Kill or Save: UK No.1-hits of the 80s

[En Passant 3,207]

47 Blondie – Atomic

47 The Specials – Ghost Town

44 ABBA – The winner takes it all 

37 Soft Cell – Tainted Love 

36 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes 

31 The Jam – Going underground / Dreams of children

30 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

29 The Specials – Too much, too young

27 The Pretenders – Brass in pocket  +4

27 Police – Don´t stand so close to me

27 Adam & the Ants – Stand and deliver

26 Barbra Streisand – Woman in love

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy 

23 The Jam – Start 

22 Police – Every little thing she does is magic

21 John Lennon – Woman

21 Odyssey – Use it up and wear it out

20 Blondie – Call me 

19 Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno

18 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up

16 Human League - Don't you want me

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide is painless)

15 Detroit Spinners - Working my way back to you

13 John Lennon – (Just like) Starting over 

13 Smokey Robinson – Being with you

12 Olivia Newton-John & ELO - Xanadu -6

10 ABBA – Super Trouper 

08 Fern Kinney – Together we are beautiful

 

Fixed.

A: the twin posting of me and GuN

B: Somebody upvoting Bucks Fizz.

[Paul Bearer 5,851]

 

50  Blondie – Atomic +3

47 The Specials – Ghost Town

44 ABBA – The winner takes it all 

37 Soft Cell – Tainted Love 

36 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes 

31 The Jam – Going underground / Dreams of children

31 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure +1

29 The Specials – Too much, too young

27 The Pretenders – Brass in pocket  

27 Police – Don´t stand so close to me

27 Adam & the Ants – Stand and deliver

26 Barbra Streisand – Woman in love

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy 

23 The Jam – Start 

22 Police – Every little thing she does is magic

21 John Lennon – Woman

21 Odyssey – Use it up and wear it out

20 Blondie – Call me 

19 Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno

18 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up

16 Human League - Don't you want me

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide is painless)

15 Detroit Spinners - Working my way back to you

13 John Lennon – (Just like) Starting over 

13 Smokey Robinson – Being with you

12 Olivia Newton-John & ELO - Xanadu 

10 ABBA – Super Trouper 

02 Fern Kinney – Together we are beautiful —6

 

 

[Clorox Bleachman 2,167]

The dash/hyphen situation in this list makes me upset. Fixed (for now).

 

50 Blondie – Atomic

47 The Specials – Ghost Town

44 ABBA – The winner takes it all

37 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

36 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

31 The Jam – Going underground / Dreams of children

31 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

29 The Specials – Too much, too young

27 The Pretenders – Brass in pocket

27 Police – Don´t stand so close to me

27 Adam & the Ants – Stand and deliver

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Jam – Start

22 Police – Every little thing she does is magic

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in love -4

21 John Lennon – Woman

21 Odyssey – Use it up and wear it out

20 Blondie – Call me

19 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

18 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up

16 Human League – Don't you want me

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide is painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working my way back to you

13 John Lennon – (Just like) Starting over

13 Smokey Robinson – Being with you

12 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu

10 ABBA – Super Trouper

 

00 Fern Kinney – Together we are beautiful -2

[wannamaker 1,184]

50 Blondie – Atomic

47 The Specials – Ghost Town

44 ABBA – The winner takes it all

37 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

36 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

31 The Jam – Going underground / Dreams of children

31 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

31 Police – Don´t stand so close to me +4

29 The Specials – Too much, too young

27 The Pretenders – Brass in pocket

27 Adam & the Ants – Stand and deliver

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Jam – Start

22 Police – Every little thing she does is magic

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in love 

21 John Lennon – Woman

21 Odyssey – Use it up and wear it out

20 Blondie – Call me

19 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

18 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide is painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working my way back to you

13 John Lennon – (Just like) Starting over

13 Smokey Robinson – Being with you

12 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu

10 ABBA – Super Trouper

10 Human League – Don't you want me -6

[TQR 13,378]

50 Blondie – Atomic

47 The Specials – Ghost Town

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love +2

38 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes +2

38 ABBA – The winner takes it all -6

31 The Jam – Going underground / Dreams of children

31 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

31 Police – Don’t stand so close to me

29 The Specials – Too much, too young

27 The Pretenders – Brass in pocket

27 Adam & the Ants – Stand and deliver

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Jam – Start

22 Police – Every little thing she does is magic

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in love 

21 John Lennon – Woman

21 Odyssey – Use it up and wear it out

20 Blondie – Call me

19 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

18 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide is painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working my way back to you

