Retrovision: Spandau Ballet- Musclebound TOTP

Thirty years ago Spandau Ballet had their second Top ten hit when the song "Musclebound" which reached the UK charts at number ten in 1981. It was the third single release from their debut album Journeys to Glory and  this is their brilliant performance on 'Top of the Pops'.

Instant Hit: Obscure By Degrees- I'm Dying

"I'm Dying" is the only release by a rather unknown band called Obscure by Degrees. They released this fantastic single with "A Woman Like You" as a B-side. The single was released in 1981 for the KA records and it was produced by Phil Towner.

Instant Hit: Carol- Brekadown

"Breakdown" was the only single release single for Carol, a female singer from Belgium. The single was released in 1981 on Dirty Dance label. This song was later covered and re-recorded by Snowy Red in 1984 and it was released as a duet in 1989. The second single version included the classic version as well as the instrumental and Snowy Red version.

Ultravox's Vienna No.1 Campaign

Please join in the final push on the last 2 days until midnight this Saturday; Friday 9th & Saturday 10th April. Buy the Vienna single MP3 download a few times if you can - gift them to friends, ask friends and family to buy you copies as an early birthday present, tell everyone in your address book, etc.
Find the download links on this page:
http://www.ultravox.org.uk/facebook.shtml

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The Buggles- Adventures in Modern Recording 2010

"Adventures in Modern Recording", was the second album by the British synthpop duo the Buggles which was recorded in 1981.The album was mostly produced by Trevor Horn with the assistence of Bruce Woolley. The album was re-issued for the first time in 1992 by Japanese label Jimco Records and completed with bonus tracks in 1997. Their latest reissue contains 10 bonus tracks and it's out on Salvo Records.

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Instant Hit: Heaven17- We're Going to Live for a Very Long Time

"We're Going To Live For A Very Long Time" was the closing track on the "Penthouse" side of Heaven 17's seminal album "Penthouse and Pavement," released in 1981. While it was never released as a single, it remains a timeless piece that continues to endure through the years.

Instant Hit: Blue Orchid- The Flood

"The Flood" was a debut release for the Manchester group Blue Orchid which was released in 1981 on Rough Trade (UK). This was a double A side record which also featured the song "Disney Days". This song had a some psychedelic touch, mixing with post punk sound.

Instant Hit: The Turqouise Swimming Pools- Burst Baloons

"Burst Balloons" was recorded in 1981 by the Turqouise Swimming Pools. This track later also appeared in 1982 on the compilation 'To The Shores Of Lake Placid' which was released on 'Zoo Records' and which also featured bands like Dalek I love You, Big in Japan, Teardrop Explodes and others. This song was written and performed by David Balfe and Troy Tate.

The Turquoise Swimming Pools - Burst Balloons

Instant Hit: Afraid Of Mice- Intercontinental

The Liverpool based group Afraid of Mice released a number of singles in 1981 and 1982 before disbanding. "Intercontinental" was their second single issued on Charisma and also featured on their only self titled album released in the same year.

Instant Hit- The Blue Nile- I Love This Life

"I Love This Life" served as the debut single for the Glasgow-based band Blue Nile, released in 1981 under their own label, Peppermint Records. The song showcased a more minimalistic style compared to the music Blue Nile would later become known for. Interestingly, this single did not appear on any of the Blue Nile albums released throughout their career

Instant Hit: Human Hands- Trains Vs. Plains

"Trains vs Plains" was the first single for the L.A. based Human Hands which was released in 1981 by Faulty Products. The band broke up shortly after this and Independent Project Records released a first edition double-album compilation of the band's work in the 1982. The Complete Human Hands Vol. 1 was released in 1997 on CD by Grand Theft Audio.

Instant Hit: The Sound- Contact The Fact

"Contact The Fact" is a song that got me into The Sound. I discovered it while it was a top song on their Last.fm profile list. It was never released as a single and it appeared on the album From The Lions Mouth which was released in 1981 through Korova and WEA records. The album was reissued in 2012 by 1972.

Instant Hit: Stranger Station- Minutes of Silence

"Minutes to Silence" was the only single ever released by Stranger Station. The single was released in 1981 for the Superwop label in France with "Strangers" as a B-side. It was one of the rare and pioneering minimal synth tunes from the early decade. Thirty years after, in 2011 that came back for another shot and released the mellow electronic "Cynthia" which was available as 7" vinyl on Attractive!.

Instant Hit: B-Movie- Remembrance Day

"Remembrance Day" is one of b-Movie's biggest hits which was released twice during the 80's decade. The first release was in 1981 on DERAM label with "Institution Walls" as the B-side. The second release followed six years later on Wax records with "Marilyn Dreams" as a B-side track. The song was also featured on Flexi Pop's split release with Soft Cell's song "Metro MRX".