New old -annuals

Things are a bit better this week although the oldish Windows machine's being a little erratic in its operations so I'm doing a bit a pre-planning like posting any images when it feels like co-operating and finishing things off on the reliable Chromebook.

This week I found an old school photograph which would of been when I was thirteen and a bit taken with just a hint of the then popular diffusion with a soft wide apertured background that's noticeable for the short bob girlish style hair and baby pink v neck sweater with tie which clearly showed how I saw thinks back then, uniform style but not rigidly stereotypical.

Back then the gender divide was of almost Berlin Wall proportions not least in school so you might make your own arrangements for getting "in" with things the other sex alone officially were supposed to do be them sports, games you play or comics you'd rather read although because most of my sports were disability sports at least they were co-ed unlike most.

Even if you were lucky to acquire the comics or figure you wanted, chances are many may of gone by now so I was pleased to get this compilation of classic girls  annuals of the 1970's - the sort of thing some of us read - with stories we remember presented as annual.

Although this came out in 2014, I'd been looking for a copy for ages when I found a store with a copy in and got it.

Given the heavy rain of late, it's just the thing to cheer me up.

Flat week

 

A bit more of a rollercoaster week emotionally with somethings and some folks who who are just focused on their own things even to the point they don't ask how you are even if you might by  most people come over as somewhat subdued and others that just add to it.

So you just get on with sorting through your emotions, what's solvable and what's not, being in most respects other peoples problems even if they're directed towards you, switching off.

Looking more to the positive, I'm looking around looks such cardigans which isn't something I've had much to do with from the days Gran knitted me them a number of decades ago and cleaning up a few 12" singles  from a round the same era that came to light recently

It seems to have brightened up after yesterdays gloom and heavy rain so I'll most likely nip out shortly for a stroll as that may well help too. 

Easter Party 2024

 This is coming a bit later than scheduled because it is written immediately after the event and anyway I'm actually a bit tired and sneezing probably due to pollen but anyway I did after an awful lot of mither and faff get to the LG Easter Event.

Trains were removed and this year I had to travel a day late and get a cab of the taxi rank to the venue with sets my anxieties off around being understood and being bad at remembering routes in areas I don't spend most of my time in (and then I can get lost).

Thankfully it did work out all right so changing from train to cab was seamless and even going in a less usually way but more direct in some respects didn't fox me so I got dropped at point I was very familiar with to walk with case to the venue.

It wasn't long before ringing the doorbell before half nine and moewing I was greeted by this welcoming sign, changing into something more comfortable before catching up with people while our host was setting things up.

The cans were set up to see armed with bean bags who could knock the most over and surprisingly I didn't do too badly at that but was it the strong wind which was preferable to anticipated rain?

The Egg Hunt was underway, hidden in all manner of weird and wonderful places and everybody found at least a few which as you went around you put into your colourful box.

We had a buffet evening meal with thing provided by our host and things we bought of which one had to be cooked - Faggots from the delightful town of Penkridge which I did have and enjoy on top of salad, various pies and Andi's excellent trifle with cream.

We had an Easter themed bingo which was different having surprisingly enough never played it and by the time I got four lines we were on full cards! 

Much talking and yarn sharing followed until one by one people either left or for those staying overnight, went to bed so I fell asleep to the glow of the coal fire before waking up around 8 o clock getting wash and changed for the next morning where we talked over a Bacon sandwich before heading to lunch.

It was around this point I was getting a bit concerned cos while the rails strikes had stopped it's not unknown for drivers on Sundays just not to turn in for work and there seemed to be a dirth of services showing on one site.

I consumed a turkey roast, sticky toffee pudding with cream and a half pint of orange which was very tasty and would keep me going until I got home.

People said their goodbyes and I left aided by a lift from Andi on something of a high from the events to catch the 16:32 Preston service that  stopped at one of the two stations nearby before catching can home.

Thanks to Jennifer for hosting, the event, Andi for the lift to the station and everyone for what they brought to the event both by way of physical and personal contributions.

Easter 2024

This is being typed on Sunday as we had a number of issues with the bigger Windows machine and a browser getting corrupted as an update became a no-date so the carefully laid plans fell rather like a certain planned trip out.

Being Sunday of course we're in the middle of that period so after meeting various Aunts there is a number of Easter Cards and Chocolate of various kinds here which I'll try to keep off of pink gingham dress which I'm wearing typing this out with some matching cute girlish socks.

That's very bunny although the lesser spotted Grump did bring me an egg too shockingly which was something Mom always did when she was around being more clued in to this more littles side of me and with various things altering things like shopping needed to be reworked.

Anyway I'll have some more egg and get on with more comic reading.

HAPPY EASTER!

Now Millennium series revisited Pt.II

The Now Millennium series continues advancing from the original 1999 volume issued in 2000 and in most respects this series continues on from that and on March 1st the next volume was issued following on from 2002/3.

As with all of this series each volume covers two years with one year per two discs and in the book form version I bought you get some background notes on each song and act included not that in the passing years I've forgotten Crazy Frog!

CD1 is the first of two taht cover 2004 and begins with George Michael's top-5 smash ‘Amazing’, before Pop queens Britney Spears and Kylie Minogue feature with the sensational ‘Toxic’ and ‘I Believe In You’. As well as co-writing the Kylie smash, Jake Shears along with his band The Scissor Sisters had a fantastic year in 2004 with their self-titled album, showcased on this release with their massive hit ‘Laura’. Robbie Williams continued to enjoy massive success, Duran Duran returned and further cemented their legacy with ‘(Reach Up For The) Sunrise’, plus Anastacia and Natasha Beddingfield both enjoyed huge hits with ‘Left Outside Alone’ and ‘These Words’. Will Young’s phenomenal achievements in 2003 spilled over into 2004 with the release of ‘Your Game’ and Maroon 5’s ‘This Love’ ended up at number 3 after their 2002 sleeper-hit album ‘Songs About Jane’ was re-released. Dancefloor favourites come in the form of legendary Hip-Hop / Pop from Outkast and Kelis, plus the Pop-Dance of The Shapeshifters, ‘Call On Me’ from Eric Prydz, and the fusion of LMC and U2. The disc cools down with the #1 from Eamon and the soulful vocals of Lemar.

CD2 kicks off with the undisputed classic ‘Mr. Brightside’ from The Killers before featuring other fantastic bands; Keane, Snow Patrol, R.E.M. and The Streets - all here. 2004 was a stellar year for Pop singles, and included here - Sugababes, Girls Aloud, band rivals Busted and McFly, plus Ashlee Simpson and Avril Lavigne all experienced Chart success.

CD3 begins by highlighting amazing song writing, including ‘Speed Of Sound’ from Coldplay, James Blunt’s ‘You're Beautiful’, ‘Bad Day’ from Daniel Powter and the electrifying ‘Dakota’ from Stereophonics. New singles from New Order and Eurythmics come before Duran Duran, Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams all make their second appearance. KT Tunstall’s massive ‘Suddenly I See’ leads to Chart favourites from Natalie Imbruglia and Simon Webbe. The huge ‘Caught Up’ from Usher and ‘1 Thing’ from Amerie come before the heavy beat of The Black Eyed Peas’ ‘Don't Phunk With My Heart’, and the disc closes with Akon’s flagship  number one smash ‘Lonely’.

CD4 leads with the irresistible ‘I Predict A Riot’ from the Kaiser Chiefs, followed by more great bands – The Bravery, Doves, Oasis and Bon Jovi all released unforgettable tracks in 2005. It was also the year that Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since U Been Gone’ dominated the Charts, as did the R&B / Hip-Hop / Pop hits of ‘Don't Cha’ from The Pussycat Dolls and ‘Candy Shop’ from 50 Cent and Olivia. Mario and John Legend proved that romance wasn’t dead, and Elton John and Westlife released uplifting songs ‘Electricity’ and ‘You Raise Me Up’. ‘(Is This The Way To) Amarillo’ from Tony Christie charted in 2005 as the years Comic Relief track and the album ends with an early viral sensation – the undeniably catchy ‘Axel F’ from Crazy Frog.

This era was one i bought albums by artists I liked so a general resume of this period is really helpful in putting titles to songs heard on the radio or being played in HMV when buying Oasis albums.

Getting set to nip out edition

It's Sunday as I'm typing this after much rain that woke me up twice as it landed on the window so I'm a bit low on spoons today so will deal with that with emergency rations before setting off to the park where it was warm enough yesterday not to bother with any coat.

We're a bench or two short  and one situated to the side of area for football and netball so if it is in use you're likely to have the ball come near you and our juniors can kick a ball quite high!

I'd love to set up a candid camera thing and see just how people would react to seeing a life sized dressed teddy on a bench.

Would they engage with it, talking and playing with it, would they leave it alone, that's what interests me.

I had to redress the bunny at the top of the stairs where the Grump seems to have caught it, knocked it over flat and somehow pulled its skirt down!

Easter isn't far off which with me is something I'd associate with school Easter Bonnet making, egg decorating and yes a certain type of bunny who brings gifts.

Well he managed it last year all right!

At rest edition

It's a week after the birthday, a cooler weekend as I type this out sat waiting for a few things to arrive before venturing out to the park after just dealing with the washing.

First off, I'd like to thank everyone at FA, GT and EBS for their birthday wishes and friends elsewhere for theirs including my BFF's Moonpig unicorn card which was very much appreciated.

Arrangements for Easter and Summer are underway with discussions being finalized and talk around next year too with all that may bring.

Unfortunately I hadn't been too good with a really bad bout of migraine that's still hanging over the left side of my brain, affecting things like remembering day to day details even the other day looking for switch on a kettle near the base forgetting ours is like many a cordless one.

Thus to a large extent I've be mainly resting this week, somewhat dazed, just keeping things tidy and sorting through anything arriving although one immediate family member hasn't realized that there was a birthday hence no card and the other despite calling round never knocked and even wished me a happy birthday in person!

Families,eh?

Birthday edition

Officially we're slightly ahead of time but what's worse, being behind it and maybe you have an idea of what it will be like given that's so relevant.

There will be cards as much as cards got crowded out last year with the events of just under three weeks before everything was on pause so the small number cards wee just in a bit of a corner rather than a central position.

That one fills the girl of the family slot doesn't surprise most given the craziness of our family, doing stuff and trying to smooth things over.

While I don't know about any other presents and they can always be added as an update I do the know the Super Audio cd of Genesis's Selling England By The Pound by Analogue Productions as part of the Atlantic 75 years anniversary delayed from last November is here.

Given the record version was acclaimed, I'm looking forward to spinning this disc.

There will be a fuller write up around the 2004-2005 installment of Now Millennium but this gathering of notable tracks from those two years will help bringing back the sounds of that era coupled with a book about the artists and times.

I'm sure there will be some money to put towards a few other purchases looking towards Easter and Summer get together and unlike last year we'll have a small meal together at a local pub, something we always did when Mom was alive and something that didn't happen last time as that's been booked.

Updating The Now's - Now Eighties Dancefloor Soul & Disco

A return to the series we commented upon on January 29th so near enough a month on we have another lp only selection that looks at Soul and Disco which was popular and with a number not on original now albums although these aren't the extended version these have some tracks that weren't on original now albums.

Released on Friday, as with the others we get two well packed discs on coloured vinyl at a discounted price the sleeve is nothing special lacking any kind of liner notes.

The first disc in this set kicks off with Tina Turner's iconic remake of 'Let's Stay Together' - a testament to her timeless vocal prowess. 

Jocelyn Brown's 'Somebody Else's Guy', brings a fabulous fusion of Funk and Soul that I originally bought on a 45, followed by Gwen Guthrie's anthem 'Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But The Rent' from 1986.

Womack & Womack's 'Teardrops' blend of captivating lyrics and rhythm, leads into Joyce Sims' 'Come Into My Life' from 1989 before the Stock Aitken Waterman written & produced 'Say I'm Your Number One' from Princess leads us to Loose Ends' 'Hangin' On A String' offering a smooth, jazz-infused sound, echoed by Will Downing's very first hit, 'A Love Supreme', which concludes that side.

The second side takes you on a whirlwind trip around the dancefloor with Whitney Houston's 'How Will I Know from 1985, Alexander O'Neal's 'Criticize' and Aretha Franklin's 'Who's Zoomin' Who?' bring a blend of irresistible beats. 

Lionel Richie's 'Dancing On The Ceiling' takes us to Laura Branigan's 'Self Control', alongside Imagination's debut single, 'Body Talk', offers a cross of Hi-NRG Disco with a sensual groove while Hi-Gloss's 'You'll Never Know' is a gem of smooth, elegant Soul to finish the first LP. 

The first side of the second disc begins with the iconic duo Ashford & Simpson's 'Solid,' a celebration of enduring love I originally bought the extended version of on 12" single.

