Remember This: Groups — Part 2

Last week’s column listed some of my favorite groups from the past. Here are a few more:

Cover Girls
Another girl group from the 80-90’s. They were a fixture on a local LA radio station called Power 106 back in the day. I remember seeing them as an opening act for New Kids on the Block. Essential songs: Because of You, Wishing on a Star http://youtu.be/lSwDOENwNR8

Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
Produced by the group Full Force, this group peaked with their album “Spanish Fly”.  There were great dance songs and power ballads too. They broke up before I ever got to see them in concert. Essential songs: I Wonder If I Take You Home, Head to Toe http://youtu.be/51Iq8JmmfxY

En Vogue
Four strong females made up this group (at their peak). They were excellent singers, and had great harmonies. They were the female equivalent to Boyz II Men. Great at a capella singing. Essential songs: Hold On, My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It) http://youtu.be/Xpugp6DIb3I

Erasure
Vince Clarke and Andy Bell are Erasure, masters of synth-pop. Andy Bell is an out and proud gay man. Vince is a founding member of Depeche Mode and Yaz. Essential songs: Chains of Love, Always http://youtu.be/uttV1VZUgQQ

Pet Shop Boys
Another duo that specialized in synth-pop. And they are still popular today on the touring circuit. I love their sense of humor. Essential songs: West End Boys, Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money) http://youtu.be/di60NYGu03Y

Kool and the Gang
This group from the 70-80’s had a good run with fun, funky singles like “Celebration” and “Get Down on it.” Looking forward to seeing them on tour this summer with Gladys Knight. Essential songs: Celebration, Ladies Night http://youtu.be/3GwjfUFyY6M

Chic
Producer-writers Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edward were the masterminds of this 4-some. They produced some of the hottest songs of the disco era, as well as went on to produce everyone from Madonna to David Bowie and more. Essential songs: Good Times, Le Freak http://youtu.be/h1qQ1SKNlgY

Boyz II Men
Known for their incredible harmonies, and their string of hits on the pop and R&B charts. Most popular as 4 guys, now down to 3. Essential songs: End of the Road, I’ll Make Love to You http://youtu.be/fV8vB1BB2qc

That’s it! I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. I would love to hear your thoughts.

KiltManinSoCal is a Los Angeles-based writer and designer. Be sure to check out the latest T-Shirts for sale here, including Marriage Equality and  Real Men Wear Kilts lines. They make great gifts for friends, family and loved ones.

Remember This: Groups — Part 1

I am a pop music junkie. The music business is a tough business. You may have a few good years, and then it is over. Below is my list of groups that had their time on the charts, and the songs that made them famous.

The Jets
This family act from Minneapolis via Tonga had some fun songs in the 80’s. They played their instruments as well as sang and danced. Essential songs: Crush on You, Cross My Broken Heart http://youtu.be/Oy10rRJ0Cuk

Klymaxx
This group would best be described as ladies with attitude. They were all strong, powerful, females. Essential songs: Meeting in the Ladies Room, I Miss You http://youtu.be/_odTlZaoLCA

Midnight Star
Another group that was predominantly a hit on the R&B charts. Their sound combined funk, soul and dance. Essential songs: Freak-A-Zoid, No Parking on the Dance Floor http://youtu.be/uRo426va26I

Fine Young Cannibals
Part of the New Wave British invasion of the 80’s and 90’s. They were led by the soulful vocals of Roland Gift. I remember going to their concert, and it was just OK. But the songs still sound good. Essentials songs: She Drives Me Crazy, Good Thing http://youtu.be/9wSn81dLK6s

Thompson Twins
They were a trio during the high-point of their fame, plus even got to be a part of the Live Aid concert. Lead singer Tom Bailey is touring the US this summer as part an 80’s flashback tour. Essential songs: Hold Me Now, Lies http://youtu.be/H9694K85Xc8

Atlantic Starr
The 2^nd “Star” group on my list. They had some nice slow jams as well as dance songs too. A nice mix of male and female vocals too. Essential songs: Secret Lovers, Circles http://youtu.be/Oe2UXqFo0DY

Sweet Sensation
One of several dance-pop trios to emerge from the Freestyle music scene. They did mostly dance songs, but hit #1 with “If Wishes Came True”. Essential songs: Hooked on You, Take It While It’s Hot, Love Child http://youtu.be/RNEc7bJ8-9k

Exposé
Gioia, Jeanette and Ann are the ladies of Exposé. These ladies had a string of Top 40 hits in the 80-90’s. They broke up for awhile, but are still on the touring scene today. Essential songs: What You Don’t Know, Come Go with Me http://youtu.be/zonMdfRff-I

I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. Look for Part 2 of this topic next week. I would love to hear your thoughts.

KiltManinSoCal is a Los Angeles-based writer and designer. Be sure to check out the latest T-Shirts for sale here, including Marriage Equality and  Real Men Wear Kilts lines. They make great gifts for friends, family and loved ones.