NEWS THIS WEEK IN…
1981 – the success of Dutch novelty pop act ‘Stars On 45’ leads to a short-lived medley craze. The most successful imitator was, rather unexpectedly, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra whose “Hooked On Classics (Parts 1&2)” reached number two in the charts. The series was disliked by many classical music purists, not least because of the background beat, but had the positive effect of reviving interest in classical music among a new generation.

PLAYLIST
Blondie – The Tide Is High
Dusty Springfield – In Private
John Lennon – Beautiful Boy
Heaven 17 – Come Live With Me
Royal Philharmonic – Hooked On Classics
The Beautiful South – I’ll Sail This Ship Alone
Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal
Deacon Blue – Wages Day
Tears for Fears – Change
Elvis Costello – Everyday I Write the Book (LIVE)
Alison Moyet – Invisible
The Spinners – Working My Way Back to You
Jacki Graham – Step Right Up
Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar on Me
Junior – Mama Used to Say
Madness – Driving In My Car
Inner City – Good Life
Gloria Estefan – Get on Your Feet
Ashford and Simpson – Outta the World
Abba – The Winner Takes It All
Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
a-ha – Take On Me
Hazell Dean – Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)
Mel & Kim – FLM
Five Star – System Addict
Erasure – Sometimes
Bronski Beat – Hit That Perfect Beat
Paul Young – Wonderland
Spandau Ballet – How Many Lies