Great One Hit Wonders and Other Significant Song of 1984

 Its that time again where I look at some of the one hit wonders of the year I am visiting. There were some interesting ones in 1984 with others who were wrongly considered such by the so called mainstream public. Some great heavy metal acts fell under this misbelief. So without further ado, let's start with what was the most successful hit, "Missing You" by John Waite.

[caption id="attachment_4119" align="aligncenter" width="198"] John Waite[/caption]

What I couldn't believe was that after doing a bit of research, that John Waite had a pretty impressive discography. However, the only song I and many others will remember him for would be this great soft rock ballad that went to number one. Although many metalheads wouldn't admit it back then, they did like it. It can be found on quite a few soft rock compilation albums.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9e157Ner90

[caption id="attachment_4120" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Dwight Twilley[/caption]

The next one comes from American songwriter Dwight Twilley. He had been around for years as I have learned but he is best known for his 1984 top 20 hit "Girls." This mid tempo rock tune takes me back to the time when the build up to the metal explosion in 1984 was just about to happen. I haven't heard this song for years but listening to it for the purposes of research was very pleasant. I wonder if this one is on any compilation albums.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n7ykctLEW4

[caption id="attachment_4121" align="aligncenter" width="274"] Dog Police[/caption]

In 1984, MTV had a monthly segment called "Basement Video." The premise was six videos from unsigned artists would be played and the winner would go onto the grand final. In January, a video from a Memphis Tennessee outfit called Dog Police won with their self titled single. I even phone up and voted for it. What I remember about them was that upon the introduction to the video it was said that Dog Police wanted to become the Frank Zappa of music video. Unfortunately, that never happened and they only finished fourth in the grand final. Still, it's a great video and song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0359hSerDeE

[caption id="attachment_4122" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Rick Derringer[/caption]

All I know for sure with this next one was that I first heard the song  "I Play Guitar" by Rick Derringer in 1984 when I saw the video for said song. I loved it straight away! Now, I'm not sure if this song actually came out in this year but because 84 was when I first heard it, I'm including it here just because it's such a kick ass song. Before this, I had only heard how great a guitarist Rick was but this song proved it. And because I can't find the official MTV video on Youtube, you get this really cool live version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyuFiHNxjjE

Naff song of 1984

[caption id="attachment_4124" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Tracey Ulman[/caption]

In the eyes of most of the world, Tracey Ulman is a brilliant comedy actress. I love her wit. But in 1984, she put an album and MTV treated the world to the single from it, "They Don't Know." I had the misfortune of hearing it on the car radio a couple of months ago. The song is totally naff, with a 1960s pop feel and even the guitar solo sounds naff. Don't worry, I won't inflict it upon you, my readers, but rest assured, I am glad that she stuck to comedy. The rest of the world is probably glad too. However, I can identify with her sense of humour with the title of her album "You Broke My Heart in 17 Places." I have this habit of picking out numbers like that.

Next post: Music News of 1984

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Great Rock One Hit Wonders of 1983

 It's that time of the year, at least as far as the trip through 1983 is concerned, where I look back on those who had one song that got my attention and nothing more. In short, it's time to look at the great rock one hit wonders of 1983.

Now you would think that with a name like Rough Trade, this would be a power chord happy heavy metal band. Unfortunately, there is too much piano in their hit "High School Confidential" to make that even possible. However, the song is memorable enough that it has never escaped my memory after all these years.  Maybe it was because when I heard it in '83, I was amused by the lyrics: "She makes me want to cream my jeans." Wow, the things that amused my young mind then. Thinking about it though, the song might sound really cool if metalized.

Doctor Demento

Here's a classic example of how attitudes have changed in the past thirty-three years. Today, if anyone put out a song about a clown who is a peadophile, that person or persons would be hung, drawn and quartered. Things were a bit different in 1983 where a song called "Kinko the Clown" got loads of airplay on the Doctor Demento show. Even then, it was too tasteless for mainstream radio. Back then it got lots of laughs from people who heard it, me included. Today, I see the not funny side about it.

No the Three Stooges didn't put out any songs in 1983. If they did, I would have bought it because I was a big fan of theirs since I was 12, coitenly, nyuk nyuk! Like most fans of this classic comedy group, my favourite Stooge was Curly. So you can imagine how excited I was when I heard the song, "Curly Shuffle" by the Jump in the Saddle Band. The song is definitely of the swing jazz genre but it is played so well that it rocks! Throwing the phrases and sounds made by Curly into the song take it up even higher. Once again, proof that humour belongs in music. So don't be a victim of coicumstance!

[caption id="attachment_3345" align="aligncenter" width="274"] Martin Briley[/caption]

Naturally, I save the best for last. "Salt in My Tears" by Martin Briley is simply a great rocker, nuff said! Thirty three years on, I still head bang along to it. A great rocking hook and though the guitar solo is mind blowing, it is sufficient here. From a personal historical aspect, this song came out just before I got out of the marines and it immediately had me thinking of an ex girlfriend while I was in and how I wanted to sing the song to her. While I don't think about her anymore, those lyrics continue to amuse me.

Well those are my choices for the great rock one hit wonders of 1983 and hopefully they'll bring back some memories for you.

Next post: Triumphs and Tragedies

To buy Rock And Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com 

Great Rock Hit Wonders of 1982 and Other Significant Songs

My limited exposure to commercial radio during 1982 could be considered either a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it. While I didn't think commercial radio totally sucked back then, there were some things played on it that I wasn't totally impressed with. Sorry but "Tainted Love" only met with a lukewarm response from me and that was only because there was a dancer at the Driftwood who could work the song to her advantage. I suppose the best way to examine this is by looking at the one hit wonders from that year.

As soon as I returned to the US in June after my second and final deployment to the Mediterranean, I was aware that all the bars were playing "Jenny- 8675309" by Tommy Tutone on their jukeboxes. I can't say that I really rocked out to the song but the melody was very catchy and when the title was sung, it stuck in your mind. The melody is going through my mind right now. I once heard a live version of this song and it did sound a bit harder rock and if Tommy had recorded the song that way, I would have liked it even more.

[caption id="attachment_1759" align="aligncenter" width="243"] The Pretenders[/caption]

All right already, I know that The Pretenders were not one hit wonders nor did they release an album in 1982. However, they did release one song and it was a killer one. "Back on the Chain Gang" is most definitely my all time favourite Pretenders song. This is the song where lead guitarist James Honeyman Scott really shines. He just riffs through the entire song and of course I won't take anything away from Chrissie. Her vocals are as good as ever on this one. Maybe with a great song like this one, The Pretenders believed they didn't need to make an entire album. Who's to know?

[caption id="attachment_2730" align="aligncenter" width="275"] The McKenzie Brothers[/caption]

Okay, it's not really a rock song, more of a comedy parody. But the single "Take Off" by the Canadian Comedy duo Bob and Doug McKenzie did break the top 40 in the US and I believe it went to number one in Canada! Maybe one of my Canadian followers can verify that for me. That fact alone qualifies them as one hit wonders in my reckoning although their version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is fourth favourite Christmas song. Another reason this qualifies as a rock song is the fact that none other than Geddy Lee sings the backing vocals on "Take Off." That makes the single that much better. Saying that, the McKenzie Brothers do have me on the floor with laughter when I hear it, so take off you hoser!

[caption id="attachment_2731" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hank Williams Jr[/caption]

Having spent the better part of four years in North Carolina, I could not help developing a little appreciation for country music. When asked who are my favourite country artists I answer that one is David Allen Coe and the other is Hank Williams Jr. While, I like a lot of Hank's material the song I like best came out in 1982. "A Country Boy Can Survive" is just brilliant! From the lyrics all the way to the small but noticeable hard rock vibe to it. In fact, Kid Rock puts his own metal spin on it but I still prefer the original.

There you have, four great singles from 1982, two from one hit wonders, one from an established great band and a country song that thrills this metal head. So, maybe commercial radio didn't suck then.

Next post: The Soundtrack to The Wall
To buy Rock And Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Great Rock One Hit Wonders of 1981

Originally, this post was going to be a promotion for an unsigned band whose demo has happened to come into my possession. When I told the band I was going to write about them, they were going to send me a picture of themselves but since that hasn't happened yet, I'm afraid it will have to wait till next time. So instead I will post about the one hit wonders that graced us in 1981.

[caption id="attachment_2303" align="aligncenter" width="284"] Joe Dolce[/caption]

NO this isn't a wind up! I am including "Shaddap You Face" by Joe Dolce among the one hit wonders. Yes, the song was a total wind up but Mr Dolce was probably laughing all the way to the bank. Besides, I have a more mercenary reason for putting it here. See, my ex wife was a big fan of Ultravox back in the 80s and in 1981, their hit "Vienna" was destined for the number in the UK charts. However, this strange song by Joe came along and usurped the top spot. My ex has never forgiven him for that and although we're on amicable terms now,  the thought does bring a sinister smile to my face.

This might seem a wind up too but if you were around in 1981, you will remember Pac Man. This was the game to play at video arcades and it caught on so much that a group named Buckner and Garcia made a song about it. "Pac Man Fever" was very cheesy to say the least, the lyrics prove that. So, why am I including it here? The answer is that, "Pac Man Fever" gets my vote for being the worst song with a cool guitar solo. That's the only reason why I liked it. After all, I never played Pac Man that much; instead I was getting my initials down on the top ten lists on Bezerk.

[caption id="attachment_2031" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bezerk[/caption][caption id="attachment_2307" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Climax Blues Band[/caption]

My British readers are now jumping up and down in sheer anger for calling the Climax Blues Band one hit wonders. I know they had much more success in the UK and were still going strong ten years after their only US hit "I Love You" was in the charts. Back in 1991-2, I used to work at a factory down the road from the famous Royal Standard pub in Walthamstow, London and I would see the band posted on the board outside for a Saturday night gig on several occasions. But, "I Love You" was the only song I would remember them for, especially as it's one I can associate with yet another dancer at The Driftwood. I can never remember her name though.

[caption id="attachment_2308" align="aligncenter" width="275"] Quarterflash[/caption]

Now it's the turn of American readers to blow a gasket, especially those in the Northwest but I have always considered Quarterflash to be one hit wonders. After a little research, I saw that they had some other hits but that was in early 1982 and I was on my second tour overseas. Other songs didn't make it across the Atlantic and like the Rolling Stones' "Waiting on a Friend," Quarterflash's greatest hit, "Harden My Heart" was also blasting out of juke boxes in cafes in Toulon, France. This is the best of the songs I have mentioned so far, it is a true rock song. Back then, some were calling lead singer Rindy Ross, the next Pat Benatar. I wouldn't go that far but Ross did have an excellent voice.

[caption id="attachment_2309" align="aligncenter" width="199"] Kim Carnes[/caption]

Always sounding like she had a frog in her throat, Kim Carnes dominated the US and other countries' singles charts with her most famous hit, "Bette Davis Eyes." Like Quarterflash and the Climax Blues Band, there is much scope for debate as whether or not she should be a one hit wonder. She has many song writing credits to her name including songs for David Cassidy, Kenny Rogers and Barbra Streisand, I know not real rockers. That's why I was glad that this song tended to be slightly more rock.
We can sum up that the songs from one hit wonders in 1981 went from the ridiculous to the serious. Two of the ones mentioned here evoke the John McEnroe, "You can't be serious" approach but the the ones that were are definitely good songs in their own right.

Next post: Hopefully- Great Soundtrack of 1981

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Great Rock One Hit Wonders of 1980

Well, its that time in the year I'm reminiscing about to pay tribute to some of the one hit wonders from said year. While there are always a good number of them in any given year, there are only a handful worthy enough to make the blog. In 1980, there were three such acts.

The first one and it's in the literal sense in 1980 was Charlie Dore for her big single "Pilot of the Airways." When I first heard it, I thought it was another one hit wonder group from the 70s, Prelude. I still love their a cappella version of Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush." However, after the a cappella intro, music kicks in so I ruled out Prelude as the artist of the song. Even though the sound is more country, I found myself liking the song. Charlie does have a unique voice that goes well with the song and I have to admit that back then, most songs with a guitar solo in them were worth the listen. Still, it's a well done to Charlie Dore for this one.

"Media Man" by Flash in the Pan was a brilliant new wave type song. It has one of those catchy choruses that sticks in your mind after the song is finished. I can hear myself singing "clap Hands For The Media Man." The song seems to be a warning of the dangers of mass media but done to a very likeable new wave vibe. Before I get a lot of rebuttal responses, I did notice other songs by this band when I looked it up on YouTube. However, I know nothing of any other material but would be happy to be enlightened. Besides, this song did cross the ocean because later on in the year, I saw it on a juke box in a café in Barcelona Spain.

The first time I heard "Tired of Towing the Line" from Rocky Burnette, I thought it was Bruce Springsteen. The voice was similar and there was a saxophone in the song. Therefore, I was a bit surprised to hear that Rocky Burnette was the actual artist. Still it was this song that chipped away in the charts and always seemed to be on the radio every time I switched it on. In itself, it is a decent rock tune, so hats off to Rocky for this one.

So there you have it, three songs from people who would only grace the charts once but made what is for me, songs that would linger in my brain more than three decades later. So let's raise a toast to the three rock one hit wonders of 1980.

Next post: Black Sabbath- Heaven and Hell

To buy Rock and Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London.

Great Rock One Hit Wonders of 1978

I thought I'd take a break in the action and make a post of some of the great rock songs of 1978 which were done by one hit wonders. There are probably many others than the three I am going to mention here, especially with all the disco that was going around at the time. So without further ado:

Exile- Kiss You All Over

"Kiss You All Over" was a number one for the band Exile. They did get another song to number 40 in the charts but nothing else barely broke the top 100. This was one of those songs which successfully made the rock/disco crossover that year. Having refamiliarized myself with the song, I can definitely hear the disco sound with the keyboard with the intermitent sound of the rock guitar. It was the lyrics that made this song. I mean how many men have said to a lady:

"I want to kiss you all over, all over again,

I want to kiss you all over, til the night closes in."

It was a cool amusing song, now we head to the next song, "King Tut" by comedian/actor Steve Martin.

Back in 1978, before "The Jerk," Steve Martin was topping the world of stand up comedy. He was a constant host on the old Saturday Night Live show. It was on this show that he premiered his song, "King Tut." The song made into the top 20 and was constantly played on the radio and making the number one on the Dr Demento show. It was my favourite song that summer as well, where I was amused by the line, "Got a condo made of stona."

 This leads perfectly to my favourite song by a one hit wonder in 1978, "Thunder Island" by Jay Ferguson.

"Thunder Island" was a brilliant rock song, it still is. That is why it made it to my alternative compilation CD. It has all the trademarks of a good rock song and some very suggestive lyrics. As a naive teenager brought up in a religious environment, I found the lyrics, "With your dress undone" very amusing. So, of the three songs mention here, this one is definitely my favourite.

So, if you're feeling nostalgic, have a listen to these songs. They're readily available on YouTube, I'm sure you'll love them.

Next post: Great Party Films of 1978: Cheech and Chong's Up In Smoke

To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London