When KajaGooGoo Became Fashion-able
1982, the year that Kajagoogoo became Fashiøn-able
‘Fàshiön Music’, the band that went on to become ‘Fashiøn’, formed in Birmingham in 1978. They were originally a post-punk band, consisting of vocalist Al ‘Luke Sky’ James, Dik Davis on drums and John Mulligan on bass/synthesizer.
The group’s initial recordings were released on their own ‘Fashion Music’ label. Debut album ‘Product Perfect’ was released in 1979. The band had considerable exposure, gaining support slots with U2, The Police, The B52’s, The Human League, and having Duran Duran play support to them. Like most bands of the era, they had a ‘spiritual home’ – for Duran, it was the ‘Rum Runner’, for Spandau, ‘The Blitz’. Fashiøn’s home was the ‘Holy City Zoo Club’, formerly known as ‘Le Metro’, in Birmingham.
Their most notable album, Fabrique, was released in 1982 following their signing to Arista Records in the U.K. The album saw a significant change in line-up. Al James had left the band, to be replaced by Dee Harriss and Marlon Recchi. Fabrique contained the hit singles ‘Streetplayer [Mechanik]’ and ‘Love Shadow’. It was around this time that Kajagoogoo played the Friars venue music festival in Aylesbury, which in turn led to their first major live slot as support for Fashiøn, playing their first major gig on that tour in November 1982.
Love Shadow Promo Video:
Dee Harriss left Fashion shortly after the release of Fabrique, with the band ultimately folding in 1983. In yet another music industry twist of fate, John Mulligan continued his association with Kajagoogoo, working with Nick Beggs on another project under the name ‘Im-Mac Logic’
Bolero:
Dee Harriss also stayed within the ‘Goo fold, co-producing Limahl’s debut album ‘Don’t Suppose….’ and even appearing on the promotional video for the debut solo hit ‘Only for Love’.
Fashiøn’s ‘home’, The Holy City Zoo club, closed due to bankruptcy in the 1980’s.
To the present day now, and quite unexpectedly in 2008, founder band member Al ‘Luke Sky’ James reformed Fashiøn, albeit with a new line-up. The band is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information on Fashiøn ‘1982 vintage’, you may wish to visit THIS SITE which hosts a great archive of period live footage:
KajaFax would like to thank the Friars Aylesbury website www.aylesburyfriars.co.uk for their permission to use materials of their ownership.
2011 KajaFax
Limahl Too Much Trouble
Our feature today looks at a single released on June 2nd 1984 by Limahl, ‘Too Much Trouble’.
This single as with most others, comes in various guises of release depending on which locale it was released in.
The UK release:
Picture disc:
European:
Japanese:
Here is the video..
A fantastic single from Limahl.
2011 KajaFax
KajaGooGoo and Colin Thurston
KajaGooGoo and Colin Thurston
by theraggedtiger
Colin Thurston was born in Singapore in 1947. He had previously worked as a jingle writer and had also played in bands extensively across London before crossing over into audio engineering. During the course of his career, he worked with such industry greats as Tony Visconti, David Bowie, Talk Talk and The Human League to name but a few. Thurston first achieved major recognition however following his work alongside Duran Duran on their ‘Rio’ and ‘Duran Duran’ albums. John Taylor, Duran bass player, has since described him as “the major catalyst for the Eighties sound”. In short, this guy was influential!
Bring in a five piece from Leighton Buzzard, ‘EMI Records’, and a lengthy stint at theirManchester Square demo studios… Shortly after Kajagoogoo signed to EMI in 1982, they began the process of reworking the demo songs that had initially won them their contact with EMI. This included some old ‘Art Nouveau’ tracks. ‘Too Shy’ had not yet been written, but the band was frantically working on tracks such as ‘Interview Rooms’ & ‘This Car Is Fast’ to name but two. Dave Ambrose from artists and repertoire within EMI was in the house, and the tracks that eventually made it to the final cut were being slowly formulated. Step in Colin Thurston, who was very much the man in demand following his recent success with Duran, and a hot tip from Paul Gambaccini, a man whose hit radar had honed in on a track called ‘Shy Shy’…
‘I think that’s got something guys’ proclaimed Gambo, as the song was transformed following three re-writes and a change the middle section as late as the day of the final recording. Thurston, in conjunction with Nick Rhodes, had turned the track from a prospective B-side into Kajagoogoo’s first hit. The subsequent album, ‘White Feathers’, was a global smash.
