Tune Tag #96 with Pe Dupré of The Twelve Inch, Pt. 2: Heart, Matia Bazar, Marilyn, Grass Roots, Jody Miller, Peter Gabriel, Partisans, Kate Bush

ABC-TV's "Wide World of Sports" began: "Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport."🌐Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of music! It's a transatlantic Tune Tag!🌎

Tune Bag? Nope, not quite!

Tune Tag welcomes back Pe Dupré of

The Twelve Inch (Disco/80s)

!

Biking one morning, Pe bumps into an agreeable street-vending dentist, who’s more than happy to offer a free Belgian waffle with root canal!

Click here to enjoy Pe’s first Tune Tag from August ‘24!

“Hi! I’m Pe Dupré, a Belgian-born music addict with a lifelong disco affliction that, fortunately or not, was never properly treated. Disco was my launchpad into the vibrant world of the ’80s: synth-pop, new romanticism, and all the dance-driven styles that borrowed from disco’s DNA.

“My preferred medium has always been the twelve-inch single, a format born in the heart of the disco era for DJs, which later evolved into a commercial staple, and remained influential well into the early-’90s.

“That golden era is the focus of my weekly newsletter: One artist, one track, one twelve-inch at a time. Each edition dives deeper into the story behind the music, whether it’s the artist, the remixer, the cultural context. And, every episode comes with its own carefully-curated soundtrack, in the form of a mixtape/mixset on MixCloud!”

Last week, we enjoyed the company of

Greg Nix

of

Chortle

for his first Tune Tag!

Tune Tag #95 with Greg Nix of Chortle: The Kinks, Ricky Skaggs, Scary Pockets, Camille Yarbrough, Roy Wood, The Wombles, Grace Cummings

Next week, make a note to join us for the debut Tune Tag of

Nate Spins Vinyl

!

Pe’s song #1 sent to Brad: Matia Bazar, “Ti Sento,” 1985 (Italian: “I Hear You”)

Pe’s rationale: There aren’t many songs from the ’80s that have etched themselves into memory quite like this one by the Italian band, Matia Bazar. “Ti Sento” was their biggest hit across Europe, and in the summer of 1986, it topped the charts in Belgium.

I was completely hooked. But, “Ti Sento” wasn’t my first encounter with their music: I became a fan with their 1983 album Tango, a beautifully crafted record that marked a turning point for the band. As the excellent newsletter, Italian Disco Stories, recently noted, Tango is a “synthesis between melody and technology.” After an experimental album in 1984 (Aristocratica), Matia Bazar returned with Melanchólia in late 1985, and the single “Ti Sento” slowly climbed the charts, eventually becoming a European smash by the summer of ’86.

“Ti Sento” is nothing short of an anthem. Caroline Polachek described it best in Rolling Stone: “There is this feeling in her vocal performance that her eyes are gonna pop out of her skull, it’s so intense.” And she’s right; the emotional urgency in Antonella Ruggiero’s voice is unforgettable.

Back then, I studied history at Brussels University. When exam season hit in June 1986, I was completely unprepared and scrambling to salvage what I could. Those were long nights and early mornings. And every single day, just before I caught the train to Brussels for my next exam, I followed the same ritual:

Headphones on, “Ti Sento” blasting. That song gave me the jolt I needed, a shot of pure energy and determination! I still love it. Part of that love comes from its sheer musical power, but another part is tied to its secret strength, the way it pulled me through when I needed it most.

Matia Bazar synch their way through “Ti Sento” for the Dutch TopPop TV show:

Brad’s response: Wiki: “Matia Bazar is an Italian pop band formed in Genoa in 1975. The original members of the group were Piero Cassano (keyboards), Aldo Stellita (bass), Carlo Marrale (guitar, vocals), Giancarlo Golzi (drums), and Antonella Ruggiero (vocals).

They represented Italy in the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest with a song called “Raggio di luna.” They are known for the quality of their female vocalists. “Ti sento” peaked on the charts in Belgium, Netherlands, and Italy. The group achieved several major successes, amongst which the win of two Sanremo Music Festivals in 1978 and in 2002.

Brad’s song #1 sent to Pe: Jody Miller, “Crazy on You,” 1979

Pe’s response: One of the things I love most about Tune Tag is how each thread weaves its way through the music, often in the most unexpected ways. I mean, what could possibly connect an ‘80s Italian band and an American country singer? �� I was stumped at first.

Then it clicked: Both Matia Bazar (in 1978 and 2002) and Jody Miller (1965, below, at 24) had appearances at Italy’s most iconic music event, The Sanremo Music Festival:

I had never heard Miller’s version of this Heart classic before, and it truly surprised me. It’s a great song, and her rendition is genuinely excellent.

Brad’s rationale: Country Heart! Country’s Jody Miller covers “Crazy on You”!

From Wiki: Lead singer, Ruggiero adopted the pseudonym Matia as a stage name. (“Matia” meaning “craziness” or “crazy woman” in the Genoese’s vernacular), so I took Heart’s “Crazy on You,” and chose this Jody Miller single from ‘79.

[Last minute add by Brad: I had no idea both singers had appearances at Sanremo! Unbelievable and unworldly find, Pe!]😱

Pe’s song #2: Heart, “If Looks Could Kill,” 1985

Ah, the ‘80s: Hard to believe there was any other decade that had such a demand for sartorial bravery! Hair care? Please: Every tour bus had to be outfitted with a case of AquaNet and a yard rake (and, that was just for the fellas!).

Pe’s rationale: Get your emoji ready, Brad, because the disco kid has a (not-so-secret) soft spot for Big Hair Metal. I actually have a playlist packed with my favorite tracks from the genre, and it’s one I return to often!

These songs are pure, high-energy craftsmanship, perfect pick-me-ups when you’re feeling tired or down. And let’s be honest: They’re ideal for loud singalongs! That playlist is mostly reserved for solo car rides, where no one can hear me, and if they do, I’m gone before they get a good look at my face! The only downside? Big Hair Metal has a dangerous side effect: It makes you want to drive faster…faster than the speed limit.

Now, Heart isn’t exactly a Big Hair Metal band, but parts of their ’80s output definitely fit the mold. The Wilson sisters have always known how to craft a song, though this particular one wasn’t written by them. “If Looks Could Kill” was penned by Bob Garrett and Jack Conrad (who played bass for The Doors, post-Morrison, and co-wrote, with Ray Kennedy, The Babys’ hits, “Isn’t It Time” and “Every Time I Think of You”).

The song was the fifth single from Heart’s 1985 self-titled comeback album. At the time, I was a bit let down that they didn’t release a longer dance version; we were deep in the dance-rock era, and nearly all their contemporaries were doing it. But, being the fifth single, it probably served more as a bridge to their next album, 1987’s Bad Animals. I get why Capitol or the band didn’t push it harder. Still, I wasn’t the only one thinking a dance re-mix might help.

In fact, UK disco diva, Pamala Stanley (above), released her own version of the song in 1985. Let’s just say…it wasn’t exactly her shining moment.

Brad’s song #2: Peter Gabriel, “Spiel ohne Grenzen,” 1980

Peter rock’n’NYC in 1980. “The lamb seems right out of place, yet the Broadway street scene finds a focus in its face; somehow it’s lying there brings a stillness to the air.”—Genesis, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, 1975

Pe’s response: It took me a while to figure out the connection. I started in all the usual places: artist careers, collaborations, labels, songwriters… nothing turned up. Then I finally looked at the lyrics, and that’s when it clicked.

Of course, Brad tried to throw me off the scent by using the German version instead of the original “Games Without Frontiers.” Because, it’s only in the original that Peter sings the line:

If looks could kill, they probably will.

What a brilliant song, by the way, one I never get tired of hearing.

Brad’s rationale: It wasn’t immediate, but just a few seconds after reading the Heart song title, “If Looks Could Kill,” I thought of Gabriel’s “Games Without Frontiers” from 1980 and his “Melt” album. I was stunned to find it had a German version!

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Pe’s song #3: Kate Bush, “The Man with the Child in His Eyes,” 1978

Brad’s response: From her The Kick Inside debut. I know she recorded, at least once, with Peter Gabriel, so, unless there’s another, that’s my connection guess.

