British bands from the 80s were my absolute favourite! “Don’t leave me this way” Is another great disco cover. The lead singer’s previous band Bronski Beat, also has a great song “Small town Boy”
Great reaction!!! Turned 21 in 1982; the best decade to be young and alive. Came home drunk after a night of partying and dancing and saw this video in a haze on MTV and LOVED IT! But, the only thing i could remember was that this was a great song to dance to and the singer had a funny shaped head. (I was in a haze after all) I could never find it anywhere.... BUT I FOUND IT HERE 40 YEARS LATER!!!!!!! I knew it instantly. My life has been made complete.
Jimmy Sommerville (formerly of Bronski Beat) has an incredible falsetto, and he sounds great in his lower register as well, but he's famous for his falsetto. This is a remake of a classic song by the Jackson 5, and then as a disco version (which this one covers) by Gloria Gaynor, who had a huge hit with it also as a disco song.
@@sexysadie2901 He is considered to be a countertenor, and of course he uses falsetto, because he can also sing in his regular voice and he speaks with a deep voice.
This is a great version of a classic song. But I also hope you guys either have reacted or will react to the Jackson 5 version. That was the version that first made this song a classic. And it's still my favorite version of this song.
the lead singer, Jimmy Somerville was an icon, but you ain't heard nothing until the Communards cover of Don't Leave Me This Way...amazing! For a bit of soul try Small Town Boy from Jimmy's Bronski Beat days.
Originally written for The Supremes (although sadly not recorded by them), the honour of actually first performing and recording this song went to the Jackson 5 (1971). In 1974, Gloria Gaynor recorded a version which is arguably the best known and most popular, and then in 1987, the Communards came along and covered it, putting their own stamp on it, the result being a staple of late 80s school discos here in the UK
Yes, they really need to listen to the Motown hit. This is more of one of those 80's tributes in the same vein as "Lay All Your Love On Me", "Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird", etc. But it is not what I consider an 80's song by any means, just because of the dance beat and synth. "Tainted Love" on the other hand was a huge hit and not as successful originally and Softcell made it their own.
The keyboard guy had a second career as the vicar of Finedon Church in Northamptonshire. Happy retirement to The Reverend Richard Coles, now an author!
I genuinely love Jimmy's lil queenie dance moves, definitely brings me joy along with music 🎶 ❤ I wish I Knew of him back then and other openly gay artists, it definitely would have added MORE color to my life and I would have recognized something in him I would have been able to relate to ❤
I don't see anything particularly "queenie" about his dance moves. Yeah, he's openly gay but I just didn't see his performance as "queenie". I'm glad you liked it though. Check out Bronski Beat, his first group. The songs are about gay issues., and his solo albums (which are very hard to find in the US, they are imports) are VERY good. You can stream them though.
5:43 I just love seeing Richard sliding onto the floor for his smooth dance moves, not quite pushing Jimmy out of the way, but just slipping into the gap as Jimmy steps back. 👍
Cant believe this was suggested, above their version of Dont leave me this way,, you really, really have to listen to that, will get you out of your seats!!
@@fayesouthall6604 a) ABSOLUTELY!!! and b) THANK YOU for putting it that way!!! I am on a personal campaign to bring "stone cold" back (bonus points if it's part of "stone cold fox," as I'm also trying to bring "such a fox/ so foxy" back, and I always love a two-fer😊 🪨🥶🦊
Jimmy Somerville one of my favourite singers first in Bronski Beat then the Comunards and later solo. Small-town boy from Bronski Beat was an epic song
I'm so glad you liked this track because Jimmy Somerville coming back to the club charts with The Communards was a major thing! And Amber, your estimation of what life in the clubs in the 80s was like is SPOT ON...I know, I was there in my 20s & experienced all this stuff you're loving as it happened. You always remind me how much fun I had & how glad I am I wasted so much time doing it LOL!!!
I am so happy you guys discovered this song and that you like it. It was one of my faves back in the day - and you’re right - clubland in the 80s was a special place. If singer’s voice intrigued you (Jimmy Somerville) give his other 80s classics a try. I’d suggest “Why?” and “Smalltown Boy,” both with Bronski Beat. Either is a good choice for Pride month, also.
Another great song by them is Don’t Leave Me This Way, Richard Cole’s the keyboard player is an English writer, Radio presenter, and was a vicar from 2011 - 2022, and yes they are still friends. Another great song to check out which is very poignant is Belfast Child, Simple Minds. 🤘😎🎸💀✊
The coolest thing about The Communards is that one half of the duo is now not only an openly gay Anglican priest (Reverend Richard Coles), but is also really quite well known on UK TV and radio as a host/contributor. Probably the most famous TV priest in the UK today and an extremely clever and funny guy.
Just to clarify, Jimmy is gay, too. (Anybody wondering why they covered a Michael Jackson song is probably reaching, but it's not as if this is the first time someone wondered about Michael…)
"I feel like all of your wildest dreams could truly be lived in a club in the 80s" 🤣🤣🤣🕺💃🪩🎶 TRUTH!!!! Oh Amber, I wish I could grab you and J and jump in a Delorean, travel back to the 80s and set the dance floor on 🔥🔥🔥 Also, I am 100% with everyone suggesting Don't Leave Me This Way-- PHENOMENAL!!!
I’m loving watching you both listen to songs. Love your smiles and joy. I’m 57 so was there when Jimmy Sommerville of the Communards was doing his thing. This might be one of the weaker of his songs, he’s done so many great ones - check out his earlier work in ‘Bronski Beat’. He was so important in challenging 1980’s homophobia in the UK. Keep the smiles and tunes coming - such a great antidote to a busy day. Thank you ❤
The Harold Ramis lookalike on the keyboards is Richard Coles, now a Church of England Reverand. The backing singers were The Banderas who had a hit with 'This is Your Life'.
Hey Amber, you were bang on the money, when you said that it must have been amazing dancing to this at a club in the 80's ....I did and can say that all troubles just melted away...we need this back so bad, as there are so many more troubles now unfortunately. I'm positive the world and its people would be in a better, happier place right now if we could again experience the incredible tunes like this from the 80's...back to making love not war...if only! Thank you for bringing us your incredible music and great entertainment.....the sound quality of your videos are the best! with love from the wet & dreary UK.... 🥰
Absolute banger.So catchy. And what a falsetto voice. Seen Jimmy Somerville live recently and he can still hit those high notes. I want to be on the dance floor with them busting out moves. Love it.
You guys promote “making someone smile”. I typically try to follow your lead. Today, my husband and I went to Home Depot. Inside we saw a family with their very young son and his golden doodle puppy. The puppy was so excited to experience Home Depot with the family. We smiled. Outside, we passed a man loading wood to a cart. His toddler daughter yelled “I love you Daddy!”. Then she yelled to his partner, “I love you Daddy”! Made my husband and I smile big time!
@@AZambri1 just like Tina Turner with "I Can't Stand The Rain", Cyndi Lauper with "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You", Eric Clapton's "Cocaine", The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun", Blondie's "The Tide Is High"...
@@oskarobit I Can't Stand the Rain wasn't Tina's biggest hit, and the others all had equal if not bigger hits as well. But I understand what you are saying. This just isn't for me.
You really should do Don’t Leave Me This Way. The soaring vocals and combination of Jimmy Somerville and Sarah Jane Morris, the horns, piano band video make this a must see
Jimmy Somerville is still going strong, performing new music and the Hits. We're so lucky to have him still around, He's Fantastic !!! Gloria Gaynor had the Disco Hit then the Comm's took it up, it's a Great Song all around mission accomplished, Made Me Smile. !
Finally you listened to the wonderful Jimmy Somerville, the lead singer. Keep checking his performances with The Communards and his former group, Bronski Beat, please. Some suggestions: "It ain't necessarily so", "Smalltown boy", "Why?" by Bronski Beat, "Don't leave me this way", "Disenchanted", "Tomorrow", "So cold the night", "For a friend" by The Communards.
Yes, all of the above. Disenchanted is a must as is Smalltown Boy. For a Friend is a ballad about losing someone to AIDS, which many, myself included, experienced too many times in the 80s. Tomorrow is another very powerful ballad about leaving an abuse relationship. There is a line that sends shivers down my back whenever I hear it "You may break the skin but you can't kill the soul. I've had all I can take."
I had a couple of their cds, I probably still do have them somewhere. A friend came back from a semester in London in 1985 and brought back a cassette of what was on the radio over there, so I was introduced to the Communards. Love their energy and that falsetto! I sang Don't Leave Me This Way at a very early karaoke night, expecting the Thelma Houston version and ended up singing way up with Jimmy Sommerville. It was a challenge! Even that attempt pulled people onto their little dance floor. It's so much fun.
Takes me back to my precious youth spent dancing in gay clubs! This was a "confetti song"....played at the height of the night with a packed dance floor and a celebratory pop of confetti raining down at just the right climactic moment! Good times!
As Synth pop is my era growing up i must suggest a few here. Ultravox - Vienna, Visage - Fade to grey, Kraftwerk - The Model, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Maid of Orleans & Enola Gay, Tubeway Army - Are Friends Electric, Gary Numan - I Die You Die & We are Glass, Blancmange - Living on the Ceiling & Blind Vision all of which were massive hits when i was younger.
Jimmy Sommerville is a vocal icon from two of the top gay bands of the 80s (Communards and Bronski Beat). He was also an icon for the gay community, as he was very open about his homosexuality and refused to hide any aspect of that. You'll note, he says, "I never can say goodbye, boy." This was HUGE back then. So many gay performers, like Elton John and George Michael hid their homosexuality for fear of backlash. (Of course, things were much different for Elton than George Michael, being that he started performing in the early 70s. Obviously, they both eventually came out.) Sommerville kind of paved the way for other gay artists to come out and was a trailblazer in the LGBTQ community in that and many other ways. I have great respect for him. And yeah ... when any Jimmy Sommerville song came on in the club, the dance floor was instantly packed. LOL. Great tune. Listen to more. Just pick anything. They're all great.
