How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Thompson Twins, Fine Young Cannibals, Renegade Soundwave, Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, Public Image Limited, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Lloyd Cole And The Commotions, John Foxx, Yello, Toyah, Ozzy Osbourne
They are the performers of twelve vintage amusing, puzzling and sometimes shocking videos of songs that were ranked in various charts, this week (45/52) BUT … in the Eighties 80s.
1. What notable visual concept is featured in the music video for Thompson Twins’ “Lies”?
- A Abstract art animations
- B Hospital patient characters
- C Futuristic cityscapes
2. The song “Blue” by Fine Young Cannibals was remixed for which specific sound characteristic in its US version?
- A Jazz influences
- B Synthpop elements
- C Classical orchestration
3. “Space Gladiator” by Renegade Soundwave was dedicated to which historical figure?
- A Neil Armstrong
- B Alan Turing
- C Chuck Yeager
4. Which famous composer’s score influenced the violin part in the 1986 track accompanying this music video involving violence?
- A John Williams
- B Bernard Herrmann
- C Henry Mancini
5. Which recording role did Paul McCartney NOT take on in his 1986 single co-written with Eric Stewart?
- A Vibraphone player
- B Drummer
- C Lead guitarist
6. “The Body” by Public Image Ltd was released during a phase when which member was the last original one standing?
- A Bruce Smith
- B John Lydon
- C Robert Edmonds
7. The title of the OMD track “Never Turn Away” was created by which band member?
- A Paul Humphreys
- B David Hughes
- C Andy McCluskey
8. Which literary figure is referenced in Lloyd Cole and The Commotions track known for its complex character narrative?
- A Simone de Beauvoir
- B Ernest Hemingway
- C Virginia Woolf
9. “Miles Away” by John Foxx marked a transition from which musical style?
- A Jazz sound
- B Rock elements
- C Electronic sound
10. The track “Lost Again” by Yello features in which film, showcasing its Swiss electronic sounds?
- A Blade Runner
- B Planes, Trains and Automobiles
- C Back to the Future
11. “The Vow” by Toyah was the artist’s last Top 50 UK hit in what decade?
- A 1970s
- B 1980s
- C 1990s
12. “Miracle Man” by Ozzy Osbourne its lyrics ridicule which televangelist?
- A Jimmy Swaggart
- B Robert Tilton
- C Billy Graham
For TWELVE more ‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 45/52 – click here
Tracklist
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1 . Thompson Twins – LiesFeatured on the 1982 album “Quick Step & Side Kick”.
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2 . Fine Young Cannibals – BlueFeatured on the 1985 album “Fine Young Cannibals”.
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3 . Renegade Soundwave – Space GladiatorFeatured on the 1989 album “Soundclash”.
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4 . Kate Bush – Experiment IVFeatured on the 1986 album “The Whole Story”.
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5 . Paul McCartney – Pretty Little HeadFeatured on the 1986 album “Press to Play”.
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6 . Public Image Limited – The BodyFeatured on the 1987 album “Happy?”.
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7 . Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – Never Turn AwayFeatured on the 1984 album “Junk Culture”.
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8 . Lloyd Cole And The Commotions – RattlesnakesFeatured on the 1984 album “Rattlesnakes“.
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9 . John Foxx – Miles Away
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10 . Yello – Lost AgainFeatured on the 1983 album “You Gotta Say Yes to Another Excess”.
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11 . Toyah – The VowFeatured on the 1983 album “Love Is the Law”. |
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12 . Ozzy Osbourne – Miracle ManFeatured on the 1988 album “No Rest for the Wicked”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Hospital patient characters bounce on an oversized bed in the video, mixing surrealism with humor. The Thompson Twins drew inspiration from both Magritte and Kubrick’s imagery.
2. The US remix of “Blue” was laced with 1980s synthpop flair. Electronically processed percussion gave it a contemporary makeover.
3. “Space Gladiator” tips its hat to Chuck Yeager, the famed test pilot. The dedication stands as a salute to breaking boundaries.
4. Bernard Herrmann’s influence looms in the violin segment of the 1986 single. Think of it as a nod to Hitchcock’s iconic suspense score in “Psycho”.
5. Paul McCartney didn’t play the vibraphone; Jerry Marotta took those honors. Multitasking on bass, guitar, and drums sufficed for him.
6. John Lydon and his unmistakable presence held the continuity at Public Image Ltd. His transition to broader melodies marked this era.
7. Andy McCluskey named “Never Turn Away”, adding a personal touch. The working title suggested perseverance, a theme carried through the melody.
8. Simone de Beauvoir gets a lyrical nod within an otherwise cinematic landscape. Intellectual references were commonplace in Lloyd Cole’s repertoire.
9. Electronic undertones defined John Foxx’s “Miles Away”. As a stylistic shift, it hinted at his musical evolution post-Metamatic.
10. “Lost Again” traveled through the movie “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”. Yello’s contribution to the soundtrack painted a Swiss note on an American screen.
11. Toyah’s theatrical zest secured “The Vow” its 1980s place. The switch towards diverse artistic pursuits followed closely behind.
12. Jimmy Swaggart couldn’t escape the lyrical scrutiny of “Miracle Man”. Osbourne’s riposte entwined satire with musical skill.