Dreams would come and go, could have told you so, it's the 18th of January 1990 edition of Top fo the Pops!
Top of the Quiffs
18-1-90: Presenter: Nicky Campbell
(13) HALO JAMES – Could Have Told You So
Getting us underway tonight and the song peaked at number 6
(20) LIL’ LOUIS & THE WORLD – I Called U (video)
Peaked at number 16.
(23) MARTIKA – More Than You Know
In the studio and sounding perhaps a little bit like Tiffany, and the song peaked at number 15.
(3) 49ers – Touch Me (video)
Their only top ten hit was now at its peak.
(18) MEGADETH – No More Mr. Nice Guy (video)
Went up five more places.
(31) NENEH CHERRY – Inna City Mamma (video) (Breaker)
Got no higher.
(30) SINEAD O’CONNOR – Nothing Compares 2 U (video) (Breaker)
On her way to number one of course.
(19) THE QUIREBOYS – Hey You
Their biggest hit and it peakd at number 14.
(2) KYLIE MINOGUE – Tears On My Pillow (video)
From her new movie The Delinquents, and it will be number one next week.
(1) NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK – Hangin’ Tough (video)
Second and final week at the top.
(27) ADAMSKI – N-R-G (video) (and credits)
His first of three top 40 hits when it peaked at number 12.
January 26th is next.
A very ebullient and hyper Campbell is our host this week, with the normal side order of smuggery. Halo James up first, and while I like the song I suspect their bland image was probably a factor in their short-lived success - the singer's carefully sculpted quiff is also very annoying. Speaking of annoying, the Lil Louis record sounds like a forerunner of that godawful Sunscreen thing that Baz Luhrmann inflicted on us about ten years later. Tedious, though enlivened a little by a somewhat racy video.
ReplyDeleteMartika always seems to be available for a studio appearance, and here she is again with her normal energetic performance and a song I don't remember at all. I've already forgotten it again as well, which is not surprising as it was bouncily produced but a bog-standard slice of pop. Megadeth prove that poodle rock was still alive and kicking, for now at least, but this Alice Cooper cover is virtually a carbon copy of the original, with some extra twiddly guitar. Mr Furnier himself makes a brief appearance in the video, which is otherwise given over a to a cliched tale of teenage rock 'n' roll rebellion.
I was rather pleased when Campbell managed to mix up Sinead and Neneh's chart positions! I'm surprised that the Neneh song wasn't a bigger hit, as it sounded quite decent to my ears, while she displays a pair of sturdy legs in the video. The Quireboys turn up to the studio again, but do nothing new, and then Kylie crashes in at 2 with a 50s cover which was designed to promote her ill-fated attempt to become a movie star. I remember The Delinquents receiving a fair amount of hype at the time, but it is pretty much forgotten these days; I first glimpsed the video on the Clive James review of the 80s, when he memorably proclaimed Kylie to be the "woman of the decade". As for the record, it is listenable but pretty bland - the original by Little Anthony and the Imperials is more energetic. Adamski sees us out with some cheap computer graphics and some deeply annoying squelchy synth sounds - call Seal, quick!
Halo James show up in the studio to amply demonstrate why their initial success never translated to a lasting chart career - basically, they look like Sunday School teachers on a night out. But it is a really classy pop song, and its regretful lyrics are quite poignant when married to the yearning melody.
ReplyDeleteSee, Lil Louis did have another hit, and I really like this one too, even if it does sound like he's delivering a lecture. One of the more eccentric house hits, it has a sparse piano riff and beat, and a woman who sounds like she's been sedated before being carted off to a secure unit for stalking.
Martika in an unflattering dress, seemingly recorded last time she was in the studio (with a change of wardrobe). It's certainly an improvement on her last record we saw, but it's unremarkable otherwise.
49ers, bit more of the video, and it does preserve more of a song than many of its cut-up peers. Speaking of which, Dave Mustaine, who really isn't a nice guy, gives his plectrum a workout on this Alice Cooper cover with that peculiar strain of "Gee mom, do I have to tidy my room?!" metal whingeing that spread around this time. Just seems a bit unnecessary, despite hitting fairly big.
Was Neneh Cherry's video shot in a prison? Looks incredibly cheap compared with the Manchild video. The song, eh, it's OK, labouring the street cred a tad.