Amber, you are so right about the dance clubs in the 80's!! That is my era and it was fun!! The higher the hair, the closer to God, caked on makeup and dancing until the sun came up. What a time to be in University!!
One of my favourite bangers from the Eighties. This was HUGE on its release and it filled the dancefloors all over the UK in its heyday. Great video too, a real feel good dance track. Try Don't Leave Me This Way and Jimmy (the lead singer) previous group Bronski Beat. 👍
Jimmy Somerville's voice is so recognizable. First in Bronski Beat, later in The Communards. Their cover of "Don't Leave Me This Way", originally by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, was an 80s classic! He also had a solo career and sang backing vocals on an Elvis cover by the Fine Young Cannibals of "Suspicious Minds".
I have been waiting for some Communards for a while now from you lovely people. Lead singer is Jimmy Sommervile. Next up should be "Don't leave me this way" A real club banger back in the day. Jimmy's previoud band Bronski Beat also had a great hit with "Smalk Town Boy" Slower but great song.
Really recommend Don’t Leave Me This Way, am sure Jay will love the horns as well as Jimmy and Sarah Jane’s vocals, but also Jimmy and Richard in their previous band, Bronski Beat, which have some awesome lyrics.
Oh Amber you’re right, I lived my dreams on the the dance floor in the 80’s, met the one I love and still with him now. You should try communards “You are my world” if you want to hear Jimmy Summerville hits those high notes. FYI the guy dancing in the suit is the Reverend Richard Cole, the other half of the communards, he’s one of the funniest and most intelligent people with a warm heart you could ever meet! ❤️ to you both for making an old man feel young again. 🕺
The singer, Jimmy Somerville, also did some solo stuff in the late 80s early 90s, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" from 1989 is amazing, and "To Love Somebody" is another one worth listening to.
I first heard Jimmy Sommerville on the Red, Hot and Blue album for AIDS awareness. This was a great album where various artists did their takes on Cole Porter songs. I loved Jimmy''s version of "From this Moment On" and Erasure's "Too Darn Hot." I highly recommend this album to anyone who hasn't heard it.
Amber is so right-I lived my best life dancing to Jimmy Sommerville’s voice, whether it was him in Bronski Beat or w/The Communards, lots of late nights, sweating up a storm on the dancefloor! This is a remake of a disco song, many disco songs were remade w/new synth versions on them, like the KC & The Sunshine Band’s 70’s version of “That’s The Way I Like It” to the 80’s cover of the same song by Dead or Alive. Those of us who were clubbing in the 80’s, had grown up w/the originals, so it usually was a guaranteed hit when there were new remakes released.
The pianist- guy with the glasses - became an Anglican priest. He’s called Reverend Richard Coles. He’s a Uk broadcaster and author. He’s absolutely lovely. I can’t convey how joyous and wonderful it was to hear Jimmy Somerville’s voice as a teenager in the 80s
It’s true, Amber. In the ‘80s I went to a punk/new wave/early rap club (Friday through Sunday) The concerts I saw, the people I dated, the vibes: every dream was accessible in ‘80s clubs💜🌈👨🎤
My all time favorite song from them is Lovers in a Dangerous Time. I always thought that they stretched their legs and showed off their amazing talent in that remake.
Yes, Yes, Yes. The Barenaked Ladies are fun and their songs usually tell a story. They have a song "Brian Wilson" which is an homage to the Beach Boys songwriter, producer, singer, bassist and pianist. A couple of fun songs are "If I had a $1,000,000" and "One Week". 🎸😎
Dance floors would fill anytime Jimmy Sommerville would sing /Communards or Bronski Beat! "Don't leave me this way" or Small-town Boy, Why, "You Make Me Feel by "Sylvester" dance icon! 💃 👠 🎶 🍾 🎉
I STRONGLY recommend "Small Town Boy," Bronski Beat. I think it was Jimmy Sommerville's first hit and stamped his voice on the 80s. It is also a pivotal song because it is about a boy growing up gay in a small town who is bullied and has to leave for the city--it was a big deal at the time to sing about this topic openly and not via inuendo and code. A big song and group for the gay liberation movement.
Thank you for choosing this. Jimmy Sommerville was and is an amazing musician who was a huge part of the soundtrack of the 80s and 90s. He has so many great songs from his work with Bronski Beat, The Communards, and his solo work. Watch the movie "Pride" about the British miners' strikes in the 80s. There is a huge connection with Jimmy and his heartbreaking song "For A Friend".
I'm usually a synth-pop kinda guy, but in this case I'll take the Gloria Gaynor 70's disco version - or the Jackson 5 original. Also, I'd love if you did ABC's "Be Near Me" or "When Smokey Sings"!
Love it! Is sort of a combo of Michael Jackson singing it in his high voice when he was young, with Gloria Gaynor’s disco-like version. Is one of those songs that forces you to get up and move!
For one of the most amazing songs regarding a son facing rejection from his family for being gay or possibly even suspected of being gay as it isn't fully clarified and to hear him with his amazing voice you guys have got to check out when he was with Bronski Beat and the song Small-town Boy is legendary. And as Pride month this would be a good reaction video to bring darkness into the light and celebrate what we have with Pride in 2023 as opposed to how it was in the 80s.
man it was life, the gay clubs of the mid/late 80's and the dancing...an escape from some truly bad things going on for our community back then. it didn't solve any problems, but gave us the ability to recharge to face the next day's problems
My favourite communists track is you are my world, they did a version of don’t leave me this way was previously performed by Harold Melvin and the blue notes with Teddy Pendergrass on lead vocals I think. Jimmy Sommerville was also the lead vocalist of bronski beat who are also a great band
You're right about this song having a disco sound. It was originally released in '71 by the Jackson 5. So while The Communards give it their own '80s vibe, it was also a disco hit - especially for Gloria Gaynor, who was one of the absolute queens of disco.
And Richard Coles has become a British Icon (in the league of Terry Wogan / Roger Royal and Paul O'Grady all rolled into one ). You know you have made it when you get to be in Dictionary Corner of Channel 4 Countdown.
Their version of “don’t leave me this way” is also stellar
Totally!
@reddragonready They also need to review Bronski Beats "Smalltown Boy" Since they are also Bee Gees fan his version of "To Love Somebody."
Teddy Pendergrass did the definitive version of "Don't Leave Me This Way"
Over Thelma Houston? Ok. To each his own. Does this group have their own original music? Sheesh.
Yes yes yes!
British bands from the 80s were my absolute favourite! “Don’t leave me this way” Is another great disco cover.
The lead singer’s previous band Bronski Beat, also has a great song “Small town Boy”
I thought I recognized him. Very cool!
Don't leave me this way is amazing
They must’ve been big Gloria Gaynor fans.
Small Town Boy is the only song I heard him sing. Never forgot it. His falsetto is what caught my attention.
He has a YT channel, they put up old performance clips.
The keyboard player became a church of england priest, a celebrity, and now an excellent crime fiction writer!
Great reaction!!! Turned 21 in 1982; the best decade to be young and alive. Came home drunk after a night of partying and dancing and saw this video in a haze on MTV and LOVED IT! But, the only thing i could remember was that this was a great song to dance to and the singer had a funny shaped head. (I was in a haze after all) I could never find it anywhere.... BUT I FOUND IT HERE 40 YEARS LATER!!!!!!! I knew it instantly. My life has been made complete.
Jimmy Sommerville (formerly of Bronski Beat) has an incredible falsetto, and he sounds great in his lower register as well, but he's famous for his falsetto. This is a remake of a classic song by the Jackson 5, and then as a disco version (which this one covers) by Gloria Gaynor, who had a huge hit with it also as a disco song.
That's not falsetto, he can reach the notes without needing to use the falsetto.
@@sexysadie2901 He is considered to be a countertenor, and of course he uses falsetto, because he can also sing in his regular voice and he speaks with a deep voice.
@@sexysadie2901 his natural voice is really, really deep and yes, he sings in falsetto.
Love Bronski Beat. Hopefully they'll discover them soon!
This is a great version of a classic song. But I also hope you guys either have reacted or will react to the Jackson 5 version. That was the version that first made this song a classic. And it's still my favorite version of this song.
Written by actor Clifton Davis for The Supremes, but instead recorded by The Jackson 5, and was a big hit!!
They've done ONE Jackson 5 reaction. And that was for their kids.
I did not know this.
Amen. Clifton Davis played Reverend Reuben Gregory on the TV show Amen, 110 episodes.
I thought it sounded familiar
@@blackblake3658 Isaac Hayes also had a hit version!
the lead singer, Jimmy Somerville was an icon, but you ain't heard nothing until the Communards cover of Don't Leave Me This Way...amazing! For a bit of soul try Small Town Boy from Jimmy's Bronski Beat days.
They should totally get on the live version on top of the pops, incredible. And he still sings it today.
Smalltown Boy is an Anthem.
Please do a reaction to Thelma Houston's version of "Don't Leave Me This Way" before moving on to The Communards'.
Also give a listen to Smalltown Boy by the Bronski Beat with the same singer.
YES! It's a must play.
The keyboard player is now the Reverend Richard Coles. He's on loads of TV and radio comedy panel shows over here in the UK. He's such a lovely bloke.
Originally written for The Supremes (although sadly not recorded by them), the honour of actually first performing and recording this song went to the Jackson 5 (1971). In 1974, Gloria Gaynor recorded a version which is arguably the best known and most popular, and then in 1987, the Communards came along and covered it, putting their own stamp on it, the result being a staple of late 80s school discos here in the UK
Isaac Hayes also covered "Never can say goodbye". Check it out.
@@WillieFields-f7b ooh, I didn't know Issac Hayes covered it. I'll have to check that version out
Right, I immediately thought of Gloria Gaynor, but she so owned that song that I forgot The Jackson Five had done it before her.
Yes, they really need to listen to the Motown hit. This is more of one of those 80's tributes in the same vein as "Lay All Your Love On Me", "Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird", etc. But it is not what I consider an 80's song by any means, just because of the dance beat and synth. "Tainted Love" on the other hand was a huge hit and not as successful originally and Softcell made it their own.
@@SWLinPHX Yes, they should react to the Jackson 5 version.
You are right about being on a dance floor in the 80s. Best time ever!
Thanks for covering this! "Don't Leave Me This Way" is my favorite Communards recording.
OMG! the Communards!!! I thought I was the only one that listened to them!
The keyboard guy had a second career as the vicar of Finedon Church in Northamptonshire. Happy retirement to The Reverend Richard Coles, now an author!
They will never be any greater decade of music and movies than the 80's.
I genuinely love Jimmy's lil queenie dance moves, definitely brings me joy along with music 🎶 ❤ I wish I Knew of him back then and other openly gay artists, it definitely would have added MORE color to my life and I would have recognized something in him I would have been able to relate to ❤
I don't see anything particularly "queenie" about his dance moves. Yeah, he's openly gay but I just didn't see his performance as "queenie". I'm glad you liked it though. Check out Bronski Beat, his first group. The songs are about gay issues., and his solo albums (which are very hard to find in the US, they are imports) are VERY good. You can stream them though.
The guy on the keyboard/pianoin a suit and glasses is now a vicar.
5:43 I just love seeing Richard sliding onto the floor for his smooth dance moves, not quite pushing Jimmy out of the way, but just slipping into the gap as Jimmy steps back. 👍
Cant believe this was suggested, above their version of Dont leave me this way,, you really, really have to listen to that, will get you out of your seats!!
Agreed! It’s a stone cold banger.
@@fayesouthall6604 a) ABSOLUTELY!!! and b) THANK YOU for putting it that way!!! I am on a personal campaign to bring "stone cold" back (bonus points if it's part of "stone cold fox," as I'm also trying to bring "such a fox/ so foxy" back, and I always love a two-fer😊 🪨🥶🦊
Because this is way better than Don’t Leave Me This Way.
Jimmy Somerville one of my favourite singers first in Bronski Beat then the Comunards and later solo. Small-town boy from Bronski Beat was an epic song
Great song recommendation.
I'm so glad you liked this track because Jimmy Somerville coming back to the club charts with The Communards was a major thing! And Amber, your estimation of what life in the clubs in the 80s was like is SPOT ON...I know, I was there in my 20s & experienced all this stuff you're loving as it happened. You always remind me how much fun I had & how glad I am I wasted so much time doing it LOL!!!
I am so happy you guys discovered this song and that you like it. It was one of my faves back in the day - and you’re right - clubland in the 80s was a special place.
If singer’s voice intrigued you (Jimmy Somerville) give his other 80s classics a try. I’d suggest “Why?” and “Smalltown Boy,” both with Bronski Beat. Either is a good choice for Pride month, also.
I also spent my youth in clubs in the 80s, and I agree! I would also recommend Bronski Beat- Hit That Perfect Beat
This is a 70s song.
yeah, Hit That Perfect Beat is more what i’d think of from him. for this song, i’d just stick with the Gloria Gaynor version
Smalltown Boy is the one for me
@@Cindrbell It's a cover of a 70s song
My 1st time hearing this! Love this version! Make me happy and you guys always make me happy!
Wow!! Took me way back to my dance club days!! Awesome song ❤️
Another great song by them is Don’t Leave Me This Way, Richard Cole’s the keyboard player is an English writer, Radio presenter, and was a vicar from 2011 - 2022, and yes they are still friends. Another great song to check out which is very poignant is Belfast Child, Simple Minds. 🤘😎🎸💀✊
You missed out contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 😂
Richard Coles 8s also always on chat shows, quiz shows and is quite a entertaining character.
The coolest thing about The Communards is that one half of the duo is now not only an openly gay Anglican priest (Reverend Richard Coles), but is also really quite well known on UK TV and radio as a host/contributor. Probably the most famous TV priest in the UK today and an extremely clever and funny guy.
Just to clarify, Jimmy is gay, too.
(Anybody wondering why they covered a Michael Jackson song is probably reaching, but it's not as if this is the first time someone wondered about Michael…)
"I feel like all of your wildest dreams could truly be lived in a club in the 80s" 🤣🤣🤣🕺💃🪩🎶 TRUTH!!!! Oh Amber, I wish I could grab you and J and jump in a Delorean, travel back to the 80s and set the dance floor on 🔥🔥🔥 Also, I am 100% with everyone suggesting Don't Leave Me This Way-- PHENOMENAL!!!
Take me with u! I was in my late teens/early twenties in the 80s, and the were the best days ever!!! Would go back and stay in a heartbeat.
I’m loving watching you both listen to songs. Love your smiles and joy. I’m 57 so was there when Jimmy Sommerville of the Communards was doing his thing. This might be one of the weaker of his songs, he’s done so many great ones - check out his earlier work in ‘Bronski Beat’. He was so important in challenging 1980’s homophobia in the UK. Keep the smiles and tunes coming - such a great antidote to a busy day. Thank you ❤
Absolutely. Smalltown boy was great for opening hearts and minds,
A really crappy time for LGBT people.
The Harold Ramis lookalike on the keyboards is Richard Coles, now a Church of England Reverand. The backing singers were The Banderas who had a hit with 'This is Your Life'.
Love this song. Thank you for a good request.
Hey Amber, you were bang on the money, when you said that it must have been amazing dancing to this at a club in the 80's ....I did and can say that all troubles just melted away...we need this back so bad, as there are so many more troubles now unfortunately. I'm positive the world and its people would be in a better, happier place right now if we could again experience the incredible tunes like this from the 80's...back to making love not war...if only! Thank you for bringing us your incredible music and great entertainment.....the sound quality of your videos are the best! with love from the wet & dreary UK.... 🥰
Absolute banger.So catchy. And what a falsetto voice. Seen Jimmy Somerville live recently and he can still hit those high notes. I want to be on the dance floor with them busting out moves. Love it.
You guys promote “making someone smile”. I typically try to follow your lead. Today, my husband and I went to Home Depot. Inside we saw a family with their very young son and his golden doodle puppy. The puppy was so excited to experience Home Depot with the family. We smiled. Outside, we passed a man loading wood to a cart. His toddler daughter yelled “I love you Daddy!”. Then she yelled to his partner, “I love you Daddy”! Made my husband and I smile big time!
"Don't leave me this way" was probably there biggest hit
A cover was there biggest hit, eh?
Their.......
@@AZambri1 just like Tina Turner with "I Can't Stand The Rain", Cyndi Lauper with "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You", Eric Clapton's "Cocaine", The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun", Blondie's "The Tide Is High"...
@@Brian-om2hh Oy. I hate when I make typos. Yes, their. Sorry.
@@oskarobit I Can't Stand the Rain wasn't Tina's biggest hit, and the others all had equal if not bigger hits as well. But I understand what you are saying. This just isn't for me.
You really should do Don’t Leave Me This Way. The soaring vocals and combination of Jimmy Somerville and Sarah Jane Morris, the horns, piano band video make this a must see
Jimmy Somerville is still going strong, performing new music and the Hits.
We're so lucky to have him still around, He's Fantastic !!!
Gloria Gaynor had the Disco Hit then the Comm's took it up, it's a Great Song all around
mission accomplished, Made Me Smile. !
Jimmy Sommerville! Good musician, great hits and he never hide himself!
Finally you listened to the wonderful Jimmy Somerville, the lead singer. Keep checking his performances with The Communards and his former group, Bronski Beat, please. Some suggestions: "It ain't necessarily so", "Smalltown boy", "Why?" by Bronski Beat, "Don't leave me this way", "Disenchanted", "Tomorrow", "So cold the night", "For a friend" by The Communards.
Yes, all of the above. Disenchanted is a must as is Smalltown Boy. For a Friend is a ballad about losing someone to AIDS, which many, myself included, experienced too many times in the 80s. Tomorrow is another very powerful ballad about leaving an abuse relationship. There is a line that sends shivers down my back whenever I hear it "You may break the skin but you can't kill the soul. I've had all I can take."
Ronnie Reagan refused to even mention the AIDS crisis because he thought tit was "that gay disease." SMH
Doing my happy dance! Thank you.
I totally agree Don't Leave Me This Way the extended version if possible is an absolute must 😍🔥🔥
Jimmy Somerville was one of the defining voices of the 1980's.
Never heard of this group, but I'll give them respect for doing this Jackson 5 hit.
I had a couple of their cds, I probably still do have them somewhere. A friend came back from a semester in London in 1985 and brought back a cassette of what was on the radio over there, so I was introduced to the Communards. Love their energy and that falsetto! I sang Don't Leave Me This Way at a very early karaoke night, expecting the Thelma Houston version and ended up singing way up with Jimmy Sommerville. It was a challenge! Even that attempt pulled people onto their little dance floor. It's so much fun.
'Don't Leave me This Way' was their other big release- a cover of Thelma Houston's disco classic.
Takes me back to my precious youth spent dancing in gay clubs! This was a "confetti song"....played at the height of the night with a packed dance floor and a celebratory pop of confetti raining down at just the right climactic moment!
Good times!
As Synth pop is my era growing up i must suggest a few here. Ultravox - Vienna, Visage - Fade to grey, Kraftwerk - The Model, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Maid of Orleans & Enola Gay, Tubeway Army - Are Friends Electric, Gary Numan - I Die You Die & We are Glass, Blancmange - Living on the Ceiling & Blind Vision all of which were massive hits when i was younger.
Jimmy Sommerville is a vocal icon from two of the top gay bands of the 80s (Communards and Bronski Beat). He was also an icon for the gay community, as he was very open about his homosexuality and refused to hide any aspect of that. You'll note, he says, "I never can say goodbye, boy." This was HUGE back then. So many gay performers, like Elton John and George Michael hid their homosexuality for fear of backlash. (Of course, things were much different for Elton than George Michael, being that he started performing in the early 70s. Obviously, they both eventually came out.) Sommerville kind of paved the way for other gay artists to come out and was a trailblazer in the LGBTQ community in that and many other ways. I have great respect for him.
And yeah ... when any Jimmy Sommerville song came on in the club, the dance floor was instantly packed. LOL. Great tune. Listen to more. Just pick anything. They're all great.
A high vibration band I’m so happy the 80 s was during my 20 s ❤
This fills any dance floor.
Amber, you are so right about the dance clubs in the 80's!! That is my era and it was fun!! The higher the hair, the closer to God, caked on makeup and dancing until the sun came up. What a time to be in University!!
The guy with the glasses in the band is now a vicar/priest
I would say 80's synth DISCO. That is it's heritage. Disco. Instantly recognisable vocals by Jimmy who as I gather still sounds fantastic today !
Wow! This is a Great Upbeat version of an old Jackson 5 Hit! Never heard of this Group, but Love the complexity of the Song! :) Thx Guys!
One of my favourite bangers from the Eighties. This was HUGE on its release and it filled the dancefloors all over the UK in its heyday. Great video too, a real feel good dance track. Try Don't Leave Me This Way and Jimmy (the lead singer) previous group Bronski Beat. 👍
Y'all know that's a remake of the Jackson Five song
Exactly! I only knew the J5 version.
Yes! One of J5's best songs too! 💯
And I love it!
But it was Gloria Gaynor made it a hit in the UK.
Jackson 5 and Gloria Gaynor do this much better, but this isn't bad.
Jimmy Somerville's voice is so recognizable. First in Bronski Beat, later in The Communards. Their cover of "Don't Leave Me This Way", originally by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, was an 80s classic! He also had a solo career and sang backing vocals on an Elvis cover by the Fine Young Cannibals of "Suspicious Minds".
This is so 80's!!! LOVE IT!!!
I have been waiting for some Communards for a while now from you lovely people. Lead singer is Jimmy Sommervile. Next up should be "Don't leave me this way" A real club banger back in the day. Jimmy's previoud band Bronski Beat also had a great hit with "Smalk Town Boy" Slower but great song.
'Don't leave me this way.' is a must!
NEVER HEARD THIS VERSION,,IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111
"Don't Leave Me This Way" - another smash hit by the communards! High energy dance track! 💃 🕺🔥🔥
Really recommend Don’t Leave Me This Way, am sure Jay will love the horns as well as Jimmy and Sarah Jane’s vocals, but also Jimmy and Richard in their previous band, Bronski Beat, which have some awesome lyrics.
Jimmy Somerville - gay hero and icon! Such an inspiration to me when "Smalltown Boy" (with his then band Bronski Beat) came out.
He also covered I Feel Love, with Marc Almond, which was a bit of a showcase for both their talents. 😊
Oh Amber you’re right, I lived my dreams on the the dance floor in the 80’s, met the one I love and still with him now. You should try communards “You are my world” if you want to hear Jimmy Summerville hits those high notes. FYI the guy dancing in the suit is the Reverend Richard Cole, the other half of the communards, he’s one of the funniest and most intelligent people with a warm heart you could ever meet!
❤️ to you both for making an old man feel young again. 🕺
The singer, Jimmy Somerville, also did some solo stuff in the late 80s early 90s, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" from 1989 is amazing, and "To Love Somebody" is another one worth listening to.
I first heard Jimmy Sommerville on the Red, Hot and Blue album for AIDS awareness. This was a great album where various artists did their takes on Cole Porter songs. I loved Jimmy''s version of "From this Moment On" and Erasure's "Too Darn Hot." I highly recommend this album to anyone who hasn't heard it.
You Make Me Feel , a cover of Sylvester's song.
Amber is so right-I lived my best life dancing to Jimmy Sommerville’s voice, whether it was him in Bronski Beat or w/The Communards, lots of late nights, sweating up a storm on the dancefloor! This is a remake of a disco song, many disco songs were remade w/new synth versions on them, like the KC & The Sunshine Band’s 70’s version of “That’s The Way I Like It” to the 80’s cover of the same song by Dead or Alive. Those of us who were clubbing in the 80’s, had grown up w/the originals, so it usually was a guaranteed hit when there were new remakes released.
This was a club BANGER!
The pianist- guy with the glasses - became an Anglican priest. He’s called Reverend Richard Coles. He’s a Uk broadcaster and author. He’s absolutely lovely. I can’t convey how joyous and wonderful it was to hear Jimmy Somerville’s voice as a teenager in the 80s
Communards, and Bronski Beat earlier, were absolute pioneers here in the uk of being out and proud gay rights activists
It’s true, Amber. In the ‘80s I went to a punk/new wave/early rap club (Friday through Sunday) The concerts I saw, the people I dated, the vibes: every dream was accessible in ‘80s clubs💜🌈👨🎤
Love this song! So many memories 😊
Hey, looking for a new group?? "THE BARE NAKED LADIES "!!! Huge catalog of hits, every one a lyrical masterpiece
My all time favorite song from them is Lovers in a Dangerous Time.
I always thought that they stretched their legs and showed off their amazing talent in that remake.
Yes, Yes, Yes. The Barenaked Ladies are fun and their songs usually tell a story. They have a song "Brian Wilson" which is an homage to the Beach Boys songwriter, producer, singer, bassist and pianist. A couple of fun songs are "If I had a $1,000,000" and "One Week". 🎸😎
Tremendous voice of the singer!!!! The voices of now cannot surpass those of the singers of the '80s!!!! Greetings from the south of Argentina!!!!!
At this point in your journey, how can anything from the 80's surprise you? There is not only one 80's sound....there is everything 80's sound.
Dance floors would fill anytime Jimmy Sommerville would sing /Communards or Bronski Beat! "Don't leave me this way" or Small-town Boy, Why, "You Make Me Feel by "Sylvester" dance icon! 💃 👠 🎶 🍾 🎉
I STRONGLY recommend "Small Town Boy," Bronski Beat. I think it was Jimmy Sommerville's first hit and stamped his voice on the 80s. It is also a pivotal song because it is about a boy growing up gay in a small town who is bullied and has to leave for the city--it was a big deal at the time to sing about this topic openly and not via inuendo and code. A big song and group for the gay liberation movement.
one of the best covers ever
This was first recorded by the Jackson Five and MJ sang it in his boy-falsetto.
Thank you for choosing this. Jimmy Sommerville was and is an amazing musician who was a huge part of the soundtrack of the 80s and 90s. He has so many great songs from his work with Bronski Beat, The Communards, and his solo work. Watch the movie "Pride" about the British miners' strikes in the 80s. There is a huge connection with Jimmy and his heartbreaking song "For A Friend".
Thatcher & Ronnie screwed over their countries.
I'm usually a synth-pop kinda guy, but in this case I'll take the Gloria Gaynor 70's disco version - or the Jackson 5 original. Also, I'd love if you did ABC's "Be Near Me" or "When Smokey Sings"!
Why are we getting this version and not the Jackson 5?
@@blackblake3658 Because the Gloria Ganor version is best..
props and big love to Jimmy Sommerville. LEGEND. his voice is incredible.
Love it! Is sort of a combo of Michael Jackson singing it in his high voice when he was young, with Gloria Gaynor’s disco-like version. Is one of those songs that forces you to get up and move!
Amber, I love your dancing! You encourage me, even from my wheelchair, to create some cool shapes too!
For one of the most amazing songs regarding a son facing rejection from his family for being gay or possibly even suspected of being gay as it isn't fully clarified and to hear him with his amazing voice you guys have got to check out when he was with Bronski Beat and the song Small-town Boy is legendary. And as Pride month this would be a good reaction video to bring darkness into the light and celebrate what we have with Pride in 2023 as opposed to how it was in the 80s.
You two really can chair dance lovely couple god bless from Glasgow Scotland where the lead singer comes from
It is Pride. Small-town Boy and Why.
A J5 classic written by Clifton Davis from the 70's sitcom "That's My Mama"
man it was life, the gay clubs of the mid/late 80's and the dancing...an escape from some truly bad things going on for our community back then. it didn't solve any problems, but gave us the ability to recharge to face the next day's problems
Jimmy and the Rev at their best!
You can't go wrong with the communards for a great dance tune. Jimmy still sounds this fantastic today.
Cheers, Paul 📀😁👍❤️
Loved this record in the 80’s .. funky , fast paced but flowed like a river .. cant help but feel elevated after listening to that
My favourite communists track is you are my world, they did a version of don’t leave me this way was previously performed by Harold Melvin and the blue notes with Teddy Pendergrass on lead vocals I think. Jimmy Sommerville was also the lead vocalist of bronski beat who are also a great band
All dreams DID come true in clubs in the 80's....we just can't remember them! LOL
Try Bronski Beat - small town boy. Jimmy Sommerville again. Absolutely crackin tune. Powerful video.
Great song, used it MANY times in the late 80s teaching high impact aerobics classes. Great reaction , thanks for the upload.
You gotta hear the original by the Jackson 5
Hats off to the one that recommended this one. Pure 80's look and listen.
You're right about this song having a disco sound. It was originally released in '71 by the Jackson 5. So while The Communards give it their own '80s vibe, it was also a disco hit - especially for Gloria Gaynor, who was one of the absolute queens of disco.
A MUST HEAR classic feel good smooth groove,, The Blackbyrds "Walking In Rhythm"...TRUST ME!!
Small Town Boy
Absolutely!
And Richard Coles has become a British Icon (in the league of Terry Wogan / Roger Royal and Paul O'Grady all rolled into one ). You know you have made it when you get to be in Dictionary Corner of Channel 4 Countdown.