American Reacts to Sweet Dreams: How Eurythmics Shocked America!

Trash Theory explores Eurythmics and how this synth-pop anthem shook up the American music scene and helped shape MTV in the 1980s. From the duo’s bold style to the revolutionary music video, see how Eurythmics left a lasting impact on both sides of the Atlantic!
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[@darkpitcher5242]

Annie Lennox is one of the finest female vocalists to have come out of the UK since sound recordings were invented

[@麒麟麦酒-u5w]

yeah. and she even said: menoks

[@Jake-jr2zh]

Elkie Brooks aka British Queen of Blues IMO is the best UK female singer along with Amy Winehouse.

[@alemgas]

​@@Jake-jr2zhWinehouse 😂😂 on yer bike

[@EdDnB]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@alemgas 🚴 their on her bike alright 😅😂

[@Daz5Daz]

She's one of the GOATS without question.

[@rocketrabble6737]

Anyone who thought that Annie Lennox was anything other than a stunning woman was very confused indeed.

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

It's the Clark Kent/Superman glasses syndrome all over again.

[@luvick848]

Completely agree, it never crossed my mind, I just saw her as a strong iconic beauty...with a fantastic voice !

[@Veran1337]

She has a very narrow and angular almost elf like face, its stunning but long hair didn’t suit her, so her short hair really enhanced snd highlighted her natural beauty, even now, decades later she is a very beautiful woman!

[@luvick848]

@@Veran1337 I agree, short sharp and striking, how shocking that the world was SOOO narrow minded as recently as the 80s to give her a hard time regarding her gender because she didn't fit the narrative....that's so very shameful 😔

[@robtyman4281]

​@@luvick848 .....it's a very American thing to do. Because America is a very conservative country, where very definite.ideas about what a woman should look like still persist....even today. It's true that Eurythmics didn't enjoy great success in America, primarily because they thought she was too unconventional looking. Fact that she didn't push as many boundaries as Madonna has done, is neither here or there. She didn't have to because she let her voice do the work....rather than her behaviour, as was (and still is) the case with Madonna. Madonna got away with so much, because she fits the American convention of what a woman should look like.....at least just the head! Annie Lennox prided herself on her androgynous looks, as much as she did, her voice. Plus for someone who was never an actress, she's actually a better one than Madonna is. Example of this is the 'trapped housewife' gone mad, that she portrayed so well throughout the 'Savage' album; but particularly on the track 'Beethoven (I love to listen to). Apparently she doesn't....turns it these were 'trigger' words her therapist came up with, during her traumatic first marriage to an Indian man. So some of the characters she plays on the 'Savage' album have something if an autobiographical nature to them. The irony is that Annie Lennox now lives in America, having not done so during her Eurythmics years.

[@klaxoncow]

The thing with John Peel was that he had a late night show and didn't give a shit - he played what he wanted to play, what he thought was good. Also, it was the BBC, so he didn't have to worry about advertisers or anything. So John Peel's show was playing new bands and new sounds and never going anywhere near mainstream pop. He was looking for new stuff. Stuff that excited him personally. And, because of that, he did break the careers of so many artists. When I say he didn't give a shit, he would sometimes do things like playing cassettes people had sent in - even though all the engineers are pulling their hair out, because you can't play crap quality tapes on air. Ah, he just did it anyway. As long as it was good, new and interesting, he'd give a spin. I think the late night slot also gave him leeway. As other BBC DJs were nowhere near as bold and adventurous as John Peel. But he kind of got away with it at first - then he broke so many big talents and future bands, they just let him do what he wanted to do. Don't mess with genius.

[@CovBloke1310]

Hear-Hear....

[@janolaful]

I was more into radio Caroline why better than bbc radio. In my umbrella opinion.

[@gigmcsweeney8566]

I remember listening to John Peel's show on the evening he replayed Teenage Kicks straight after the first play, saying it was too good a single not play twice. A true champion of great music.

[@crimsonwizard2560]

However, he was part of the paedophile ring that the BBC hid. He met his wife at 14, and christ knows what else.

[@LaraGemini]

@@gigmcsweeney8566 I undertsand he said it was there perfect song.

[@NephylimAuthor]

You are 100% not a coward for not wanting to talk about deeply personal things in front of strangers. Never think for a moment that you are. On the other hand, don't think you have to keep it all inside, especially if it hurts. Find someone you trust and let it all out.

[@amandaholt5791]

Even though I was under 10yo when the gender thing in the USA, I remember not understanding what the problem was. Because in the UK it was obvious Annie was a woman. We had a very eclectic music scene with outwardly/obviously homosexual artists, androgynous artists & men wearing makeup to name a few. It caused controversy with some but generally in the UK if you make good music, we don’t care about the rest.

[@nickhunt6744]

Thanks for showing this JJ. I love the eurythmics. I never realised the struggle they had in the beginning but never gave up. I feel so proud😂

[@stewrmo]

Dude, you owe us STORIES!!!! Annie is from Aberdeen, in Scotland. We are very proud of her. One love from Scotland. 💙

[@Nikkimorox1]

She was a Torry quine, went to school with my mum.

[@MichaelGGarry]

And Dave Stewart is from Sunderland, we are very proud of him too.

[@McZorr0101]

One of the reasons that The Tourists were panned for covering I Only Want to Be with You was that many people didn’t remember Dusty Springfield’s original, they remembered The Bay City Rollers cover version of 1976, just three years before The Tourists version.

[@elsalcombe]

John Peel totally changed my life musically i'm now 71

[@andrewhargreaves504]

Sweet Dreams is one of the most important pop songs of all time. Annie Lennox is unique & brilliant. I had the pleasure of meeting her in a cafe. I struggled to hold it together but I was determined to not impose on her privacy despite being in awe. I continue to follow her (musically) and love her 40 years after discovering The Tourists & Eurythmics. Their live performances were amazing. Annie playing St Luke’s church was life enriching.

[@educatednumpty71]

What they failed to mention was that Queen was the one who pioneered the making of videos with Bohemian Rhapsody instead of appearing on TV shows.

[@robertafettuccine]

That's because the video was about Eurythmics and not Queen.

[@matthewashman1406]

Ummm there lots of artists who made video. ABBA made a lot and very early

[@educatednumpty71]

@@matthewashman1406 Dancing Queen was their first one in 1976. Bohemian Rhapsody was out in November 1975.

[@matthewashman1406]

@@educatednumpty71 strawberry fields forever/Penny Lane 1967

[@educatednumpty71]

@@matthewashman1406 That was made while they were making Magical Mystery Tour film to be played in the Cinema to Promote the film not the record. You'd have better off saying The Monkeys. Though those videos were made as part of their TV show. Bohemian Rhapsody was made for the sole purpose so that Queen wouldn't have to perform it live on a show to promote the song and no other reason .

[@alexmctear5420]

The back up singer in Sweet Dreams was Eddi Reader who was a Scottish singer- composer in a band called Fairground Attraction. Sweet Dreams was a No.1 hit in UK and many other Counties.

[@CovBloke1310]

Eddi Reader.. Another great voice....

[@jujutrini8412]

We certainly had our pick of great female vocalists in the eighties - Eddi, Annie, Alison Moyet, Sade were some of my favourites.

[@nekite1]

I am live in Sunderland, which is where Dave Stewart is from. Back in the 90's, he would pop into a local pub for a pint or 3. My brother in law happened to recognise him whilst he was stood waiting to be served with a round of drinks and started a conversation with him. When he eventually came to the table with our order of drinks, he stated that he had a chat with "His mate Dave". To be fair, Dave Stewart was approachable and not at all up his own arse.

[@John-l9p6e]

My uncle was the trumpet player on "The Walk" and "Right by your side". I enjoyed your video, thank you.

[@chrisperyagh]

The sleeve notes on 'Touch' start with: MUSICIANS: Horns by DICK CUTHELL (Trumpet/Flugel Horn/Cornet). Dick also played all the horns on the "Sweet Dreams (are made of this)" album, including our favourite trumpet solo on "The Walk".

[@John-l9p6e]

@@chrisperyagh yeah, my uncle Richard, he was also the trumpet player for The Specials.

[@ratsters7]

I was 23 when Sweet Dreams was released, and I can still remember seeing that video and thinking WOW - I'd LOVE to look like that! Androgynous and beautiful. Although I knew some of their story, a lot of this was new to me. Great video, great reaction.

[@Hildred6]

This was so good, I’ve been a fan of Eurythmics since the start back in the day, I’m an oldie now and I really enjoyed your video, well done young man 😊😘

[@JJLAReacts]

Thank you! 🙏❤️

[@TobiasCruelty]

I miss old school MTV. I loved it when it was just 24/7 videos. It's just reality TV crap now, and has been for 20 years or more.

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

I wasn't expecting the different emotions I felt as this progressed, it brought back so many great memories that were tied to their music. Thank you kindly.

[@ChristopherOnWheels]

I left school in 1985. I was one of the original blitz kids. I’m glad you watched this documentary as you’ve got to understand the difficulties and complexities of her gender. When I was listening to Eurythmics in the early 80s my stepmother questioned my sexuality and asked if I was a gender bender! It was a groundbreaking time with the eurythmics. New wave quickly became the New Romantics full of electronica . It was an exciting time to be alive.. I left school in May 1985 and next door to my dad‘s house lived a record producer who worked for island records . He gave me a free ticket for live aid! It’s only when you look back on your life that you realise that you were part of a movement . Keep up the good work, JJ. I love listening to your critiques.

[@janetgeorgiou9595]

This is the best I've seen of your reaction vids. You clearly have a lot of yourself to bring to this subject and it was very enriching.

[@soulkisschaoscrypt]

Inadvertent pun you made about Cliff Richard getting out of the shadow. His bscki8ng band was called the Shadows, lead by Hank Marvin.

[@carlosdeferrer3585]

Good stuff JJ, story moves me in the same way and have had a love of their music since my teen years in the 80s.

[@JustMe-ks8qc]

This is my 14 year old son's favourite song. He found 80's music all by himself, weirdly the same age as me in the 80's when it all happened for the first time. Quality endures. There's a reason why it's still on the radio 40 years later.

[@paolow1299]

Annie is Scottish and worked in a factory gutting fish by hand near the city of Aberdeen .before her talent shone through .

[@JJLAReacts]

Wow, she sounds tough as nails!

[@gillian3168]

She’s Aberdeen born and raised (Aberdonian) and before leaving worked in a fish house in Torry, in Aberdeen not near it, hard work indeed and a rather distinctive odour to go with it

[@luvick848]

I just love Annie's fantastic voice, i could listen to her all day every day, sweet dreams hit me right in the heart when it came out, it touched on something inside myself and helped me express it, thst song still digs into me to this day, 42 years later..

[@bab5panky]

Have you heard Annie's album of Christmas carols? Just sublime.

[@wolfen210959]

Oh man, it's not "cowardly" to refuse to talk about bad experiences, or to name names, it shows that you have a level of maturity and wisdom, that allows you to rise above the experience. In effect, you have not allowed the experience to define you. That is a good thing, and extremely brave, particularly when you look around and see all these people claiming to have been abused by some big star 20 or 30 years ago.

[@scotmax8426]

that was bloody brilliant :D great video, some great wee new snippets of information for me out of this one, brill reaction. cheers, enjoyed that muchly!

[@Shoomer88]

I don't think Kylie Minogue's first hit being a cover did her that much harm. What with the two Grammy Awards, four Brit Awards and eighteen ARIA Music Awards. And the 80 million records sold.

[@nolaj114]

And still going strong!

[@PeterPrestonUK]

Given that she was a soap actor looking to make a change, covers were really affecting her artistic integrity - not as much as working with those bloody producers. She’s done ok for herself since.

[@stoferb876]

I think it's more about getting pigeonholed into a certain sound than about doing a cover as such. So the problem was that the band got famous for something that didn't at all sound like their ordinary stuff. But it's really weird this idea people tend to have about how artists need to "sound like themselves" all the time. Guess what? We musicians are musicians because we love music, and most of that music being other people's music.

[@blackcountryme]

I remember the alternate lyrics "I can see your nipples, nipples, nipples, nipples..."😂

[@yvonnejamieson2499]

I have had the privilege of seeing eurythmics live in wembley back in 1999. Aaaanazing gig. 😊

[@snook1645]

This is one of my favourite of your reactions. Not only was this story really fascinating and moving, but it's great to see you react in such a happy, positive, and supportive way :)

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

Growing up in England in the early 80s, the Eurythmics were a _massive_ part of my musical education. Their music was so ubiquitous that they were heard more than the Beatles by the end of the decade, and their influence on everything that followed (even if the bands didn't know it) is evident in composition and structure. Also, I thought you were at least 20 years younger than me! Life must be good in the hills!

[@josefschiltz2192]

Actually, I thought, back then, that Annie was incredibly sexy in that tailored suit and close cropped hair. 😍!

[@John-k6f9k]

EWWWW

[@josefschiltz2192]

@@John-k6f9k Well, we can't like everything the same you know. Five, so far, have agreed with me. What would you say if I said I thought the same about Susanna Hoffs? Two very differently stylistically presenting women, each beautiful in their own distinct way. Btw: Absolutely adore Susanna, at any age! Just saw her in a rendition of Going Down To Liverpool and she was skipping about with that guitar, really into it. 💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

[@mikecaetano]

I can vouch for that too. I was 15 when "Sweet Dreams" landed and she had us hooked.

[@jujutrini8412]

She was.

[@mmagnenat]

...some of them want to be abused... totally with you here!

[@Veran1337]

The great thing about sweet dreams, is not just the amazing music that is timelessly catchy, but the painful lyrics are something everyone can resonate with and can stir up feelings that are deep. The joy of the music and the pain of the lyrics create alot of space for it to connect with people, which is why it is one of those songs which will always be great!

[@nolaj114]

I let out a little whimper when he said they were initially going to be a supporting act for the 'Serious Moonlight' tour. I was fortunate to see David Bowie on that tour...how amazing it would have been if the Eurythmics had been the support act! Have always loved them, still one of my most played CD's in my car when travelling. Annie Lennox is such an icon ( -or, as my workmate used to unwittingly call her "Lennie Annox"..always made me giggle).

[@SophiaPangloss]

We got Icehouse and Thomson Twins as support for Bowie, they were both great, but tbh, after queuing all night to get in and spending the while day standing on the pitch waiting, I was too tired to enjoy Bowie, I had to work my way to the back to find a seat!

[@stevemichael8458]

Annie Lennox was, and still is, a godess. And her amazing music and musicianship is only a part of what makes that true. Her charity work, her philanthropy, her activism, her passion. All Amazing.

[@Vana1970]

Growing up in the 70's and a teenager in early 80's music was so much better than today, very little talent around that's new

[@Tricia_K]

Yes! - it's actually my 52nd birthday today, and I couldn't agree more :)

[@sassyjintheuk]

That was fascinating. Thank you so much. I love The Eurythmics and Annie Lennox. She is just gifted beyond words.Knowing what was behind 'Sweet Dreams'...great. 🎉😊❤

[@PeterPrestonUK]

You ok, mate? I was a little concerned when you alluded to your industry experiences - you are not a “coward” for not talking about them, whether they’re just things you saw, or if they’re serious things you experienced. I was just thinking about your many mentions of your other work, and I was going to leave a message suggesting you might want to expand your channel a bit by sharing some of your insights and experiences - but not if it’s traumatic. I for one would love to hear about some of your work skills and on-set stories. I haven’t quite nailed down why it is that you are the only ‘reaction’ channel I subscribe to on KZbin, but I think it’s because you come across as a guy “I’d like to party with”, as you say so often. The other one is Evan Erdinger, but he’s obviously much broader in his content. Anyway, I’d be more than happy if you gave us some more themes. Oh, and for an interesting modern take on the music biz, you should look for the British Channel 4 sitcom, We Are Lady Parts. It hits a lot of target audiences and subjects, all while being a bit irreverent.

[@chrisbrown4002]

Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart were both very special musicians. In addition Annie had a magical voice that would make my spine tingle after a few notes combined with her stunning looks they were the real deal. Thank heavens they got together and hopefully look back at their early struggles with a wry smile at what they finally achieved.

[@morrisminor56]

John Peel 22:00 - 24:00 every week night, important radio back in the day.

[@kennethoconnell8476]

As well as John Peel you should check out Whispering Bob Harris and The Old Grey Whistle Test.

[@PeterPrestonUK]

The old episodes of Whistle Test are available in box set. What a collection of live performances that is. I still think Meatloaf was one of the most shocking and entertaining pieces of live music this country has seen at that point.

[@KeithMcbride-fy3hy]

Bob Harris told me to F off just because I criticised his musical choice and Dave Stewart lived next door to my sister a had a fleeting moment with John Peel at the Bath festival 1970 thought he was a dick😊

[@Cleow33]

Made of ‘these’ pronunciation probably comes from her classical training… ‘ee’ being a more palatable sound than ‘i’. Also, at the beginning you said you don’t remember Adam and the Ants, Stand and Deliver…you should check them out. They were amazing. Art school influenced and two full drum kits. Kings of the Wild Frontier and Dog Eat Dog are my favourite tracks.

[@DianaSheward]

I tend to like the early Adam and the Ants nowadays,but the very first record I ever bought was from Wooly's and was 'Stand and Deliver' ! Everyone I knew loved them (even my opera-loving Dah !),dressed like them,used tippex to create Stuart's white stripe,they were everywhere! So,yeah,he should check them out !

[@PaulReardon-qh9fk]

Police - Every breath you take was so awesome. So simple with an almost upbeat attempt on a downbeat instrument and with very dark lyrics about spiralling into obsession. It was so beautifuly crafted throughout, it moved me and obviously a great many other people.. What we can now be sure of decades later, is that that piece is timeless and, was then, is now, and always will be, a classic

[@JJLAReacts]

🙌🙌🙌

[@sallycostello8379]

This was really good. I feel your memory recalling sadness and badness in the music industry 😔

[@bfmt42]

I always liked... Sweet dreams are made of cheese Who am I to dis a Brie I cheddar the world and a Feta cheese Everybody's looking for Stilton

[@JJLAReacts]

😂😂😂

[@John-k6f9k]

That was grate.

[@neil2742]

I first saw that in a shop window - it was a specialist cheese shop

[@LizJones0]

Brilliant 😂

[@faithpearlgenied-a5517]

​@@John-k6f9kI thought it was a bit cheesy.

[@Mr_Nosybonk]

@29.39. You say Cliff Richard got out of the shadow of the Beatles, I had to laugh because his backing group was The Shadows, Cliff and The Shadows

[@carolineskipper6976]

Sigh- that MTV montage at the beginning- that was my youth right there! John Peel was the champion of new music and new artists. His radio show was late at night (10pm -Midnight) so he could get away with playing what he wanted, and not churning out the playlists the other DJ's were using during the day. Many's the late evening in my teenage years spent in darkened rooms with friends listening to his show.... Cliff Richard is the only artist to have number 1 hits in 5 consectutive decades in the UK, from teh 1950's to the 1990's. That is a successful career if ever there was one! That was a great video- and an uplifting story! (Apart from the whole gender issue part - thank God most people have moved beyond that these days!)

[@PuffTheMagicDragon86]

I never used to like Sweet Dreams, I've come to appreciate it as I grew up, but I've loved so many of their other songs, and Annie's solo songs are just incredible. "No More I Love Yous" is one of my favorite songs ever now (As a kid it was Walking on Broken Glass)

[@kennethoconnell8476]

John Peel had a late night slot to introduce people to new music/bands.he only listened to new music, he never went back and listened to ‘old’ music again. Not every band he played made it, but he was definitely instrumental in giving any good band a chance. I loved heading back from rugby training, and a few pints to listen to Peel’s latest show.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

“I thought Annie Lennox was not into dudes”😹…….. Annie is a “good-old-fashioned traditional” heterosexual mommy with at least one kid.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

@@tracey11110 THANK YOU, Tracey! (I’m not usually so lazy as-to not look things up!)

[@John-k6f9k]

Oh come on, you're not so naive to believe that she's not also a cunning linguist?

[@helenag.9386]

It's because she is a strong personality with short hair - gotta be a lesbian eh?

[@jacquelinemcgraw6213]

Annie Lennox has an amazing voice. Lyrical also. Plus Scottish. Xx

[@AliceGison]

As well as having 2 daughters she also had a stillborn baby before her daugjters

[@nolaj114]

I was surprised you hadn't heard of Spandau Ballet.. did they not make it to the US charts? They were very big in Australia, especially with "True".

[@SolarVibeEnergy]

I thought "Gold" at least did.

[@terryloveuk]

Annie Lennox, one of the superb female voices, and if you find interviews with her she's so damn smart and intelligent. Along with Annie Haslam (of Renaissance) she's one of my top pick singers.

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

20:30 THANK YOU for your honesty! The industry is 90% sleazy sharks!

[@AlRoons]

That was absolutely fantastic. Thank you. And I loved your commentary and insights.

[@AlBarzUK]

Cliff Richard had hits every decade from the 50’s to the 00-ies, mostly number 1s.

[@JJLAReacts]

WHAT?! That's amazing because I really never hear about him. I'm glad he kept at it.

[@peterjackson4763]

​@@JJLAReactsHe only managed a number 2 in the 2010s

[@aboycalledvenus]

Wow! ...I adore your personality and spirit. This popped up in my YT stream. I clicked... Out of curiosity! Great show. I even discovered some things of the Eurythmics I had not known. What an absolutely glorious story of Annie and Dave. they are definitively... Heroes!!!! I will be tuning into seeing you more. Thanks for entertaining us out here in the galaxy. I also am thankful for rediscovering the 80's thanks to YT. It was a great time to be a teenager. This video was great to take in Thank you, Sir! ...Over and Out!

[@stuartanderson3479]

I hope you continue to do more videos like this. Very enjoyable.

[@carolethomas276]

Go Annie and Dave👍was a teenager in London, met them and many more artists of the 80s…. Absolutely loved your reaction, sooo proud to be apart of that particular iconic decade 👏and your take was spot on 👏👏👏👏thank you

[@scotmax8426]

and well done Dave and Annie! what a ride.

[@eternallearner4753]

One of your best. Thanks JJ.

[@JJLAReacts]

Thank you! 🙏❤️

[@marktubeie07]

Yeah JJ, _The Tourists_ were quite big here in Australia.

