1984 was an important year for me as I started the final year of my undergraduate studies at Huddersfield Polytechnic. My LP collection was growing too.
This guaranteed that it went to number 1 of course.
'Welcome to the PleasureDome' was an album by ZTT, who also released the classic 'Propaganda' album which I will be blogging about separately as this was my driving album in the late 1980s. This was by Frankie goes to Hollywood, although much of the music was played by session musicians.
The album was rereleased in late 2025 with a new mix by Steven Wilson including a Dolby Atmos mix.
The music was arranged by Trevor Horn.
Session musicians including Steve Howe from Yes were included.
This was also the era of the 12" single... and endless variations on the original tracks were created.
The PleasureDome was in Xanadu, visited by Marco Polo. See separate post on Xanadu from Rush.
This is one of the more memorable tracks: 'Two Tribes'.
This included some stand out tracks. I have previously blogged about this album, which received an over the top deluxe re-release earlier in the year, clocking in at over £250 for the full package. Thankfully, a lot of it was straight onto Spotify.
Here's 'Between the Wheels' - the album's closer....
The other album released this year that is worth a mention is The Blue Nile's 'A Walk across the Rooftops'. The story of this album's released has been told elsewhere on the blog.
It would be 4 years before someone played me this album. It was actually in a bothy on the Isle of Rhum. The log burner was lit and whisky had been taken....
Sparkle in the Rain is my favourite album from Simple Minds, and was also released this year. This is a great album with no filler...
My wife has a significant birthday today. Here are some of her favourite bits of music...
KLF up first... a banger from the 80s....
Pet Shop Boys
Her very favourite musical act. She has seen them numerous times, including at the Royal Opera House and other smaller venues, plus the O2. She's a Pet Shop Girl...
Think Liverpool and of course you think of The Beatles and the Cavern Club.
Image: Alan Parkinson
There are many other musicians who are linked with the city too, whether by birth or because of their career. Gerry and the Pacemakers of course, whose song plays out as you take the eponymous ferry... and then take it again to come back as there's not a lot on the other side.... (no offence).
Frankie goes to Hollywood (who appear separately on the blog) were based there. They were helped by Trevor Horn to achieve huge success in the early 1980s.
The Beatles are the main people here of course.
In 'The Pie at Night', Stuart Maconie explores the psychogeography connected with songs like 'Penny Lane' (something explored by Brendan Conway in his Storymaps which I have blogged about previously.
