First posted on another blog on Jan 2nd
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.