The Quireboys somehow under the impression they're the new Faces, judging by the poses they're striking. A friend of mine offered the revelation that he's seen this lot in concert, albeit at some charity do. He said they were all right.
Koylie with the karaoke theme tune from an Aussie movie that failed to put her on the cinematic map, and no wonder when her other choices in that area included the insane Streetfighter. I don't think we needed to see the film now, after the video gave away the whole plot.
Adamski's video couldn't be more 1990 if it tried, but more on the music next episode...
Another one to largely forget and the presentation by Nicky Campbell bordered on the ridiculous at times (Happy New Year on 18th Jan? – maybe this was ‘Blue Monday’ week so he thought he’d be upbeat?).
ReplyDeleteHalo James – Could’ve told you so – On reflection this is ‘production line’ music that is really just unremarkable.
Lil Louis and the World – I called U – After the atrocious ‘French’ Kiss’ this is not a lot better.
Martika – More than you know- The old trick of re-releasing the flop first single (from a year ago) and capitalising on the success of subsequent releases. Unremarkable.
49ers – Touch me – No thanks.
Megadeth – No more Mr Nice Guy – Awful cover of not one of Alice’s best in the first place.
Nenah Cherry – Nope. Sinead O’Connor – Oh mercy be! A record I really like!
Quireboys – Hey You - …..but it’s only make believe, the wall was too high as you can see, no matter how he tried he could not break free, and the worms ate into his brain….oh sorry wrong song.
Kylie Minogue – Tears on my Pillow - Heralded as it were this week’s no1. An intriguing video but for me the title ‘Tears on my Pillow’ is always going to conjure up Johnny Nash’s 1975 No1 which I much prefer to this.
New Kids on the Block – Hangin' Tough – Speaking of rereleasing previous flop hits. FF needless to say. Thank goodness the short-lived ‘Kids’ fad is over!
Adamski – N-R-G – Ah… this is the one I recall seeing on the shelf in Woolworths and being drawn to its doctored ‘Lucozade Bottle’ sleeve saying ‘Adamski – The Keyboard Wizard’ – really? I think the likes of Uncle Rick might have something to say about that! Anyway this record is a pretty boring way to playout.
I notice there’s only two reviews posted in a day which probably sums up everyone else’s lack of enthusiasm!
p.s. somebody (I think it was John) tipped us off as to how good the full version of Chris Rea’s ‘The Road to Hell’ is and I have to agree having recently checked it out.
Don't recall Adamski advertising Lucozade, mind you last time I saw a Lucozade ad Daley Thompson was the pitch man.
DeleteAll that "isotonic" stuff wasn't as good as "Lucozade! Refreshes you through the ups and downs of the day!" They don't even have the orange cellophane on the bottles anymore.
I'm always late to the paerty these days, Sct. I had a tiring week at work so missed out last night, and I've been down the pub tonight. I'll finish my homework on Sunday with any luck! :-)
DeleteBack in the day, there was a big multi-lit sign on the side of the Beechams factory in Brentford with a big bottle of a particular drink and the legend "Lucozade aids recovery", which had to come down as it wasn't an AIDS recovery substance.
DeleteWeek 3 of 1990 and once again we start where we left of with Brother Beyond, sorry Halo James. That cardigan/jacket thing is not a good look mate, you should of asked me first and I Could Have Told You So. Poor lad looks like it's the first time he's been on stage.
ReplyDeleteLil’ Louis brings the whole world but it was crap the first time and crap the second time as well.
Next, Live and all the way from October 1989 it's pre-recorded Martika with the third hit that nobody remembers. Tiffany/Debbie Gibson type tune with a bit more of a dance beat - Cathy Dennis is taking notes. Best tune so far though..see Nicky I can be sarcastic too..
Aretha 49 up next with some more Italian Dance. Mark Goodier played Starlight on Greatest Hits Radio last week and I nearly died of shock. Like this although not as good as Black Box/Starlight.
MEGADETH! MegaCheese more like it. Hardly hardcore rock is it. Wow you scared some Grannies! What a rebel.
The Breakers have returned:
Neneh Cherry – Forgotten "Inna City Mamma". Sounds OK actually and that baby tummy has certainly bit the dust. Amazed this got no higher.
Sinead O’Connor – Great video. Great Song. Powerful stuff.
OK I'm tapping my feet and singing along to the Quireboys – "Hey You", you got me.
KYLIE has Tears On her Pillow as no-one is watching her Delinquents movie (seriously did anyone watch this film?) but the song is very well sung and a nice change of pace for her.
