I can't believe you've left me, why don't you come and get me the 30th of August 1990 edition of Top of the Pops!
Boo-tiful
30-8-90: Presenter: Mark Goodier
(25) ASWAD – Next To You
Getting this live show underway tonight and the song went up one more place.
(24) SONIA – End Of The World
The original by Skeeter Davis had made it to number 18 in 1963 and Sonia's updated version peaked at exactly that same position.
(11) THE KLF – What Time Is Love?
A second time in the studio for this one and it peaked at number 5.
(14) STEVE MILLER BAND – The Joker (video)
The soundtrack to the latest Levi's ad on the telly it was on its way to number one.
(4) BETTY BOO – Where Are You Baby?
Betty and the Boo-ettes are in the studio again and the song went up one more place.
(3) NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK – Tonight (video)
Someone at the BBC really liked this one, didn't they! But it was now at its peak.
(23) JASON DONOVAN – Rhythm Of The Rain
He's in the studio of course and this Cascades cover peaked at number 9.
(1) BOMBALURINA – Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
Second of three weeks at number one.
(31) WHITESNAKE – Now You’re Gone (video) (and credits)
Got no higher.
6th of September is next.
I kind of remember this Aswad tune, but in my mind I get it mixed up with Max Priest's Close to You. Does this really count as reggae anymore? Very much embracing the keytar technology.
ReplyDeleteDo we want to see Sonia miserable? Lacklustre cover time, and a weird choice for a bouncy pop poppet. Like Beavis from Beavis and Butthead, who kept laughing even when he was in pain, Sonia can't help smiling when she delivers the lyrics of emotional devastation.
The KLF to shake us up, and they appear to have nicked Aswad's keytars for this performance. "When I'm done this calls for anaesthetic!"
Steve Miller Band, I recall Nicky Campbell changing the lyrics to "I'm a Joker, I'm a toker, Crikey, what a porker!" at the time, but he actually didn't look as fat as I remembered. Anyway, 1970s smugness all round, a very pleased with itself song.
Betty Boo back, didn't quite make the top, but this is still fun. "I've used up all my tissues!"
Oddly, we get the New Blockheads yet again, except they've Colorized the black and white video making it look even more horrible. Presumably if they'd done it again they'd have added cartoon animals.
Lacklustre cover again, Jase doing what his SAW overlords told him to, adding nothing to a wistful tune, though the girls in the audience sound like they were appreciating him (unless they were asked to scream).
Bit disappointed there's no Mallet's Mallet in these TOTP appearances. Must do better, Timmy.
Whitesnake in a trouser-lowering video for ho-hum rock posturing, also mostly in black and white because it was 1990.
I noticed that The KLF put a different girl on stage with them this week. What happened to the feisty one on stage with them two shows ago? I quite liked her.
DeleteWow, didn't realise Betty Boo eventually reached No.3 with this one!
I was little disappointed and found it strange that for two weeks running in the top ten, there is still no showing of the George Michael video, and it would have been better to play out the show with him this week rather than Whitesnake at No.31!
Didn't George's video just consist of the song lyrics on a black background, as by now he was refusing to appear in his own promos? I suspect the Beeb didn't consider that "televisual" enough - a shame, though, as Praying For Time was one of the best songs he ever wrote.
DeleteWasn't it the same girl with The KLF, only with a keytar to mime with? She was still doing the high kicking at the end.
DeleteI think it was the same girl with the KLF. Certainly that is the girl that always showed up with them for their later hits, wearing those Lennon specs. She sported an Indian headdress on the show when they did 'Justified and Ancient'.
DeleteJohn G, good to see that you couldn't resist a comeback so soon, and that it was George Michael that got your attention on this week's top 10 rundown.
DeleteWe'll not be seeing Praying For Time at all on TOTP, as the song will tumble down to No.10 next week, but interesting to note that it was No.1 for one week in America a few weeks later in October 1990!
DeleteThat girl from The KLF performance is actually Cressida Cauty (former wife of Jimmy Cauty). You can find some infos on Her on the Internet.
DeleteDory - I still read the blog and the comments, so I will pop up from time to time if I think I have something worthwhile to contribute!
DeleteJohann-von-leers - just had a look and she is now a professor in science and research, and this article is just amazing on what can be achieved after a career with The KLF:
Deletehttps://labnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/11/from-pop-charts-to-laboratory.html?fbclid=IwAR2GmrEGrBnT_Q6A51CGIyDO2lCGwtzps6ZS0ShpxzL6Fzp96ZtizckiEnk
Sonia desperately trying not to grin reminded me of the brilliant Keith Chegwin cameo in “extras”.
DeleteIf you know you know.
Sonia desperately trying not to grin reminded me of the brilliant Keith Chegwin cameo in “extras”.
DeleteIf you know you know.
