[Still Upstairs] -- Yazoo (or simply Yaz in North America) formed in 1981 when electronic musician Vince Clarke, fresh off the success of Depeche Mode's debut album, teamed with soul singer Alison Moyet. And on 8/20/1982, 40 years ago tomorrow, this duo released their debut album, Upstairs At Eric's. By the time their album hit the charts, Yazoo had already released two singles in the UK: "Only You" (3/15/1982) and "Don't Go" (7/5/1982). "Only You" peaked at #2 on the UK Singles Chart, and it also reached the top 10 in Ireland and Australia. "Don't Go" peaked at #3 on the UK Singles Chart.
In the US, the band was known as Yaz to avoid issues with Yazoo Records, a specialist blues record label. In addition to that name change, the order of single releases differed between the UK and the US. "Situation" was the lead off single for the states, and it peaked at #73 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Don't Go," however, scored big on the American dance chart as the band's second US single, peaking at #1 on the Hot Dance/Disco (Billboard) chart in October 1982. That high energy, infectious dance track was also a top 40 hit around the globe, often reaching the top 10. It's still one of my favorite songs from the first half of the 1980s. Hel, Upstairs At Eric's is still one of my prize vinyl acquisitions from that decade.
In addition to the embedded playlist, you might be interested in this five-track playlist featuring Yazoo live on The Tube.
Flashback: Upstairs At Eric's (August 20, 1982)
Once again, I remind you that the rule of three applies when doing Flashbacks. As I've made my three offerings, that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
I'll see you in seven!
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