Afrobella

Natural Hair, Beauty, Fashion and Makeup Blog

Patrick, This One’s For You!

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I have completely tipped over from product reviews and stuff that I’ve been meaning to write for two weeks into the most random of the randomness in my head. Please indulge me for a moment. I am about to get totally Eighties on you.

Back in the days of cassettes and boomboxes, my big brother Patrick had a mix tape he practically played into the ground. It had an incredible array of Eighties slow jams and ballads — Toto’s Africa, As We Lay by Shirley Murdock (yes Rich, I too adore that song), Don’t Give Up by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush, I Wanna Be Your Man by Zapp and Roger, and this song — Don’t Disturb This Groove, by The System.

I have known and loved this song since I was a kid. I never saw the video until today, and I must share it with you.

Wow. That takes me back to being nine years old and trying to be all up on my brother’s cassette collection. All of these years, and I’ve never known the lead singer was a black guy with a killer blow out. In silhouette he looks like Grace Jones in the Eighties, or Anita Baker, circa Sweet Love. For some reason, I always visualized the lead singer as one of those slick dudes in a British band, like Breathe. Remember Hands to Heaven?

I’m an unabashed Eighties fanatic, and my brother has everything to do with that. Without being exposed to that vast variety of music, I might not have as diverse interests as I do today. So thank you big brother, for always playing your music too loud!
Did you grow up on Eighties music? Got any obscure, forgotten faves from the era? Tell me about it!

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Comments

  1. Thank you thank you THANK YOU lil sis for that! It was much needed, especially today after having to contend with two yes TWO flat tyres and running around in Port of Spain to sort my documents out for my accident last week, and not to mention whats the family going through today…I have always been proud of you sis and glad that in some smally way I contributed to your edification.

    Love you…

  2. The car situation is pressure and as to our family situation…let’s just say I have been praying non stop today. Glad I could lift your spirits a little, big brother! Love you too. Miss everyone =(

  3. Nice throwback Bella, haven’t heard that jam in quite a while…..and whatever’s going on in the family, you have my prayers too..much love.

  4. I have an 80’s song for you: Symptoms of True Love! Tracee Spencer.

  7. Thanks afrobella!

    I read your blog all the time. It’s truly my favorite blog and I feel kinda bad that this is my first time commenting. But, I had to say a big Thank you for this one. I needed to hear this not so oldie. When they do play it on the radio (rarely) they will cut off the end. Great song and good $250 production budget video.

    Btw, thanx for letting us know what’s going on with Terence Trent D’Arby. He was one of my favorites from back n’ the day.

    Meka, I am feeling ya on Tracee Spencer.

    What about the Jets, the large Polynesian family that was oft compared to the Jacksons.

    Or Chubb Rock? I heard his song last week on the radio and almost lost my mind trying to dance to Treat Her Right.

    Ok, enough living in the past, my future is about to catch up with me.

    Thx,
    Chelle

  8. Funny you should mention the Jets, I was in a store the other day and they were playing “Crush On You” I purchased their Greatest hits cd.

    Me, I was a Billy Idol Fanatic. “Rebel Yell” was it for me!
    5 Star “Can’t Wait Another Minute”
    Tracie Spencer “This House”
    Alexander O’ Neal “All True Man”
    Flock Of Seagulls “I Ran”, “Wishing”
    Prince “1999”
    The Time “Gigolos Get Lonely Too”

    Also: Pat Benatar’s “Love Is A Battlefield”, Midnight Star, “No Parking on the Dance Floor”, Prince, “When Doves Cry”, Cameo’s “Word Up” and of course, the end of the eighties brought in the New Jack Swing Era!

    I miss the 80’s!

  9. Yes, thanks for the throwback Afrobella. How about this one ya’ll http://youtube.com/watch?v=hazTYwXgzBU . The video is not at all related to the song, but that was the 80s:) Blkbuttafly826, yours was truly a rare gem b/c I don’t even remember 5 Stars! thanks for sharing…there vidoe reminded me of A-Ha’s Take On Me (my favorite video). And Courtie- thanks. i had never seen that video, but I definitely remember the jam!

