Music Video of the Day: "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)" by Scritti Politti (1984)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 91 (in 1986), and also went all the way to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Charts on its first run back in '84, and No. 10 on the U.K. Singles Chart the same year. Really good New Wave tune with lyrics added in the video.

80's Hit Song Review: "Spirit in the Sky" by Doctor and the Medics (1986)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 69 (No. 1 hit in their native U.K.)

Backstory: This British glam rock and slightly New Wavish band was formed in 1981 by Clive Jackson A.K.A. The Doctor. This cover version of Norman Greenbaum's 1969 classic was their one and only ever U.S. hit. The video got a fair amount of airplay on MTV. Oddly, despite being a huge No. 1 success in their native U.K., it stalled at just No. 69 here in the States (though it also got to as high as No. 27 on the Hot Dance Club Play Charts). They would have a couple more U.K. hit singles, including, "Burn", and oddly enough, a cover of ABBA's, "Waterloo". They still occasionally perform around the U.K. to this day and even released a couple of more unsuccessful albums.

The review: Honestly, I have always loved their version of Greenbaum's classic. Why it stalled so early in the U.S., I'll never know. It's catchy, fun, and very well produced.

Final rating: 9/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Put Away Your Love" by Alessi (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 71

Backstory: This soft rock duo from Long Island, New York consisting of twin brothers Billy and Bobby Alessi was formed in 1976 and still perform to this very day. They had a No. 8 U.K. hit in 1977 with, "Oh Lori", but oddly enough, this minor U.S. hit was their first and only ever U.S. hit single. In fact, the video above is the one and ONLY upload of this tune even up on YouTube, oddly enough as well. Many of their songs have been covered by artists such as Rick Springfield and Peter Frampton, and the Alessi brothers have also created some radio jingles as well in their spare time. Oddly, the duo has a slight cult following in Japan out of all countries.

The review: This is a very fine and dandy soft rock tune with a nice and relaxing beat and nice keyboards and vocal work. I wouldn't peg it for a Top 10 hit, but it definitely should have had at least made it into the Top 40. Shame they couldn't really find success here in the States.

Final rating: 7/10