Song#: 1956
Date: 06/30/1984
Debut: 91
Peak: 89
Weeks: 3
Genre: Synthpop, New Wave
Pop Bits: This British band grabbed their first (and only) US Top 40 entry with the title-track to their second album It's My Life. It would also be a #1 Dance hit for them. This second single was weaker by comparison and could only reach #12 Dance while spending a brief few weeks near the bottom of the Pop chart. Although the single was also a dud in their UK homeland (#46), it was a significant Top 10 hit in several European countries including Switzerland, where it reached #1.
ReduxReview: Yeah, this song was just a bit too out-there to make an impact at Pop. The bizarre (and lengthy) opening combined with its Europop sound was not going to hook listeners. It also had a strange ending as well. However, elements of this song can be heard on future hits by folks like The Pet Shop Boys and a-ha. While the song may have been an influence, at the time it was just a bit too unfocused for Pop listeners.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Lead singer Mark Hollis wrote this song. It was based on one of his favorite books, 1971 novel "The Dice Man" by Luke Rhinehart. The controversial book was about a psychiatrist who began making decisions in his life by rolling dice. In addition to this song and a few others, the book has also been the inspiration for plays, movies, and TV shows. A 2011 episode of The Big Bang Theory seemed to utilize aspects of the book when Sheldon decides to make basic everyday decisions by rolling dice. He does this in order for his brain to focus on more important things.
_________________________________________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment