Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 48 - Erasure (Sometimes)

So here we are with my 48th track, and it's surprising that I've only had one Erasure song on the list so far considering how much of a fan I am of the synth-pop duo.  Well, here we are with track number two!

For me, 'Sometimes' is one of the defining synth songs of the mid to late 1980s.  It's amazing and deservedly sat in the UK charts for an impressive 23 weeks, peaking at Number 2 in December 1986, and only being beaten from the top spot by Europe's "The Final Countdown".

Guaranteed to cheer me up when I feel down (which is a lot these days, but hey ho),  

It does make me think back to a comment my son Kieran made a few weeks ago about how happy songs sounded in the 1980s compared to what is in the popular charts today.

"It's not the way you lead me by the hand into the bedroom

It's not the way you throw your clothes upon the bathroom floor

Been thinking about ya, I just couldn't wait to see

Fling my arms around ya as we fall in ecstasy"

You know the rest :)

Game Covers - Trashman (Commodore 64)

The object of the game is to empty all the bins from each road into the dustcart which is slowly moving up the road, returning the empty bin from where it was collected, before your bonus points reduce to zero.  If you step on the grass the bonus score will reduce rapidly, but you can increase it by completing tasks you are asked to do by householders (leave the house by holding the down key).  Your score is increased for each bin emptied. Some houses will have dogs in them, which will chase you if you step on the grass, and if they bite you, your injury will result in a limp, which will slow you down. The same effect will occur if you are knocked down by a bike. If you choose to go into the cafe or pub to collect valuable bonus points, beware of over-eating or drinking too much.  If your bonus score is reduced to zero you will be allowed two more attempts to improve.  Should you mis-judge crossing the road and are hit by a car the game will end. 

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

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 47 - Sophie Ellis Bextor (Murder on the Dance Floor)

Today's track is a guilty pleasure of mine, but I am struggling to come to terms with the fact that it's now over 20 years old.  Sophie Ellis Bextor's Murder on the Dance Floor will always remind me of the time I met my wife Michelle.  It came out in December 2001 and remained in the charts for 23 weeks, peaking at an impressive number 2.  It was played on the radio quite regularly at the time Michelle and I started dating which is why I look back on this track with fond memories.

And guess who we named our daughter Sophie after?  :)

It's murder on the dance floor
You'd better not kill the groove
DJ, gonna burn this goddamn house right down.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 46 - Pet Shop Boys (Integral)

Today's song is a fantastic track by the Pet Shop Boys from their 2006 'Fundamental' album.  To be honest, I only found out about this song a few years ago, which makes it unsurprising that it only reached 197 in the UK Singles Chart of that year.  

Obviously not one of their more popular tracks, but that doesn't mean it's not any good.  Far from it.

I love blaring this one out.

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 45 - The Piranhas (Tom Hark)

While searching for Zambezi by the Piranhas, their cover of Tom Hark popped up and instantly took me back in time to over 40 years ago.  Man, I forgot how much I loved this song when I was little.  It entered the charts in August 1980 (I was three years old), and remained there for twelve weeks, peaking at number six.  It was The Piranha's biggest hit.  Check the video out and enjoy the nostalgia.

"Does anybody know how long to World War III?

I wanna know, I gotta book me holiday

They want me in the Army but I just can't go

I'm far too busy listening to the radio"

What great lyrics!

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 44 - The Piranhas (Zambezi)

Flipping heck... this is a blast from the past!  I remember loving it when I was a kid

A cover of Zambezi by Lou Busch and his Orchestra, this version was released back in 1982 by The Piranhas (and featuring Boring Bob Grover - The Man With The Golden Trumpet) where it entered into the UK Top 40 in September/October.  I was but a 5 year old lad with obviously no decent taste in music.

"Well if my bank should phone, tell them I ain't at home,
Just say I packed my plastic bag and went away.
As for the landlord's rent, I spent it on a tent,
So if he's asking questions, you'll know what to say.

 You don't get lyrics like that anymore.