Mark Wyman
@markwyman.bsky.social
Former pop chart aficionado, slowly recreating my 400-track singles chart from 1980 via Spotify. Used to know lots about (and write stuff on) television. Now back in London after a spring/summer in Vancouver. Once produced a CD-ROM for Oliver Postgate.
Pinned
Mark Wyman
@markwyman.bsky.social
· Nov 1
My top 400 singles of 1980: #240 to 201
open.spotify.com
Here's Part 5 of my personal pop chart from 1980. Forty more tracks (well, two omissions for now) to get me to the halfway point in this aural odyssey. I see 7 acts with a pair of tracks in this section: Flying Lizards, Billy Joel, Gillan, The Jam, Steve Forbert ...
open.spotify.com/playlist/56r...
open.spotify.com/playlist/56r...
Track 219 of 400: “PARANOID” by Black Sabbath
Not of course a brand-new track in 1980, this early heavy metal classic was re-released that August. Back in 1970, this debut had reached #4 in the UK chart; 10 years after, it reached a respectable #14. To date, #Paranoid has spent 35 weeks as a hit.
Not of course a brand-new track in 1980, this early heavy metal classic was re-released that August. Back in 1970, this debut had reached #4 in the UK chart; 10 years after, it reached a respectable #14. To date, #Paranoid has spent 35 weeks as a hit.
BLACK SABBATH - "Paranoid" (Official Video)
YouTube video by Black Sabbath
www.youtube.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Track 219 of 400: “PARANOID” by Black Sabbath
Not of course a brand-new track in 1980, this early heavy metal classic was re-released that August. Back in 1970, this debut had reached #4 in the UK chart; 10 years after, it reached a respectable #14. To date, #Paranoid has spent 35 weeks as a hit.
Not of course a brand-new track in 1980, this early heavy metal classic was re-released that August. Back in 1970, this debut had reached #4 in the UK chart; 10 years after, it reached a respectable #14. To date, #Paranoid has spent 35 weeks as a hit.
Track 220 of 400: “THE BED'S TOO BIG WITHOUT YOU ” by The Police
“But this wasn't a single for them”, I hear you cry (possibly). Technically, that's true, but of the six Police A-sides in the compilation of 45s that reached #17 in the UK chart as “Six Pack”, only this one had not been a hit earlier.
“But this wasn't a single for them”, I hear you cry (possibly). Technically, that's true, but of the six Police A-sides in the compilation of 45s that reached #17 in the UK chart as “Six Pack”, only this one had not been a hit earlier.
The Police - The Bed's Too Big Without You (Official Visualiser)
YouTube video by ThePoliceVEVO
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Track 220 of 400: “THE BED'S TOO BIG WITHOUT YOU ” by The Police
“But this wasn't a single for them”, I hear you cry (possibly). Technically, that's true, but of the six Police A-sides in the compilation of 45s that reached #17 in the UK chart as “Six Pack”, only this one had not been a hit earlier.
“But this wasn't a single for them”, I hear you cry (possibly). Technically, that's true, but of the six Police A-sides in the compilation of 45s that reached #17 in the UK chart as “Six Pack”, only this one had not been a hit earlier.
Track 221 of 400: “YOUNG BLOOD” by UFO.
From an album produced by #GeorgeMartin, no less, this was the 4th UK Top 40 hit accumulated since 1978 by a hard-rock band with a slow-burn career. “No Place to Run”, the LP in question, was their 8th album but it proved to be the top seller in a long career.
From an album produced by #GeorgeMartin, no less, this was the 4th UK Top 40 hit accumulated since 1978 by a hard-rock band with a slow-burn career. “No Place to Run”, the LP in question, was their 8th album but it proved to be the top seller in a long career.
UFO - Young Blood - TOTP
YouTube video by Zed Tee
www.youtube.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Track 221 of 400: “YOUNG BLOOD” by UFO.
From an album produced by #GeorgeMartin, no less, this was the 4th UK Top 40 hit accumulated since 1978 by a hard-rock band with a slow-burn career. “No Place to Run”, the LP in question, was their 8th album but it proved to be the top seller in a long career.
From an album produced by #GeorgeMartin, no less, this was the 4th UK Top 40 hit accumulated since 1978 by a hard-rock band with a slow-burn career. “No Place to Run”, the LP in question, was their 8th album but it proved to be the top seller in a long career.
