With my Back to the 80s challenge, I’m enjoying re-discovering certain bands and discovering new ones. As some of my stories are set during the 1980s, I’m enjoying the research and looking into the music that was popular at the time. This certainly helps with my character’s taste in music and therefore, learning more about their personalities.
This week, I couldn’t resist going past another band that is a personal favourite. And why not? My challenge, my rules. 😉
Formed in England in 1971, Roxy Music released their first album a year later, reaching No.10 in the album charts. It was not until they released their fifth album in 1975, that they had their first U.S. hit with ‘Love Is The Drug’. They disbanded in 1976, but reunited two years later and released two more albums. The album Flesh + Blood was highly successful in the U.K and reached No.1 in the charts. In 1981, they recorded their own version of John Lennon’s ‘Jealous Guy’ as a tribute and became the band’s only No.1 single. They released their final album Avalon in a year later and disbanded in 1983.
Sorry to all you John Lennon fans out there (hey, I’m one too), but personally, I prefer Roxy Music’s version of Jealous Guy. It’s beautifully done and a fitting tribute. This version usually brings a tear to my eye!
Other bands formed or who had hits in the 1980s starting with the letter R include:- Roxette, Re-flex, The Rockmelons, Real Life, Redgum.
Which version of Jealous Guy do you prefer? For writers, do you use music as a way of finding out more about your characters? What other bands of the 1980s that begin with the letter R can you think of?
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What a great way to get to know your character more! Through the music they listened to – thank you for sharing this. It gives me an idea!
Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful. Good luck! 🙂
I have all the Roxy Music albums. They were one of my favourite bands when I was a teenager. Hardly anybody remembers them these days though!
Oh, I hope they’re not forgotten Matthew! I have one of those ‘best of’ albums and it’s one of my favourite CDs – I don’t think there’s a song on there I don’t like. 😉
Personally, I like John Lennon’s version of Jealous Guy better. I find it less polished than Roxy Music’s version, maybe that makes it a little more raw. BTW, I just saw Bryan Ferry in Woodinville, WA! It was an amazing evening 🙂
Hi Des. Yeah, I’ve heard some people much prefer the rawness of John Lennon’s version. Each to their own I guess, but either way, it’s still a good song. And seeing Bryan Ferry in concert would have been awesome. Lucky you! 🙂