Everything But The Girl - "Missing"

This Track, “Missing” from Everything But The Girl released in 1994 brings back such happy memories for me as I'm sure it does to many other music fans. This tune was HUGE, played on radio daily and reflected the electro pop sound of the 90's. I was a teen mom back then, my nightlife was over but girlie nights with fellow mothers and our babies were regular with a little drink, lots of music and lots of laughs.

Everything But The Girl are Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt they started the group in 1982 and were active till 2000. “Missing” was their most successful hit in the UK and worldwide.

In The Spotlight - Terrence Trent D'arby

The two biggest talent shows on UK TV (The Voice BBC1 and Britain's Got Talent) both featured contestants singing Terrence Trent D'arby's 80's smash hit Sign Your Name Across My Heart. I'm not fit to judge anybody but I think Tyler James (The Voice) did a better job. My TV was on maximum and I liked what (little) I heard. Of course, me singing along (badly) made my curious daughter want to know how I knew the song so well and who sung it originally.

Well... back to the 80's I travelled down memory lane. When Terrence released his debut single If You Let Me Stay in 1987 his 'prancing' around stage was a bit too much for me. Also with his one short, one tall male backing singers a lot of people were certain he was just another gimmick artist (Jermaine Stewart was one amongst a few) and there was a lot of curiosity about his sexuality, especially as he busted a braided bob. It was when he released the bluesy ballad Sign Your Name that I sat up and noticed. Terrence's raspy and refined vocals over that unforgettable beat had everybody singing along back then. I never bought the album Introducing The Hardline According To Terrence Trent D'arby (UK sales 5x platinum) but follow up singles Wishing Well and the funky rocky pop Dance Little Sister were big and lasting favourites of mine.

A FUNKTASTIC LIVE RECORDING OF TERRENCE PERFOMING DANCE LITTLE SISTER

Terrence's vocal saxophone in the bridge of Dance Little Sister “Do Do Do Doooo, Do Do Do, Do Do Do Do Du Du Do, Do Do Dooo” was the catchiest thing ever. Some critics compared him as a cross between James Brown and Prince and its clear to see influences were there, the dancing style of the former and the effeminate image of the latter. I regret not appreciating his art enough back then as its hard for me to recapture the magic but I hope music lovers who were around in the 80's do recognise his talent and the impact his music made on pop back then.

Terence Trent D'arby Pictures

After his 1993 album Symphony Or Damn which released the rocky She Kissed Me and the beautiful ballad Let Her Down Easy Terrence disappeared from the charts and as there wasn't the internet access we're fortunate to have now, it was hard to follow up on what he was doing. He officially changed his name to Sananda Maitreya in 2001 and still records music.

Sananda! I've had a blessed and funky weekend watching your videos on Youtube and sharing that magic with my kids. Unforgettable music I'm eternally grateful for, I salute you.

Check out Terrence Trent D'arby's hits on my mixpod in the side bar

© Donna Woolcock 2012

Sundays Song: Poison Bell Biv Devoe

Don't ask me why this song is in my head this Sunday, maybe it's the heat of the Spring hitting me after such a long cold Winter.  Beats, Swing, Hip Hop delicious.  'Poison' was released in 1990 and all headz were pumping out to this classic.  Even the ladies were quite happy to sing "Never trust a big but and a smile".  Check out the clothes and the hair in the above video, not forgetting the dance moves. Choon!

Tune In My Head

Ok, the first song to get a shout out has been in my head all week.  'Love, Thy Will Be Done' is taken from American singer Martika's second album 'Martika's Kitchen' 1992.  A soulful pop tune produced by musical genius Prince takes me back to the days of my early adulthood.  Confused and doubtful of my future this was a comforting tune to listen too and I still listen to it occasionally to give me that warming feeling.  Martika was definately underated singer in the music industry, credited for being a teen pop artist (like Tiffany and Debbie Gibson of that era), not a remarkable vocalist.

Click here to listen to 'Love, Thy Will Be Done'

                                   "...The light that gives me power to keep up the fight..."