Five for Friday

This weeks five for Friday is an 80's special.


We kick start with a sublime slice of new wave pop from Fun Boy Three, the group formed by Terry Hall, Neville Staple and Lynva Golding after they left The Specials.

We follow that up with an outstanding song by Bronski Beat; 'Smalltown Boy'. Debut singles don't get much better than this; telling the tale of a homosexual boy whose family turn his back on him. The beats are big, Somervilles vocals are outstanding, the lyrics are straight from the heart and the electronic riff is instantly infectious. The video is also pretty outstanding.

Pet Shop Boys sailed through the 80's on a stream of outstanding and memorable pop songs. This got to number 2 in 1986 when I was 10-years old. I remember loads from that summer with the Mexico World Cup and this definitely left an impression on me. Pure pop and the break/chorus with Dusty Springfield lifts the song to places where others can only dream of.

Soft Cell also released a string of amazing singles throughout the 80's, helped by some truly outstanding 12-inch versions/remixes. 'Say Hello, Wave Goodbye' was their fifth single. The twelve inch version has a beautiful intro that lasts for over 3 minutes and 30 seconds, enjoy every single second before Marc Almond sings his heart out.

Take your hands off me

I don't belong to you, you see

Take a look at my face

For the last time

I never knew you

You never knew me

Say hello goodbye

Say hello wave goodbye

In 1982 Abba released their last ever album, 'The Visitors', with the title track also becoming their last ever single. Those expecting pure pop were startled by a synth masterpiece. This is pretty special. 

5 songs to kick start any weekend!