Ashes to Ashes music
Ashes to Ashes plays the sound track of the late 70s and early 80s. There are some great hits from the 70s and 80s that you may remember as well as David Bowie's classic Ashes to Ashes. Dig out your old Sony Walkman and enjoy some of these again!
Ashes to Ashes Episode 5 - Music
"One Step Beyond" by Madness spent 14 weeks in the chart in 1979 and reached number 7. Madness is probably one of the most well-known Two-Tone Ska bands, originally formed as a six-piece band in 1976 and later joined by Graham McPherson, who is better known as Suggs, as their lead singer.
Madness has a rather interesting page on MySpace: Madness - Official Madspace.
"I Travel" by Simple Minds released in 1980. The band was named after a line from David Bowie's song, "Jean Genie". Simple Minds' music styles evolved from the Punk of the late 70s to New Wave to New Romantic to Pop. Lead singer Jim Kerr had two leading ladies in his life. He married Chrissy Hynde, lead singer of The Pretenders in 1984, divorcing her in 1990 and subsequently he married actress and lead singer of the group, Eighth Wonder, Patsy Kensit in 1992 (they divorced in 1996).
"Sgt Rock" by XTC spent 9 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached no 16. The third single to be released from the album Black Sea. XTC have only recently disbanded (2005) after one of the remaining two band members, Colin Moulding, decided to call it a day, leaving Andy Patridge to declare that no further XTC recordings will be made.
"Turn to Red" by Killing Joke was not a top forty hit. It was one of the songs on their Nervous System/Turn to Red EP, which was discovered by the late John Peel.
Killing Joke are still touring today and they have a comprehensive website detailing their discography and the band's history – www.killingjoke.com
"I Feel Love" by Donna Summer spent 11 weeks in the chart in 1977 and reached no 1. This was the Queen of Disco's fourth top forty hit. Her first hit was the iconic "Love to Love You Baby" in 1976, which is played in the opening sequence of Abigail's Party.
"Love Magic" by John Davis & The Monster Orchestra was not a top forty chart hit. However, John Davis was a talented musician and producer, who produced many 12" singles. There is very little information available on him, however, the a fairly comprehensive history of his career can be found at www.discomuseum.com/JohnDavis.html
"Don't You Want Me" by The Human League spent 13 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached no 1. Who can forget the fabulous video that accompanied this hit?
"I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper" by Sarah Brightman and Hot Gossip spent 14 weeks in the chart in 1978 and reached no 6. Whilst today Sarah Brightman is known as a classical diva, few will remember she started her music career as a dancer, initially with Pans People and then with Hot Gossip. She auditioned for a role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats in 1981 and since then has never looked back, having just recently released her latest album, "Symphony". See www.sarah-brightman.com
"Where Did Our Love Go?" by Soft Cell was released as part of two track medley on the 12" single of "Tainted Love" in 1981.
Music from Episode 4
"To Cut a Long Story Short" by Spandau Ballet spent 11 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached no 5. This was the debut single for Spandau Ballet who, along with Duran Duran, were major players in the New Romantics scene. Spandau Ballet's lineup included brothers Gary and Martin Kemp, who went onto have success on the small and big screen, notably as the Kray Twins, singer Tony Hadley, Steve Norman and John Keeble. For Spandau Ballet's official website see: www.spandauballet.com
"Green Door" by Shakin' Stevens spent 12 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached no 1. Shakin', born Michael Barratt in Wales in 1948, first entered the music scene in the 1960s, however, it wasn't until 1980 that he first enjoyed minor chart success with "Hot Dog". He went on to have a number one hit with "This Ole House" in 1981 (which was originally a hit for Rosemary Clooney in 1954). Shakin' Stevens is still touring and making records today, for more information visit www.shakinstevens.com
"Girls on Film" by Duran Duran spent 11 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached no 11. The video which accompanied this song was deemed too raunchy to be shown by the BBC.
"Enola Gay" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark spent 15 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached no 8. Enola Gay was the name of the B-29 Superfortress Bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. The 'plane was actually named after the mother (Enola Gay Tibbets) of the pilot, Colonel Paul W Tibbets. More information on the Enola Gay and her pilot can be found at www.theenolagay.com.
