Buggles
For as long as I can remember, three things have always been a part of my life: Doctor Who, books, and music. I have always listened to and enjoyed music–and all sorts of music. But sometime in the late 70s, when my age was on the verge of double digits, somewhere deep in my psyche, someone cranked the dial on my love of music. I don’t know what it was; all I know is I started paying closer attention to the Top 40 singles chart, and listening to Radio One. I began my Smash Hits magazine collection. And I had my first “favorite band”: Buggles.
Who?!
Yes, when my peers were following after The Boomtown Rats, Rod Stewart, ABBA, Elvis Costello, and The Police, I was into this obscure band whose debut single, “Video Killed the Radio Star,” had shot to number one around Europe, but who quickly faded from the limelight. Buggles became–and have remained–one of those bands no-one’s heard of until you mention “Video Killed the Radio Star.” But I loved their sound. And they didn’t write love songs–and there were way too many love songs on the charts for this 9 year old!
The two principle members, of Buggles, Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, were (and still are) multi-instrumentalists. I didn’t play an instrument at that time, but I could pretend to–plucking an air-bass, or bashing out piano chords on the couch while listening to “The Age of Plastic,” their first album. Their compositions were creative, and layered, each play revealing keyboard or guitar parts I hadn’t noticed before. And there was something about the production that was very distinctive, that made Buggles records stand out from the crowd.
Unfortunately, the Buggles recording output didn’t last more than 3 years. By 1982, Geoff had joined Asia (remember the song “Heat of the Moment”?), and Trevor realized he preferred producing over performing. So the two went their separate ways, and, despite my fervent prayers, Buggles recorded no more. But I know their music had a huge impact on me, and probably influenced me in ways I probably don’t even realize.
If you want to know more about Buggles, check out this Wikipedia article. If you want to hear a sampling of their music, I have compiled for you a little six or seven minute medley of all nine of their singles. Enjoy this eighties flashback!
I know that song! I just never knew who sang it. ^^ Nice to hear they didn’t write love songs. There’s more to music than drowning your sorrows over relationships. *cough*TaylorSwift* Sorry but that girl needs another topic to sing about.
LOL!
“Video Killed the Radio Star” is probably one of the most well-known songs by a band nobody knows. It was the first song played on MTV in the US, so a lot of people over here know the song, but don’t know who sang it. Of course, the list of artists Trevor Horn has produced is a mile long (Seal, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Paul McCartney, TaTu, Lisa Stansfield, Rod Stewart, Yes…). He’s probably better known as a producer than as a Buggle (he won a Grammy for his production work, after all).
It’s fun to look back at the songs that influenced your childhood. My mom was never into music, but I remember as a kid following my dad around and slowly getting into the music he played. B for me would have to go to Jimmy Buffett (we alphabetize last name first, right?) But I do love the Buggles and their irreverent style.
Certainly one of the things I liked about Buggles was that they were so different from anything else. That probably hurt them in terms of popular appeal, but their sound and their songs were a breath of fresh air.
And yes, absolutely: last name first, so Buffett, Jimmy would count for today. 😀
Yes, I’m sad to admit that I’m one of those people who has only ever heard of “Video Killed the Radio Star”. But now that I’ve thought of it, I can assure you that it’ll be stuck in my mind for the rest of the day!
I think there are many worse songs you could have stuck in your head all day, so I’m glad to have been of service. 😉 Thanks for the comment, Kate! 😀
They were prophets, though, weren’t they? Video killed the radio star, shouted from 3 years BEFORE MTV. Sounds like you and I are close to the same age, but you either had cooler friends or are from Europe. This song though, makes nearly every ‘best of the 80s list’…
I’m originally from the UK, so I suppose you could say I’m from Europe… sort of. 😉 (I also had cool friends, btw.)
The song itself was certainly very relevant… and that’s probably why it was chosen as the song to launch MTV.
Thanks for the comment, Hart! 🙂
Never heard of them, but the name is totally awesome. And high five for the fellow Doctor Who fan 🙂
High five back at you, Allison! I have some Doctor Who posts planned for the A-to-Z, so be sure to check back. 😀
I loved that song, takes me back to my childhood, seeing them on Top of the Pops. Happy days. And look, I didn’t even skim read it! 🙂
LOL! Thank you, Tracy. 😀 Yes, I remember seeing Buggles on TotP–not often enough for my liking. 🙂
I’ve actually heard of all of the groups you mentioned in this post. Interestingly enough, I have the Lady GaGa Pandora station to thank for that… 🙂
Wow–I’m impressed, Stephanie! 🙂