Mad Mad Media

Friday, April 28, 2006

Thompson Twins powers, activate!

I'm going to end '80s week by showing off something cool from my collection. I used to be a big fan of the Thompson Twins, that wacky trio from Britain that spawned the international hits "Hold Me Now," "Doctor Doctor," and "Lay Your Hands On Me."
Back when they were popular, and records were still around, I found these (this photo is by Sam Castro). They are special edition singles of "Lay Your Hands On Me" in the shape of puzzle pieces that, when connected, make the Thompson Twins logo.
I originally found them at the Musicland (now Sam Goody) in the mall near where I grew up, along with a couple of other cool picture discs. But I didn't buy them right away, so when I returned to get them - they were long gone.
About ten years ago, I was in a used record store in Milwaukee (I'm pretty sure it was called Sonic Boom and I'm equally sure the store no longer exists) and there it was in the T section.
The entire three-record set, unplayed, in plastic, for $10.
Needless to say, I didn't pass it up again.
These records have never been touched by a needle, amd then never will. They are probably worth nothing, except I think they are pretty cool.
I still pop a Thompson Twins disc in on occasion, but I am not as fond of them as I used to be. The trio of Alannah Currie, Tom Bailey and Joe Leway became a duo after Leway left before the 88 release fo "Close to the Bone."
Bailey and Currie released several more records as the Thompson Twins, before forming the dub group Babble.
The two were also married for several years, but (according to Wikipedia) they have since divorced. Bailey still records under the name International Observer.

Listen to the Thompson Twins (click to listen/right click to save)

"If You Were Here" (from Side Kicks)

Listen to International Observer

"London"

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