Running Away

Here is a song from the late '80s that I always enjoy listening.  Lately, I have been noticing a re-hash of a sort of post New Romantic/London preppy look in terms of fashion.  Naturally, I must imagine that some re-birth of this music that went along with this "look" should have new consideration as well.  Think Spandau Ballet, Haircut 100, The Style Council and Echo & The Bunnyman.  All great bands that deserve their own posting for their great contributions to dance music.  Recently, I posted a song by Fun Boy Three and it awoke renewed enthusiasm for this era of dance music.  The Colourfield was a British band formed in 1984 in Manchester by former Specials and Fun Boy Three front man Terry Hall with ex-Swingin Cats members Toby Lyons and Karl Shale.  "Running Away" was from their 1987 album Deception and it was remake by Sly & The Family Stone and here it gets the Arthur Baker treatment to stunning effects .   I vividly recalled hearing and dancing to this song for the first time at a great New Wave club in Baton Rouge called Xantus.  Enjoy!

Running Away (Arthur Baker Remix) - The Colourfield - Chrystalis

Don Quichotte

"No No No....No Señor....." Oh yes, believe me when I tell you this song made everyone dance in 1986! Well at least in all the alterna-gay clubs where this song influenced a new cool and more subtle "camp" style that blened post new romantic style with a more loose Latin flavor. Other bands such as Les Rita Misouko, Bandolero and the Colourfield where heading the front for this style of music. "Don Quichotte" was actually the perfect early 80's Italo House song by French synth pop group Magazine 60. Members included Jean-Luc Drion and Dominique Regiacorte. The female lead singer's name was Veronique Oliver. They only released only one full length LP called Costa Del Sol and several 12" single releases from the same LP, "Pancho Villa" and "Que No Sa" were among them. Although this style of music was heavily influenced by the Italo House movement in dance music that swept Europe during the mid to late 80's, Magazine 60 put a twist and added a lot of Spanish Pop influences to the point that their music should have been called Spano House. I remember being barely legal and dancing to this song at the only "alternative" club in New Orleans off St. Charles St. called "Chaps". Also, this song was very popular at a place in Baton Rouge called "Xantus". I have memories of wearing pointed patent leather shoes with big buckles, a long black skirt, a white shirt and tie and round John Lenon sun glasses and seriously dancing to this song. Talk about subtle camp! Enjoy

Don Quchotte (Extended Version) - Magazine 60