The History of Pop part 16 aka Tough like a ninja stinging like a bee

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

Now 16 - second half of 1989, and my goodness there are some fantastic tracks here, even Sir Cliff's PWL-produced offering isn't bad. Beatle pastiches, Prince collaborators, mucky noises, THE REBEL MC!!!, corporate anthems, Joycean reveries, Smiths inspirations, and Daisy Agers - it was the best of times feat. the worst of times. And "introducing Cathy Dennis"!

Two last-minute votes sealed Neneh Cherry's victory in Now 15, with "Manchild", making her the first act to top two polls in a row. Consensus choice rather than tide of acclaim, though, with Soul II Soul, Transvision Vamp, and Kirsty MacColl close behind. You had least time for Cliff, the Ferry X The Mersey charity do, and poor old Jive Bunny. And the Pet Shop Boys beat the Cure in the end. Opinion divided on Paul Heaton's finest hour but the fella is somewhat of a fixture on later NOWs so we'll have plenty of time to discuss it.


[Poll #655470]


PS What the fvck is "Oh Well" by Oh Well???

Comments

[alexmacpherson.livejournal.com]

everyone should check out the sascha funke cover of 'when will i be famous?' - it is on bpitch control and is very banging indeed.

this is full of artists who i know are good things, but doing songs i have never even heard OF let alone heard before (debbie harry, de la soul, inner city, adeva, cathy dennis &c &c)

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

You really need to hear the De La Soul track Alex - it's probably their biggest hit and with good reason, it's gorgeous.

OMG cover of bros.

[alexmacpherson.livejournal.com]

aaargh if only i could upload! BUT it is available on the bpitch camping compilation which is only like a fiver and doesn't actually contain a non-awesome track.

i might have heard the de la soul track, then, just without catching on to what it was called (same for much of these)

[alexmacpherson.livejournal.com]

camping for £5.99 (http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=16576)

[dorsalstop.livejournal.com]

The Dela Soul track is the one sampling Steely Dan's "Peg". Which has been done many times since, of course.

[alexmacpherson.livejournal.com]

i don't know 'peg' either

the only steely dan song i have heard is 'do it again' and only cos tori amos covered it

[chezghost.livejournal.com]

this was my least favourite of the De La singles from '3 Feet High & Rising' and remains so today. It's not that it's bad, it's just that I think 'Me Myself I', 'Say No Go' and 'The Magic Number' are just such strong party jams. 'Eye Know' is v sweet and has some great lines but it ain't quite enough for me.

[kill-yr-idols.livejournal.com]

the sascha funke bros cover is the gawjiss (vocal sc-sc-science! spangly mirrorball MRI-esque action! &c) & has been a favourite for years - I'll see if I can upload it for you after work.