RANDOM SIGHTS + SOUNDS

5 Star were a British pop-soul group who were largely popular in their native country during the mid 1980's. This family act began as teens, comprised of siblings Stedman, Lorraine, Denise, Doris and Delroy Pearson, that was clearly modeled after the Jackson 5 with their father, Buster Pearson, a former session musician, managing them. Although I didn't really hear their music on the radio in this country, I became familiar with 5 Star from their music videos I caught on the Canadian version of MTV, MuchMusic.

Their breakout single, "All Fall Down" reached the UK top-twenty in 1985 and that was followed by the hits, "System Addict", "Can't Wait Another Minute", "Rain or Shine", "Love Take Over" and "Let Me Be the One" which would be their biggest success in the US, peaking at number two on the Hot R&B chart. 5 Star went on to win the BRIT Award for Best British Group in 1987. But by 1989, 5 Star saw their songs failing to chart and after getting dropped by their record label, the group informally disbanded in 1995. If you are a fan or have never heard of their music, here's a small sample of the catchy songs and slick moves from 5 Star for your enjoyment:







Here are a few recent releases I'm enjoying at the moment:







I was surprised to hear a cover of "Put Your Records On", first performed by singer/songwriter, Corinne Bailey Rae back in 2006, from Ritt Momney. This Utah-based act (which is a play on the Republican Senator's name) was an indie-rock band but is now just Jack Rutter after the other members left to become Mormon missionaries. Feeling depressed while stuck in quarantine at his parents' house, Rutter decided to record Bailey's joyous hit as a way create some sense of happiness for himself. TikTok helped this unlikely cover get some attention, becoming a viral hit and eventually helped this re-imagined song chart across the globe.



And Ms Rae gave her blessing to Rutter's version of her song. Here is a bonus of Corrine Bailey Rae performing "Put Your Records On" live:



And to close this out, here are two of the biggest names of 1960's British soul, Tom Jones and Dusty Springfield, teaming up together on his 1970 television variety show with a cover of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", originally recorded by Diana Ross & the Supremes and The Temptations.