Do You Remember the 70s, 80s and 90s?

Merry Christmas From DYR!

2009-12-17T19:59:00.004Z

On the eve of what many of us are hoping will be a snow day, DYR would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year!

Whether you'll be tucking into turkey and and trimmings with the family, or maybe jetting off to warmer climes, take a moment to hark back to memories of Christmases past... From finding your first-ever BMX under the tree, or learning that your sister's A La Carte Kitchen isn't just for girls. Maybe, instead, it's the thought of stomaching that entire chocolate selection box or sitting down to watch yet another Morecambe And Wise special that makes the festive season special for you. Do let us know at DYR!

Can I get a rewind?

2009-12-15T21:31:00.005Z

Yes, yes you can! Why's that? Because forget about your CDs, and instead experience that rush of winding tape once more, as the cassette finally makes its comeback.

Apparently, after a flood of interest and in a bid to cash in on the 'grey pound', Island Records is releasing a run of cassette tapes to rival that there new-fangled technology we're calling 'downloads' or 'CDs'. But hold your horses, as this limited-edition release only extends so far to 'Words For You', an album of poetry recitals over classical music, read by the likes of Joanna Lumley. The planned run of 4000 tapes has sold out already, so more are now being produced for sale on Amazon. And it looks like others could follow... maybe a mix tape in time for Valentine's Day, who knows...

Would you welcome the cassette back? And can you remember the first-ever cassette you owned? Who still owns a Walkman? We want to know!

The Muppets' Bohemian Rhapsody

2009-11-28T18:24:00.006Z

Having just been to see Queen-inspired show We Will Rock You at London's Dominion Theatre this week, I'll admit I'm now Freddie convert! So, I couldn't resist sharing this video with you - it's been doing the rounds and if you haven't already laughed along to it, be sure to click 'Play' this time here!

Bee Gees 50th anniversary

2009-11-11T21:52:00.004Z

No Christmas party would rock without some Bee Gees classics to get people on the dancefloor. Guaranteed to have even the non-dancers swaying to their feet-friendly tunes, those legends of the 70s are most definitely Stayin' Alive for the Noughties and beyond. Get your hands on the Brothers Gibbs best hits to date in their 50th anniversary boxset CD and DVD set, available through Amazon. Also, why not check out this link for the chance to hear and watch the Bee Gees do what they do best! From Islands In The Stream to Words and Still Waters (Run Deep), you won't be disappointed.

Nostalgic fun at the A-ha concert

2009-11-07T18:18:00.003Z

DYR took their seats at the O2 Arena this week for A-ha’s Foot of the Mountain Tour, named after this year's album, which reached the UK top five.

Fans were quickly on their feet as the now suited and booted Viking pop icons began their set with 'The Sun Always Shines On TV', followed by a combination of the classics - which included 'Hunting High And Low' and 'The Living Daylights', 'I Dream Myself Alive', the beautifully poignant 'And You Tell Me' (from their first album) and 'The Blood That Moves The Body' (from 1988's Stay On These Roads).

For DYR the rendition of the song 'Velvet' (from Minor Earth Major Sky), was the highlight performance, with Pal and Morten playing acoustic guitars and Mags playing a handheld mini electronic synth, demonstrating their craft and talent as musicians and timeless performers.

Two encores beckoned the band back on stage and to the audience’s delight A-ha finally ended the night with the mid-80s defining classic, 'Take On Me': something fans were still singing as they moved toward the Jubilee Line tube station!

If you missed this year’s tour and you’ve heard rumours that this was A-ha’s last, then Mags put the record straight during the concert. They will be back in the UK for one final goodbye tour in 2010, so keep your eyes peeled for concert dates and make sure not to miss out on this piece of pop history.

DYR’s other top tip for A-ha fans visiting London between now and 21st November is to take a trip to the Paul Stopler Gallery (http://www.paulstolper.com) in Museum Street just opposite the British Museum, where Mag’s has an art exhibition called ‘alpha beta’. If you’re in the mood for a purchase and want to get your hands on some A-ha memorabilia, then the first 500 prints sold will be accompanied by a limited edition 12" vinyl disc signed and numbered with a new Magne F composition, titled ‘Word Symphony’. ‘Word Symphony’ is a unique project that takes as its foundation the vocals from A-ha's "Foot of the Mountain" album.

Chocs away!

2009-11-05T20:33:00.003Z

There are certain things that without which Christmas just wouldn't be the same. Crackers that don't bang, the forgotten bread sauce, and that piece of Brussels sprout hanging onto your nan's chin for dear life. Not to mention games of Trivial Pursuit, Only Fools And Horses on the TV and neverending tins of Cadbury's Roses...mmmm! But as of this year, the latter will never be the same again..

Yes, the iconic round Cadbury's Roses tin is to be replaced in a trial run by a square box made from cardboard in a bid to make it more eco-friendly. It's predicted over 200 tons of steel a year will be saved. I suppose these are good intentions, but it'll be a shame to see the tin fade away. What, for example, will we put our leftover mince pies in?

One thing that won't be changing, sadly, is the price point. Catch the new Cadbury's Roses in Tesco stores in the run-up to Christmas and be sure to give your feedback on whether you want the tin to stay!

Return Of The Fleetwood Mac

2009-10-16T19:07:00.003Z

Their tour is already getting rave reviews Stateside, and just as Fleetwood Mac are about to hit UK concert venues for the first time since 2003, 'The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac' double CD is released. From 19 October, you can get your hands on this remastered compilation, which features hits such as 'Dreams', 'Go Your Own Way', 'Tusk' and 'Little Lies', making up 36 classic tracks altogether. 'The Very Best Of... Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Lindsey Buckingham will also be available on digital download. And if this is all making you want a ticket for The Unleashed Tour, then hurry up and visit www.fleetwoodmac.com for more info. See you there!

Rainbow Unzipped!

2009-10-13T13:26:00.003Z

It's true, lunchtimes have never been the same since George, Bungle, Zippy and Geoffrey left our TV screens back in 1992. But why have they stayed away so long? Did George send his Rainbow co-stars flying with one bat of those long eyelashes of his? Or did the squabbling just get too much for Geoffrey to take in the end? The answer may lie in the super-nostalgic new book release, Rainbow Unzipped!

The perfect Christmas gift, Rainbow Unzipped! contains the never-told-before true story by the stars of the show themselves, complete with some fantastic pictures of them. It would seem, after 17 years, Zippy, George and Bungle have finally put their differences aside to talk to journalist Tim Randall about their highs and lows from the beginning to not-quite-yet end of the rainbow... and as you might expect, Zippy does most of the talking!

Attention Rod Stewart fans!

2009-09-27T09:00:00.003Z

Tomorrow is a very exciting day, as Rod Stewart will be releasing a four-disc boxed set of unreleased music sessions.

The recordings span 1971-1998 and give an intimate insight into Rod's secret studio history, in contrast to his very public, successful hits to date. Filled with 63 tracks and many outtakes, The Rod Stewart Sessions is a must-have for any fan of the singer - or for those who've already started their christmas shopping! It's a real chance to learn about the singer's creative process and see behind the scenes of what it takes to make it to the top.

From rough takes of Maggie May, alternate versions of Sailing, the unfinished Think I'll Pack my Bags, a cover of Frankie Miller's When I'm Away From You, and many more gems beside, Sessions provides a blend of the familiar and never-before-heard. A truly special release.

Buy The Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998 here.

Chas & Dave split!

2009-09-22T19:35:00.003Z

In 1991 they sang 'I Can Get Along Without You' but with news that Chas and Dave have decided to part ways, we can only wonder if they will.

After losing his wife Sue in July, Dave has battled with his grief and now thinks it's best for the cockney duo if he retires from the music business, leaving behind his music partner of 37 years.

Together, the cockney crooners warmed our cockles with their cheeky-chappie grins and ever-present trouser braces. We 'rockneyed' out to such delights as 'The Sideboard Song', 'Ain't No Pleasing You', 'Snooker Loopy' and, of course, 'Rabbit'. Everyone from the late John Peel to the Libertines has come out as a fan over the years, since their first album was released in 1975.

Thankfully, it might not be over just yet, as Chas has vowed to continue playing their hits under the new name Chas And His Band! Meanwhile, Dave will be indulging his other passions, which include painting gypsy wagons and riding his horses. DYR salutes you Chas and Dave!

Celebrity chef Keith Floyd dies

2009-09-15T19:54:00.002Z

Keith Floyd broke new ground with his relaxed cookery programmes in the 80s. Fuelled by good wine and fine food, Keith became quite a personality to be reckoned with. So, it is with great sadness that we heard of the chef's death late on Monday evening, aged 65.

Marco Pierre White had this to say about the legendary chef: "He had this great ability at the stove, great confidence. He was a natural cook. But his very special talent was he could articulate himself and deliver inspiration with words... A little piece of Britain died yesterday which will never be replaced. He was a maverick, he was mercurial, he was magical, he was special, he was rare."

It has always been Keith's endearing, shambolic approach to presenting that won him fans. After dying from a heart attack at his home in Dorset, he will always be remembered. You can post your memories of the man below.

He still makes us feel like dancing!

2009-09-13T19:45:00.002Z

Fans of disco will be delighted to hear that the legend that Leo Sayer is back in our lives. From the man that once sang such hits as Giving It All Away, The Show Must Go On, When I need You and, of course, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, now comes a fantastic back catalogue of re-releases.

Available on CD and digital download, you can now buy all 10 albums of Leo's, produced between 1973 and 1983, thanks to Demon Music. The albums are accompanied by bonus tracks, and come in five double-CD sets, including booklets with photos and comments from the big-haired one himself. A video album, All The Best, is also available, as well as a five-track EP featuring hits available exclusively as a download.

To get your hands on the latest Leo Sayer releases, visit www.leosayerreissues.com

Congratulations!

2009-08-31T10:27:00.003Z

The winners of last month's competition to win a copy of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells album are: N.Ryall, E.Huxstep, A.Moore, T.Dexter and A.Goldston. Congratulations to you all!

This also means that there's a new giveaway up on the site now - so get entering and you could win £25 to spend on retro goodies at TruffleShuffle.com We've four vouchers up for grabs - click here for details. And good luck everyone!

Aqua are back!

2009-08-25T19:52:00.004Z

So, you thought they were a flash in the pan, eh? Well, you were wrong, because the pop-tastic Scandinavian foursome are back!

It's been eight long years, but Aqua are back on top form with the release of their Greatest Hits Album on 21st September, full of 19 hits, old and new. As well as the track they are best known for - Barbie Girl - you can jump around to others including Turn Back Time, Doctor Jones, Cartoon Heroes and My Oh My. The new Back To The 80s, due for release 28th September, is SO catchy, and is a taster of what's to come from the band. We had fun counting the 80s references in the lyrics - everything from Dynasty to Rubik's Cube, Bananarama and Breakfast Club.

If anyone's guaranteed to fill a dance floor, it's Aqua - so make sure you've got your leg warmers and rah-rah at the ready...

In memory of John Hughes

2009-08-08T09:49:00.003Z

To many of us, John Hughes will forever remain etched into our memories. The legendary film writer and director, who passed away yesterday aged just 59, brought us the kind of cult classics that kids of the 80s and 90s were crazy for. From Home Alone and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, to The Breakfast Club and (my personal fave) Uncle Buck, it's tribute to him that these films are now doing the rounds across the next generation, and still make us laugh out loud.

You can leave your personal tribute to John below, and for a heartrending story of one teenager's pen-pal friendship with the man himself, visit Sincerely, John Hughes - we promise, it's an incredible read.

Bagpuss helps Asthma UK

2009-08-06T18:54:00.007Z

Next time you Bagpuss fans go looking for memorabilia of the loveable feline, make this your one-stop shop. With every purchase you make, proceeds will go direct to the charity Asthma UK. And with over 5.4 million asthma sufferers in the UK alone, most of of know someone, or are ourselves affected by the condition, so start doing something to help. Bagpuss is the charity's official mascot, and if you browse to www.bagpussshop.co.uk and on eBay, you'll find a range of badges (like the one pictured here, for just £1.15), bracelets, bookmarks and even tax discs for sale. So what are you waiting for?

Charity auction for signed A-Ha album

2009-08-03T14:51:00.004Z

Have we got a treat for you! A signed copy of the new A-Ha 'Foot of the Mountain' album autographed by none other than Morten Harket and Mags! Head on over to our charity auction now and place a bid.

100% of the proceeds will go to Dorset-based home care charity www.Pramacare.co.uk which provides help and care in the home, so place a bid and tell all your friends!

We have a starting bid of just £5!

A-ha to battle it out with Jacko

2009-07-30T15:46:00.003Z

Norwegian retro pop band A-Ha are expected to make waves later this week when they take on king of pop Michael Jackson in the album charts. The huge comeback album from the 80s pop band is heading for the top spot this weekend making it their highest chart position since 1988. The 'Foot of the Mountain' album is presently only being outsold by Michael Jackson's 'The Essential' which is currently seeing declining sales.

A-ha is top of the pops at itunes festival

2009-07-27T11:24:00.002Z

DYR was able to join the A-ha fans at Friday night’s gig at the Roundhouse in Camden, London. The 80s band are back with a vengeance and the release of their ninth studio album, “Foot of the Mountain”.

It’s seems that everyone has an A-ha memory, even the support act Reammon, who’s lead singer paid tribute to the band for being the soundtrack to his first kiss!

As soon as Mags started playing those famous synth hooks we were transported back to the 80s, bopping and singing along to iconic numbers like Take on Me, Scoundrel Days and the bond movie theme the Living Daylights. And numbers from the latest album, including title track Foot of the Mountain, the Bandstand and Riding the Crest of the Wave were interwoven into the band’s energetic set.

If you didn’t make the itunes concert, each performance has been recorded and will be available to download exclusively on www.itunes.com/londonfestival . You can get your hands on the new A-ha album from 27th July.

DYR recommends that if you want tickets to A-ha’s autumn UK tour, you’d better hurry.
The band is most definitely in the rock and roll hall of fame and, oh yes, Morten is still really hot!

DYR interviews A-ha!

2009-07-25T20:49:00.005Z

Check out the full inteview:

A-ha interview by doyouremember

DYR caught up with A-ha’s lead singer Morten Harket and keyboard and guitarist Magne Furuholmen (‘Mags’) in a London recording studio. The band rose to fame with the launch of their first album ‘Hunting High And Low’ in 1985. The 2009 release, ‘Foot of the Mountain’, their ninth studio album, has all the hallmark driving synths, strong melody and melancholic lyrics, that fans will love.

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, the third member of A-ha, has always been the band’s main songwriter. Ingenious lyrics have formed part of group’s songs with the themes of weather, love and dreams filling their writing. For example the 1985 single “Dream myself alive” and now one of today’s lyrics “Life is the dream you wake up to, dreams are the life from which you wake,” from the track “Sunny Mystery”.

Mags explained that both he and Morten now also write lyrics. “We are guests in the English language, and I’m really passionate about English.” Mags’ mum was an English teacher and he says that he has an appreciation of the precision and possibilities of the language and now only reads in English!

And the legendary synth hooks, well they keep the classic A-ha energy though-out the new 10-track album. Both Mags and Morten agree that with creativity “There’s no time limit to any of this at all.”

The band is playing the I-tunes festival in London on Friday 24th July and will return in the Autumn for three shows: Monday 2 Nov - National Indoor Arena – Birmingham, Tuesday 3 Nov - Manchester Evening News Arena – Manchester and Wednesday 4 Nov - O2 Arena – London

It's A Gag A Minute!

2009-07-07T21:32:00.005Z

Looking for a book to take on holiday with you? Why not check out 'The Laugh Makers: A Behind-The-Scenes Tribute To Bob Hope's Incredible Gag Writers', available to buy here. Whether you're lounging poolside in Croatia or sitting on a beach in Cornwall, writer Bob Mills has the power to instantly transport you to a bygone era of "variety, song-and-dance, brilliant patter and a seemingly endless parade of laughs."

Through 82 photos and countless anecdotes, Bob Mills tells of the goings-on behind the scenes on The Bob Hope Show, focusing on the show's talented gag writers. Celebrity gossip-mongers will be well satisfied, just as those after nothing more than a return to slapstick will be. Fans of the Bob Hope golden era should head to our page on Hee Haw for more information and the chance to leave your own memories of some of the great gag writers of all-time.

Let us know what you think - and have a happy holiday!

A Tribute to The King of Pop

2009-06-26T08:53:00.003Z

Many of you will be waking up this morning to news that will both sadden and shock you - that music legend Michael Jackson has passed away, aged just 50.

The star is said to have suffered a heart attack, while staying in Los Angeles as he rehearsed for his upcoming concerts at London's O2 Arena. And in the hours that have passed since, celebrities and fans alike have paid tribute to a man that will forever be crowned the King Of Pop. "Absolutely devastated" were music producer of Thriller Quincy Jones' words; "Heartbroken" said Michael's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, and film producer Stephen Spielberg perhaps summed up the epicness of Michael's death when he said: "Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson."

Born on 28 August 1958 in Gary, Indiana, as one of nine kids, Michael has lived most of his life in the limelight, alongside his musical siblings in the Jackson 5, and later when he went solo.

He will be remembered for many things: his natural stage presence, having a pet monkey called Bubbles, selling 65 million copies of his Thriller album, wowing stadiums with his legendary moonwalk, being ambushed by Jarvis Cocker at the Brit Awards one year and wearing that white glove. But good and bad, he will always be remembered as a legend and our love of his music will remain stronger than ever.

What are your memories of Michael? If you would like to join us in leaving a tribute to the man behind such legendary hits as Billie Jean, Man In The Mirror, Earth Song and many, many more, please click here.

RIP Michael Jackson

James Bond: licence to chill

2009-06-17T20:06:00.003Z

Many women will admit to wanting to get up close and personal with Bond film hearthrob Daniel Craig - and now they can! Del Monte Superfruit Smoothies has created a Daniel Craig-shaped lolly with a 'licence to chill'.

Modelled on Craig's Casino Royale scene, where he emerges from the sea, all smouldering good looks and rippling torso, we think the lolly has an uncanny likeness to the actor.

Do you agree? And which stars from the 70s, 80s or 90s would you like to see immortalised in lollipop form? We'd love to know...

Brand new single from Norwegian Pop Masters A-Ha

2009-06-16T10:09:00.003Z

A-Ha, Norway’s multi-million selling purveyors of instant pop gems, return on 6 July 2009 with the brand new single “Foot Of the Mountain” released on Universal Music Record label (UMRL).

Bursting to life with soaring synths, a memorable chorus and Morten Harket’s instantly recognisable vocals, “Foot Of the Mountain” is an A-Ha classic that sees a return to their early recording methods and synth sensibilities, reminiscent of tracks that made them the 36 million selling band they are today.

Check them out on tour in the UK in October.

A-Ha on Twitter

Jump to it!

2009-06-14T20:07:00.002Z

If you haven't already heard, the jumpsuit is THE must-have piece of clothing this year. I know many of you will be recoiling in disgust at the very idea, but if you've never tried one on then I urge you to do so immediately!

Not only are jumpsuits mega comfy, but they can look ultra chic with a pair of killer heels, or dressed down for the day in gladiator sandals. They suit all ages and body shapes - the only rule being: leave orange to the inmates! For style inspiration, just look at Anneka Rice in her Treasure Hunt days - proving jumpsuits are perfect for mums on the run! Or Bianca Jagger, who married her Rolling Stone while wearing a stylish white all-in-on. Suzi Quatro showed us all the jumpsuit even worked in leather. And who could forget Elvis trying to do it for the men in his rhinestone-encrusted eye-catcher?

If you want a piece of the action and you long to slip into a bit of 70s nostalgia, head to your nearest high street (M&S has a range of jumpsuits available, like the one pictured), or visit Asos.com.

As of last week, I'm now the proud owner of two jumpsuits... soon to be three!