Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 35 - Men at Work (Down Under)

It's funny how this song always reminds me of a particular memory so long ago.  Men at Work's "Down Under" brings back vivid memories of getting ready to go on a family day trip to London to visit the Cutty Sark.  It was on in the kitchen, and I can still remember my Dad's old radio that it was playing on.

Weird!

Such happy times, and good memories from a period of less stress and worry.

Anyway, it's a great song that was released way back in 1981 when it stayed in the UK charts for 12 weeks, 3 of which were at Number 1...  Back when I was just 4 years old.

And for even further nostalgia, here's a picture of me on that very trip to the Cutty Sark.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 34 - Visage (Fade to Grey)

As a massive fan of 1980s music, I find that this song pretty much sums up the beginning of this great decade, during a time when pop culture movement New Romanticism was beginning to take over the nightclubs (ok, I was a bit too young for that) and the charts.  It was a time when it was perfectly acceptable for a guy to wear more makeup than your average woman!  It was also during this great period when synth music was set to become much more widespread in the music world leading to some of the best pop songs ever written in subsequent years by different groups.  This itself is one of the main reasons why I love this song.

It was released in 1980 and reached number 8 in the UK Charts. 

Such a great song, and great memories from a time long gone. 

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 31 - Pet Shop Boys (Heart)

The Pet Shop Boys were a band I was never particularly into back in their heyday, which is surprising when you consider the similarities between them and my favourite synth group Erasure.  Sure, I loved West End Girls, It's a Sin, Always On My Mind and pretty much every track on their "Please" and "Actually" albums, but I never paid much attention to what they produced after that until only a few years ago.  Boy, was I missing out!

Having said that, I always had a fondness for Heart.  Released in 1988, it entered the charts in March at number 30 before rightfully reaching the number one spot the following month where it stayed for a few weeks.  

Pop Quiz - When not being Gandalf, what famous actor played Nosferatu in the Heart music video? 

The answer....  Well, I didn't realise until only recently that it was none other than Sir Ian McKellen. 

Ahhhhhh...  I was just 11 years old at the time.  Life was so much easier (and less stressful) back then.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 28 - Edelweiss (Raumschiff Edelweiss)

Erm....  Where do I start with this one?

I'm feeling a bit down at the moment and while going through my vast library of songs on my hard drive, I was trying to find some tunes to cheer me up and put a smile on my face.  After a bit of searching, I found and remembered this one...

...  So...  My next favourite track is a rarity from the Austrian dance group Edelweiss which never actually made it into the UK charts.  It was released in 1992 but I didn't get to hear it until early 1995 during a Star Trek documentary on MTV to coincide with the then imminent release of the movie Star Trek Generations.

The song in question is...  "Raumschiff Edelweiss", or in English, Starship Edelweiss. 

Edeweiss were a popular eurodance/pop group in Europe during the late 80's and early 90s.  I don't suppose many readers of my blog will know who they were and you might be surprised to hear that their hit song Bring Me Edelweiss actually reached number 5 in the UK charts back in May, 1989, beating the likes of The Bangles (Eterna Flame), Queen (I Want It All) and many others.  Now, I'm no expert on the group, and as far as I can tell they only ever released one album - but what an album!

Raumschiff Edelweiss is a Star Trek-inspired spoof song (which in my opinion is miles better than The Firm's Star Trekkin') and features the original Star Trek theme, mixed with plenty of yodeling (which Edelweiss are well known for), a dance track, and a music video with some whacky visuals that could only have been made with the use of certain recreational drugs and high levels of alcohol consumption.

Have a listen, and give it a chance....  It's not all that bad!

AND if you liked that...  The song had a follow up - called Planet Edelweiss (featured below) which I swear sounds like something that could have been 'tracked' on a Commodore Amiga!  That’s a good thing by the way.  

Yes they're cheesy, but I'm proud to admit I actually have this album in my music collection, and it always makes me smile.  It's also the only place you will ever get to see a Klingon rapping and singing reggae! 