A couple of RIPs, Prince Markie D of The Fat Boys passed away yesterday, we'll be hearing his production and songwriting work for the likes of Mariah, J-Lo and Mary J. Blige on the show, among others.
ReplyDeleteAlso, U-Roy, legendary Jamaican toaster (not of the Morphy-Richards variety) died, don't think he had a hit here but very influential.
Is Prince Markie D the one who sings the line "The sun went down and the night began......" on the Fat Boys debut single Wipeout in 1987?:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-kAnNgqN9o
Prince Markie D was the white guy. There's only one of the trio left now.
DeleteI've managed to hold off watching and hearing Bomballurina for a further day an achievement of which I'm very proud but that will end tonight. This will seem mad but can I use this space to say something complimentary about Timmy Mallett.
ReplyDeleteAnyone still about?
Does anyone have a memory of a show called 'Summer Run'? It was shown on Saturday mornings on ITV as part of the infant (and hugely struggling) TV am during Summer '83. And yes massive irritant Timmy Mallett was the presenter. He must've changed his style because as I recall it was a show that I just could not miss (My Dad loved it too), so imaginative and, well, summery.
The format was music and I think things to do / places to go, all done in a sort of flourescent arty style that resembled the video for The Jam's 'Absolute Beginniners'. All I remember aside from that was the brilliant funky theme tune sung by Junior and I think, him turning up for an interview on one show. I've got a feeling Mike Oldfield's 'Moonlight Shadow' got shown on it as well. Would love to know if anyone else recalls this brilliant show.
Right. Back to hating this dick again.
Wasn't there one called Data Run too? I didn't really watch TV at breakfast, more of a radio guy, but everyone knew who Timmy was anyway. I don't hate him, everyone has the right to earn a living, even it's being irritating to every adult watching (!).
DeleteAcording to Wikipedia, and I'll give Mallett his due here....
Delete"In spring 2018, Mallett cycled alone from home in England through France and Spain along the pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela Finisterre and back, a distance of over 4000 km, inspired by his older brother Martin with Downs syndrome".
Two songs peaking this week outside the top 40 with their new singles, and which deserve a mention as they are chart legends from the 70s & 80s, but failing to make it into this week's 1990 chart:
ReplyDeleteNo.58 In The Back Of My Mind - Fleetwood Mac
This was their last ever single in the UK charts, as we bid a fond farewell as the curtain comes down on this legendary group's contribution to the British charts. This single came of the Behind The Mask Album released in 1990, and not a bad video either:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUGdS1HCe7s
No.65 - Mind Blowing Decisions [1990] - Heatwave
A 1990s dance refresh for the classic 1978 tune:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsdXH5UoTk4
You're right that this was Fleetwood Mac's last UK chart 'hit' with original material, though two re-releases / reissues made the mugshots in the next millennium.
DeleteIntriguingly, The Mac's last eight UK chart entries with original material provided two top five hits with the others peaking between 53 and 66.
Yes, but with no more original material, August 1990 marks the end of Fleetwood Mac's singles chart career which goes all the way back to April 1968 with their debut single Black Magic Woman which reached No.37.
DeleteThe Fleetwood Mac album 'Behind the Mask' was an absolute clunker. Recorded without the genius of Lindsey Buckingham, it spawned three flop singles; 'Save Me' which reached no45, 'In the back of your mind' (edited from a horrific longer form on the album) reaching no48 and finally 'Skies the limit' which reached nowhere. Sad way for such a talented and influential band to bow out of the UK charts.
DeleteIt goes to show that the Tango In The Night album which spawned several chart hits in 1987-1988 was their last hurrah, cos this 1990 album Behind The Mask released these three flop singles that you mention. Yes, pity to go out like this. We shall never see their like again.
DeleteYou can always trust Mark Smilier with a live show.
ReplyDeleteAswad obviously cleared out the keytar shop for their reggae Soul II Soul, or Snooze II Snooze as it sounded to me.
Sonia’s bland remake is in 4/4 time as opposed to Skeeter Davis’s 6/8 (fast waltz time) version. For anyone interested, ‘Skeeter’ was a cute version of ner nickname Mosquito. At times Sonia looked too smiley for a break-up song but, overall, she did a good job in the circumstances.
Early mugshots: Kudos to Mark for doing what other hosts haven’t by mentioning the double A-side number one we saw ten seconds of, “Healing Hands”.
“Lads, can we borrow two of your keytars?”. KLF with the main lads in hoodie apparel namechecking a future hit. Klaxon, whistle and fluo jacket time.
“The Snorer” borefest next.
Wahay! It’s Betty Hooray. No Booing here. So THAT'S where Aswad’s third keytar went! If only we could have swapped the chart careers of Betty with that record label boss shagging screecher Carey.
“What is there to say about KNOTB?”. Plenty of swearwords, Mark. Don’t tempt me.
