Frankie Goes To Hollywood

I am not sure any group quite sums up the 80s like Frankie. Recently I have rediscovered the masterpiece that is Welcome To The Pleasuredome. Have you listened to this lately? It sounds fresh as a daisy and is still wonderful. I've become a bit obsessed with it having not listened to it for about 30 years, I can't stop listening to it.

Trevor Horn was a genius. The production on this is so good, the songs transition beautifully and when the introduction to Welcome To The Pleasuredome starts, it transports me back to 1984. I think that's the best track on the album but who doesn't love Relax? That song could be released now and would be a massive hit. There's also a lovely cover of Do You Know The Way To San Jose? Holly Johnson had a great voice. I like Two Tribes but it's not my top Frankie song. What strikes me listening to it again is how well put together it is, it's a proper album designed to listen in one go rather than lift the singles out.  Even Teenboy agrees on the genius of Frankie.

They had such a stunning debut and then it all fell apart so quickly. They burned bright and faded fast but this is a wonderful album and I recommend you all listen to it again and dig out your Frankie says relax t-shirts.

Here's the best song.

My love for Will Smith

I love Will Smith's musical output. I don't know why he kept on with the acting (not that I have a particular problem with his acting) but I adore DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.

I consider Boom! Shake The Room to be a masterpiece. Honestly, is there any song finer to jump around to?

I've already discussed Summertime which I also adore.

And then there is Miami. The song I insisted on us playing as we drove into Miami on our holiday in 2008. TeenBoy nearly threw me out on the highway.

Last weekend I saw a friend I've not seen properly for years. It was apparent to me that we are soulmates when at midnight, rather inebriated, we danced around to Boom! Shake The Room and she knew every line of the rap.

That is what I call a friend for life.