by Mark Nobes, chief editor
Firstly, the video clip features the band performing their salsa pop hit "Best Years Of Our Lives" on BBC Top Of The Pops in 1982.
Great for getting your party started, 80s pop band Modern Romance
scored eight Top 40 UK singles between 1981 and 1983. They were formed
in 1980 by members of an earlier band called The Leyton Buzzards.
Produced by Tony Visconti, this was the first single to feature Michael Mullins as lead singer
(replacing Geoffrey Deane) and it gave the band their highest position
in the UK singles chart, peaking at #4 on 2nd January 1983.
The 12 inch vinyl featured the Midnight Mix and Extended Mix. The b-side on both the 7" and 12" was "We've Got Them Running (The Counting Song)".
"Best Years Of Our Lives" featured on two albums; Trick of the Light (1983) and the compilation album Party Tonight (1983) which was released for the Christmas market.
Modern Romance's debut album Adventures in Clubland.
The band started out as The Leyton Buzzards in 1976 and were initially a pub rock band before adopting a punk style. They shortened their name to The Buzzards in 1979.
In 1980, the band renamed themselves Modern Romance and moved towards a more electronic, new wave sound. They released two singles "Modern Romance" and "Tonight" which both failed to chart.
The band split-up, but two band members Geoff Deane and David Jaymes reshaped the band and moved towards a party salsa sound, with their first single "Everybody Salsa" reaching No.12 in the UK singles chart.
"CHERRY PINK AND APPLE BLOSSOM WHITE"
This song was actually written in 1950 by Louiguy (Louis Guglielmi), and topped the UK charts twice during 1955 - there were two versions by Perez Prado and Eddie Calvert. Modern Romance weren't quite as successful, but still managed to reach #15 with their version in 1982.
Limited Edition 12" single
Simplyeighties.com
