The Seven Song Itch - New Romanticism Heartache

The New Romanticism scene that started in the UK at the beginning of the 80’s, jumped the pond and landed in America around mid decade.  These bands follow notable artists like, Duran Duran, Culture Club, and ABC, with synth driven melodies and romanticized lyrics.  These artists weren’t quite one hit wonders, because each of them had a few singles in the charts, but have all faded into the musical landscape.  Some are domestic and some are foreign, but you probably have not heard any new music from these artists in the past few decades.

Playlist for New RomanticismHeartache

1. Mr. Mister – “Broken Wings”(1985)

Richard Page, vocalist of the band, was a steady working session musician for Quincy Jones, and attained a modicum of success composing songs for Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Kenny Loggins, and Al Jarreau.  Though the group formed in 1980, the band didn’t hit the pop charts until the release of their second album, “Welcome to the Real World,”(1985) which featured the songs “Kyrie” and this contribution.  The band’s sound is classic romanticism and sweeps over you like a gentile breeze. The group released a total of four albums and then went their separate ways.  Steve George (Keyboards) went on to work with Kenny Loggins and Jewel; Steve Farris (Guitars) worked with Rod Stewart, Whitesnake, Tori Amos, and 4 Non Blondes; and Pat Mastelotto (Drums) worked with The Rembrandts, Jude Cole, Cock Robin, Martika, XTC, Robyn Hitchcock, and The Sugarcubes.  In 1994 Mastelotto joined the group King Crimpson and has played with them extensively, as well as working on other side projects.  Not a bad legacy to leave the musical landscape.

2.Cutting Crew – “I’ve Been In Love Before”(1986)

This was the first major group to break US soil for Virgin Records, based in England.  Formed in 1985, their debut “Broadcast”(1986) produced two hit singles, “(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight” and this smooth ballad.  The group released a couple more albums and Kevin MacMichael (Lead guitar) left the group to work with Robert Plant.  In 2002, MacMichael died of lung cancer at the age of 51.  Nick Van Eede (Vocals) reformed the band in 2006 and released “Grinning Souls,” their forth album, and currently has a new lineup of musicians that tour around pubs in England.

3. The Blow Monkeys – “Digging Your Scene”(1986)

The group, which features Dr. Robert (Lead singer, songwriter, guitarist and piano player), Neville Henry (saxophone), Mick Anker (bass), and Tony Kiley (drums), formed in Norfolk England in 1981.  Originally a British New Wave band, they evolved into a more dance sound with their later releases, but attained some notoriety with this hit and “It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way,” off of the albums “Animal Magic”(1986) and “She Was Only a Grocer’s Daughter”(1987) respectively.  Dr. Robert’s charismatic breathy vocals whispered social and political commentary in the midst of a pop song.  I guess a spoon full of sugar really does help the medicine go down, or is that poison?

4. Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – “If You Leave”(1986)

Okay, anybody who has seen the movie “Pretty In Pink,” knows this song.  Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, the core of the group, formed in 1978 and went on to release 13 albums over a 30-year period and promise to release a new record in 2012 with the classic lineup.  Every time I hear this song, I can’t help but think of Molly Ringwald in that homemade prom dress

5. Breakfast Club – “Kiss and Tell”(1987)

Believe it or not, long before they released their debut album, Madonna was the drummer for this band.  This song is off of their self-titled release, which also includes their biggest hit, “Right On Track.”  The remaining members Dan Gilroy (Vocals), Ed Gilroy (Guitars), Gary Burke (Bass), Paul Kauk (Keyboards), and Stephen Bray (Drums) went on to record a second album, but it was never released.  Other noteworthy band members include Randy Jackson (Bass) and E. Doctor Smith (Percussion).  After the group called it quits in 1988, Dan Gilroy went on to star in “Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme” as Gordon Goose and in “Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle” as Pete the Postman, which explains the playful nature of their early music videos.

6. Johnny Hates Jazz – “Shattered Dreams”(1987 / 1988)

JHJ formed in London in 1986 by Clark Datchler (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Mike Nocito (bass, guitar), and Calvin Hayes (keyboards, drums).  Datchler and Nocito met in the early 1980s whilst working on various projects at RAK Studios in London. Datchler had released his first solo single at the age of 17, after which he was signed to Warner Bros.. He was then signed to RAK Records as lead vocalist in the band Hot Club and as a solo artist. Nocito was a recording engineer, who had worked with Pink Floyd, The Police, The Cure and Duran Duran. He engineered and co-produced Datchler's solo recordings for RAK before the formation of JHJ. Hayes was a founder member of Hot Club and also ran the A&R Department at RAK Records. Their tongue-in-cheek name referenced Nocito’s brother-in-law Johnny, who really hated jazz. (SourceWikipedia)  There is a rumor that the band is in the studio recording new music to be released sometime in 2012.

7. Breathe – “How Can I Fall”(1988)

Originally a larger, five-person band called Catch 22, all the members were childhood friends who went to Yateley School together in Hampshire where they lived. They later trimmed down to a quartet. Phill Harrison (bass) left to join the Fire Brigade. In 1984 David Glasper (singer), Marcus Lillington (guitarist), Ian "Spike" Spice (drummer), and Michael "Mick" Delahunty (bass) began working on some demos for a record.  They end result was the album, “All That Jazz,”(1987), which contained their two best-known hits, "How Can I Fall?" and "Hands to Heaven.”

Bonus Video:

The Motels – “Only The Lonely” (1982)

Here is an earlier representation of the genre before the movement became wide spread.  It has all of the romantic heartache of the movie Casablanca–lovey-dovey couples need not apply.