13 John Lennon – (Just like) Starting over

13 Smokey Robinson – Being with you

12 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu

10 ABBA – Super Trouper

10 Human League – Don't you want me

[Toast 15,376]

51 Blondie – Atomic  +1

48 The Specials – Ghost Town  +1

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes +1

38 ABBA – The winner takes it all

31 The Jam – Going underground / Dreams of children

31 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

31 Police – Don’t stand so close to me

30 The Specials – Too much, too young  +1

27 The Pretenders – Brass in pocket

27 Adam & the Ants – Stand and deliver

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Jam – Start

22 Police – Every little thing she does is magic

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in love 

21 John Lennon – Woman

21 Odyssey – Use it up and wear it out

20 Blondie – Call me

19 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

18 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide is painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working my way back to you

13 John Lennon – (Just like) Starting over

13 Smokey Robinson – Being with you

10 ABBA – Super Trouper

10 Human League – Don't you want me

6  Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu  -6

 

A little sad to see Fern Kinney go.  Fond memories of that one.

[YoungWillz 19,868]

51 Blondie – Atomic  

48 The Specials – Ghost Town 

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

38 ABBA – The winner takes it all

35 The Jam – Going underground / Dreams of children +4

31 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

31 Police – Don’t stand so close to me

30 The Specials – Too much, too young 

27 The Pretenders – Brass in pocket

27 Adam & the Ants – Stand and deliver

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Jam – Start

22 Police – Every little thing she does is magic

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in love 

21 John Lennon – Woman

21 Odyssey – Use it up and wear it out

20 Blondie – Call me

19 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

18 Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide is painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working my way back to you

13 John Lennon – (Just like) Starting over

10 ABBA – Super Trouper

10 Human League – Don't you want me

07 Smokey Robinson – Being with you -6

6  Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu 

[machotrouts 779]

51 Blondie – Atomic  

48 The Specials – Ghost Town 

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

38 ABBA – The Winner Takes It All

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

30 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure -1

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young -1

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver -1

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

22 The Jam – Start! -1

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love

21 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic -1

21 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

20 John Lennon – Woman -1

20 Blondie – Call Me

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno +1

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up +1

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

13 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over

11 ABBA – Super Trouper +1

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me +1

7 Smokey Robinson – Being with You

6 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu

 

Taking points from the rich and giving to the poor. Just doing my bit to defeat Thatcherism

[Bibliogryphon 9,064]

51 Blondie – Atomic  

48 The Specials – Ghost Town 

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

38 ABBA – The Winner Takes It All

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

30 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

22 The Jam – Start!

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love

21 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

21 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

20 John Lennon – Woman

20 Blondie – Call Me

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me 

10 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu +4

10 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over -3

4 Smokey Robinson – Being with You -3

 

Xanadu is ELO's only No.1. The film is a cultural touchstone just for the sheer batshit combination of over ambition and camp daftness.

[Book 3,407]

51 Blondie – Atomic  

42 The Specials – Ghost Town  -6

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

38 ABBA – The Winner Takes It All

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

30 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

22 The Jam – Start!

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love

21 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

21 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

20 John Lennon – Woman

20 Blondie – Call Me

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

14 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu +4

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me

10 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over

4 Smokey Robinson – Being with You

[theoldlady 2,107]

51 Blondie – Atomic  

42 The Specials – Ghost Town  

42 ABBA - The Winner Takes It All +4

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

30 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver

25 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

22 The Jam – Start!

22 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love

21 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

21 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

20 John Lennon – Woman

20 Blondie – Call Me

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

14 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu 

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me

8 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over -2

00 Smokey Robinson – Being with You -4

[Youth in Asia 1,044]

Why was Pink Floyd - Another brick in the wall eliminated?

[Youth in Asia 1,044]

51 Blondie – Atomic  

43 The Specials – Ghost Town  +1

42 ABBA - The Winner Takes It All

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

28 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure -2

28 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver +2

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming +1

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

22 The Jam – Start!

21 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

20 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love -2

20 John Lennon – Woman

20 Blondie – Call Me

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

19 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out -2

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

14 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu 

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me

8 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over

[RIP Wee Jum 1,558]

 

47 The Specials – Ghost Town +4

45 Blondie – Atomic  -6

42 ABBA - The Winner Takes It All

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

28 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

28 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

22 The Jam – Start!

21 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

20 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love

20 John Lennon – Woman

20 Blondie – Call Me

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

19 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

14 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu 

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me

8 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over

[Great Uncle Bulgaria 1,158]

47 The Specials – Ghost Town 

45 Blondie – Atomic  

42 ABBA - The Winner Takes It All

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

35 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes -4

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

28 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

28 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic +2

22 The Jam – Start!

22 Blondie – Call Me +2

20 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love

20 John Lennon – Woman

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

19 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

14 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu 

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me

6 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over -2

 

I think we have our Police and Blondie singles the wrong way round.

