1980s British Bands + Elvis

Always Something There to Remind Me

Here are two 1980s songs, by two different British bands that I really like.

The first is “Always Something There to Remind Me” by Naked Eyes. This less well-known New Wave song was a great example of synth-pop. I should point out that this song makes good use of church bells.

Lyrics

I walk along the city streets you used to walk along with me
And every step I take reminds me of just how
We used to be

Well, how can I forget you girl
When there is always something there to remind me?
Always something there to remind me

As shadows fall, I pass a small cafe where we would dance at night
And I can’t help recalling
How it felt to kiss and hold you tight

Well, how can I forget you girl
When there is always something there to remind me?
Always something there to remind me

I was born to love her
And I will never be free
You’ll always be a part of me
Oh whoa whoa whoa

If you should find you miss the sweet and tender love we used to share
Just come back to the places where we used to go
And I’ll be there

Well, how can I forget you girl
When there is always something there to remind me?
Always something there to remind me

I was born to love her
And I will never be free
You’ll always be a part of me

‘Cause there is always something there to remind me
Always something there to remind me

Always something there to remind me
Always something there to remind me
Always something there to remind me
Always something there to remind me

Always something there to remind me
Always something there to remind me
Always something there to remind me

Always On My Mind

The second song is “Always On My Mind” released on November 30, 1987, by the British group Pet Shop Boys. This is another New Wave song featuring synth-pop. Their song is very upbeat and has a faster tempo than the Elvis Presley cover of this song. I think, although I really enjoy the Pet Shop Boys’ rendition, I prefer the Presley which has a richer tone and expresses more feeling.

Lyrics

Maybe I didn’t treat you quite as good as I should
Maybe I didn’t love you quite as often as I could
Little things I should’ve said and done, I never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn’t hold you all those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you, I’m so happy that you’re mine
If I made you feel second best, I’m so sorry, I was blind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
Give me one more chance to keep you satisfied
Satisfied

Little things I should’ve said and done, I never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
Give me one more chance to keep you satisfied

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn’t treat you quite as good as I should
Maybe I didn’t love you quite as often as I could
Maybe I didn’t hold you all those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you, I’m so happy that you’re mine

(Maybe I didn’t love you…)

Elvis

Elvis Presley recorded the song on March 29, 1972, a few weeks after his separation, in February, from his beloved wife Priscilla whom Elvis would later say was the only true love of his life. You can hear the pain and longing in Presley’s rendition of this song. It’s a brilliant performance.