Today's Tune: "Our House" By Madness

The music for the Madness song "Our House" was written by English guitarist Chris Foreman (Madness, The Madness, Crunch!), who was born on August 8th. I've seen the year he was born listed as both 1955 and 1956, so who knows? The song was first released on 'The Rise & Fall' album in 1982.

A long list of celebrities were born on the 8th of August. Here is a partial list: 1935 - American television producer, writer and director Donald Bellisario (Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, Battlestar Galactica - original series), 1937 - American actor Dustin Hoffman ('The Graduate', 'Lenny', 'Meet The Fockers') and in 1961 - Guitarist "The Edge" (U2) of Ireland was actually born in England to Welsh parents.

Deaths that occurred on August 8: Scottish circus performer Angus MacAskill (a.k.a. "Giant MacAskill") in 1863 and American astronaut James Irwin in 1991.

A couple of the historical events for the 8th of August: 1974 - US President Richard M. Nixon announced his resignation (Watergate scandal), which become official the next day, and 1988 - British Prince Andrew, Duke Of York and Sarah, Duchess Of York, became parents.

The Young Ones - "Sick" (Series 2 / 11th overall episode)
Clip includes Madness miming to "Our House".

Happy 57th Birthday Alexei Sayle

Recent photo of Alexei Sayle from his web site.

I know I mentioned that Alexei Sayle was born on August 7, 1952 in the previous post, but I felt like doin' it more proper like. A post totally about Mr. Sayle. So, Happy Birthday Alexei!

My favorite Communist funnyman is a comedian, an actor (both humorous and serious) and an author. Sayle's comedy has been described as physical, surreal, alternative and in the same vein as the popular comedy group Monty Python. I suppose these are pretty good descriptions. As far as appearance, for many years he sported a shaved head with stubby whiskers, while dressed in a suit that was well undersized for his frame. Recently though, he's let some hair grow on his head along with a decent beard.

Alexei Sayle has done radio, television, movies and records. He's written screenplays and books. Even if you don't care for his political and social views, there's no denying that he is a very intelligent man, and funny as hell.

When I think about Alexei, I remember his television shows Alexei Sayle's Stuff (1988 - 1991), The Young Ones (1982 - 1984), and his appearance in the Doctor Who episode "Revelation Of The Daleks" (1985). It's all good stuff. If you haven't experienced his work, you ought to as soon as possible. To get you started if you're unfamiliar, or maybe to help you remember if it's been a while, I've included some videos below.

Alexei Sayle as DJ in Doctor Who: "Revalation Of The Daleks" (1985)



Alexei Sayle's Stuff (1988 - 1991) - Opening Sequence



Alexei Sayle's Stuff - "Interfering With The Audience"


Alexei Sayle's Stuff - "God Sketch"



The Young Ones - Alexei Sayle as Reggie Balowski in "The Bomb" (Series 1 - Episode 4)

Young Ones Christmas

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