Thomas Dolby’s Golden Age of Wireless was released in 1982, although the version I grew up with was the ‘83 UK reissue.
I first heard She Blinded Me With Science ringing out softly from the speakers of a late night tour bus as it ferried me and my fellow 7th Graders back from a school trip. I could barely make it out through the quiet, tinny, speakers but it made an impression that has lasted a lifetime. Living in boycotted South Africa meant it took another 5 years before I finally managed to track down the album on CD. The first CD I ever bought.
That was 35 years ago. I still listen to the album in it’s entirety on a regular basis, and Dolby remains one of my favourite song writers of all time. In particular his lyrical and melodic structures, which have enamoured me for decades. There’s something utterly unique in his songwriting choices.
Incidentally, Blinded Me With Science also helped create a lasting friendship with my Grade 12 science teacher… but more about him later.