The Dream Academy — Life In A Northern Town
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Length: 4:11
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A Salvation Army band played
And the children drank lemonade
And the morning lasted all day, all day
And through an open window came
Like Sinatra in a younger day
Pushing the town away, ah
Ah hey, ma ma ma
Life in a northern town
They sat on the stony ground
And he took a cigarette out
And everyone else came down to listen
He said, "In winter 1963
It felt like the world would freeze
With John F. Kennedy and the Beatles"
Ah hey, ma ma ma
Life in a northern town
Ah hey, ma ma ma
All the work shut down
The evening had turned to rain
Watch the water roll down the drain
As we followed him down to the station
And though he never would wave goodbye
You could see it written in his eyes
As the train rolled out of sight, bye-bye
Ah hey, ma ma ma
Life in a northern town
Ah hey, ma ma ma
Life in a northern town
And the children drank lemonade
And the morning lasted all day, all day
And through an open window came
Like Sinatra in a younger day
Pushing the town away, ah
Ah hey, ma ma ma
Life in a northern town
They sat on the stony ground
And he took a cigarette out
And everyone else came down to listen
He said, "In winter 1963
It felt like the world would freeze
With John F. Kennedy and the Beatles"
Ah hey, ma ma ma
Life in a northern town
Ah hey, ma ma ma
All the work shut down
The evening had turned to rain
Watch the water roll down the drain
As we followed him down to the station
And though he never would wave goodbye
You could see it written in his eyes
As the train rolled out of sight, bye-bye
Ah hey, ma ma ma
Life in a northern town
Ah hey, ma ma ma
Life in a northern town
Comments (193)add comment
Produced by David Gilmour.
This song was in heavy rotation on my local radio station when I was 8. I heard before school most days and it put me in a relaxed, positive mood. 43 years later it has the same effect.
Aud wrote:
Northern town? Anywhere in Minnesota
Somewhere near Denmark in my case. Probably Flensburg ?
There's always some northern town.
Northern town? Anywhere in Minnesota
Somewhere near Denmark in my case. Probably Flensburg ?
There's always some northern town.
bctreefarmer wrote:
Northern town? Anywhere in Minnesota
I know us canadians don't have a lock on northern towns, and it wasn't written about "our North" but I always felt like it was. Thumbs up to dmcananay whose comment about "makes my heart ache" resonated with me.
Northern town? Anywhere in Minnesota
This is their biggest hit that people recognize (this was high school for me). But, they have a far better song on this album, "The Edge of Forever", that you've most likely heard but didn't realize was them. In the movie Ferris Bueller's day off, this is the song that plays when Ferris drops Sloane off just before he starts running home. The album is actually pretty good overall too, at least as an example for the music of the time.
Sitting here reading when this caught my attention, thought it was a Beach Boys tune I'd never heard. Very nice!
dmcanany wrote:
Agreed. It seemed nostalgic at the time. Perhaps that's why I recall it fondly.
I was 10 when this came out and got a lot of radio play. Kind of makes my heart ache hearing it. Beautiful song, but, even more, nostalgic for me.
Agreed. It seemed nostalgic at the time. Perhaps that's why I recall it fondly.
Nostalgic! Brings me back to listening to this before school in 3rd grade. Life was so easy then
That line “With John F Kennedy…and The Beatles (yeah yeah yeah)” then the screaming…it’s so perfect. Gives me chills.
bctreefarmer wrote:
As a teen in Buffalo, NY in the 1980's, I always thought of being in a northern town; so many grey days. Everything is relative.
This song takes me back to that place and time. Will always be a favorite.
I know us canadians don't have a lock on northern towns, and it wasn't written about "our North" but I always felt like it was. Thumbs up to dmcananay whose comment about "makes my heart ache" resonated with me.
As a teen in Buffalo, NY in the 1980's, I always thought of being in a northern town; so many grey days. Everything is relative.
This song takes me back to that place and time. Will always be a favorite.
I know us canadians don't have a lock on northern towns, and it wasn't written about "our North" but I always felt like it was. Thumbs up to dmcananay whose comment about "makes my heart ache" resonated with me.
I remember a version of this song was used in the mid-2000 in a cruise line commercial. Given the content of the song, this shows how tone-deaf advertisers and marketers are.
Good Tune! I haven't heard it in a long time A hey, a ma ma ma!. Thanx RP
Rollie_32 wrote:
Nice catch. Yes, they are close cousins, if not step siblings.
Sounds like Mama, I'm coming home, Ozzy Osbourne.
Sounds like Mama, I'm coming home, Ozzy Osbourne.
I can't hear this song without thinking of my dorm hall at SUNY Potsdam in the mid-80s. It is rare that a song is so anchored in a time and place for me.
Great interview with Nick Clowes about the creation of this song. How Paul Simon, the Beatles, Nick Drake and David Gilmour all played a part:
https://youtu.be/ymH7fH7Ip7U
https://youtu.be/ymH7fH7Ip7U
How timely today, Nov 22...
Great song pick for the day the trains to Glasgow ain't running on the rush to get to a northern town.
Maybe this isn't their best song, honestly, I don't think I've heard anything else from them. But when I hear the opening I'm instantly 11 or 12 years old, hearing the synth for the first time, thinking "What is this MAGIC"
The atmospherics in this track are outstanding. The interplay of the theatrics between the instruments and the vocals is really quite amazing...
Pretty great stuff given the era of its release...mid 80's...some pretty cringy stuff in those crazy-haired days...
Pretty great stuff given the era of its release...mid 80's...some pretty cringy stuff in those crazy-haired days...
Jelani wrote:
What's that supposed to mean?
"Sung by a bunch of southerners..."
My hunch -
Most likely a cheeky reference to the geographic location of London relative to the rest of the UK....
(The Dream Academy originated in London)
What's that supposed to mean?
"Sung by a bunch of southerners..."
My hunch -
Most likely a cheeky reference to the geographic location of London relative to the rest of the UK....
(The Dream Academy originated in London)wow. haven't listened for this great tune for a long time. one of my fav on the radio back then
ty RP
ty RP
Always stops me in my tracks and sends me back to hearing this on KBCO that magical summer and fall... I think that this is a really special sound they had going here in this! Such a dreamy atmosphere and lovely arrangement, helped well by David Gilmour's incredible musical sensibilities and expert production.
Bill... are you ok? Who put you up to this? No more Dream Academy- please!
some songs just make me literally buzz, this is one
My junior year of high school… nice happy poppy jangles
So much love for this song. That's a good thing. 
Crushingly beautiful. Makes my heart ache in a soft, slow burn sort of way.
johnnyhardiman wrote:
What's that supposed to mean?
..sung by a bunch of Southerners
What's that supposed to mean?
..sung by a bunch of Southerners
I love this song. When we get to the part where they mention the Beatles and you hear the fans screaming, I get chills.
tinypriest wrote:
They had some radical radio stations in Miami back then. Now if you said that about a Cowboy Junkies song I'd believe it
Hey! I like Cowboy Junkies!
They had some radical radio stations in Miami back then. Now if you said that about a Cowboy Junkies song I'd believe it
Hey! I like Cowboy Junkies!
jelgator wrote:
Nope, God's honest truth, man.
They had some radical radio stations in Miami back then. Now if you said that about a Cowboy Junkies song I'd believe it
Nope, God's honest truth, man.
They had some radical radio stations in Miami back then. Now if you said that about a Cowboy Junkies song I'd believe it
tinypriest wrote:
What are you talking about? I've never heard a DJ complain on air that they have to play a certain song. Great way to get canned quickly. You're full of it, man.
Nope, God's honest truth, man.
What are you talking about? I've never heard a DJ complain on air that they have to play a certain song. Great way to get canned quickly. You're full of it, man.
Nope, God's honest truth, man.
jelgator wrote:
What are you talking about? I've never heard a DJ complain on air that they have to play a certain song. Great way to get canned quickly. You're full of it, man.
This song is, and has always been, terrible. I remember listening to rock radio back in Miami when I was growing up, and the DJ's actually were complaining about having to play it. Why was it pushed on us so hard?
What are you talking about? I've never heard a DJ complain on air that they have to play a certain song. Great way to get canned quickly. You're full of it, man.
I had a mix tape that followed this with "Nothing Ever Happens" by Del Amitri - can't hear this song without then going into this one....
I've always loved this song. Then I found our it's a homage to Nick Drake. Now I leurve it.
This song is, and has always been, terrible. I remember listening to rock radio back in Miami when I was growing up, and the DJ's actually were complaining about having to play it. Why was it pushed on us so hard?
What a great reminder of better times
Thin_Air wrote:
I was chummy with Gilbert when he was living in North London, spending all the money he'd made from this album. I remember seeing the gold disk for this track/album on his wall. Lovely bloke. Still never gave me my book back though..
Gilbert Gabriel was in the sixth form of the grammar school I attended when I entered the first year in 1974 and I clearly remember him for being very much an individual so probably not surprising the musical career he followed. The school was/is called Sexey's School, Lusty Hill in Bruton - I jest not. I'm not sure if this helped or hindered GG's career.
I was chummy with Gilbert when he was living in North London, spending all the money he'd made from this album. I remember seeing the gold disk for this track/album on his wall. Lovely bloke. Still never gave me my book back though..
Channeling Beach Boys
Great song when it came out and still tops a list for me. Started out as an 8 but when i realized it is about Nick Drake bumped it to 9.
Great song when it came out and still tops a list for me. Started out as an 8 but when i realized it is about Nick Drake bumped it to 9.
dmcanany wrote:
I was 10 when this came out and got a lot of radio play. Kind of makes my heart ache hearing it. Beautiful song, but, even more, nostalgic for me.
It was nostalgic the first time I heard it.I was 10 when this came out and got a lot of radio play. Kind of makes my heart ache hearing it. Beautiful song, but, even more, nostalgic for me.
midigitguy wrote:
Presumably with reference to "Under a Northern Sky", one of the most beautiful and moving songs ever written.
Apparently written for and about Mr. Nick Drake.
That makes me like it more... :)
That makes me like it more... :)
Presumably with reference to "Under a Northern Sky", one of the most beautiful and moving songs ever written.
Bloodyfluckingtorture.
Gilbert Gabriel was in the sixth form of the grammar school I attended when I entered the first year in 1974 and I clearly remember him for being very much an individual so probably not surprising the musical career he followed. The school was/is called Sexey's School, Lusty Hill in Bruton - I jest not. I'm not sure if this helped or hindered GG's career.
Ever wondered where the event horizon goes in the movie?
A northern town with this on a PA.
In college we joked we were the Northern Town. After all, we were just south of the Canadian border.
Outstanding.
kingart wrote:
You're in luck, as this song does not show up with much frequency. I have always appreciated this composition, but also have a lifetime limit. Not approached yet. I recall seeing this band on Saturday Night Live about the time this was released (the only time most folks ever heard anything by this band) and they performed some sort of punk-inspired yet uninspiring piece. I was amazed at how little it resembled this song.
Catchy and memorable tune and sure conjures up the nostalgia. But it would start to drive me bonkers after about the 24th lifetime listen. And this has been at least the 21st.
You're in luck, as this song does not show up with much frequency. I have always appreciated this composition, but also have a lifetime limit. Not approached yet. I recall seeing this band on Saturday Night Live about the time this was released (the only time most folks ever heard anything by this band) and they performed some sort of punk-inspired yet uninspiring piece. I was amazed at how little it resembled this song.
I remember seeing this on MTV. I fell in love with the Karmann Ghia they were driving.
5Relayer wrote:
Thanks for that! I knew about Gilmour's contribution with DA, but not about Clowes' contribution on Poles Apart.
