Songs That Changed Music: Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles

[@Producelikeapro]

What songs do you think changed music? Share below!

[@ncmartinez_his]

Maybe it's time to highlight Bruce Springsteen's, "Born to Run?"

[@BeeSting862]

I don't think you have done Focus, House of the King yet.

[@andaryal256]

The saints stranded

[@Edmontonlad]

Semi Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind

[@axil7146]

from around the same time and hugely influential on the New Romantic moment in the UK - Quiet life - Japan , (or even better their later stuff which was far more ground-breaking such as Art of Parties , Ghosts and Night Porter Also doing a feature on Trevor Horn as a producer would be good as well consider how many great records he was involved with - 90125 - Yes , Lexicon of Love - ABC , A Secret Wish - Propaganda (including the glorious Dr. Mabuse) ,and of course Daft - the Art of Noise (a truly brilliant and ground-breaking record) and that's not even including Frankie goes to Hollywood and the Dollar records

[@YearsOfLeadPoisoning]

The whole Age of Plastic album slaps so hard. Literally no bad tracks, it's so under-appreciated.

[@lsmoulton]

Elstree remember me.....whoah ! 🤔

[@richarddeal2561]

There's a dozen or songs you get to hear through your lifetime that you never, ever, get tired of listening to. And this is definitely one of them. Like you, I never new Hans Zimmer was in the original video; and there's probably a story behind the smirk he displayed in the video. Great dissection of the song.

[@kevincarterqw]

Obsessed with this song. Parents had the record of it and I would play it over and over. Still love it.

[@mystikrebel1089]

Tevor Horn is another genius when you also think about the bands he produced later . I again was lucky to be at his tribute concert in 2004 at wembly to see the buggles and the bands he produced

[@Producelikeapro]

Amazing! That would be an incredible concert!

[@Producelikeapro]

@HighHopesBass thanks ever so much for the tip! I'll check it out

[@mightyV444]

@HighHopesBass - There's no full version as such on YT but all performances from that event seperately; I'd come across them only last year and couldn't believe this was already 17 years ago!! 😳 I was OCD'ing for a while on the Frankie Goes To Hollywood part in particular 😁

[@paulspence8672]

@@mightyV444 I found those videos bout a year ago too. Close to the edit is amazing!

[@mightyV444]

@@paulspence8672 - And *I'm* on another Trevor Horn trip around YT now, thanks to Warren's video and everybody's comments 😁

[@MajorTendonitis]

I have always loved this song , and you actually provide an explanation for why it turned out so awesome . I’m 62 years old and still crank this music video on my home theatre to this day . How I miss the the late 70’s when we used to play this in our vehicles. Thanks for a great breakdown as to how much went into this song 😊

[@tjallingdejong9645]

The Piano is absolutely brilliant in this song

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, it certainly is!

[@johnmc3862]

So is the drums, it’s was basically the birth of techno on the biggest commercial single to date.

[@Kkidzz]

Vince Clarke is on record stating that ‘Video..’ is the one song he’s sooo jealous of….perfect pop song.

[@MG-vo7is]

This series is phenomenal, and it's fantastic watching Warren geek out and enjoy the music!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@annode]

Yeah, I like what I've seen so far. (this and "Enjoy the Silence') I know your TV face comes from British tele, and that fine...but here in the states, it looks like your face is tied to an electric outlet. Just saying. It makes me want to look away.

[@Adam-Builds-It]

My father owned The Sound Suite recording studios in Camden. He recorded one of the demos for this track and remembers working on the sound for the vocal. It was taken away to the main studio and recreated I believe.

[@Spudcore]

Never really heard that bassline before. It's wonderful!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! It certainly is!

[@powlobo.m.b.]

Funny that actually one of the reasons I don't really like this song is because I feel it's been carefully thought out to be a hit - but at the same time I really admire the level of production of the song LoL. Great vid as always Warren!

[@mickricereto8012]

"Oh-a-Oh!" - surely this must be one of the most brilliant little hooks in all of pop-dom. Magic!

[@janemorrow6672]

‘Groove that’s trying to sound mechanical’ love it.

