The Excellent 80's

80's Movie Weekend

2012-01-28T00:07:00.000-06:00

I love today's movie. Way before he was making a movie for any random script that came across his desk, Nicolas Cage was Herbert I. "Hi" McDunnough, a petty criminal who would meet his future wife Edwina "Ed" (Holly Hunter) after she takes his mugshots from a recent arrest. The two have trouble conceiving a child, and so Hi steals one for her, and chaos and hilarity ensue. Directed by the Coen brothers and also starring John Goodman and William Forsythe (two Forsythe sightings in one month!), of course I'm talking about "Raising Arizona"...

the trailer...

the diaper chase scene... I think we can all relate, right?...

Raising Arizona

Directed by Ethan Coen
Joel Coen
Produced by Ethan Coen
Joel Coen
Written by Joel Coen
Ethan Coen
Narrated by Nicolas Cage
Starring Nicolas Cage
Holly Hunter
Trey Wilson
John Goodman
William Forsythe
Sam McMurray
Frances McDormand
Randall "Tex" Cobb
Music by Carter Burwell
Cinematography Barry Sonnenfeld
Editing by Michael R. Miller
Studio Circle Films
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) March 6, 1987
Running time 94 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $6 million
Box office $22,847,564

See the People Walking Down the Street

2012-01-27T00:04:00.001-06:00

It's been a long time since I've posted the all girl group from L.A. known as The Go-Go's. Back in August of 2008, we had "Vacation," and before that back in 2007, we had "Our Lips Are Sealed." Well, today, over three years since their last appearance in The Excellent 80's, here is a live performance video of a song that peaked at #2 back in 1982. It's "We Got the Beat"...

Lyrics | Go-go's lyrics - We Got The Beat lyrics

"We Got the Beat"
Single by The Go-Go's
from the album Beauty and the Beat
B-side "Can't Stop the World"
Released May 27, 1980 United States
January 16, 1981 United Kingdom
Format 7" single
Recorded 1980
Genre New Wave
Length 2:32
Label Stiff (1980), I.R.S. (1981, 1982), A&M (1982)
Writer(s) Charlotte Caffey
Producer Richard Gottehrer, Rob Freeman
Certification Gold (CRIA, RIAA)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2

One Hand On the Ground, One Hand in Space

2012-01-26T00:08:00.000-06:00

I was ok with today's campy 80's music video until the bald dude wearing the white dress appears as well as the other dude holding the very large snake. Did we need this in the video? I think not. And what is Ric Ocasek doing as a telephone operator/dispatcher of some sort? All I have to say, is helllooo, hellllooo again. From the "Heartbeat City" album here is "Hello Again"...

Lyrics | Cars lyrics - Hello Again lyrics

"Hello Again"
Single by The Cars
from the album Heartbeat City
B-side "Hello Again" (Dub Version)
Released October 15, 1984 (1984-10-15)
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1983-1984
Genre Dark Wave, avant-garde,[1] New Wave
Length 3:47
Label Elektra
Writer(s) Ric Ocasek
Producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange
The Cars

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #20

Awake From Dusk to Dawn

2012-01-25T00:03:00.000-06:00

Today, The Excellent 80's brings you the band formed in Las Vegas sometime around 1988 that was a bright but brief shining star at the tail end of the glam metal sound of the 80's. Their album "Stick It To Ya" provided quite a few hit songs including the first song to be released from the album. Cue the wind machine, rain, leather, and sexy girls... here is Slaughter with "Up All Night"...

Lyrics | Slaughter lyrics - Up All Night lyrics

"Up All Night"
Single by Slaughter
from the album Stick It to Ya
Released 1990
Recorded 1989
Genre Hard rock
Label Chrysalis
Writer(s) Mark Slaughter and Dana Helm

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #27

80's Television

2012-01-24T00:04:00.000-06:00

After a nice stint playing a genie, Barbara Eden took to Harper Valley U.S.A. for some craziness! It was a short-lived sitcom lasting all of two seasons and 30 episodes, but oh, what glorious episodes they were. I know you remember "Harper Valley PTA"...

Harper Valley (PTA)

Format Sitcom
Starring Barbara Eden
Fannie Flagg
Jenn Thompson
Anne Francine
Bridget Hanley
Rod McCary
Mills Watson
George Gobel
Allison Harvey
Opening theme "Harper Valley PTA", originally performed by Jeannie C. Riley
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 30

It Ain't the Way You Move

2012-01-23T00:06:00.000-06:00

Trains! Wind! Smoke! This video has it all! OK, so maybe it's not the best video ever made, but it was 1982, and it was the first Top 40 hit for the band Night Ranger.
The thing I find interesting about Night Ranger is that they were a solid band with a signature song ("Sister Christian"), but for whatever reason were not really that highly thought of in my opinion whenever someone started listing great rock bands of the 80's. Good, but never great was always the underlying feeling I got about this band. They had six top 40 hits and cracked the top 10 twice. They were just a solid band putting out solid music for the better part of a decade including this hit, which was their first one back in 1982 - "Don't Tell Me You Love Me"...

Night Ranger-Don't tell me you love me by SirDroopy

Lyrics | Night Ranger lyrics - Don't Tell Me You Love Me lyrics

"Don't Tell Me You Love Me"

by Night Ranger
from the album: Dawn Patrol
released: 1982

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #40

80's Movie Weekend

2012-01-21T00:05:00.000-06:00

I'm a sucker for a good old fashioned crime/gangster movie, and somehow I missed this one from 1984. Considering the star power in this movie, I'm surprised I've never seen it on cable tv either.
After researching it a little bit, one of the reasons may have to do with the controversy over the running time of this movie co-written and directed by Sergio Leone. The uncut version came in at almost four and a half hours and was considered by many critics a masterpiece and the best film of the year. When it was ultimately released in the U.S. in 1984, it had been edited down to just over two hours and was panned by most critics.
So, I guess if you want to see a great crime film you need to track down the uncut version and watch that one. But, oh man, what a cast - DeNiro, James Woods, Pesci, Elizabeth McGovern, Burt Young, William Forsythe, and the list goes on. It's the movie "Once Upon a Time in America"...

the trailer...

Once Upon a Time in America

Directed by Sergio Leone
Produced by Arnon Milchan
Screenplay by Franco Arcalli
Leonardo Benvenuti
Piero De Bernadi
Franco Ferrini
Ernesto Gastaldi
Stuart M. Kaminsky
Sergio Leone
Enrico Medioli
Based on The Hoods by
Harry Grey
Starring Robert De Niro
James Woods
Elizabeth McGovern
William Forsythe
James Hayden
Tuesday Weld
Treat Williams
Joe Pesci
Burt Young
Brian Bloom
Scott Tiler
Rusty Jacobs
Jennifer Connelly
Music by Ennio Morricone
Cinematography Tonino Delli Colli
Editing by Nino Baragli
Studio Embassy International Pictures (now Regency Enterprises)
Distributed by Producers Sales Organization
The Ladd Company for Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date(s) May 23, 1984 (Cannes)
June 1, 1984 (USA)
Running time European theatrical version
229 minutes
USA theatrical version
139 minutes
Original director's version
269 minutes
Country Italy
United States
Language English, Italian, Yiddish
Budget $20 million (approx.)
Box office $5,321,508

Hey Little Girl is Your Daddy Home

2012-01-20T00:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday everyone! Today's video won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video in 1985. It's a dramatic portrayal given by The Boss himself as an auto mechanic who tunes up the same vintage Thunderbird every week that's dropped off by a well to do woman living the high life. It's a short little number but became Springsteen's fourth top-10 hit off of his "Born in the U.S.A." album. Here is "I'm On Fire"...

Lyrics | Bruce Springsteen lyrics - I'm On Fire lyrics

"I'm on Fire"
Single by Bruce Springsteen
from the album Born in the U.S.A.
B-side "Johnny Bye Bye"
Released February 6, 1985
Format 7" single
Recorded February 1982
Genre Rock
Length 2:37
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Bruce Springsteen
Producer Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6

What Can I Do

2012-01-19T00:03:00.000-06:00

Today's hit from the band Styx occurred during the height of their popularity and close to the break up of the band over the always amusing "creative differences." This single cracked the top 10 off of their "Kilroy Was Here" album, and remains one of my favorite Styx singles. Here they are with the live version of "Don't Let It End"...

Lyrics | Styx lyrics - Don't Let It End lyrics

"Don't Let it End"
Single by Styx
from the album Kilroy Was Here
Released 1983
Recorded 1982
Genre Progressive rock
Length 4:53
Label A&M
Writer(s) Dennis DeYoung
Producer Styx

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6

You Make Me Itch and I'm Out of Calamine

2012-01-18T00:06:00.000-06:00

Cue the leather, boots, wind machine, and crazy black and white touring footage! Featured once in here with their 1990 hit "House of Pain," we're back with a 1989 song from the same album by the band Faster Pussycat. It's a catchy little tune that didn't do much of anything on any charts, but I've always liked it. Here is Faster Pussycat with "Poison Ivy"...

Lyrics | Faster Pussycat lyrics - Poison Ivy lyrics

"Poison Ivy"

by Faster Pussycat
from the album: Wake Me When It's Over
released: 1989

80's Television

2012-01-17T00:07:00.000-06:00

Today's look back at 80's television takes us to a classic show that started in the late 70's and ended in the early 80's. It features some great actors - Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, Jeff Conaway, and Andy Kaufman. Of course, it's "Taxi"...

the cool retro music and intro to the show "Taxi"...

Here's a great scene that features Christopher Lloyd...

a classic scene featuring Andy Kaufman...

Taxi

Format Sitcom
Created by James L. Brooks
Stan Daniels
David Davis
and Ed. Weinberger
Starring Judd Hirsch
Jeff Conaway (Seasons 1-3)
Danny DeVito
Marilu Henner
Tony Danza
Randall Carver (Season 1)
Christopher Lloyd
(Seasons 1 (Guest), 2-5)
Carol Kane (Season 5)
and Andy Kaufman
with J. Alan Thomas (mostly uncredited)
Theme music composer Bob James
Opening theme "Angela"
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 5
No. of episodes 114 (List of episodes)
Production
Running time 30 minutes
Production company(s) John Charles Walters Productions, in association with Paramount Television
Distributor CBS Television Distribution
Broadcast
Original channel ABC (1978–1982)
NBC (1982–1983)
Original run September 12, 1978 – June 15, 1983

Tonight the Super Trouper Lights Are Gonna Find Me

2012-01-16T00:01:00.002-06:00

It's back to one of the super groups from the 70's with one of their few hits from the early 80's. You can tell from today's video and song released in late 1980 that the super group ABBA was not going into the 80's without a fight. Their dress (especially Frida's horrific sweater), and hair, and lighting of the video still suggests a vintage 70's song and look. Maybe they knew what lay ahead in terms of disbanding, and so they held onto the 70's as long as they could. Though not as popular as "The Winner Takes It All" from the same album, here is the modest U.S. hit that was the title track for their next to last album called "Super Trouper"...

Lyrics | Mamma Mia! lyrics - Super Trouper lyrics

"Super Trouper"
Single by ABBA
from the album Super Trouper
B-side "The Piper"
Released November 1980
Format 7" single
Genre Pop
Length 4:10
Label Polar Music
Writer(s) Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus
Producer Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus
Certification Gold (UK)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #45
UK peak: #3

80's Movie Weekend

2012-01-14T00:04:00.000-06:00

I never saw this weekend's movie flashback from 1980, but it looks interesting. It stars Jason Robards, Paul Le Mat, and Mary Steenburgen, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in this movie. The screenplay was inspired by real-life Utah service station owner Melvin Dummar, who was listed as the beneficiary of $156 million in a will allegedly handwritten by Howard Hughes that was discovered in the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. Here is "Melvin and Howard"...

the trailer...

Melvin and Howard

Directed by Jonathan Demme
Produced by Art Linson
Don Phillips
Written by Bo Goldman
Starring Paul Le Mat
Mary Steenburgen
Pamela Reed
Jason Robards
Music by Bruce Langhorne
Cinematography Tak Fujimoto
Editing by Craig McKay
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date(s) September 19, 1980
Running time 95 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Live Baby Live

2012-01-13T08:13:00.002-06:00

Formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, Australia, here is the fifth time the band INXS has appeared in The Excellent 80's. Live baby live, hate baby hate. Here is the third single from their 1987 album "Kick," it's "New Sensation"...

Lyrics | Inxs lyrics - New Sensation lyrics

"New Sensation"

Single by INXS
from the album Kick
B-side "Guns in the Sky"
Released 1988
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1987
Genre Alternative rock, New Wave
Length 3:38
Label Atlantic
Writer(s) Andrew Farriss
Michael Hutchence
Producer Chris Thomas

Chart (1988) Peak position

UK Singles Chart #25
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #3
U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks #8
German Singles Chart #35
Canadian Singles Chart #15
Australian ARIA Singles Chart #9

You're the One, the One for Me

2012-01-12T00:02:00.000-06:00

I have to say that Kool and the Gang is one of my all-time favorite groups. Just the uniqueness of the band and all of its different sounds and instruments they implemented make them stand out above many of the other R&B groups of the time. Of course, the smooth vocals of James "J.T." Taylor lend an easy sound to the ear. I never met anyone named Joanna, but if I would have and had fallen in love, this was the perfect song. Alas, here is that hit from 1983 and the accompanying video for "Joanna"...

Lyrics | Kool And The Gang lyrics - Joanna lyrics

"Joanna"
Single by Kool & the Gang
from the album In the Heart
Released 1983
Genre R&B-Pop
Length 4:02
Label Polygram

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2
U.S. R&B charts: #1

I Don't Know What Color Your Eyes Are Baby

2012-01-11T00:05:00.000-06:00

Today's English alternative rock band took its name from a comic book of the same name. Here is their most widely known and successful single which came off of their 1989 self-title album. Peaking with some pointy hair and also at #3 on the Billboard singles chart, here is a song you'll remember from Love and Rockets with "So Alive"...

Lyrics | Love And Rockets lyrics - So Alive lyrics

"So Alive"
Single by Love and Rockets
from the album Love and Rockets
B-side "Dreamtime"
Released 1989
Format CD
Recorded 1989
Genre College rock
Length 4:16
Label RCA
Writer(s) Daniel Ash
Producer John Fryer

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3
UK peak: #79

I've Been Up Half the Night

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today's rock band comes to us from Memphis where you can hear their blues influence in today's video from 1989. They won a battle of the bands that eventually led to their record deal. Here is a cool little tune and black and white video for Tora Tora (Tora meaning "Tiger" in Japanese) and "Walkin' Shoes"...

Lyrics | Tora Tora lyrics - Walkin' Shoes lyrics

"Walkin' Shoes"

by Tora Tora
from the album: Surprise Attack
released: 1989

Let's Go Bowling

2012-01-09T00:04:00.001-06:00

Tonight marks the highly anticipated national championship game which rematches SEC powers LSU and Alabama for the title. Let's take a look back 30 years ago to the game which settled the national championship for the 1981 season - the 1982 Orange Bowl featuring #1 Clemson against #4 Nebraska.

Here is the intro...

part of the 1st quarter which features a TD pass by Nebraska tailback Mike Rozier...

By the way, Clemson goes on to win the game 22-15, and claim their first national championship.

