We are justifiably proud here in Sheffield, of our music heritage. Whilst City's across the Peninnes have also had there fair share of musical talent, I love our home grown singers and bands just that little bit more.
In the sixties we had the gravel voice of the soulful Mr Joe Cocker and trying to find his way home to Amarillo was Tony Christie - who could often be seen clogging the roads around Ecclsall Road in his white rolls royce with his "TONIO" personalised reg.
The 80's was oh so big for music around these parts. The legend that still is Phil Oakey (alas with no hair these days, but very handsome) brought us the Human League. As well as appearing on Top of the Pops, they could often be found playing at "The Crazy Daisy" night club (what great names night clubs had in those more innocent times - no "Hedonism" in our day).
And then the most gorgeous Mr Martin Fry in his gold Lame suit in "ABC" - Lexicon of Love" still played on a frequent basis in this house.
I remember the first time I saw the video (which was a new fangled addition to music ) for "Temptation" by local band "Heaven 17. I was in "Berlinz" Bar (a "Bar" was also a new fangled idea around these parts too - up until then it had been "the pub " then " a nightclub"). The video was considered to be very naughty - but so tame by today's standards.
Then we gave you Jarvis Cocker and Pulp. I wasn't too keen on Jarvis back then - I was too "mature" for his student looks and music, but I love it now, and find it amusing how he is getting "cooler" as he is getting older.
Recent times have produced some great bands. I love John McClure and Reverend and the Makers (Heavy Weight champion of the world is a great tune).
And I'll leave you with my favourite song from the awesome Artic Monkeys - I love the way they mix modern urban poetry with truly great music (so great that when its used on TV etc on its own, without the words, it is still amazing).
This tune reminds me of when I was young and being a right mardy bum with my boyfriend!
So what musical talent has your town or city given to the world? I am afraid to say that Rotherham only gave the world "Jive Bunny" (hangs head in shame).
17 comments:
Afternoon Diane, great post as usual, loved those memories...
HOWEVER... you can't claim Martin Fry! He was born and lived a few doors down from my husband and I have SEEN his house with my own eyes. His brother was even in a band with my husband's best friend's brother (keep up!).
I will allow you ABC of course ;-)
Lexicon of Love by ABC is one of my all time favourites - it gets played (and sung along to) often - 'Look of Love' being the favourite track - followed by 'All of my Heart' Most well known singer from where I'm living now - Robbie Williams!:)
Oh, I just love Pulp! (Different Class is still on heavy rotation in my car cd player)...and the Arctic Monkeys are just awesome (so far I still like Whatever People Say I am... the best). I must admit I'm a bit jealous of you - right smack in the middle of so much fabulous music-making. I've loved British music (ever since I was a little girl and first heard George Michael crooning in the early days of Wham!). Not much on my side of the "Pond" has ever been as wonderful in my opinion. Another big favorite Brit band is Alabama 3. Admittedly they are a bit different, but I adore all of their albums. Reading this post makes me want to sit around listening to music all day instead of doing the stuff I really need to do. Oh well... maybe another day?
Many thanks to Sheffield for Mr Joe Cocker then! ..strip tease wouldn't have been the same without his song! Ha ha! Just kidding!
xxx
Hi Diane, I lived in Sheffield in the early 80s so as well as Human League, Heaven 17 and ABC (and Pulp but they were very low key in those days), I used to love the likes of Caberet Voltaire, Clock DVA, The Box, Hula, then later Chakk. Are those names familiar to you? Loved the Limit and the Leadmill. We used to drink at the Beehive and a pub which had a collection of teapots in it but I can't remember the name. Ooooh those were the days!
Lovely ... another trip down music memory lane Diane .... thank you. Joe Cocker is amazing and Phil Oakey has to be one of those few men who has improved with age (even without the hair!). Love When Smokey Sings and love Smokey himself even more. Heard George Michael's Cowboys & Angels on the radio this morning .... it's one of those songs that makes the hairs stand up on my neck .... shame he is such a prat and I've never forgiven him for leading us girlies on when all the time he only had eyes for the boys ;-)
arrrhhh the Ledmill on a thursday night......
I remember it well!!!
What a fab post, you have inspired me to listen to these bands again as I havent done so in a while! Sheffield has the best music, its something we can be really proud of!
A friend at school who lived on my road was the cousin of Jarvis Cocker, everyone wanted to be his friend!
My fav sheffield artists are the Longpigs & Richard Hawley xx
Laughing my head off at Debbie's comment re George Michael!!! I am another Joe Cocker fan. What a voice............
Ha! The Arctic Monkeys, love them! I never knew the Human League was from Sheffield, I used to adore them, yes, on TOTP! Sheffield to me always meant cutlery, silver, beautiful things...
Versailles? Oh all those composers :-) but nowadays, a band called Phoenix. Usually called Parisians, they are actually Versaillais and yes, they sing in English!
Well little old Macclesfield was home to Ian Curtis from 'Joy Division' fame. He was born and bred here, and also, sadly, took his own life here.
Then we had 'The Macc Lads' which unfortunatly are a little xrated but was hilarious listening for us as youngsters!
Good post there Hun. xxx
The only person that springs to mind is Craig David!
I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE Jarvis and Pulp.
Lisa x
No I cant believe it Lisa has stolen my thunder!!!!
Craig David!
I also love Pulp!!
Clare
Barry was playing on the radio, I'm really not that cool!
Hey Diane! I've not forgotten you!
I'm just having hectic days at work since I got home..as I'd had been away for ages..only 2,5 days..that's crazy!
xxxxx
Interesting stuff - lots of talent grows up in the cities! In the countryside too for that matter! Cool to be able to pinpoint it though! xxx
Lets see now , Bryan Ferry , Dave Stewart, The Toy Dolls ( remember Nellie The Elephant ), The Futureheads I think there is a few more but they've slipped my mind . I can remember seeing Pulp somewhere in Leeds , being drunk as a skunk and singing my head off lol
Oh and how could I forget Cheryl Cole as she's from just down the road ...
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