Ask the DJ: Hattie Pearson – Top 10 Tunes from The 80s That You Didn’t Realise You Actually Loved

Hattie Pearson is a gig going, band managing, YouTube presenting, radio talking, tune spinning, Manchester living lady. She hosts 1-4am on the indie radio station, Radio X but can be found playing out every Saturday night at her 80s residency, GIRLS ON FILM at The Deaf Institute in Manchester.

Check out her Top 10 tunes from the 80s that you didn’t realise you actually loved… or maybe you did. Whatever.

1. KC & The Sunshine Band – ‘Give It Up’ 

“Having only just been born in the 80s  – 23 Nov 1989 to be precise (yes I know a woman should never give away her age, but I’m trying to make a point here) – I feel there’s a duty especially to the younger generation to ensure this genius musical decade lives on and doesn’t get forgotten. There’s no denying KC & The Sunshine Band got it absolutely spot on when writing this banger!”

2. Jermaine Stewart – ‘We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off’

“I play this every single week without fail and try to resist stripping to my smalls when I hear the chorus “We don’t have to take our clothes off, to have a good time, we could dance and party all night and drink some cherry wine, oh, oh.” No, Jermaine we don’t have to take our clothes off to have a good time, but you know what… occasionally it can help can’t it?”

3. Toto – ‘Africa’ 

“To be frank with you, I’m not sure why I included this track in the list of 80s songs that you didn’t realise you loved… Let’s face it you knew you loved this anthem already – after all it is bloody ‘Africa’ by Toto!”

4. Dire Straits – ‘Walk Of Life’

“Dire Straits are a force to be reckoned with. Without fail this 1985 track can get a room full of people up dancing and doing air keyboard.”

5. B52s – ‘Love Shack’

This song is so good I named my wifi network at home after it. Why I hear you ask? It was more original than the obvious option ‘Pretty Fly For A Wifi’ being inspired by The Offspring‘s 1998 hit ‘Pretty Fly For A White Guy’.

6. Rick James – ‘Super Freak’

“If you can break dance (or attempt it badly) then this is for you. The amount of times I’ve seen someone nearly break their neck when playing this is laughable, but seriously, if you can’t break dance, don’t – you’re one health and safety form away from a drunken 2am trip to A&E and I ain’t taking ya!”

7. Hues Corporation – ‘Rock The Boat’

“OK, so this technically May 1974 but let’s just ignore that small fact because it’s a downright awesome tune so we can make exception. I even do some cheesy dance moves to this one, including rocking a boat (watch the video and you’ll see where my inspiration comes from)!”

8. Black Box – ‘Ride On Time’

“Do I even need to explain why I know you’ll love this? I’ll usually sandwich this between ‘Last Night A DJ Saved My Life’ by Indeep, ‘Good Life’ by Inner City and ‘She Drives Me Crazy’ by Fine Young Cannibals. Try it for yourself and I guarantee you’ll come over all warm and fuzzy!

9. Eurthymics – ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)’

“One to follow on nicely from the above track. Annie Lennox is well… Annie Lennox and there’s no denying that this single turned up full volume makes me dance so hard I sweat in places I didn’t even realise could sweat. Someone pass me the deodorant!”

10. Duran Duran – Girls On Film

“No 80s set would be complete without a bit of Duran Duran. It goes without saying that this track gets a lot of love from me as my residency takes its name from this song, GIRLS ON FILM. Simon Le Bon would be proud I reckon!”

Catch Hattie, 1-4 am on Radio X, or get yourself along to GIRLS ON FILM at The Deaf Institute, Manchester, every Saturday for more 80s tunes.

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