[@3SeveredHeads]

I totally agree…today the eurythmics would not have even existed and can u imagine all the creative groups who would never have made it because of the record labels!! Great video..nice reaction ❤

[@MsPeabody1231]

I didn't realise for ages it was Thatcher who allowed musicians to get business loans, she set up Channel 4 for independent production companies and she initially allowed wannabe pop artists - for some reason I always think of Bananarama - to be on the dole.

[@diannegooding8733]

Both went to Rudolf Steiner Schools where part of the curriculum is a musical movement time called Eurithmy. Hence Eurithmics!

[@deadkennedy9140]

I think Cliff Richard had a number 1 single in the UK in every decade 1950-2000 (certainly a top 40 hit). Happy to be corrected on this.

[@nolaj114]

He seems ageless.

[@erikbehaeghel]

Still crazy about this song i was 13 at that time have danced many nights and days on the music of the Eurythmics and still do at age 54 now

[@janolaful]

The gender thing was never a thing in the uk. Annie lennox has an amazing voice have all the album's also Thompson twins.

[@tonywalton1464]

We'd done the gender thing: "You've got your mother in a whirl/She's not sure if you're a boy or a girl" (Rebel Rebel by David Bowie from 1974).

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

@@tonywalton1464 Exactly, it was kind of old hat already. All I ever saw was a striking looking woman with a great voice wearing a suit.

[@Mistmantle88]

It wasn’t a thing in North America either, this is nonsense.

[@LPR579]

@@Mistmantle88😂😂 it’s still a thing in North America, the US anyway, not so much Canada.

[@Mistmantle88]

@@LPR579 maybe it’s become an issue in the USA now, but in the 1980s nobody cared there either.

[@BettaGettaBretta]

John Peel was an amazing guy..."Following Kennedy's assassination he passed himself off as a reporter for the Liverpool Echo in order to attend the arraignment of Lee Harvey Oswald and he and a friend can be seen in the footage of the press conference shortly before Oswald's assassination"...

[@JJLAReacts]

Oh wow. I would love to find a video about that. Great story!

[@BettaGettaBretta]

@@JJLAReacts kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpKrdX2vZbdrpLMsi=E04QneBAzAnxHhb5

[@MrDarkwing78]

9:12 Wait, WHAT! I don’t understand that comment. Kylie has MANY original hits. She did a cover of The Locomotion that went viral (though viral meant sick in those days), but she’s had a massive career spanning almost 4 decades, mostly originals.

[@squiffy-ys2wq8sw3o]

The old grey whistle test an interesting dive into music

[@klaxoncow]

What you were saying reminds me of how actually offended I got when the radio in the UK started having "black charts". And it's the same attitude as Annie here. The UK never had "black charts" and "white charts" and all these different charts. There was one chart and EVERYONE was on it - black and white, rock and pop and disco and punk and reggae - and let the best man or woman win. But there were commercial stations - probably just annoyed that they didn't have the exclusivity on the main chart - who imported the American notion of "black music charts" and I always felt it was just wrong. As Annie says, once you say "women in rock", you dividing them from the men. Once you say "black music charts" then you're segregating music of black origin away from the white folk. But, yes, in fairness, I don't think the people who do this have ill intent. They're trying to promote women and ethnic minorities and are trying to do good. But it's ultimately the wrong way to do it. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. And the underlying point is that positive discrimination is still discrimination. You've got to be really careful with it.

[@MsPeabody1231]

I used to read my older siblings "Blues and Soul" magazine. There were charts for all sorts of music in it that blues and soul artists could end up in. The UK "indie charts" were the most interesting to me as when I started looking in the 1980s all the artists were soul artists, and mostly black ones, but by the 1990s it was a real mixture of music genres and artists. Stock, Aitken and Waterman were always in there at number one if they had a record in the top 5 in the BBC charts. It wasn't helped that by the 1990s some of the larger record companies had there own "indie" label.