Video courtesy of emimusic:
The relationship between Kajagoogoo and Thurston was no passing fancy however, as he was again to join the band again in the studio to record ‘Islands’, not only in the capacity of producer, but also as a backing vocalist (a hangover from his days as a part of a gigging band perhaps?) The dynamic of the band had of course changed by that time. Nick had taken over lead vocals and also introduced the Chapman Stick into the mix for the first time. Songs were recorded very differently too, with tracks being laid down in a number of studios often with lyrics and melody lines being written in the studio itself.
To quote Simon Aldridge from 80’s synth-pop outfit ‘Kissing the Pink’ who also worked alongside Thurston:
“He (Thurston) had a way with the band that worked allowing their experimental ideas to take shape….and recording them well…”
The leisurely pace seemed to suit the guys, who have since declared the recording process to be “leisurely and enjoyable”. Islands also incorporated a brass section and a shift towards a jazz based sound, giving the band more worldwide success. The “leisurely and enjoyable” atmosphere cultivated by Thurston had reaped its rewards.
That was however the last time that that Kajagoogoo would work with Colin Thurston, as legendary producer Ken Scott produced the next ‘Goo long player, Crazy People’s Right to Speak’. It is however important to recognize what a major part Thurston played in the creation of the Kajagoogoo sound. The band and indeed the fans owe him a great debt of gratitude.
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Colin+Thurston
Colin Thurston died on January 15th 2007 following a long illness.
2011 KajaFax
KajaGooGoo The Paul Gambaccini Connection
Kajagoogoo – The Paul Gambaccini connection:
by TheRaggedTiger
Paul Gambaccini,‘ The Great Gambo‘, as he was later known, started broadcasting on BBC Radio 1 in 1973 as a music reporter. By 1974, he got his first job as a presenter with the show ‘All American Heroes’, a series showcasing US talent. By September 1975, Paul began the show he was to front for the next 11 years, highlighting the weeks’ US chart music. He stayed at BBC Radio 1 for 15 years, presenting the US chart show, broadcast every Saturday Afternoon for much of that time.
He is world renowned for his music and chart knowledge of both the USA and UK music industry, and in 1982 he helped launch the career of the UK pop group Kajagoogoo.
Gambaccini had championed the group from its earliest beginnings. He recalls of those days:
“I was given a cassette of the strangely named quintet in May 1982 by a mutual friend in a club long after midnight”
What was the track? You would naturally assume it to be ‘Too Shy‘, but it was something quite different, as Paul explains:
“There are times in my life when I get the feeling, a state of excitement and bliss so intense it possesses me………the feeling strikes instantly and without warning when I hear a song I love that I know is going to be a smash”
That song was ‘Ooh to be Ah‘.
Having listened to the demo tape, Paul “pilgrimaged” to the flat in Lancaster Gate to meet the band. Here is his account of that pilgrimage, as written by Gambaccini himself:
“I waited in the sitting room while the subject of my enthusiasm prepared himself for our meeting. What was he readying, I found myself wondering. A new hairstyle? A new surname? When he entered, I realised that I had made a false assumption. Customarily the lead singer of a group stands front row centre in any publicity picture. The man in the middle of the Kajagoogoo photo had been the tallest in the band. This one was the shortest. The tall one was drummer Jez Strode: Limahl was in contrast, well under six feet. It is very strange to talk face-to-face with a person one has never met and babble on about how wonderful something they have done is. Limahl graciously accepted my enthusiasm and then explained the history of the band….how after placing an advert in Melody Maker, he had auditioned for and joined a four piece band called Art Nouveau. He related how he had obtained his mysterious moniker by re-arranging the letters of his surname”
Following visits to Hammersmith to watch the band rehearse, Gambaccini tells of his memories of the first gig at the Embassy club, a clip from which can be viewed here:
Video courtesy of zodieweeny
“At the Embassy, a coterie from Leighton Buzzard who seemed as loyal as Lassie balanced out raving regulars who just happened to be in the club that night and viewed the proceedings with glazed expressions of wonder. Two record company representatives were there from EMI and Phonogram to sign Kajagoogoo. He didn’t. I hope he still has his job”
Amazingly, Gambo wasn’t the only high profile fan of the ‘Goo, as he explains:
“In the summer of 1982, Kajagoogoo recorded three tracks with co-producers Colin Thurston and Nick Rhodes at Chipping Norton Studios. Sensitive of being over-associated with Duran Duran, they changed the double-barrelled title ‘Shy Shy’ to ‘Too Shy’. When EMI scheduled the release of this debut single for 10 January 1983, I became aware of a coincidence as great as that of Limahl living down the street from my flat; the first show in my Channel 4 series ‘The Other Side of the Tracks’ was due to be transmitted on 8th January, a Saturday. ‘Too Shy’ would be out the next shopping day. I suggested to my producer that we devote the last third of that first show to the launch of Kajagoogoo, following the group for two months prior to the programme. I had no doubts about their ultimate success, and there is nothing more satisfying than to be seen publicly to have been right about new talent”
Gambaccini’s TV show ‘The other Side of The Tracks’ played a major role in launching the band, with Paul remarking publically that he “hadn’t been so excited about a single since ‘Don’t You Want Me‘…”. Praise indeed.