Would Ghost Town be top if Terry Hall hadn't croaked last week? It's good but hardly the best thing on here...

[Grim Up North 3,590]

1 hour ago, Youth in Asia said:

Why was Pink Floyd - Another brick in the wall eliminated?

 

This is a VERY good point!

 

@book's very first vote looks like he has pasted Xanadu on top of Another Brick in the Wall and eliminated it in error - not sure what happens now? Reinstate it at 20 points and see what happens?

[RIP Wee Jum 1,558]

10 minutes ago, Great Uncle Bulgaria said:

I think we have our Police and Blondie singles the wrong way round.

Would Ghost Town be top if Terry Hall hadn't croaked last week? It's good but hardly the best thing on here...

Ghost Town is far superior to SHITE Blondie shat out.  At least The Specials were talented

[justonecornetto 851]

47 Blondie – Atomic  +2

47 The Specials – Ghost Town 

42 ABBA - The Winner Takes It All

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

35 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes 

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

28 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

28 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

24 Blondie – Call Me +2

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic 

22 The Jam – Start!

20 John Lennon – Woman

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

19 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

14 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu 

14 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love -6

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me

6 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over 

[TQR 13,378]

1 hour ago, RIP Wee Jum said:

Ghost Town is far superior to SHITE Blondie shat out.  At least The Specials were talented

 

32 minutes ago, justonecornetto said:

47 Blondie – Atomic  +2

24 Blondie – Call Me +2

Perfect response 

 

(I love The Specials too though)

[Book 3,407]

1 hour ago, Grim Up North said:

 

@book's very first vote looks like he has pasted Xanadu on top of Another Brick in the Wall and eliminated it in error - not sure what happens now? Reinstate it at 20 points and see what happens?

 

Yes, that must have happened. Sorry my fault.

But it's not like a regular song from 1981 got lost...

I don't think the song should start now. It would certainly be downvoted immediately - or exactly the opposite happens: It has a bonus and is suddenly upvoted. In its own lap the song only reached 17th place out of 32, i.e. midfield. The song would have been given a new chance, but unfortunately nothing came of it due to my carelessness. Bad luck.

Not bad

[Toast 15,376]

2 hours ago, Great Uncle Bulgaria said:

Would Ghost Town be top if Terry Hall hadn't croaked last week? It's good but hardly the best thing on here...

 

Yes, yes it would.  It's a stone cold classic.

[Youth in Asia 1,044]

I'm pretty sure Ghost town was voted best song of the 80s in one of the big papers recently, and in those types of surveys it's always at or near the top

 

[Bibliogryphon 9,064]

32 minutes ago, Youth in Asia said:

I'm pretty sure Ghost town was voted best song of the 80s in one of the big papers recently, and in those types of surveys it's always at or near the top

 

 

Both culturally and politically it defines that early eighties period

 

Would always be one to put on an anti-Tory playlisyt

[msc 18,035]

47 Blondie – Atomic  

47 The Specials – Ghost Town 

42 ABBA - The Winner Takes It All

39 David Bowie - Ashes to Ashes +4

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me 

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

28 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

28 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

24 Blondie – Call Me 

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic 

22 The Jam – Start!

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

19 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

14 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu 

14 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love 

14 John Lennon - Woman -6

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me

6 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over 

[Death Impends 7,601]

49 Blondie – Atomic  +2

47 The Specials – Ghost Town 

44 ABBA - The Winner Takes It All +2

39 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes

39 Soft Cell – Tainted Love

35 The Jam – Going Underground / Dreams of Children

31 The Police – Don't Stand So Close to Me

29 The Specials – Too Much Too Young

28 David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure

28 Adam & the Ants – Stand and Deliver

27 The Pretenders – Brass in Pocket

26 Adam & the Ants – Prince Charming

24 Blondie – Call Me

23 Roxy Music – Jealous Guy

23 The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic 

22 The Jam – Start!

20 Dexy's Midnight Runners – Geno

19 Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up

19 Odyssey – Use It Up and Wear It Out

15 M.A.S.H. – Theme from M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless)

15 Detroit Spinners – Working My Way Back to You

14 Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu

14 John Lennon – Woman

11 ABBA – Super Trouper 

11 The Human League – Don't You Want Me

8 Barbra Streisand – Woman in Love -6

6 John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over 

 

Edited msc's votes in as our posts landed at the same time!