Here are some of the songs that I have discovered in the past few months, there is a mixture of anything and everything. I wish I could write about everything I have heard but I just don't have the time... 

Marshall Hain - Dancing In The City (1978)
A wonderful mellow song that I've known for a few years but has become one of my regular plays these past few days. Ties in perfectly with the era in which some of my stories are set.

New Order - Mr Disco (1989)
Ahh... New Order! Never a track that I ever really listened to, my favourite from the Technique album was always 'Vanishing Point' but I think this might be stealing it's crown. Some nice sounds from the Emulator III too; such as orchestral hits and the ghostly choir voices.

Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers & Pharrell - Get Lucky (2013)
'Get Lucky' is one of the most important songs currently in the charts at the moment. Everything about it oozes late 70's/early 80's disco perfection, and it features the legend that is Nile Rodgers on guitar. It doesn't sound cheap or tried, it sounds to me like the genuine article. Could it possibly get any better! It got to #1 for three weeks last month and I couldn't be happier for Daft Punk, Pharrell or Nile. They have earned it!

The Newbeats - Run Baby Run (1971) 
The past few years have seen me delving into the wonderful treasure box that is 'Northern Soul'. Since I became hooked on this song earlier this year, I read a wonderful review online which describes RBR as sounding like 'The Four Seasons to a Motown beat!' Really can't imagine how many times I have played this....

Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge - White Noise (2013)
I love AlunaGeorge because they are different, they have a refreshing sound which sounds nothing like the mundane David Guetta crap which is currently clogging up the charts. 'White Noise' sounds to me like a modern take on classic 80's/90's House records! It's vibrant and noisy, with emphasis on the drum pattern, and the bass line is pretty impressive too. I hope AG go far, listen to their other stuff like 'You Know You Like It' or 'Catching Flies' and you will see what I mean!

Blancmange - Blind Vision (1983)
"Blind hope, blind vision, blind centre, one centre" sings Neil Arthur on this frantic early 80's dance anthem. I've been paying alot of attention to Blancmange especially since I discovered 'Game Above My Head' last summer. Although I've always known and loved 'Living On The Ceiling' I'm getting to know their other stuff better and they come across as a bloody good band, criminally underrated. More on Blancmange down below.

Blancmange - Don't Tell Me (1984)
The second of three Blancmange singles I am writing about, reminds me of the months leading up to Last Xmas and I was.... uh, researching local history. The lyrics to this are genius, quite witty infact! And if you ever get the chance you should watch the music videos to both this and the above mentioned BM track! ^

The Pearls - Guilty (1974)
Now I like the odd 'guilty' pleasure or two, or ten! and this song is no exception. As I am writing a story set in 1974 I've been delving into that years pop culture in order to name-drop to make it sound interesting. Without trying to sound patronising I think it's a very cute song, very sweet!

Otto Knows - Million Voices (2012)
I came across this earlier in the year after hearing it regularly and liking the tune, but I never knew who it was. I don't even know what it's about but it's fascinating!

Don Partridge - Blue Eyes (1968)
Another song which I have mentioned alot in my stories, this and 'Breakfast On Pluto' get played on a regular basis in my house. RIP Don!

Blancmange - Making Areoplanes (Without Victoria) (2012)
Third and final BM track as promised. Taken from the duo's first album in 20 years (I may be wrong on that), this is a good song. Bizarre to say the least but enjoyable to listen too! They are on top form with this song, it's refreshingly new but still retains their signature sound, ie; mystical sitars etc.

I've never written a blog before so I'll have to apologise if this sounds poor...

To put it simply, I love music. I live it, breathe it, think about it.. Hopefully if I can remember to blog regularly I will share some of my favourites with you. The last couple of months, since the end of last year I have been really exploring bands like Simple Minds and Blancmange. Those two in particular! though I'll explain more later... Also around Xmas a group called Miami Horror came to attention. Wonderful 80's inspired dance tracks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn7FXGaHTNs

There is definitely a touch of New Order about that particular track, ie; the icy bass  Peter Hook guitar. I don't think Miami Horror get enough recognition so I'll do my best to try! They make such wonderful songs, 'Holidays' samples 'Sugar and Spice' by Luther Vandross, as the original is a big favourite of mine I'd say that they did it justice. I'm not normally a fan of sampling but I believe if it is done tastefully it can work. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF8dt1hpZ9M





Waaaaaay back in March 2010 (I'm good at remembering such things) I came across a similar type of dance orientated group. 'Can't Shake This Feeling' by Grum is a cover of an 80's funk/disco song by Klique and this one song introduced me to both Grum and Klique who before I had never heard of either!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7-glnSlIjM

And finally...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qosNxx4vQKo
A duet with Electric Youth, whom I also adore. I like to imagine this being played in a futuristic disco circa 1986.