Track 222 of 400: “WHEN I'M WITH YOU” by Sparks
Here's a solitary appearance in my 1980 chart for the prolific and long-running outfit centred on brothers Ron and Russell #Mael. This feels very much towards the poppier end of their range of quirky #art-rock; those synth lines are pretty hypnotic.
Here's a solitary appearance in my 1980 chart for the prolific and long-running outfit centred on brothers Ron and Russell #Mael. This feels very much towards the poppier end of their range of quirky #art-rock; those synth lines are pretty hypnotic.
Sparks - When I'm With You (Official Video)
YouTube video by S P A R K S
www.youtube.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Squeeze (farewell gig, 1982)
Pretenders (1984 and 2024)
First Aid Kit (twice)
Paul Simon / James Taylor (Hyde Park)
Thomas Dolby (thanks again, @senrabnala.bsky.social)
Pretenders (1984 and 2024)
First Aid Kit (twice)
Paul Simon / James Taylor (Hyde Park)
Thomas Dolby (thanks again, @senrabnala.bsky.social)
Kate Bush
The Michael Nyman Band
Violent Femmes
Pet Shop Boys
Kylie Minogue
The Michael Nyman Band
Violent Femmes
Pet Shop Boys
Kylie Minogue
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve seen
Tori Amos
Deacon Blue
Nana Mouskouri
The Spinners
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Tori Amos
Deacon Blue
Nana Mouskouri
The Spinners
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
November 27, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Squeeze (farewell gig, 1982)
Pretenders (1984 and 2024)
First Aid Kit (twice)
Paul Simon / James Taylor (Hyde Park)
Thomas Dolby (thanks again, @senrabnala.bsky.social)
Pretenders (1984 and 2024)
First Aid Kit (twice)
Paul Simon / James Taylor (Hyde Park)
Thomas Dolby (thanks again, @senrabnala.bsky.social)
Track 223 of 400: “STOP THE CAVALRY” by Jona Lewie.
Talking of songs that are popular at Christmas, this wistful anti-war song—Lewie's second and final chart hit—doesn't just hold the rare distinction of being #3 in the UK for five consecutive weeks in December 1980 (and new year '81).
#80sChristmas
Talking of songs that are popular at Christmas, this wistful anti-war song—Lewie's second and final chart hit—doesn't just hold the rare distinction of being #3 in the UK for five consecutive weeks in December 1980 (and new year '81).
#80sChristmas
Jona Lewie - Stop The Cavalry
YouTube video by JonaLewieVEVO
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Track 223 of 400: “STOP THE CAVALRY” by Jona Lewie.
Talking of songs that are popular at Christmas, this wistful anti-war song—Lewie's second and final chart hit—doesn't just hold the rare distinction of being #3 in the UK for five consecutive weeks in December 1980 (and new year '81).
#80sChristmas
Talking of songs that are popular at Christmas, this wistful anti-war song—Lewie's second and final chart hit—doesn't just hold the rare distinction of being #3 in the UK for five consecutive weeks in December 1980 (and new year '81).
#80sChristmas
Track 224 of 400: “ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL” by Pink Floyd
A song held over from 1979, this unlikely Christmas No. 1 still held pole position on the UK chart until mid-January 1980. Not exactly a singles band ('tho "See Emily Play" went Top 10 in 1967) the #Floyd would never reach the Top 20 again.
A song held over from 1979, this unlikely Christmas No. 1 still held pole position on the UK chart until mid-January 1980. Not exactly a singles band ('tho "See Emily Play" went Top 10 in 1967) the #Floyd would never reach the Top 20 again.
Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall, Part Two (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Pink Floyd
www.youtube.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Track 224 of 400: “ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL” by Pink Floyd
A song held over from 1979, this unlikely Christmas No. 1 still held pole position on the UK chart until mid-January 1980. Not exactly a singles band ('tho "See Emily Play" went Top 10 in 1967) the #Floyd would never reach the Top 20 again.
A song held over from 1979, this unlikely Christmas No. 1 still held pole position on the UK chart until mid-January 1980. Not exactly a singles band ('tho "See Emily Play" went Top 10 in 1967) the #Floyd would never reach the Top 20 again.
Track 225 of 400: “COMING UP” by Paul McCartney
The lead track from his album “McCartney II”, this was a massive success both sides of the Atlantic—but while the studio version made it a #2 hit in the UK, a live version with Wings (the UK B-side) got the airplay that took it to #1 in the US.
#80sPop
The lead track from his album “McCartney II”, this was a massive success both sides of the Atlantic—but while the studio version made it a #2 hit in the UK, a live version with Wings (the UK B-side) got the airplay that took it to #1 in the US.
#80sPop
Paul McCartney - Coming Up (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by PaulMcCartneyVEVO
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Track 225 of 400: “COMING UP” by Paul McCartney
The lead track from his album “McCartney II”, this was a massive success both sides of the Atlantic—but while the studio version made it a #2 hit in the UK, a live version with Wings (the UK B-side) got the airplay that took it to #1 in the US.
#80sPop
The lead track from his album “McCartney II”, this was a massive success both sides of the Atlantic—but while the studio version made it a #2 hit in the UK, a live version with Wings (the UK B-side) got the airplay that took it to #1 in the US.
#80sPop
Track 226 of 400: “AT THE EDGE” by Stiff Little Fingers
Listeners to John Peel's Radio 1 show in 1978-79 would've been pretty familiar with the first releases by this band from #Belfast (also known as “rigid digits”). But 1980 was the year when the ferocious snarl of Jake Burns went more mainstream.
Listeners to John Peel's Radio 1 show in 1978-79 would've been pretty familiar with the first releases by this band from #Belfast (also known as “rigid digits”). But 1980 was the year when the ferocious snarl of Jake Burns went more mainstream.
Stiff Little Fingers - At The Edge
YouTube video by Des Rutter
www.youtube.com
November 16, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Track 226 of 400: “AT THE EDGE” by Stiff Little Fingers
Listeners to John Peel's Radio 1 show in 1978-79 would've been pretty familiar with the first releases by this band from #Belfast (also known as “rigid digits”). But 1980 was the year when the ferocious snarl of Jake Burns went more mainstream.
Listeners to John Peel's Radio 1 show in 1978-79 would've been pretty familiar with the first releases by this band from #Belfast (also known as “rigid digits”). But 1980 was the year when the ferocious snarl of Jake Burns went more mainstream.
Track 227 of 400: “MY WORLD” by Secret Affair
Talking of the Jam, they played a pretty significant part in growing the #ModRevival that peaked in 1980. One band to benefit from this was Secret Affair. This was the third and last of the latter's Top 20 hits and arguably their most sophisticated song.
Talking of the Jam, they played a pretty significant part in growing the #ModRevival that peaked in 1980. One band to benefit from this was Secret Affair. This was the third and last of the latter's Top 20 hits and arguably their most sophisticated song.
SECRET AFFAIR-MY WORLD PROMO VIDEO 1980
YouTube video by Secret Affair Official
www.youtube.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Track 227 of 400: “MY WORLD” by Secret Affair
Talking of the Jam, they played a pretty significant part in growing the #ModRevival that peaked in 1980. One band to benefit from this was Secret Affair. This was the third and last of the latter's Top 20 hits and arguably their most sophisticated song.
Talking of the Jam, they played a pretty significant part in growing the #ModRevival that peaked in 1980. One band to benefit from this was Secret Affair. This was the third and last of the latter's Top 20 hits and arguably their most sophisticated song.
Track 228 of 400: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD” by The Jam
The second reissued portion of Jam in this part (there are more to come, as well as their then-new singles), this had been the first Top 20 hit for Weller & Co, back in 1977, peaking at #13
#NewWaveNovember
Anyway, here's Marc Bolan to intro them:
The second reissued portion of Jam in this part (there are more to come, as well as their then-new singles), this had been the first Top 20 hit for Weller & Co, back in 1977, peaking at #13
#NewWaveNovember
Anyway, here's Marc Bolan to intro them:
The Jam - All around the world
YouTube video by moptop66
www.youtube.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Track 228 of 400: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD” by The Jam
The second reissued portion of Jam in this part (there are more to come, as well as their then-new singles), this had been the first Top 20 hit for Weller & Co, back in 1977, peaking at #13
#NewWaveNovember
Anyway, here's Marc Bolan to intro them:
The second reissued portion of Jam in this part (there are more to come, as well as their then-new singles), this had been the first Top 20 hit for Weller & Co, back in 1977, peaking at #13
#NewWaveNovember
Anyway, here's Marc Bolan to intro them:
FX: audible sigh of weariness.
