Human League - Dare (1981) - Part 1

07/23/17 • 62 min

Episode 26: Human League - Dare (1981) Part 1

With Sarah off traveling the world, Brian welcomes back frequent co-host and friend of the show Colby Zell to sit in and discuss the classic offering from the new and different 1981 version of the Human League.

Part 1: Background

Pre-1981 the Human League was a fairly odd 4-piece releasing music that sometimes came close to sounding like pop, but more often than not would just be classified as some sort of 'sonic experience.' How did that band become the sextet that would conquer the world with "Don't You Want Me?" Brian and Colby tell the crazy tale of the band's transformation and reveal if this 'new look' League was able to win over the hearts and minds of the public.

Part 2: Personal History

Brian and Colby briefly discuss their own personal history with this record. Colby clues us in that even considering how huge this record was, it was another album by the League that he was listening to back in the early 80's. And Brian tries to move past the fact that he feels his mom owes him $5 from the day she picked up "Dare" for him at his local record shop.

Part 3: Track by Track

In a nice change of pace, both the US and the UK versions of "Dare" shared the same track listing, so for the first time in over a month, we don't have to worry about keeping two different sets of songs straight in our minds. Our hosts let the listeners know which songs on side 1 are 'red' songs and which are 'blue' songs - and what that means in the first place! Brian declares "fake music" the best music as Colby points out some areas where the original version of the Human League still has some influence on the songwriting of "Dare."

Side One:

The Things That Dreams Are Made Of

Open Your Heart

The Sound Of The Crowd

Darkness

Do Or Die

See the videos discussed here:

Open Your Heart (Official Video)

The Sound Of The Crowd (TOTP)

The Sound Of The Crowd (Jools Holland)

Do Or Die (OTT)

Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/permrecordpodcast

Episode 26: Human League - Dare (1981) Part 1

Part 1: Background

Part 2: Personal History

Part 3: Track by Track

Side One:

The Things That Dreams Are Made Of

Open Your Heart

The Sound Of The Crowd

Darkness

Do Or Die

See the videos discussed here:

Open Your Heart (Official Video)

The Sound Of The Crowd (TOTP)

The Sound Of The Crowd (Jools Holland)

Do Or Die (OTT)

Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/permrecordpodcast

Previous Episode

Depeche Mode - Going Backwards (2017)

Episode 25: Depeche Mode – Going Backwards (2017)

The last time our hosts had an "emergency episode" was way back in Episode 7, when the first single from Depeche Mode's new album "Spirit" was released. After several months, the second single, "Going Backwards," has finally been released, so another "emergency episode" is in order.

Part 1: Brian starts off the discussion of "Going Backwards," sharing his thoughts on the music, the vocals, and the lyrics. Sarah joins in and has some similar thoughts to Brian on the various aspects of the song.

Part 2: They both discuss the video for the song, with Brian admitting he wasn't aware of some of the features of the video until Sarah made mention of them. They also talk about the version of the song performed in the video, which is different from the album version.

Part 3: Brian asks Sarah to give the podcast's traditional record-adapter rating for this song. She seems to be a little wishy-washy with her rating; however, Brian states his case for his rating quite clearly and with some good supporting information.

Part 4: Brian gives Sarah a chance to redeem herself on her weak song rating performance by asking her to name her three favorite tracks on "Spirit." She does so with no hesitation, and she briefly goes into why they're her favorites. Brian follows suit by listing his three favorite tracks as well.

See the videos we discuss here:

Going Backwards - 360 Version

Going Backwards - Highline Sessions Version (Non 360)

Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/permrecordpodcast

Next Episode

Human League - Dare (1981) - Part 2

Episode 27: Human League - Dare (1981) Part 2

Brian and Colby are back to continue their discussion of this seminal album by Phil Oakey and the Human League. Our hosts have already cued up side two so let's jump right into it!

Part 3: Track by Track, continued

This week, not only does the show bring you some fantastic music, it also brings you a very diverse collection of discussion topics. Brian and Colby find time to wax philosophical on Judge Dredd, the Kennedy assassination, storytelling in early 80s music videos, and recording songs in the bathroom. They also talk about what a nasty piece of work Phil's character is in the group's biggest hit. If you haven't really thought about the lyrics to "Don't You Want Me" before, now is the time to give them a quick read!

Get Carter

I Am The Law

Seconds

Love Action (I Believe In Love)

Don't You Want Me

Part 4: Extra Credit

Colby tries to stump his co-host by asking how the words "Love and Dancing" relate to the Human League's "Dare." Will Brian simply stare at his shoes for a few minutes or will he provide an acceptable answer? Tune in and find out!

Part 5: Final Review and Rating

Brian wouldn't stop telegraphing his 5/5 review as he droned on and on about how much he loves this record, but now that the moment has arrived - will he hand out his third consecutive "perfect" score? And Colby has been keeping his cards close to the vest - who knows which way he's going to go?? The stakes have never been higher for Phil and the girls!

See the videos we discuss here:

Love Action (I Believe In Love)

Don't You Want Me

Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/permrecordpodcast