We’ve talked about Peter Godwin’s great lost art-rock combo, Metro, in a Lost in the ’70s post in the not-too-distant past, but most people who have a passing knowledge of Godwin’s work are probably most familiar with his 1982 single and MTV hit, “Images of Heaven.” While “Images of Heaven” wasn’t exactly a huge radio hit (it peaked at #105 on the Billboard “Bubbling Under” chart), the video got a few spins on MTV and many more in video bars and clubs with its more “adult” edit. “Images of Heaven” has gone on to become a new-wave favorite, popping up on a few ’80s compilations here and there, most notably as part of Rhino Records’ essential Just Can’t Get Enough series.
Not as immediate as “Images,” it took me quite a while to warm to Godwin’s next single, “Baby’s in the Mountains” (download). In fact, it’s one of those songs I never really cared for when it was originally out, but I grew to appreciate it as the years went on. That pre-chorus is something else. In fact, when I ended up VJing an ’80s night at a club in San Diego in the early aughts, I’d often play this video.
Speaking of which, I’d love to share the video with you, but it’s been deleted from YouTube. Imagine that!
“Baby’s in the Mountains” did quite well in the clubs and on the dance chart, but that wasn’t enough to spark any crossover action. Godwin dropped out of sight after the album it was drawn from, Correspondence, failed to generate any significant sales, but he reappeared in 1998 when Oglio reissued a greatest-hits compilation that featured three new songs. Since then he’s spent his time as a lyricist for other artists, most notably Steve Winwood, of all people.
“Baby’s in the Mountains” peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot Club Play/Singles Chart in 1983.
Get Peter Godwin music at Amazon
Have I mentioned that the internet is a pretty cool place lately? No? Okay, Imma mention it now!
or on 