This is followed by #1 Disco anthem 'Fame' from Irene Cara featured in the Tv show and Diana Ross's 'My Old Piano' that showcases her unique ability to blend Pop with Soul on this Chic-produced classic before we move on to Donna Summer's Grammy-nominated single 'Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)' fusing Disco with a Funk edge, while Odyssey's 'Inside Out' provides a smooth, and melody filled dance. 

Terri Wells's 'I'll Be Around' is a soulful delight, and Hall & Oates' 'I Can't Go For That (No Can't Do)' mixes Rock with Soul and was sampled ands  the side closes on a romantic note with Fat Larry's Band's 'Zoom' a personal favourite from 1982.

The final side opens by showcasing Rufus and Chaka Khan's 'Ain't Nobody,' a masterpiece of Funk and Soul synergy while Womack & Womack make their second appearance with 'Love Wars', followed by Steve Arrington's 'Feel So Real' - a true example of the era's crossover with Disco and Soul. 

Miami Sound Machine's 'Dr. Beat' injects Latin-infused Pop rhythms at the core of a cool sound , while Jermaine Stewart's biggest hit 'We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off' became a global dance-floor smash hit. 

Billy Ocean's Grammy award winner, 'Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)', blends Soul, Disco and Pop which I remember buying a special four mix cassette single of while Sister Sledge's 'Thinking Of You' is the perfect closer, uplifting and full of joy.

This is a great fun packed compilation that'll bring back many memories.

Little Camp Winter 2024

I was away last week at Littles Camp Tm which for me involved a train journey to Miss Green's where then we picked up Katie enroute before arriving at base camp in East Anglia which would of been quicker had we'd not of had delays going through Wednesbury, South Staffs but given there was bigger trouble involving the M5 and 6 we probably had the least imperfect route arriving before four in the afternoon.

For me it was the first time since the Pandemic I had returned to this venue missing the first opportunity two years ago when I was seriously unwell so I was interested to see what the new operators had done (or not).

So after getting a room I got changed in one for skirts I had with me as I don't like having my legs encased apart from bad memories associated with trousers that can trigger negative responses that may require attention.

While most people had various curries we opted to have a chicken salad that just required said chicken breast cooking as people started to arrive and rooms were being allocated  with Barbie themed room signs.

Sunday saw the morning Arts and Crafts session where in teams we made Viking boards from card, dowlling and sticky tape which were sailed on Tuesday with Mine and Jennifer's second from right managing to stay up well.

There was a Barbie themed Colour Game in the afternoon with well hidden clues as in on the ceiling before the legendary "all purrpuss nekomimi music quiz" took place covering a variety of genres and eras after the pie evening meal which went down well.

Monday saw Miss Green's cake making class where things for the party the next day were made and I made some with Alice  that turned quite well given measurements were estimated on the fly while in the afternoon Samantha run a Hair Band making session.

After Mary and Iris's mouth-watering Beef Stew with dumplings evening meal, Miss Green read a story from the farm.

Across the week various jigsaw's were made, some easier than others.

Tuesday saw the indoor sports which being somewhat unco-ordinated I didn't do too well at including Magnetic Darts, Skittles and making and flying model airplanes from paper which was more me being the sort of thing I did back in the day and the Barbie party was held with sausage rolls, cakes and games such as pass the parcel and musical chairs.

After the delightful fish and chip evening meal that had to be picked up, we were treated to the Barbie Movie after Jillian's rather good general knowledge quiz.

We did change the midday meals compared to previous years to deal with a few interconnected things like them that stepped up to make food did lose time from taking part in activities, there tended to be a fair bit of waste as people didn't need a substantial midday meal and in the current climate of increasing food costs we could save some money.

This did work out pretty well and we tried to keep evening meals relatively simple rather than things that require lots of supervision.

Some people left first thing Wednesday but a number of us went to a Castle in Suffolk which wasn't far away which was very enjoyable, exploring before making our way back which was a bit late due to two road incidents and major traffic issues that were to delay Miss Green's, Katie's and my return home which rather tried our patience.

I stayed overnight given we were back late before Miss Green went with me into town, seeing me off before I caught the train back home which had some fun such as person who refused to give up a seat for wheelchair user leaving her parked by the very side of the train I needed to get off!

Not her fault, just an atom of humanity that wasn't being considerate so I had to make my way down the corridor to another set of doors to get out but thankfully there was cab on the Taxi rank waiting for me so I was at home in time for midday meal.