You can hear Gilmour's production here. Beautiful sound, as expected from him.
Also, a bit of trivia, the Dream Academy singer Nick Clowes also cowrote "Poles Apart" on the Pink Floyd album The Division Bell, and it one of the most impressive tracks on that album. So check it out.
Also, a bit of trivia, the Dream Academy singer Nick Clowes also cowrote "Poles Apart" on the Pink Floyd album The Division Bell, and it one of the most impressive tracks on that album. So check it out.
Thanks for that! I knew about Gilmour's contribution with DA, but not about Clowes' contribution on Poles Apart.
You can hear Gilmour's production here. Beautiful sound, as expected from him.
Also, a bit of trivia, the Dream Academy singer Nick Clowes also cowrote "Poles Apart" on the Pink Floyd album The Division Bell, and it is one of the most impressive tracks on that album. So check it out.
Also, a bit of trivia, the Dream Academy singer Nick Clowes also cowrote "Poles Apart" on the Pink Floyd album The Division Bell, and it is one of the most impressive tracks on that album. So check it out.
A great favorite. Wonderfully melodic. Would love to hear it more.
Recommended listening: Dario G - Sunchyme 
This is a great song, and I hear it so infrequently, that when it does come on, I have to smile.
Nanuk a no no!
Catchy and memorable tune and sure conjures up the nostalgia. But it would start to drive me bonkers after about the 24th lifetime listen. And this has been at least the 21st.
was just thinking about this one last week...can still picture the video of this....
good call RP
good call RP
So good - thank you RP
NinerSevenTango wrote:
Soo tedious, poor Nick Drake im sure better songs have been written about him 😀
Hey-Ah-Ma-Ma-Ma pew.
Soo tedious, poor Nick Drake im sure better songs have been written about him 😀
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
80s-tastic!
Stratocaster wrote:
Agree with that!
Just love the overall feel of this song.
Agree with that!
Just love the overall feel of this song.
An outstanding piece of work !
YES!!!!!!!!! This was one of my faves from my teen years. LOVE LOVE LOVE
Produced by David Gilmour
A welcome blast from the past... 30 years gone by! This ethereal song broke about this time of year; I was living On The Hill, a mile or so from here; KC Royals had just won The World Series, I was starting things over after a big Life Change... Perfect Time-Space Loop!
This song holds up well - hadn't heard it in years and still find it enjoyable. Side note - this was the last vinyl album I purchased!
posworld wrote:
Because it's good tune. That's why.
Always really liked this tune... not sure why.
Because it's good tune. That's why.
woo-hoo (uggh, shit!), my 90's hippster beard is getting all jammed in my Nehru, aaarrrggh that hurts!
still, dippy cool tune : )
still, dippy cool tune : )
Yup, another Gilmour hit. the Cor Anglais player Kate St John has done lots of other stuff with some very famous acts, I guess most bands start somewhere. Some think its rubbish some think its great but its important enough to show up 30 years later on an internet radiostation.
Apparently written for and about Mr. Nick Drake.
That makes me like it more... :)
That makes me like it more... :)
Hey-Ah-Ma-Ma-Ma pew.
The song's probably aged better than the video (which was shot about two miles from me)
Worth a watch if you can see it on Youtube though.
There was a sample of this used in a more recent song - that was rather good too.
Worth a watch if you can see it on Youtube though.
There was a sample of this used in a more recent song - that was rather good too.
Good to hear this one again. Sounds fresh and sweet. I loved the Dream Academy back in the day.
I played this song over and over. Doesn't have the same magic now, but it's still nice.
..............
I think this is aging quite well.
Always really liked this tune... not sure why.
mastertown wrote:
David Gilmore, I think.
Dated feel, but still nice.
It was produced by one from the pink floyd... I don't remember which one...
David Gilmore, I think.
Dated feel, but still nice.
Zeito wrote:
I took it home, washed it off, and put it back on.
