Ep26 Jul 81Specials, REO Speedwagon, Sheena Easton, Psychedelic Furs, Bad Manners, Gidea Park, Kraftwerk

Playlist 26 takes us through July 1981, unpacking the music and stories behind seven standout tracks. Highlights include The Specials' Ghost Town and its link to Britain’s social unrest, REO Speedwagon's arena-rock hit Take It On The Run, Sheena Easton’s Bond theme For Your Eyes Only, the Psychedelic Furs’ Pretty in Pink and its later film legacy, Bad Manners’ ska romp Can Can, a nostalgia-fuelled Beach Boys medley from Gideon Park, and Kraftwerk’s influential synth-pop classic The Model.

The episode blends musical analysis, band histories and cultural context to show how these songs reflected and shaped the era’s mood.

Links to Playlist 26

Spotify

Apple Music

In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:

1. The Specials - Ghost Town

2. REO Speedwagon - Take It On The Run

3. Sheena Easton - For Your Eyes Only

4. Psychedelic Furs - Pretty In Pink

5. Bad Manners - Can Can

6. Gidea Park - Beach Boy Gold

7. Kraftwerk - The Model