1984?

1984 was a symbolic and busy year, for events both unpredictable, and all too obvious. ’84 saw Jerry Lee Lewis surrendering to the feds for evading his income taxes, the year where Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr married Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders, the year when Red Hot Chili Peppers released their debut album, and even the year where Michael Jackson’s head engulfed into flames during the filming of a Pepsi commercial. Can anyone say free Pepsi for life?! 1984 (Nineteen Eight-Four) is also the title to George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece (first published in 1949), as well as a feature film starring John Hurt (RIP) released in, you guessed it, 1984. The soundtrack single, showcased here, saw synth-pop masters, Eurythmics performing the track, Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four). Presented here are both the single version, and the near 8-minute extended version, both perfect for remembering a year when Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his father, and Bruce Springsteen would release his infamous, Born in the U.S.A. Lots to do… lots to do…

Also Available from Telstar

MJIt’s not very often, in fact, this is the first time it’s happened, that one reaches for a Marvin Gaye album, and runs across a back cover ad for a random-ass Michael Jackson comp record. Titled 18 Greatest Hits, this 1983 release featuring 18 mega hits from Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 can be had for a cool $0.71 on LP, and an acceptable $4.22 on cassette (courtesy of Discogs.com). I was all set and ready to dig into the untimely death of Marvin Gaye when I stumbled across this little 23-year-old gem. Rediscovering my collection by means of this medium has proven to be a hilarious and boisterous experience. I think I’m finally starting to dig it. Also available on cassette.