How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : The Smiths, The Monkees, Mike Oldfield, The Cars, Spandau Ballet, Van Halen, Billy Squier, Billy Idol, The Wedding Present, a-ha, Carmel, Balaam And The Angel
They are the performers of twelve “live” music videos that were ranked in various charts, this week (40/52) BUT … in the EIghties 80s.
1. What does the “thorn” in the title “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side” by The Smiths represent?
- A Morrissey’s vegetarianism
- B The band’s music critics
- C A romantic rejection
2. What makes The Monkees’ 1986 single significant in their career?
- A It was their last US Top 20 hit
- B It featured all original members
- C It reached number one on the charts
3. Where was Mike Oldfield’s “Tricks of the Light” originally recorded?
- A London, UK
- B Los Angeles, USA
- C Swiss Alps, Switzerland
4. Which musical element is prominent in The Cars’ “Heartbeat City”?
- A Acoustic guitar riffs
- B Industrial synth sounds
- C Heavy drumbeats
5. What change marked Spandau Ballet’s single “Lifeline”?
- A A shift towards reggae influences
- B The band’s debut collaboration with a new producer
- C A stylistic move from dance to pop
6. What feature distinguishes Van Halen’s version of “You Really Got Me”?
- A Its position after “Eruption”
- B A longer guitar solo
- C Use of additional percussion instruments
7. Which notable chart position did Billy Squier’s single achieve?
- A No. 52 in Australia
- B No. 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100
- C No. 3 in the UK
8. Why was Billy Idol’s live version of “Mony Mony” notably controversial?
- A Use of explicit crowd chants
- B Banned by MTV for violence
- C Lyrics controversial for political themes
9. “Kennedy” by The Wedding Present is lyrically influenced by which historical event?
- A The moon landing
- B The Vietnam War
- C The JFK assassination
10. In which country did A-ha’s “I’ve Been Losing You” reach number one?
- A Norway
- B Italy
- C The United States
11. Which musical genres does Carmel’s “Bad Day” belong to?
- A Rock and reggae
- B Jazz and soul
- C Folk and country
12. What is notable about Balaam And The Angel’s 1987 single?
- A Inclusion of a flute section
- B Anthemic choruses
- C Use of traditional instruments
Tracklist
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1 . The Smiths – The Boy With The Thorn In His SideFeatured on the 1985 album “The Queen Is Dead“.
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2 . The Monkees – That Was Then This Is NowFeatured on the 1986 album “Then & Now… The Best of the Monkees”.
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3 . Mike Oldfield – Tricks Of The LightFeatured on the 1984 album “Discovery”.
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4 . The Cars – Heartbeat CityFeatured on the 1984 album “Heartbeat City”.
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5 . Spandau Ballet – LifelineFeatured on the 1982 album “True”.
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6 . Van Halen – You Really Got MeFeatured on the 1978 album “Van Halen“.
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7 . Billy Squier – The StrokeFeatured on the 1981 album “Don’t Say No”.
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8 . Billy Idol – Mony Mony – Live
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9 . The Wedding Present – KennedyFeatured on the 1989 album “Bizarro”.
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10 . a-ha – I’ve Been Losing YouFeatured on the 1986 album “Scoundrel Days”.
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11 . Carmel – Bad DayFeatured on the 1984 album “The Drum Is Everything”. |
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12 . Balaam And The Angel – I Love The Things You Do To MeFeatured on the 1988 album “Live Free or Die”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. The “thorn” metaphorically represents the music industry’s skepticism towards The Smiths and Morrissey. This theme is consistent with Morrissey’s criticisms in interviews. The title and concept critique the challenges of fame.
2. The Monkees’ 1986 single was their last US Top 20 hit. It marked a significant moment in their comeback, presenting a blend of nostalgia and contemporary appeal. The single revitalized their presence on the charts.
3. Mike Oldfield recorded “Tricks of the Light” in the serene Swiss Alps. This picturesque setting likely provided an inspiring backdrop, influencing the atmospheric qualities of the track. The song includes vocals by Maggie Reilly and Barry Palmer.
4. “Heartbeat City” stands out for its industrial synth sounds. This sonic element aligns with The Cars’ shift towards more polished, synth-driven music. Ric Ocasek’s vocals contribute to its distinct style.
5. Spandau Ballet’s “Lifeline” marked their shift from a dance-oriented style to pop. This transition was pivotal in shaping their sound on the album *True*. The single achieved commercial success across several charts.
6. Van Halen’s cover of “You Really Got Me” is immediately preceded by “Eruption.” This arrangement spotlights Eddie Van Halen’s guitar skills. The track’s positioning contributed to the band’s explosive debut.
7. Billy Squier’s single reached No. 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was a standout success from the *Don’t Say No* album, contributing to its triple platinum status. Its catchy hooks ensured longevity on rock playlists.
8. Billy Idol’s live rendition of “Mony Mony” featured controversial crowd chants. These explicit interjections became notorious in concert settings. Ironically, the chant’s subversion increased the song’s appeal.
9. “Kennedy” by The Wedding Present alludes to JFK’s assassination. The lyrics’ ambiguity adds intrigue, reflecting themes of conspiracy theories. This complex narrative resonates with the indie rock audience.
10. A-ha’s “I’ve Been Losing You” topped charts in Norway. Its international success reaffirmed their global appeal post-*Hunting High and Low*. The track resides within the synth-pop and new wave genres.
11. Carmel’s “Bad Day” blends jazz and soul, reflecting the group’s musical heritage. The Manchester trio gained attention for their distinct style, marked by vocalist Carmel McCourt’s commanding presence.
12. Balaam And The Angel’s 1987 single is remembered for anthemic choruses. This feature highlights the band’s alternative rock ethos. The track’s energetic delivery maintains its place in rock fans’ memory.
For THE FULL ‘ARE WE LIVE?’ COLLECTION click here