80's Hit Song Review: "Shiny Shiny" by Haysi Fantayzee (1983)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 74

Backstory: This highly bizarre British pop and New Wave trio was formed in 1981, and consists of Kate Garner (born on July 9th, 1954 in Wigan, Lancashire), Jeremy Healy (born on January 18th, 1962 in Woolwich, London), and Paul Caplin (born on December 31st, 1954 in London). Their music was like a cross between Bow Wow Wow, Adam and the Ants, Total Coelo, Dexy's Midnight Runners, and Bananarama. Their music combined reggae, country, and even a bit of early hip hop to create a truly bizarre yet unique style of New Wave music which even poked fun at many political and social issues. Both Garner and Healy were known for their odd yet unique fashion sense, with Healy even looking sort of like Boy George. They released their first single, "John Wayne is Big Leggy" in 1982, which peaked at No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. This third single was their only ever U.S. hit, but despite the fact that it was a minor hit here in the States and got very minimal radio airplay, the music video got quite a bit of airplay on MTV and other music video based TV series, such as Rockamerica and Australia's rage. They only released one album, Battle Hymns For Children Singing on RCA Records in 1983. They do, however maintain a cult following among both British and American fans of New Wave music. I even own their one and only album on a remastered CD.

The Review: Where the heck do I even begin with this song? The whole thing is pretty gosh darn bizarre. With nonsensical lyrics poking fun at nuclear war (hence the song title), and even the memorable line, "...I'm a hot retard...", you damn well know that this tune is about to blow your entire mind up. The instruments consist of fiddles, violins, and even spoons for drum-like instruments. I'm not surprised that this tune wasn't too big of a success here in America, but my God, is it brilliant and creative. Should've honesty been a Top 10 hit. The music video is equally as great and entertaining (above.) The conservative British YouTuber Mr. Paul Joseph (WELL IMAGIN MY SHOK!) Watson may find this tune and band to be interesting. LOL.

Final rating: 10/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on this tune below.