Glam Slam & Escape (Collective)

Double Rocket Faith Elton John’s “Dear God” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on November 21, 1980, and and double-7" set followed on The Rocket Record Company (catalogue: XPRES 45 / 6000 591). Backed with “Tactics” (and “Steal Away Child” / “Love So Cold” on double pack), this synth-pop prayer and moody B-sides (produced by Clive Franks & Elton), were issued in plastic injection small centre, company sleeve, and picture sleeve double. No UK chart entry. Issued

David Bowie’s "Fashion Special Ed 12"," a one-page advert in New Musical Express, November 1, 1980.

Sounds Two Pages (Nov 1, 1980)

A Sophisticated Synth-Pop Strut Roxy Music’s “The Same Old Scene” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1980, on EG Records (catalogue: ROXY 1). The song was taken from the group's number one album Flesh and Blood, It peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Charts and No. 35 in Australia. It contains a Roland CR-78 drum machine rhythm backing and intricate bass guitar work that would become ubiquitous in many Roxy Music songs that followed. "Same Old Scene" pl

Stewart's Passionate Plea Rod Stewart’s “Passion” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1980, on Riva Records (catalogue: RIVA 26). Backed with “Better Off Dead,” written by Stewart, Chen, Grainger, Savigar, Cregan, was the lead single from the album Foolish Behaviour . Produced by Jim Cregan, the A-side's pulsating rhythm, Stewart’s raspy vocals, and Latin-infused groove marked his embrace of ‘80s dance-pop, peaking at No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart for

A New Wave Dancefloor Anthem David Bowie’s “Fashion” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1980, on RCA Records (catalogue: BOW 7). Backed with “Scream Like A Baby,” this infectious new wave and funk-infused track, written by Bowie, was the second single from his critically acclaimed album Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps). Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, “Fashion” featured Robert Fripp’s distinctive guitar and a danceable rhythm, peaking at No. 5 on

Helicopters' Hidden Gem Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in picture sleeve in the UK on October 24, 1980, through Cheapskate Records (catalogue: CHEAP 6)  “Rock City,” by Helicopters Featuring Roy Wood was backed with “Givin' Your Heart Away,” this hard rock track, written and produced by Roy Wood, showcased his enduring riff-driven style during a brief hiatus from his solo career. Recorded as a side project with the Helicopters band, the A-side's urgent guitars and Wood's u

A Pop-Rock Pedal Push David Essex’s “On My Bike” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 17, 1980, on Mercury Records (catalogue: MER 47). Backed with “Swim Against The Flow,” this upbeat rock ‘n’ roll track, written and produced by David Essex, both tracks were taken from the album Hot Love . The A-side’s playful ode to biking freedom reflected Essex’s knack for catchy, relatable themes, but it failed to chart, signaling his commercial decline. Housed in a pi

David Bowie's "Ladies and Gentlemen" Scary Monsters one-page advert in Rolling Stone, October 16, 1980

Prince’s Dirty Mind album, was released worldwide on October 8, 1980, on Warner Bros. Records (catalogue: K 56855 for UK vinyl, BSK 3478 for US vinyl). This groundbreaking 8-track LP, Prince’s third studio effort, marked a bold leap into raw funk, new wave, and provocative lyricism, blending punk energy with R&B sensuality. Entirely written, produced, and largely performed by Prince at his home studio, it shocked with its explicit themes and minimalist sound, reaching No. 7 o