[@klaxoncow]

@@MsPeabody1231 Yeah, there are now increasingly charts for everything, and everyone wants to make their own charts that they control. But, traditionally, there was just one main chart. The one that Top of the Pops reported on, and which was announced on Sundays on BBC Radio. When folks talk about "having the Christmas #1", then they mean on the main chart. But it's like how there used to be just 3 or 4 TV channels in the UK - BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 - then it exploded into hundreds of channels with cable and satellite. And then the Internet came along, and now we have streaming channels. And we have Spotify and Apple music and Google Play and goodness knows what else. It's all been "Balkanised". A million different sources with a million different "charts". Indeed, modern music just doesn't work the same way anymore. People don't buy vinyl records or cassettes - and look through the "sleeve notes" - and then there's a single industry-wide chart, that a prime-time TV show "Top of the Pops" reports on. It all used to be unified. You didn't have to specify which chart you meant - like "#1 on the Spotify chart" - because there was only a single "main" industry chart that everyone referenced. The Internet has both unified the world, but also has increasingly "balkanised" it as well. A million little self-contained "bubbles" that live inside their own echo chambers. Some things are better, some things are worse. And the thing I think was a backwards step was going from a single universal chart - that included everyone, black or white, men and women, all genres welcome - to the balkanised ghettos of having a special chart for every possible difference you can think of that exists between human beings. It's divisive - by definition - and it also devalues achievement. Because, like, if I create a chart that's "black music from the East end of London" then I can stratify things to the point where everyone is #1. To have "the Christmas #1" is an achievement, as you're up against everyone. But to have the Christmas #1 on a very localised "black chart" that only deals with Gospel music from the West side of Chiswick... heck, you're only competing against 2 other people, so getting the #1 is pretty easy there. It means less. If you hand out medals to everyone, then having a medal doesn't mean anything. Everyone else has got that medal too. It's nothing remotely special.

[@afterthemouse]

The backing singer on the TOTP - Sweet Dreams is Eddie Reader, later of Fairground Attraction of "Its got to be perfect"

[@nicw5574]

I love early '80's music. I would recommend listening to Fade To Grey by Visage and Adam and the Ants. I didn't know anything about their pre Eurythmics music, but I was surprised I recognised a couple of The Tourists songs. This is fascinating, thank you 😀

[@brendacowling4219]

The Tourists used to feature now and then on the kids' show TISWAS. Depending on your age, you may remember them from then with Annie wearing her long white opera gloves.

[@nicw5574]

That must be it, I used to love watching Tiswas, thanks 😀

[@colingregory7464]

Duran Duran breaking into America confused their record label because they were popular in some streets and even parts of some roads, they eventually discovered that where they were popular were places that had MTV !!!

[@anthonyphillips9989]

I am am a 60s/70s stoner. Now growing old disgracefully. Didn't realise the similarities between the 'Tourists' & 'Eurythmics'.

[@bugsby4663]

I remember the Tourists and 'the Loneliest Man in the World'. The next thing I remember is seeing the video for Love is a Stranger on The Chart Show or something. The great thing about TOTP was that they would sometimes have on bands who were at the bottom of the charts. This exposed us (and them) and means we saw different types of innovative artists.

[@Spiklething]

Cliff Richard has had number 1 hits in the UK in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. He almost had a number one in the 2000's with his last number one being on 28 Nov 1999.

[@annicecooper8105]

John Peel's coffin was carried out of the church to the fading chords of ' Teenage Kicks " by The Undertones which sort of tells you a lot about the bloke really. Amazing lover of music of all varieties and just gave not two fooks about appeasing his paymasters at the BBC 😊😄😀 Sorely missed.

[@neilbiker320]

At 27.20, you say " playing on Top of the Pops." It was well known that the bands mimed to the music. John Peel was a legend, from 10pm to midnight Monday to Friday, I used to record the whole show on tape and then edit out John's verbals and keep the music ( not very legal ) in the early 80's. Still have 3 briefcases of cassettes ( 72 cassettes per case) . Some bizarre songs, including one called " Serenade to a Poodle " and one transmitted live from a New York City music hall ( can't remember which one), when it was interrupted during the transmission to inform the American public that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbour and American was now at war with Japan, then said "...and now back to the music. "

[@christinewright110]

My cousin was asked to appear on TOTPs but he refused to mime to his music, so didn't appear.

[@EyeQue62]

John Peel did Monday to Thursday, 10pm until midnight. Friday was Tommy Vance with his 'rock' music.

[@neilbiker320]

I stand corrected. It was a long time ago and several kg of smoking, my only excuse. LOL

[@Burglar-King]

Harrah a video with music. Circling the arms doing the dance. Thx JJ I enjoyed this.

[@chrisperyagh]

29:48 - "It took 20 years for him (Cliff) to get out of the shadow of The Beatles" Was that an intentional pun?

[@sueburke6096]

I loved the Old Grey Whistles Test and whispering Bob Harris the presenter. Great music show

[@Shoomer88]

The Buggles -"Video Killed the Radio Star" was the first video shown on MTV. It's a shame the success didn't carry on - it should have with legend Trevor Horn at the helm.

