Desert Island Discs (with a twist) Part 1: Time for Action - Secret Affair

First posted on another blog on Jan 2nd

This first song in the Desert Island Discs (with a twist) series is probably dated back to the latter months of 1979, which was the year of its release. Prior to getting hooked by this song, music existed in a background kind of way. There, on the TV and radio without meaning much. Thinking back, Time for Action wasn't even the first record bought; that honour goes to Questions and Answers by Sham 69. Yet there was something about Time for Action that ignited a passion. Maybe its excitement, movement and tuneful aggression struck a chord in a youth just entering their teenage years. 

Secret Affair was at the heart of the mod revival at the time. Straight away, it was also a bridge to the past and how contemporary music is linked to its roots. You couldn't like Secret Affair without wanting to explore sixties soul, Tamla Motown, and iconic British bands like The Who and The Kinks. This curiosity towards roots, influence and the past exists in personal music taste right up to the present day. 

It helped that Time for Action was a Top 40 chart hit; a source for so much music as an early teen, and beyond, in the formative years. Perception may be hazy, but the charts of the late '70s/early '80s seemed so diverse, hosting many genres and styles. Of course, music thrived away from the mainstream, but that came later. 

Secret Affair did take one other honour in being the first band I saw live when playing Birmingham Odeon in 1980. I can't vouch for exact accuracy, but I also believe their album Glory boys was the first album bought. However, gigs and albums are for another day. This post is about pivotal songs and ones meaningful enough to act as a catalyst. Time for Action by Secret Affair was a true pioneer. The key to open a door. The first inspirational record heard and certainly not the last.