Ep 31.5 Nov 81 Kool & the Gang, Saxon, ABC, Rush, Pigbag, Japan

A modern day podcaster, mean mean stride, today's podcaster, mean, mean pride.

Lets not Rush (geddit?) through this episode, as we explore the back half of playlist 31. Yes folks, we enter November 1981 with an eclectic mix of funk, synthpop wizardry and more 80s flavours. Kool and the Gang kick off our show continuing their stretch of great 80s tunes with Steppin Out. We then pivot into introducing Saxon to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal picture with their steam powered song Princess of the Night. We then complete the Sheffield synth-triumvirate as we add the glamorous ABC to the mix alongside the Human League and Heaven 17, with their debut Tears are Not Enough. Rush then drop the iconic cultural behemoth Tom Sawyer - we really delve into that one, before we meet Pigbag with their funky sounds and Sunny Day. And we end today's show examining Japan's swansong, the album Tin Drum and the single, Visions of China.

Links to Playlist 31:

Spotify

Apple Music

In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:

8. Kool And The Gang - Steppin Out

9. Saxon - Princess Of The Night

10. ABC - Tears Are Not Enough

11. Rush - Tom Sawyer

12. Pigbag - Sunny Day

13. Japan - Visions Of China