A to Z of the 80s - S is for Sia, Swift, Stock, Aitken And Waterman

Same

by Jo Michelmore

Do we really think pop has changed and grown up since the 80s and the old days of what was an English music making pop factory, Stock Aitken and Waterman? They were three producers and songwriters responsible for so much poop, I mean pop in the 80s, it was impossible not to like at least one of their songs. Kind of like Taylor Swift today (but not really). You think Swift and Sia and all the other pop stars of today have come a long way since the tacky fabulous days of the 80s? You know that old saying, they don't make 'em like they used to? Well, they kinda do, actually.

Sinitta, in 87, released 'Toy Boy'. Featuring big hair, manic arm waving and at 3:30, probably the exact same mobile phone featured in Britney and Iggy's latest clip.

Sabrina, in 88 released 'All Of Me'. Featuring large hair, manic arm waving and some beach moves at 3:05, which I'm sure I saw Beyonce attempt in that 'Drunk In Love' clip.

Donna Summer, in 89 released 'This Time I Know It's For Real'.  Featuring large hair, manic arm waving and a hat at 1:24 that wouldn't look pout of place in topshop right now. 

Samantha Fox, in 87, released 'Nothings Gonna Stop Me Now'. Featuring large hair, manic arm waving and the classic pop clip phenomenon of horses running on the beach at 2:20. 

Sonia, in 89, released 'You'll Never Stop me Loving You'. Featuring large hair, manic arm waving and some dance moves at 1:22 which I'm sure were in one all of Sia's recent clips.

There's a reason that Swift song fits so well with the 88 Aerobic Championship routine. Because it's all been done before. They do make 'em like they used to.

10 and 1 - The Queen of Disco

Donna Summer (1948 - 2012)

It's been a pretty rough week for disco. Fans of the genre have lost a King (Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees) and its undisputed Queen... the late, great Donna Summer. A true international icon throughout the seventies and eighties, Summer dominated the charts while playing an integral role in the development of electronic music. She produced music from an era I generally like to pretend couldn't have happened, but I've always been fond of the Queen because of, who else, my mum. I'm sure there's a lot of us out there who had mother's that are big fans of Donna's, in turn making them mini-fans. I've had 'Bad Girls' on every iPod I've owned... thanks Mum. This week, 10 and 1 goes vintage in honour of one of music's greatest acts. Here are our ten favourite Donna Summer tracks and, as is required of these posts, our least favourite. Enjoy!

THE 10:

Love To Love You Baby (1975)

Can't We Just Sit Down (And Talk It Over) (1977)





I Feel Love (1977)

Last Dance (1978)

Hot Stuff (1979)

Bad Girls (1979)

Dim All The Lights (1979)

She Works Hard For The Money (1983)

There Goes My Baby (1984)

This Time I Know It's For Real (1989)

THE 1:

.......................................

You didn't actually think I was going to pick a bad Donna Summer song did you? Oh, you did. Fine... um... 'Macarthur Park.' What? Thank you for the music, Donna. RIP. 

Song of the Day - She Works Hard For the Money

Donna Summer - She Works Hard For the Money

Album: She Works Hard For the Money (1983)

Splendour in the Grass kicks off today! So many exciting acts that I love, love, love; Kanye, Seeker Lover Keeper, Gotye, Kimbra, The Grates... Of course, I'm not going. Instead, I'll be working hard for the money over the weekend. Immediately you're thinking I'm a prostitute. That is incorrect. Why does everyone always think that? Maybe it's time for a career change...

Top 100 Songs of the 1970s, #40 - 31

Kate Bush: Kung-fu badass.

Welcome ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages... welcome back to the greatest countdown you're likely to bear witness to (at least at this very moment); an all 70s list featuring some of the greatest songs in the history of modern music. We've got some legendary acts to witness today, so what are we waiting for? On with the show!

#40 - Jolene (1974)

by Dolly Parton

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene,

I'm begging of you please don't take my man...

Because I'm sure perky, blonde and beautiful Dolly Parton felt threatened by some skank like Jolene. Regardless of the lack of sincerity, the song is still a pretty damn good piece of songwriting from the first lady of country.