Another SAW artiste with a SAD sombre cover. Poor Jason,I feel sorry for the lad. Was that unexpected howling by the audience mid-song due to a mouse in the studio?
FF the next bit for some proper UK poodle metal by Whitesnake. Listen and learn, Magnum, Little Angels and that other lot whose name Ive forgotte because they’re so anonymous. I wonder if that woman who got the autograph had it tattooed or didn’t use the carbolic soap for a few weeks?
regarding skeeter davis: the actor skeet ulrich is so-known for the same reason
DeleteI liked these acts on tonights episode:
ReplyDeleteTHE KLF – What Time Is Love? fantastic dance track, very energetic.
STEVE MILLER BAND – The Joker (video) Great Song
BETTY BOO – Where Are You Baby? A good tune to sing-a-long too!
Mark's forecast for Betty Boo in the USA was sadly optimistic. She reached number 90 in the Billboard chart (and, admittedly, number 1 in the US dance chart) with "Doin' The Do" but that was it.
ReplyDeleteLorra lorra repeats. Dreadful edition with few highlights.
ReplyDeleteAswad - nothing song lessened by the ridiculous rap. reggae lite.
(Anyone else notice someone fall off the platform just after betty boo?...)
Jason donovan - still churning them out - did he release a record every month?. Another in a long line of wishy-washy cover versions
Whitesnake - fine but standard whitesnake tune with now standard concert video.
Hard to follow last week’s edition and not surprisingly this wasn’t as good despite a very engaging host.
ReplyDeleteAswad – Next to you – Next…
Sonia – End of the World – As I noted last week, the best vocal version of this I have ever heard comes from the incomparable Karen Carpenter on the ‘Now and then’ 60s medley on side 2. For those who have never heard the album it starts off with ‘Yesterday once more’ and then segues into a series of hits from 1963 such as ‘Fun fun fun’, ‘One fine Day’ and this, with Tony Peluso (the guitarist) on DJ duties. I often play it and always look forward to where the fast paced ‘Fun fun fun’ slows down into ‘The End of the World’. As for Sonia, her version lacks emotion and punch so falls flat.
KLF – What time is love? – I don’t know what I was expecting from the KLF but I don’t like this at all!
Steve Miller Band – The Joker – “Back in the charts”. Oh really? Go on, tell us the reason why!!
Betty Boo – Where are you Baby – Not listening to this!
NKOTB – Tonight – Not a fan of the ‘kids’ at all, but give ‘em their due, this isn’t bad. I quite liked ‘Tonight’ by the Rubettes and the Move….and of course Genesis with ‘Tonight Tonight Tonight’.
Jason Donovan – Rhythm of the Rain – One of life’s great mysteries is why the Cascades only made no5 with the original in 1963. Json doesn’t do badly but I am missing those weather sound effects and that nostalgic early sixties feel of the original.
Bombalurina – Its witsy – More please Tim!
Whitesnake – Now you’re gone – Sounds like…..Whitesnake!
What about "Drummer Man" by Tonight? :-D
DeleteLong story, but does anyone have the TOTP from 1 April 1976 that they could make available please? Many thanks in anticipation!
ReplyDeleteSecond attempt at typing this...internet cut-out and I lost it all...
ReplyDeleteThe long hot August of 1990 comes to an end, I'm on holiday in France, and it's so warm even Mark has ditched his over-sized suits and put a summer outfit on!
ASWAD – Next To You
A forgotten Aswad hit that was lovely and summery and I enjoyed. Hang on...don't rap! Too late...Aaaahh
SONIA – End Of The World
I wasn't familiar with the original by Skeeter Davis so this was my first experience of this gorgeous song. Sung nicely as well by Sonia. Big fan of this and should have gone much higher than number 18 in 1963 and 1990. A lot of very close close-ups from the cameraman.
THE KLF – What Time Is Love?
Best tune on the show (not hard this week) and apparently it's grim up north. A good attempt by the Editor at get as many cameras and cameramen into shot as possible.
(14) STEVE MILLER BAND – The Joker
Amazingly the "live" version of this is even worse than the record!
BETTY BOO – Where Are You Baby?
Always nice to see Betty and the Boo-ettes in the studio. I wonder if she ever broke America?
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK – Tonight
Do you think they look back on this and cringe? We get even more of the video this week.
JASON DONOVAN – Rhythm Of The Rain
Jason looking thrilled to be in the studio pretending to play the guitar. Has Kylie dumped him now? Sounds like he's moaning about it. Song is a dreadful dirge.
BOMBALURINA – Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
And moving swiftly on....
WHITESNAKE – Now You’re Gone
An awful "live" video for an awful heavy metal tune.
KLF and Betty Boo saved the show - nothing much new to rave about. I didn't miss much whilst I was on the beach...