[@CovBloke1310]

I always thought their second single World of water was better.. a real banger..

[@AlexByth]

@@CovBloke1310 Different band! This World Of Water was by New Musik - another group with a frontman whose future lay in production, Tony Mansfield. Good recommendation though, I think anyone who likes The Buggles would probably like New Musik too.

[@CovBloke1310]

@@AlexByth Hi, you are dead right. I had a "Senior Moment" with that. What is worse, I have their "From A to B" L.P.......

[@victoriasheridan1]

Annie Lennox was the first female singer to appear on British TV whilst hugely pregnant and she sat on steps wearing a white dress to sing. It was considered quite shocking before that for full pregnancy to be seen on Top of the Pops etc .

[@elizamarz7607]

Dave and Annie also nurtured and enabled lots of musicians to find or try to find a path in the music industry from really early on via their production and a&r companies an their studios from as early as 1985. Truly inspiringly musicians and visionaries

[@chrissymoss514]

Hi 👋 ...... new subscriber here, and I'm here for it 🙌 😉 Seriously though, the content of the reviewed video and YOU made this a very enjoyable watch. Annie Lenox and Dave Stewart were an amazing partnership. Annie's voice is on another level. Oh yes, you mentioned that you thought Annie was singing "these," rather than "this" - I think it's her very Scottish accent that affected the sound. Thank you for this excellent and educational video. I would love to hear your stories - (hint, hint) ❤❤

[@salome5055]

I idolized Annie Lennox at the time and had a similar hair cut and suits (bought from jumble sales). I was not, however, anything like as talented. 'Why' remains one of my favourite songs of all time. Thanks JJ as usual for your funny and sweet reaction.

[@jillosler9353]

Cliff Richard was a star before The Beatles had ever been hesrd of - and had a career spanning over 65 years, Cliff has amassed several gold and platinum discs and awards, including two Ivor Novello Awards and three Brit Awards. More than 130 of his singles, albums, and EP's have reached the UK Top 20, which is more than any other artist. He has had 67 UK top ten singles, the second highest total for an artist (behind Elvis) and he holds the record, with Presley, as the only act to make the UK singles charts in all of its first six decades (1950s-2000s). Cliff Richard has achieved 14 UK No. 1 singles, and is the only singer to have had a No. 1 single in the UK in each of five consecutive decades. He also had four UK Christmas Number One singles two of which were as a solo artist as against with his backing group The Shadows.

[@gregorygant4242]

I love Cliff Richard my favorite of his is ,"Devil Woman" it was realised in 1976 but I heard it as a kid in Australia in like 1978 . Still listen to it today .

[@rossdownes4240]

Loved this it held my interest from the first word.

[@teedeed5390]

Blast from the past my childhood in a nutshell loved it when MTV started and TOTPs back in the day great times 💜

[@davidpreston9909]

Trash Theory is a great channel, and your take on this one added something extra to it. Thank you.

[@michaelhodgson662]

Annie sings with David Bowie under pressure in the freddie tribute concert. Such a singer.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

Trivia About Cliff Richards No One Asked For: Cliff was the LAST EVER person that Freddie Mercury performed live onstage with… Cliff & Freddie sang a duet of the song: “It’s In Everyone Of Us” …in a for-charity performance of Dave Clarke’s stage musical, Time in 1988.

[@lynettesherburne]

That was SO interesting, thank you 😁

[@JillHughes-n1h]

The old grey whistle test 😊😊😊 on after 10 pm 😊

[@dougalportree603]

Great original vid, great reaction. Good job jj!

[@AlistairCampbell]

As Annie Lennox is Scottish and born on Christmas Day, she should be a Modern Day "Saint" of Scotland, Saint Annie has a good ring to it.!, lol, jk aside, The Eurythmics are an EXCELLENT band, I'm Scottish and I grew up on them, I was 8 when Sweet Dreams came out, I remember loving it instantly, it's a CLASSIC.!

[@John-k6f9k]

I'm Scottish and why do almost all famous Scottish women have to be mingers when I can go to the supermarket and half the women at the checkout counters look like models.

[@AlistairCampbell]

@@John-k6f9k Maybe the hot women in the supermarkets have no actual talent.!,? 🤔and Karen Gillan is quite hot though.!!!

[@tchilds1077]

Remember all these songs. Fantastic.

[@irish66]

I watched the original video earlier this year. You and the guy narrating the video have very striking voices.

[@emmalacherry]

Oh I’ve got to go listen to all of these again. Sound of my childhood.

[@mauricestevenson5740]

"Sgt Pepper" was recorded on a 4-track set-up. No wonder it sank without trace.