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

[byebyepride.livejournal.com]

Somewhere I have written evidence of teenage Tom digging 'Do The Right Thing'. Definitely mentioned in same breath = Pure by the Lightning Seeds. Possibly also mentioned in the same letter: Carter USM's Rubbidge.