Size of a guitar
21/09/89 (Nicky Campbell)
London Boys – “Harlem Desire” (21)
Getting the show off to a trademark gymnastic start and the song peaked at number 17.
Aerosmith – “Love In An Elevator” (17) (video)
The band's first credited UK hit and it went up to floor 13.
S’Express – “Mantra For A State Of Mind” (24)
Looking very sleek in the studio and this latest effort went up three more places.
Richard Marx – “Right Here Waiting” (2) (video)
At its peak.
The Wonder Stuff – “Don’t Let Me Down, Gently” (19)
Giving us a little taste of the 90's to come with their second of thirteen top 40 hits but it got no hihger.
The Beautiful South – “You Keep It All In” (31) (breaker)
On its way to number 8.
Gloria Estefan – “Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)” (30) (breaker)
Peaked at number 16.
Aretha Franklin & Whitney Houston – “It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Never Gonna Be” (29) (breaker)
Got no higher.
Deacon Blue – “Love & Regret” (28) (breaker)
Got no higher.
WASP – “Forever Free” (25) (video)
Also got no higher.
Black Box – “Ride On Time” (1) (rpt)
Third of six weeks at number one.
Janet Jackson – “Miss You Much” (22) (video/credits)
Another one that got no higher.
28th September is next.
I've just found my anthem for the end of lockdown when it comes - Forever Free by WASP. Been really loving this tune on the last couple of TOTP shows on the same night on BBC4. To be only given a minute-and-a-half for the video as a main slot on this weeks show, when the Breakers on the show get a whole minute each, I'm just wondering why TOTP is continuing with a Breakers section, as the whole show format is really quite messy now.
ReplyDeleteCampbell is in one of those poncey waistcoats that became fashionable around this time, but for the most part he is OK here, if a bit too keen to show off his general knowledge when introducing Richard Marx. The London Boys move on from London to Harlem for their latest hit, but their chart odyssey would end here. They certainly go out in style with their off-one-shoulder outfits and an extra helping of acrobatics compared to previous performances, but musically this is more of the same and, while enjoyable enough, you can see why the hits dried up after this.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the "censored" bits of the Aerosmith video had caused controversy the previous week, as they were conspicuous by their absence this time. S'Express don't go in for any provocative antics in their latest studio turn, though the spiky ball hanging from the main singer's neck looks quite similar to the coronavirus! The song was nice enough, but passed me by a bit. The Wonder Stuff look very much as if their natural home would be a festival in a field somewhere, and I could imagine this rocky-but-melodic tune going down well in such an environment. Not bad at all, and one that I suspect would improve with more listens, as I have never heard it before.
You might have thought that, having got Aretha and Whitney together, the record company would have provided them with a decent song, but this sounded very forgettable and on the bit we heard it was Aretha doing all the singing. Still, at least they were not trying to out-shriek each other in the way Whitney did with Mariah Carey on that ghastly duet they recorded some years later. Not surprised that Deacon Blue tune got no higher, as it was even more anonymous than Whitney-Aretha. I have to agree with Campbell that the WASP video is just one long rock cliché, but that suits this dull, plodding attempt at a lighters-in-the-air style ballad. The rest we have seen before.
Having watched this on a DVD-R way back in 2011, what I now do remember with The London Boys performing 'Harlem Desire' as their third single from the Twelfth Commandments of Dance, it's not truly one of their best efforts than the previous two and their next single 'My Love' failed to reach the top 40, also we do have Aerosmith's first credited UK hit after their Run DMC collaborated hit over three years previous from their 'Pump' album, the "uncensored" bits of that music video can be found on their official YouTube channel, as it turns out they had to screen the censored video in place of the uncensored version in which was shown part of the breakers slot the previous week, the same had to be done with The Chart Show in the early morning slot as it was usually opted to pre-watershed.
ReplyDeleteThen we'd had S'Express doing 'Mantra for a State of Mind' in the studio, breakers include Aretha & Whitney and Deacon Blue's 'Love and Regret', didn't get no higher than their previous singles, also The Beautiful South's second hit finally had Briana Corrigan in the band before Jacqui Abbott replaced her in 1994 and this song was great as well and the lyric "That robbery in '62" is one of the best parts in the song, then we'd had that WASP video to a song which was taken from a horror movie, also Black Box again (with Ride on Time!) as it reached its third consecutive run, and the play-out goes to Janet Jackson with her monochrome video (to which will become) next
week's American number one on the 28th of September.