"London Calling" by The Clash spent 10 weeks in the chart in 1979 and reached no 11. For The Clash's official website, see www.theclashonline.com
"Love Action (I Believe in Love)" by the Human League spent 13 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached no 3. This was the fifth chart hit for this hugely successful band, which are probably most famous for their iconic 1981 number one, "Don't You Want Me". The Human League are still touring today, with three of the original band members, Phil Oakey (although minus his trademark floppy hairstyle), Susan Ann Sulley and Joanne Catherall. Susan Ann and Joanne were recruited to the band whilst still at school, after Phil Oakey had seen them dancing in the Crazy Daisy Nightclub in Sheffield. There is no official band website, however a comprehensive history of the Human League can be found on an unofficial Susan Ann Sulley's website - www.susanne-sulley.net.
"Reward" by The Teardrop Explodes spent 13 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached no 6. This was the second and most successful chart hit for the Teardrop Explodes.
"Police and Thieves" by The Clash from the 1977 album "The Clash", originally written and performed by reggae singer Junior Murvin.
Music from Ashes to Ashes - Episode 3
"Staring at the Rude Boys" by The Ruts spent 8 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached No 22. Probably The Ruts most well-known hit was Babylon's Burning from 1979. The band comprised Malcolm Owen, who died of a heroin overdose in 1980, Paul Fox, who passed away from cancer in 2007, John Jennings and Dave Ruffy.
"It's Different for Girls" by Joe Jackson spent 9 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached No 5. Born in Burton-on-Trent in 1954, Joe Jackson had a strong musical upbringing. He learnt to play the violin and piano and subsequently attended the Royal Academy of Music. He enjoyed chart success with his other hits - Steppin' Out and Is She Really Going Out With Him? Joe has recently released a new album, "Rain". For more information, see Joe Jackson - the new album Rain
"Let's Stick Together" by Bryan Ferry spent 10 weeks in the chart in 1976 and reached No 4. This was the fifth solo hit for the lead singer of the successful band, Roxy Music. For more information on Bryan Ferry visit his official website - www.bryanferry.com
"Over You" by Roxy Music spent 9 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached No 5.
"Making Your Mind Up" by Bucks Fizz spent 12 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 1. This was the song that won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK with 136 points back in 1981. One of the most memorable aspects of this song was when Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston had their long skirts ripped off by Mike Nolan and Bobby G to reveal mini-skirts! The band then had a string of hits, despite a couple of setback, namely Mike Nolan being seriously injured in a coach crash in 1984 and Jay Aston leaving the band in 1985. Jay was replaced by Shelley Preston and Bucks Fizz' success continued. Today, the band has split in two, there is Bucks Fizz with Bobby G and The Original Bucks Fizz with Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Shelley Preston.
See - Bucks Fizz with Bobby G on Bucks Fizz - the early years
and The Original Bucks Fizz on My Space.
"Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey" by Modern Romance spent 10 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 12. After unsuccessful attempts as New Romantics, Modern Romance changed tempo and became a Latin American music band. Their first top 20 hit was Everybody Salsa in 1981.
To revisit that 80s Latin beat, why not watch the video that accompanied Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey.
"Planet Earth" by Duran Duran spent 11 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 12. This was the first hit for the hugely success group from their debut album entitled "Duran Duran". The album included other hits such as "Careless Memories" (featured in episode 1), "Girls on Film" and "Is There Something I Should Know".
"Happy Birthday" by Altered Images spent 17 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 2. Lead by singer, Clare Grogan (star of Bill Forsyth's film, Gregory's Girl), Altered Images started their pop career supporting Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1980. They followed their success with "Happy Birthday" with "I Could Be Happy", "See Those Eyes" and "Don't' Talk To Me About Love". The group disbanded in about 1983.
"Doors of Your Heart" by The Beat spent 6 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 33. Birmingham-based The Beat were formed during the late 1970s. Band members included Ranking Roger, who was famed for this "toasting" style, saxophonist Saxa, Dave Blockhead, Wesley Magoogan, Everett Morton and Dave Wakeling. After many incarnations, The Beat is still making music today. For latest tour dates, see http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/62951/The_Beat.html.
Music from Ashes to Ashes - episode 2
"Swords of a Thousand Men" by Ten Pole Tudor spent 12 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 6. Front man Edward Tudor-Pole played Tadpole the kiosk attendant in the 1978 film 'The Great Rock'n'Roll Swindle' staring the Sex Pistols.
