#4 (1984) David Bowie, Swans, Prince, Marillion & more
Jun 7, 2020
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David Bowie, Swans, Prince, and Marillion talk about albums and influences in 1984, including 'Purple Rain', 'Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise?', and the impact of Live Aid.
The Blue Nile's debut album showcases a unique sound influenced by artists like Sinatra and Brian Eno.
Cardiacs and Marillion emerged as part of a new wave of British progressive rock in 1984, with Cardiacs taking a more experimental approach.
Laurie Anderson's album 'Mister Heartbreak' blurs the boundaries between performance art, poetry, and music, through collaborations with artists like Adrian Belew and Nile Rodgers.
Deep dives
Blue Nile: A Purity of Sound and Originality
The Blue Nile's debut album, 'A Walk Across the Rooftops,' showcases their unique sound and quirky, angular melodies. It sets the stage for their later masterpiece, 'Hats.' Their use of sound and melody, influenced by artists like Sinatra and Brian Eno, creates a sense of freshness and originality. Although they were not as commercially successful as other bands of the era, their album remains a favorite for its purity and musical craftsmanship.
Cardiacs: A New Wave of Progressive Rock
Cardiacs, along with Marillion, emerged as part of a new wave of British progressive rock in 1984. While Marillion found mainstream success, Cardiacs took a more experimental approach, fusing elements of punk rock and madness with complex musicianship and unconventional song structures. Their debut album, 'The Seaside,' showcased their unique sound, setting them apart from other bands in the genre.
Laurie Anderson: Combining Performance Art and Music
Laurie Anderson brings together performance art, poetry, and music in her album 'Mister Heartbreak.' Known for her distinctive voice and experimental approach, Anderson expands her artistic vocabulary by collaborating with musicians like Adrian Belew and Nile Rodgers. Her use of technology and cut-up techniques create a unique sound that blurs the boundaries between genres.
The Smiths: Witty Lyrics and Captivating Personality
The Smiths, led by the charismatic Morrissey, capture listeners with their witty lyrics and captivating personality. Their album 'Hatful of Hollow' highlights their unique blend of alternative rock and jangly pop. Songs like 'How Soon Is Now?' and 'This Charming Man' showcase Morrissey's distinct vocals and the band's ability to create catchy, memorable melodies. Through their music, The Smiths create a world of storytelling and irony.
Art of Noise: Blurring Genres and Pioneering Sampling
The Art of Noise pushes the boundaries of music with their album 'Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise?'. By utilizing sampling and cut-up techniques, they create a unique sonic landscape that blurs the lines between genres. Their experimental sound and use of found sounds set the stage for the future of electronic and sample-based music. Through their innovative approach, the Art of Noise proves to be ahead of their time.
Tim tries to explain the trauma of first hearing David Bowie’s career nadir album Tonight, but otherwise the guys find 1984 to be another very special year.
