Top 20: 10 - 6

At RG the other day they had records for $1 each or 20 recs for $10. Seven I listened to before buying, the other 13 I picked at random to get the deal. I now have a whole stinking heap of 80s garbage. And the top 20 countdown continues…

10. Rick James – Cold Blooded.

Number 10 doesn't seem right, though it could potentially move with more listens. I’ll give it the house cleaning test. The song 'P.I.M.P the S.I.M.P' is a stand out. It turns Mary had a little lamb into Mary had a pimp. It features Grandmaster Flash, and by the looks of the sleeve notes it is based on the true story of Maryanne Fletcher who the song is dedicated to, 1960-1980 R.I.P. Also on the sleeve is an image of a triangle (as seen on the cover) within a circle which according to Rick James symbolises unity, love joy religion and planet earth among many other things. Dude was on a funky mission. MindHead

9. Stacy Q – Two of Hearts.

This song sold a whole bunch in 1985 and made it to #3 on the pop charts. It’s lucky to have made it to #9 on this chart. The sexy a capella on this is great, definitely ideal for DJ Sexy Dancin’ to get creative with (yes dj sexy dancin’ is me, and yeah it’s a 3rd person type thing).

8. The Jets – You Got It All.

Look at these youthful faces all smiling on the cover. Who even smiles on a cover now days? This is a family band of 8! (8 siblings of 17! Why would you not start a band). They are also part Tongan and full Mormons. This is a slow number with a weird pitch change half way through. The B-side has a medley of some of their other songs which is good times.

7. The Jets – Curiosity

The A side is real dirty, gonna need to wash this one. However the lyrical content relatively clean. Musically great, love the LL Cool J toms, and the B-side ‘Crush on You’ has such a great driving synth bass line. So upbeat and cheerful. The music matches the faces for sure.

6. Dave Valentin – Light Struck

From 1986, this goofy soft funk/jazz crossover flute album is perfect for my cheesy instrumental warm up to the more harder 80s stuff in my set. Lots of great moments in this album, and if I was looking to sample there’s magic to be found. Magic like a hovering flute.

The final 5 still to come! Ready to Roll!