#57 1982 (Part 1) Innovative Pop: Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, ABC, Simple Minds & more!
Sep 24, 2024
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Dive into the innovative pop sounds of 1982, where Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, and ABC pushed music boundaries. Discover the transformative effect of emerging production technologies on iconic albums like 'The Dreaming' and 'The Lexicon of Love.' The evolution of female representation and the impact of sampling in music also take center stage. Explore how socio-political themes influenced pop during this vibrant era, alongside Simple Minds’ shift to polished stadium rock, showcasing the lush, dynamic sounds that defined a generation.
The podcast highlights 1982's innovative pop music, emphasizing productions by artists like Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel that redefined the genre.
A discussion on the nostalgic contrast between the creative freedom of the 1980s and the commercial pressures shaping pop music at that time.
Deep dives
Mistakes Acknowledged
The discussion reveals the speakers owning up to errors made in a past episode regarding the music of 1972. They embarrassingly misnamed Stevie Wonder's album, confusing 'Innervisions' with 'Innerviews,' which is actually a friend's website. Additionally, one speaker mistakenly asserted that Fairport Convention's 'Babbacombe Lee' was released in 1972 instead of its actual 1971 release. This admission of their mistakes highlights the importance of accuracy in discussions about classic music.
Transition from 1972 to 1982
The speakers transition from discussing 1972 to 1982, outlining significant changes in the music landscape over that decade. They express a nostalgia for the 1980s, asserting it was a creative period for innovative pop that contrasted with the more straightforward albums of the earlier decade. The era was marked by a shift towards commercial pressures from record labels, emphasizing style and fashion over the raw sound that characterized previous years. They contend that while great singles emerged, the era wasn't necessarily focused on producing innovative albums.
Kate Bush's The Dreaming
A deep admiration is expressed for Kate Bush's album 'The Dreaming,' highlighting its uniqueness and experimental nature compared to her earlier, more traditional work. The speakers note Bush's youthful confidence in tackling complex themes and characters in her music, showcasing her innovative use of voice and sound. Her ability to draw from various influences while creating an emotional and theatrical atmosphere stands out, with tracks described as both haunting and beautiful. The album's production, particularly its drum sound and vocal layering, is praised for creating an otherworldly experience.
Peter Gabriel's Fourth Album
Peter Gabriel's fourth album marks a significant artistic peak in his career, showcasing his evolution with technology and sound. The speakers appreciate how Gabriel embraced experimental soundscapes and storytelling through music, elevating the listening experience. They note the album's dramatic opening track and its use of African rhythms, highlighting how he captured a vivid sense of place and emotion. The juxtaposition of intricate arrangements with poignant lyrics emphasizes the profound impact this album had on the music scene at the time.
It's the first episode of our series on the year 1982 and we begin by talking about innovative pop records that not only defined the era but also embraced emerging production technologies at the time. This is none more evident than on records such as The Dreaming by Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel 4 (Security), ABC's The Lexicon of Love, Roxy Music's Avalon - all albums that pushed the boundaries of what pop music could be!