EXCL:
Final decision on restoring the Palace of Westminster will be delayed until 2030s
MPs were expected to vote by the end of 2025 on a way forward for fixing the crumbling parliament, but that now won't happen
Story w/@danbloom1.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Final decision on restoring the Palace of Westminster will be delayed until 2030s
MPs were expected to vote by the end of 2025 on a way forward for fixing the crumbling parliament, but that now won't happen
Story w/@danbloom1.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Final decision on fate of crumbling UK parliament delayed to 2030s
It’s a fire-hazard that’s prone to tumbling masonry — but fear of a public backlash is again delaying repairs to the world famous building.
www.politico.eu
November 15, 2025 at 4:23 PM
FX: audible sigh of weariness.
Track 229 of 400: “(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER” by John Lennon
It needed a pretty cold heart to be objective about this #Lennon song when I made my chart at the end of 1980. He was murdered on 9 December that year. I still recall my Mum relaying the shocking news before I went to school the next day.
It needed a pretty cold heart to be objective about this #Lennon song when I made my chart at the end of 1980. He was murdered on 9 December that year. I still recall my Mum relaying the shocking news before I went to school the next day.
(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) - John Lennon (official music video HD)
YouTube video by johnlennon
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Track 229 of 400: “(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER” by John Lennon
It needed a pretty cold heart to be objective about this #Lennon song when I made my chart at the end of 1980. He was murdered on 9 December that year. I still recall my Mum relaying the shocking news before I went to school the next day.
It needed a pretty cold heart to be objective about this #Lennon song when I made my chart at the end of 1980. He was murdered on 9 December that year. I still recall my Mum relaying the shocking news before I went to school the next day.
Track 230 of 400: “BULLETPROOF HEART” by Fingerprintz
This song was a pleasant rediscovery: I drew yet another blank when I saw the band and track listed in my 1980 countdown. Turns out it was a classy, melodic #post-punk track with a nagging keyboard motif (perhaps a bit overused).
#NewWaveNovember
This song was a pleasant rediscovery: I drew yet another blank when I saw the band and track listed in my 1980 countdown. Turns out it was a classy, melodic #post-punk track with a nagging keyboard motif (perhaps a bit overused).
#NewWaveNovember
Fingerprintz - Bulletproof Heart
YouTube video by akis cherokee
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Track 230 of 400: “BULLETPROOF HEART” by Fingerprintz
This song was a pleasant rediscovery: I drew yet another blank when I saw the band and track listed in my 1980 countdown. Turns out it was a classy, melodic #post-punk track with a nagging keyboard motif (perhaps a bit overused).
#NewWaveNovember
This song was a pleasant rediscovery: I drew yet another blank when I saw the band and track listed in my 1980 countdown. Turns out it was a classy, melodic #post-punk track with a nagging keyboard motif (perhaps a bit overused).
#NewWaveNovember
Track 231 of 400: “YOU MAY BE RIGHT” by Billy Joel
The third track of four from Joel's album “Glass Houses” to appear in my personal 1980 chart, this song opened that hugely successful Phil Ramone-produced LP. Clearly the #PianoMan, like Nick Lowe, loved the sound of rocking out to breaking glass.
The third track of four from Joel's album “Glass Houses” to appear in my personal 1980 chart, this song opened that hugely successful Phil Ramone-produced LP. Clearly the #PianoMan, like Nick Lowe, loved the sound of rocking out to breaking glass.
You May Be Right - (Full-Length Official Video)
YouTube video by Billy Joel Lost Tapes
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Track 231 of 400: “YOU MAY BE RIGHT” by Billy Joel
The third track of four from Joel's album “Glass Houses” to appear in my personal 1980 chart, this song opened that hugely successful Phil Ramone-produced LP. Clearly the #PianoMan, like Nick Lowe, loved the sound of rocking out to breaking glass.
The third track of four from Joel's album “Glass Houses” to appear in my personal 1980 chart, this song opened that hugely successful Phil Ramone-produced LP. Clearly the #PianoMan, like Nick Lowe, loved the sound of rocking out to breaking glass.
Track 232 of 400: “THE MODERN WORLD” by The Jam
So 1980 was when The Jam became what we'd now call a Premier League chart act, with the first of their four No.1 singles (Going Underground) entering in pole position in late March. A rash of reissues of their early singles followed...
