Retrovision: Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy - 'Kiss Me

Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy released his second single, "Kiss Me" in 1985. The song was originally recorded by his band Tin Tin within the 24 hours, but failed to make any chart impact. This melodic  synth pop tune was among the last songs of this genre, before it was declining and transforming into Dance pop.

 

Retrovision: Scarlet - Independent Love Song

Scarlet, the British duo consisting of Charly Parker and Jo Youle, released their biggest hit, "Independent Love Song," thirty years ago in 1994. The track is best known for its striking contrast between the subdued verses and the soaring, powerful refrain, making it one of the most unconventional power ballads ever released.

Retrovision: Blue Zone - On Fire

 "On Fire" was a third single release for the UK trio Blue Zone led by Lisa Stansfield. Shortly after the release of the single on 18 November 1987, fire broke at King's Cross St Pancras tube station. It killed thirty-one people and hundred were taken to hospital, nineteen with serious injuries. Just as the single was climbing up the charts, it was withdrawn by the record company in the UK in the wake of this disaster.

Retrovision: Felt - Primitive Painters

Felt released "Primitive Painters" in 1985, which became their signature tune. The track features Elisabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins on backing vocals and was included on Felt's third studio album, Ignite the Seven Cannons.

 

Retrovision: Billy Idol - Eyes Without a Face

"Eyes Without a Face" was released 40 years ago and became Billy Idol's first single to reach the Billboard Hot 100. The song was inspired by the title of the French horror film Les Yeux sans visage (1960). It featured backing vocals from Perri Lister, who was also Idol's partner at the time. Prior to this, Lister had provided backing vocals for Visage and Kid Creole and the Coconuts. Additionally, she appeared topless in Duran Duran's video for the song "The Chauffeur."

Retrovision: Sleeper - Nice Guy Eddie

Sleeper release "Nice Guy Eddie" 28 years ago in July 1996. It was taken from their second studio album, The It Girl.

 

Retrovision: Secession - The Magician

Secession's release of "The Magician" in 1987 stands as one of the few singles from their active period between 1983 and 1987. Today, it's regarded as a gem of rare 80s material, a testament to the band's contribution to the era's underground landscape. 

Retrovision: Siouxsie and Banshees - Swimming Horses

 Forty years ago, Siouxsie and Banshees released "Swimming Horses" which was the first single from their sixth album Hyæna released in 1984. Unlike their previous singles, this song was based on the piano melody making it a great gothic art pop experiment.

Retrovision: Sparks - When Do I Get to Sing "My Way"

Thirty years ago, Sparks released one of their standout hits from the 90s, "When Do I Get to Sing 'My Way'". Known for their ability to seamlessly adapt to musical trends, Sparks transitioned from Moroder Disco in the 70s to Synth-pop in the 80s, and by the 90s, they embraced the popular Euro Dance sound. The song is a reference to Frank Sinatra's iconic "My Way" and found its place on their album Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins.

Retrovision: Blue Peter - Don't Walk Past

Blue Peter's video for the song "Don't Walk Past" has been remastered in 2021, and the new version is now available on YouTube. Originally released in 1983, the song was part of their second album, Falling. Interestingly, this video marked the first appearance of a Canadian indie label video on MTV in the U.S.

Retrovision: Banderas - This is Your Life

 The Communards' offshoot Banderas that consisted of the female duo Caroline Buckley and Sally Herbert, released three singles in the beginning of the 90's. This is your Life was the most successful out of the three reaching the UK Top 40 at number 16 in 1991.

Retrovision: Electronic - Disappointed

Electronic released "Disappointed" in June 1992, and it resonates as one of the finest songs from the Pet Shop Boys during the 90s. The collaboration, involving key members from The Smiths, New Order, and the Pet Shop Boys, resulted in one of the most notable musical side projects of that era.

Retrovision: Ultravox - Passing Strangers

Ultravox' video for the song Passing Strangers has been remastered. The song was released in 1980 and was the second Ultravox with Midge Ure on voclas.

Retrovision: Boys Brigade - Melody

 "Melody" was one of the two single releases for the Canadian New Wave band Boys Brigade. It was released in 1983 and it was also featured on the band's debut and only album which was never reissued.

Retrovision: The Times - Manchester

The Times kicked off the 90's decade with the release of "Manchester"|. It was pretty much summing up so many things related to the Manchester music scene and England, and at a perfect timing on the crossroads between two decades. 

Retrovision: Scritti Politti - Absolute

"Absolute" was one of the lead tracks taken from Scritti Polittis's second album Cupid & Psyche '85, released in June 1985. This song and the video however were released a year before and the video for the song was directed by John Scarlett-Davies.

Retrovision: Carly Simon - Why

Carly Simon released "Why" in August 1982 as one of her biggest 80's hits. The song was recorded for the film Soup for One but it eventually gained broader popularity than the film itself. Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic produced the song moving away from Carly's guitar based songs from the past leaning more on reggae sound.

Retrovision: Stephen Duffy - Icing on a Cake

Duran Duran's original singer Stephen Duffy released his third single "Icing on the Cake" in May 1985. It is an example of typical sophistical pop of the 80's set in a very stylistic spot. The song was also featured on his debut The Ups and Downs released in the same year.

Retrovision: The Adventures of Stevie V - Dirty Cash (Money Talks)

Thirty years ago, in early May 1990, the producer Steve Vincent and his team had their biggest hit with "Dirty Cash (Money Talks)". Martha Washington provided a very soulful vocal against the euro dance style house track to a great result. The song reached No.2 in the UK and No.1 on the US Dance floor charts.

Retrovision: Inspiral Carpets - This is how it Feels

Thirty years ago Inspiral Carpets released one of their biggest hits and signature songs "This is how it feels" that was also their first Top 40 hit in their native UK. The song was featured on band's second album 'Life' released during the same year.