The Records were an English band that straddled the late 70s and early 80s and banged out timeless power-pop like champs. A one-hit wonder, “Starry Eyes” was a sunny upbeat power-chord laden-song about their disaffection with their manager (of all things!) It still sounds fresh today.
Bram Tchaikovsky (aka Peter Bramall) also dwelled in the same few years between 1978 and 1982 and was also a one-hit power-pop wonder. His song was of the same genre but with much more interesting subject matter! “Girl Of My Dreams” featured clanging guitars and over-dubbed harmonies galore but the real kicker was that it was Bram’s touching paean to …. a blow-up doll!
"Girl of My Dreams":
Ah, 1979 … what a glorious time to be alive!
BTW, both of these power-pop forerunners to the New Wave movement (and much more cool stuff!) can be found on one excellent compilation CD: DIY: Starry Eyes - UK Pop II (1978-79)
SUPER DUPER EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS!
While we are in the 1979 - 1980 period, there is a song we should … no MUST… add to this week’s entry. In fact, it’s a segue song, TWO awesome songs linked together as one. It’s also one that I am shocked that I beat our gracious host Marc D to naming!
The Kings are a Canadian band from Vancouver BC whose biggest hit dropped in 1980 and is the very definition of pre-new-wave rocking power pop. “This Beat Goes On / Switching To Glide” is a song that got tons of airplay in the early 80s in NYC and one I never, ever get tired of ! And remember - nothing matters but the weekend - from a Wednesday point of view!
Enjoy!
Starry Eyes - you're right, this still sounds fresh today.
ReplyDeleteBram T - Today I learned his real last name wasn't "Tchaikovsky". Thanks for ruining my childhood, WAS!
As for The Kings, no one can deny the awesomeness that is "Switching to Glide"!
Great entry as usual.
Thanks MD! Glad you appreciate late 70s pre new wave awesomeness!
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