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 27 - Men Without Hats (The Safety Dance)

The Safety Dance, from Canadian new wave band Men Without Hats will be forever in my childhood memories, as well as the memories of many people who grew up in the 1980's simply from its memorable video which accompanied the song featuring frontman Ivan Doroschuk and dwarf actor Mike Edmonds prancing about West Kington near Chippenham, South West England (amazing what you can find out from Wikipedia) showing the local townsfolk how to dance by repeatedly forming an "S" sign (S for Safety) by jerking both arms into a stiff pose. 

The music video alone is pure 80's cheese but in my opinion, is better and more creative than anything produced today.  The song is quite catchy too!  If only they still made stuff like this!  I'd buy it.

I love this song so much, I'm even going to post a video from the Status Quo cover. A damn good version from a band I'm not particularly keen on. 

AND FINALLY.....   I even have to admit that I quite like this version from Glee too!  Sad or what!ARRRGGGGHHHHHH!

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 26 - Ace of Base (The Sign)

I have always felt that my childhood pretty much ended the day I walked out of my secondary school on Friday, June the 25th 1993 following my last GCSE exam, and some songs/bands remind me quite vividly of this time in my life,  Ace of Base being one of them.

"The Sign" came out in November that same year, and will forever be imprinted in my memory due to the constant air time it had on the local radio station (Essex FM) when I was doing my work experience at the Evening Echo newspaper during my brief time at Basildon College in 1994.

The song was a big hit for Ace of Base, reaching a very impressive number 2 in the UK charts, and an even more impressive number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 singles.  It stayed in the charts for 16 weeks.

Now for me, the 90's wasn't really a great decade.  Sure, it had a few good things going for it, but the music wasn't one of them.  During the early 90s, my interest in music was almost non-existent apart from listening to Erasure, Jean Michel Jarre, Mike Oldfield, and a few movie soundtracks.  I suppose this song, along with The Beloved's Sweet Harmony are the two songs that really define my musical tastes from those early years of a decade that to me will always be fondly remembered by me for playing my Amiga 500, getting my head around playing Magic The Gathering (some card game) with my friend Dan, ogling over Terry Farrell (Jadzia Dax in Star Trek Deep Space Nine) and watching Noel's House Party on a Saturday evening.

Anyway, on a separate note - I do really hope to update my blog with more posts over the next couple of weeks (and not just music and game covers).  Work has been considerably busy and stressful and has pretty much taken over my life.  I'm literally living and breathing servers, and computers to the point where I'm even losing sleep!  Yes I know it's not healthy, but what can I do....  It pays the bills!!! 

Onwards and upwards, and don't forget you can check out my other favourite songs by clicking here.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 25 - Nik Kershaw (Wouldn't It Be Good)

Nik Kershaw was (still is?) one of my sister's favourite artists and like Howard Jones, he was heard many times through the thin walls that separated our bedrooms.  Released way back in 1984, Wouldn't It Be Good was released as the second single from his Human Racing album (the others being I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Dancing Girls, and Human Racing).  I was never really that fond of the song when I was younger, but that was probably due to hearing it over, and over again.  However, as with many things from my childhood, it has grown on me immensely and I've really come to appreciate and enjoy Nik's work.  Perhaps it's the nostalgia that comes with listening to him or the feeling of reliving the 80s again?  Either way, it's a really good song.  Modern musical artists should take note.

It spent 15 weeks in the charts, peaking at a very impressive number 4.  The music video is memorable for featuring Nik Kershaw as an alien wearing an insanely bright (and animated) suit, created using chroma key technology.  

Enjoy!

 

"Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes

Even if it was just for one day

And wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away

Wouldn't it be good to be on your side

The grass is always greener over there

And wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care"

Also, check out this insanely brilliant version of the song, recorded at the 80s Classical event in Leeds 2019.  Nik Kershaw performs Wouldn't It Be Good with the Orchestra of Opera North.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 24 - Mental as Anything (Live it Up)

Live It Up was a big hit for Australian new-wave group Mental as Anything and was released back in 1986.  It reached number 3 in the UK charts, and was featured in the Paul Hogan movie "Crocodile Dundee". 

As with Invisible Touch by Genesis, this is another song that reminds me of family nights out walking from Leigh-On-Sea to Southend.  Many of the pubs we visited would play this on the jukebox whilst I drank my beverage of choice (a pint of orange juice) and played classic arcade games. 

Ahhhhhhh the memories.  

