How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Malcolm McLaren, Alexei Sayle, Matt Bianco, Fischer-Z, The Colourfield, Blue Öyster Cult, Sharpe & Numan, Westworld, Bananarama, Fuzzbox, Men At Work, Howard Jones
They are the performers of twelve vintage amusing, puzzling and sometimes shocking videos of songs that were ranked in various charts, this week (08/52) BUT … in the Eighties 80s.
1. Who suggested Gary Numan guest on vocals for Sharpe’s “Change Your Mind”?
- A Bill Sharpe
- B Nick Smith
- C Roger Odell
2. What visual art style influenced Westworld’s “Sonic Boom Boy” imagery?
- A Comic book art
- B Impressionism
- C Baroque
3. What did the proceeds from Bananarama’s “Help!” support?
- A Environmental conservation
- B Space exploration
- C Charity work including homelessness
4. Which notable band did Fuzzbox cover on the B-side of “What’s The Point”?
- A The Beatles
- B Queen
- C Led Zeppelin
5. Which famous rock and roll song title is referenced in Men at Work’s “Be Good Johnny”?
- A Roll Over Beethoven
- B Johnny B. Goode
- C Great Balls of Fire
6. Which philosopher inspired Howard Jones’ “Hide and Seek”?
- A Socrates
- B Alan Watts
- C Friedrich Nietzsche
7. Which genre is emphasized in Color Me Badd’s “Heartbreaker”?
- A Rock
- B New Jack Swing
- C Jazz
8. What distinctive visual element was removed from the US version of “Beautiful Life” by Ace of Base?
- A Computer-generated bubbles
- B Dance sequences
- C Flashing lights
9. What food item tells the story in Daft Punk’s “Revolution 909” music video?
- A Loaf of bread
- B Tomato
- C Apple
10. What classical piece inspired Jam & Spoon’s “Right in the Night” riff?
- A Clair de Lune
- B Canon in D
- C Leyenda
11. Which is a unique feature of Deee-Lite’s “Groove Is in the Heart” production?
- A Acoustic guitar solo
- B Guest vocals by Bootsy Collins
- C Bagpipes interlude
12. Crush’s “Jellyhead” was notably remixed by which producer?
- A Steve Rodway
- B Mark Ronson
- C Calvin Harris
For TWENTY FOUR more ‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 08/52 – click here and here
Tracklist
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1 . Malcolm McLaren – SowetoFeatured on the 1983 album “Duck Rock”.
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2 . Alexei Sayle – Ullo John Gotta New MotorFeatured on the 1984 album “The Fish People Tapes”.
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3 . Matt Bianco – I Just Can’t Stand ItFeatured on the 1986 album “Matt Bianco”.
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4 . Fischer-Z – The Perfect DayFeatured on the 1981 album “Reveal”.
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5 . The Colourfield – Running AwayFeatured on the 1987 album “Deception”.
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6 . Blue Öyster Cult – Shooting SharkFeatured on the 1983 album “The Revölution by Night”.
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7 . Sharpe & Numan – Change Your Mind
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8 . Westworld – Sonic Boom BoyFeatured on the 1987 album “Where The Action Is”.
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9 . Bananarama – Help
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10 . Fuzzbox – What’s The PointFeatured on the 1986 album “Bostin’ Steve Austin “.
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11 . Men At Work – Be Good JohnnyFeatured on the 1981 album “Business as Usual”. |
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12 . Howard Jones – Hide & SeekFeatured on the 1984 album “Human’s Lib”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Nick Smith, the engineer, suggested Gary Numan lend his voice to make “Change Your Mind” the hit it became. Sharpe was working on vocals, but Numan’s addition fittingly took center stage.
2. Westworld immersed themselves in the vibrant and dynamic world of comic book art. This visual style complemented their unique mix of rock, glam, and punk.
3. “Help!” by Bananarama did its part beyond the charts, channeling funds into causes like homelessness, drug abuse, and health relief efforts. Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day made quite the difference.
4. Fuzzbox put their punk spin on Queen’s iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” as the B-side to “What’s The Point.” The cover choice might raise eyebrows, but it certainly made a statement.
5. The title “Be Good Johnny” tips a hat to Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” Men at Work infused the schoolroom setting with a rock ‘n’ roll touch.
6. Howard Jones drew inspiration from Alan Watts for “Hide and Seek.” Watts’ existential musings elegantly thread throughout the ambient and spiritual vibes of the track.
7. “Heartbreaker” by Color Me Badd sidestepped convention with a smooth blend of R&B harmonies underpinned by the rhythms of new jack swing. Quite the signature sound.
8. The US version of “Beautiful Life” omitted the whimsical computer-generated bubbles at Arista’s request. Eye-catching to them meant cutting the bubbles for a sleek finish.
9. A humble tomato stars in the “Revolution 909” video, creating the sauce of life amidst a police crackdown on fun. Daft Punk paralleled government and gastronomy, stylishly.
10. “Right in the Night” featured a flamenco riff pinched from Isaac Albéniz’s “Leyenda.” Jam El Mar masterfully married classical strains with snappy rhythms.
11. Deee-Lite’s “Groove Is in the Heart” shines with Bootsy Collins’ funky bass groove and Q-Tip’s rap interlude. Such collaborations make the track a colorful sonic fusion.
12. Steve Rodway, under the alias Motiv8, reinvigorated “Jellyhead” with dance floor dynamism. His remix kept feet moving, spinning it into club classic territory.