No More NKOTB - Enough Now...
ADAMSKI has a case of the beeps. He will do much better but 15 year old me loved this.
Old Campbell clearly taking the piss with some of his links tonight (not really surprising given what he had to work with). Musically 1990 is not so much of a fine wine so far, more a bitter shandy. Will it improve?
Anyone know why next weeks show is 33 minutes long. Judging by the first three shows shouldn't they be shortening it?
I think it was slightly longer because it had to fit in a different time slot due to the Winter Olympics.
DeleteYep, I saw the delinquents. I’ve just had to wiki it to see what it was about though!!
DeleteExtremely non memorable.
It was the Commonwealth Games in Auckland that led to this show being longer, and moved to a Friday as well.
DeleteOf course, thanks for the correction - it would have been the Summer down there.
DeleteLess FF than of late...
ReplyDeleteHalo james - this week aimed at the Bros market, a so so tune
Lil louis - backing track sounded just like his Instrumental, the chat over the top was duuuulll
Martika - reminded me of madonna c1985. Again, ok, but no Gold star (or should I say lucky star)
Megadeath - big hair cover of Alice Cooper. Loved the original, and actually quite like this fairly faithful cover...
Breakers (are back)
Nena cherry - ok, but the drum track was a bit distracting from what could have been quite a good tune
Sinead - difficult to criticise this mega hit...
Quireboys - said it before, GnR lite
Kylie - bland cover with clunky key change (or was it exaggerated by a totp edit?)
Adamski - as rave tracks go this had a nice riff with a bit of variety
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DeleteOh, Christ, Soupy’s back, no doubt being supposedly funny by wishing us a happy 1991 and with a “Good Old Days” intro to Halo James. Their only TOTP appearance so it’s halo and goodbye. A catchy chorus, a slappable singer in garb Big Fun woud have dissed, and drums by osmosis.
ReplyDeleteAnother ha-ha-hilarious in his head intro for Lil’ Louis. I wasn’t answering the call. I much preferred putting a 10p in the phone box for Dial-A-Disc.
Next it’s one of those Liza Minelli-type out of hours recordings for the third hit by Martika Tiffany Gibson by the sound of this.
49ers with that sample which sound like it says “Freda Payne and her man”.
A meat and potatoes (or KFC and hash browns) cover next by Megadeth.
Soupy screws up the breakers’ numbering prior to Neneh Cherry’s effort which doesn’t quite take off (great video location as mentioned before) and then a very expressive video by Sinead, interpreting the lyrics to the full.
The Quireboys’ G&R lite next. Catapults and daisies, anyone?
A stupidly hystrerical reading of the top ten up to a meat and potatoes (or shrimp on the barbi) soulless bit of karaoke by Kylie, but nice outfit.
KNOB. FF.
We finish with anonymous rave and an anonymous video. N-R-G? N-O-Ta.
Two things I've suddenly remebered re Campbell's intro to Kylie. He obviously didn't rate the film "The Delinquents" either, and he namechecks (Little Anthony and) The Imperials, who had a number 4 hit with "Tears on My Pillow" in 1958, and who we'd seen as The Imperials way back in a 1977 DLT-fronted show with "Who's Gonna Love Me", their clip barely a minute and a half long as the song featured a long instrumental middle.
ReplyDeleteTesting, testing. I just wanted to introduce myself first before making some contributions. I've really enjoyed this blog for the last couple of years and have followed the totp repeats since they started in 2011.
ReplyDeleteFor me 1990 is definately among the best years of my life being 14/15 that year and I would love to add some of my insights and memories every so often. For the record my favourite episode thus far is 16/03/78. 3 of the songs in that show being among the very first songs that i can remember. As proved straightaway I will doubtless be very late in commenting on any editions. Michael
Better late than never, Michael!
DeleteWelcome to the clan!
DeleteHi Michael.. Welcome aboard...
DeleteI must have been a year older than you at the time so well into my singles/albums buying phase.
M
Cheers everyone.
DeleteWelcome - good to have some new blood!
DeleteHello, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnd a happy new year to you Nicky. I guess the '90s can officially begin now you have declared it so. Who's on the belated guestlist?