It's fun and lively - typical mid 80's pop, and definitely one of my favourites.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 23 - Genesis (The Brazilian)

The 23rd song in my list of favourite songs is this little-known instrumental from UK rock band Genesis.  "The Brazilian", featured as the last track on their four-times platinum UK hit album Invisible Touch from 1986.

Name a Genesis song from the mid-1980s and most people will probably say Invisible Touch or Land of Confusion, but ask them if they've heard of The Brazillian and they will just look at you with a confused look.  Yes, Genesis also did some amazing experimental instrumental work too.  

As great as their more familiar songs are, I've always had a soft spot for this track, but then I think it's because I've always preferred instrumentals to songs with vocals in.  This is just great, especially Mike Rutherford's guitar finale.  A perfect excuse to turn the volume up to maximum, and let those goosebumps appear.

The track was featured in an episode of Magnum, P.I, used extensively by the BBC during their TV coverage of the 1987 World Athletics Championships, and in 1987 it had a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, but lost out to Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens with the "Top Gun" anthem.  Sorry Top Gun fans, but I prefer this!

Big thanks to my sister Stephanie for introducing me to this song all those years ago.  Enjoy.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 22 - Kermit The Frog (The Rainbow Connection)

Don't laugh...  My song today is a special one from when I was a wee lad.  It's Kermit the Frog, and The Rainbow Connection, from the 1979 film "The Muppet Movie". 

My Mum and Dad had the soundtrack/album to the movie, and I can remember quite vividly Dad playing this on the record player, and me and my sister listening to this on many occasions when my Mum was out playing Bingo.  

Unsurprisingly, it performed quite well in the US Billboard Charts and reached an impressive number 25 in November 1979.  It even received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

If you've never heard it before, give it a go.  Don't let 'Kermie' put you off.  It's a lovely song, and one that will forever remind me of a happy childhood.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 21 - Doctor Doctor (Thompson Twins)

Today's song comes from a tune that was playing on my car stereo during the drive to work this morning.

There are a few songs/groups which I think are the epitome of the New Wave/New Romantic scene of the 1980's.  Groups such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, ABC define the popular music (and the look) of this decade, and whether you like them or not, their impact on my generation was massive and will forever be remembered.

Doctor Doctor, by the Thompson Twins is another example of this.  The simple 4 note electronic intro sets the mood for a fantastic bit of 80s nostalgia.  Released in February 1983 and reaching number 4 in the UK charts (back in a time when listening to the UK charts was actually an enjoyable experience),  Have a listen to this...  and enjoy. 

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 20 - Sun Street (Katrina and the Waves)

I love this song, and in my opinion, it is so much better than their more popular hit, Walking on Sunshine. 

Released back in 1986, it reached number 22 in the UK charts between 8th June to 30th August.  A very underrated classic from the 80s. 

Enjoy...

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 18 - Zoolook (Jean-Michel Jarre)

Another blast from the past.  I've been a big fan of Jean Michel Jarre since watching his massive "Rendez-vous Houston" concert in April, 1986.  

This song is one of my favourites, from the album "Zoolook" from 1984.  Strangely, it conjures up many memories of watching demos on the Commodore 64 and Amiga, with sampled Jarre songs mixed with fancy graphics and spinning vector polygons!

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 17 - Do You Want To Be A Hero (Jon Anderson)

I don't care what anyone says...   I was probably one of the very few people who thoroughly enjoyed the 1986 movie  "Biggles - Adventures in Time", and this was the main theme tune from it.  I remember it being one of the very first films which I watched on a cable channel called "Premiere" probably around 1987/88...  This was back in the day when most households only had 4 channels to choose from.  We were fortunate enough to have Sky quite early on, and Premiere was the only movie channel on offer before Sky did their own.

I watched this movie over and over again.  Not sure why though as when I look back at it, the film isn't particularly special.  It's just a fun ol' time travelling romp - I mean, where else can you see a modern Metropoliton Police Helicoptor fight in World War 1?   I believe it was also Peter Cushing's last acting role before sadly passing away a few years later.