#NewWaveNovember
So 1980 was when The Jam became what we'd now call a Premier League chart act, with the first of their four No.1 singles (Going Underground) entering in pole position in late March. A rash of reissues of their early singles followed...
#NewWaveNovember
The Jam The Modern World
YouTube video by Russell Gooden
www.youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Track 232 of 400: “THE MODERN WORLD” by The Jam
So 1980 was when The Jam became what we'd now call a Premier League chart act, with the first of their four No.1 singles (Going Underground) entering in pole position in late March. A rash of reissues of their early singles followed...
#NewWaveNovember
So 1980 was when The Jam became what we'd now call a Premier League chart act, with the first of their four No.1 singles (Going Underground) entering in pole position in late March. A rash of reissues of their early singles followed...
#NewWaveNovember
Reposted by Mark Wyman
45 years ago today, Bruce Springsteen began a four week run at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart with The River (1980). #80s #80smusic #BruceSpringsteen
November 8, 2025 at 4:35 PM
45 years ago today, Bruce Springsteen began a four week run at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart with The River (1980). #80s #80smusic #BruceSpringsteen
Track 233 of 400: “MOVE ON UP” by Flying Lizards
More deadpan fun from the airborne reptiles, who had the chutzpah to cover Curtis Mayfield's magnificent upbeat soul classic in their own pared-down way, but with more energetic vocals than before from former New York punk Patti Palladin
#Forgotten80s
More deadpan fun from the airborne reptiles, who had the chutzpah to cover Curtis Mayfield's magnificent upbeat soul classic in their own pared-down way, but with more energetic vocals than before from former New York punk Patti Palladin
#Forgotten80s
The Flying Lizards - Move on up
YouTube video by WIVAH
www.youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Track 233 of 400: “MOVE ON UP” by Flying Lizards
More deadpan fun from the airborne reptiles, who had the chutzpah to cover Curtis Mayfield's magnificent upbeat soul classic in their own pared-down way, but with more energetic vocals than before from former New York punk Patti Palladin
#Forgotten80s
More deadpan fun from the airborne reptiles, who had the chutzpah to cover Curtis Mayfield's magnificent upbeat soul classic in their own pared-down way, but with more energetic vocals than before from former New York punk Patti Palladin
#Forgotten80s
Track 234 of 400: “IT'S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME” by Billy Joel
Surprisingly, this was just the third Top 20 hit in the UK for Joel, after Just the Way You Are and My Life got there in 1978. When Billy sings “Everybody's talking 'bout the new sound” it was presumably a riposte to punk and #NewWave.
Surprisingly, this was just the third Top 20 hit in the UK for Joel, after Just the Way You Are and My Life got there in 1978. When Billy sings “Everybody's talking 'bout the new sound” it was presumably a riposte to punk and #NewWave.
Billy Joel - It's Still Rock And Roll To Me (Official HD Video)
YouTube video by billyjoelVEVO
www.youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Track 234 of 400: “IT'S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME” by Billy Joel
Surprisingly, this was just the third Top 20 hit in the UK for Joel, after Just the Way You Are and My Life got there in 1978. When Billy sings “Everybody's talking 'bout the new sound” it was presumably a riposte to punk and #NewWave.
Surprisingly, this was just the third Top 20 hit in the UK for Joel, after Just the Way You Are and My Life got there in 1978. When Billy sings “Everybody's talking 'bout the new sound” it was presumably a riposte to punk and #NewWave.
Reposted by Mark Wyman
Track 235 of 400: “OH YEAH” by Roxy Music
What an extremely dull title for this elegantly arranged and melodic #BryanFerry song. At least the label—and some versions of the sleeve art—had the sense to add, in brackets, the unusually long refrain: (There's a Band Playing on the Radio).
#HitsOf1980
What an extremely dull title for this elegantly arranged and melodic #BryanFerry song. At least the label—and some versions of the sleeve art—had the sense to add, in brackets, the unusually long refrain: (There's a Band Playing on the Radio).
#HitsOf1980
Roxy Music - Oh Yeah (On The Radio) Live on TOTP
YouTube video by RoxyMusicVEVO
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Track 235 of 400: “OH YEAH” by Roxy Music
What an extremely dull title for this elegantly arranged and melodic #BryanFerry song. At least the label—and some versions of the sleeve art—had the sense to add, in brackets, the unusually long refrain: (There's a Band Playing on the Radio).
