It's 1985 and you've been dumped... what music?

[thekumquat]

Welcome back to little_details!
I'd actually tried to post this in May 2017, but the Dreamwidth version wasn't yet open. As it happens, while I finished the story in question (only really of interest to Antonia Forest fans), I'd still appreciate answers:

"I'm writing a story which for various reasons is between April and June 1985, in England. A 17-year-old boy who generally takes himself way too seriously and has just been dumped, wants to put on some loud music to express his feelings. Rock, punk, not disco - any song that would be available via reasonably mainstream means at that time.

If the timeframe were more flexible, the obvious song would be Joan Jett & the Blackhearts "I hate myself for Loving You", but that came out in 1988. Queen's "Friends will be Friends" would do, but again that's 1986. Ideas?

If anyone happens to know *when* in 1985 that Jimmy Somerville left Bronski Beat to join the Communards, that would also be helpful.

Hoping the DW version of this community takes off!"

Comments

[azurelunatic]

I'm looking at 1984 and a little earlier to make sure it doesn't go past 1985. Also because as a (USA, 1990s) teenager, my ability to acquire music was mostly taping off the radio and getting albums used, so if I was feeling like hearing a specific song, either I would have had to have the presence of mind to tape it or I would already have to have the album. Either way that implies some kind of foresight and access, unless the dumping was far enough in the past that he could have gone to a music store or taped off the radio about it.

Total Eclipse of the Heart might be too torchy for some guys, but it's super satisfying to sing along with.

Love Stinks is nicely shouty.

Tainted Love is a little more appropriate for someone who is doing the dumping, but came out comfortably in 1981.

[thekumquat]

This guy would own a couple dozen albums and at least as many mixtapes, I reckon. So he's got a reasonable amount to choose from.

Tainted Love is a good shout. Total Eclipse of the Heart probably too focused on romance and feminine (we're talking Patrick Merrick from Antonia Forest's books, for the one or two people that will find the
prospect as funny as I just did!)

I've never heard of Love Stinks nor the J.Geils Band, so I suspect they wouldn't have made it here at all. (yup, never charted outside NA and Australia)