This episode's WASP track wasn't on the soundtrack to A Nightmare On Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, it was a different one. The only hit off that film to trouble the UK charts was Iron Maiden's only No.1, Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter.
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DeleteThose shouty gymnasts The London Boys are back for the last time, had they lived you imagine they could have revived their flipping for Britain's Got Talent, but it was not to be. More a variety act than a nightclub act, maybe, but they had bags of energy even if their material was samey.
ReplyDeleteAn alternate edit for the Aerosmith video, minus canoodling, but they did this kind of good times rock 'n' roll better than many at the time, no wonder, the years of experience could be seen on their faces. I suppose the appeal of the premise is the thrill of being caught, I wonder if Steven Tyler was a fan of Dennis Potter's Pennies from Heaven? It was probably Fatal Attraction that inspired it, though.
S'Express with a real disappointment after their last few hits, the watery smile from the keyboard player says it all. Lacks the infectious fun of those earlier records, goes nowhere in particular, a washout, basically.
Richard Marx we've seen before, more or less the same bit of the video too, half expected Nicky to namecheck Alfred Marks in his intro.
Ah, The Wonder Stuff, now I had bought and thoroughly enjoyed the Eight Legged Groove Machine album, but felt nothing they did afterwards lived up to it. However, hearing this again it's pretty good, isn't it? Impressive indiepop, their sound was fully formed from the off. But I do prefer that debut LP...
The Breakers next, we won't hear Aretha and Whitney again, another patchwork from other sources video, and we were entering the era where duets were not recorded at the same time as each voice. This I vaguely remember, but it didn't trouble me much, both of them responsible for much gospel-style oversinging in the future. Oh, and Deacon Blue, one of their downbeat numbers, this isn't too bad since it reminds me of the better work on the Raintown album. Bit repetitive, mind you.
WASP take their turn at the sensitive rawk ballad and it's just a bunch of noises we've heard far too many times before from them and bands like them. They never had a massive hit here, but they've certainly hung around, haven't they?
A repeat of the previous week's Black Box appearance, then that Janet Jackson military precision dancing video. Since this was last on I now have a copy of the album it's off, Rhythm Nation 1814, and it's excellent, love that hard-edged, funky production contrasting with her girly voice.
Keep forgetting to mention this, but Mory Kante died this week. One UK hit, but it wouldn't stay down!
ReplyDeleteShame, only 70 years old, and a very underrated performer in this country, not taken seriously, and not being invited to TOTP, despite making the top 30 with Yeke Yeke in 1988 as a mere 38 year old, and achieving No.1 status in several countries in Europe with it that year. He was invited back on stage years later on national Belgium TV in 2000 to perform it:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vxV0X_Whw8
Mory's instrument, the kora, surely has to be the most phallic instrument invented.
DeleteFarewell then to London Boys, putting Sydney Youngblood’s efforts from the last show in their place. Possibly the first hit since “Staying Alive” to have a “ha ha ha ha“ refrain in the chorus. Interesting how one Boy is left handed, the other right handed, and they use their sleeved arms to pick the mics up near the end.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, There has been a song called “Love In A Lift”. It was a track on The Members’ first album. So the canoodling’s been cut but it’s okay to see Steven in a protruding codpiece as part of his outfit? Hmm.
S’Express with the nearest we get to rave testcard music. My state of mind hearing this was zzzzz.
Full marx (ahem) to Nicky for his intro to Richard. For those who like that sort of thing, it’s the sort of thing they like. Not me, though.
A wrong title intro into the peak of the week, The Wonder Stuff, who were originally funded by bassist Bob’s pools win. Here we get a mariache size guitar, a stand-up drummer, and a positively rousing song.
The first sighting of The Beautiful South’s new member Briana for their Radio 2 sounding classic.
Oy Oy, it’s “Oye”. Another tropical video with Glo looking serious. Cheer up, woman.
Aretha and Shrieker next with “It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Ever Gonna Be A Big Hit”.
Great, a Deacon Blue video for an unremarkable slowie where all we see is Ricky Ross.
Nicky was spot on with his outro comments for the video for Poison... no, hang on, Guns ‘n’ Roses... no, wait, I’ll get it in a minute..
The return of the Black Box dungarees. Next week, it’s the turn of her Kwikfit fitter outfit. Possibly.
We finish with an overly choreographed video for some boom thump. It’ll either be Janet Jackson or Paula Abdul. Can’t be bothered to watch and find out.
Just seen the full uncut video of Love In An Elevator, and his blonde topless squeeze in the department store elevator features several times in the video in the same elevator.
DeleteAlso note at the beginning of the video the fine-bosomed brunette concierge welcoming him into the 2nd floor elevator for the ladies lingerie floor, and says "going down." If only all department stores were this welcoming:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3Yrhv33Zb8
Nicky does look very 80s here and is triumphant almost when saying ‘Jive Bunny AND THE MASTERMIXERS !” on the chart rundown.
ReplyDeleteLondon Boys – Harlem Nights – Both T Rex and David Bowie did a song called ‘London Boys’. The Boys followed this last substantial success up with ‘My Love’, ‘Chapel of Love’ and ‘Freedom’ none of which were the same songs that we all know. Love the gymnastics but the song is just a lesser version of more of the same. Oh yes ‘Requiem’ was also another song for another band in another era.
Aerosmith – Love in an Elevator – Got a lift from this one! The mannequins reminded me of, er the film ‘Mannequin’.
S’Express - Mantra…- They were still going? Novelty hadn’t worn off yet….
Richard Marx – Right here waiting – A touch of class at last! Not enough of this shown, but still heads above anything else on this show. Cruelly denied no1 by the mimer/shouter.
The Wonder Stuff – Don’t let me down gently – Future chart toppers with Vic Reeves, but this is just ordinary.
Breakers – Gloria Estefan – Ah… lovely, such a sultry image. Aretha and Whitney – Truly hideous. Deacon Blue – Hmmmm.. prefer John Deacon.
WASP – Forever Free – Must have gone down a storm in WASP’s live gigs amidst the grinding rockers. Not bad I have to say.
Black Box and Janet Jackson – I’m not going to say anything about these except ‘The End’.
Hi Anonymous! Here's my request this week for the original archive versions of the following shows that BBC4 made cuts in when they transmitted them. They are 14/02/85, 25/12/85 (both with JK sections removed), 16/01/86 and 11/12/86 (both with links to Smithy cut). Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHi Brie, here are the two cut eps ( 1 of them isnt great)no linked 86 shows sorry.
Deletehttps://we.tl/t-VKgFiLdLVk
Great stuff, mate! Thanks for these.
DeleteLot of recycling this week...
ReplyDeleteS Express - don’t remember this. it was... ok
Wonder stuff - nice boppy number.
Breakers:
Beautiful south - like this one. Looking forward to the full run;
gloria estefan - Immemorable, but ironically reminded me of something else;
Aretha and whitney - the sublime and ridiculous. The return of the the biff, biff drum beat;
deacon blue - nothing new here.
Wonder Stuff turn out to be the highlight of a drab show
Only one TOTP show this coming week, so a little breather for us before we get into the October shows. Still three more shows with Black Box at No.1 until mid-October when Jive Bunny wins back the No.1 position when their follow up to Swing The Mood.
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit like a heavyweight boxing match, with Black Box winning the first bout and then Jive bunny winning the rematch in a Jive Bunny vs Black Box II, like the recent Fury vs Wilder II heavyweight title fight.
A Change to schedule this friday, now two editions showing.
DeleteAnother death reported this week (not music related...well sort of) was Michael Angelis. Voice of 'Thomas the Tank Engine' for many years. He starred in 'The Liver Birds' as the 'Rabbits' man and also in one of the most shocking episodes of 'Casualty' ever - 'Boiling Point' in 1993, where a rampaging mob destroyed the hospital. Made quite an impact on me at the time, and I still mention it occasionally.
ReplyDeleteMichael did have a tangential connection to music: his brother Paul was the voice of Ringo in the Yellow Submarine film.
DeleteI remember Michael as one of the Boys from the Blackstuff, a brilliant performance among many there.
Scottish Nicky back tonight to share his likes and dislikes in the chart rundown. Nowhere near as funny as he thinks he is, he's just annoying tonight.
ReplyDeleteGymnastic London Boys kicking off tonights show with a special Star Trek Uniform tribute. Ha Ha Ha Ha Harlem....No No No No Thank You
It's Aerosmith safely re-edited since last weeks showing of "Love In An Elevator” Stonking tune.