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks very much

[@andrewwong2000]

Yes! Yes! Yes! OMG Hans Zimmer and Trevor Horn.. the circle is complete .. when once I was the apprentice, now I am the Master.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Quite amazing indeed

[@MaxRiffage]

“Lying awake intently tuning in on you” - “not intent at tuning”. He even emphasises intentLEE

[@babylemonade2868]

I still can’t believe Trevor Horn ended up singing in Yes. Great track,great producer and I think Yes 90125 sounds great which Trevor produced. Nice one Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

I know! Absolutely amazing to realise that!

[@Alpha_7227]

Don't forget his work with Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@Alpha_7227 yes, amazing!

[@MrBfg586]

Although not as popular, he was part of Art of Noise. They had hit Beat Box and Close to the Edit.

[@Alpha_7227]

@@MrBfg586 Deadset, Art of Noise, didn't know that. He was always at the forefront in music.

[@TheHappyHonu]

This is one of those songs that seems to show you something new every time you hear it. The deeper you dive into its production, the more you hear that you realize you really hadn't consciously heard before. Thanks for the breakdown and especially the isolated tracks. There are so many awesome elements to the song that go unappreciated because the mix has them hidden in plain sight.

[@AutPen38]

Indeed. I've heard this song hundreds of times in the last 40+ years and never even noticed the bassline.

[@larrydavid6852]

When you isolate the bass, it doesn't sound too far removed at all from the type of arrangement that Kim Deal would later employ for the Pixies. It just sounds amazing in its simplicity.

[@Producelikeapro]

Very true Larry!

[@Euthymia]

I'm the same age as Ms. Deal, also a bass player, and for many in my generation ("Generation Jones," the one between Boomers and X) The Buggles' first album had a huge impact. Trevor Horn's bass playing on that record is freakin' amazing (and prominent in the mix), and influenced my playing a great deal (pardon the pun). I was so pleased when I finally nailed that clicky bass sound in my own home studio: 10mS attack, long release, and smash it like crazy (sounds like an LA-2A doesn't it?)

[@annode]

It sounds simple cause these are taken from the multitrack tape, I believe. The bass would have been mic'd or/and direct to board through basic EQ and compression and then to a multitrack tape track. How that bass track will get onto the master tape may involve more processing.

[@DrCheeks]

Even when I’m having a crap day it always improves when Warren says he hopes I’m doing marvellously well😁

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks! Thanks ever so much

[@mightyV444]

Yes, I too appreciate that a lot! 😊 I sometimes give those guys a bit of 💩 in the comments who can't even say something simple like "Hey everybody, I'm Rick Piato!" 😄

[@HenningUhle]

As a kid, born in the GDR, I had no clue that a music video exists. But my parents refused to listen to radio stations from the GDR, they preferred the Western Germany radio. Ask other people what that meant back in the days. And one day radio station "NDR 2" played this famous piano intro. And I as a six year old guy began to jump around. This was pretty amazing. This song is absolutely great. But I could not share my joy with anyone. Because at the time it frowned in the GDR to listen to "the imperialistic trash from the west". Well, but until today, I am sure this was one of the most iconic songs in music history. Thank you for this great video which brings back a lot of memory. You should now have a look at another British song from that time. It was also a debut. I think of "Electricity" by OMD. A song that discussed solar energy in 1979 / 1980. Still up-to-date until today.

[@Bender_Bending_Rodriguez_2996]

I'm going to check the song "Electricity" by OMD. Thanks for the recommendation

[@newwavepop]

there are so many great little elements that make this song wonderful, but when you really have it cranked up that bassline is just undeniable.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Agreed! Amazing song

[@AlbertonBeastmaster]

Both Buggles albums are incredible, but this song has resonated through my entire life. I love it as much now as I did when I was a child.

[@duncanparsons]

The Age Of Plastic is such a good record, the energy of punk with the wit and songwriting chops of prog.. Not a weak song on there

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@theboofin]

I like the second one better.

[@sueflay79]

On the album, the short all-orchestral arrangement that was added on to the end of the track is just so gorgeous.

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic!

[@FatNorthernBigot]

It’s a revelation hearing solo’d elements of a song I must of heard a thousand times…Thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mightyV444]

The female backing vocals soloed actually brought me close to tears! 😀

[@oneammonday]

've

[@mightyV444]

@@oneammonday - *Loads* of people use 'of' instead of 'have'! I hear it all the time here in NZ, too! Always makes me cringe, but oh well; I won't tell people how to speak properly 😄

[@oneammonday]

@@mightyV444 You "hear" it? How do you know they're not using 've and you're just assuming they are mangling the English language? Maybe you SHOULD call people out on it so they don't appear as mouth breathing, ignorant fools. I will ALWAYS point it out, and ect. instead of etc. for the word etcetera drives me nuts. Than and then seem to be difficult for a lot of folks, also. Cheers. Have a lovely day.

[@marcmorgado]

Almost half a century has passed since its release and "Video Killed The Radio Star" still sounds like music from the future... an amazing work of art

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! It certainly is!

[@AutPen38]

It's amazing how the mixture of nostalgia (the elements from '50s pop music) and the "futuristic" synth sounds have ultimately made it seem timeless. It's also kind of crazy that it exemplifies the "sound of the eighties" but it was actually made in the '70s.

[@leonardoibanez4913]

That’s freaking crazy to think about and I love it !! Just shows how back them they actually loved making music , they knew they were making something new and innovative , they literally took years before it released .

[@gcrosheffielduk]

I used to hate this song when I was a kid and it came out but listening back to it now I’m older, it’s a really great sound. Hearing it broken down and the sounds that go into it is awesome. Thanks Warren 👍👍

[@edalder2000]

I don't know a lick about any of the studio equipment mentioned. But it fits with my head canon that The Buggles had cutting edge tech to record "Video Killed The Radio Star" and stretched the limits. That song and "Pop Muzik" blew peoples' minds. I also giggle because Trevor Horn went on to become a hugely successful producer in his own right.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, Trevor Horn's Production career just got bigger and bigger!

[@eggy1962]

@@Producelikeapro i love his production on propagandas - duel. I am wondering if you could review Duel, i have seen Paul from omd playing keyboards on this song ( live version) and there is a guy called dx5 on youtube who re creates the song on several keyboards of the era.

[@jtl909]

Trevor Horn invented the 80s.

[@darrene8036]

Great song and thanks for doing this breakdown. I was 9 when it was released and it really grabbed my attention. The Hans Zimmer connection is great, I took my daughter to see Hans Zimmer at Wembley in London in 2017 and Trevor Horn came out for one song only and they performed Video Killed the Radio Star. What a treat, now my daughter has it on the brain 👍

[@KimSE4]

Thank you for doing this. I am actually in tears listening to the individual tracks - I long ago realised this is my favourite song and it always will be. I was 4 years old when this was released and it's never ceased to amaze me - it's my perfect song.

[@EckhardRotte]

That was my first single, bought it together with Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" at the local radio shop in my small home village!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Have you seen our 'Heart Of Glass' Episode? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWnTlaFtZc2gr9U

[@EckhardRotte]

@@Producelikeapro sure! Great episode, too. Thanks so much for your "Songs that changed music" series, I love it!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@EckhardRotte thanks ever so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@EckhardRotte I'm glad you enjoyed the Blondie episode! That was a big favourite of mine!

[@JaneAxon123]

Lol I loved the song and had big fight with my brother about whether they were saying 'star' or 'store'. I was right but I guess radio shops would have been outmoded too.

[@deliusmyth5063]

Great episode. I remember in an interview at the time that Trevor said he performed a kind of “song maintenance” service. One of the things he worked on was “I've Got Your Number Written On The Back Of My Hand” by the Jags, if you remember that one.

[@jamesparker4215]

"It's amazing how everything sort of post punk and new wave had disco elements all over it" - yep, great observation! Lovely job and another great choice Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks James!!

[@Hocus_Tokus]

This song is a pop masterpiece !

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! It is!

[@johnweegenaar7314]

Radio GAA GAA by Queen is along similar lines and quite ahead of its time

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous! I’m a huge Queen fan!