    On a serious note, Afrobella I am praying for your brother and family.

  11. I used to hairbrush sing to Black Butterfly,by Deniece Williams. Tears for Fears–Shout! Let me be your Angel, Stacie Lattisaw. For Fun that silly song, Double Dutch Bus! Whoa, this is bringing me back, back to wearing mini dresses and jelly sole shoes.
    Any feel good songs, actually.lol.

  12. I LOV this song too!!! I was in high school when “Don’t Disturb This Groove” came out. The System was a “BAAAAD” group!!! I remember seeing them on Soul Train, Solid Gold (OH LAWD). I actually taped this video from Friday Night Videos on NBC! Anybody remember that show? We joke about the 80’s but I think some really cool music came out…especially out of England…Culture Club (who I saw live in ’84), Eurythmics, anyone??? Just too many to name! Also has anyone noticed that some music from that era like Sade and Terence Trent D’Arby actually still sounds fresh now? Some real innovation back then. Come on music people, let’s bring it back!!!

  13. Had to come back and mention that I loved Breathe too! I even bought the imports since only that one song “Hands to Heaven” really took off in the States. What about Tears for Fears? Johnny Hates Jazz? Alison Moyet? Can y’all tell I love Bella’s music post??? LOL!!!!

  14. Two words:
    New Edition

  15. Oh my goodness!!! I was in high school too when these songs came out…Yes, The Jets! Also, I was all into The Deal (Babyface was with them at first, remember?) and their song Two Occasions. What else, what else?? Oh, and everything Sade and Anita Baker, and it might sound cheesy, but I was LOVIN’ Kool & The Gang’s “Cherish” and, and, and….too many to name. I agree, the 80s had some music! What about The Time? Ole Ole Oh! :-] Also, Let It Whip by the Dazz Band, okay! I would love to see that video. Oooh, let me stop!

  16. mistress scorpio — I know that’s right! I used to think Ronnie and I had a special connection because we had the exact same birthday except he was a year older. And their song Mr. Telephone Man — LOL — could kids today even relate to a busy signal and having to call the operator to see if they could break in on the line??

  18. Bebroma… see and I thought Ronnie and *I* had a special connection, since my birthday is the day before his! Happy early birthday, fellow scorpio!!!

  19. Bebroma,

    Let It Whip = Skating Rink Song, LOL!!! Doesn’t it make you want to have a party featuring 80’s music? Love it!!!

  21. MochaSiren and mistress scorpio…I’m LOL at both comments…Man, I needed this today, was not a great day, and this post and your comments gave me a big lift. Thanks for sharing. I’m gonna find me a bandanna and let whip it upstairs and fix dinner for my kids (they’ve been asking me why I’m smiling).

  22. I just got home and read all these posts. You made me smile on a day that I did NOT feel like smiling. Thank you all so much! Mistress Scorpio, two words — Chuckii Booker!!!! OMG. My brother used to LOVE Turned Away. And Troop! Anyone remember Troop??

  23. Troop “Spread My Wings!!!!!”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYoVqz-SGEU
    Bella, THANK YOU for this post and inspiration! I’ve been having a pretty rough day myself and all this good music has just kicked me into gear!
    MochaSiren, I’ll meet you at the rink!!!

  24. am i just romatic or is there a genuine sweetness to this music? i feel all giggly and happy reading these posts and watching the videos you guys posted … was the music just happier in the 80s or what?

  25. Oh Dip! Mistress Scorpio was right, how could I forget New Edition!!!!

  26. How about Troops “All I do Is think of You” the Jackson 5 song?

    I was in Jr High- High and College (BA) years during the 80’s. Man, that era was off the chain!

    I remember Friday Night Videos and what was the other one at night called? It was with a guy who was a DJ in NY for WKTU, what was the name?? Shoot, gotta look that up…

  27. All this talk of Friday Night Videos… reminds me of the very first time I watched it. I crawled into bed with my mom (I must have been 10 or 11) and we watched a Tina Turner video, I think it was “Let’s Stay Together” and my mom turned to me and said, “that lady is old enough to be your grandma” and I was in awe of her. Also enjoyed watching Pointer Sister videos and Billy Ocean videos. Aw, crap, now I’m sad again, b/c it’s been a long time since I’ve gotten along with my mom. Okay, but here’s a funny mom story that relates: remember Rude Boys (w/Gerald LeVert) “Written All Over Your Face”??? My mom humiliated me by singing this song at the top of her lungs driving me and my friends to the mall… except she never got the words right… and woman was belting out “sitting all over your face…” Girl, I could have thrown myself out of the car at the time, but I can laugh about it now! Okay, happy again. (look, i’m pregnant, please forgive the mood swings)
    Simone, I think you are 100% correct… music did seem a lot happier in the 80s.

  29. Must have been something in the water, air today because wasn’t a great day for me either BUT then I read this post and it just lifted my spirits…such good memories…
    Bella, always love your blog, but especially enjoy anytime you post something music-related. I’m glad to see that so many of my younger sistas (not that I’m old, lol)have such great taste!!!
    Just as my college-aged uncle introduced me to Steely Dan and the Eagles as a kid back in the Seventies…music is ageless and timeless!

  30. I was a totally 80’s girl. Don’t Disturb My Groove was my jam. Everytime I turned on the radio, it was always on.
    Duran Duran- they were my boys. especially, the drummer Roger Taylor. ( I still love them)
    DeBarge
    I can dream about you- Dan Hartman
    Bryan Adams
    New Edition
    Strip- Adam Ant
    I ain’t got nobody- David Lee Roth
    D Train
    Whodini
    Numbers-Kraftwerk
    George Michael
    Sister Christian- Night Ranger
    I can keep going, you get the idea. When I hear certain songs it takes me back…

  31. And Keith Sweat late in the 80s, okay? Make It Last Forever….mmmm, mmmm, mmmm. Good times, good times 😉 Mistress Scorpio, that story was HILARIOUS. I loved that song, too. Girl go with your mood swings…they say us November folks are moody anyway, right? Multiply that by a billion hormones, and hey, there you go.

  32. I weep frequently (internally) for a decade that I miss so much.

    Remember these:

    Pass the Dutchie – Musical Youth
    Together Forever – Lisette Melendez
    We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off – Jermaine Stewart
    Dreamin – Will To Power
    Moments of Love – The Art of Noise
    Criticize – Alexander O’Neal
    Rock the Casbah – The Clash
    Don’t You Want Me – Jody Watley
    Talking In Your Sleep – The Romantics
    Victim of Love – Sweet Sensation
    Blue Monday – New Order
    Private Eyes – Hall & Oates
    Too Shy – Kajagoogoo
    Let The Music Play – Shannon
    Eyes Without A Face – Billy Idol
    Give It All You Got – Afro-Rican
    People Are People – Depeche Mode
    Puttin’ On the Ritz – Taco
    Get It on (Bang A Gong) – The Power Station
    My Lucky Charm – The Boys

  33. @Bebroma, Cherish was the first record I ever had…my first boyfriend gave that to me…I played it over and over again…WOW, what a memory!

  34. I was introduced to Duran Duran by an older cousin who was absolutely in love with Simon LeBon back in the day (I was a John girl myself). I was the world’s biggest Michael Jackson fan as a kid and pictures of him were all over my room–I even had a MJ doll and my favorite outfit in the 4th grade was my red parachute pants, “Beat It” jacket and a black inside-out top with “Thriller” written across it. I used to rock it with my black penny loafers with a dime instead of a penny in the slot! The Police, Wham!, New Edition, The Jets, and Cherelle were my favorites as well.

