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.

Game Covers - Leader Board Par 4 (Commodore 64)

A Classic celebration of the greatest series of golf simulations ever produced, including - 4 games, 14 courses, unique free-standing holeguide, club length chart, and scorecards.

Leader Board

Welcome to the exciting world of professional golf with Leader Board.  With amazing realistic 3-D animation, golfers will face multiple 18-hole golf courses that demand strategy, total concentration, and control to come in under par.

Leader Board Tournament

You will find these four courses more difficult than those in Leader Board and each requires excellent shot-making ability to stay out of trouble.  If you're looking for a challenge Leader Board Tournament will deliver all you can handle.

Leader Board Executive Edition

Leader Board Executive Edition brings another dimension in excitement and graphics as you battle to master sandtraps, trees, water hazards, and rough with a gameplay that's frightening in its demands and realism.

World Class Leader Board

Now you have the opportunity to play the same courses that have challenged golf's greatest legends - St. Andrews, Doral Country Club, and Cypress Creek.  The fourth course designed especially for "World Class" is the "Gauntlet Country Club."  Only those who have mastered the best courses in the world should expect to come close to par at "The Gauntlet".

As easy to follow, easy to use, colour guide helps you to tackle these fantastic courses.

A full colour reference chart assists with quick club selection and wind calculations.

Record those memorable rounds forever in a pocket scorebook.

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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.

Game Covers - Out Run (Commodore 64)

You're cool, the engine's hot, the girl's gorgeous, a tank full of gas and an open road...  the rest is up to you..!!

The ultimate experience in motorsports simulation, the absolute challenge to nerves and reflexes.  Feel the wind in your hair and the pull of the G-force as you power your way along the highways and byways, a girl by your side and open country before you.  Experience the exhilaration and excitement of driving a high-performance sports car in this teasing time trial where your coordination and nerve will be tested to unbelievable limits.  Out Run the coin op starred as an arcade sensation.  Out Run the computer simulation mirrors this exciting all action spectacle.

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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.