[@bigalexg]

Finally, this incomparable song and video so well explained. I was eagerly awaiting the premiere of MTV in the US. Before MTV there were precious few opportunities to see your favorite music acts perform. For example, I worshipped Jimi Hendrix in the late sixties and early 70's but had never seen a moving image of the man until I eventually watched the Woodstock film years after the event! MTV also played a wide variety of new music which was nearly impossible to find on FM radio in my area of the US South. The whole British post-punk and New Wave scene, for example. Were it not for MTV I might never have discovered acts like Elvis Costello, Depeche Mode, Crowded House and the list goes on and on. And of course The Buggles. My best friend got a cable subscription shortly before my parents did and I raced over to his house on the day of MTV's debut, and we watched a few hours of video and saw Video Killed the Radio Star once or twice and I loved it. Then I forgot about it for decades until I rediscovered it on YT. Thanks!

[@Fontsman]

Still have the 12" 45rpm vinyl of this. Even today, the sound quality is mind-blowing.

[@peterldelong]

That Yamaha CP70B has such a distinct piano sound. Love it!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Benjamin

[@karlp8484]

I heard a whole 1 hour radio broadcast about the making of "Pop Muzic" by "M".

[@Producelikeapro]

Very cool!

[@caseymckenzie4760]

Might be the best song ever as far as I am concerned. Really emotional I was 10 years old and this song filled me with joy and almost made me cry at the same time. I felt really bad for the old radio stars and so optimistic at the same time and it rocked. Perfect song.

[@Markrspooner]

You should consider doing Hans Zimmer for artists that changed music. He has been amazingly influencial, as his scores borrow from many genres and working with artist from across the musical spectrum. He also stated it doing TV themes for the BBC like Going for Gold! Hans is also very approachable, often you can find him in forums and Facebook groups answering questions and helping new musicians and composers. Production is also a huge part of his sound, utilising many elements fiund in rock and popular music.

[@PianoManPaul]

@Mark Spooner HZ has become my favorite score guy ever, and -wow- last year did he EVER nail the atmosphere that DUNE needed, so nice to hear he got rewarded with a Golden Globe. I'm guessing you know his famous MasterClass intro, "The most important part of anything done musically in film, is the realization of that music being complete character in the scene. And you must treat it as such" ... I have actually been a performing, touring keyboardist with a few bands approaching 40 years now, but that's all currently at a sit-still (I'm in Canada).... sooo I've been adding on to my studio and, based on what I've learned, trying to score a few things myself... I may already have some work :) So, yes thanks for sharing what you did. (On an end note.... isn't there supposed to be a brief shot of a young HZ in this video?? Thought I just read that some where) ...

[@brokerdude]

I believe he was in fact in the very music video of this song too!

[@dspmusik81]

I didn’t realized how well produced this song was. This video really made me appreciate the song as well as it’s historical significance.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much

[@leefchapman]

What a fantastic track. Prophetic indeed!

[@Producelikeapro]

Masterpiece indeed!

[@pablokagioglu2546]

Wow. What memories and collage of feelings this brings. First year in college, homesick, started playing in bands. This song was playing in every college bar, it was on TV, on the radio, such a unique, nostalgic sound, great production. Thanks Warren for breaking it down for us. Cheers.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for the great Comment!

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Really surprised me just how warm and pleasing to the ear Trevor Horn's "radio" vocal is when isolated - I could listen to it all day. Quite inspiring actually. May have to set it aside as a reference track.

[@Laurasiana]

I was very glad to see that you gave Bruce Woolley some notice. I’ve been a fan of his record since it came out. A terrific album.

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely! Agreed 100%!

[@marcogman8905]

Love that song. What does it for me are the layered female vocals and the drums. It's a classic tune and video. I have the video saved on my KZbin play list. Glad to see you are on the mend, Warren. Take care.

[@Producelikeapro]

Masterpiece

[@marcogman8905]

@@Producelikeapro Absolutely. Pioneering as well for a new genre and for TV. No Buggles = no Richard Blade. LOL!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@marcogman8905 haha next time I see Richard I'll tell him that! It's been years! Great guy, always very kind to everyone

[@ThreadBomb]

I agree, the female vocals (through a flanger, I think) are what make the song special.

