How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Debbie Gibson, The Primitives, Bucks Fizz, Japan, Steve Earle, Balaam And The Angel, Squeeze, The Fureys & Davey Arthur, Glass Tiger, Foreigner, The Icicle Works, The Shop Assistants
They are the performers of twelve “live” music videos that were ranked in various charts, this week (41/52) BUT … in the EIghties 80s.
1. Which teenage pop singer’s fifth single from her debut album reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100?
- A Tiffany
- B Debbie Gibson
- C Belinda Carlisle
2. “Secrets” by The Primitives features which instrument prominently played by Tracy Tracy?
- A Saxophone
- B Piano
- C Tambourine
3. Which band covered a song originally co-written by Meat Loaf, without achieving significant chart success?
- A Culture Club
- B Bucks Fizz
- C Duran Duran
4. With whom did Japan collaborate to make a stylistic shift towards electronic music in “Life in Tokyo”?
- A Danny Elfman
- B Giorgio Moroder
- C Vangelis
5. Which state declared Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road” as an official state song in 2023?
- A Kentucky
- B Tennessee
- C Alabama
6. Balaam and the Angel’s “Day and Night” was part of which early music style before transitioning to hard rock?
- A Glam Rock
- B Synth Pop
- C Gothic Rock
7. Which band is known for their narrative storytelling technique, inspired by a photograph of an elderly woman in Paris?
- A Dire Straits
- B The Police
- C Squeeze
8. Who are the artists behind the most successful modern rendition of “When You Were Sweet Sixteen”?
- A The Clancy Brothers
- B The Fureys & Davey Arthur
- C The Dubliners
9. Which musician provided backing vocals for Glass Tiger’s lead single from their debut album?
- A Bryan Adams
- B Phil Collins
- C Rod Stewart
10. What chart achievement does the Foreigner song, produced by “Mutt” Lange, boast on the Billboard charts?
- A Reached number 1 on Billboard Hot 100
- B Peaked at number 3 on Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks
- C Did not chart
11. “Hollow Horse” is associated with which British band known for 1980s hits?
- A The Icicle Works
- B The Smiths
- C Echo & the Bunnymen
12. Which band, formed in Edinburgh, became influential in the indie pop scene with their energetic live performances?
- A The Pastels
- B Shop Assistants
- C Primal Scream
Tracklist
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1 . Debbie Gibson – Staying TogetherFeatured on the 1988 album “Electric Youth”.
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2 . The Primitives – SecretsFeatured on the 1989 album “Pure”.
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3 . Bucks Fizz – MagicalFeatured on the 1986 album “Writing on the Wall”.
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4 . Japan – Life In Tokyo
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5 . Steve Earle – Copperhead RoadFeatured on the 1988 album “Copperhead Road”.
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6 . Balaam And The Angel – Day And Night
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7 . Squeeze – Labelled With LoveFeatured on the 1981 album “East Side Story“.
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8 . The Fureys & Davey Arthur – When You Were Sweet SixteenFeatured on the 1981 album “When You Were Sweet Sixteen”.
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9 . Glass Tiger – Don’t Forget Me [When I’m Gone]Featured on the 1986 album “The Thin Red Line”.
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10 . Foreigner – Juke Box HeroFeatured on the 1981 album “4“.
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11 . The Icicle Works – Hollow HorseFeatured on the 1985 album “The Small Price of a Bicycle”. |
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12 . The Shop Assistants – I Don’t Wanna Be Friends With YouFeatured on the 1986 album “Shop Assistants”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Debbie Gibson released “Staying Together,” showcasing her knack for creative control. The single, from her debut album, peaked at 22 on Billboard Hot 100. At 17, Gibson made waves for writing and producing her music.
2. The Primitives’ “Secrets” features Tracy Tracy on tambourine, adding a unique texture alongside her lead vocals. The track was part of their album “Pure.”
3. Bucks Fizz covered “Magical,” a song by Meat Loaf and John Parr, without considerable chart impact. It marked a transitional phase for the band.
4. “Life in Tokyo” by Japan was co-written with Giorgio Moroder, shifting to an electronic style. The song highlighted Moroder’s trademark synth elements.
5. Tennessee recognized “Copperhead Road” as an official state song in 2023. Steve Earle’s track narrates a tale of a family with a moonshining legacy.
6. Balaam and the Angel’s “Day and Night” shows their gothic rock beginnings. The band later signed with Virgin Records, evolving toward hard rock.
7. Squeeze, known for narrative storytelling, drew inspiration from a Paris photograph for one of their songs. Their style is marked by Chris Difford’s lyrics and Glenn Tilbrook’s music.
8. The Fureys & Davey Arthur’s “When You Were Sweet Sixteen” topped the Irish charts. Their folk version has become a modern classic.
9. Bryan Adams sang backing vocals for Glass Tiger’s “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone).” The single was a chart-topping hit, noted for its shuffle beat rhythm.
10. Foreigner’s song reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. Produced by “Mutt” Lange, it echoed rock aspirations.
11. The Icicle Works released “Hollow Horse,” a song reflective of their introspective style. The track remains a staple of their discography.
12. Shop Assistants, Edinburgh indie pioneers, helped shape the 1980s indie pop genre. Their jangly guitar sound and engaging gigs left a lasting legacy.
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