In this episode of I Completed 80s Music, we dive into Playlist 25, journeying into the musical tapestry of June 1981. Kicking off with Siouxie and the Banshees, we unravel the hypnotic allure of their track Spellbound from their iconic album Juju. As we navigate through this vibrant decade, we delve into the intricate worlds of the New Romantics and explore Siouxie's lyrical enigma that combines love, horror, and religious undertones.

Breaking conventions, we orchestrate a musical duel between Elaine Page and Barbra Streisand with their renditions of Memory from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, dissecting each version's emotional gravity and theatrical prowess. We further witness Bucksfizz in their post-Eurovision evolution with Piece of the Action, cementing their pop credentials beyond the contest fray.

Our journey doesn’t stop there as we encounter the gritty synth-powered anthems by Ultravox, delve into Kirsty McCall's rockabilly charm with her cheeky narrative on love and deception, and visit Bruce Springsteen's haunting storytelling genius in The River. Prepare to revisit a year colored by memorable narratives and powerful performances that defined a decade.

Links to Playlist 25

Spotify

Apple Music

In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:

1. Siouxie And The Banshees - Spellbound

2. Elaine Paige - Memory

3. Barbra Streisand - Memory

4. Bucks Fizz - Piece Of The Action

5. Ultravox - All Stood Still

6. Kirsty MacColl - There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis

7. Bruce Springsteen - The River