3 songs banned by BBC

[Marcio**]

From 60's


'Je T'Aime ... Moi Non Plus' - Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin
Laying claim as the first ever No.1 to be banned, 'Je T'Aime's' licentious lyrics were deemed far too inflammatory for a nation at the end of a decade of swinging. It was 1969, Woodstock had happened, astronauts roared skywards and fashion dictated hemlines even higher, but the Gallic goblin croaking "I come between your kidneys ... I keep myself. No! Hand-holding comes" was just a bit too fruity. Although originally penned for Gainsbourg's previous lover, Brigitte Bardot, his new upper-crust amour Jane Birkin writhed as the chanteuse, breathing Chelsea tones into the steamy French verse. Gainsbourg earned himself the nickname 'Surge Forward' and continued with his unabashed goatish behaviour until his death in 1991. Birkin is still applauded for her provocative performance; "I was recently told by a taxi driver ... that he'd had three children to that record".


From 70's


The BBC banned Donna Summer's hit 'Love to Love You Baby' when they decided it was too sexy as it featured heavy breathing and simulated sounds of love-making.



From 80's


'Relax' - Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Frankie said 'Relax' but Auntie Beeb balked at the suggestive lyrics and Radio 1 refused to wear the wet t-shirt. "Relax don't do it, When you want to go to it, Relax don't do it, When you want to come" was too much for Mike Read, who primly objected to the "overtly obscene lyrical content" and both song and video, with its camp, fetishistic imagery were banned by the networks. But the forbidden fruits had pricked the public's consciousness; 'Relax' with its hi NRG 'V' sign flicking cheekily at '80s chart pop, screeched in at No.1, selling the best part of 2 million copies and remained in the Top 40 for most of 1984.




http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/features/...ed_songs.shtml

www.radiorewind.co.uk/1976_page.htm

:)

[usagi-san]

The Gainsbourg/Birkin duet did not reach the American Top 100 pop chart. "Love To Love You Baby" reached #2 pop in America. "Relax" reached #67 initially here, then #10, but aided by a replacement video wihch was performance with green beams, not the controversial one. Thanks a lot for the info and links Paulo.

[Anonymous]

They also stupidly banned "Invisible Sun" by The Police in 1981, because the video was made in/about Northern Ireland.

[Davicillo]

Surprisingly, the BBC banned Ricky Valance 'Tell Laura I love her' in 1960. I know, beats me too.

[Mr.Ree]

I don't know about songs banned by the BBC but I remember going to see Minnie Riperton in concert and she proudly announced "Inside My Love" like this..."This song is very special to me y'all, because this is the song that got me banned in Boston!". I thought about it recently because Donna Summer's cover of Barry Manilow's "Could it be Magic?" features the word "come" used in a similar way....

[SandraDee]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ree

I remember going to see Minnie Riperton in concert and she proudly announced "Inside My Love" like this..."This song is very special to me y'all, because this is the song that got me banned in Boston!". .

Didn't Leon Ware record this song too? Make of that what you will.

[Salsoul1975]

Originally Posted by usagi-san

The Gainsbourg/Birkin duet did not reach the American Top 100 pop chart. "Love To Love You Baby" reached #2 pop in America. "Relax" reached #67 initially here, then #10, but aided by a replacement video wihch was performance with green beams, not the controversial one. Thanks a lot for the info and links Paulo.

Actually, "Je T'aime" did chart briefly in the U.S., charting at #69 or so on the Billboard chart in early 1970.

[EricHG23]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ree

I don't know about songs banned by the BBC but I remember going to see Minnie Riperton in concert and she proudly announced "Inside My Love" like this..."This song is very special to me y'all, because this is the song that got me banned in Boston!". I thought about it recently because Donna Summer's cover of Barry Manilow's "Could it be Magic?" features the word "come" used in a similar way....

Oh come on, La Donna is clearly telling her friend to "come... come... come into my arms". She just couldn't remember to finish the sentence the first few times. Sheesh!

[Mr.Ree]

Originally Posted by SandraDee

Didn't Leon Ware record this song too? Make of that what you will.

if I'm not mistaken, Ware co-wrote the song. There's a video of Riperton performing it on You Tube. It sure is easy to hear where Mariah Carey got the idea for her bird calls.

[pepper1dancer]

Lots of Radio Stations here in the USA banned Randy Newmans "Short People". It still managed to reach the Top 5 on the Billboard Charts.