80’s At 8 Rockturnal With Scotty B Tuesday 5-2-23
(MANDATORY CREDIT Ebet Roberts/Getty Images) English pop group The Outfield, holding inflatable guitars, New York City, 22nd June 1987. Left to right: drummer Alan Jackman, singer and bassist Tony Lewis (1957 – 2020) and guitarist John Spinks (1953 – 2014). (Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty Images)
The first track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was Say It Isn’t So by The Outfield. The Outfield’s 1985 track “Say It Isn’t So” is from their 1985 debut album Play Deep. Its catchy melody and infectious chorus, captures the band’s signature sound that blended elements of new wave, rock, and pop. It was written by the band’s guitarist and vocalist John Spinks, who sadly passed away in 2014. Spinks was a talented songwriter who had a gift for crafting catchy hooks and memorable lyrics, and “Say It Isn’t So” is a perfect example of his songwriting skills. It’s opening guitar riff immediately draws the listener in, and the upbeat tempo and driving rhythm keep the energy high throughout the entire track. The verses are simple and straightforward, with Spinks singing about a relationship that has gone sour. One of the standout features of “Say It Isn’t So” is the production. The Outfield worked with renowned producer William Wittman, who had previously worked with artists like Cyndi Lauper and Joan Osborne. Wittman’s production on “Say It Isn’t So” is polished and radio-friendly, with just the right amount of reverb on the vocals and guitar to give the song a distinctive sound. You can watch the music video of Say It Isn’t So by The Outfield below:
The second track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was Piece by Piece by The Tubes. Piece by Piece was the first single released from The Tubes seventh studio album, “Love Bomb,” in 1985. Produced by Todd Rundgren, the album was the band’s last major-label release and is notable for its blend of rock, new wave, and electronic music.The lyrics, written by Fee Waybill, are a scathing critique of consumerism and the dehumanizing effects of the capitalist system. The song paints a picture of a society where people are reduced to mere commodities, and our individuality is stripped away piece by piece. The Album “Love Bomb” features a number of other standout tracks, including the upbeat “Stella,” the synth-driven “One Good Reason,” and the album’s title track, “Bora Bora 2000/Love Bomb.” While “Love Bomb” may have marked the end of The Tubes’ major-label career, it remains a testament to their unique sound and their ability to push the boundaries of rock music. You can watch the music video for Piece by Piece by the Tubes below:
