The Trolley Song (BBC1 1978-1983)

[Gannett2011]

There are alot of these testcard videos on Youtube, all excellent, but this one is particularly memorable to me, especially the version of 'You are my lucky star' at the end. Honestly never thought I'd hear these again. What was it about test card music that appealed to people, especially kids? I honestly think it nurtured a broad taste in music in me and many others who grew up in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

[victorialucas38]

I used this tape's version of 'Singing in the Rain' on one of my own videos recently and I noticed the 'buy this tune' crap came up; I always thought testcard music was non-copyright library music. Is the change because some of this stuff has now been commercially released? It's a joke. None of us make a profit from posting videos on You Tube; we just want to share these memorable and evocative sounds!

[JFredUK]

The trade test transmissions that BBC1 had in the afternoons, back in the summers of the late 70's, were something very special to me. Nothing else to watch on TV, so it was just left on, a bit like an alternative to radio, and we got treated to some very interesting instrumental music that soon became firm favourites and established itself as part of our summer holiday experience. And, all these years later, we can relive some of those memories and experiences again. Brilliant.

[NuclearPlanet]

i dont really understand what these bbc1 trade tests are? can someone explain it to me?

[redsnapper1959]

@NuclearPlanet They were broadcast back in the days when there was a gap in the daytime programme schedule. Very hard to believe these days with multi-channel 24/7 TV, but absolutely true!

[AndrewJM70]

@redsnapper1959 Yes it is hard to believe that BBC1 used to shut down in the afternoon from the end of Pebble Mill at One until Playschool. BBC2 didn't start broadcasting until the early evening and there was no C4 or C5 never mind freeview/satelite. Indeed during the Summer of 1979 when ITV went on strike there was NO television in the UK during the 2-hour spell in the afternoon for 10 weeks!!!!!

[AndrewJM70]

@redsnapper1959 Yes it is hard to believe that BBC1 used to shut down in the afternoon from the end of Pebble Mill at One until Playschool. BBC2 didn't start broadcasting until the early evening and there was no C4 or C5 never mind freeview/satelite. Indeed during the Summer of 1979 when ITV went on strike there was NO television in the UK during the 2-hour spell in the afternoon for 10 weeks!!!!!

[JFredUK]

@NuclearPlanet Years ago, the television trade, (those who serviced and sold televisions), used these, 'test transmissions', to tune and calibrate TV sets. They were usually broadcast during the day, when there was, 'nothing on.' However, many people, (particularly those who were children in the 60's, 70's and early part of the 80's), also got to listen to it! We weren't supposed to, but we did! Years later, hearing these tunes again brings back many memories or lazy school holidays, etc.

[smmc1965]

Great to hear these tapes again after many years.

I remember these well when I was in the repair trade from about 1980 onwards.

I was wondering if you have any of the Carry me back to old Virginny tracks also any more of the Tulsa tracks and Sunflower. Thanks.

[HUG49]

Lovely nostalgia, the good ol' early 1980s, far better than most of today's stuff!

[1971tdh]

Oh blimey, never thought I'd hear this again. I used to love this tape as a child! It was one of the most frequently-played on the BBC at the time. Thanks for posting.