One of the iconic British new wave bands from the MTV era was the pop duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, known as the Eurythmics. Lennox and Stewart began playing together in the punk scene in 1976, first as a part of the band the Catch, and later as the Tourists. The duo were drawn to electronics and synthesizer music, and became the Eurythmics in 1980. While their first album, “In the Garden,” was not a commercial success, they exploded in popularity with their second studio album, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).
Surprisingly, the album was made with limited means. They recorded in an attic in north London where the duo both lived and worked. They also recorded in a room in the Church Studios in London. Most tracks were recorded on an 8-track tape machine. Much of the instrumentation consisted of synthesizers and drum computers. Costs for the album ran around 5,000 pounds.
The synth heavy music pairing with Lennox's almost operatic voice found a receptive audience. The power of video was a noticeable contributor as well, with Lennox's striking red hair and androgynous look. The title track was particularly successful, becoming one of the iconic songs of the '80's.
The Eurythmics would be a mainstay of early 80's rock. While Lennox and Stewart would split in 1990, with Lennox moving on to studio work and Stewart transitioning into a record producer, they would reunite from time to time to release new material and compilations.
Lynch features this synth-pop powerhouse for this week's podcast.
Love Is a Stranger
The opening track to the album was the second single released, but was actually a re-release. It originally came out in late 1982 but did not receive much airplay at the time. It would rise to number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, and to number 6 on the UK Singles chart.
This Is the House
This song has the appearance of a deeper cut because it did not achieve the same commercial traction as some other songs. It was also released ahead of the album, then re-released after the success of the title track. It utilizes some more traditional instruments, with Dave Stewart playing harmonica. The lyrics are ambiguous, discussing aspirations, opportunities, and the fickle nature of success.
The Walk
The use of piano and string arrangements paired with an unusual time signature give this deeper cut a greater depth than some other tracks. The lyrics have a melancholy feel, with existential questioning and disillusionment. It is a nice contrast to some of the more synth-heavy pieces on the album.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
The iconic title track is easily the group's most famous song, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite it's lasting impact on music, the song itself was written in a single evening. The surreal video received heavy rotation on the MTV music station, solidifying the band's success.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
On the Dark Side by John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band (from the motion picture "Eddie and the Cruisers")
John Cafferty contributed this song to the 60's-era music drama. He is often confused with Bruce Springsteen.
STAFF PICKS:
Trashed by Black Sabbath
Wayne brings us a Black Sabbath song with a punk rock tempo. Ian Gillan, the original lead singer for Deep Purple, was on tap as the front man for the group at this time, a position he would hold for only one album and tour. The tour for this album featured a mock-up of Stonehenge, which would go on to be lampooned in the mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap.”
Walking In Your Footsteps by the Police
Bruce features a deeper cut from the Synchronicity album. This song compares the human race to the dinosaurs, and takes a lot of influence from world music. The science is more questionable, with lyrics referencing dinosaurs living “50 million years ago,” when they actually went extinct over 65 million years ago.
Don't Cry by Asia
Rob's staff pick is from the supergroup's second album, Alpha. It reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. While critics panned the album, it was a commercial success, reaching number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart. The song was a last-minute addition to the album for a stronger commercial appeal.
Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
Lynch closes out the staff picks on a melancholy note. Jim Steinman, who was the writer for Meat Loaf's “Bat out of Hell,” also penned this one. Although the song had to be shortened for the single edit, it became Bonnie Tyler's biggest hit, spending four weeks at the top of the charts.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Stonehenge by Black Sabbath
This instrumental piece is considered the inspiration for the “Stonehenge” skit in “This Is Spinal Tap.”
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