Not everybody was as confident though, none more so than the band themselves. Nick Beggs thought, when interviewed back in 1983, that the song may go “top 40 at most”, with Stuart Croxford-Neale adding “this has been nothing like we expected….we did expect…through the timing of the programmes on TV we’ve had, the airplay and everything, and the contacts, to do so well…but it’s just been unbelievable”
Video courtesy of zodieweeny
Gambaccini was gratified in his belief in the band by presenting the guys with their first silver discs back in early 1983, broadcast on his Channel 4 show and awarded in honour of sales in excess of 250,000 for debut track ‘Too Shy’. The song would go on to sell many, many more!
Back in 1983, Gambaccini commented “My friendship with Kajagoogoo has grown since the release of ‘Too Shy’…” Forward on a little over 25 years; destination Wavendon, Milton Keynes , 2008:
From the fans, a huge ‘thank you‘, Paul.
2011 KajaFax
The X Factor Pays Tribute to Limahl
The Never Ending Story – ‘The X Factor’ pays tribute to Limahl
by TheRaggedTiger
This story begins back in 2009, and follows on from the success of the Kajagoogoo ‘Space Cadet’ reunion tour.
In November of that year, and in the wake of the renewed interest in all things ‘Goo, the Italian version of cult TV show ‘The X Factor’ featured ‘The Never Ending Story’ as a performance track for girl group ‘Yavanna’ . Deprived of the dubious talents of Simon Cowell, the Italian version of the franchise is hosted by singer and DJ Francesco Facchinetti and judged by singer Claudia Mori, producer Mara Maionchi, and singer/songwriter Morgan, all of whom are major players on the Italian music scene.
The show has attracted many international guests and Limahl joins a list of world class performers featured or performing on the show, with artists such as Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Enrique Iglesias all lending their talents.
‘Yavanna’, mentored by judge Mara Maionchi, performed Limahl’s 1984 mega hit ‘The Never Ending Story’, ultimately making it as far as the final week before they were eliminated – ending the competition in 3rd place overall.
What do you think of the Yavanna performance? Take a peek here:
Video courtesy of MrGiangiuliangelo
And for something more familiar, here is Limahl performing the song on Italian show ‘I Migliori Anni’, which apparently translates as ‘The Best Years’, also broadcast in late 2009:
Video courtesy of micheluccio68
Finally, for more information on Yavanna, please visit the group’s official MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/yavannagruppovocale
Who knows, maybe one day, Kajagoogoo or one of their hits may feature on the British version of the show?
Only time will tell.
2011 KajaFax
Nick Beggs with Warren Cuccurullo Thanks 2 Frank
Nick Beggs & Warren Cuccurullo – Thanks 2 Frank
by TheRaggedTiger
There are many times that the saying ‘it’s a small world’ is proven to be true, especially in the music industry it seems. This story follows on somewhat from Limahl’s meeting with Nick Rhodes back in 1982.
Warren Cuccurullo is an American musician, founder member of American act ‘Missing Persons’, and long term member of Duran Duran.
