In honor of ’80s Fashion Week at Mirror80, today we spotlight the role of fashion in the realm of 1980s music video. Thanks to the advent of MTV in 1981, musicians had a new outlet for creativity, and they quickly filled the screen with the latest styles. A variety of looks emerged… Today we showcase a handful of them, as well as the music videos in which they appeared.
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New Retro Weekender: Huey Lewis and Other News
Happy Friday, Everyone! For this edition of New Retro Weekender, I apologize in advance for the Huey Lewis and the News puns that may follow… But first I’ll start by saying that my brother and his friends LOVE non-mainstream music. And they know a lot about obscure music. Which is why I was a bit surprised when he told me they had spent the better part of an evening singing along to a Huey Lewis and the News album. “Was it Sports?” I asked. “Of course,” he answered.
Friday Video Pick: “A Message to You Rudy” by The Specials
The South by Southwest Music Festival is in full swing here in Austin, Texas. In honor of The Specials’ upcoming performance, today we feature the video for their classic track “A Message to You Rudy.” The song was originally performed by Dandy Livingstone in 1967, but The Specials gave it true notoriety when they covered the ditty in 1979. Just two years earlier, the band had formed in Coventry, England, putting their stamp on the ska revival.
Friday Video Pick: “I Wonder If I Take You Home” by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam with Full Force
Today we join Lisa Lisa, Cult Jam, Full Force, and a variety of people who are wondering if they should take each other home… Seriously, this is my favorite Lisa Lisa track of all time. As a kid it appeared on one of my favorite compilations, and it’s been on my playlist ever since. There is a LOT going on in this video. The performers, the actors, the dancing. Yes, in the tradition of many great ’80s R&B videos, this one comes with a posse…
Friday Video Pick: “Listening” by Pseudo Echo
Today we shine the spotlight on Australian New Wave band Pseudo Echo. Perhaps you remember them from their 1986 cover of “Funky Town.” This track is from 1983, and refreshingly, it’s not quite as peppy. Not to mention, the video’s fashion unfolds like a runway show set in the desert. If you missed “Listening” in the ’80s, it’s well worth watching now…
Friday Video Pick: “The Night You Murdered Love” by ABC
February may be the month of love, but it’s not champagne and roses for everyone. Today we take a few minutes to celebrate drama, heartache and a bit of obsession with this gorgeous music video from ABC. “The Night You Murdered Love” comes from the group’s 1987 album Alphabet City. To describe the plot of today’s piece, I defer to this concise Wikipedia one-liner: “The music video shows a homicidal fashion model carrying a slingshot and a skateboard stalking the band across the city of Paris.” Interested?
Friday Video Pick: “Shy Boy” by Bananarama
Today we travel back to 1982, when Bananarama belted out the lyrics to “Shy Boy” while making over a nerdy office worker. That’s right–the video features a man makeover, as well as some pretty interesting tropical backdrops. The “shy boy” in today’s Friday Video Pick is vocalist Terry Sharpe, who went on to form the group The Adventures. At the time, he was dating Bananarama vocalist Sara Dallin. Watch as this fashionable girl band cleans up his look, forces him to work out, then loses him to an office secretary. But not before throwing buckets of water on the happy couple…
Friday Video Pick: “All Cried Out” by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force
Today’s video pick is a 1986 hit by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. With Full Force. And Bow-Legged Lou. Now see if you can identify all of them while you watch the video… Also be on the lookout for more dreamy pastel pink accents than you’ve ever seen in a grown woman’s room. But it was the ’80s…
Friday Video Pick: “It’s a Very Deep Sea” by The Style Council
As New Year’s Eve approaches, it’s not uncommon to reflect on the year that has passed, as well as the year ahead. Which is why this reflective piece is our Friday Video Pick! I’ve made no secret of my love for The Style Council, today’s featured group. Fronted by Paul Weller (formerly of The Jam), The Style Council also included the talented Mick Talbot on piano/keyboard and Weller’s then-wife Dee C. Lee on vocals. And what soulful vocals they were…
Friday Video Pick: “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode
Today the beauty of Anton Corbijn’s imagery reigns in his 1987 video for “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode. In fact, this renowned Dutch photographer, film director and music video director has crafted many a stunning visual for Depeche Mode over the years, and “Never Let Me Down Again” showcases his striking use of dark and light. Which works well for a song on the darker side…
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