Thanks to every one who ran an activity, provided food and otherwise contributed to making our little gathering a great success.

Getting set to go

Actually as you read this entry I'm not really here just with other girls and given for one thing I can't carry the proverbial kitchen sink with me and that I don't wish to be distracted by the infernal net tm the Chromebook isn't with me.

I mean even if I wanted a million dresses with me there's no way I carry them with me on the train as we're doing well I'm carrying anything given how things panned out back in 1994 and that diagnosis.

The whole point is really being together enjoying each others company playing, having fun than anything really competitive or being a how many dresses you put on in a day challenge never mind staring into the monitor every spare moment.

With me play is a bit less traditional being more in tune with modern girlhood so the idea of say informal all girl kickabout is very much me in way somethings may not although outdoor stuff is at the mercy of the elements of which there's much speculation as I type this.

However that goes, it'll be good to be away with friends.

Updating the Now's - Now Yearbook 1990

Just before off if not frozen over by the Beast From Norway our favourite series makes a return.

We last touched base as the cool kids say with Now Yearbook last September with the 1973 issue as I missed off the 1992 issue on vinyl as by that point I'd stopped buying compilations like the Now's apart from the mid to late 90's Shine Indies ones.

1990 was a transitional year format wise was as I'd moved from lp with Early 1989 with Now 14 to cd by Summer's Now 15 and that was to run on 1991 and many of main trends of 1989 continued into 1990.

Although 1989 will need to be sorted out on vinyl at some point or other, this Now Yearbook does fit in well and makes for a good end chapter to those original numbered 1980's now's.

As with the other titles it is also available in deluxe 4 cd book form and cheaper fold round card cd versions with more tracks but sometimes less is more.

Starting the rewind back to 1990 are iconic legends George Michael with ‘Praying For Time’, and Elton John with his #1 single ‘Sacrifice’, followed by top 10 smashes from The B-52’s with ‘Love Shack, a personal favourite’ and Kylie Minogue’s ‘Better The Devil You Know’, plus timeless Pop from Belinda Carlisle, Kim Appleby and Roxette’s ‘It Must Have Been Love’ from the soundtrack to ‘Pretty Woman’. We then flip the first LP over for a stellar line-up featuring The KLF, New Order, Duran Duran, the theme from ‘Twin Peaks’, Julee Cruise’s ‘Falling’, Chris Isaak with ‘Wicked Game’ and Pet Shop Boys defining ‘Being Boring’.

Dance floor-fillers kick start record two from Deee-Lite with ‘Groove Is In The Heart’, and the #1 debut from SNAP! with ‘The Power’. Legendary names fill this side including Whitney Houston, Dusty Springfield, Paul Simon and the remixed version of ‘Englishman In New York’ from Sting.

Turning over the other side features club classics from Adamski & Seal and Bass-O-Matic, followed by a run of Indie-Alt legends including Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, The Charlatans, and Candy Flip’s cover of ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, before finishing with ‘Birdhouse In Your Soul’ from They Might Be Giants, and the #1 ‘A Little Time’ from The Beautiful South.

The tenth consecutive Top 10 hit for Pet Shop Boys ‘So Hard’ opens the final LP, followed by the superb cover of the Disco classic ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’ from Jimmy Somerville, before a second appearance from Kylie Minogue with her Disco anthem ‘Step Back In Time’ and one of Stock, Aitken & Waterman’s greatest dancefloor tracks ‘Happenin’ All Over Again’ from Lonnie Gordon. More dancefloor smashes follow from Adventures Of Stevie V, Blue Pearl, and the unexpected collaboration between DNA & Suzanne Vega, before closing with one of the biggest debut #1s of the year, ‘Ice Ice Baby’ from Vanilla Ice that sampled Under Pressure by Queen.

The collection’s final side opens with the still-breathtaking interpretation of Prince’s ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ from the late Sinéad O'Connor. Also included are film related hits; Maria McKee’s ‘Show Me Heaven’, from the ‘Days Of Thunder’ soundtrack, and the ‘Young Guns II’ track ‘Blaze Of Glory’ from Jon Bon Jovi. The Grammy Award-winning US #1 for Alannah Myles ‘Black Velvet’ appears alongside the smash ‘Just Like Jesse James’ from Che before closing this collection is a brilliant interpretation of the classic ‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again’ which gave Deacon Blue their highest singles chart position in a year filled with Pop highlights.