In July 1994 upon completion of Duran Duran’s Wedding Album tour, Warren took to the stage for his first solo show. The set-list included his own music, some Duran material, and some Frank Zappa songs. As a result of this, the material played that night would form the album that eventually became ‘Thanks 2 Frank’.
Warren entered the recording studio that August. He recruited ex-band mate Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and enlisted our very own Nick Beggs on bass guitar.
Warren states on his website (www.warrencuccurullo.com)
“I knew it was do-able, and we got it done. It was beyond magic. The album was completely recorded in two days and mixed in three.”
The album also contains the talents of Talvin Singh, who has worked with Madonna, David Sylvian, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Björk amongst others.
It proudly displays the statement ‘There are no overdubs on this record’.
See if you can spot the Beggion on these performance clips:
For discussion on Nick’s work outside of Kajagoogoo you may want to listen to this interview with the Beggion, available from Nick’s official website.
http://www.nickbeggs.co.uk/music/nickonbbc3cr.zip
2011 KajaFax
KajaGooGoo Liverpool UK Tour Photos 2009
We have more photos from our KajaGooGoo amnesty now, these great pictures from the O2 in Livepool, the opening night of the 2009 UK tour.
Photos courtesy of Andrea Reynolds, click each for higher resolution.
Brilliant photos, huge thanks to Andrea for sharing!
2011 KajaFax
Win 101 Forgotten Pop Hits of the 1980s Book
Hot on the heels of the Top of the Pops box set competition last week, I’m happy to announce another competition this week.
The prize today is a copy of ‘101 Forgotten Pop Hits of the 1980s’ book by Nick Parkhouse.
Back in December 2010, I purchased a copy of the book and really enjoyed reading it. In fact, I was absolutely glued to this book and found it very difficult to put down!
The book features 101 tracks from the 1980’s, it is crammed full of facts and everyone will take something away from this book. The entire way through the book I found myself saying things like ‘HE was in THAT band?!’ and ‘THEY wrote THAT song?!’
So I contacted Nick and said hey, this book was so fantastic and how about you let KajaFax have a copy to give away in a competition. Nick graciously said yes and here we are. He might even just sign the winners copy too, just as he signed mine for me:
Nick is a great guy and this is a great book, please enter the competition and this wonderful book could be yours.
Competition Entry
To enter the competition, simply visit the link below and then answer the following question.
Q. With whom did Nick share cigarettes in the car park of the NEC?
http://nickparkhouse.com/shop/
Please submit your answer in the comments box at the foot of the post.
Even if you don’t win, please support the author and buy this fantastic book anyway, it’s seriously hugely interesting and entertaining, it even has a chapter on ‘Too Shy’ and one on ‘Neverending Story’!
Competition ends Sunday April 17th 9pm.
Good Luck!
2011 KajaFax
KajaGooGoo Frankfurt 2009 Photos pt2
Leading on from the previous set of photos sent in from Frankfurt 2009, we have a further batch of photos in from Michael.
Click each for higher resolution.
Hope you enjoy these, big thanks to Michael Ebelshauser for submitting:
Brilliant photos!
Related Post:
https://kajafax.co.uk/2011/04/05/kajagoogoo-frankfurt-2009-photos/
2011 KajaFax
Limahl Don’t Suppose CD Mystery
Does anybody out there know anything about the mysterious release of Don’t Suppose on CD from Gold Legion that has gone very quiet?
Back on December 2nd 2010 we reported that the album was to be released on January 25th on a pre-order basis.
https://kajafax.co.uk/2010/12/02/dont-suppose-finally-released-on-cd/
And then we announced a delay to the release on February 18th, this delay stated that we should see the CD around February 25th.
https://kajafax.co.uk/2011/02/18/limahl-dont-suppose-cd-release-delay/
The above delay sounded like things were very close to completion but nothing has been heard since.
I’ve emailed Gold Legion a couple of times and had no reply. Many fans have emailed Gold Legion and also had no reply.
Are Gold Legion waiting for sufficient pre-order sales before they can make this happen? If so, say something!
If everything is still going ahead and it won’t be long, say something!
Fans who have paid for this album are getting a bit restless now. Nobody minds a delay or a problem but nobody likes the silence, it inspires no confidence!
If you’ve paid for this CD and had no response from Gold Legion, let us know below with a comment. Many thanks.
2011 KajaFax
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