1984 Singles # 2 The Go Betweens

 

'Wait. Yes he'll wait. The engine's waiting at the gate...'

Countdowns such as these are inevitably problematic for geeky types like myself. I always find myself as we fall or else rise to Number One in some kind of quandry. I've invariably miscalculated and there just isn't room for everything I've wanted to write about. Every band, or song or album I wished to include,

In 1984's case this means no Prince. How appalling and unforgivable. Prince ruled in 1984 in some respects. He was probably at his peak that year and for the next couple as well. It was one of those rare moments in Pop history where one  of the biggest artists on the planet is also one of the best. To say he was 'gifted' doesn't even begin to describe matters,

It would have been When Doves Cry, had I chosen a 1984 Prince single. But it's not to be. But as consolation in this exercise of personal indulgence the Go Betweens get a Number 2 placing in this chart this morning. This is proper consolation and justifiable recognition to one of the greatest bands of the Eighties.

The Go Betweens of course never had any actual chart hits. It doesn't quite seem like it these days. Thanks to the sterling work of Robert Forster to raise their profile and public appreciation. Forster their founder of course, and a man who has worked tirelessly in their cause since his friend and writing partner Grant McLennan died so tragically young in 2006. I'd have to say he's been highly successful in his mission. People know who the Go Betweens are now.

That wasn't really the case in 1984 when I discovered them. Probably through the Music Press, where they were already a notable cause celebre. The music press always loved The Go Betweens. They were acute, layered. Sharp but sensitive. Both of these are important. Music critics saw themselves in Forster and McLennan. Fancied their chances with Lindy Morrison though they probably would never have had the actual courage to pursue their desire. Music critics were mostly ungainly males back then.

I saw Spring Hill Fair, the album The Go Betweens released on Sire that year in a record shop close to Richmond College in Twickenham, and bought it. I loved it immediately though I didn't necessarily understand its young adult concerns which were mostly engaged with the trials of first love and how best to negotiate them. But I definitely aspired to these nuanced and honourable emotions and principles.

Bachelor Kisses should have been a hit single and put the band on record covers and on Top of the Pops. But Sire didn't know what to do with the band and had other matters engaging them. Madonna was also on their roster. Enough said. The Go Betweens had already had their bridesmaid experience on Rough Trade where The Smiths had supplanted them in  label boss Geoff Travis' affections. They soldiered on. Continued putting out wonderful records and playing thrilling concerts for the next few years. I witnessed several.

Bachelor Kisses is about sticking to your principles. Not being a cad and seeking out true love through romance and courtship. I love it just as much as I did then. It's still worth listening to again. Listen to it. Then listen to When Doves Cry. They teach you all you really need to know.