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1 George Michael - Praying For Time

2 Elton John - Sacrifice

3 The B-52's - Love Shack

4 Belinda Carlisle - (We Want) The Same Thing

5 Kylie Minogue - Better The Devil You Know

6 Kim Appleby - Don't Worry

7 Roxette - It Must Have Been Love

Disc: 1 Side 2

1 The KLF - What Time Is Love (Live At Trancentral)

2 New Order - World In Motion

3 Duran Duran - Violence Of Summer (Love's Taking Over)

4 Halo James - Could Have Told You So

5 Julee Cruise - Falling

6 Chris Isaak - Wicked Game

7 Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring

Disc: 2

1 Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart

2 SNAP! - The Power

3 Whitney Houston - I'm Your Baby Tonight

4 Dusty Springfield - Reputation

5 Go West - The King Of Wishful Thinking

6 Paul Simon - The Obvious Child

7 Sting - Englishman In New York (The Ben Liebrand Mix)

Disc: 2 Side 2

1 Adamski & Seal - Killer

2 Bass-O-Matic - Fascinating Rhythm

3 Happy Mondays - Step On

4 The Stone Roses - One Love

5 The Charlatans - The Only One I Know

6 Candy Flip - Strawberry Fields Forever

7 They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse In Your Soul

8 The Beautiful South - A Little Time

Disc: 3

1 Pet Shop Boys – So Hard

2 Jimmy Somerville - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)

3 Kylie Minogue - Step Back In Time

4 Lonnie Gordon - Happenin’ All Over Again (Hip House Radio Mix)

5 Adventures Of Stevie V - Dirty Cash (Money Talks)

6 Blue Pearl - Naked In The Rain

7 DNA & Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner

8 Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby

Disc: 3 Side 2

1 Sinéad O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U

2 Jon Bon Jovi - Blaze Of Glory (From "Young Guns II" Soundtrack)

3 Tina Turner - Steamy Windows

4 Alannah Myles - Black Velvet

5 Cher - Just Like Jesse James

6 Maria McKee - Show Me Heaven (From "Days Of Thunder" Soundtrack)

7 Deacon Blue - I'll Never Fall In Love Again

Updating the NOW's - Now Eighties Dancefloor Disco & Electro

We've looked a bit a Now's, mainly from the Updating the Now's angle as the original Now That's What I Call Music series started in late 1983 so there was a period before of less good compilations and certainly a lack of Year based Greatest Hits sets so we've been going back so far in to 1973

The last Updating post was from June last year looking at Alt Rock.

Now these days is a massive brand when it comes to compilations so there are a few others on compact disc dotted about but one recently did come out on December 1st last year which does slot well within the vinyl Now collection here.

Now have a few vinyl only series releases and one series is Now Eighties Dancefloor which so far has two issues an another due at the end of February.

The main aim of the series is gather up 80's dance music within genre specific issues and for these they are either regular single or radio edits rather than 12" remixes.

This appealed as it has a high proportion of tracks I don't have on vinyl albums and covers a period where I used to make my own compilation tapes from singles.

Following the height of its’ popularity in the late 1970s, Disco in the early 1980s retained the irresistible melodies and beat but became primarily synth driven. 

The era saw some of the genres’ biggest hits including this collections’ opener ‘Flashdance…What A Feeling’ from Irene Cara – this theme from the film ‘Flashdance’ was not only a massive selling single, but the song also won multiple awards including an Academy Award. Lipps Inc. produced a timeless hit with ‘Funkytown’, and Shalamar with ‘A Night To Remember’, Odyssey with ‘Use It Up And Wear It Out’ and Indeep’s ‘Last Night A DJ Saved My Life’ were all huge commercial Disco hits.

Disco masters Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic feature here in their roles as producers and writers with Diana Ross’s massive hit ‘Upside Down’, ‘Why’ from Carly Simon, and the peerless ‘Spacer’ from Sheila & B. Devotion and in 1984 remixed Sister Sledge’s ‘Lost In Music’ which became a massive hit again and is included here in its full 12” version.

Amii Stewart’s classic version of ‘Knock On Wood’ was remixed too joining it, Donna Summer enjoyed huge success with ‘She Works Hard For The Money’ in 1983, and other established Disco superstars celebrated returns to the charts with an 80’s Disco sound including, and featured on this collection, KC & The Sunshine Band and Evelyn “Champagne” King.