Uhh....I think that was CREAM Academy.
That just reminds me I have to rip my vinyl records as well..... Great song
It was produced by one from the pink floyd... I don't remember which one...
i love this. bought the cassette tape right when it came out. there is something so peaceful and lovely about this sound. some other pretty good songs on the tape, too but...this one is special. sure, it doesn't exactly stand the test of time...but still.
...hey, tympani!..
tra la la..twee wee wee...one hit wonder...la de friggin da... 
Bought the CD when this song was hot. Never play it these days. IMHO, it hasn't aged well...but that's just my opinion....
corndog4000 wrote:
...I saw my penis lying on a blanket next to
a broken toaster oven...
electronicshaman wrote:
Some guy was selling it.
I had to buy it off him.
He wanted twenty-two bucks, but I talked him down to seventeen.
I took it home, washed it off, and put it back on.
To my ears, this song has a timeless quality - I don't necessarily associate it with the 80s, even though that's when I first heard it. Thanks for playing this.
I was hoping for Baba O'Reilly and I get this. Oh well, this is kind of good.
its close to christmas. its cold, cloudy and the trees are brown. this is apropos to hear this song now.
This song has always BUGGED me. It has a pathetic, meandering, soulless quality. Maybe I'm missing something. Maybe it's missing something.
A great one from the 80s!!
djcoolhandluke wrote:
This is from the Lion King, right?
Now that's just mean.
sig listens to this song with waterproof headphones while swim swam
This is from the Lion King, right?
corndog4000 wrote:
...I saw my penis lying on a blanket next to
a broken toaster oven...
Some guy was selling it.
I had to buy it off him.
He wanted twenty-two bucks, but I talked him down to seventeen.
bryans song
This was played a lot in Minnesota during snowstorms...Makes me think of a real winter; not the global warmings ones we're getting these days.
Great song!
Daniel_Pittenger wrote:
Mainstream like The Beatles? Or Johnny Cash?
smilestoomuch wrote:
Northern town where? Africa?
Northen England, check it out here. As someone who has lived in several towns in northern England, not one of them looks anything like the one in the photo...
Barf
cakkafracle wrote:
ahhhh, what a great summer that was.... I found my penis
...I saw my penis lying on a blanket next to
a broken toaster oven...
ahhhh, what a great summer that was.... I found my penis
laprincessa wrote:
I always thought the 45 of this song belonged hanging from my rearview mirror instead of being played ANYWHERE.
This tune blew chunks twenty years ago, and it blows even harder today.....thanks for that, RP........I'm all for eclectic, but you have to draw the line somewhere.......what's next, Bop by Cyndi Lauper?
Northern town where? Africa?
MickMan wrote:
Main-stream? It was main-stream, TWENTY YEARS AGO !!!
Agreed...rate an 8. Okay song, great memories.
Mainstream like The Beatles? Or Johnny Cash?
Jambosala wrote:
Don't like this song. It's just too conventional, too main-stream to be played on RP.
Main-stream? It was main-stream, TWENTY YEARS AGO !!!
I always thought the 45 of this song belonged hanging from my rearview mirror instead of being played ANYWHERE.
Jambosala wrote:
Don't like this song. It's just too conventional, too main-stream to be played on RP.
Have to agree. Off with the headphones until it ends!
sub-arctic wrote:
This is how life is in my northern town at the moment: Not snowing for the first time in two weeks. Maybe winter will end, finally? I had almost stopped hoping...
(BTW: this song really throws me into nostalgia mode. Mid-eighties, me and my brother building model airplanes in the basement. Those were the days.)
What a great memory snippet; thanks for that - it made me feel nostalgic too.
I was 10 when this came out and got a lot of radio play. Kind of makes my heart ache hearing it. Beautiful song, but, even more, nostalgic for me.
I'd just finished compulsory education and had started A Levels (16) in the UK. The world was a VERY different place, seems like yesterday and a lifetime ago all at once. Definitely agree on the heart ache, would go back in a second...