Been a long time, been a long time now, I'll get to you somehow

Over the pond, our ungrateful former colony is celebrating (after a fashion, given the pandemic) its armed rebellion. Over here, we have a rather more British moment to celebrate - for yesterday, one of the most influential men in the world of popular music turned 60 years old!

Vince Clarke (for it is he) was the founder member of three of our (and the UK's) favourite chart-topping bands, Depeche Mode, Yazoo and Erasure - so, by way of a celebration, how about a choon from each of them? I think we should...

Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough

Yazoo - Situation

[Although this worldwide hit was intended for their second album You and Me Both (but was actually released as a standalone single instead), my fave Yazoo LP remains Upstairs at Eric's - see my blog post about that from 2012]

Erasure - Sometimes

[Read my post about their concert at The Roundhouse in Camden in 2011]

The man is, quite simply, a genius.

Many happy returns, Mr Vince Clarke (born Vincent John Martin, 3rd July 1960)

Tears are delightful

It is a thirty years this week since one of my favourite albums was at the top of the charts in the UK - Upstairs at Eric's by Yazoo.

Back in 1982, I used to lock myself in my room [track #6], and listen to this slice of brilliance over and over on my headphones. I adored it then, and I adore it now!

Listening to it all again now sends shivers down my spine...

To celebrate this significant anniversary, I thought I'd gather all eleven ground-breaking tracks together for your delectation - enjoy!

1. Don't Go:

Yazoo - Don't Go

2. Too Pieces:

Yazoo - Too Pieces

3. Bad Connection:

Yazoo - Bad Connection

4. I Before E Except After C:

Yazoo - I Before E Except After C

5. Midnight:

Yazoo - Midnight

6. In My Room:

Yazoo - In My Room

7. Only You:

Yazoo - Only You

8. Goodbye 70s:

Yazoo - Goodbye 70s

9. Tuesday:

Yazoo - Tuesday

10. Winter Kills:

Yazoo - Winter Kills

11. Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I?):

Yazoo - Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I?)

Green
In your love
On bright days
You grew sunblind
You thought me
Unkind
To remind you
How winter kills

Lost
In daydreams
You drove too fast
And got nowhere
You rode on half fare
When you got too scared
How winter kills

Tear at me, searching for
Weaker seams

Pain
In your eyes
Makes me cruel
Makes me spiteful
Tears are delightful
Welcome your nightfall
How winter kills

Yazoo official website

More respect

Me interviewed about Erasure at the Roundhouse

My verdict on the Erasure concert, (embarrassingly) captured by WinkBall.

Eek!

Far better are just some of the performances from last night...

Erasure compilation at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm on 25th Oct 2011

Respect

What can I say about last night's Erasure concert?

Adjectives such as great, extraordinary, amazing, astonishing, astounding, awe-inspiring, awesome, brilliant, dynamite, excellent, fabulous, fantastic, incredible, magnificent, marvellous, outstanding, phenomenal, remarkable, sensational, terrific, and tremendous [thank you, Thesaurus.com] all come to mind!



I was curious how our "national treasures" would perform, being no spring chickens these days. After all, the last time I saw them was in 1997 at the final free Pride festival at Clapham Common, and fourteen years is a long time... I need not have worried.





Andy Bell and Vince Clarke are consummate professionals. Vince's musicianship is legendary. Give Andy an audience, and he transforms into the ultimate "showgirl". Together, their chemistry works wonders!





They threw everything into it, and we had a superb evening's entertainment as a result!

[Suffice to say, their support act the lovely Frankmusik - good though he was - hardly made a lasting impression.]



All the classics (and more) were here - Victim of Love, Ship of Fools, Blue Savannah, Drama!, Stop!, Chains of Love, Oh L'amour, their new single When I Start To (Break It All Down), Love to Hate You, Who Needs Love Like That, Breath of Life, Always, and of course the ultimate gay anthems A Little Respect and Sometimes. My voice is hoarse from singing along, and my bones are aching from dancing!

Erasure - A Little Respect

An unforgettable experience...

http://www.erasureinfo.com/