Junior - Mama Used To Say

[tpj1965]

The first to break out across the Atlantic in a really big way was Londoner Junior Giscombe with "Mama Used To Say" in 1982. The original release of this track wasn't a hit but it was given the remix treatment in the States which jacked up the bass and horns and generally made it sound less weedy and "British" a production - the beat on this slams like a jackhammer. It became a monster hit in America and Junior has the distinction of being the first black British artist to appear on Soul Train (Elton John and David Bowie had been on before him) which must have given him a lot of bragging rights back home.

Junior - Mama Used To Say

Uploaded by PeteRock

[sideshow bob]

It is strange sometimes how music tastes develop because I remember specifically loathing this record when it was a hit in the UK. I thought the lyrics were corny and trite and the sound I dismissed as "disco" [also anathema to me at the time]. I preferred his follow up "Communication breakdown" which was less blatantly aimed at the dancefloor but that one flopped as a single and I thought there was no justice in the world! Yet I heard "Mama..." again on the radio a few months back and it was a revelation with old prejudices pushed aside as I have learned to appreciate other forms of music when they are well performed.

This track was well performed and even the lyrics make sense to me now so all's well that ends well. As I wrote in another post quality will out in the end [if it can hang around for long enough].

I wonder what I would think of "Communication breakdown" now?

Edited July 16, 2007 by sideshow bob