Blancmange - The Day Before You Came (London)

The beginning is great but then .... It sounds almost comical and I like Neil Arthur's sense of humour, but it sounds a bit stupid in the music. It's an Abba song but it doesn't sound like one. I don't like the vocal but obviously it'll be a hit. Strange! (Andy Taylor [Duran Duran], Record Mirror, July 14, 1984)

A dismal re-working of the old Abba hit, this also sound uncannily like the Thompson Twins. Bongos and banjos work at a furious pace in the background, but it's Neil Arthur's voice which spoils the whole package. For some reason he sounds as if he's singing with a hot potato in his mouth. Strange. (Linda Duff, Smash Hits, July 5, 1984)

The Blow Monkeys - The Man From Russia (RCA)

Most Intriguing Title Of The Fortnight, made even more curious by the fact that it's impossible to work out what the song's about. Dreamy vocals, real 'live' drums and a brass section add up to an optimistic sound. I can imagine this being covered by Shirley Bassey or Liza Minnelli. (Linda Duff, Smash Hits, July 5, 1984)

Everything But The Girl - Mine (Blanco Y Negro)

The subtle use of percussion and smoky tones of Tracey Thorn's voice turn this into another late-night affair. A haunting tale of a girl left holding the baby, this, like all their records, turns me all moody. (Linda Duff, Smash Hits, July 5, 1984)

It's brilliant, isn't it? I like all this jazz based stuff that's happening now because its good for people to get into that level of musicianship and also make it commercial at the same time. It's getting away from quick, cheap and nasty. It's a great song and she's got a really good voice and phrases the words really well. This is one of the best singles I've heard for a long time and it should be a big hit if they've finished their exams and want to do a bit of promotion. Single Of The Week. (Andy Taylor [Duran Duran], Record Mirror, July 14, 1984)

Silent Running - Young Hearts (Parlophone)

This band do seem to have their off days. The last time I saw them play the singer bust his zip and had to change his stage leathers for casual day-wear maroon strides. Hours later, the drummer stepped out of a first-floor window and ended up breaking his arm. And now they've released a record which sounds like either U2 or Simple Minds. At times it could almost be Jim Kerr singing. I prefer the real thing, myself. (Linda Duff, Smash Hits, July 5, 1984)

Latest in a long line of 'when we were young' ditties. When I was young, pop didn't take itself too seriously and the only people making records like this were over 30. (Andy Strickland, Record Mirror, June 30, 1984)

Belouis Some - Target Practice (EMI)

We get a lot of letters about these people and I still can't pronounce their name. This has a strange rather wordy lyric which, even though I've listened to it ten times, will not be understood. Apart from the singer's clever take-off of Mr Bowie's singing style, this is completely unremarkable. (Linda Duff, Smash Hits, July 5, 1984)

Oh God! Another one of those bloody Bowie imitators. Come on music persons, can't you see how stupid this is all getting. Oh, for an original thought and an interesting sound. Re-cycle immediately. (Andy Strickland, Record Mirror, June 30, 1984)

1000 Mexicans - Under Construction (Abstract)

Interesting. Adventurous use of synth and a decidedly funky bass line lend this a fresh sound, even if shades of the Human League are evident. I'd play this as my own personal warm-up music before setting out on the town. (Linda Duff, Smash Hits, July 5, 1984)

The Lotus Eaters - Out On Your Own (Arista)

Having seen Jerri Kelly on Pop Quiz the other week, he reminds me more and more of a little ashen faced Pinocchio, almost afraid to speak.Their singles have that kind of restraint about them - gentle tap tap tapping rhythms and twee lyrics - and tend to get lost in the rush of the singles issued every week. For instance, whatever happened to "Set Me Apart", released only last April? This, I fear, will follow it. By the way, the single comes in two different sleeves - the Jerri Kelly one (which I got) and the Peter Coyle one. (Linda Duff, Smash Hits, July 5, 1984)