"This is the sound of my soul"

Spandau Ballet will re-release its signature hit "True" on May 5 to mark its 25th anniversary, according to the band's official website.

The digital release will include the original single, a new mix by guitarist/songwriter Gary Kemp and original co-producer Tony Swain, a remastered album version, a live version of the song and -- if that's not enough -- a live recording of the band's other big hit, "Gold."

This summer, the band expects to release Spandau Ballet Sight and Sound, a CD/DVD featuring all the band's hits and accompanying videos.

Comments

[C]

True was the song that made me never listen to anything else by Spandau Ballet for 20 years. They actually have a lot of good music.

[Big Tex]

I'll admit it - I love True.

[Debra]

I have to say, "True" is my least favorite Spandau Ballet song. It's just the one that appealed to the US masses.

[Jeff in Cuba]

"True" is on an embarrassingly long list of songs I once pretended to like to ingratiate myself with a woman (although I do like most of the rest of that album, especially "Gold" and "Communication").

Ironically, I ended up marrying a woman who despises Spandau Ballet with a Daly-esque passion.

[Ian from Down Under]

It reminds me of a girl that was 23 with 2 kids and I was 17. I was sure we were going to spend together forever. However, I got a broken heart and she got the album. So I now hate it as much as Sean does. But hey, all ended up good. I now have a great wife and beautiful baby girl.

[Marissa]

"True" reminds me of being 18 and having a huge crush on a guy who glided when he walked. I swear it was like he was on a walkway like at the airport. Anyway, whenever I saw him "True" would come on the radio.

[jane]

Yeah -- I think I just about covered that category in my last post.

And 'twas admittedly like shooting fish in a barrel. But still.

[Ian from Down Under]

How about we try and find a band that isn't a British Gay band from the eighties to fit into this category.

[jane]

Bronski Beat and/or Communards get my vote, along with Culture Club. And Pet Shop Boys.

[Ian from Down Under]

Not sure about French bands Walter, you only ever see the backs of them. Darn Froggies, always running away. Also, Culture Club must rank up there as well. They would have trouble punching their way out of a wet paper bag.

[Walter Cox]

Well, sure, Ian, they can be *your* wimpiest band, but he's still Australian, making him manlier than most of the rest of the world. You think there's not some French band wimpier than Air Supply?

[Ian from Down Under]

Walter,
Russell Hitchcock is Australian. However, Graham Russell is English. Therefore I think one cancels out the other. Being Australian myself, I think I am entitled to announce that Air Supply is most undoubtedly Australia's wimpiest band EVER. As I would be shocked if AC/DC or the Oils would have a huge amount to do with Air Supply. My international vote goes to either Bros or Bronski Beat.

[Emily]

C'mon...the Spandeau are '80s legends. I saw Tony Hadley and Peter Cox Go West) in concert in London in 2005 and it was great.

My husband is going to go nuts. He hates the whole New Romantic thing! He was into Madness and Ska!

[GlennS.]

"True" has to be the second most overplayed 80s song of all time (right after "I Melt With You")and whenever I hear those first notes on the radio I always hope that maybe they're just going to play the PM Dawn song that sampled the main riff. Unfortunately, that's seldom the case.

[chase]

Drat, I was ignorant of the Aussie connection, you're right, they get a hall pass by virtue of being friends with Midnight Oil and AC/DC ...

Man, does Kajagoogoo get the same? That's harsh, kind of like that movie, "My Bodyguard" ...

[Walter Cox]

If there's any justice in the world, Daly will have to write a lengthy article on the re-release.

I don't think Air Supply is the wimpiest, based on one fact: Russel Hitchcock is Australian (I think), therefore most likely decended from convicts, therefore a tought little booger on a genetic level.

As for The Last Starfighter, does Sean want to have to explain what Playboys are, and why one would want to hide them?

[chase]

Okay, new topic:

WIMPIEST BANDS OF THE 80s ... These are the bands that were afraid to go in the restroom if Moltley Crue was in there, and even got pushed around by Elton John and the Violent Femmes.

Who's atop the list? Spandau Ballet? English Beat? Air Supply? Toto? Asia? Journey?

(Sorry, Steve ... Journey is in the running)

[jane]

Totally showing my ignorance here, having never seen The Last Starfighter... but Robert "We've got trouble right here in River City" Preston pulls his face off? That Robert Preston?

Now I'm intrigued.

[Spears]

Sean was debating whether to show it to Kid Lulu. I think it's safe enough. No really awful violence.

Though Robert Preston pulling his face off is going to get a couple screams, I'm betting.

[Bassnote]

I watched Last Starfighter with my 8 year old daughter a few weeks ago, and she loved it.

[Dennis]

I guess Sean will mark 5th May in red on his calendar as National Celebration Day + look out for a Tony Hadley poster?

[Spears]

No, he's still digesting our epic lunch at Crazy Buffet. And oogling his brand new copy of "The Last Starfighter."

[Bassnote]

Is Sean sitting at his desk now screaming, "WHY GOD, WHY!?!?!"