“Tainted Love by Soft Cell (f/Paul Menotiades)

This week, our good friend Paul Menotiades returns to help us unpack the unlikely rise of Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-pop smash, “Tainted Love.” Originally a 1965 Northern Soul obscurity by Gloria Jones, Soft Cell's eerie, slowed-down cover became a global sensation, topping charts in 17 countries and spending a record-breaking 43 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 . But beyond the hit, Marc Almond and David Ball were more than just pop stars—they were art school provocateurs with a flair for the theatrical, as heard on their debut album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which explored themes of urban isolation and seedy nightlife . Join us as we dive into the duo's bizarre back catalog and ask: does Soft Cell’s music deserve more love, or is it all just a bit too tainted? One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices