Episode 151: Thompson Twins - Quick Step & Side Kick (1983) Part 1

Brian and Sarah's first album discussion for 2023 is a record that goes by two names: Side Kicks in the USA, Canada and Australia; and Quick Step & Side Kick everywhere else in the world. Perhaps a little confusing, but not out of line, coming from a band whose name doesn't match up with the number of, or last names of, its members.

This 1983 release by the Thompson Twins finds the size of the band reduced from seven members to three, and a bit of a shift in sound from their previous record. Brian and Sarah touch on these topics before getting into a discussion about the making of the album, its release and chart history, and reading some reviews. Brian also provides some detailed and interesting background on the album artwork and the famous Thompson Twins band logo. He then goes on to share his personal history with this album and forewarns everyone that he doesn't expect to be very objective when it comes to his final rating.

Then it's on to more confusion, as our hosts explain that in addition to the album titles being different in the US and the UK, the track listings were also different. They plan to follow the US track listing, but for this episode, they're switching things up a little further, by talking about track two ("Tears") before track one ("Love On Your Side").

The first two songs up for discussion lead to some insightful and funny conversations, in which Sarah once again tries to describe or mimic synth sounds, Brian plays a quote from Tom Bailey which greatly influenced his musical life, and both hosts express incredulity at how Alannah treats Joe in the video for "Love On Your Side." They also talk about the Twins' live performances from this time period, which they agree are simultaneously tragic and infectious.

Links to the videos and performances discussed in the episode:

Love on Your Side

Feb 24, 1983 Top of the Pops performance of "Love On Your Side"

1983 Performance of "Tears" on UK show "What You Didn't Get"

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