Best Synthy B-Sides of the 1980's pt1.

The B-side, as known by a generation of music lovers, is mostly extinct - the concept being seemingly inseparable from it's medium of delivery. That other physical side of the 45RPM record or cassette tape that needed filling with something! In a world of streaming, our listening habits have become a constant highlight-reel, with no space for "lesser" works. Truthfully, even CD singles failed to provide tangible B-sides in their day - often containing 2 or 3 remixes for cash instead. Is the dub radio mix really that different from the dub mix?

Sometimes of course, 80's B-sides were rubbish. Songwriters might pull an all-nighter with a Fairlight, make something weird and call it a day. But on occasion, these tracks (usually not album tracks!) were absolute bangers in their own right. So it's time to shine a light on them.

RAH Band - Rising Star

The RAH Band - Richard Anthony Hewson's incredible synth-funk project, has too many amazingly written songs to name here. Ask me if you want a totally nerdy article or video on his compositional style, because I'll do it! Anyhow, in 1984 Richard put out a rework of his chill disco number "Winter Love", replacing the smooth, grounded bass guitar with some excellent, dynamic monosynth work.

The B-side, Rising Star - is retro-futuristic joy. Swooshy pads and bells give way to deliciously upbeat, retro-liminalism. I picture the scene as if you're in a sharply-cut 80's suit, heading to work through vector-gridded buildings in a red BMW M1.

Some real graft has been put into this song, delicious little synth bass runs, thoughtful vocal harmonies and later on, a sweet piano solo! Perhaps it's only sin is the 7:40 run time - but if you're digging the vibe then that's probably a bonus.

Madness - Victoria Gardens

My absolutely fave song from the Nutty Boys is this B-side. The song has such a strong hook, masterful arrangements and a guest vocal by Beat legend Ranking Roger! So what happened? Apparently, this was going to be the A-side, until the powers at be decided to release One Better Day instead. That eventual A-side was a pretty little number about homelessness in London - but it's no Victoria Gardens.

This unusual half-time 12/8 number, combines real bombastic brass, orchestral strings and of course - the Nutty Boys themselves, with some very effective synthesized elements. There's wonderful digital droplets, picking out the triplet rhythm - which I assume to be PPG Wave (it's all over this album - check the PPG Aah's on the chorus of Samantha!) and also, a sound akin to Brian May's multi-tracked guitar squeal chords - yet sounding too perfect/sampled, so must be Fairlight? (Madness used the Fairlight on Michael Caine, too.) The little "Aahs" - played in a reggae organ style, might be either instrument. Anyhow, cracking track - there's a live version, too.

Real Life - Like a Gun

I quite like this records' A-Side: Send Me an Angel. But it's never grabbed me in quite the same way as the B-side: Like A Gun.

It's an absolutely killer track; arpeggiated synth lines giving way to a stonking, syncopated groove; complete with catchy guitar hooks and a captivating vocal track. Uplifting (but never hopeful) string lines creep in throughout - building until a fantastic, soaring breakdown takes over at 1:52. It feels like the cold light of day - perhaps you should turn and run?

More layers of percussion, a final chorus and big bombastic outro end this short and sweet piece of 80's electronica. It's my favourite B-side of the decade, and I hope you'll enjoy it too! See you next time, for more 80's magic.

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