Book: The Encyclopaedia of Classic 80s Pop by Daniel Blythe

A band which proudly displayed some real instruments, played some real songs - and not feel the need to use the phrase ‘check dis out’ - was to be treasured* 

I hunted this book down after a chance conversation with the author back in the Popmaster days. It was published a couple of decades ago which I have to remind myself when I don’t there’s no mention of former Kajagoogoo member Nick Beggs becoming a renowned bassist and why Mick Kahn of Japan was underrated but not so much in his later years, thankfully people knew of this before his early passing.

I also learnt (or perhaps relearnt) we’ve lost Rob from Milli Vanilli, Pete de Freitas, Mel from Mel & Kim and Nick Kamen. The latter only a couple of years ago - the book must have prompted me to check something.

I’m staggered there is no mention of Pete Wylie but plenty of space for Jive Bunny and Toto Coelo (yes, exactly!) plus a whole page to one-hit-wonder Nena. 

Off the disagreements, there is no need for slating Jamiroquoi and PHD DID light up the world as they created one of the best outros to a song with ‘I Won’t Let You Down’ - still stops me in my tracks each time I hear it.  

Plus Olivia Newton had much better output in the 1970s but this book is almost 500 pages of 80s goodness.

I don’t know Australia’s 1927 are but they are listed next to Nu Shooz whose ‘I Can’t Wait’ is played every week on the radio.

I enjoyed the Iron Maiden tributes and seeing Toyah being described as a ‘glamorous punk’. This book is written with tongue firmly in cheek for the Smash Hits generation and packed with fun facts and humour. My type of humour. I’m glad I read this after publishing my memoir Lost In Music which has a slab of 80s music in it too.

Good luck with hunting it down. A must if you are thinking of entering Mastermind with 80s pop music as your specialist area. Remember 1927 whatever you do. 

*Fairground Attraction