‘The More the Music Press Slagged Us, the More Copies We Sold’: Kajagoogoo on “Too Shy” 2024 wonderful

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Introduction

KOREAN Kajagoogoo, the British new wave band, emerged in the early 1980s with their breakout hit “Too Shy.” The song, which topped the UK Singles Chart in 1983, became an international sensation, propelling the band to fame. Despite facing criticism from the music press, Kajagoogoo’s success story is a testament to the adage that bad publicity can still be good publicity. This article delves into the band’s journey, the making of “Too Shy,” and how the negativity from the music press ironically fueled their success.

The Formation of Kajagoogoo

KOREAN Kajagoogoo was formed in 1978 in Leighton Buzzard, England, originally under the name Art Nouveau. The founding members, Nick Beggs (bass guitar and vocals), Steve Askew (guitar), Stuart Neale (keyboards), and Jez Strode (drums), later recruited Limahl (lead vocals) in 1981. With Limahl’s addition, the band rebranded as Kajagoogoo, a name meant to reflect a quirky and memorable image.

The band’s distinctive look and sound, characterized by Limahl’s flamboyant style and Beggs’ platinum blonde hair, quickly set them apart from other bands of the era. They blended synthesizer-driven pop with catchy melodies, aligning with the emerging new wave and synthpop trends.

The Making of “Too Shy”

“Too Shy” was co-written by the band members along with Duran Duran’s Nick Rhodes and producer Colin Thurston. Rhodes’ influence is evident in the song’s polished production and catchy hooks, which helped make it an instant hit. The track features a memorable bassline, lush synths, and Limahl’s smooth vocals, creating a sound that was both fresh and accessible.

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KOREAN Recording “Too Shy” was a collaborative effort. Rhodes and Thurston brought their experience and expertise to the studio, guiding the band through the recording process. According to Nick Beggs, the studio sessions were a mix of creativity and discipline, with everyone striving to perfect the song’s intricate layers and textures.

Chart-Topping Success

KOREAN Released in January 1983, “Too Shy” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart and charting high in several other countries, including the US, where it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success was bolstered by its catchy chorus, slick production, and a visually striking music video that received heavy rotation on MTV.

The band’s sudden rise to fame was meteoric. They went from playing small venues to performing on major TV shows and embarking on international tours. “Too Shy” became a defining track of the early 1980s, encapsulating the sound and style of the new wave movement.

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Criticism from the Music Press

KOREAN Despite their commercial success, Kajagoogoo faced significant criticism from the music press. Critics often dismissed the band as style over substance, accusing them of being manufactured and superficial. Reviews frequently targeted their image and perceived lack of musical depth, rather than acknowledging their talent and the craftsmanship behind their music.

Limahl, in particular, was a lightning rod for criticism. His flamboyant appearance and stage presence were often mocked, and his vocal abilities were questioned. The band’s name, Kajagoogoo, also became a point of ridicule, with some critics using it as evidence of the band’s supposed frivolity.

Thriving Amidst Criticism

KOREAN Remarkably, the negative press did little to hinder Kajagoogoo’s success. In fact, the band’s popularity seemed to grow in direct proportion to the criticism they received. As Nick Beggs later remarked, “The more the music press slagged us, the more copies we sold.” This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors:

  1. Youth Appeal: The band’s image and music resonated strongly with young audiences, who were less influenced by the opinions of music critics. Kajagoogoo’s fans appreciated their catchy tunes, stylish looks, and the sense of fun they brought to the music scene.
  2. MTV Influence: The rise of MTV played a crucial role in Kajagoogoo’s success. The music video for “Too Shy,” featuring the band in their distinctive 80s fashion, became a staple on the channel. MTV’s focus on visual appeal helped the band connect with a wider audience, many of whom were captivated by their style and sound.
  3. Rebellion Against Critics: For many fans, embracing Kajagoogoo became a form of rebellion against the music establishment. The more critics bashed the band, the more determined their fans became to support them. This dynamic created a sense of community among Kajagoogoo’s followers, who took pride in defying the critics.

Legacy of “Too Shy”

Although Kajagoogoo struggled to replicate the massive success of “Too Shy” with their subsequent releases, the song remains a classic of the 1980s. It continues to receive airplay on retro music stations and is featured on numerous 80s compilations. “Too Shy” has also been covered and sampled by various artists, further cementing its place in pop culture.

The band’s story is often cited as an example of how negative publicity can sometimes have a positive impact. Kajagoogoo’s ability to thrive amidst criticism demonstrates the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the power of fan loyalty.

Conclusion

KOREAN Kajagoogoo’s journey, punctuated by the success of “Too Shy” and their contentious relationship with the music press, is a fascinating chapter in the history of 80s pop music. The band’s experience highlights the disconnect that can exist between critical opinion and public taste, as well as the enduring appeal of catchy, well-crafted pop songs. Despite the criticisms, Kajagoogoo’s music continues to bring joy to listeners around the world, proving that sometimes, the best response to detractors is simply to keep making music that people love.

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