"Bodytalk" by Imagination spent 18 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 4 . This was the first UK hit for band members Leee John, Ashley Ingram and Errol Kennedy. The band was named as a tribute to John Lennon's song "Imagine". Lead singer, Leee John is still making music today, for more information see www.leeejohn.com.
"Money" by the Flying Lizards spent 10 weeks in the chart in 1979 and reached No 5. The Flying Lizards only had one other minor hit in the UK in February 1980 with "TV", which only reached No 43.
"Fade to Grey" by Visage spent 15 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached No 8. Visage's front man, Steve Strange (born Steven Harrington in Newbridge, Wales) was one of the pioneers of the New Romantic movement, that spawned such bands as Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet. With Rusty Egan, he opened clubs such as Blitz and Billy's. Steve Strange has a strong connection with Ashes to Ashes, as he appeared in David Bowie's video of "Ashes to Ashes".
"Souvenir" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) spent 12 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 3. OMD were formed in the late 70s by Andy McClusky and Paul Humphreys, who were initially inspired by the electronic sounds of bands such as Kraftwerk. For OMD's official website, see www.omd.uk.com.
"Geno" by Dexy's Midnight Runners spent 14 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached No 1. Dexy's Midnight Runners was founded by front man Kevin Rowlands and Kevin "Al" Archer. The name "Dexy's came from the recreational drug Dexedrine.
"I Hear You Now" by Jon and Vangelis spent 11 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached No 8. Former Yes Singer, Jon Anderson joined up with Evangelos Papathanassiou (but known as Vangelis). They had three further hits together, although only "I'll Find My Way Home" made the Top 10.
"Show Me" by Dexy's Midnight Runners spent 9 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 16.
"Gertcha" by Chas and Dave spent 8 weeks in the chart in 1979 and reached No 20. Chas and Dave were seasoned musicians, Chas Hodges and Dave Peacock who between them worked with some of the most respected names in the music industry: Joe Meek, and Jerry Lee Lewis to name but two. Chas and Dave are still touring today. For more information, see http://www.chasndave.com/index.html.
(Just for information, the clip of the hymn played at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was "Jerusalem" - words by William Blake (1757-1827), music by Hubert Parry. This popular wedding hymn was adopted by the Women's Institute (WI) in the early 1920s and is still sung in WI halls today. For more information, see www.icons.org.uk/theicons/collection/jerusalem/features/womens-movement ).
Ashes to Ashes - episode 1 - music
"Vienna" by Ultravox - spent 14 weeks in the charts in 1981 and reached No 2.
"Are 'Friends' Electric?" by Tubeway Army fronted by Gary Numan - spent 16 weeks in the chart in 1979 and reached No 1.
"Ashes to Ashes" by David Bowie - spent 10 weeks in the charts in 1980 and reached No 1. Steve Strange from New Romantic band, Visage, featured in the Ashes to Ashes video. Lyrically Ashes to Ashes was a follow-up to his 1975 number one "Space Oddity". Both feature the character Major Tom.
"Shaddap You Face" by Joe Dolce Music Theatre - spent 10 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 1. This song stopped "Vienna" by Ultravox reaching the top slot.
"I'm in Love with a German Film Star" by The Passions - spent 8 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 25.
"Careless Memories" by Duran Duran - was their second hit. It spent 7 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 37.
In 1981 Duran Duran was an up and coming band. The video of "Careless Memories", left, is an early example of the style of the 80s. You can see the floppy hair, the big frilly shirts and decorative touches such as the red sash worn by Simon Le Bon. This style was much imitated and further exaggerated in the years to come. In 1981, these guys were pioneers.
"I Fought the Law" by The Clash was on "The Cost of Living" EP, which reached number 22. It was originally a hit for the Bobby Fuller Four in 1966, spending 4 weeks in the chart and reaching No 33.
"No More Heroes" by The Stranglers - spent 9 weeks in the chart in 1977 and reached No 8.
"The Same Old Scene" by Roxy Music - spent 7 weeks in the chart in 1980 and reached No 12.
Also, there was a pop poster displayed in the wall advertising Adam and the Ants "Prince Charming", which spent 12 weeks in the chart in 1981 and reached No 1. The fabulous pop video that accompanied this hit featured famous actress, Diana Dors, as Adam Ant/Prince Charming's fairy godmother. Diana passed away some three years later in 1984.