#HitsOf1980
What an extremely dull title for this elegantly arranged and melodic #BryanFerry song. At least the label—and some versions of the sleeve art—had the sense to add, in brackets, the unusually long refrain: (There's a Band Playing on the Radio).
#HitsOf1980
Track 236 of 400: “BEING BOILED” by The Human League
A year away from the release of their biggest album, “Dare”, the all-male Human League were doing songs in a very different vein. One of these, Being Boiled, was re-recorded for their second LP “Travelogue” and featured on the EP “Holiday '80”...
A year away from the release of their biggest album, “Dare”, the all-male Human League were doing songs in a very different vein. One of these, Being Boiled, was re-recorded for their second LP “Travelogue” and featured on the EP “Holiday '80”...
The Human League - Being Boiled [HD Video]
YouTube video by StatischVideo
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Track 236 of 400: “BEING BOILED” by The Human League
A year away from the release of their biggest album, “Dare”, the all-male Human League were doing songs in a very different vein. One of these, Being Boiled, was re-recorded for their second LP “Travelogue” and featured on the EP “Holiday '80”...
A year away from the release of their biggest album, “Dare”, the all-male Human League were doing songs in a very different vein. One of these, Being Boiled, was re-recorded for their second LP “Travelogue” and featured on the EP “Holiday '80”...
Track 237 of 400: “SLEEPING ON THE JOB” by Gillan
The debut hit for the band fronted by & named after former (and latter!) Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan, this reached a modest No. 55 in June 1980. As evident in this song, Gillan's band style was towards the blues-tinged end of the rock spectrum.
The debut hit for the band fronted by & named after former (and latter!) Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan, this reached a modest No. 55 in June 1980. As evident in this song, Gillan's band style was towards the blues-tinged end of the rock spectrum.
Gillan - Sleeping on the Job (Official HD Music Video)
YouTube video by Ian Gillan
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Track 237 of 400: “SLEEPING ON THE JOB” by Gillan
The debut hit for the band fronted by & named after former (and latter!) Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan, this reached a modest No. 55 in June 1980. As evident in this song, Gillan's band style was towards the blues-tinged end of the rock spectrum.
The debut hit for the band fronted by & named after former (and latter!) Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan, this reached a modest No. 55 in June 1980. As evident in this song, Gillan's band style was towards the blues-tinged end of the rock spectrum.
Reposted by Mark Wyman
I used to work for the British pop music TV show Top of the Pops. The (Dixie) Chicks came into the beeb to record a song the day after the gig where the infamous comment was made. It was reported in, I think, The Guardian that morning 1/4
people have completely memory holed this which is a shame because I don't know that I've seen anything like it before or since. Natalie Maines, performing in London, said she was ashamed that George W. Bush was from Texas, and in response she and her bandmates had their lives destroyed
In my second of two opinion writing seminars for MPP students today, I was asked about getting canceled in the future over writing today. I immediately responded with my deeply held belief that only The Chicks ever have been canceled. 3 of the 65 people laughed; everyone else was very confused.
November 4, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I used to work for the British pop music TV show Top of the Pops. The (Dixie) Chicks came into the beeb to record a song the day after the gig where the infamous comment was made. It was reported in, I think, The Guardian that morning 1/4
Track 238 of 400: “TV” by Flying Lizards
Deadpan vocals? Check. Stripped-down hook and atonal solos? Check. Yes, after their surprise hit version of “Money”, this was the other track by the Flying Lizards to make the UK Top 75 – and the first half of a pair from them in this section of my countdown.
Deadpan vocals? Check. Stripped-down hook and atonal solos? Check. Yes, after their surprise hit version of “Money”, this was the other track by the Flying Lizards to make the UK Top 75 – and the first half of a pair from them in this section of my countdown.
The Flying Lizards - TV
YouTube video by TheFlyingLizardsVEVO
www.youtube.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Track 238 of 400: “TV” by Flying Lizards
Deadpan vocals? Check. Stripped-down hook and atonal solos? Check. Yes, after their surprise hit version of “Money”, this was the other track by the Flying Lizards to make the UK Top 75 – and the first half of a pair from them in this section of my countdown.
Deadpan vocals? Check. Stripped-down hook and atonal solos? Check. Yes, after their surprise hit version of “Money”, this was the other track by the Flying Lizards to make the UK Top 75 – and the first half of a pair from them in this section of my countdown.