Catch up TV

The Story of 1993

Recession, high unemployment and unrest dominated the news in early 1993, but every Thursday night, the BBC’s much-loved weekly music show continued its 30 minutes of pop escapism and feel-good factor. Rave was slowing - being replaced by disco vibes - and Euro pop was very much the order of the day, with Dutch duo 2 Unlimited hogging the charts not just here but all over Europe with their techno smash No Limit. \n\nHippy and dreamy vibes came courtesy of St Etienne, and Britpop was just around the corner waiting to happen, heralded by the debut of Suede. Adding to the musical mix were the Jamaican rhythms, cheeky lyrics and dancehall moves courtesy of Shaggy, and Manchester dance outfit M People were bossing the dance floors. As the country’s situation improved financially, a pop rivalry ensued with East 17’s bad boys contesting the reign of Take That. Meanwhile on the show, the satellite performances continued with Mancunians New Order taking to the beach in LA to perform Regret alongside the Baywatch crew.\n\nAs always, there were the tracks that became hits from other sources - step forward The Bluebells and their song from a certain car advert - and throughout the summer bump and grind arrived, ruled by the likes of Shabba Ranks, Snow and Chaka Demus & Pliers. Bhangra king Apache Indian mashed styles together for his global hit Boom Shack-A-Lak, while newcomer Gabrielle debuted with her smash Dreams and changed how a new pop star could look on TV with her attitude, glamorous styling and matching eye patch. \n\nOh, and of course... Mr Blobby.\n\nContributors include Anita Doth and Ray Slijngaard of 2 Unlimited, Bob Stanley of St Etienne, Shaggy, Heather Small of M People, Peter Hook, Ken, Bobby and David of The Bluebells, Apache Indian, Gabrielle, Terry Coldwell of East 17 and Mr Blobby.

Source: BBC 4