July 08, 2019

1982 - April - Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age of Wireless

39 minutes

With this debut album Thomas Dolby merged a synth-driven electronica sound with the new wave sensibility cresting on the airwaves in the early 80's. The Golden Age of Wireless would follow a loose theme of radio and communication in its tracks. Thomas Morgan Robertson's affinity for keyboards, tapes, and electronics earned him the nickname "Dolby" from his friends, and he stuck with it for a stage name after a few legal documents from the Dolby Corporation. This debut album did well on both sides of the Atlantic, and several songs would become staples of both radio and video during this time. So, let's step into this phenomenal new wave album - “it's poetry in motion!”

“She Blinded Me with Science”

Interestingly, this hit song from the album wasn't actually on the album in it's first US release, but was placed there on the second release. Dolby pitched the video on a storyboard before the song was written.

“One of Our Submarines”

This eerie track was the "B" side to She Blinded Me with Science. Dolby had an uncle who died on a submarine in World War II.

“Airwaves”

There were multiple versions of this song, this version being more keyboard-driven. Dolby did much of the instrumental work on this album, but also had a number of guest musicians as well.

“Europa and the Pirate Twins”

In the story, Europa was a girl from Dolby’s childhood who had to move. They swore that they would be "the pirate twins" forever, but that would not happen after she became famous.

Fun fact: Thomas Dolby was the keyboard player behind Foreigner's "Urgent."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“Theme from WKRP in Cincinnati”

This TV series would finish its run in 1982.

STAFF PICKS:

“Harden my Heart” by QuarterFlash

The lead singer, Rindy Ross, also plays the saxophone. Her husband, Marv Ross, plays guitar in the band. The band still plays from time to time, and is now based in Portland, OR.

“Do You Believe in Love” by Huey Lewis and the News

Bruce's staff pick highlights the first top 10 hit by what would be a mainstay group of the 80's. The video maintains a humorous edge with the band singing in a girl's bedroom. There are great harmonies in this hit.

“Don’t You Want Me Baby?” by The Human League

"You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when I met you." Brian's staff pick isn't a love song, but a power struggle. This was one of many songs propelled up the charts by the influence of MTV.

“Genius of Love” by the Tom Tom Club

This dance-oriented song is the only top 10 hit by The Tom Tom Club. Rob shares that this group is a husband and wife team who were originally members of The Talking Heads. They recorded this song while on hiatus from the more famous group.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“DNA” by The Flock of Seagulls

We close out this episode with an instrumental cut from the band best known for the song "I Ran."

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks and Brian Dickhute

4.8

4646 ratings