Aztec Camera in concert from Glasgow, and recorded by BBC Radio 1 for their In Concert series in 1984. Ending up the week with a desert island band. Aztec Camera were one of the most enjoyable and engaging bands of the mid-80s. Along with groups like The Trashcan Sinatras, a
Killing Joke in concert tonight. From the 1986 Reading Festival, a one-hour set by the pioneers of Industrial Rock. Killing Joke were a very influential band in the 80s. Their mix of Electronica, Goth, and Synth Pop paved the way for a number of bands to follow suit – notably,
Department S – In session for John Peel – November 19, 1980 – BBC Radio 1 – Another short-lived band of the Dawn of New Wave era. Department S were named after a popular 60s TV show. They had evolved from an earlier Punk/Ska band, Guns for Hire and emerged
Modern-English-Peel-Session-Nov.-11-1980 – BBC Radio 1 – Early glimpses of New Wave tonight, by way of Modern English, a band who not only pioneered a new genre in music, but also achieved hit-making cross-over status. Formed in 1979, Modern English were a four-piece from Colchester who bore a strong resemblance to
Au Pairs in concert tonight. Together a short period of time, but highly influential during that period. Formed in 1978 and disbanding in 1983, Au Pairs was led by singer Lesley Woods, who was described as “One of the most striking Women in British Rock”. The band were at the
Randy Weston this weekend, recorded by the CBC in Canada at the Bamboo Club in Toronto. This 1985 solo gig spotlights the highly distinctive style that has made Weston such a highly regarded figure in Jazz. Characterized by critics as a “Griot of Jazz and its African roots”, Randy Weston
The Vapors in concert from Guildford and recorded by BBC Radio 1 on February 11, 1981. Sadly, The Vapors, like many bands from the beginnings of Rock n’ Roll, were often relegated to “one-hit wonder” status – it certainly wasn’t their fault. As is evidenced by this concert, The Vapors
The Housemartins – in session for John Peel – BBC Radio 1 – November 3, 1987 – Further evidence the 80s produced a wide playing field of bands and artists. The Housemartins described themselves as Christian-Marxists, but the Press said they were Jangle Pop who moved into Alternative as their
July 5, 1980 – CBS World News Roundup – Gordon Skene Sound Collection – Another busy news day, this July 5, 1980. With Jimmy Carter actively seeking endorsements, he took a brief respite before assuming Presidential duties, and headed to Plains, Georgia for his first time off in 9 months.
News for this June 29, 1985 was about the breaking story in Lebanon. The impending release of some 39 hostages, taken by Islamic Jihadists while on a flight from Rome to Boston and eventually to Los Angeles, was averted to Athens and re-routed to Beirut. Threats to blow up TWA