  35. My bank account is about to be empty because I’m about to go home and download a whole bunch of these songs off of itunes. I was born in the 80s and am more of a 90s baby. I just love 80s music. It didnt matter what color you were, you could like and listen to anything. It was just about the music. Ya’ll can’t forget Whitney Houston though, you know you were slow dancing to “You give good love” at your prom! I love “fresh” by Kool and the Gang too. And the Jets “All over him?” That was the jam! There’s just so many and alot of them were named already. I’m feeling really good now!

    Bella, I’m praying for you and your family!!

  36. @Trinichica — My first boyfriend used to play that to me over the phone and on his keyboard for me…sigh!…

  37. I was in high school and college in the 80s (uhm, I guess I’m old, ha) and your post brought back some great memories. I LOVE 80s music. I agree with the earlier poster who said the music seemed a lot more innocent. Hip hop was more political, Public Enemy broke in 87 (wow it’s been 20 years already!!) and nobody was wearing plantium crosses and singing about how much bling they have.

    Prince, The Police, Duran, Duran, DeBarge, UTFO, Whodini, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Loose End, Yaz, okay I’m going to stop because I need to get back to work and this list could go one for a while.

  38. Was Ray Parker Jr. out in the 80’s?(thinking) Oh yeah, that’s right he was. Ghostbusters! It’s corny now but it was so much fun then.

  39. Patrice, I loved all the responses! Here are a few more that I love;
    Walking on the Chinese Wall – Phil Collins and Phillip bailey

    Rise to the Occasion – Clime/Fisher

    Take This Love – Sergio Mendes feat Joe Esposito..I so identified with this song!

    Can’t Get Over (I think correct me if I’m wrong) – Ray Parker Junior

    The Mission – Special Ed ( I heard he’s Trini not sure thats correct)

    Crossover – EPMD

    Cassanova – Levert

    And FINALLY: If it isn’t Love – New Edition

    I better stop now cause I’ll just go on and on! Hope you guys remember these songs!

  40. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! i just landed on your blog and i don’t think i will ever leave!!!!!!! first of all, LOVE LOVE LOVE that song, Don’t Disturb This Groove. that brought me back to the summer of 87 when i was in camp, 11 yrs old. ha!!!!!!!! long live the 80’s! i dont think i will ever tire of 80’s music.
    here’s an oldie but a goodie!!!!!!!!!
    Jermaine Stewart – We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off….

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV4bHQ7PcI0

  43. LAWDHAMERCY!!!! These are some joints! Hey, I remember when everybody thought Madonna was black when she first came out LOL. I have been tossing around the idea of having an 80s party just so I could spin some of these old jams. Here are some of my favorites:
    Stevie Wonder – That Girl
    Troop – Spread My Wings
    Expose – Let Me Be The One, Seasons Change, Come Go With Me, Point of No Return (basically the whole debut album LOL)
    Joe Jackson – Steppin Out
    Tina Turner – We Don’t Need Another Hero
    Madonna – Crazy For You (last skate song of the night), Lucky Star, Holiday
    Phil Collins & Philip Bailey – Easy Lover
    Phil Collins – Sussudio
    Paul Young – Everytime You Go Away
    Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up
    RunDMC – Walk This Way
    Big Daddy Kane – I Work, Ain’t No Half-Steppin
    Doug E Fresh & Slick Rick – La Di Da Di
    Duran Duran – View To A Kill, Rio, Girls On Film

    *off to iTunes to spend more $$$$ on music* 🙂

  44. How could I forget Prince’s Purple Rain? The Beautiful Ones, When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy……yeeeaaahhhhh!

  45. I’m 20yrs born in ’87. but i still like some 80’s music, i really like, 70s and 60s too. but my 80’s JAM is Zapp and Roger “computer love” oh that is my SONG.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KAJe7HNN44

  46. Do I remember Breathe? Um, their CD was the first one I ever bought. If it weren’t for having older two siblings, I don’t think my younger sister and I would love 80s music as much as we do.