Eighties Archive Podcast

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

Welcome Corinne & Andy from Grammy nominated Jazz pop darlings Swing Out Sister.

From her beginnings in fashion design at St. Martins, London where Sade was also in attendance, Corinne made her live debut auditioning for Working Week (standing in for Tracey Thorn) at The Hacienda in Manchester with Andy in the audience (then still in A Certain Ratio).

The pair tell us all about Swing Out Sister's somewhat reluctant rise to pop stardom after signing just a 2 single deal as an A&R learning project. Upon 'Breakout' becoming a massive hit, they were thrust into creating an album by the "seat of their pants" with a studio battle of retaining their indie chic vs. the "snazzy pop sheen" of record company demands.

Their 8 CD retrospective, a real treat for the fans, 'Certain Shades Of Limelight' is available now on Cherry Red.

DA

*Content disclaimer * this episode contains very strong language and subject matter some listeners may find triggering as well as containing excerpts of 3rd party music content*

We present a frank but fun chin wag with TV presenter vet Steve blacknell, about the highs and lows of his career. From being a nurse and falling for his first love Kate Bush, to PR work with Record companies, life at the BBC, anchoring Live Aid and at the flip of a coin, an exodus to Hollywood.

With a book out and a new radio show coming soon, get stuck into Steve's episode to find out more.

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

This episode sees John explore the work that the Misty Moon team do, with Stuart & Jen Morris, who lovingly curate in South London, celebrating TV & Film nostalgia from Friday the 13th to The Sweeney.

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

Mancunian musician Graham Massey joins us for a chat about his career, starting with the early band Biting Tongues signed to Factory, to the monster that became 808 State. Graham talks about his love of A-Tonal jazz, experimental music, writing with Bjork, rave culture, the strong arm influence of the staff at Eastern Bloc Records, The Stone Roses' Spike Island experience being a bit dull and getting signed to ZTT

With a UK tour EX:EL 2025 over November/ December 2025 tickets are available now - https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/search?q=808-state

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

We have a great chin wag with Scouse Actor Victor Mcguire about his career in TV and film, covering the popular series Bread and Goodnight Sweetheart as well as Phantom Of The Opera and Star Wars to name a few!!

It was no surprise to us to find that Vic is a warm, humble and down to earth guy who was never comfortable with celebrity. He also chooses some 80s tunes for us that haven't been chosen before. Enjoy - DA.

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

Welcome Writer, Author Andrew Cartmel. John interviews this a man whose writing includes of course Doctor Who.

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

We welcome Actress Nicola Bryant most know for her role as Doctor Who's companion Peri Brown - John's favourite companion to John's favourite Doctor. To this end, although David did the noble thing and let John go a bit silly on a solo mission, he still did the hard work to make him sound less silly...sort of.

Nicola was an absolutely lovely guest and told us all about her career and her choice of 80s music was from the heart. DA

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

*Some strong language, listener discretion is advised*

Ahead of Britpop by some 5 years, Ben Addison and his twin brother Scott forged a band that were a magic blend, steeped in references. channelling his Anthony Newley via Bowie, kicking out Who licks in power pop punk troupe Boys Wonder.

This was a riveting conversation with someone who was a visionary with a clear sense of what he could and could not abide in 1980s culture.

Ben chooses some great 80s tracks for us, has a couple of great spooky stories and tells us about the new Boys Wonder releases aswell as the book of photography that has just been released - DA

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

Welcome to Melbourne born studio legend, Julian Mendelsohn, who tells us all bout his journey from his 'Radio Shack' electronics obsession that developed into recording gear and studio equipment, which after a family move to England drove him into a career doing exactly that. Julian has worked with just about everybody and his name featured heavily on the backs of our records in the 80s + 90s.

We hope you enjoy our chinwag with this modest and unaffected industry professional who has given us so much pleasure over the years. Julian also chooses his five 80s tracks for us. DA.

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

Simon was one half of 80s folk pop sensation Big Bam Boo, along with Shark they stormed America destined for big things with a big budget. David was lucky enough to see them live several times in London venues supporting various bands in the late 80s.

Simon's journey through the world of writing and performing has been a very interesting one going right back to the early 70s, involving publishing deals, record deals, recordings and shenanigans that include amongst other things kit sharing with Kraftwerk!!

Simon lives and works in France and continues to release albums and play shows. We hope you enjoy Simon's story. DA