Glam Slam Chronicles (Everything)

David Bowie's "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)" , coupled with "Because You're Young" , was issued as a 7-inch vinyl single in the United Kingdom by RCA Records (catalog number BOW 9) on January 2, 1981. NME critics Roy Carr and Charles Shaar Murray labelled its release another instance "in the fine old tradition of milking albums for as much as they could possibly be worth". The song was subsequently performed on a number of Bowie tours. Musically the track was notable fo

A Cheapskate Christmas Party Cracker Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on November 28, 1980, on Cheapskate Records (catalogue: CHEAP 11 / LYN 9116 / LYN 9117), Slade’s *Xmas Ear Bender* was their festive party assault. Featuring the Reading Choir on “Merry Xmas Everybody,” a wild “Okey Cokey,” and a live “Get Down And Get With It” (mixed by Mike Robinson & Slade), this three-track holiday romp — pressed by Lyntone with solid and knockout centres — peaked at No. 70 o

Queen blast off with the ultimate superhero anthem – Flash! Aaa-ah! Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on November 24, 1980, on EMI Records (catalogue: EMI 5126), Queen’s “Flash” — the theme from Flash Gordon — was written by Brian May (A-side) and Freddie Mercury (B-side). Produced by Brian May & Mack for Queen Productions Ltd., this bombastic rock anthem backed with “Football Fight” peaked at No. 10 on the Official Singles Chart for 13 weeks. Issued in solid centre

Stewart's Wings And Passion Peak Released as a vinyl LP in the UK on November 21, 1980, on Riva Records (catalogue: RVLP 11 / HS 3485), Rod Stewart’s Foolish Behaviour was his tenth studio album. Produced by Harry The Hook (with The Rod Stewart Group) and Tom Dowd, this 10-track rock triumph — recorded at Record Plant and Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles — featured “Passion,” “Better Off Dead,” and “She Won't Dance With Me.” Peaked at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart for 13 weeks.

Double Rocket Faith Elton John’s “Dear God” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on November 21, 1980, and and double-7" set followed on The Rocket Record Company (catalogue: XPRES 45 / 6000 591). Backed with “Tactics” (and “Steal Away Child” / “Love So Cold” on double pack), this synth-pop prayer and moody B-sides (produced by Clive Franks & Elton), were issued in plastic injection small centre, company sleeve, and picture sleeve double. No UK chart entry. Issued

David Bowie’s "Fashion Special Ed 12"," a one-page advert in New Musical Express, November 1, 1980.

Sounds Two Pages (Nov 1, 1980)

A Sophisticated Synth-Pop Strut Roxy Music’s “The Same Old Scene” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1980, on EG Records (catalogue: ROXY 1). The song was taken from the group's number one album Flesh and Blood, It peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Charts and No. 35 in Australia. It contains a Roland CR-78 drum machine rhythm backing and intricate bass guitar work that would become ubiquitous in many Roxy Music songs that followed. "Same Old Scene" pl

Stewart's Passionate Plea Rod Stewart’s “Passion” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1980, on Riva Records (catalogue: RIVA 26). Backed with “Better Off Dead,” written by Stewart, Chen, Grainger, Savigar, Cregan, was the lead single from the album Foolish Behaviour . Produced by Jim Cregan, the A-side's pulsating rhythm, Stewart’s raspy vocals, and Latin-infused groove marked his embrace of ‘80s dance-pop, peaking at No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart for

A New Wave Dancefloor Anthem David Bowie’s “Fashion” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1980, on RCA Records (catalogue: BOW 7). Backed with “Scream Like A Baby,” this infectious new wave and funk-infused track, written by Bowie, was the second single from his critically acclaimed album Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps). Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, “Fashion” featured Robert Fripp’s distinctive guitar and a danceable rhythm, peaking at No. 5 on