Jody - Where The Boys Are (Phonogram)

AM: Ever wondered what happened to Bruce Woolley? He co-wrote it. The best thing about it is the sleeve.

PH: When the chorus first came in you thought 'This is going to be great', then it went back to the verse and you thought 'oh, that's the chorus'.

(Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphries of OMD, Record Mirror, November 3, 1984)

Action Transfers - If I Lose It (Rewind)

A charming, rat-a-tat-tatting independent single from one of Liverpool's several thousand groups. The sound, though bright, is a little old fashioned but it had me singing along in about two minutes flat. Worth locating. (Dave Rimmer, Smash Hits, November 22, 1984)

Phil Pickett - Destiny (MCA)

R2D2 and a host of stars (Jon Moss, Thereza Bazar) crop up to aid the man who used to be in Sailor and has worked with Culture Club. A clever mix of bings and bangs that uses the fact that most people have two ears to good effect. (Eleanor Levy, Record Mirror, July 28, 1984)

Billy Idol - Eyes Without A Face (Chrysalis)

I used to think Mr. Idol was a complete twit until his Rebel Yell LP came out last year and I fell for its blend of disco, rock 'n' roll and daft horror-movie imagery. This song is my favourite on the LP and it's warmer, more atmospheric, and more melodic than any of the blond bombshell's previous singles. Although he doesn't have a great voice and the words are utter drivel, somehow he sounds affectingly sincere. Single Of The Fortnight. (Neil Tennant, Smash Hits, June 7, 1984)

Note: I can totally hear Pet Shop Boys covering this song, actually.

Bananarama - Rough Justice (London)

"Rough Justice" succeeds in establishing a longer-lasting appeal than the bright poppy disposability of "Robert De Niro". What they lose in immediacy, they gain in endurance. Should be interesting to see how you pop-pickers respond to change. (Pedro, Record Mirror, May 19, 1984)

Propaganda - Dr Mabuse (ZTT)

While a lot of music seems to be taking the soft option these days, ZTT come up with an ideal successor to their last release Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Relax". "Dr Mabuse" is bold, striking, exciting and totally enjoyable. It's all about "selling your soul" with lots of Germanic voices sounding mysterious over a dynamic Kraftwerk style driving rhythm. Trevor Horn's production gives it an epic quality, while the German group shroud the whole thing in drama and mystery. Totally over the top, it deserves to be Single Of The Fortnight. (Peter Martin, Smash Hits, March 15, 1984)

This record is simply monstrous. ZTT's follow-up to Frankie's "Relax" proves that their ambition knows no bounds. 'Sell him your soul' chant the voices of Propaganda like Abba in hell. Behind the chorus Trevor Horn organizes a wall of sound that is pure drama from start to finish. ZTT know how to command and love to tempt. If your soul remains intact at the end of this extravaganza, you still don't know how to relax. (Mark Cooper, No 1, March 10, 1984)

 

Private Lives - Living In A World (Turned Upside Down) (EMI)

The best record of the week comes from two London boys called John Adams and Morris Michael. "Living In A World (Turned Upside Down)" is a lush soul ballad that could have stepped straight out of the Hall And Oates back catalogue - though it's some time since John and Daryl came up with a record that gripped like this. Considering the standard of the current chart, Private Lives ought to walk right into TOTP and take up residency. And if it doesn't happen here, it's certain to happen somewhere: Top Ten in at least ten countries is my rash prediction. Estimated chart placing: 10. (Phil McNeill, No 1, January 28, 1984)

My wise old editor, Mr McNeill assures me that this new version of the Private Lives single is not a patch on the original, released earlier this year. And who am I to argue? That said, there's not much more wrong with it this time round. Seven inches of pop/soul that's up there with the very best of Hall And Oates. Now you can't say fairer than that. (Paul Simper, No 1, October 13, 1984)


I like Private Lives' older material, but you can't please everyone all the time. I think John's vocal arrangements are good and should get played on Radio 2's peak time! Right on Robin Gibb! (Steve Strange, Record Mirror, January 21, 1984) 

"Living In A World (Turned Upside Down)" is trying to be a classic of someone else's kind. Hall & Oates' kind, to be precise. It fails. Instead, the duo provide what is commonly termed 'a ballad' with the truly inspired message 'We're living in a world turned upside down'. Profundity is obviously not their strong point. (Eleanor Levy, Record Mirror, October 13, 1984)

Prefab Sprout - Don't Sing (Kitchenware)

This one reminded me so much of The Associates but without Billy's wonderful voice. The time changes and chord sequences are reminiscent of Aztec Camera and this can only mean: a) a hit; b) a severe rise in credibility; or c) hopefully both. I really like it. Single Of the Fortnight. (Martyn Ware, Smash Hits, January 19, 1984)

With a name like Prefab Sprout you'd expect something a wee bit eccentric, and 'Don't Sing' is no disappointment. A lot of folk are making a fuss over these three lads and a lass from Newcastle. On first hearing this record it's hard to see why, but its oddball melody and rambling flute soon grow on you. Should do well in Brussels. (Paul Simper, No 1, January 7, 1984)