80's Movie Weekend

2012-01-07T00:07:00.000-06:00

We all know that Eddie Murphy was the golden child of 80's comedy movies. Ok, bad pun, but that was also a bad movie. In stark contrast to the occasional stinker he delivered, Eddie would deliver us comic gold like today's feature from 1988. Teamed with Arsenio Hall and playing a variety of characters, Eddie delivered big time with this tale of "Coming to America"...

the trailer...

stay off the drugs, Eddie...

did you remember that the world's baddest brother, Samuel Jackson made an appearance?

Coming to America

Directed by John Landis
Produced by Leslie Belzberg
George Folsey, Jr.
Mark Lipsky
Screenplay by David Sheffield
Barry W. Blaustein
Story by Eddie Murphy
Starring Eddie Murphy
Arsenio Hall
James Earl Jones
Shari Headley
John Amos
Music by Nile Rodgers
Cinematography Sol Negrin
Woody Omens
Editing by Malcolm Campbell
George Folsey, Jr.
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) June 29, 1988
Running time 97 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $39 million
Box office $288,752,301[1]

We're Just Following Ancient History

2012-01-06T00:06:00.000-06:00

It's time for a 1984 hit from Stuart Leslie Goddard today for you in The Excellent 80's. This album seems to mark the beginning of the decline for Stuart although he did have a few more minor hits through the years following this song. I remember this video from my MTV days and thought it to be a catchy tune. Better known as Adam Ant, here is "Strip"...

Lyrics | Adam Ant lyrics - Strip lyrics

Strip
Studio album by Adam Ant
Released November 1983
Recorded Stockholm, summer 1983
Genre Rock, Pop
Label Columbia
FE 39108
Producer Adam Ant, Richard James Burgess, Phil Collins, Hugh Padgham, Marco Pirroni

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #42
UK peak: #41

Whatcha Doing Out There, Who You Tryin to Be?

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today's video from 1985 features a fictitious news report of a band that's missing due to a plane crash somewhere in the desert. It's a crazy concept and crazy video featuring the boys from San Francisco donning some fighter pilot outfits for the video.
It's the band known as Night Ranger, and at the end of the video, the fictitious news reporter says that the band is "still missing." What's missing is the band's career after this hit. Just kidding Night Ranger fellows, if you're reading this. They did have a few more minor hits after this song, but this was their last top 10 hit. Here is "Sentimental Street"...

Night Ranger - Sentimental Street by jpdc11

Lyrics | Night Ranger lyrics - Sentimental Street lyrics

"Sentimental Street"
Single by Night Ranger
from the album Seven Wishes
Released 1985
Genre Hard rock
Label MCA
Writer(s) Jack Blades

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #8

Just Cause It's 2 O'Clock Don't Mean That We Have to Stop

2012-01-04T00:02:00.000-06:00

In 1981 this duo from Dallas, Texas hit the top of the R&B charts and decided to make a video in which they performed on stage. They also decided that sock puppets was the way to go for back up singers. I couldn't agree more. The sock puppets just make this video a masterpiece. Check out the childhood friends Yarbrough and Peoples with their most famous R&B hit "Don't Stop the Music"...

"Don't Stop the Music"
Single by Yarbrough and Peoples
from the album The Two of Us
B-side "You're My Song"
Released 1981
Format 12" Single
Recorded 1980
Genre Boogie, R&B, dance
Length 7:49
4:08 (7")
Label Mercury
Writer(s) Jonah Ellis, Alisa Peoples and Calvin Yarbrough
Producer Jonah Ellis
Lonnie Simmons

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #19
U.S. R&B charts peak: #1

My Gypsy Road Can't Take Me Home

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

I love any videos that feature glam rock bands strolling through the normal streets of some unnamed town somewhere. They never stand out. I wish just once one of these bands would have gotten the crap beat out of them by some guys in a truck driving along and mistaking the band as some sort of weird gang coming to invade and take over their territory. Anyway the boys from Cinderella decided it would be a good idea to ride some horses and shoot a video someplace in Mexico I'm guessing. Here they are with the terribly out of place, but aptly named video "Gypsy Road"...

Lyrics | Cinderella lyrics - Gypsy Road lyrics

"Gypsy Road"
Single by Cinderella
from the album Long Cold Winter
Released 1988
Format 7", 12"
Genre Glam metal, blues rock
Length 3:55
Label Mercury

U.S. Billboard Hot 100: #51

I Will Be With You Again

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! I usually take off Sunday, and since this is my first post of 2012, I'd like to get it started with a song that I've begun other years here on my blog with. It's the fitting title "New Year's Day" by the one and only U2. So, get out your horse, and go riding through the snowy woods. Enjoy the first UK hit single by the band released 29 years ago on New Year's day 1983. May 2012 bring you prosperity and many blessings!

Lyrics | U2 lyrics - New Year's Day lyrics

"New Year's Day"

Single by U2
from the album War
Released 1 January 1983
Format 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl, CD
Recorded 1982, Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin
Genre Rock, post-punk
Length 5:36 (album version)
3:40 (edit)
Label Island
Producer Steve Lillywhite

Chart (1983) Peak position

Canada RPM Top 50[13] #41
Dutch MegaCharts[14] #4
Irish Singles Chart[15] #2
New Zealand Singles Chart[14] #32
Norwegian Singles Chart[14] #9
Swedish Singles Chart[14] #17
UK Singles Chart[16] #10
USA Billboard Hot 100 #53
USA Mainstream Rock Tracks[citation needed] #2

10, 9, 8, 7,...

2011-12-31T00:08:00.000-06:00

Want to see what the New Year's Eve celebration looked like 30 years ago tonight? In lieu of an 80's movie flashback, today's short 2:40 clip takes us back to 1981 and we get to watch the ball drop to take us into 1982. There's no Dick Clark. It's actress Donna Mills and some of Mr. Donny Osmond involved. And, the ball doesn't drop quite as smooth as it does these days. If you ask me, it looks a little shaky, like it might fall at any moment crushing hundreds below! Thankfully it doesn't. Have a safe New Year's Eve, and The Excellent 80's will see you in 2012!

When I Come Home, You Telephone

2011-12-30T00:01:00.001-06:00

I'm a sucker for any video that features an old-school phone booth. There's just something so nostalgic and strange about them in today's modern world where even third graders have cell phones. The year was 1986 and red berets and pink shirts were in vogue. Trust me.

I also like how lead singer Alan Frew said screw it, I know I have a microphone to sing into in this video, but I'm not going to. I'm going to dance my way over to the two hot back-up singers and sing with them while they sing into their microphones. It's just a little peculiar to me. Either everyone should sing into their microphones or no one. It's not up for debate. Choose one! Anyway, here is the Canadian band Glass Tiger with their top 10 hit "Someday"...

Lyrics | Glass Tiger lyrics - Someday lyrics

"Someday"

by Glass Tiger
from the album: The Thin Red Line
released: 1986

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

She Was a Be-Bop Baby on A Hard Day's Night

2011-12-29T00:02:00.001-06:00

I challenge you to find another classic 80's tune that opens with a mandolin and some sort of flute-like keyboard contraption being played together. That's what happens though when you get a crazy rock band from Philadelphia and combine that with some crazy teen agers hiding in car trunks and heading out to an old drive in movie theater for some fun. Here is the band known as The Hooters with "And We Danced"...

Lyrics | Hooters lyrics - And We Danced lyrics

"And We Danced"
Single by The Hooters
from the album Nervous Night
Released 1985
Format 7", 12", 12" promo
Genre Hard rock, Pop rock, Roots rock
Length 3:48
Label Columbia (1985)
Writer(s) Eric Bazilian, Rob Hyman
Producer Rick Chertoff

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #21

One Hubcap Cause Three Got Stolen

2011-12-28T00:05:00.001-06:00

When Anthony Ray burst onto the rap scene with 1988's "Swass" album, I loved "My Posse's On Broadway." Then when he came out with his 1989 album "Seminar," I was hooked especially when he released this gem. Check out the rapper better known as Sir Mix-a-lot with "My Hooptie"...

Sir Mix A Lot - My Hooptie by DaDDy_sHug_1972

Lyrics | Sir Mix-a-lot lyrics - My Hooptie lyrics

"My Hooptie"

by Sir Mix-A-Lot
from the album: "Seminar"
released: 1989

I'm Under A Spell Again

2011-12-27T00:02:00.000-06:00

Well if you're susceptible to seizures you may want to skip today's pop hit from 1987. It's a whirlwind of flashing lights and bright colors and quick cutaways. Here is the Brooklyn-born, now 41 year old Debbie Gibson from when she was about 17 with "Shake Your Love"...

Lyrics | Debbie Gibson lyrics - Shake Your Love lyrics

"Shake Your Love"

Single by Deborah Gibson
from the album Out Of The Blue
A-side Vocal (3:46)
B-side Bad Dubb Version (5:03) (U.S., 89187)
"Wake Up to Love" (Vocal/3:42) (U.K., A9187)
Released September 1987
Recorded March 1987
Genre Dance-pop, teen pop, freestyle, R&B
Length Album Version 3:38
Single Version 3:32
Label Atlantic
Writer(s) Deborah Gibson
Producer Fred Zarr

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4

People Talking

2011-12-26T00:09:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas yesterday and you are enjoying your day off today! From 1982 comes an early solo hit for the former front man of the band known as The Babys. He also went on to front the supergroup known as Bad English. In between those two gigs he was a solo artist best known for the hit "Missing You." Today's tricky video features John saving a coked out porn star from jumping off a ledge... or did he? or is she? It's all very confusing at the end.

"Change"

by John Waite
from the album: Ignition
released: 1982

80's Movie Weekend

2011-12-24T00:07:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! With the triumphant return of the Muppets to the big screen this holiday season, The Excellent 80's takes you back to just a few years outside of the 1980's (it happens every once in a while). In 1992, the Muppets put on their own production of A Christmas Carol with "The Muppet Christmas Carol"... enjoy and Merry Christmas from The Excellent 80's!

the trailer...

The Muppet Christmas Carol

by Drew Struzan
Directed by Brian Henson
Produced by Brian Henson
Martin G. Baker
Jerry Juhl
Frank Oz
David Barron
Screenplay by Jerry Juhl
Based on A Christmas Carol by
Charles Dickens
Starring Michael Caine
Steven Mackintosh
Muppet Performers:
Dave Goelz
Jerry Nelson
Frank Oz
David Rudman
Steve Whitmire
Music by Miles Goodman (score)
Paul Williams (songs)
Cinematography John Fenner
Editing by Michael Jablow
Studio Jim Henson Productions
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
Release date(s) December 11, 1992 (1992-12-11)
Running time 86 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $12,000,000
Box office $27,281,507

Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You

2011-12-23T00:06:00.001-06:00

There's something so Christmasly 80's about this in-studio video performance by Billy Squier as he's joined by the MTV cast. It's just a very happy, very jolly performance that takes me back to a simpler place in time. I always enjoy whomever the woman is who dressed up like Santa. I would like to know who that is someday. Until then, enjoy the MTV gang from 1981 and Billy Squier, and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones from The Excellent 80's! Here is "Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You"...

Lyrics | Billy Squier lyrics - Christmas Is The Time To Say 'i Love You' lyrics

Christmas In the Stars

2011-12-22T00:09:00.000-06:00

We love you R2D2! From the 1980 Star Wars Christmas Album, this is actually a recording by none other than Jon Bon Jovi. It was apparently his first professional recording under his birth name John Bongiovi. What a gem this song is!

"R2D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

album: Christmas in the Stars
Studio album by Meco Monardo
Released November, 1980
Recorded 1980
Genre Christmas music
Length 33:52
Label RSO Records
Producer Meco Monardo

Track listing

1. "Christmas in the Stars" – 3:17
2. "Bells, Bells, Bells" – 3:15
3. "The Odds Against Christmas" – 3:04
4. "What Can You Get a Wookiee for Christmas (When He Already Owns a Comb?)" – 3:24
5. "R2-D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas" – 3:16
6. "Sleigh Ride" – 3:36
7. "Merry, Merry Christmas" – 2:09
8. "A Christmas Sighting ('Twas the Night Before Christmas)" – 3:43
9. "The Meaning of Christmas" – 8:08

80's Christmas Toys

2011-12-21T00:08:00.001-06:00

With Christmas fast approaching I hope you get some of the following 80's toys from Santa this year...

For those of you trying to win the national spelling bee still...

for you G.I. Joe fans out there...

For you little pony lovers out there...

For those of you in need of a post-Christmas dinner game to argue with your family relatives at...

And finally, those of you that are still master or your domain... or is it master of your universe... I have the power!!!

Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart (and the Christmas before that and the one before that...)

2011-12-20T00:09:00.000-06:00

There are always a select few videos I love playing around Christmas time here in The Excellent 80's, and to me it's just not Christmas without George and Andrew and some ski lodge somewhere with a snowball fight, and some lost love out there. Here is Wham! with "Last Christmas"...

Lyrics | George Michael lyrics - Wham! / Last Christmas lyrics

There's No Need to Be Afraid

2011-12-19T00:04:00.000-06:00

Just remember to feed the world everyone and you'll be just fine. Of course you knew that line was going to lead you into Europe's version of USA For Africa. Here are a lot of your favorite 80's European stars in the group known as Band Aid in "Do They Know It's Christmas"...

Lyrics | Band Aid lyrics - Do They Know It's Christmas Time lyrics

80's Movie Weekend

2011-12-17T00:01:00.002-06:00

This weekend's 80's movie flashback is from 1985 and stars Mary Steenburgen and Harry Stanton. The moral of this story is always mail your children's letters to Santa Claus!

You can watch the entire movie on youtube, and here is part one of "One Magic Christmas"...

One Magic Christmas

Directed by Phillip Borsos
Written by Phillip Borsos
Barry Healey
Thomas Meehan
Starring Mary Steenburgen
Harry Dean Stanton
Gary Basaraba
Arthur Hill
Wayne Robson
Sarah Polley
Elisabeth Harnois
Robbie Magwood
Jan Rubes
Studio Walt Disney Pictures
Silver Screen Partners II
Distributed by Buena Vista Pictures
Release date(s) November 22, 1985
Running time 89 minutes
Country US/Canada
Language English

Home For the Holidays

2011-12-16T00:06:00.001-06:00

I hope you are able to make it "home" to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones and that you enjoy this time of year that can be ever so fast-paced and stressful. For now, sit back, relax, and check out this 80's performance by Kenny Loggins and some of his young friends as they perform "Celebrate Me Home"

Lyrics | Kenny Loggins lyrics - Celebrate Me Home lyrics

And A New Hat for Coach Landry

2011-12-15T00:09:00.000-06:00

Wow, this is some mangled Christmas version of The Twelve Days of Christmas as done by a group of 1980's Dallas Cowboys that still featured Tom Landry, Tony Dorsett, Bill Bates, and Danny White among others. Check out the Dallas Cowboys and this classic 12 Days of Christmas rendition...

It Was December 24th on Hollis Ave in the Dark

2011-12-14T00:09:00.000-06:00

Without a doubt, the best Christmas rap of all time from arguably the greatest rap group ever. Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay bring you this rap classic from the 1987 "A Very Special Christmas" album that benefited Special Olympics. Here is "Christmas in Hollis"...

Lyrics | Run-d.m.c. lyrics - Christmas In Hollis lyrics

"Christmas in Hollis"
Single by Run-D.M.C.
from the album A Very Special Christmas
B-side Peter Piper
Released November 1987
Format Vinyl, Cassette
Recorded 1987
Genre Hip hop
Length 2:59
Label A&M
Writer(s) Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, Jason Mizell
Producer Rick Rubin, Run-D.M.C.

80's Christmas Commercials

2011-12-13T00:08:00.000-06:00

For those of you that enjoyed those holiday commercials of the 80's, here are some of the best from then...

It's a Swell Time

2011-12-12T00:05:00.001-06:00

It's definitely that time of year to start playing some of my favorite 80's Christmas videos. There aren't too many better than Hall and Oates and their performance of "Jingle Bell Rock." They are wearing some outstanding clothes in this video. Enjoy!

Lyrics | Hall & Oates lyrics - Jingle Bell Rock lyrics

Of course Beavis and Butthead are so the 90's, but I couldn't resist adding their commentary on the Hall and Oates classic or is it the Hall and Rivera classic?

80's Movie Weekend

2011-12-10T00:02:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday we brought you a 1986 made for NBC movie starring Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves called "Babes in Toyland." Well, to give ABC equal time here in The Excellent 80's, this weekend it's a made for ABC Christmas movie starring Jaclyn Smith (of "Charlie's Angels fame), and Art Carney (of Ed Norton fame from "The Honeymooners"). Check out "The Night They Saved Christmas"...

you can also watch this entire movie on youtube as well... here is Part 1 that is sure to get you hooked!

The Night They Saved Christmas

Directed by Jackie Cooper
Produced by David R. Kappes
Written by Jim Moloney
Starring Jaclyn Smith
Music by Charles Gross
Folliott S. Pierpont
Cinematography David Worth
Editing by Eric Albertson
Distributed by Cabin Fever Entertainment Inc.
Release date(s) 1984
Running time 94 min.
Country USA
Language English

Who Cries for the Children?

2011-12-09T00:05:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time in 1985 the heavy metal industry felt slighted when musical all-stars from the U.S. and England produced sappy, money raising awareness songs for hungry children and the A.I.D.S. epidemic in Africa. Well, the late great Ronnie Dio would have none of that, so he wrote his own sappy all-star cast song called "Stars" which was a modest hit in the UK, but made nary a splash in the U.S. Thank goodness for Youtube and the video that accompanied it. Here is the all-star cast including among others lead vocalists Eric Bloom (Blue Öyster Cult), Ronnie James Dio (Dio), Don Dokken (Dokken), Kevin DuBrow (Quiet Riot), Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Dave Meniketti (Y&T), Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt), and Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche) known as Hear 'n Aid with "Stars"...

Lyrics | Hear N' Aid lyrics - Stars lyrics

"Stars"

by Hear 'n Aid
released: 1985

UK peak: #26

Lead Guitar Solos:

Vivian Campbell (Dio)
Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot)
Buck Dharma (Blue Öyster Cult)
Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)
Craig Goldy (Giuffria)
George Lynch (Dokken)
Yngwie Malmsteen
Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister)
Neal Schon (Journey)

We Need More of This From the NBA

2011-12-08T00:07:00.000-06:00

Less bickering, more music videos from NBA players I say!

OK, for those of you that didn't grow up in the 80's, you have to remember that it was the thing for teams to get together and shoot music videos. We had the Seattle Seahawks "Cuz the Blue Wave is on a Roll," the New England Patriots with "Skin the Bears," and "New England, the Patriots, and We." The Cinci Bengals brought us the "Who Dey?" rap from 1989, and of course who can forget the most famous - the Chicago Bears "Superbowl Shuffle."

Well, we might not have any NBA yet, but I can at least bring you the 1987 Lakers with an important public announcement in the form of a rap... just remember that when it comes to drugs, "Just Say No!" Just say no to colorful tight tank tops and short shorts...

Our Finest Gifts We Bring

2011-12-07T00:02:00.001-06:00

I hope you are well into your Christmas shopping, or perhaps even finished! Regardless of where you are in your busy holiday season, feel free to take a few minutes and relax and enjoy today's Christmas video. Even though this was pre-1980's by a few years, it's still a holiday classic, and I still enjoy it. David Bowie drops in on Bing Crosby and the two do a little duet shortly before Bing passed away. Here are the two legendary performers in the Christmas spirit with "The Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth"...

Lyrics | David Bowie lyrics - Peace On Earth - Little Drummer Boy lyrics

My Baby Broke All the Rules

2011-12-06T00:03:00.001-06:00

It's part comedy, part rock-act today for your 80's video flashback. It's the glam metal band from the Philly area making its first appearance in The Excellent 80's with one of their most famous hits. It's a 1988 single from the debut album of the same name as the band... it's Britny Fox with "Girlschool"...

Lyrics | Britny Fox lyrics - Girl School lyrics

"Girlschool"

by Britny Fox
from the album: Britny Fox
released: 1988

Now I Got a Job, But it Don't Pay

2011-12-05T00:05:00.000-06:00

Recorded in 1979 and released in early 1980, today's hit song has to be considered one of the signature songs of the British punk rock band known as The Clash. Apparently written in one night and recorded the next day, here is The Clash off of their "London Calling" album with "Train in Vain (Stand By Me)"...

Lyrics | Clash lyrics - Train In Vain lyrics

"Train in Vain"
Single by The Clash
from the album London Calling
B-side "London Calling"
Released 12 February 1980
Format Vinyl
Recorded 1979 at Wessex Studios, London
Genre Rock
Length 3:09
Label CBS 50851
Writer(s) Joe Strummer / Mick Jones
Producer Guy Stevens, Mick Jones

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #23
UK peak: #4

80's Movie Weekend

2011-12-03T00:07:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is right around the corner... again. Didn't we just get through taking down the decorations? Anyway, I always like to post Christmas movies from the 80's or TV specials or cartoons, etc., etc. every December, and I refuse to deviate from that award-winning approach! Check out a young Drew Barrymore along with Keanu Reeves and Richard Mulligan in a made for NBC movie musical from 1986 titled "Babes in Toyland"...

All 10 parts can be watched on youtube... here is part one if you dare...

Babes in Toyland
Directed by Clive Donner
Produced by Tony Ford
Neil T. Maffeo
Written by Glen MacDonough
Paul Zindel
Starring Drew Barrymore
Keanu Reeves
Richard Mulligan
Pat Morita
Eileen Brennan
Jill Schoelen
Music by Leslie Bricusse
Cinematography Arthur Ibbetson
Editing by David Saxon
Country United States
Language English
Original channel NBC
Release date December 19, 1986 (1986-12-19)
Running time 140 minutes

Get Up On It

2011-12-02T00:08:00.000-06:00

Today's video with soul has so much 80's pleasure to enjoy I had to watch it twice. From the vintage late 80's clothing (ripped, high waisted acid washed jeans anyone?) to the horrible dancing, white-boy rapping, and the receding hairline of today's featured artist who had some hits in the late 80's and early 90's with "24/7", "Summer Girls," "Romeo," and this song. Here is Dean Esposito, better known as Dino with his top 10 hit from 1989 "I Like It"...

Lyrics | Dino lyrics - I Like It lyrics

"I Like It"

by Dino
from the album: 24/7
released: 1989

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

Cause We Are Living in a Crazy, Crazy World

2011-12-01T00:10:00.000-06:00

It's a crazy, crazy dog at the beginning of the video and the end in today's tribute to the little known girl band Big Trouble. Don't remember them? Don't worry, because you're probably not alone. They were an all-girl pop band that was put together by TV executive Fred Silverman. Bobbi Eakes (Miss Georgia 1983) was the lead singer. Here is their only "hit," called "Crazy World"...

Lyrics | Big Trouble lyrics - Crazy World lyrics

"Crazy World"
by Big Trouble
from the album: Big Trouble
released: 1988

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #71

Evil or Divine?

2011-11-30T00:08:00.000-06:00

Today's campy 80's video from the band Dio may have scared you from being in elevators back in the day, because this one jacked up elevator. With fresh electronics and awesome make up jobs, here is another classic Dio song and video - "Last in Line"...

Lyrics | Dio lyrics - Last In Line lyrics

"The Last in Line"
Single by Dio
from the album The Last in Line
B-side Stand Up And Shout (live)
Straight Through The Heart (live)
Released 1984
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1984
Caribou Ranch, Colorado, USA
Genre Heavy metal
Length 5:48
Label Vertigo
Sterling Sound
Writer(s) Ronnie James Dio, Jimmy Bain, Vivian Campbell
Producer Ronnie James Dio

Please Please Tell Me Now

2011-11-29T00:05:00.000-06:00

With the posting of the new nine and a half minute Duran Duran video earlier this month here in The Excellent 80's I went back, looked, and realized I had missed this gem from 1983's United States re-issue of the band's 1981 debut album "Duran Duran." As long as you don't care about videos that don't make a lick of sense or are offended by naked buns then you should enjoy this quirky video for Duran Duran's "Is There Something I Should Know"...

Lyrics | Duran Duran lyrics - Is There Something I Should Know? lyrics

"Is There Something I Should Know?"
Single by Duran Duran
B-side "Faith in this Colour"
Released 19 March 1983
4 June 1983 (US)
Format 7", 12"
Recorded London, December 1982
Genre Pop, New Wave
Length 4:11
Label EMI - EMI 5371
Writer(s) Duran Duran
Producer Duran Duran, Colin Thurston, Ian Little

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4
UK peak: #1

Got the Groove That Hits the Bone

2011-11-28T00:03:00.000-06:00

Today's "futuristic" video from 1988 features my favorite German rock band The Scorpions. A bunch of hot futuristic chicks accompany the video, but what really cracks me up are the facial expressions of the band members the first half of the video. Seriously? Somebody thought these were cool shots? Hilarious is what I think. Here are those bad boy Scorpions with "Rhythm of Love"...

Lyrics | Scorpions lyrics - Rhythm Of Love lyrics

"Rhythm of Love"
Single by Scorpions
from the album Savage Amusement
Released 1988
Recorded 1988
Genre Heavy metal
Length 3:47
Writer(s) Rudolf Schenker
Klaus Meine
Producer Dieter Dierks

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #75
U.S. Rock Tracks peak: #6

80's Movie Weekend

2011-11-26T00:09:00.000-06:00

I saw this 1982 film with my grandmother and sitting through this movie for an 11 year old was pure torture back in 1982. Sure this movie had its target audience, but I was not it, and at a running time of over three hours this was worse than being a school. I might enjoy watching and learning from this movie today, but the scars it left on me as an 11 year old make me never want to sit through this thing again. Here is Ben Kingsley who won an Academy Award in the role of "Gandhi"...

Even the trailer is too long...

Gandhi
Directed by Richard Attenborough
Produced by Richard Attenborough
Screenplay by John Briley
Starring Ben Kingsley
Music by Ravi Shankar
George Fenton
Cinematography Billy Williams
Ronnie Taylor
Editing by John Bloom
Studio Goldcrest Films
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date(s) 30 November 1982 (1982-11-30) (India)
3 December 1982 (1982-12-03) (United Kingdom)
Running time 191 minutes
Country India
United Kingdom
Language Hindi
English
Budget $22 million
Box office $52,767,889

I Know There's Something Going On

2011-11-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today's song was a huge hit around the world in 1982-83 by one of the original members of the supergroup ABBA. Anni-Frid Lyngstad (aka "Frida") released a solo album in 1982 while ABBA was on a break. The album was produced in part by Phil Collins, and the first single and biggest hit from that album features Phil on the drums and backing vocals. Here is the video for the song in which Frida sings repeatedly that "I Know There's Something Going On"...

Lyrics | Frida lyrics - I Know There's Something Going On lyrics

"I Know There's Something Going On"

Single by Anni-Frid Lyngstad
from the album Something's Going On
B-side "Threnody" (album version)
Released 1982
Format Cd/Vinyl
Recorded 1982
Genre Art Rock, New Wave
Length 5:29 (album version)
4:04 (edit)
Label Epic / Universal
Writer(s) Russ Ballard
Producer Hugh Padgham, Phil Collins

Charts

Chart Position
Australian Singles Chart 5
Austrian Singles Chart 3
Belgian Singles Chart 1
British Singles Chart 43
Canadian Singles Chart 30
Costa Rican Singles Chart 1
Dutch Singles Chart 3
Finnish Singles Chart 7
French Singles Chart 1
German Singles Chart 5
Irish Singles Chart 23
Italian Singles Chart 7
Norwegian Singles Chart 3
Polish Singles Chart 3
South African Singles Chart 5
Swedish Singles Chart 3
Swiss Singles Chart 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 13

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T00:07:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! The Excellent 80's is thankful for your continued viewership whether you've only been in here a few times or many times over the years. I found this little clip from Nickelodeon's "Thanksgiving Fest," but it's really just the commercials that came on. I love the BK's commercial and the Nintendo commercial and graphics are just outstanding...

Here's some more sweet 80's commercials sandwiched in the Garfield Thanksgiving special...

I'm also thankful for Van Halen so enjoy a little VH on this special, special day!

Lyrics | Van Halen lyrics - Unchained lyrics

"Unchained"
Single by Van Halen
from the album Fair Warning
A-side "Unchained"
B-side "Sinners Swing!"
Released 1981
Recorded 1981
Genre Hard rock, heavy metal
Length 3:29
Label Warner Bros.

Nobody Knows Who You Are!

2011-11-23T00:08:00.000-06:00

Ruff ruff ruff! This is awesome. I hadn't thought about or seen this music video in over 20 years until I ran across it on Grantland's worst videos of all time story. This is from sometime in the 1980's from an MTV show called "Basement Tapes" where no name bands tried to get noticed. This is the worst... or is it the best? You decide. Here is Dog Police with "Dog Police"...

"Dog Police"

by Dog Police

I Never Wanted to Settle Down

2011-11-22T00:04:00.000-06:00

Where else are you going to find a video today featuring a hard rock/glam metal band from the 80's from Norway? I predict nowhere! It's the little known band TNT with their biggest hit. It's a single from 1987 with a video that probably cost 100 bucks to make. Cue the wind machine, and action - here is TNT with "10,000 Lovers (In One)"...

Lyrics | T.n.t. lyrics - 10,000 Lovers (In One) lyrics

"10,000 Lovers (In One)"
Single by TNT
from the album Tell No Tales
B-side "Desperate Night"
Released 1987
Format 7" single
Genre Hard rock, Glam metal
Length 2:53
Label Vertigo
Writer(s) Tony Harnell, Ronni Le Tekrø, Morten "Diesel" Dahl
Producer Bjørn Nessjø

Baby Sneezes, Mummy Pleases

2011-11-21T00:02:00.000-06:00

Today is the first video in the Excellent 80's by a singer known mainly for her singing and songwriting contributions which peaked with 1970's hit "You're So Vain." She was also married and had two children with James Taylor. She made albums all through the 80's but just never quite managed to gain that popularity she had achieved in the 1970's. From a 1987 album comes today's top 20 hit from the singer/songwriter born in NYC in 1945. Here is Carly Simon with "Coming Around Again"...

Lyrics | Carly Simon lyrics - Coming Around Again lyrics

"Coming Around Again"

by Carly Simon
from the album: Coming Around Again
released: 1987

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #18

80's Movie Weekend

2011-11-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

Here's an 80's movie I never saw, but I heard it's kind of a holiday/thanksgiving type feel that might be mood-fitting this time of year. It has a castful of stars including Michael Caine, Mia Farrow, Woody Allen, Barbara Hershey, and Daniel Stern. It's a story that begins and ends with a Thanksgiving dinner and also picked up Academy Awards for best supporting actor and actress. It's the Woody Allen directed "Hannah and Her Sisters"...

the trailer...

Hannah and Her Sisters

Directed by Woody Allen
Produced by Robert Greenhut
Written by Woody Allen
Starring Woody Allen
Michael Caine
Mia Farrow
Carrie Fisher
Barbara Hershey
Lloyd Nolan
Maureen O'Sullivan
Daniel Stern
Max von Sydow
Dianne Wiest
Cinematography Carlo Di Palma
Editing by Susan E. Morse
Distributed by Orion Pictures Corporation
Release date(s) February 7, 1986
Running time 106 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $6,400,000 (est.)
Box office $59,000,000

I'm Addicted to Ya Babe

2011-11-18T00:08:00.000-06:00

From their most successful album ever, Chicago 17, here is the band Chicago with one of their four hits from the album. Cue the horns and the anguished women, here is "Hard Habit to Break"...

Lyrics | Chicago lyrics - Hard Habit To Break lyrics

"Hard Habit to Break"
Single by Chicago
from the album Chicago 17
B-side "Remember The Feeling"
Released July 1984
Recorded 1984
Genre Rock
Length 4:48
Label Full Moon/Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Steve Kipner, John Lewis Parks
Producer David Foster

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

Ah, Now I Don't Hardly Know Her

2011-11-17T00:06:00.000-06:00

Loved me some Joan Jett back in the 80's. She was badass. We featured her former bandmate from The Replacements, Lita Ford, yesterday. Here is a remake Joan did of the Tommy James and the Shondells hit from 1968 called "Crimson and Clover." I do think Joan did this song justice. I love this version...

Lyrics | Joan Jett lyrics - Crimson And Clover lyrics

"Crimson and Clover"

by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
from the album: "I Love Rock and Roll"
released: 1981

You Feel the Power

2011-11-16T00:02:00.001-06:00

Today's short video coming in at just under three minutes is just funny. It comes from the former lead guitarist of the band The Runaways who's solo career peaked with the hit single "Kiss Me Deadly." That's right, it's the hot guitar playing singer known as Lita Ford with one of her earlier solo efforts called "Gotta Let Go"...

Lyrics | Lita Ford lyrics - Gotta Let Go lyrics

"Gotta Let Go"

by Lita Ford
from the album: Dancin' on the Edge
released: 1984

U.S. Mainstream Rock charts peak: #1

Girl, I've Been Watching You

2011-11-15T00:03:00.000-06:00

One thing I won't be watching is this video again. Somebody thought this video was a good idea. Wow, was he/she wrong. This is one horrible video for one of the top hits of 1987, and I don't plan to ever watch it again. Hitting #1 on the U.S. Billboard charts, here is NYC born singer Gregory Abbott with "Shake You Down"...

Lyrics | Gregory Abbott lyrics - Shake You Down lyrics

"Shake You Down"

Single by Gregory Abbott
from the album Shake You Down
Released September 29, 1986
Format Vinyl record (7")
Recorded CBS 06191(1986)
Genre R&B
Length 4:04
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Gregory Abbott
Producer Gregory Abbott
Certification Platinum (RIAA)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

We've Come a Long Long Way to Be With You

2011-11-14T00:06:00.000-06:00

Today's interesting song and video comes from a band fronted by Hamburg-born vocalist Lenny Wolf. The entire band was made up of German musicians and has a Led Zeppelin sound to it. From 1988 here is the band Kingdom Come with "Get it On"...

Lyrics | Kingdom Come lyrics - Get It On lyrics

"Get It On"
Single by Kingdom Come
from the album Kingdom Come
Genre Hard rock
Glam metal
Length 4:23
Label Polydor Records

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #69
U.S. Mainstream Rock tracks peak: #4

80's Movie Weekend

2011-11-12T00:04:00.000-06:00

Long before he was the governator, he was ripping up movie screens and taking on made up creatures like in today's 1987 film where Ahhnold takes on the "Predator"...

why does Apollo Creed always have to die!? Is it a black thing? It's a racist thing against Apollo I think!

Predator

Directed by John McTiernan
Produced by Joel Silver
Lawrence Gordon
John Davis
Written by Jim Thomas
John Thomas
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger
Carl Weathers
Elpidia Carrillo
Bill Duke
Jesse Ventura
Kevin Peter Hall
Music by Alan Silvestri
Cinematography Donald McAlpine
Editing by Mark Helfrich
John F. Link
Studio Silver Pictures
Lawrence Gordon Productions
Davis Entertainment
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) June 12, 1987 (1987-06-12)
Running time 107 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget US$15,000,000
Box office $98,267,558

The Return of Duran Duran

2011-11-11T00:03:00.002-06:00

Happy 11/11/11 day to you! For this peculiar day, I am taking you out of the 80's for a day with a brand new video from one of the bands that dominated the 80's with their music and style and still appears to be going strong today.

It's been years since I featured Duran Duran here in The Excellent 80's with a "Duran Duran December" back in 2008. Well, the gang is back along with all of the gorgeous models that don't seem to have aged a bit since the 80's. Duran Duran released their 13th studio album earlier this year, and (along with director Jonas Akerlund) cleverly used these models (you'll recognize Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigova, and Helena Christensen among others) in their new video for the new release which has a great 80's sound to it. Here is the enjoyable nine and a half minute new video and song for the group entitled "Girl Panic!"...

Lyrics | Duran Duran lyrics - Girl Panic lyrics

"Girl Panic!"
from the album: All You Need is Now
released: 2011

I'll Search Low and I'll Search High. R.I.P. Heavy D

2011-11-10T00:05:00.000-06:00

We lost an outstanding voice in the music community on Tuesday afternoon when rapper Heavy D (Dwight Arrington Myers) passed away at his Beverly Hills home. I always enjoyed Heavy D's smooth flow, his non-threatening presence, and his fashion style with the oversized colorful suits he would bust out in many of his videos.

Heavy D was born in Jamaica and raised in New York, and he not only put out albums, but he also collaborated with the biggest of stars including the late Michael Jackson on "Jam," and sister Janet on "Alright." Heavy D also performed the rap to the TV shows "In Living Color," and "MadTV." Along with rapping, Heavy D also perfected his acting chops in bit roles on TV and film including the recently released Eddie Murphy - Ben Stiller flick "Tower Heist."

He always seemed like the kind of guy you could hang out with and just kick it, and he always seemed like the kind of guy that would be good for a laugh and knew how to have fun. His most popular raps were about having fun, dancing, and finding a good woman. I bought his 1989 cassette tape "Big Tyme" which topped the soul albums chart and hit #19 on the pop album charts. Still an outstanding listen to this day, here is a song off that album that made it to #8 on the U.S. R&B charts and #1 on the U.S. rap charts. Here is "Somebody For Me"...

Lyrics | Heavy D & The Boyz lyrics - Somebody For Me lyrics

Here is the theme song to the 1990's hit sketch comedy show "In Living Color" that was sung by Heavy D...

R.I.P. Heavy D... you will be missed...

Me and Romeo Have Never Been Friends

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

I was a big fan of this song back in 1987 though I don't really recall the video very much. After watching it I'm sorely disappointed I didn't see it more back in 1987. It probably received more airplay on VH1 Soul or BET vs. MTV, but the song was a crossover hit for the R&B group LeVert, which was comprised of Sean and Gerald Levert, the sons of O'Jays founder Eddie Levert, as well as Marc Gordon. I love the hair and I love the shoulder pads the LeVert boys are rocking with their suit jackets for this video for "Casanova"...

