1981: Synths, space shuttles and a soundtrack worth revisiting
1981: Synths, space shuttles and a soundtrack worth revisiting
1981: Synths, space shuttles and a soundtrack worth revisiting
Gary Oberholzer
1981: Synths, space shuttles and a soundtrack worth revisiting
A royal wedding stopped people in their tracks, a space shuttle reached for the skies, and pop music was slipping into something decidedly electronic. Welcome to 1981, when the future seemed to be arriving on television screens, computer desks and dance floors — with a soundtrack that still makes turning up the volume almost irresistible.
It’s the featured year on this week’s HOT Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop, taking place every Sunday from 12 to 3pm on HOT 102.7FM.
Music acquired a powerful new shop window on 1 August, when MTV launched in America. Its opening video? The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star”. The choice was cheeky, but the implications were enormous: how an artist looked on screen would increasingly become part of how audiences experienced their music. Suddenly, a striking image could travel alongside a memorable chorus.
This week’s selection captures that changing sound beautifully. Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough” brings bright, bouncy electronics, while Duran Duran’s “Girls on Film” supplies swagger. There’s also Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical”, Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Let’s Groove” and Journey’s “Who’s Crying Now”: very different invitations to dance, sing along or indulge in a little musical heartache.
Did You Know?
Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” had a life long before its famous synthesiser makeover. Gloria Jones recorded the original in 1964, and it was released in 1965. That earlier soul recording became a favourite on Britain’s Northern Soul scene before Marc Almond and Dave Ball transformed it for a new generation in 1981.
Beneath that unmistakably electronic sound sits a song with distinctly old-school roots.
Beyond the record shops, there was plenty to talk about. On 29 July, Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral. The dress, the procession and the balcony appearance became defining images of the year — a television occasion remembered even by people who couldn’t name a single royal wedding guest.
Meanwhile, Columbia launched on 12 April on the first Space Shuttle mission, carrying astronauts John Young and Bob Crippen. Back on Earth, IBM unveiled its Personal Computer on 12 August. Space travel and home computing were opening new chapters; the future was beginning to feel a little closer.
At the movies, Raiders of the Lost Ark introduced cinema audiences to Indiana Jones, arriving in June with adventure, ancient mysteries and Harrison Ford. And while established performers filled the airwaves, future stars were making quieter entrances: Alicia Keys was born in January, followed by Beyoncé in September. Another generation of remarkable voices was just beginning its story.
Closer to home, this Sunday’s musical journey includes Steve Kekana’s “Raising a Family”, Lesley Rae Dowling’s “Grips of Emotion” and Ballyhoo’s “Man on the Moon”. Alongside the international favourites, these songs bring a distinctly South African flavour to the memories.
Join Steve Bishop this Sunday, 4 October, for 30 countdown songs, homegrown favourites and the stories that take us back to 1981. Which chorus will bring your memories rushing back?
More Posts for Show: Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop
