OPENING OF SHOW

It’s Tuesday Evening here at East Coast FM and the Sundown Sessions is loading…

for the 50 somethings tuned in tonight that will almost certainly mean something to you. for those that are fortunate enough to have youth on their side… it’s probably worth a brief explanation…

November 1984 I wrote to Santa…

revolutionized home computing in the 1980s by making technology accessible and ‘affordable’ to the masses. It inspired a generation of coders, gamers, and developers, fostering a DIY programming culture. Despite its technical limitations, it became a hub for creativity, with thousands of games and software titles. Its impact on the UK tech and gaming industries cemented its legendary status, earning it a nostalgic following that persists today.

Changed my life - Chris Sievey from The Freshies otherwise known as Frank Sidebottom wrote a game called The Biz. The objective of the game was to get a record to number 1.

So, my claim to fame is that I was selling in excess of 50,000 copies of a record a week

Fast forward to November 2024 and I left a stack of hints around the house and Mrs Claus says I have to wait and see.

My corner of the internet is on fire seeing all these 50 somethings going gaga over this. Argos sold out. Amazon sold out… the way Christmas falls I will share an update on the Hogmany show whether I was a good boy

All that being said… we’re here for the music and 1984 was a special year for music too.

Prince – Purple Rain: The soundtrack to the film of the same name, featuring classics like When Doves Cry and Purple Rain, cemented Prince's legendary status.
**Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A.: A monumental release with hits like Dancing in the Dark, Glory Days, and the title track, defining '80s Americana rock.
Tina Turner – Private Dancer: Marking a massive comeback with songs like What's Love Got to Do with It and Better Be Good to Me.
U2 – The Unforgettable Fire: A shift to a more atmospheric sound with tracks like Pride (In the Name of Love) and Bad.

New Wave/Synthpop

Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Welcome to the Pleasuredome: Included massive hits like Relax and Two Tribes.
Depeche Mode – Some Great Reward: Featuring the iconic People Are People and Master and Servant.
The Smiths – The Smiths: Their debut album introduced the world to Morrissey and Johnny Marr's unique sound with tracks like This Charming Man.
Echo & the Bunnymen – Ocean Rain: Known for the epic The Killing Moon.

Hard Rock/Metal

Van Halen – 1984: A blockbuster album with hits like Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher.
Metallica – Ride the Lightning: A landmark in thrash metal, with songs like Fade to Black and Creeping Death.
Iron Maiden – Powerslave: Featuring the classic 2 Minutes to Midnight and the epic Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

R&B/Funk/Soul

Chaka Khan – I Feel for You: The title track, written by Prince, became a defining hit of her career.
Sade – Diamond Life: A debut album that included timeless tracks like Smooth Operator and Your Love Is King.
Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston (Released internationally in 1985 but debuted in 1984 in select territories): Showcased her incredible voice with tracks like Saving All My Love for You.

Other Noteworthy Albums

R.E.M. – Reckoning: Continued their rise with tracks like So. Central Rain.
Queen – The Works: Included Radio Ga Ga and I Want to Break Free.
Big Country – Steeltown: Topped the UK charts with powerful, socially charged themes.
The Cure – The Top: A more experimental release, paving the way for their later work.

But I’m getting ahead of myself - we’re not sticking to just 1984. We have a jam packed show lined up for you tonight including music from White China, Big Country, U2, Valvenstein, Becky Becky and as always so much more…

SPARKS

Despite the name of the opening track it’s not exclusively a Sparks show although they are the featured artist tonight

Propaganda in 1974 Balls in 2000

The Fall

“Victoria” is a cover of the song originally by The Kinks, performed by The Fall, one of the most influential post-punk bands. The Fall’s version was released in 1988 as part of their album The Frenz Experiment. This rendition showcases the band’s raw, energetic style and Mark E. Smith’s distinctive vocal delivery, adding a gritty edge to the original.

The song was also released as a single and became one of The Fall’s most successful tracks, reaching #35 on the UK Singles Chart.

Pylon

“Crazy” by Pylon is one of the band’s most iconic tracks, originally released in 1981 as a single. Known for its infectious energy and minimalist post-punk style, the song captures the Athens, Georgia band’s distinctive blend of angular guitar riffs, driving basslines, and Vanessa Briscoe Hay’s urgent, yelping vocals.

Lyrically, Crazy reflects themes of emotional intensity and disconnection, aligning with the raw, introspective spirit of the post-punk era. The track gained wider recognition when it was covered by R.E.M. in 1987 as a B-side to their single Driver 8, introducing Pylon’s music to a broader audience.

“Crazy” remains a cult favorite and a testament to Pylon’s lasting influence on the indie and post-punk scenes, solidifying their legacy as pioneers in the Athens music scene alongside bands like R.E.M. and The B-52’s.

White China

The Innocence on the Border Television show Studio One.

PRIME MOVERS

“On The Trail” was picked up by BBC Radio One who played it as if it were a number one single. Demand to see the band in the UK was such that a hastily arranged press tour was soon followed by a British tour as support act for Big Country.

The band recorded at producer Robin Millar’s studio, The Power Plant, in London. With Big Country finishing up work on their album, The Seer, in the studio next door, The Prime Movers asked new friend Stuart Adamson to lay down a guitar part on “Dark Western Night.” He lent his trademark E-Bow (bagpipe) guitar sound to the single.

In March 1986, The Prime Movers embarked on a 15 date UK Tour as special guests of Big Country. “The Seer” Tour was buoyed by the strength of a number seven charting single, “Look Away,” and all shows were sold out including two packed nights at London’s fabled Hammersmith Odeon. The tour was a huge success and The Prime Mover’s “Dark Western Night” was repackaged by Island as a twelve-inch, yellow vinyl, double set with record two being live recordings from the tour.

Anni-Frid Lyngstad (frida)

Connection? Steeltown recorded at Polar Studios (ABBAs)?

Released NOV 1984; Written by Stuart Produced by Steve Lillywhite Drums: Mark Brez Backing vocals: Kirsty Maccoll

Big Country - 5th ever show Live from the Peppermint Lounge in New York City. 21 August 1982.

Angle Park Harvest Home Close Action Balcony Lost Patrol Porrohman The Crossing Heart and Soul Inwards