Top 10 Favorite 80's Synth-Pop Songs #4 - "Smalltown Boy"
@teamfreak16 (43650)
Denver, Colorado
May 22, 2016 3:28pm CST
We return to London, England, home of former synth-pop group Bronski Beat, for #4 in my Top 10 Favorite 80's Synth-Pop Songs series.
Bronski Beat formed in 1983, with the classic lineup of vocalist Jimmy Somerville (he of the thrilling falsetto,) and keyboardist's Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbacheck.
"Smalltown Boy" was a single from the group's 1984 debut The Age of Consent. The song was an international hit, #1 in 3 different European countries, and Top 10 in six various countries around the world. Toss in #3 in the UK, and #1 dance hit here in the States (and 48 on Billboard's Hot 100,) and yeah, you've got a bona fied hit on your hands.
(So what did Somerville do to celebrate? He split to sing for The Communards.)
"Smalltown Boy" covers a problem that is very relevant today, namely homophobia and other problem 's facing the LGBT community.
A friend and I once drove roughly 20 miles in a blizzard to see Bronski Beat at a nightclub in a Denver suburb. Even though Somerville was no longer the vocalist (we think it was Jonathan Hellyer,) getting to see them perform "Smalltown Boy" was a treat, and well worth the ill-advised trip.
Bronski Beat (Jimmy Somerville) - Smalltown Boy - The Original Video and song - From the 1984 album The Age Of Consent - Also sampled by Supermode in their 2...
8 people like this
7 responses
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
22 May 16
Aw you are the best Scott! Thanks again..cheery and full of memories for me. It always amazes me you know all these awesome tunes lad.
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43650)
• Denver, Colorado
22 May 16
Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying it. These are fun to do.
1 person likes this
@Ronrybs (21492)
• London, England
23 May 16
@teamfreak16 Funny how memory works, I'd have sworn I'd never heard it before
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86827)
• United States
23 May 16
Ah, I remember that song and that video quite well. Good choice.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43650)
• Denver, Colorado
23 May 16
Thanks! This one seemed to stir up quite a few memories here in the comments.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
23 May 16
Yes, I like this one and I know it well
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@teamfreak16 (43650)
• Denver, Colorado
22 May 16
Pop music made primarily with synthesizer's. The link above is a good example.
1 person likes this
@trivia79 (7827)
• El Segundo, California
23 May 16
@teamfreak16 synthesizers? the one with so many buttons?
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
23 May 16
Great selection! You Hit That Perfect Beat!!! I always liked Brosnki Beat and Jimmy Somerville. The Communards did a great cover of Never Can Say Goodbye.
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@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
23 May 16
@teamfreak16 Somerville appears in a British movie called Orlando starring Tilda Swinton.
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@teamfreak16 (43650)
• Denver, Colorado
23 May 16
The Communards were great too. Jimmy Somerville is awesome!
@teamfreak16 (43650)
• Denver, Colorado
22 May 16
Yeah, I probably should have. I try not to point out that they are gay musicians, rather, they are musicians. Same with black guitarist's, etc.
