” achieve in the US?
- A Their first platinum album
- B Their first gold-certified single
- C Performing at Madison Square Garden
11. Which 1981 Laurie Anderson song was heavily influenced by a Jules Massenet aria?
- A Big Science
- B O Superman
- C Language is a Virus
12. What journey does Ultravox describe in their song “Love’s Great Adventure”?
- A A journey through heartbreak
- B The adventure of life’s challenges
- C A mystical space odyssey
For TWELVE more ‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 43/52 – click here
Tracklist
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1 . Bonnie Tyler – Here She ComesFeatured on the 1984 album “Metropolis : Soundtrack”.
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2 . Aerosmith – Dude [Looks Like A Lady]Featured on the 1987 album “Permanent Vacation“.
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3 . Billy Joel – We Didn’t Start the FireFeatured on the 1989 album “Storm Front”.
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4 . Olivia Newton John – PhysicalFeatured on the 1981 album “Physical”.
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5 . Kate Bush – CloudbustingFeatured on the 1985 album “Hounds Of Love“.
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6 . Toyah – Thunder In The MountainsFeatured on the 1981 album “Anthem”.
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7 . The Cure – Just Like HeavenFeatured on the 1987 album “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me“.
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8 . T’Pau – China In Your HandFeatured on the 1987 album “Bridge of Spies”.
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9 . Erasure – Drama!Featured on the 1989 album “Wild!”.
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10 . Depeche Mode – Personal JesusFeatured on the 1989 album “Violator“.
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11 . Laurie Anderson – O SupermanFeatured on the 1981 album “Big Science“. |
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12 . Ultravox – Love’s Great AdventureFeatured on the 1984 album “Lament”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. The longest version of Bonnie Tyler’s “Here She Comes” is 5:35, featured as an extended version. It showcases a more elaborate instrumental arrangement.
2. Aerosmith initially called the song “Cruisin’ for a Lady”, highlighting its dance club setting. Desmond Child’s influence helped shape its final form.
3. Billy Joel’s rapid-fire sequence includes 119 events. This dizzying lyrical feat encompasses multiple decades of history in under four minutes.
4. Olivia Newton-John shifted to a more assertive public persona with “Physical”. The suggestive tone marked a departure from her previous image.
5. In “Cloudbusting”, Peter uses a machine meant to induce rain, reflecting Wilhelm Reich’s controversial theories. The lyrics evoke a son’s admiration.
6. “Thunder in the Mountains” was Toyah’s single that reached number four. The song stands out for its vibrant energy amid social unrest.
7. “Just Like Heaven” uses standard E tuning and a 4/4 time signature. Its refrain contrasts a simple structure with emotive riff layers.
8. “China in Your Hand” by T’Pau reigned the UK chart for five weeks. The track’s melodic appeal captured a broad audience beyond a typical pop ballad.
9. The Jesus and Mary Chain lent their vocal talents to “Drama!”. This unlikely collaboration added an edge to Erasure’s energetic track.
10. “Personal Jesus” marked Depeche Mode’s first US gold-certified single. Its success symbolized their burgeoning popularity stateside.
11. Inspired by Massenet’s work, “O Superman” contrasts operatic elements with minimalist electronica. Its surprising UK chart climb confirmed its unique appeal.
12. Ultravox’s “Love’s Great Adventure” narrates a journey through life’s trials. Embracing love’s mysteries, the narrative shows resilience and discovery.