Category: Singles

  • The Jam’s 1979 single “Strange Town” reveals Paul Weller’s fascination with London’s alienation and anonymity. Set against a Northern Soul beat, it reflects his experiences while touring. The B-side, “The Butterfly Collector,” critiques rock groupies, showcasing Weller’s contemplative songwriting. Both…

    The Jam | Strange Town | Polydor | 1979
  • The Jam’s single “Going Underground,” released on March 14, 1980, features the experimental track “The Dreams Of Children” as a B-side. This work reflects Paul Weller’s influences from British psychedelia, incorporating innovative techniques like backwards vocals. The release also included…

    The Jam | Going Underground | Polydor | 1980
  • The Jam’s “Eton Rifles,” released in 1979, critiques British traditions and institutions, offering a stark perspective on themes like nationalism and class. The track stands out for its strong, direct tone, contrasting with softer approaches in prior works. This single…

    The Jam | The Eton Rifles | Polydor | 1979
  • The Jam’s single “David Watts,” released in 1978, showcases their energetic style against the backdrop of a hurried second album. The song, a cover of a Kinks classic, reflects on an idealized character, while the flip side, “A Bomb In…

    The Jam | David Watts | Polydor | 1978
  • “Nowhere Girl” and its B-side “Scare Some Life Into Me” by B-Movie, released in March 1982, showcase a polished, confident sound compared to their earlier work. Critics noted its catchy production but varied in opinion, praising its pop elements while…

    B-Movie | Nowhere Girl | Some Bizzare | 1982
  • Stiff Little Fingers’ 1982 EP, released by Chrysalis Records, faces criticism for poor sound quality despite its appealing price. While ‘That’s When Your Blood Bumps’ shows promise, the additional ballads detract from its overall quality. Critics note a decline in…

    Stiff Little Fingers | £1.10 or less EP | Chrysalis | 1982
  • XTC released the single “Senses Working Overtime” on January 8, 1982, with B-sides “Tissue Tigers” and “Blame The Weather.” Produced by Hugh Padgham at the Manor Studios, this marks their first release in nine months. The fifth album, “English Settlement,”…

    XTC | Senses Working Overtime | Virgin | 1982
  • The release of XTC’s 1982 single “Ball And Chain” features a contrasting reception. While one review praises its catchy, warm composition and engaging video, another criticizes it for lacking emotional depth and authenticity, branding the music as clever yet hollow.…

    XTC | Ball And Chain | Virgin | 1982
  • The Psychedelic Furs’ 1982 single “Love My Way,” produced by Todd Rundgren, marks a turning point for the band, featuring a more polished, sub-Bowie sound. The track, described with a blend of cynicism and catchiness, reflects a shift from their…

    The Psychedelic Furs  | Love My Way | CBS | 1982
  • The single “Love/Give Me Some Truth” was released on December 11, 1982, by Parlophone to promote “The John Lennon Collection.” Produced by John & Yoko and Phil Spector, it features a remixed version with enhanced piano volume for radio. The…

    John Lennon | Love | Parlophone | 1982
  • The Bluebells’ debut single “Forevermore” (B-side “Aim In Life”) was released on 22/10/82 but faced criticism for being overly produced and clichéd. The reviews highlight a lack of originality, comparing their sound to 1960s pop. Elvis Costello’s influence on the…

    The Bluebells | Forevermore | London | 1982
  • Talk Talk’s single “Today” from June 21, 1982, achieved UK Top 20 status based solely on its musical merit, despite the band lacking a distinct image or prior reputation. Critics noted their desire for seriousness in the industry, although initial…

    Talk Talk | Today | EMI | 1982