Geoffrey Deane and David Jaymes formed Modern Romance in 1980, having previously been the mainstays of the punk parody band the Leyton Buzzards which they formed in 1977.
The band split up in 1980 though Deane and Jaymes continued working together, embracing the burgeoning electronic style of dance music that was becoming popular in London clubs at the time. They found a new manager and created a limited company called Business Art Productions, and signed to WEA. In 1980, their first release, eponymously titled "Modern Romance", was unsuccessful. After a second unsuccessful single, "Tonight", the band then opted to lessen the predominantly electronic sound in favour of a Latin-American dance style with emphasis on bass, percussion and brass. They recruited trumpet player John Du Prez into their new line-up. The band released a new single, "Everybody Salsa" in summer 1981, which reached the UK Top 20. However, prior to the release, they recruited a new drummer, Andy Kyriacou, who began promoting the single with the band, and set up their first personal appearance in a club.
They followed this later in the year with similarly themed "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey", which reached the UK Top 10. Despite these two hits, the band's debut album, Adventures in Clubland, was not a success. However, in the US they scored a number 2 hit on the Billboard Dance chart with "Can You Move", a mostly rap variation of "Everybody Salsa". After further UK Top 40 hits with "Queen of the Rapping Scene" and a cover of the 1955 hit "Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White", Deane departed the band in 1982 to pursue solo projects.
Michael J. Mullins took over the mantle of lead vocalist, and their next release saw the band reach their highest UK chart position with "Best Years of Our Lives" in late 1982. Further hits followed in 1983: "High Life" (UK No. 8), "Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm" (UK No. 14), and the ballad "Walking in the Rain" (UK No. 7). Both "Best Years of Our Lives" and "Walking in the Rain" earned Silver discs. Despite being regularly featured in teen pin-up magazines, the band's commercial hot streak waned and further singles were less successful. The band released a compilation album for the Christmas 1983 market entitled Party Tonight. Though it only peaked at No. 45 in the UK, it became their most successful album and was certified gold for sales in excess of 100,000 copies within six weeks of release.
John Du Prez then left the band, and after disagreements with their record company, WEA, the band signed with RCA in 1984. This brought about a change of image – from bright coloured suits and wedge hairstyles to long hair and leather jackets. The band released a new single, a cover of The Temptations' 1971 hit "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)", but the single was not a success. Modern Romance released a final album, Burn It!, in 1985. The album was received poorly and the band called it quits after releasing the stand-alone single "Tarzan Boy" – a cover of the Baltimora hit from earlier that year – and an anthology mix of their biggest selling songs titled "Best Mix of Our Lives" (also 1985).
After leaving Modern Romance, former lead vocalist Geoff Deane reappeared in 1983 as 'Geoff Deane & The Valley Girls' to release the single "Navy Lark", then again for the solo "What About Romance", and he also wrote "You Think You're A Man" for Divine. Deane later became a scriptwriter and television producer, scripting for television programmes such as Birds of a Feather, Babes in the Wood, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Chef!, Last Man Standing, and A Many-Splintered Thing. In 2005, he wrote the film Kinky Boots starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, and a year later It's a Boy Girl Thing for Elton John's Rocket Pictures.
David Jaymes has since moved into the management and consultancy side of the music industry. He worked as the music supervisor on the film Fascination (2004) starring Jacqueline Bisset and James Naughton. He has also worked again with John Du Prez, composing music for commercials and feature films. Jaymes has managed artists such as Sinéad O'Connor, Justin Adams, Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff, Republica and Drum Club. He has also worked as consultant for Harry Nilsson, Jimmy Webb, George Fenton, and Chuck Mangione. In 2010, he worked with a host of musicians on the Haiti earthquake disaster single (a cover version of "I Put a Spell on You"), including Shane MacGowan, Nick Cave, Chrissie Hynde and Johnny Depp.
In 1999, Andy Kyriacou reformed Modern Romance with a new line-up, joining the burgeoning British 1980s revival scene. The new line-up features no original band members (Kyriacou himself had first appeared on the Modern Romance single, "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey", although he had remained their drummer until the band split in 1985). In 2002, the new line-up released the album Back on Track, which consisted mostly of re-recorded Modern Romance hits. Back on Track was also released as Moves 2 Fast, with a slightly different track listing. Kyriacou's Modern Romance continues to play the 1980s festival circuit and appeared as the opening act at the 2010 Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames, which also included Boy George, Rick Astley, Level 42, T'Pau, Kajagoogoo and Heaven 17.