[@JayPhilips]

A tiny observation, the lyrics at 12:07 say "intent at tuning in" just as you say "intent on" and I somehow thought it was "intent in" but the isolated vocal at 7:06 clearly is "intently" which means I've been hearing it wrong for forty years! Love these videos and everything you do.

[@colinthomas3843]

14:49 ‘Later their group Asia’, only Downes’ group.

[@AChapstickOrange]

Goosebumps-raising. How in the world do you isolate the instruments into different tracks? It's like black magic.

[@MPHORROCKS]

One of the main synths was the legendary Octave Plateau Voyetra 8. That's why they sound so good!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

[@angelbangtana9885]

half the time I have no idea what you are talking about, but i still find every video you do FASCINATING! the technical stuff is above me, but the history lessons are excellent

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much Angel!

[@judgedread-q4t]

This was one of those well produced pop tunes that was cheesy but brilliant, like an ad jingle but clever. 1978-80 was an amazing crossroads era in pop radio.

[@Producelikeapro]

I love Radio of that period!

[@simonboyes2550]

When asked recently by a friend to compile my top 100 all time favourites, I listed this song as one of them and added the comment "A beginning or awakening in the book of my life. It's a focal point, separating what came before from what lies ahead" - I doubt the 11 year old me in 1979 could've come up with anything quite so profound

[@thore535]

This was sooo long overdue, wasn't it? I mean a song not only literally announcing a new era but really keeping its promise and being so iconic! Oh, my god! Trevor Horn! Tina Charles! I never knew they were The Buggles! I love this series! Warren, you're walkin' talkin' pop'n'rock history! You're really making all the dots connect! Thank you ever so much!

[@Steedonline]

I remember when it came out, was a teenager amd it blew my mind. And Downes was just incredible in subsequent Asia. Saw them live and omg! What a concert ! Cheers Warren

[@MAFALDINO1165]

This was like my teenage years soundtrack! I was very much into guitars and never bothered with songs that had no guitar in it. But somehow this song gripped my imagination and stayed with me. Thank you for reviewing this song!

[@MrSteviedan]

Congratulations on a superb analysis. It's the first single I was ever given as a kid - the beginning of my love of pop music really. Tears in my eyes as you ran down those multi-tracks! What a treat. Thanks.

[@Bucketroo]

Trevor Horn: Super Genius.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, indeed

[@iMac802]

I love how you break down this song into it’s musical elements. Each part is well played and produced, which I hadn’t heard in the song before. Also isn’t that piano a Yamaha electric grand C-70?

[@Producelikeapro]

Do you mean a CP-70? There's a C 7 (grand piano) and a CP 70 (electric piano)

[@TaylorDelRey]

Video killed the radio star and KZbin killed the video star.

[@Producelikeapro]

For me KZbin is the ultimate Video Star platform!

[@luca4352]

This series is my second favorite on this channel, right after the 'inside the song' series and the interviews with all those great guys like Jerden and Michael Beinhorn.. will this series ever make a comeback on the channel? So much great input and talk!

[@Alpha_7227]

I remember this so well because of the TV show which was like your Top of the Pops called Countdown in Australia. I remember the video so well. I later learnt Trevor Horn was a fabulous producer working with many bands including Frankie Goes to Hollywood, with Trevor playing that fantastic bass line on Welcome to the pleasuredome.

[@Minkah60]

Awesome then and even more so Now with you Breaking it down !!!! Every part of the song is Genius !!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@Czyszy]

I love Drama by Yes, as well as Adventures in Modern Recording.

[@Producelikeapro]

Both amazing!

[@xfoolsgoldx]

Heard this a few months ago for the first time in years. Remember loving this song as a child and can remember singing along to this with my brothers and sister on they way to my grandparents.

[@DP-hw9uq]

The whole “Age of plastic” album is a sheer pearl in the history of music!

[@Blitterbug]

Thanks so much for showcasing this massive hit! One I doubt Beato would have touched, as it was probably too electronic for his tastes

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@annode]

I've noticed Rick will pick songs there are solos he can play. He doesn't get into doing non guitar music. Artists such as Beck who don't do typical guitar soloing, you will not hear him present. Warren gives the full British music experience, and I am from new wave/synthpop/technopop and rock. Rick is ballad rock/metal and jazz, and I am from jazz and jazz fusion too..

[@Blitterbug]

@@annode Indeed. Rick's earlier vids weren't like that but now he does seem to pick songs he can demo on his guitars.

[@MickPsyphon]

I remember when this song was released. There was nothing like it! It really has an impact on so many bands from that point on. It was played on many radio stations. Trevor Horn has since imprinted himself upon music and the music industry, having worked with more artists than I can name.

[@innerlight9374]

When I heard this song the first time, I studied classical piano. Except classical music, I listened to music by Deep Purple, Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Gentle Giant ... . 'Video killed the Radio Star" was and is the the perfect symbiosis of classical music and (art-) rock music. A fantastic composition, arrangement and performance! Thanks for this video.

[@Reslo]

Good choice for a song to look back and discuss. I know I watched it when MTV came on.

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic!

[@andyyouell5037]

Fantastic story and such an iconic song. I too remember when this was released - it felt like a very unusual piece at the time...but we can only really reflect on its significance four decades later.... Thank you for putting this video together....

[@sschmidtevalue]

Thanks for the enlightenment. I was 21 when it came out and for all these years never knew that the Buggles were Horn & Downes!

[@nebstaism]

man this song is amazing ..reminds me of being about 5yrs old..... i remember hearing this again about 2 years ago and remember thinking how perfect the mix sounds ... what an amazing era for music

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Incredible era for music !

[@jimmyr1888]

Warren, so glad you did this vid, one of my favourite tunes… I always appreciated the incredible arrangements and complexity that no one else ever seems to notice…

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jimmy! I really appreciate it

[@ardiris2715]

That bass line is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. (:

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic

[@Zadster]

I'm glad you mentioned Top Of The Pops. It is tempting to think that music videos didn't exist before MTV, but it was well known in the UK that getting on TOTP essentially made or broke your band's entire career. The Bohemian Rhapsody video was already way back in 1975 and had established the importance of video, even before consumer recorders. In a way, TOTP gave British groups (Dire Straits, Flock of Seagulls etc) a head start when MTV arrived. Geoff Downes has a video on here on how he wrote this. Search for; Yes Interviews: 10/17/08 - Geoff Downes on the history of Video Killed The Radio Star . The technical quality isn't great, but it is great listening to the man himself explain the song.

[@experi-mentalproductions5358]

8:45 - It's amazing how with only three elements in place, it's already the best song ever.

[@violao206]

Just a bloody brilliant song for its time that still holds up so well. Even the stem keypads sound fresh and not frozen in time like a lot of others can.

[@desert.mantis]

Video Killed the Radio Star was representative of what I still consider the Golden Age of music: The New Wave/Post Punk era. Music was so innovative, lyrical and extremely danceable. Bands like Elvis Costello and The Attractions, The Joe Jackson Band, Squeeze, Gang of Four, Devo, New Order, made life just a joy for this kid. I never knew that Horn and Downes joined The Yes Group since I had stopped listening to them after Close To The Edge. Thanks for your Songs That Changed Music series, Warren. Great work!

[@SamLowryDZ-015]

First piece of sheet music I ever bought - and the album with it's inner sleeve with track sheets was an inspiration and made me want to play an instrument. Also that edition of TOTP - that is Richard Burgess miming on the drums - he of Landscape and a producer in his own right.

[@NathanWind99]

Great choice! JG Ballard's name comes up so often when talking about bands of this period. His writing must have touched a nerve in the late 70s.

[@Producelikeapro]

No doubt!

[@wellurban]

@@Producelikeapro The documentary Synth Britannia captures a lot of his influence on people like Gary Numan, John Foxx and Daniel Miller (Warm Leatherette is basically Crash with a Korg). Didn’t realise The Buggles were inspired by him too!

