80’s at 8 Rockturnal With Scotty B Thursday 06-07-23
Tonight’s 80’s at 8 started with “No Big Deal” by Love and Rockets. Love and Rockets, the iconic alternative rock band formed by former Bauhaus members Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins, made significant waves with their self-titled album released in 1989. Among the standout tracks on this album is the enchanting “No Big Deal,” a song that showcases the band’s musical versatility and distinctive sound. Despite its critical acclaim and the band’s cult following, “No Big Deal” remains an underrated gem within Love and Rockets’ discography.
The self-titled Love and Rockets album, also known as the “Earth, Sun, Moon” album, was released on May 15, 1989, under the Beggars Banquet label. It marked the band’s fourth studio album following the success of their breakthrough hit, “So Alive,” from their previous album “Express” in 1986. The album features a fusion of alternative rock, gothic influences, and psychedelic sounds, showcasing Love and Rockets’ ability to transcend genres.
Despite its critical acclaim, Love and Rockets’ self-titled album did not achieve massive commercial success compared to some of their earlier works. However, it did manage to make an impact on various charts worldwide. In the United States, the album reached # 24 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing the band’s dedicated fan base.
While “No Big Deal” might not have achieved mainstream commercial success, it remains a beloved track among Love and Rockets’ dedicated fan base. Its introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes continue to resonate with listeners, Illustrating the band’s artistic vision and their influence on the alternative rock genre.
The music video for “No Big Deal” has the band performing in a dark setting that eventually turns to black and white and then to a more lit up setting. You can check it out below:
The second track in tonight’s 80’s At 8 comes from the year 1982. It was” I Predict” by Sparks. Sparks, was a Glam rock duo made up of brothers Ron and Russell Mael,who released their album “Angst in My Pants” in 1982. Among the standout tracks on this record is the infectious and prophetic “I Predict,” a glam rock gem that showcases the Mael brothers’ unique songwriting style and their ability to captivate listeners with witty lyrics and catchy melodies. Despite its initial commercial reception, “I Predict” remains a fan-favorite and a testament to Sparks’ innovative musical prowess.
“Angst in My Pants,” the sixth studio album by Sparks, was released on March 22, 1982, under Atlantic Records. The album marked a significant departure from their earlier glam rock sound, as the Mael brothers embraced a more synth-driven and new wave-inspired direction. “Angst in My Pants” showcases Sparks’ ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while retaining their distinct style and clever lyrical approach.
“I Predict” serves as one of the standout tracks on “Angst in My Pants” and exemplifies Sparks’ ability to combine infectious melodies with sharp, thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s opening synthesizer riff immediately captures the listener’s attention, setting the stage for Russell Mael’s distinct vocal delivery.
The lyrics of “I Predict” delve into societal commentary, exploring themes of consumerism, technological advancements, and cultural shifts. With tongue-in-cheek lines like “I predict that all TVs will get bigger every year,” Sparks satirically foresaw the obsession with technology and the excesses of consumer culture . it is so spot on for what is happening today!
While “I Predict” didn’t achieve significant chart success upon its release, it remains a fan-favorite among Sparks’ dedicated following. The song’s clever lyrics, infectious melody, and the Mael brothers’ distinctive style have made it a staple in the band’s live performances and retrospective compilations.
The music Video features Ron Mael in drag doing a striptease dance performance in a Los Angeles nightclub while Russell lip syncs the lyrics to the song. The music video has been credited to Film Maker David Lynch but in the book Talent is an Asset: The Story of Sparks credits the video to be done by Steve and Doug Martin in the style of David Lynch. You can check it out below: