Friday Fives: Birthday Music
Last week we looked at the top five singles on the British charts over the last 45 years. This week, since tomorrow’s my birthday, we’re going to look at the top five singles on my birthday each year from 1978-1982. I picked this range because 1) it’s a five year range, and this is Friday Fives, and 2) I have some strong memories of the music during this time. I hope you enjoy!
Week Ending March 25, 1978
- Wuthering Heights: Kate Bush
- Denis: Blondie
- Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs: Brian and Michael
- Baker Street: Gerry Rafferty
- I Can’t Stand the Rain: Eruption
Nineteen-year-old Kate Bush wrote “Wuthering Heights” in the space of a couple of hours one night. She was inspired by the last ten minutes of a film adaptation of the Brontë novel, which she then read. The song was her first hit, and stayed at number one for four weeks.
“Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs” was written as a tribute to the British painter L.S. Lowry, who came from the northern town of Salford (home to Christopher Eccleston, who played the Ninth Doctor).
Week Ending March 24th, 1979
- I Will Survive: Gloria Gaynor
- Oliver’s Army: Elvis Costello and the Attractions
- Lucky Number: Lene Lovich
- Something Else: The Sex Pistols (danced to by Top of the Pops dance troupe Legs & Co.)
- Can You Feel the Force: The Real Thing
Elvis Costello wrote “Oliver’s Army” after a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1978, where he saw boys in battle dress carrying rifles. It brought to mind other military trouble spots around the world: South Africa, Palestine, and “Checkpoint Charlie” (the crossing point in the Berlin wall between East and West Berlin). It’s possible the “Oliver” refers to Oliver Cromwell (Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1653-1658), who led a Parliamentary invasion of Ireland from 1649-50, and whose name is still vilified there (especially among the Catholic Irish).
Week Ending March 29, 1980
- Going Underground: The Jam
- Together We Are Beautiful: Fern Kinney
- Turning Japanese: The Vapors
- Dance Yourself Dizzy: Liquid Gold
- Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me Girl: Detroit Spinners
Week Ending March 28, 1981
- This Ole House: Shakin’ Stevens
- Kids in America: Kim Wilde
- Jealous Guy: Roxy Music
- Four from Toyah (EP)–It’s a Mystery: Toyah
- Kings of the Wild Frontier: Adam & the Ants
Shakin’ Stevens got his start as an Elvis impersonator (can you tell?).
“Jealous Guy” was originally by John Lennon–this is Roxy Music’s tribute to Lennon who was assassinated on December 8, 1980.
Week Ending March 27, 1982
- Seven Tears: Goombay Dance Band
- The Lion Sleeps Tonight: Tight Fit
- Quiereme Mucho (Yours): Julio Iglesias
- Just an Illusion: Imagination
- Mickey: Toni Basil
Julio Iglesias is, of course, the father of Enrique Iglesias.
Happy Friday! And don’t forget to enter my Birthday Giveaway if you haven’t already. The giveaway closes at 12:01 am on Sunday.
Oh my gosh, Seven Tears. I’d forgotten all about that!
Happy birthday for tomorrow 🙂
Thanks, Sarah! 🙂
…Seeing your post reminded me it was Friday! Hahahahaha wow have I ever lost track ^^;
Also, I’m going to be singing “Mickey” aaaaall night. Oh Mickey you so fine, you so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey!!!
LOL!! I’m glad I could… um… be responsible for you having that song in your head… I think. 🙂 Really, though, I’m glad you seem to be having such a good time in India. 🙂
Happy early birthday!
“Oliver’s Army” is my favorite Elvis Costello song.
Thanks, Mandy!! I think Elvis Costello is one of the best lyricists around. His work with Paul McCartney was some of the best of Macca’s solo career. And this is one of my all-time favorite Costello songs too.