The prevalence of the synth in the 1980s gave rise to new and exciting sounds and to tracks that were created with fusions of genres. 

One thing I liked about it was on this collection it celebrates ‘ELECTRO’ – a sub-genre of Electronic Dance music that combined elements of Disco, Funk and Hip-Hop and featuring a heavy synth backing, and the commercial Electro-Pop hits it produced. 

In 1984, Chaka Khan who had achieved huge success with the Disco classic ‘I’m Every Woman’, had a worldwide smash with a cover of Prince’s ‘I Feel For You’ which combined Disco, Funk, R&B, Synth-Pop and Hip-Hop – to stunning effect. 

In addition 1984 saw Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced a classic fusion of Disco, R&B, Funk and Synth-Pop for the S.O.S Band with ‘Just Be Good To Me’ and also included here are hugely influential Electro-Pop gems from Freeez, Rockers Revenge feat. Donnie Calvin, Malcolm McLaren, Break Machine, and Rock Steady Crew.

In the latter half of the 80s, Disco and Electro-Pop continued to evolve and fill dance-floors. Taking influences from both genres, Expose and Company B enjoyed ‘freestyle’ hits and DJ, remixer and producer Jellybean had a string of hits including ‘Just A Mirage’, and Whitney Houston became a global superstar. 

One of her signature tracks ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ serves as a stellar example of how Dance music had evolved through the decade and remained as vital and uplifting as ever.

This usefully expands upon my original NOW and HITS compilations and their Ronco and KTel predecessors.

Resting after a busy weekend

 Odd sort of a weekend that didn't start too well from feeling a bit rundown which I'm prone to through a whole lump of Grump craziness featuring a phone call that was obviously a scam, then a mad session hunting for one one of FOUR cellphones of the smart variety that he uses for banking which needless to say was missing.

We then enter the steam snorting mega rant mode rambling on about too much stuff about - pretty much all his one might add - before it appears on the couch in a pile not before I could sense my blood pressure rising in my arm and a miagraine coming on which hasn't quite left.

That confirmed what I said:Total scam with no personalization, no item details or anything relying on the dial 1 for exploitation routine.

On the other hand the sort of planned freezer replacement went better than expected with no nasty surprises like being wider than stated so it got through the front of house given the backdoor opens inward for some odd reason without much fuss.

Just the usual clean and tidy around the old before manhandling (or girlhandling?) it into place after unplugging and moving the other.

So yesterday I spent time with teddy reading comics and playing music resting a bit after all that activity before more storytime in the afternoon with Watership Down.

Preparations for being away

Plans are slowly coming together for Camp having worked on my direct contribution to events and got the prizes all sorted out but beyond clothes which probably be finalized a week or so before hand  given the somewhat variable and extreme weather we've been having of late with me specifically there are other things.

Because of what happened to me in the work place I have difficulties with both my hands although the right hand one is more affected which both limit in the absolute sense the amount of use in total from getting up through doing things across the day to getting myself changed for bed at night and that at least one needs to be be splints whenever it is being used.

That's to prevent actions that would cause further inflammation and injury and provide support around my wrist(s).

While physical therapists tend to say you should only wear them while undertaking things, reality is most of the day you just are from picking things up to attempting to get the washing up done so I usually take a spare for those sorts of activities.

Thus I needed to get a new one for less messy uses sorted so I needed to check my hand measurements as mine are more like a teenagers than an adults so they are a snug fit

The other thing is because of my migraines I need to keep a whole box or two with me in case any come on  to aid my recovery although a significant number of people misunderstand them and how they leave you, wanting you to pick up from where you left off focused more on the idea you let people down rather than you had a urgent medical need that needs appropriate treatment including recovery.

It's not midge season so there's usually stuff for them while it's not their season generally speaking and anti hystermines for other things like nettles

Erasure - Always

This week we're going to look at one present I had this christmas.

Sometimes although I may of liked an artist but for a variety of reasons I may not have an album solely by them and that can be for a variety of reasons such as during the mid to late 1980's  the decision buying may be influenced by what format it was issued in.

Then sometimes an album may of had different versions with either a twelve inch single added or as with one of this groups albums a remix album being added too and Erasure were a good example of that with many tracks on compilations and the odd single.

Erasure arrived in 1985 via Depeché Mode where Vince Clarke was a early member before forming Yazoo with Alison Moyet who knew Andy Bell and formed in London signing to Mute records who had signed the other bands.

