Vocalists Martin Brammer [6] (born 13 May 1957, [7] Seaham, County Durham) and Paul Woods, with multi-instrumentalist Dave Brewis, formed the trio in 1982, after meeting while in small local bands, and signed to a small record label, which led to a deal with London Records in 1984. [3] This song captivates me still, after 50+ years. Takes me to the deep South and the poverty of some who lived thru truly hard times. And the powerful spirit of a poor young girl being abandoned to her future with only a red dress and her wits to keep her alive. She not only stayed alive, she turned her hard beginnings around, became self sufficient, successful and someone with respect for herself. She didn't let the naysayers and judgers stop her. She's the one sitting in the drivers seat at the end. Closest Thing to Heaven" is a song by English pop band the Kane Gang, released in 1984 as the second single from their debut studio album, The Bad and Lowdown World of the Kane Gang (1985). Whitburn, Joel (2007). Joel Whitburn Presents Billboard Top Adult Songs, 1961–2006. Record Research Inc. p.146. ISBN 978-0-89820-169-7.

Closest Thing to Heaven has had a profound impact on listeners since its release. Many have connected with its heartfelt lyrics and the mesmerizing melody, finding solace and understanding in the emotional journey the song takes them on. It has become an anthem for those seeking deep and meaningful connections and continues to touch the hearts of listeners across generations. 8. What is the main message conveyed in Closest Thing to Heaven? A. "Closest Thing to Heaven" – 5:02 B1. "Mighty Day" – 3:44 B2. "Bride of Smalltown Mudwrestles with Abbott & Costello in Outer Space" (3D Mad Mix 11 Creed) – 5:06 Charts [ edit ] Weekly chart performance for "Closest Thing to Heaven" Martin Brammer interview". Zioshow.com. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007 . Retrieved 10 February 2011. a b c d e f "Kane Gang | Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015 . Retrieved 26 January 2014.

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Closest Thing to Heaven served as a breakthrough hit for Kane Gang. It reached the top 10 on the UK charts, catapulting the duo into the spotlight. The success of the song helped solidify their position in the pop music scene and introduced them to a wider audience. 3. Can you explain the significance of the song’s melody? The lyrics of Closest Thing to Heaven are rich with emotional depth and introspection. They explore the complexities of human emotions and the universal yearning for a deep connection. The poetic nature of the lyrics allows listeners to relate to the song on a personal level, making it resonate deeply with their own experiences of love and longing. 5. How does Closest Thing to Heaven differ from other songs by Kane Gang? The main message in Closest Thing to Heaven revolves around the universal longing for a deep and meaningful connection. It reminds listeners of the transformative power of love and the profound impact it can have on our lives. The song encourages us to seek out and cherish those connections that feel like the closest thing to heaven. 9. Are there any notable covers or reinterpretations of Closest Thing to Heaven? Closest Thing to Heaven stands out from other songs by Kane Gang due to its profound lyrical content and the intensity of the emotions it conveys. While the duo is known for their blend of pop and blue-eyed soul, this song carries a more introspective and contemplative nature, showcasing a different side of their artistic abilities. 6. Can you provide any insights into the song’s production process? So, not a song about a poor girl, but a song of hope and how you can rise up no matter how far down you started.

Woods left the band in 1991 to attempt a solo career. [3] Woods and Brewis also worked on an album which was never released. Their label mates Prefab Sprout and The Daintees were all keen to keep things fresh. “In the early days a conscious decision was made that each Kitchenware article was going to be the last,” explained Martin. “As a general policy we wanted to avoid being lumped together as musically acts that have little in common.” Paul Woods left the band in 1991 to embark on a solo career. He also worked with Brewis on an album which was never released. In 2004, after a lengthy hiatus, David Brewis teamed up with his brother Peter, who had previously been a drummer for the Futureheads, to form a new band called Field Music which in 2013 Al Kooper, former Blood Sweat and Tears member, claimed were his favourite group. They followed it up later the same year with a cover of the Staple Singers hit Respect Yourself which reached number 21. Their next batch of hits, Gun Law (1985), Motortown (1987) and their cover of Dennis Edwards’ Don’t Look Any Further, all failed to make the top 40 although the latter did top the US dance chart. a b Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrateded.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p.163. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.

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The production of Closest Thing to Heaven involved careful attention to detail to ensure the song conveyed the intended emotions. From the beautifully layered instrumentation to the seamless vocal harmonies, every element was meticulously crafted to create a sound that perfectly complemented the lyrical content and evoked the desired emotional response in listeners. 7. How has Closest Thing to Heaven impacted listeners? a b c d e Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Who's Who of Indie and New Wave Music (Firsted.). Guinness Publishing. p.155. ISBN 0-85112-579-4. Brother Brother failed to make an impact, but their second single, Smalltown Creed, seemed to point the accusing finger at the south’s weaker counterparts. Was that its intention? “It’s not meant to be taken that way,” Martin said, “It was more of a plea for people not to be ashamed and I definitely didn’t write the lyrics to intimate that the northerns are better people.” The song was produced by Pete Wingfield and limped to number 60. Those who remember listening to Gary Davies’ lunchtime show on Radio One in the eighties may remember his jingle ‘Ooh Gary Davies… On Your Radio’, that was performed by The Kane Gang using the basis of Smalltown Creed. It was also later used as the basis for the theme for the children’s television programme Byker Grove. Closest Thing to Heaven was inspired by the desire to capture the deep emotions associated with an intense and meaningful connection with someone. The songwriters aimed to express the longing, vulnerability, and desire for a love that feels transcendent. 2. How did Closest Thing to Heaven impact Kane Gang’s career? The melody of Closest Thing to Heaven plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics. It starts with a gentle and mesmerizing piano intro that sets the tone for the song, portraying a sense of introspection and longing. The melody then builds up, matching the intensity of the emotions conveyed in the lyrics, creating a captivating musical experience. 4. What makes the lyrics of Closest Thing to Heaven so compelling?

The lyrics of Closest Thing to Heaven evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia. The song speaks to the essence of human connection and the pursuit of love, encapsulating the universal desire for a profound and meaningful relationship. It explores the bittersweet emotions that come with yearning for someone who feels like the closest thing to heaven. Just listening for the 784,654th time....and it's just perfect in every way. Just incredible. The only reason it was remade was to scoop up a boatload of money from a more modern and accepting audience. But it is a completely different song than the other one that sounds slapped together in a few takes without a thought for the meaning. a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19thed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p.296. ISBN 1-904994-10-5. The Kane Gang were an English pop trio formed in Seaham in 1982. [3] The group comprised Martin Brammer, Paul Woods and Dave Brewis. [4] They scored several UK and US hits in the 1980s. [5] Named alluding to the movie Citizen Kane, the trio recorded for the record label Kitchenware, which was also home to Prefab Sprout. a b "Kane Gang: Motortown". One Hit Wonder Central. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015 . Retrieved 26 January 2014.The band's next album, Miracle, was released in 1987 and spawned two US hit singles: "Motortown" (No. 36 US / No. 45 UK) and another cover – this time of Dennis Edwards' " Don't Look Any Further" [8] (No. 64 US / No. 52 UK). The latter hit No. 1 on the US Dance Charts. [10] The Kane Gang were a trio of Geordies from different walks of life. Martin Brammer, who was the lead singer was formally a computer stationary salesman, Paul Woods was the guitarist and keyboard player who had previously worked as a journalist for the Sunderland Echo and David Brewis, who played all the other instruments, once worked in a record shop. All three had played in small local bands and in 1982 formed the Kane Gang, naming themselves after the 1941 movie Citizen Kane, and signed to a local label called Kitchenware.