80s gold


80's GOLD - Various

The music of the '80s simply won't go away. If it isn't cover versions or samples being used, it's full-blown compilation albums like these. In this case you get a cracker of a deal with over four dozen tracks across a triple disc set of varied Pop memories.
Disc one kicks off with one of the biggest acts of all time, Abba, with the party sounds of Kool And The Gang ensuring you you're in right company. There's the majestic Diana Ross, androgynous commanding of Grace Jones, the fun Amazulu, confident Bobby Brown, electronic cool of Sharpe & Numan, everyone's favourite Swiss weirdos Yello, Wang Chung's pure pop, the chic Swing Out Sister, and Marty with his boys from Wet Wet Wet.
Disc two starts off with global phenomenon Elton John (who has been a prominent figure every decade from the '70s to present). There's the accomplished Texas, adult contemporary Chris De Burgh, spot-on Lionel Richie, (as well as his old band mates) the Communards, moderate Nick Kershaw, Black's irresistibly dark approach, the goddess Cher, the smooth Robert Palmer, accessible Joan Armatrading, fragile Suzanne Vega, the more alternative strains of The Mission, and Charlene's sentimental I've Never Been To Me.
The immortal Tainted Love by Soft Cell opens disc three, flowing into the jazzy pop flavour of Level 42. ABC's signature track Poison Arrow is followed by an equally career defining song by Tears For Fears (Mad World). There's the rebellious girly-pop of Transvision Vamp, the SKA-slantings of Paul Weller's The Jam, the moody post-New Romantic synth sound of Visage, and rock stylings of Status Quo, Asia, Night Ranger and Big Country. A group that is often overlooked in these collections is Animotion with Obsession (for info on the new cover version by South African Industrial-Metal band Terminatryx, click here ).
There are also tracks featured in shows and movies, like Murray Head's One Night In Bangkok (from Chess), Harold Faltermyer's Axel F (from Bevery Hills Cop), and Up Where We Belong (from An Officer And A Gentleman) by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes. One hit wonders are not excluded, like Dexy's Midnight Runners, Love And Money, and Jim Diamond.
PS. A weird inclusion is Billy Ray Cyrus' tacky country-pop hit Achy Breaky heart which is (as far as I know) from the early '90s, not the '80s...

6 / A
- Paul Blom


1 2 3 4 5 6
A - B - C


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relax 80s eighties original 80s haven't heard smooching classics absolute high energy goodtimes 80s 80s gold



6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A - Multiple Listening Prospects
B - Deserves Another Spin
C - Once Should Suffice

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