Captain Sensible - Come On Down (A&M)

In which our hero risks life and limb and dares attack those great British National Heroes, the TV quizmasters. A nation swoons and shouts 'shame' at the Captain who with a punk-like thrash pours scorn on those TV show Hitlers who offer 'a year's supply of Spam ' or a 'fluffy kangaroo' for witless participants. For his next record, the Captain will expose the evil men who make cats tap-dance in concrete booties. (Adrian Tierney-Jones, No 1, November 16, 1985)

"Win a holiday for two/or a fluffy kangaroo/Genuine vinyl three piece suite/ It will make your life complete. . ." Yes, Sensible is having a sneer at The Price Is Right and similar gruesome game shows, but he's so jolly and chirpy and inoffensive about it all that Derek Batey, Leslie Crowther and all those other masters of audience humiliation are left without a stain on their characters. In a couple of years, the "very lovely" Maggie Moone will probably be singing this jaunty cockney trot-along to the contestants on Name That Tune. (Tom Hibbert, Smash Hits, November 6, 1985)

Gingerbread - Christmas Time (RCA)

Another nice song about joining hands and peace on earth - sentiments which will all be forgotten well before the decorations come down. (Captain Sensible, No 1, December 21, 1985)

Captain Sensible - Revolution Now (A&M)

The Croydon crooner appears to have been listening to one too many Julian Cope records. Lacking much of the Captain's former outrage and wackiness, "Revolution Now" is about as radical as Bon Jovi's haircuts. (Robin Smith, Record Mirror, June 27, 1987)

Shakin' Stevens - Merry Christmas Everyone (Epic)

Shaky Seems to have been rocking around that old clock for quite a while now. But still he keeps 'em coming. Naturally enough, "Merry Christmas Everyone" is one of those characteristic Christmas songs that once heard is never remembered. Dreadful unto its dying chords, it's amazing the dross that Dave Edmunds (in the guise of producer) is prepared to associate himself with these days. Still, whatever I say won't prevent it from being a massive hit. Trying to ensure otherwise would be like trying to blow out a searchlight. Hopeless. (Mike Morris, No 1, December 14, 1985)

This one leaves me cold. Shaky's on thin ice here, as he skates through a precarious rocking rendition of Xmas tidings, complete with doo wops and sleigh bells. Someone definitely left the sixpence out of this one. (Diane Cross, Record Mirror, December 7, 1985)

A stunningly original concept! I can't help thinking that Shaky would sing "The Red Flag" if his record company thought it would make him a few more bob. The great Dave Edmunds produced this record - can't hear him though! (Captain Sensible, No 1, December 21, 1985)