No CENSORED bits this week.
Time for Nicky to boogie on down (someone mute his mic) as S’Express are back for more. “Mantra For A State Of Mind” is a decent enough tune but it lacks the killer chorus or hook of the previous hits. Not sure Prince needs help from Mark Moore though!
Hello Number One, Richard Marx here. I'm “Right Here Waiting” for my turn at the top...don't be long...
Well hello to The Wonder Stuff. Sometimes we need some out and out fun on the show and “Don’t Let Me Down, Gently” is a glorious example of the fun pop tunes they do best. Absolutely brilliant. And he's knicked Jon Pertwee's frilly shirt as well.
4 great Breakers this week:
The Beautiful South – The lesser of the first 3 singles but still good.
Gloria Estefan. Great song from a great album.
Aretha Franklin & Whitney Houston – “It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Never Gonna Be” a big hit but it was always a given these two would end up duetting together.
Deacon Blue – “Love & Regret” is another song that deserved to get higher. Love DB.
WASP are “Forever Free” to make boring songs for ever decreasingly successful Knightmare On Elm Streets movies (FIVE...Already?)
Katrin hasn't finished the decorating so she's back with her Black Box. “Ride On Time” with the work Katrin or I'll want a deduction on my bill!
More of the wonderful Janet Jackson/“Miss You Much” video to play out...storming tune. Why didn't this go higher!
Anyone else keeping an eye on The Guardian’s Top100 No1 ‘one artist entry only’ chart as compiled by a group of music ‘experts’?
ReplyDeleteThe top ten has been counted down and we’re at no2 now:-
10 – Heard it through the Grapevine
9 – Dancing Queen
8 – Firestarter
7 – Don’t you want me?
6 – Billie Jean
5 – You spin me round (like a record)
4 – I feel love
3 – She loves you
2 – Ghost Town
No Oasis song in the chart yet, so I am predicting ‘Don’t look back in anger’ as no1. Anyone else got a prediction before it is revealed tomorrow? (Friday 5th June). Save your kisses for me, No-one quite like Grandma perhaps?!
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/apr/27/the-100-greatest-uk-no-1s
I've not been keeping an eye on it, but the No.1 could be Joe Dolce with Shaddup Your Face.
DeleteWest End Girls is no1. I'd never have predicted that in a million years!!!
DeleteAnother death: Steve Priest of The Sweet, who we saw earlier in the run (years ago!) has passed away aged 72.
ReplyDeleteVery sad. Just Andy Scott left now.
Deletehas anyone else noticed that the swastika steve wore on his sleeve when he appeared on TOTP has now been pixelled out on youtube? it does seem strange in a way that people are more sensitive about that sort of thing now than they were half a century ago - when there were a hell of lot more people around that personally suffered in one way or other as a result of the nazi regime?
Deletesteve himself would have been a victim-of-sorts, as he no doubt lived on rationing as a child along with most of his baby-boomer peers. however it seems he more than made up for that in later life!
https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/239063912.jpg?mw=1920&mh=1080&q=70
btw cue "twilight zone" music as last week i was watching an episode of an old 60's crime/detective series called "mr rose" that was exploiting the "swinging london" scene of the time, and which in effect featured a promo video for a group typical of that era called the elastic band... that feaured an extremely youthful andy scott!:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhv_VCL2iEo
When they repeated the Christmas TOTP from 1973 they edited The Sweet out completely simply because of that iron cross - I think this kind of approach is pathetic, really. It's Nanny State UK these days.
DeleteAh, the days when you could dress up as a Nazi on prime time TV and the audience loved you for it. Whither Freddie Starr?
DeleteLondon Boys - Nothing wrong with this at all, but the law of diminishing returns meant that it was never going to be a massive hit.
ReplyDeleteS'Express - I really like this, understated perhaps compared to their previous hits but still good.
The Wonder Stuff - A bit of an all over the place performance, or direction, or both. Luckily the song is very good and one of many good singles they made.
Breakers - Aretha / Whitney is badly made stuff that's aged badly. All of Whitney's duets were dreadful mind you. The Deacon Blue song I really like actually, though by now the album had been out so long that it's no surprise that it didn't climb higher.
WASP - No thanks. Not today.