From 1986 to 2007, they achieved 24 consecutive top-40 entries in the UK singles chart. By 2009, 34 of their 37 chart-eligible singles and EPs had made the UK top 40, including 17 climbing into the top 10. At the 1989 Brit Awards, Erasure won the Brit Award for Best British Group.

Erasures hits include "Oh L'amour", "Sometimes", "Victim of Love", "The Circus", "Ship of Fools", "Chains of Love", "A Little Respect", "Stop!", "Drama!", "Blue Savannah", "Star", "Chorus", "Love to Hate You", "Breath of Life", "Always" and "Run to the Sun". 

What this compilation, in reality a reduced version of the three cd set in record form issued in October 2015 that included remixes but issued on vinyl only recently does is just compile the hits you remember some from albums like Wild! and The Circus and others from single only releases in chronological order in fine fidelity.

It also is more up to date from 1992's Pop! The first twenty hits.

It doesn't just take you back in time but does feature some of the finest 80's and 90's synth pop in double gatefolded lp package.

The 2023 Review

As I type this I'll attempt to do a mini review of the year but today I'm feeling proper pawley, wasn't up around the usual time and running on just one cylinder.

 Last year had not started well well with Mom and I having really bad covid before she started to get extremely ill and I started going off my feet, being virtually unable to walk far and not at all using the stairs in this two storey property just that between two hospital visits I needed to attend to her being mainly bed-bound.

Unfortunately ten days after admittance for the second time she died from complications from Covid on some of her pre-existing conditions such as those affecting breathing although looking back there had been some signs of issues with memory retention and coping with varying temperatures for a few months before as we went through a spate of cancelled hairdressers appointments as things weren't just right for her to be out and she needed to reminded about anything involving longish sequencing

Much of the early part of the year was dominated by the impact of that.and the practicalities of arranging the funeral, dealing with effects not being helped by the poor communication between siblings and trouble making, me-me-me tendencies of one in particular.

We did eventually get all of that sorted albeit with frayed tempers and high levels of anxiety.

Some of the impact of that showed as with issues around numbers at Camp I wasn't able to go in the Winter although it would of helped a fair bit, when I did get to the GHS Easter event around April frankly I just wasn't there.

I'd emotionally shut down not been helped by the physical exhaustion that had left me too gone to even have a last moment with Mom.

As things had moved on I slowly started to recover although some issues with the Grump who was having massive mood swings didn't really help.

I started to see some people I'd know for a number of years here, renewing connections that lead to a few invites for coffee and the odd community based day trip just get a break from things apart from going out exploring which really helped with getting past some of the depression I was going through.

I did get to the first Ikklespace picnic in ages Sammy had laid on which did see things improve with me, being able to contribute more with the group and act more from the fun loving side rather than feeling a sad, lost child.

On the upside, I did redo much of my littles outfits to match more where in my head I am, however others may see it, were more of an emphasize on quality sometimes more tradition, other stuff more what modern school girls wear such as in sports wear.

I'm less interested in exact replication of a period so much as just being the little side of me taking the  benefits of the modern era, more in tune with the spirit of modern co-ed prep schools with the mix of ancient and modernity.

Not everything of the past was great although much is worth keeping if not defending.

Some of that was visible when much against the odds and with a bit of work from Jennifer and Katie I did actually get to Summer Camp where I felt the most relaxed for a long time just getting along with play, having fun and helping out a bit.

Eventually some of the clothes I'd bought for Winter 2022 camp actually got worn as some of the changes I had been going through over the last few years finally came together even if they may not be what some might as above all I just need to be me and not someone elses idea of what  littles is.

I continued to enjoy the women's soccer and their young following seeing girls going to the park for a kickabout tearing up the old gender divides.

I don't feel inclined to play by the rules of the past anymore than today's girls and that runs beyond groan up talk to littles life.

I hold with inclusiveness for all, girls and boys of all shades and tastes not being told what a girl should be or do either in the Big or Little worlds.

That's my take on this thing as show not just at Camp but the Halloween party from start to finish which I quite enjoyed not just with littles activities but socially too.

We did get Christmas sorted here and it worked well enough which is all that matters even if of course some things could never be the same.

This year has been very challenging and some and while obviously somethings cannot be the same and anniversaries are likely to bring back memories, I do feel I'm moving on, getting my life back being the eternal little I am.