Simple Minds - Promised You A Miracle

On this date in 1982, Simple Minds released their ninth single, "Promised You A Miracle". It was backed by "Theme From Great Cities". The 12" also included an instrumental called "Seeing Out The Angel". The A side appeared on their fifth album, New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84). The other tracks were non-LP tracks. The single rose to #13 on the U.K. singles chart.




Simple Minds - Promised You A Miracle




Blogload: Lots And Lots Of Simple Minds Albums - saltyka.blogspot.com

Boomtown Rats - She's So Modern

On this date in 1978, The Boomtown Rats released their third single, "She's So Modern". The A side was an advance peak from their soon to be released second album, A Tonic For The Troops. The B side, "Lying Again" was a non-LP track. The single rose to #12 on the U.K. charts.




Blogload: Boomtown Rats - Best Of And More - eratape.blogspot.com

Patti Smith - Because The Night

On this date in 1978, Patti Smith released her sixth single, "Because The Night" backed by "God Speed". The A side was from her third album, Easter. The B side was a non-LP side. The single, which reached #5 in the U.K. and #13 in the U.S., was her biggest hit. It was co-written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith.




Patti Smith - Because The Night (live 1978)

Eddie & The Hot Rods - I Might Be Lying

On this date in 1977, Eddie & The Hot Rods released their sixth single, "I Might Be Lying". The B side was "Ignore Them (Always Crashing In The Same Bar)". Both sides were from their second album, Life On The Line. The single reached #44 on the U.K. singles chart.




Eddie & The Hot Rods - I Might Be Lying (from Top Of The Pops)




Blogload: Eddie & The Hot Rods - Life On The Line - hangoverhard.blogspot.com

Bananarama - Really Saying Something

On this date in 1982, Bananarama released their third single, "Really Saying Something". It was backed by "Give Us Back Our Cheap Fares". The A side was fron their debut album, Deep Sea Skiving. The B side was a non-Lp track. Fun Boy Three sang background on the A side (sort of a payback for Bananarama's backup vocals on Fun Boy Three's "T'aint What You Do (It's The Way That You Do It)" from earlier in 1982). The single reached #5 on the U.K. singles chart. Earlier in 2007, the album was re-released on CD with "Give Us Back Our Cheap Fares" added as a bonus track.




Blogload: The Best Of Bananarama- 4musizlovers.blogspot.com

Magazine - Rhythm Of Cruelty

On this date in 1979, Magazine released their fourth single, "Rhythm Of Cruelty". It was from their second album, Secondhand Daylight. The B side was a non-LP track called "T.V. Baby". The single did not chart.




Blogload: Magazine - Secondhand Daylight - hangoverhard.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday!

Lene Lovich turns 58 today.




Lene Lovich...courtesy of wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Lene Lovich Fansite: lenelovich.com


Lene Lovich - Lucky Number (1978)

The Sex Pistols - Silly Thing

On this date in 1979, the Sex Pistols released their seventh single, "Silly Thing" backed by "Who Killed Bambi?". Well, it was sort of The Sex Pistols. It was at least marketed as such. It was the third single from the Great Rock & Roll Swindle soundtrack. Drummer Paul Cook sang vocals on the A side track. Ten Pole Tudor sang vocals on the B side track. The single reached #6 on the U.K. singles chart.

The Alley Cats - Nothing Means Nothing Anymore

On this date in 1978, The Alley Cats released their debut single "Nothing Means Nothing Anymore". It was backed by "Give Me A Little Pain". The single was released on Dangerhouse Records. When they were later signed to I.R.S. records, both songs were included on their I.R.S. debut album, Nightmare City (released in 1981). Despite their name, they were not rockabilly like so many other of the "Cat" bands. They were Los Angeles punk.




Blogload: The Alley Cats - Nothing Means Nothing Anymore/Give Me A Little Pain - goodbadmusic.blogspot.com

Talk Talk - Talk Talk

In March, 1982, Talk Talk released their second single, "Talk Talk" from their debut album, The Party's Over. The B side was "Give It Up", a non-LP track. The single was actually released twice in the U.K., reaching #52 the first time and #23 the second time on the U.K. singles chart. It was released once in the U.S., reaching #75.



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In March of 1986, Talk Talk released its third album, The Colour Of Spring. It reached #8 on the U.K. album chart and #58 in the U.S. The album produced several singles, the biggest of which was "Life's What You Make It" which reached #16 in the U.K. and #90 in the U.S.




Talk Talk - Life's What You Make It (live 1986)




Blogload: Talk Talk - The Albums - my.opera.com/STEFANfromPARIS/blog

The Toy Dolls - Tommy Kowey's Car

On this date in 1980, The Toy Dolls released their debut single, "Tommy Kowey's Car". It was backed by "She Goes To Fino's". The A side did not appear on a studio album but the B side, oddly enough, appeared on their second album, A Far Out Disc, in 1985!

The Weirdos - We Got The Neutron Bomb

On this date in 1978, The Weirdos released their second single, "We Got The Neutron Bomb" backed with "Solitary Confinement". Although their first two singles pre-dated any studio album from the Los Angeles pre-hardcore band, the A side would apear on many punk compilations over the years and on their own compilation much later on.




Blogload: The Weirdos - We Got The Neutron Bomb and other Los Angeles Punk Gems - uglyradio.blogspot.com

Naked Eyes - Burning Bridges

In March of 1983, Naked Eyes released its debut album, Burning Bridges. It was renamed Naked Eyes when later released in the United States. The album yielded four singles. They were "Voices In My Head" (uncharted), "Always Something There To Remind Me" (#8 U.S., #59 U.K.), "Promises Promises" (#11 U.S., #95 U.K.) and "When The Lights Go Out" (#37 U.S but didn't chart in the U.K.). The album reached #32 in the U.S. but did not chart in the U.K.

Burning Bridges (U.K.):


Naked Eyes (U.S.):

The Exploited - Dogs Of War

On this date in 1981, The Exploited released its third single, "Dogs Of War". It was backed by "Blown To Bits". Both songs appeared on their debut album Punk's Not Dead.




The Exploited - Dogs Of War (Live 1983)




Blogload: The Exploited - The Singles - hangoverhard.blogspot.com

The Undertones - My Perfect Cousin

On this date in 1980, The Undertones released their sixth single, "My Perfect Cousin". It was backed by "I Don't Wanna See You Again" and "Hard Luck (Again)". The A side was included on their second album, Hypnotized, when it was released. The B sides were not but were included as bonus tracks when it was re-released on CD. The single rose to #9 on the U.K. singles chart.




The Undertones - My Perfect Cousin




Blogload: Some Undertones For You - hear-rock-city.blogspot.com

Comsat Angels - Red Planet

On this date in 1979, The Comsat Angels released their debut single, "Red Planet". The B side contained two songs; "I Get Excited" and "Specimen no. 2". Neither of these three were included on their debut album when released in 1980.

Blondie - Rapture

On this date in 1981, Blondie's "Rapture" began a two week run as the number one single in the U.S. It did okay in the U.K. too where it reached #5. This was the fourth #1 single for Blondie in the U.S. (they had five #1 hits in the U.K. by this point). The song was from their fifth album, Autoamerican.




Blondie - Rapture

Morrissey - Viva Hate

This week in 1988, Morrissey's first solo album since the breakup of The Smiths, Viva Hate, hit #1 on the U.K. album charts. The album had two high charting U.K. singles as well. "Suedehead" reached #5 and "Everyday Is Like Sunday" reached #9. The album peaked at #48 in the U.S.




Blogload: Morrissey - Viva Hate - kinixtion.blogspot.com

Rest In Peace

On this date in 2000, Ian Dury passed away at the age of 57. The cause was cancer.




Ian Dury...courtesy of wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Official Ian Dury And The Blockheads website: iandury.co.uk


Ian Dury And The Blockheads - Sex And Drugs And Rock And Roll (1977 live)

U2 - A Celebration

In March of 1982, U2 released its seventh single, "A Celebration" backed by "Trash, Trampoline And The Party Girl". Neither side became a regular album track. In fact, the A side was not on a U2 compilation either as the band hinted that it was not one of their favorites. The B side was later renamed "Party Girl". The single, whether the band liked it or not, rose to #47 on the U.K. album chart.




U2 - A Celebration

Tones On Tail

On this date in 1982, Tones On Tail had their first vinyl release. It was a self-titled, four song EP containing the songs, "A Bigger Splash", "Means Of Escape", "Copper" and "Instrumental". Tones On Tail was Daniel Ash (ex-Bauhaus, future Love & Rockets) and Glenn Campling (ex-Bauhaus roadie).

The Cramps - Psychedelic Jungle

On this date in 1981, The Cramps released their third album, Psychedelic Jungle. Although neither the album nor the singles from the album charted, this album did have arguably their most famous song, "Goo Goo Muck". The other single from the album was "The Crusher"

Oh when the sun goes down and the moon comes up I turn into a
teenage goo-goo muck Yeah I cruise through the city and I roam the streets




The Cramps - Goo Goo Muck (live 1981)

Public Image Ltd- Flowers Of Romance

On this date in 1981, Public Image Limited issued its fourth single, "Flowers Of Romance". It was backed by "Home Is Where The Heart Is". The A side appeared on their third album, Flowers Of Romance...kind of. The single was an extended version of the song. The B side was a non-LP track. The single rose to #24 on the U.K. chart.




PIL - Flowers Of Romance (from Top of the Pops 1981)

The Pretenders - Talk Of The Town

On this date in 1980, The Pretenders released their fourth single, "Talk Of The Town". It was backed by "Cuban Slide". Both songs appeared on an EP released only in the U.S. called Extended Play. The A side appeared on the next album released worldwide called Pretenders II. The B side did not. The single reached #8 in the U.K. but did not chart in the U.S.




The Pretenders - Talk Of The Town

The Ruts - Staring At The Rude Boys

On this date in 1980, The Ruts released their fifth single, "Staring At The Rude Boys". It was backed by "Love In Vain". Both sides appeared on their second album, Grin & Bear It. Later on, the band changed their name to Ruts D.C.




The Ruts - Staring At The Rude Boys (from Top Of The Pops)

Happy Birthday!

Andrew Farriss of INXS turns 48 today.


INXS, left to right: Andrew Farriss, Garry Beers, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss,
Michael Hutchence and Kirk Pengilly

INXS...courtesy of wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Official INXS Website: inxs.com


INXS - The One Thing (1982)




Blogload: INXS - Kick (Japanese Special Edition) - ksoze.blogspot.com

Robyn Hitchcock - Groovy Decay

On this date in 1982, Robyn Hitchcock released his second solo album since the break-up of The Soft Boys. It was entitled Groovy Decay. He didn't like some of the tracks so he released released the album through a different record company and changed some of the tracks. The result? Groovy Decay. Years later, the two albums were combined on CD and became Gravy Deco. No singles and no chart action from any version.

Visage - The Anvil

In March of 1982, Visage released their second album, The Anvil. It featured two top 20 U.K. singles in "The Damned Don't Cry" (#11) and "Night Train" (#12). The album itself climbed to #4.

The Cure - Primary

In March 1981, The Cure released its fifth single "Primary". It was backed by "Descent". The single rose to #43 on the U.K. singles chart. The A side was included on their third album, Faith. The B side was a non-LP track.




The Cure - Primary

T.S.O.L. - Superficial Love

On this date in 1981, T.S.O. L. (True Sounds Of Liberty) made their debut on vinyl with a five song EP. The songs were "Superficial Love", "Property Is Theft", "No Way Out", "Abolish Government/Silent Majority" and "World War III".



TSOL - Superficial Love and Property Is Theft (live)




Blogload: TSOL and other live acts from Rat Music For Rat People- www.somethingilearned.com

Tears For Fears - The Hurting

On March 25, 1983, Tears For Fears released their debut album, The Hurting, which became the #1 album in the U.K. on this date in 1983 (just one day after its release). It contained the previously released single, "Mad World" (#3 U.K. singles chart) as well as two other top 5 U.K. singles, "Pale Shelter" (#5) and "Change" (#4). "Pale Shelter" was a re-release. It had been released a year before but did not chart then.

Discharge - Realities Of War

On this date in 1980, Discharge released their debut EP, Realities Of War. It contained the following four songs: "Realities Of War", "They Declare It", "But After The Gig" and "Society's Victim". Four songs clocking in at around five minutes total.

The Church - The Blurred Crusade

On this date in 1982, The Church released its second album, The Blurred Crusade. The song "Almost With You" went to #21 on the Australian singles chart. The album did not chart in the U.K. In fact, after being signed in the U.S. after the first album had success, Capital did not like the album and not only didn't release it, but they dropped the band.



The Church - Almost With You (from a European TV show)

New Musik - Anywhere

On this date in 1981, New Musik released its second album, Anywhere. It reached #68 on the U.K. album chart. When this second album was released in the U.S., it was retitled Sanctuary. The tracks were different too. The U.S. version did not include "Traps", "Designs", "Peace" and "Changing Minds" but did include four tracks that were on the first album's release in the U.K. (called A to B). They were "Straight Lines", "Sanctuary", "Science" and "Dead Fish (Don't Swim Home)".

Anywhere:


Sanctuary:



Blogload: All The New Musik Albums - saltyka.blogspot.com

The Flying Lizards - Hands 2 Take

On this date in 1981, The Flying Lizards released their fifth single, "Hands 2 Take" backed by an instrumental entitled "Continuity". The A side appeared on their third album, Fourth Wall. The B side was a non-LP track. The single did not chart.

Happy Birthday!

Steve Norman of Spandau Ballet turns 47 today


Spandau Ballet, top row: Gary Kemp, John Keeble and Martin Kemp
Bottom Row: Tony Hadley and Steve Norman


Spandau Ballet...courtesy of wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Spandau Ballet website: spandauballet.com


Spandau Ballet - Gold (1983)

Happy Birthday!

Nick Lowe turns 58 today!



Nick Lowe...courtesy of wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nick Lowe's Home Page: nicklowe.net


Nick Lowe (with Rockpile) - Girls Talk (1979)

Elvis Costello - Less Than Zero

On this date in 1977, Elvis Costello released his debut single, "Less Than Zero". The B side was "Radio Sweetheart". The A side was on his debut album, My Aim Is True. The B side was not but was added a s abonus track when the album was re-released in CD form. The single did not chart.



Elvis Costello - Less Than Zero (from Saturday Night Live December, 1977)
Well..kind of. They stopped "Less Than Zero" after starting it and decided to play "Radio Radio"

Bananarama - Robert DeNiro's Waiting

In March of 1984, Bananarama released their seventh single, "Robert DeNiro's Waiting". It was backed by "Push!". The A side appeared on their self-titled second album. The B side was not included until it was re-released as a CD. The single reached #3 on the U.K. singles chart and #95 on the U.S. chart.




Bananarama - Robert DeNiro's Waiting

After The Fire - Batteries Not Included

On this date in 1982, After The Fire released their fourth album, Batteries Not Included. Th album contained one single, "Rich Boys". Neither charted.

Way Of The West - Don't Say That's Just For White Boys

On this date in 1981, Way Of The West released the single, "Don't Sat That's Just For White Boys". The B side was "Prove It". They were on the See You Shake album.




Blogload: Way Of The West - Don't Say That's Just For White Boys - deathwearswhitesocks.com

The Ramones - Do You Wanna Dance

On this date in 1978, The Ramones released their seventh single, "Do You Wanna Dance". It was backed with two songs, "Cretin Hop" and "It's A Long Way back To Germany". The first two songs appeared on their third album, Rocket To Russia. The third song did not appear on an album until it became a bonus track when the album was re-released on CD. The single peaked at #86 in the U.S. but did not chart in the U.K.



The Ramones - Do You Wanna Dance (from Rock 'N' Roll High School)




Blogload: Lots Of Ramones - cocayvika.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday!

Nena turns 47 today.




Nena...courtesy of wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Nena - 99 Luftballons (1983)

The Style Council - Cafe Bleu

In March, 1984, The Style Council released their second album, Cafe Bleu. It went to #2 on the U.K. album chart, partially on the strength of the single, "My Ever Changing Moods". When released in the U.S., The name of the album was changed to My Ever Changing Moods to capitalize on its most recognizeable song.




Blogload: The Style Council - rockgems.blogspot.com

Spandau Ballet - Musclebound

On this date in 1981, Spandau ballet released its third single, "Musclebound". It was backed by "Glow". While the A side appeared on their debut album, Journeys To Glory, this was a different version. A third version of the song was used on the 12 inch single. "Glow" did not appear on the album. The single reached #10 on the U.K. singles chart.




Spandau Ballet - Musclebound (from Top Of The Pops)

The Stranglers - Just Like Nothing On Earth

On this date in 1981, The Stranglers released their 14th single, "Just Like Nothing On Earth". The B side was "Maninwhite". Both songs were from the Stranglers fifth album, The Gospel According To The Meninblack. The single reached #81 on the U.K. singles chart.




The Stranglers - Just Like Nothing On Earth

Cockney Rejects - Easy Life

On this date in 1981, the prolific Cockney Rejects released an EP called Easy Life. It was a 7 inch with "Easy Life" on the A side and "Motorhead" and "Hang 'em High" on the B side. This was their twelfth vinyl release since 1979. They were another of the Oi! bands and were staunch supporters of English Premier League soccer team West Ham United.




Blogload: The Cockney Rejects and lots of Oi! - borninthebasement.net