Halo James,Could've Told You So
So that's what they looked like. In my memory they resembled The Rembrandts or someone. A little disheartened to see them dressed like Brother Beyond clones. Actually it's strange to see this group introduced by someone other than Phillip Schofield or Sarah Greene, they being huge favourites of Going Live for a short time. Were they on the edition that transmitted from a cross channel ferry? I love this tune, a beautifully evocative start to the decade.
Lil Louis and the World, I Called You
I'm not sure I understood the purpose of that introduction. Perhaps Nicky didn't either. Couldn't hear much humour there or much else really.
Martika, More Than You Know
Showing an alarmingly steep decline in song quality from the three flanked offensive that was Toy Soldiers, this is very disappointing. Then again at that time, she could've turned up on totp and hummed Abide With Me for 3 minutes and I would have watched it. She will make a very notable comeback with the fabulously eerie Love Thy Will Be Done in Sept '91. Was that George Best operating the camera?
49ers, Touch Me
Absolutely hated this at the time but now truly love it. Such is the effect of clubbing while at university. Hysteria laced, soul royalty pilfering nonsense and brilliantly, energisingly so.
Megadeth, No More Mister Nice Guy
Strangely underwhelming for such a formiddable band. All I can say is that this sounds like it was recorded in about 1989 whereas the Alice Cooper original from 1973 sounds like it could've been recorded last Thursday.
Neneh Cherry, Inner Ciry Mama
Not much to hear and I feel awful saying such a thing about the singer of Manchild. Something by her is better than nothing.
Sinead O'Connor, Nothing Compares 2U
What can you say. A classic version of a great great song. Hasn't aged. Never will. Wonderful.
The Quireboys
I can imagine Alan Freeman giving this a firm 'you betcha!' if he played this on his revived radio 1 rock show. I've always liked this one, the chords in the chorus have more in common with Stevie Wonder than Aerosmith and though they look like they're off to a fancy dress night on main street, they're refreshingly unpretentious in their manner. And then nothing.
Kylie Minogue, Tears On My Pillow
As someone else has said already, a video shown on Clive James Review of the '80s on New Years Eve '89 making it the very last video or indeed song, shown on BBC1 in that decade. The first act on the channel in the '90s? Er, Kylie, same show.
New Kids On The Block, Hanging Tough
Hmmmm. Need I say more? I'd genuinely forgotten just how extraordinarily mediocre this single is and I say that as someone who thinks that You Got It is pure pop genius. The verse melody sounds like it's been cribbed from the warning bleeper from a reversing lorry. Still at least they had the grace to have a chorus which could allow 14 year olds to replace the word 'tough' with approximately 20 others. Is that it for them then? Oh my god no.
Adamski, NRG
No memory of this at all at the time but again another that I've come to enjoy. I think he DJ'd at Longwick so he has automatic respect and of course with what's coming next. The video was, forgive me, well wicked.
Good to join you!
Good knock! Belting first effort. Reassuring and relieving at the same time to have some new blood injected into the forum and a new, different opinion. I think we'd prefer it, though, if you gave yourself a 'tag' rather than Anonymous. Maybe something like 'On The Mic' to reflect your name, perhaps?
DeleteThanks! good to be on board
DeleteAdamski was notable for following up one of the best dance tracks of the year with one of the absolute worst.
DeleteThankyou all for welcoming me. You're all very kind. Yes of course I'll try to come on with a name and not just anonymous. I'm a bit useless with all this, i've never blogged before. Thankyou all again.
ReplyDeleteHave I actually beaten the old show requesters this time? Blimey...
ReplyDeleteLil Louis - A very odd tune indeed, if you can even call it a tune. The 'where did you go?' line is the most amusingly demented / stoned bit.
Martika - Ah, lovely Martika. Watching her makes up for the thin gruel of a song which surely must have been intended for Debbie Gibson originally. It has not aged well.
Megadeth - It's one of their more listenable singles I suppose, mainly because it's a cover.
A real contrast in the breakers (and the chart itself) with one of the biggest hits of the year next to one of those obvious 'what else can we release from the album?' efforts which seemed to spend an eternity not getting very far up the listings.
Kylie - Her worst single to this point, a weak tune that isn't particularly well sung.
Adamski - This was a breath of fresh air at the time, and as mentioned above there was a bit of a fuss over the unauthorised use of the Lucozade bottle on the record sleeve. The video is a taste of things to come (probably created on an Atari ST or Amiga!) and it might look dated now but it didn't back then. I still like this song, even though it's obviously been overshadowed by his next release.