Anyway, the song is sung by Jon Anderson (the lead vocalist from Yes).  Enjoy,  and try and watch the film if you've never seen it before.  It's not THAT bad.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 16 - Taurus II (Mike Oldfield)

The album "Five Miles Out" introduced me to the music of Mike Oldfield long before I first listened to his famous Tubular Bells for the first time, and the one track which stands out for me is the very first one from the album, "Taurus II".  As with most of Mike's earlier work (Tubular Bells, Incantations, Ommadawn etc.), this track is one long, continuous track (24 minutes) made up of several different melodies and styles.

I remember my sister copying it onto an old C90 for me in the mid 1980's...  I still have the tape!  (Shhh.... although I've bought several CD releases since, so that kind of makes up for having a naughty copy when I was a child!)

If you've never heard it before, give it a go...  Modern chart musicians can only dream of producing music of this quality.  As a big fan of Mike Oldfield, I still find this one of his best albums ever.

The copy my sister dd for me in the 80s.  Shhhh, don't tell anyone!

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 15 - Action Biker (Rob Hubbard)

My favourite songs are not just limited to popular music which was available and eligible for the charts.

One song in particular which always conjures up fond memories from when I was little is from a classic computer game called Action Biker. 

I was first introduced to this game back in late 1985.  My friend, Steve Ready had it on his Atari 800XL, and the theme song got stuck in my head ever since. 

At the time, our family only had a Commodore Plus 4 and I was extremely jealous because Action Biker was not available for that machine.  A few years later I managed to get it when I was lucky enough to receive a Commodore 64 for Christmas in 1987.

Rob Hubbard wrote some of the most memorable songs on the Commodore 64, but this one will always stand out for me. 

   

I even wrote a remix of it a few years ago, along with a short video of me playing, and finishing the game (see the video below), although the original will always be the best!

A great game, a great song, and some fantastic memories - not bad for £1.99!

Musical Kayleigh

My daughter Kayleigh is really getting into writing music on the keyboard lately, especially now that she is doing music at her new school. Here's a couple of her masterpieces, including a lovely rendition of Harry Potter. She picks it up so quickly!

Songs that remind me of my childhood Number 45 - Heaven In My Hands (Level 42)

My first STRMOMC for 2019 is this classic from Level 42, called Heaven In My Hands, and was appropriately chosen because I finally reached my own personal Level 42 yesterday. Yes, I've reached 42 years old, and another year closer to getting my pension.  Woohoo!

Songs that remind me of my childhood Number 26 - The Sign (Ace of Base)

Oh my, it's been just over a year since my last "Song that reminds me of my childhood".   To make up for it, here's one that some may argue was not a song from my childhood at all.  Here's "The Sign" from Ace of Base.

I've always said that my childhood pretty much ended the day I walked out of my secondary school on Friday, June the 25th 1993 but I'm going to stretch it a little here because this song came out in October of that same year, and will forever be imprinted in my memory due to the constant air time it had on the local radio station (Essex FM) when I was doing my work experience at the Echo newspaper during my brief time at Basildon College in 1994. 

Now for me, the 90's wasn't really a great decade.  Sure, it had a few good things going for it, but for me music wasn't one of them.  During the early 90s, my interest in music was pretty much non-existent apart from listening to Erasure, Jean Michel Jarre and Mike Oldfield.  I suppose this song, and The Beloved's Sweet Harmony are the two songs that really define my musical tastes from those early years of a decade that to me will always be fondly remembered by me for playing my Amiga 500, getting my head around playing Magic (some card game) with my friend Dan, ogling over Terry Farrell (Jadzia Dax in Star Trek Deep Space Nine) and watching Noel's House Party on a Saturday evening.

Anyway, on a separate note - I do really hope to update my blog with more posts over the next couple of weeks.  Work has been considerably busy and stressful and has pretty much taken over my life.  I'm literally living and breathing servers, and computers to the point where I'm even losing sleep!  Yes I know it's not healthy, but what can I do....  It pays the bills!!!   The good news is that this time of year is usually a quiet time for us in the IT department at EHS (most of the students are either on study leave for their exams, or have left), so hopefully things will calm down for me so that I can get myself sorted again in time for the mass of work we'll be doing to the school network over the summer holiday. 

Onwards and upwards, and don't forget you can check out my other "Songs that remind me of my childhood" by clicking here.