Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 32 - Pet Shop Boys (Always On My Mind)

Yes, I will start by saying THIS is the best version of this song.  Forget Brenda Lee...  Forget Gwen McCrae...  Forget Elvis Presley.

Following on from my last blog post, I'm keeping with the Pet Shop Boys because Always on my Mind stands out as not only being one of the best cover songs ever made but possibly one of the greatest pop songs of the 1980s (perhaps all time?)  It's also a massive favourite of mine since I was a wee lad.

The song was released in November 1987 and spent an impressive 14 weeks in the UK singles charts.  Even more impressive is that it reached number 1 and stayed there for 4 weeks, making it Christmas number one of that year, and beating Fairytale of New York by The Pogues.  

Why can't modern groups produce belters like this anymore, instead of the usual Crap Factor wannabe turds?

Also, you've got to love the video, featuring clips from their rather bizarre movie "It Couldn't Happen Here", starring De Nomolos himself (from Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey) Joss Ackland, and even Biggles (Neil Dickson).

"Where are you going?"

 "I'm going there....  But I like it here wherever it is".

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.

Game Covers - Magicland Dizzy (Commodore 64)

DIZZY's cartoon adventure in MAGICLAND!  Explore WIERDHENGE, PRINCE CHARMING's castle, Vampira's ICE PALACE, Wicked WITCH's island and jump thru' THE MAGIC MIRROR!  Find EXCALIBUR, wake SLEEPING BEAUTY and more!  Starring all the YOLKFOLD in he latest INCREDIBLE TALE!

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Game Covers - Fantasy World Dizzy (Commodore 64)

Join Mega-Star DIZZY and the YOLKFOLK in their latest Adventure in Fantasy World!  Incredible Dragons' Lairs, Wizard's Cloud Castle, the Evil King's Palace & Dungeons, Mysterious new Worlds, Volcanoes, and more.  INCREDIBLE PLAYABILITY.

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Game Covers - Treasure Island Dizzy (Commodore 64)

DIZZY'S CARTOON ADVENTURE ON TREASURE ISLAND!

Explore the mysterious island's deserted Tree House Village, Fabulous Gold Mines, Huge Caves, Magic Shops and Secret Treasure!  You can even go underwater - but remember your snorkel!

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Game Covers - Bionic Granny (Commodore 64)

She lurks outside the school gates waiting to surprise any unsuspecting kids.  When the hands on the school clock reach 4 o'clock her fun begins.  Despite all the efforts of teachers and lollipop ladies she sometimes manages to "Zap" the kids with her laser powered brolly!  Better run for your life before she gets you too!

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