80’s at 8 Rockturnal with Scotty B Thursday 04-13-23
(MANDATORY CREDIT Ebet Roberts/Getty Images) The Kinks, group portrait in the auditorium at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA on October 27, 1980. L-R Ian Gibbons, Mick Avory, Ray Davies, Jim Rodford, Dave Davies. (Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns)
The first track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was State of Confusion by The Kinks. It was released as the title track of their 1983 album. The song is a powerful commentary on the state of the world, exploring themes of confusion, disillusionment, and uncertainty. State of Confusion reached #26 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. the album reached #12 on the Billboard 200 album chart and features on of their biggest hit singles, Come Dancing. In addition to its musical prowess, “State of Confusion” also reflects the political and social climate of its time. The early 1980s were marked by a conservative shift in politics and growing tensions between world powers, and the song’s lyrics speak to the uncertainty and anxiety of that era.You can watch the music video for State of Confusion by The Kinks below:
British rock group The Godfathers, Southend, Essex, 11th February 1988. (Photo by Steve Pyke/Getty Images)
The second track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was from the English rock band from London, England, with strong influences from R&B and punk.. The Godfathers. Birth, School, Work, Death Released in 1988 as the lead single from their debut album of the same name, the song is a blistering commentary on the monotony and bleakness of everyday life. Its raw energy and catchy hooks helped to establish The Godfathers as one of the most exciting and Influential bands of the late 1980s.
The Godfathers’ punk-influenced sound, which also drew from elements of garage rock and R&B, helped to define the “grebo” subculture that emerged in the UK in the late 1980s. The band’s rebellious attitude and sharp social commentary resonated with disaffected youth across the country, and “Birth School Work Death” became a cult hit.
Decades later, the song’s message remains as relevant as ever. In an era of increasing automation and precarious work, many people feel trapped in a cycle of drudgery and despair. The Godfathers’ defiant spirit and refusal to accept the status quo continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
You can watch the music video for Birth, School, Work, Death by The Godfathers below:
