Tag Archives: 80s

THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #148

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With new tracks from a couple of the indie scene’s UK/Irish leading lights and a Bristol based guitar driven band who’ve already attained cult status, this visit to the Singles Bar feels rather weighted towards jangly material and swirly shoegaze sounds, but with a very retro sounding track that fuses blues rock with prog flourishes and a dreamy number from a French singer-songwriter, there’s a sharp contrast too, helping to keep the usual love of shining a light upon the most cult of artists. Bolstered by an unexpected reissue from the 80s and a lo-fi workout that could split opinion, it’s certainly an interesting selection this time around. As always, of course, we hope you find something new to enjoy!

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ROSE TATTOO – The Albums: 1981-1984

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Don’t be fooled by the title: despite claiming to contain albums released between 1981-1984, this four disc set by Aussie legends Rose Tattoo actually kicks off with their self-titled album from 1978. With Lemon Records being a UK based company, the decision has been made to present that record as it was first experienced by UK audiences domestically, with its alternate title (‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaws’) and belated 1981 release date. [Further evidence of this clam shell box being pitched squarely at the British buyer can be found in the sleeve notes, when Rose Tattoo’s 1986 LP ‘Blood From A Stone’ is referenced as being an Angry Anderson solo album of the same name released in 1988.]

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IQ – Live From London: Camden Palace 1985

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In the 80s, it was common for music shows on TV to be hidden away in a graveyard slot. With almost every household owning a VCR, such things were no longer missable, and for rock fans it became common practice to record shows like The Power Hour and Live From London for weekend viewing. Live From London was particularly interesting. Running between1983-1985, it would show footage of all manner of rock bands – ranging from Husker Du to Uriah Heep – captured at the Camden Palace (now Koko).

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SHANNON CURTIS – 80s Kids

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On 2024’s ‘Good To Me’, Shannon Curtis delivered ten slabs of synth pop that sounded so authentically 80s, you might even believe a few of the songs were rarities from the era. With the album released at a time where a lot of musicians appeared to be obsessed with the 90s, this even more retro sound hit like a musical ray of sunshine. At the album’s best, the bright sound – heavily reliant on unnatural sounding keys and a strong vocal – showcased some great choruses. The multi-voiced ‘Serenity’ could’ve been culled from an old teen film soundtrack; ‘Sweat & Butterflies’ worked a pulsing heart that had clearly been inspired by OMD’s ‘If You Leave’ and a couple of Fiction Factory numbers, and the title cut showcased a great contrast between big beats and a more sedate voice, ending the record in a slightly more thoughtful manner. Even with a couple of tunes adding slightly more of a light goth/dreampop reverb, this was a record that offered a lot of entertainment for the 80s obsessed listener.

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THE REAL GONE ADVENT CALENDAR 2025

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It seems unbelievable that we’ve reached December already. It was only Easter a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, the end of the year is fast approaching and, as is traditional, we’ll be counting down the days to Xmas with the Real Gone advent calendar!

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