Sunday, September 03, 2023

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 78 - Jean Michel Jarre - Chronologie Part 4

I've always loved Jarre's music, but I was completely oblivious to Chronologie when it came out back in 1993.  Hey, my excuse is/was that it was during a time before the internet.  I was never aware of when one of my favourite artists or groups released a new single or album, and I never really paid much attention to new releases or music in general during the 90s.  For Chronologie, I only found out about it after my friend Dan lent me his copy on tape.  

Anyway, Chronologie (which is/was his eleventh studio album) is great, and I definitely rate it as one of my favourites by Jarre, but the single that was released from it is mind-blowingly fantastic.  Chronologie Part 4 - a full-on, synth-party/pop dance track that really leaves a happy feeling inside me whenever I hear it.  If only the musicians of today had the talent to produce such catchy and infectious tunes like this.

The video that accompanies the song is your typical 90s nonsense with lots of randomness including the occasional glamour-head-turn of the maestro himself, but then with Jarre it's more about the music and his incredible live performances than anything else!

Sit back and listen to a great track, and make sure you've got the volume set high at 1:02

Oh, and thanks Dan English for introducing it to me earlier than I would have on my own.

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Game Covers - Depth Charge/Marksman (Philips G7000)

Marksman

A number of targets float across the screen past the sights of your rifle.  You can slow down or speed them up using the joystick of your handset.  You can also move the targets up and down.

Depth Charge

An area of water is shown on the screen.  This water hides 7 submarines which you must search out and destroy.








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Monday, July 10, 2023

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 77 - The Human League - Don't You Want Me

Here's another banger from the 1980s, Don't You Want Me was a chart-topping hit for The Human League back in 1981.  Released on the 27th of November of that year, it entered the charts at number eight before shooting to number one for the following five weeks, thus becoming the Official UK Christmas Number One of 1981.  It also became the biggest-selling hit of the year too, and possibly their best-known track.  Crazy considering lead singer Phil Oakey wasn't particularly pleased with it and had the song as the last track on side two of the album it came from - Dare.

It's a true electronic-synth classic and one of the early 1980s' most defining songs.  It definitely makes it on my list of favourite tracks.

Enjoy!



Saturday, July 08, 2023

Game Covers - Beach Head 2 (Commodore 64)

The continuing saga pits allied forces against the cruel dictator who escaped with portions of his army and prisoners captured during the land battle.  A true "head to head" two player game with voice simulation and superb multiscreen graphics.



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Sunday, June 25, 2023

Now That's What I Call Stuart's Favourite Music 76 - Fiction Factory - (Feels Like) Heaven

(Feels Like) Heaven was a one-hit-wonder for Scottish new-wave band Fiction Factory back at the tail end of 1983.  It always surprised me that the band didn't go on to better things but their other releases were either flops or just not popular enough to get anywhere in the charts.  Such a shame because they were more than capable of producing good songs, and (Feels Like) Heaven proves it.  

It only managed to reach number 6 in the UK Top 40 on the 14th of January 1984, but I include it here in my list of favourite songs because it really is a great 1980s synth-pop track that deserved much more recognition than it received.


Sunday, June 04, 2023

Games Covers - Dizzy (Commodore 64)

You'll get dizzy playing this action packed cartoon adventure as you somersault around fantastic mystical kingdoms.  Collect the ingredients for a magic potion to kill the evil Wizard ZAKS - a brilliant game by brilliant programmers for brilliant game players!





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