Pe’s rationale: This one was a bit of a giveaway, and Brad didn’t have to dig too deep. Kate Bush famously sang uncredited backing vocals on “Games Without Frontiers,” and even if that connection had been missed, there’s an even more obvious one:

Their stunning duet, “Don’t Give Up,” the biggest hit from Peter Gabriel’s 1986 album, So. Kate Bush is truly in a league of her own: Her 1978 debut, The Kick Inside, was one of the first non-disco records I ever bought, and I’ve been a huge fan of her music ever since.

The breakthrough, of course, came with “Wuthering Heights,” and that very expressive video. I used to imitate the dramatic hand and arm movements and wide-eyed intensity, especially after a few drinks! Some friends still remember those moments and say they laughed so hard they cried!

Brad: We stepped in, because we felt we had to! The Magic Google Machine shamelessly paraded before us what must’ve been a dozen parodies of “Wuthering Heights”! Our crack staff, never known for its particularly discerning or provincial tastes, proudly chose this one as our favorite! See if you agree (and holler if you spot an energetic Pe amongst the 300!):

Back to Pe: “The Man with the Child in His Eyes” followed, and it remains one of her most beautiful songs. We don’t know exactly who it’s about, but many have speculated it was inspired by (Pink Floyd’s) David Gilmour, the man who discovered her and played a major role in launching her early career.

Kate’s music eventually led me to explore the world of Pink Floyd, and in my mind, they both belong to the same realm of artistry and creative genius.

Brad’s song #3: The Partisans, “Anger and Fear (You’re All Alone),” 1984

Pe’s response: Brad sent me on another wild goose chase with this one! My first thought was “partisan” in the political sense. I remembered when Kate Bush briefly made headlines in the UK after expressing admiration for Theresa May, the second female Prime Minister. Some reporters jumped to conclusions, suggesting she leaned conservative, something she later firmly denied in interviews.

But that wasn’t the connection.

It turns out the link is Dave Parsons, the bassist for the punk band Partisans, who later went on to join Bush, the post-grunge band that rose to fame in the late ’90s.

Brad’s rationale: The connection here from Kate Bush is the band, Bush. Yes, it seems their bassist, Dave Parsons, was a member of The Partisans and alt-rock band, Transvision Vamp before joining Bush. I suspect Pe will want to exact some kind of brutal and tonal revenge….and, I’m not sure I can blame him!😁

Pe’s song #4: Marilyn, “You Don’t Love Me,” 1984

“I had this obsession with Marilyn Monroe, and in art classes, whatever the assignment, I’d draw her. The bullies started calling me Marilyn and I thought, ‘f*** you, I’m going to keep that name and you’ll see me on television and read about me in the papers’!”—Peter Robinson, in a 2014 UK Daily Mirror article. Photos: Rectangular inset, Boy George and Marilyn, 1983; circular inset, Marilyn and Madonna (1985), and Peter at 52, 2014.

Brad’s response: Never heard of Marilyn; mid-’80s is my pop culture “black hole,” as I went back to college at 29 that 1984 release year. Not impressed, really…ho-hum song, and a husky voice with seemingly limited range. The imagery (in only the third year of MTV’s existence…really the only reason, then, for artists to produce videos) is impressively ahead of its time…coupla gals kissing (granted, “only” on the cheek), at least one body-positive, zaftig gal dancing around with cotton-candy hair.

Speaking of hair, looks like Marilyn might have done well to add “comb” to her Christmas list! She certainly appears to have been influenced by the new emergence of Madonna, even to the point of adopting a 3-syllable “M” name! Also, I’m gonna guess Ms. Marilyn never got a U.S. record deal. I’m anxious to hear Pe’s experiences with Marilyn and her music. OK, I’m off to go look her up, and see what she’s all about (and, where she is today)!

Boy, is my face red (if not somewhat lavender)! You may thank me for leaving all the above standing, before I looked up anything about one Peter Anthony Robinson! You may now call me “Debbie”! Now, I’m sensing he’s also been heavily influenced by Boy George. He could still use a comb! I’m now noticing Boy George (George O’Dowd) co-produced (with Marilyn) a 2002 single, Norman Greenbaum’s #3 hit (in 1969), “Spirit in the Sky” (in a limited edition of 100 numbered copies).