2012 saw the band play Let's Rock the Moor!, a boutique festival in Cookham, Berkshire, with other 1980s acts including Go West, Toyah, Nick Heyward and Billy Ocean. During their set they aired one of their new songs, "Rhythm Is My Lover", from the forthcoming album The 7th Day (penned by Kyriacou and guitarist Peter J Pinto).
Move On
Modern Romance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look at her move (look at her move), She knows just how to move it
I see her smiling (see her smiling), I really start to lose it
Bridge 1
Wanna know her name, where the hell did she come from
I start to move into her groove and I realise she's gone
She moves too fast it couldn't last cause she ain't got no, passion
She moves too fast her love won't last it's a temporary fashion
Like a machine she don't feel a thing she needs her satisfaction
She moves too fast it ain't gonna last the girl just wants some action
Verse 2
Now she's closer (now she's closer), I'm getting hypertension
She's surrounded (she's surrounded), Loving the attention
Bridge 1
She's the star again, yeah she's really No.1
And like it says in Cindy's song, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Chorus
The lyrics to Modern Romance's song "Move On" depict a narrator observing a woman who possesses an enticing and captivating style. The singer is immediately drawn to her as she effortlessly moves and exudes confidence. As he witnesses her infectious smile, he becomes enamored and completely loses himself in her presence.
In the bridge, the singer expresses a strong desire to know more about this woman. He is curious about her origins and finds himself willingly falling into her rhythm. However, before he can fully embrace the connection, he realizes that she has already moved on. This highlights her transient nature and the fleeting nature of their encounter.
The chorus highlights the essence of the woman's character. She is described as someone who moves too fast, lacking the ability to sustain a lasting relationship due to her lack of passion. Like a machine, she operates without emotion, seeking only surface-level satisfaction and temporary affairs. The singer recognizes these patterns and comes to the conclusion that the woman is simply looking for action and excitement, rather than something meaningful and lasting.
Overall, "Move On" portrays a dynamic and alluring woman who leaves a trail of temporary connections in her wake. The singer serves as an observer, captivated by her charm but also aware of the impossibility of a sincere and lasting relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at her move (look at her move), She knows just how to move it
Observing her dance, she displays utmost skill and confidence in her movements
I see her smiling (see her smiling), I really start to lose it
As she smiles, I become overwhelmed and captivated by her presence
Wanna know her name, where the hell did she come from
Curious to learn her identity, wondering about the origin of her arrival
I start to move into her groove and I realise she's gone
Attempting to connect with her rhythm, only to realize she has suddenly disappeared
She moves too fast it couldn't last cause she ain't got no, passion
Her swift pace hinders any potential for a lasting connection due to her lack of genuine interest and enthusiasm
She moves too fast her love won't last it's a temporary fashion
Her rapid movements and fleeting affection indicate that her love is merely a passing trend
Like a machine she don't feel a thing she needs her satisfaction
Functioning mechanically, devoid of emotions, she seeks fulfillment and gratification
She moves too fast it ain't gonna last the girl just wants some action
Her constant movement prevents any potential for a lasting relationship, as she solely desires excitement and physical encounters
Now she's closer (now she's closer), I'm getting hypertension
As she approaches nearer, I experience heightened anxiety and stress
She's surrounded (she's surrounded), Loving the attention
Surrounded by admirers, she revels in the admiration she receives
She's the star again, yeah she's really No.1
Once again, she assumes the spotlight and positions herself as the ultimate center of attraction
And like it says in Cindy's song, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Similar to the message conveyed in Cindy Lauper's song, she embodies the belief that girls simply seek enjoyment and amusement
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: A Kyriacou, C Kkoshi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kim Ward
This movie is HILARIOUS. This and the vitamin scene still crack me up.
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj178
"They're guaranteed to fit. If they don't, bring 'em back."
Now that is a line of dialogue.
freelywheely
Great to see these two brothers together!
Mike Barbas
I just found out they were brothers. All these years and I had no idea. Really tho, they look nothing alike and have completely different demeanors. My mind is blown!
GP points 2
@Mike Barbas Albert a huge leftist and Bob kept it to himself.
Gerry Peet
@GP points 2 You should probably learn from Bob! EVERYONE AGREES! #everyoneagreesusa
gordon thomson
Yeah. Makes sense. Both awfully unfunny.
Alvin Chu
Funkhouser don’t need no wrist wallet, he just puts his money in his shoe
Lisa Mitchell
Rest in Peace Bob Einstein
Hippie Dippie
Two funny funny brothers in real life!