[@mightyV444]

@@wellurban - I too watched that a while ago! Great stuff! 😀👍

[@AutPen38]

Ballard was a huge influence on Joy Division at the same time. They even had a song called The Atrocity Exhibition. Ballard was ahead of his time and so were many of the bands that namechecked him.

[@MrObelisk2290]

Excellent breakdown of a classic Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jose!

[@blackvx]

I'm blown away! Azia, Yes, and Hans Zimmer were performing in that song! Thank you for all your research and amazing episodes !

[@chizzulwinduh1941]

You and I have similar memories about this song and video Warren. The backing Vox blew me away and the rest just built on it. Awesome song. Much Love

[@marklucas8110]

I'd only left school two years before this single was released and thought it was a completely amazing track. Instrumentally, vocally and production wise, stood out head and shoulders above most music around at that time. I think I wore the single out! Of course I bought the Age of Plastic album on release from Woolworth's (yes they sold everything back then). Elstree was one of my favourite tracks from that album with the horse cantering sounds on the outro of that song. Such a great time for music. Brought back a lot of memories. Thanks for the this and the fact Hans Zimmer was part of the video! What a career in film scores he's had since. Thanks again.

[@iandavid7730]

This is the content I've been missing out on. Do a Prince track and I'll die happy.

[@Producelikeapro]

One day!

[@coloaten6682]

Glad you covered this iconic song. I was 13 when this came out and I loved it from the first time I heard it. It just grabs you in so many ways. As you mentioned, the robotic singing style, the orchestration and that KILLER bass line!! So many hooks in it and they still work today, the true mark of a classic. Production was great and Trevor made his name as a producer on that record. It'll always be one of my fave songs. Just one mystery though. Why do I get Buggles and Supertramp mixed up?

[@DJTI99]

Trevor Horn is amazing. This, his work with Yes, and The Art of Noise....

[@veejay3626]

It was the first single i bought as a kid... I was fascinated by this song ...i played it countless times since....

[@mikosoft]

This song is a perfect storm, a masterclass in pop songwriting and arranging and production.

[@crunchyfrog555]

When this came out I was obviously like most kids in Britain at the time - probably dipping my toes into post punk, or the early days of SKA/Rude Boy stuff and earlyish electronics stuff. This came out and I was blown away with how it sounded so minimal and really queezed on frequencies (especially the vocals) but at the same time allowed for a really majestic, full sound. I had no real idea what production was then, but I knew I wanted more of it. I'm not surprised Trevor Horn became such a huge and unqiue producer after this. I think this tune, while still famous still gets overlooked as a disposable tune. It ain't.

[@KeithCaptain]

I was 14 when this came out and it grabbed my attention the way nothing else did at the time. It sounded so new and ‘sophisticated’. A great breakdown of the song. Thanks.

[@thebackyard7661]

The Buggles along with M really pioneered the classic 80's sound, as early as two years before the 80's even begun. So many great things have lead to that decade,.But that decade brought even greater things, partially thanks to the buggles and trevor horn in general.

[@v3zMedia]

I first discovered this song on Grand Theft Auto: Vice City as a kid 😅. Fell in love with it instantly.

[@kelvynification]

Hans Zimmer is in the video:) The absolute perfect pop song:))))

[@Producelikeapro]

I never knew until we did the research! Thanks ever so much

[@wagnerribeiro4061]

I always liked this song, but I never was able to explain it technically. I already thought this song was great. And after your observations, my admiration for this song reached another level. Thank you so much for bringing us such valuable information and great stories of good music. Cheers!

[@mightyV444]

And this is one of those great late 70's / early 80's songs that are a mix of electronic and organic instruments, as mentioned in the recent Depeche Mode video; I'm grateful for and happy about growing up with such amazing Music 😊

[@annode]

This song is brilliantly stacking as it assembles. It makes my brain sizzle in expectation of the verse. And yes, it has an outstanding groove and like Warren says is mechanical, in the pocket, but at the same time it's slightly loose because it's played and not sequenced. My fave of his later productions is the 1st Seal album. That, is a masterpiece.