In just over 30 years, Marilyn, kinda predictably, recorded 11 singles, and just one album. No shade, but some artists are more successful as a singles artist, and others find success and fulfillment as a strictly-album artist, with only the occasional (label-insistent) single release. Play to your strength, I say.

As for what Pe is tagging to with my previous Partisans track (besides the ‘84 release year), I give up. I’m exhausted! If you want me, I’ll be ‘avin’ a pint at Blitz with me mates!

Pe’s rationale: After Brad had me chasing wild geese, or maybe just my own tail, I thought it was only fair to return the favor with a slightly trickier connection for my final pick: “You Don’t Love Me” by Marilyn.

Marilyn, born Peter Robinson, emerged from the New Romantic scene, part of the flamboyant Blitz Kids, who first made waves at the iconic early ’80s club in Covent Garden, London, The Blitz (shown above). Known for his striking style, he followed in the footsteps of peers like Pete Burns (Dead or Alive) and Boy George, eventually launching his own music career. His commercial success was limited, but in 1984 he released one of the standout tracks of the year, “You Don’t Love Me.”

And, here’s where it all ties together: Marilyn had a long-rumored, and later confirmed, romantic relationship with Gavin Rossdale, frontman of Bush. The story came to light when Boy George mentioned it in his autobiography. Initially denied by both Rossdale and Robinson, it was eventually acknowledged. Rossdale later described it as part of his “growing up and experimentation,” though Marilyn later shared that the relationship lasted five years and called Gavin “the love of his life.”

Honestly, I get it. I was working at Universal Music when Bush was at the height of their fame, and I used to chase the promo team for new press photos, always under the pretense that I might need them for a compilation. Gavin was, without a doubt, quite the looker.

Brad’s song #4: Grass Roots, “Sooner or Later,” 1971

Rob Grill was the lead vocalist and bass player, Warren Entner sang some of the lead vocals and played guitar, Creed Bratton also played guitar, and Rick Coonce was the drummer. The lineup later changed, but this was the group that had most of the hits. In all, they had fourteen Top 40 hits from 1966 through 1972. Ontherecords.net, 2018

Pe’s response: I love those classic American radio jingles: “And the hits just keep on comin’!” What a song this is! I’ve heard it before, but it’s been a while, and it still holds up beautifully. Now, what’s the connection between The Grass Roots and Marilyn? I’m guessing it’s in the lyrics:

Its just a matter of time

Before you make up your mind,

And give all the love that you’ve been hiding;

Its just a question of when,

Told you time and again

I’ll get all the love you’ve been denying.

It almost sounds like Peter could have written those lyrics to Gavin. But, who knows? Maybe there’s another connection I completely missed.

Brad’s rationale: This has a Marilyn link: One of the near-dozen singles recorded by Marilyn was a song called “Sooner or Later” (above), the flip of “Sophia” (1989): His “Sooner or Later” was written by another trendsetting recording artist who made his disco-forward mark about a decade earlier: Sylvester; his arrangement, two years before Marilyn’s:

The Grass Roots’ “Sooner or Later” was a 1971 hit for Rob Grill and the band, in a song written by Mitchell Bottler, Edward McNamara, Adeniyi Paris, Ekundayo Paris, and Gary Zekley.

Zekley was a solidly L.A.-based songwriter/producer who played alongside Jan & Dean in the early-’60s. He co-wrote a song called “Yellow Balloon” in 1966, which became a Jan & Dean single.

Zekley subsequently shopped the song elsewhere, and it found its way to a studio group which eventually included My Three Sons sitcom actor, Don Grady, who named themselves The Yellow Balloon and recorded the song of the same name! That engrossing story can be found here:

Video to Vinyl, 1967: Don Grady, From TV's "My Three Sons" to The Sunshine Pop of Yellow Balloon

“Sooner or Later” reached #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the group’s third and last Top Ten hit.

On TV with live vocals against the recorded backing track: