Jimmy Somerville • Small Town Boy 2014

Sometimes, I hear certain things and take a second to absorb it. This is most certainly the case when I saw this was the 30th anniversary "Small Town Boy", the brilliant song by the Bronski Beat off their seminal album, 'Age of Consent'. Only, in the original release, it was known as "Smalltown Boy". It reminded me I have been a fan of lead singer Jimmy Somerville, whose career I have followed from Bronski Beat to The Communards to his solo work, always making me thrilled to buy the album, and eager to buy the next. His latest is no exception to that rule.

To mark the 30th anniversary of "Small Town Boy", Jimmy has recorded a new version, proving the song to be just as amazing in 2014 as it was in 1984. In the anniversary version, it is just Jimmy and a piano, and it adds a stunning new texture to the song. The song was written by the band, meaning Jimmy, Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek, taking a look at the life of young gays in 1980s Britain. Whether they realized it or not, the song touch gays across the globe, all who felt the sting of bullying, rejection, and persecution at some point in their lives. This is Jimmy Somerville with "Small Town Boy 2014".

Not only is Jimmy looking great, he still sounds remarkable. I still look and listen with awe as he effortlessly hits notes many couldn't dream of singing. He sounds every bit as bold as strong 30 years later, and I would love to hear him perform this live. You can purchase "Small Town Boy 2014" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Jimmy, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook.

Bronski Beat • The Age of Consent

Jimmy Somerville, Larry Steinbachek, and Steve Bronski.

I could not possibly finish out my birthday week without focusing on a group that positively rocked my world when I first found them. In the fall of 1984, Bill and I moved to the borough of Brooklyn, after finding a big apartment on 7th Street in Park Slope. One day, while channel surfing, I come across this station playing music from I don't know where. I decided to leave it on, and go about my business. At one point, I hear this amazing voice singing a familiar song. I look up, and it is the most incredible sound coming out of the time man on my screen. It was the Bronski Beat, with lead singer Jimmy Somerville, singing "It Ain't Necessarily So", the great song written in 19?? by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1935 musical 'Porgy and Bess'. It was then I realized I needed to pay attention, and figure out who this band was. I learned it was Bronski Beat, a British synth-Pop group, made up by Somerville, Steve Bronski, and Larry Steinbachek.

The first chance I got, I was in the import record store in the West Village, on Cornelia Street just off of West 4th. After all, I was working close by, at the Circle Repertory Theatre on Sheridan Square. It was at this store I purchased 'The Age of Consent', the first album in my collection from an unabashedly out and proud group. It was amazing on just so many different levels, and still holds a warm spot in my heart. Not only where they out and proud, they were also pissed about being treated like second class citizens. You can really hear that on "Smalltown Boy", the riotous first single off the album. It was written by Jimmy, Steve, and Larry. This is the emotional music video for the Bronski Beat's "Smalltown Boy".

With the sound of smashing glass and the clarion call of Somerville's voice, "Why?" starts off the album letting us know this is not your typical dance album. Thirty years before talk of marriage equality was commonplace, and before a simple kiss between two men on ESPN could become a topic of conversation for days, if not weeks, the Bronski Beat had the courage to stand tall in the face of oppression and ask a simple question as to how a man should be treated by others. This is the official music video for "Why?".

When this post first started, I mentioned how I discovered this group. They were playing a song this theater geek knew as a song from 'Porgy and Bess', by the great Gershwin brothers. When I was growing up, I had heard people sing a line or two from the song, when making a point that something was not going to happen. The group put their own spin on it, and giving new meaning to it with their gayness. This is the Bronski Beat with the music video for "It Ain't Necessarily So".

Finally, I could not talk about Bronski Beat or 'The Age of Consent' without bringing you the mind-blowing event that was "I Feel Love/Johnny Remember Me", a mash-up of the song written by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, and Pete Bellotte for Summer's 1977 album, with a song written by Geoff Goddard that became a 1961 hit for John Leyton. Summer's "I Feel Love" caused quite the scandal, with talk of orgasms in the recording studio, making women blush worldwide. Goddard's "Johnny Remember Me" was an innocent, yet dark song, but it was given new meaning when paired with the other, and sung by two of the most outspoken gay artists of the time. Here is the heaping teaspoon of amazing that is the Bronski Beat featuring Marc Almond singing "I Feel Love/Johnny Remember Me".

Back in the mid-1980s, a gay couple might have been able to walk hand in hand in The Village, but not without a bit of fear creeping in. I worked around the corner from the Stonewall Inn, where the infamous riots were marked with a plaque on the wall. Fifteen years later, LGBT people still did not feel safe, and there were police reports to prove why. But three men put out an album that captured our hurt, our pain, and our rage, and continued the spirit of the Stonewall riot, by standing up and letting everyone know being pushed around was not acceptable. You can purchase 'The Age of Consent' from iTunes and Amazon. To this day, I still follow everything Jimmy Somerville does, as he has remained an inspiration to me.

Cranking It Up with Jimmy Somerville

I was in the mood to kick off this weekend with some music by one of my all-time favorite artists, Jimmy Somerville. This post represents a period of 28 years, from my first album I purchased featuring his vocals, to the latest release, and a couple in between. They include his time in a couple of bands, as well as a strong solo career. To the best of my knowledge, I think I have a complete collection of his music, and it is all cherished.

I remember living in New York, going through the stations on the television when I came across a telecast from Europe, featuring a band playing a new take on "It Ain't Necessarily So", the song written by George and Ira Gershwin for 'Porgy and Bess', the 1935 Broadway hit. The sound was fresh and sexy, and the vocal took my breath away. The first chance I got, I went to the import store just off West 4th Street, and purchased my first album by the Bronski Beat. On so many levels, the album was a revelation. The band was made up by gay men, singing about being gay men. They were bold, smart and strong, everything I wished I could be. The lead singer, Jimmy Somerville, became a hero to me. And, best of all, the music was brilliant, and I still listen to it today. This is the Bronski Beat recording of "Junk", off the 1984 album 'Age of Consent'.

After Jimmy left Bronski Beat, he found his way into a partnership with classically trained musician Richard Coles. Together they formed the Communards in 1985, and I was quick to buy their debut album. The sound was very different from the Bronski Beat, with more polish, and a great range of influences. I was insane for the self-titled debut, and for first singles. From the Hi-N-R-G "Don't Leave Me This Way" to the Middle-Eastern flavor of "So Cold The Night" to the Jazz of "Lover Man", I devoured it like a King Henry VIII at the dinner table after a long battle. the fourth track on the album is a wonderful dance track with the energy and vitality needed at the clubs in the mid 1980s. I hope you enjoy the Communards song "Disenchanted", off the 1986 album 'Communards'.

After a second album in 1988, the Communards broke up and Jimmy decided to head out on his own. The following year, his first album hit the streets, and once again, it was even better than I expected. Bold and brash, Jimmy managed to put more Pop in the music, but not without a little snarl. He continued to make music that was gay, in your face, and brave, and made me very happy. "My Heart Is In Your Hands" shocked me at first, opening with Jimmy singing not in falsetto, but in his chest voice. It was a whole new side of Jimmy I was loving! This is Jimmy Somerville's recording of "My Heart Is In Your Hands" off the 1989 album 'Read My Lips'.

Fast forward 23 years, and it was time for the latest release from Somerville, the EP 'Solent'. The five-song collection was different, which could easily be said about each and every release from the Scottish singer. Well, there are five new songs, and three remixes, so there are eight tracks to be heard. But 'Solent' had a maturity, with less fight and more love. The EP opens with "Some Wonder", a track with a joy I find irresistible. To help kick off your weekend, I thought I would end with an alternative mix of the song, so here is Jimmy Somerville singing "Some Wonder (Felix Gauder Remix Full Length)".

I don't care if I first started being a fan about 30 years ago, the music still sounds bright and fresh to me. And I continue to marvel how great he has sounded over the years. If I whet your appetite for Jimmy's musics, I can tell you all this music is available for purchase, and should be a part of your music collection.You can find it at:

Bronski Beat's 'Age of Consent' on iTunes and Amazon
Communards' 'Communards' on iTunes and Amazon.
Jimmy Somerville's 'A Read My Lips' is not available on iTunes but the CD is available on Amazon
Jimmy Somerville's 'Solent' also on iTunes and Amazon.

I continue to be excited at news of any new music, and still hope I get to see him one more time singing live. I saw him with the Communards when they were there, and loved every stinking minute of it. Just remembering it brings a big smile to my lips. So I have my fingers crossed that might happen. For more about Jimmy Somerville, visit his official website or 'like' him on Facebook.

Memories Fade...

Clockwise: featuring the music of Tears For Fears; Marshall Crenshaw; Barbra Streisand; and Bronski Beat.

When thinking of what to post about tonight, a flood of memories came to me. You know, the musical kind. Songs began began to play, in a random way. And that is when it occurred to me, I should post about memories. You see, so many of our memories are anchored in music. The songs and artists you were listening to at any point in your life begin to play, and you are brought back to a time, to a place, surrounded by the people you knew. How would I apply this to a blog post? I went into my iTunes, and typed in 'memory' and 'memories' and settled on four songs that fit that bill. One of those that did was by Tears For Fears off their 1983 debut, 'The Hurting'. I loved that album, with the dark and brooding music it contained. That could definitely be said about the song "Memories Fade", written by Roland Orzabal, who also took on the lead vocals.

I remember listening to a lot of music by Marshall Crenshaw, brought to me by my sister Kim. Together, we saw him playing live a couple of times, and enjoyed him. I think my personal favorite album was his 1985 release, 'Downtown', a slightly darker collection, with a bit of a raw edge. It also included a wonderful song written by Crendshaw, "Like A Vague Memory".

It was in the early 1980s that I started by love affair with Jimmy Somerville, then singing with the Bronski Beat. I loved every measure of music on their debut album, 'Age Of Consent', one of my favorite albums of 1984. And while many of those songs immediately invoke memories of an apartment in Brooklyn, or going out to a club in the Village, I love it all. So I decided to go by the rules here, and include a song that was included in the reissue of the album. This is the beautiful "Memories", which I swear has mystic qualities. It was written by Jimmy Somerville, Larry Steinbachek and Steve Bronski. I might add that the Bronski Beat and Somerville were the first openly gay musicians I remember listening to, and following. I still follow Jimmy's music today.

And, finally, I decided to bread the rules just a bit, for this song really is all about memories. In fact, the first that is the first lyric of the song. I am, of course, talking about the great song with lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman and music by Marvin Hamlisch, "The Way We Were". It was sung impeccably by Barbra Streisand, the theme song to her 1973 movie of the same name. It is amazing, for it not only discusses how memories are strewn like scattered snapshots in our brain, but it also engages so many memories of listening to that song, when my heart was broken. It was always one of those songs I went to when a relationship ended.

Do you have songs that being back your favorite memories?

Bronski Beat • Hard Rain

Okay, I'll admit I had a scheduling issue this morning, and my Sunday night post - featuring the Nicholas Brothers - went up this morning. So I have another ode to Frankenstorm for you here. This is the Bronski Beat singing "Hard Rain" The song was off the 1985 album 'Hundreds & Thousands', a remix effort featuring songs off the debut 'The Age Of Consent', as well as a couple of new songs. It was put together after singer Jimmy Somerville has left the band to join Richard Coles and Sarah Jane Morris in The Communards.

80s Friday Nite!

Clockwise from top: Yazoo; Depeche Mode; Bronski Beat; and the English Beat.

When I think back on when I was young, there are distinctive points in time that never fail to capture my memories, my attention, and my heart. When I think of the early 80s, my heart lifts. Take 1982, for example. It was a time of big changes for me. I was finishing my days in college, and heading to Louisville, Kentucky for an internship at the Actor's Theater of Louisville. I went there knowing no one, but taking my cassettes and my Walkman with me. I had a furnished apartment there, and would often dance around to the music I loved. That included the wonderful band The English Beat on Save It For Later. And man, I thought Ranking Roger and Dave Wakling were so damn hot!



While in Louisville, I was separated from Bill, which was hard. We had been inseparable for some time at this point. And we were planning to move to New York City together - Bill had already gone to school in New York. But when I listened to Yazoo sing Don't Go, I'd think of him. I couldn't stay sad long listening to Alison Moyet's gorgeous voice, and the amazing synth of Vince Clarke.



In 1985, Bronski Beat were experiencing their own transitions. After several years together, lead singer Jimmy Somerville left the band to start a new project with hottie Richard Coles. Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek moved forward, and soon John Foster was on board singing Hit That Perfect Beat Boy. It is just so deliciously gay.



Another song from 1985 that I just couldn't get enough of was the great Depeche Mode song, Shake The Disease. Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke started out together in 1980, although Clarke left in '81 to team up with Alison Moyet in Yazoo. He was replaced by Alan Wilder, who played with the group through 1995. He was certainly there for the 1985 release of The Singles, which included this original song amidst the early hits.



This is certainly music that had me dancing way back when, and hope it did the same for you now!

National Coming Out Day

To celebrate National Coming Out Day, I will include a couple of videos from some artists who were out and proud long before it would any publicist thought it was OK or wise. There are several I won't get to post here, but these are four I find particularly big for myself. Sylvester was bold, brassy and bodacious. He hid behind nothing and no one. While I was going through my own struggles, he was singing loud and proud. Here he is singing his 1978 hit, You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).



Bronski Beat were unabashedly gay, singing songs that were gay-themed when the world would have preferred not to listen. But they did, for who could ignore the amazing voice of Jimmy Somerville? The first time I heard them, they were a revelation. They were a band of gay men, singing about gay things. Listen now as they tell the tale of far too many LGBT Youth in Smalltown Boy.



kd lang had a look that few other women had ever tried. She also has a voice few other could touch. I am sure she oerheard many a people making comments about her, but none could say a thing about her talent. Such a gift. Listen as she sings her hit, Constant Craving.



Erasure is made up of the glorious Andy Bell and the talented Vince Clarke. Together them made some rapturous electronica. Bell never shied away from his gayness, and Clarke was nothing other than an amazing str8 ally. Listen to their beautiful A Little Respect.



These talented performers came out in a time there was no day to celebrate such things. Their honesty and bravery gave me hope things would get better.

Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy

When I first came across the Bronski Beat, I can't tell you how excited I was. Here were gay men singing about gay issues, including in this video, which dealt with homophobia and abuse in 1984. That is a topic I had never heard broached before, and seldom since. The album, Age Of Consent, was a revelation, and lead singer Jimmy Somerville instantly became a hero to me, and remains one to this day. I continue to purchase any music he puts out and am blown away by the quality of it. But it all began with their first single, Smalltown Boy, released in June of 1984, and started my habit of hanging around the import record store in the West Village hoping to find out when the next release was on the way.



The video featured Jimmy as a gay kid in high school with a crush on a boy who was not only not interested in what Jimmy had to say, but who felt the need to find him and beat him up. When Jimmy was brought home by the police, his mother was heartbroken, and his father angry and disgusted. Soon, Jimmy was on his way to the big city, a story that has been the same for so many gay boys before then, and I am sure still remains a popular one. Rather than be defeated by him being tossed aside by his parents, Jimmy and his friends make it a happy leg on their overall journey, staying strong. Crank up the volume, and hit the video to full-screen, because this is a great song!



Since this video tells the tale of abuse LGBT Youth, it is a perfect opportunity to remind the readers that if you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

REPOST The Amazing Jimmy Somerville

Before there was American Idol and Adam Lambert, there was an extremely gifted and out singer named Jimmy Somerville.



He was the lead vocalist for the Bronski Beat and The Communards before he embarked on a solo career. Like Lambert, he was known for his amazing range and fearless use in soaring vocals. The difference is that Jimmy was forming the Bronski Beat the year Lambert was born. Somerville moved easily between Hi N-R-G mixes, to blues-inspired ballads. There was the amazing Why? and Smalltown Boy, and the soulful Need A Man Blues and It Ain't Necessarily So while with the Bronski Beat. The Communards had sucess with dance hits Don't Leave Me This Way and Never Can Say Goodbye as well as the AIDS-inspired ballad, For A Friend.



Jimmy never stood behind a coy answer about his sexuality. And unlike Elton John, he wwas never 'married' nor transitioned with the cover of being bisexual. Of course, that might be tough when he was singing songs like There's More To Love Than Boy Meets Girl and Read My Lips (Enough Is Enough). Most of the songs he sang he had either co-written or wrote himself. In the mid 90s, he took some tie off and left England for San Fransisco to work in the AIDS community projects so he could bring what he learned back to England.



This year, Jimmy released his 6th solo project, Suddenly Last Summer, available only as a digital download from iTunes. It is a collection of acoustic covers of songs he found on his iPod, ranging from the flirty My Heart Belongs to Daddy to the Blondie song Hangin' On The Telephone, to a heart wrenching a cappella version of (Sometimes I Fell Like A) Motherless Child, recorded live for a crowd demanding yet another encore. His Walking After Midnight owns more to anonymous sex and tea rooms than it does to Patsy Cline's original. For me, it is great to hear him sing once again, and and have a great time doing it.

New Follower - Deep Dish

I would like to welcome another new follower to Soundtrack to my Day, Marc Harshbarger. Marc is a writer, having two novels already published. He has his own blog, Deep Dish, also the name of his first book. The subtitle, 'Groovy Thoughts of a Gay Writer', pretty much describes his delightful blog. Marc lives in Chicago with his partner, and two cats. Hopefully, we'll get to know even more about Marc in the near future.

For the traditional welcome, inspired by the love I feel when a new follower joins the group and the spelling of Marc's name, here is I Feel Love/Johnny, by the amazing Bronski Beat and featuring the brilliant Marc Almond.

The Amazing Jimmy Somerville

Before there was American Idol and Adam Lambert, there was an extremely gifted and out singer named Jimmy Somerville.



He was the lead vocalist for the Bronski Beat and The Communards before he embarked on a solo career. Like Lambert, he was known for his amazing range and fearless use in soaring vocals. The difference is that Jimmy was forming the Bronski Beat the year Lambert was born. Somerville moved easily between Hi N-R-G mixes, to blues-inspired ballads. There was the amazing Why? and Smalltown Boy, and the soulful Need A Man Blues and It Ain't Necessarily So while with the Bronski Beat. The Communards had sucess with dance hits Don't Leave Me This Way and Never Can Say Goodbye as well as the AIDS-inspired ballad, For A Friend.



Jimmy never stood behind a coy answer about his sexuality. And unlike Elton John, he wwas never 'married' nor transitioned with the cover of being bisexual. Of course, that might be tough when he was singing songs like There's More To Love Than Boy Meets Girl and Read My Lips (Enough Is Enough). Most of the songs he sang he had either co-written or wrote himself. In the mid 90s, he took some tie off and left England for San Fransisco to work in the AIDS community projects so he could bring what he learned back to England.



This year, Jimmy released his 6th solo project, Suddenly Last Summer, available only as a digital download from iTunes. It is a collection of acoustic covers of songs he found on his iPod, ranging from the flirty My Heart Belongs to Daddy to the Blondie song Hangin' On The Telephone, to a heart wrenching a cappella version of (Sometimes I Fell Like A) Motherless Child, recorded live for a crowd demanding yet another encore. His Walking After Midnight owns more to anonymous sex and tea rooms than it does to Patsy Cline's original. For me, it is great to hear him sing once again, and and have a great time doing it.