How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Eddie Rabbitt, The Primitives, Stray Cats, The Clash, Goombay Dance Band, Mr. Mister, Def Leppard, John Mellencamp, The Firm, Deacon Blue, David Lee Roth, Alabama
They are the performers of twelve “live” music videos that were ranked in various charts, this week (09/52) BUT … in the EIghties 80s.
1. What inspired the lyrics of Def Leppard’s “Hello America”?
- A A novel
- B American TV shows
- C A dream
2. What is particularly distinctive about the instrumental hook in John Mellencamp’s “Check It Out”?
- A Sounds like an “otherworldly bagpipe”
- B Includes a classical piano
- C Has a heavy metal guitar riff
3. Which notable instrument did Jimmy Page play in the “Radioactive” music video by The Firm?
- A A harmonica
- B A violin
- C A red doubleneck guitar
4. Which production approach was notable in Deacon Blue’s “Wages Day”?
- A Minimalist acoustic
- B Blend of pop-rock and soulful elements
- C Electronica with synthesizers
5. In the “Just Like Paradise” music video, what unusual activity does David Lee Roth perform?
- A Surfs over a crowd
- B Jumps from a helicopter
- C Sings in a waterfall
6. Which unique live performance did Alabama’s “Feels So Right” help solidify?
- A 1982 Grammy Awards ceremony
- B Super Bowl halftime show
- C Woodstock reunion
7. Which notable collaboration is featured on Mercury Rev’s “Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp”?
- A The Chemical Brothers
- B Daft Punk
- C The Prodigy
8. How was Marion’s “Sleep” described musically?
- A Full of dreamy synths
- B Combines bluesy harmonica with crunchy guitars
- C Features a jazzy trumpet solo
9. How does “The Unforgiven II” differ from its predecessor in lyrical perspective?
- A Utilizes a third-person perspective
- B Sung from a first-person perspective
- C Narrates from an omniscient viewpoint
10. Which unusual prop was featured in the music video for Echobelly’s “Dark Therapy”?
- A Sonya Madan’s ice mask in water
- B Glenn Johansson’s flaming guitar
- C Debbie Smith’s skateboard
11. What genre does Slowdive’s “Morningrise” belong to?
- A Shoegaze
- B Grunge
- C New Wave
12. What inspired the title “Sheela-Na-Gig” by PJ Harvey?
- A A novel
- B A medieval sculpture
- C Her childhood nickname
For TWELVE “Look Ma, No Mike!” – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 09/52 – click here
Tracklist
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1 . Eddie Rabbitt – I Love A Rainy NightFeatured on the 1980 album “Horizon”.
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2 . The Primitives – CrashFeatured on the 1988 album “Lovely”.
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3 . Stray Cats – Bring It Back AgainFeatured on the 1989 album “Blast Off!”.
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4 . The Clash – Should I Stay Or Should I GoFeatured on the 1982 album “Combat Rock“.
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5 . Goombay Dance Band – Seven TearsFeatured on the 1981 album “Holiday in Paradise”.
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6 . Mr. Mister – KyrieFeatured on the 1985 album “Welcome to the Real World”.
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7 . Def Leppard – Hello AmericaFeatured on the 1980 album “On Through the Night”.
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8 . John Mellencamp – Check It OutFeatured on the 1987 album “The Lonesome Jubilee“.
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9 . The Firm – RadioactiveFeatured on the 1985 album “The Firm”.
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10 . Deacon Blue – Wages DayFeatured on the 1989 album “When the World Knows Your Name”.
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11 . David Lee Roth – Just Like ParadiseFeatured on the 1988 album “Skyscraper”. |
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12 . Alabama – Feels So RightFeatured on the 1981 album “Feels So Right”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Joe Elliott penned “Hello America” while dreaming of palm-lined Los Angeles from his Sheffield factory job. American TV shows like “Kojak” influenced his escape lyrics.
2. Mellencamp’s “Check It Out” musically hooks with an “otherworldly bagpipe” sound. This innovation complements the American family life themes, reflecting inner struggles.
3. In The Firm’s “Radioactive” video, Jimmy Page wields a red doubleneck Gibson EDS-1275. It’s his iconic instrument, recognized by fans and guitar aficionados alike.
4. Deacon Blue’s “Wages Day” blends pop-rock with soulful elements. Ricky Ross’s songwriting showcases lyrical depth, amplifying their distinct Glaswegian sound.
5. Roth’s “Just Like Paradise” video features him crowd-surfing on a 28-foot surfboard. His stunts complement his flamboyant showmanship beyond mere rock music.
6. Alabama performed “Feels So Right” at the 1982 Grammys, marking their crossover impact. TV appearances helped it reach beyond the country music scene.
7. Mercury Rev’s “Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp” includes The Chemical Brothers. Their collaboration heralded a shift to orchestral and psychedelic sounds in 1999.
8. Marion’s “Sleep” contrasts a bluesy harmonica with aggressive guitars. Jaime Harding’s bittersweet lyrics resonated during Britpop’s heyday.
9. “The Unforgiven II” embarks on a first-person narrative. Unlike the original, it delves deeply into personal trauma and redemption tales.
10. Echobelly’s “Dark Therapy” showcases Sonya Madan in an ice mask, submerged. Visually striking, it mirrors the song’s themes of introspection and vulnerability.
11. Slowdive’s “Morningrise” epitomizes the shoegaze genre. Ethereal vocals and reverb-laden guitars create an iconic, transformative auditory experience.
12. “Sheela-Na-Gig” by PJ Harvey is inspired by carvings depicting female figures. The song examines themes of sexuality and empowerment, provocatively yet poignantly.
For THE FULL ‘ARE WE LIVE?’ COLLECTION click here