Back to the 80s: D is for Divinyls.

DivinylsGoing back to the 80s and rediscovering the music of that decade, it was certainly a time when Aussie music came into its own. There was an abundance of Australian talent, which became recognised both nationally and internationally (and as an Aussie, it’s only natural that with this challenge I’ll be highlighting some of that talent). ๐Ÿ˜‰ This month, we’re diving into the letter D with another Aussie band, which unfortunately came to a sad end.

Formed in Sydney in 1980, Divinyls played in pubs and clubs and it was during this time that they signed with record label WEA. They provided the soundtrack for the movie Monkey Grip in 1982, which included the songs ‘Boys in Town’ and ‘Only Lonely’. As well as the Monkey Grip EP, Divinyls released another three albums during the 1980s. They released another album in 1991, which included the single ‘I Touch Myself’, and despite its controversy, became a success in the US and UK and reached No.1 in Australia.

By the end of 1996, there was a falling out between some band members, yet the band did not officially break up. In 2006, they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, and reformed shortly afterwards. In 2007, lead singer Chrissy Amphlett revealed she had multiple sclerosis and the band disbanded in 2009. In 2010 Chrissy was diagnosed with breast cancer and died in 2013. May she rest in peace.

Other bands formed or who had hits in the 1980s starting with the letter D include:- Duran Duran, Dire Straits, Depeche Mode, Dragon, Do-Re-Mi, Def Leppard, Devo, Dead or Alive, Dear Enemy.

What other bands of the 1980s that begin with the letter D can you think of? Do you worry if a band’s music becomes controversial?

Enjoy this article? Subscribe to my blog and never miss a post. You can also follow me on Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, Pinterestย and Instagram.

Save

Back to the 80s: B is for Boom Crash Opera.

boom_crash_operaContinuing this month is my A-Z Challenge theme of 80s bands. This month, the letter B put me in a bit of a conundrum – I couldn’t decide which one of two 80s bands to base this blog post on; the two bands in questions being The B52s and Boom Crash Opera. Both bands played a big part in my life during this decade. Sure the B52s are known as ‘The World’s Greatest Party Band’ (which is appropriate for the 80s) and are great to see live, yet when I think of Boom Crash Opera, I’m reminded of listening to them whilst driving around in my first car – a feeling of freedom and independence.

An Australian band, Boom Crash Opera were formed in 1985, and their debut single ‘Great Wall’ was released the following year. It would go on to win Best Debut Single and a self titled album followed in 1987. The album would go on to become gold and in 1989, they released the single ‘Onion Skin’ ahead of their second album ‘These Here are Crazy Times”. This album spent 40 weeks in the Top 50 and achieved double platinum status. In the years that followed, they released a couple more albums, but the band at this time were beginning to break up. The band continue to perform and release material; some of their songs have even been remade or used during political campaigns.

It is believed that this song is meant to be about drugs, but hey – it’s just a darn good song (and my favourite). ๐Ÿ˜‰

Other bands formed or who had hits in the 1980s starting with the letter B include:- The B52s, The Bangles, Big Pig, Blondie, Bronski Beat, Bananarama, Bros., Blancmange.

What other bands of the 1980s that begin with the letter B can you think of? Is there a particular band that stands out when you think of your own independence during your teenage years?

Enjoy this article? Subscribe to my blog and never miss a post. You can also follow me on Twitter and Google+. You can also find me on Goodreads, Pinterest and now on Instagram.