Everyone knows Ian 'Dicko' Dickson. He's like the groovy uncle of Australian music.
From his early days working for major labels, to his television stint on 'Australian Idol', right up to his current role hosting the ultimate '80s throwback party 'Almost The Greatest Gig On Earth', Dicko has ingratiated himself into the fabric of Australian music.
But how well do we really know Dicko? What makes him tick? And more importantly, what are some of his guilty pleasures when it comes to music. What deep, dark secrets lie hidden within him?
Click here to read our recent interview with Dicko discussing 'Almost The Greatest Gig On Earth'.
We found out all we needed to, plus a bit more, when Dicko offered up his favourite hits from the '80s. Enjoy, and don't let him know we told you.
1: Nik Kershaw - 'Wouldn’t It Be Good' (1984)
A truly great pop melody with an unbelievably HUGE chorus that would set any karaoke joint alight. I love this song with a passion, but I need to keep my 7” single hidden in my sock drawer and only bring it out when I know I'm alone.2: Whitesnake - 'Here I Go Again' (1987)
David Coverdale was part '80s rock god, part lion character from 'The Wizard Of Oz'. But he did teach us beefy blokes that it was OK to pout. I love '80s power ballads and this is the finest possible specimen of all.The video featured a hot supermodel rolling seductively over the bonnets of expensive cars because… er… Whitesnake!
3: Human League - 'Don't You Want Me' (1981)
I never quite forgave singer Phil Oakey (well, for his daft hairdo obviously), but also for splitting up the band and branching out into this sub-standard low-rent romantic pap!This was to me a supermarket 'own brand' version of a love song. But dammit, it got right under my skin and even thinking about it, I know I'll have it stuck in my f...ing head for days!
4: J Geils Band - 'Centrefold' (1981)
As a committed punk fan, I should have hated this. Sh.t band. Sh.t name. Sh.t hair. And on the face of it, a sh.t song.Unfortunately my young and confused libido was running things in those days and the song's video is chock full of scantily clad schoolgirls meant that this tune would be indelibly etched on my soul forever.
5: Dexys Midnight Runner - 'Come On Eileen' (1982)
Coming, as I do from Birmingham, Dexys Midnight Runners could do no wrong. ‘Gino’ was a as-perfect-a-slice of post-punk as was ever created.My love affair with Kevin Rowlands was on solid ground, until 'Come On Eileen' turned up and ruined everything. The denim dungarees?! The Irish fiddle?! And shoes without socks!?! WTF?
Actually, the thing that really grates about this song though is that it speeds up at the end and has left me stranded and breathless on the dancefloor at many a dodgy wedding. Good tune though.
