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.

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.

3D View (hold and move to rotate) New Tab (Full Screen)

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.