Lyrics | Levert lyrics - Casanova lyrics

"Casanova"

by Levert
from the album: The Big Throwdown
released: 1987

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5

80's Bullies

2011-11-08T00:02:00.001-06:00

I saw this on eBaum's World last week. This is an awesome five minutes of movie clips from great 80's movies that features bullies of the 80's like Chet from "Weird Science," Biff from "Back to the Future," and Billy Zabka in a bunch of movies in which he was always the bully.

Check it out you dork...

TV Dinners

2011-11-07T00:03:00.001-06:00

I kind of like to forget that ZZ Top ever made this song, but I saw this video posted recently on Grantland's worst music videos of all-time story and had to at least post the video in here as well. With some crazy 80's style computer generated graphics check out the bearded boys with "TV Dinners"...

Lyrics | Zz Top lyrics - Tv Dinners lyrics

"TV Dinners"

Single by ZZ Top
from the album Eliminator
B-side "Cheap Sunglasses"
Released 1983
Format 12", cassette
Recorded 1982
Genre Rock
Length 3:50
Label Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Billy Gibbons
Dusty Hill
Frank Beard
Producer Bill Ham

Chart (1983) Peak position
UK Singles Chart #67
U.S. Billboard Top Tracks #38

80's Movie Weekend

2011-11-05T00:04:00.000-05:00

Anytime you can have a movie featuring Ogre (Donald Gibb) from the Nerds' movies and a young Forest Whitaker, AND the awesome acting of Jean-Claude Van Damme, then you know you have a hit! This was actually a pretty entertaining movie and one of the bigger hits from 1988. Here is "Bloodsport."

the trailer...

if you just want to skip to the end and check out the final fight,well here it is... you break my record, now I break you like I break your friend!

Bloodsport

Directed by Newt Arnold
Produced by Mark DiSalle
Yoram Globus
Menahem Golan
Screenplay by Christopher Cosby
Mel Friedman
Sheldon Lettich
Story by Sheldon Lettich
Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme
Donald Gibb
Leah Ayres
Music by Paul Hertzog
Cinematography David Worth
Editing by Carl Kress
Jean-Claude Van Damme (uncredited)
Studio The Cannon Group
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) February 26, 1988 (1988-02-26)
Running time 92 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $1.1 million
Box office $11.8 million (USA)[1]

Get Ready Tonight

2011-11-04T00:08:00.000-05:00

A happy Friday to everyone! Last month was the first time I featured the band Shalamar in The Excellent 80's with "Dead Giveaway" and "Dancing in the Sheets." This month I'm back with an earlier hit of theirs from 1982. It's a very rudimentary video for a popular song (especially in the UK where it peaked at #6). Featuring the original Shalamar lineup of Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett and Jody Watley, here is "A Night to Remember"...

Lyrics | Shalamar lyrics - A Night To Remember lyrics

"A Night to Remember"

Single by Shalamar
from the album Friends
B-side On Top of the World
Released June 12, 1982 (UK)
Format 7" single 12" single
Genre Funk, post-disco
Length 5:08
Label SOLAR Records
K 13162
Writer(s) Nidra Beard, Dana Meyers, Charmaine Sylvers
Producer Leon Sylvers III

U.S. Billboard peak: #44
UK peak: #6

Can't We Try Just a Little Bit Harder?

2011-11-03T00:04:00.000-05:00

Today I bring you a slow beautiful duet with the Canadian Kenny Rogers and his partner, Darryl Hannah. Seriously, look and tell me I'm not right. OK, if you want to get all technical about it, it's some hoser from Canada, eh, named Dan Hill and some babe named Vonda Shepard. I've never heard of Dan who I would say is more a combination of Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers, but if you ever watched the show "Ally McBeal," then you should remember Vonda Shepard as the singer at the local bar where the gang would go to blow off some steam. But in 1987, the duo came up with this Billboard top 10 hit. Here they are with "Can't We Try"...

Lyrics | Dan Hill lyrics - Can't We Try lyrics

"Can't We Try"

by Dan Hill with Vonda Shepard
from the album: Dan Hill
released: 1987

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6

The Return of Beavis and Butthead

2011-11-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

I realize the idiot teens from MTV was a 90's thing, but they reviewed many an 80's video. So in honor of their valiant return to MTV this past week, here is a look back at a few of their 80's music video related reviews... huh, huh huh...

Beavis and Butthead take on Ratt's "I Want a Woman"...

B&B on Grim Reaper's "Fear No Evil" from 1985...

Finally the boys take on Hall & Oates "Maneater"...

Girl, It's Been a Long Time That We've Been Apart

2011-11-01T00:07:00.001-05:00

Happy 11-1-11 day! Today's song obviously came out before the Billboard 100 really started recognizing the greatness of heavy metal music. Easily my second favorite from the German rock band formed in 1965 known as the Scorpions, today's song reached only #65 (it was a #1 hit on the U.S. Rock Tracks chart though). Here is the over-shadowed little brother of "Rock You Like a Hurricane." It's their 1982 hit "No One Like You"...

Lyrics | Scorpions lyrics - No One Like You lyrics

"No One Like You"
Single by Scorpions
from the album Blackout
Released March 1982
Recorded late 1981, Dierks Studio, Stommeln-Cologne, Germany
Genre Heavy metal
Length 3:57
Label Mercury, Universal
Writer(s) Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine
Producer Dieter Dierks

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #65
U.S. Rock Tracks: #1

It's Close To Midnight - Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.001-05:00

As I do every year on Halloween, I bring you the late, great Michael Jackson with his classic masterpiece of a video - "Thriller." Have a spooktacular Halloween everyone!

Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - Thriller lyrics

80's Movie Weekend

2011-10-29T00:09:00.001-05:00

In 1987, we were introduced to one scary figure in American horror, and he goes by the name "Pinhead." The movie spawned several sequels. Your 80's movie flashback for the weekend is considered one of the scarier movies from the 80's - "Hellraiser"...

the trailer...

here is Pinhead...

Hellraiser

Directed by Clive Barker
Produced by Christopher Figg
Written by Clive Barker
Starring Andrew Robinson
Clare Higgins
Ashley Laurence
Sean Chapman
Oliver Smith
Doug Bradley
Music by Christopher Young
Cinematography Robin Vidgeon
Editing by Richard Marden
Tony Randel
Studio Cinemarque Entertainment BV
Film Futures
Rivdel Films
Distributed by New World Pictures
Release date(s) September 11, 1987 (UK)
September 18, 1987 (US)
Running time 94 minutes
Country United Kingdom
United States
Language English
Box office $14,564,027[1]

Who Could Ask For More?

2011-10-28T00:03:00.000-05:00

Every year around this time there is always one or two videos I post. Today's post happens to be one of them and it's one of my favorites and probably only song I know from the obscure band originally known in 1972 as The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo. They shortened their name, released quite a few albums and toured for many years. This, fittingly, is their most famous song. Just leave your body and soul at the door and enjoy "Dead Man's Party"...

Lyrics | Oingo Boingo lyrics - Dead Man's Party lyrics

"Dead Man's Party"

Single by Oingo Boingo
from the album Dead Man's Party
Released April 29, 1986
Format 7"
Recorded August 1985
Genre New Wave
Length 6:23
Label MCA
Writer(s) Danny Elfman
Producer Danny Elfman, Steve Bartek

Ooh, Something's Got a Hold of Me Now

2011-10-27T00:08:00.000-05:00

It's almost Halloween again, and here's a Dracula-inspired video featuring Edward Joseph Mahoney, or as you might know him as - Eddie Money. From 1982, it's "Think I'm In Love"...

Lyrics | Eddie Money lyrics - I Think I'm In Love lyrics

"Think I'm in Love"
Single by Eddie Money
from the album No Control
B-side "Drivin' Me Crazy"
Released 1982
Format 7" single
Genre Rock
Length 3:09
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Eddie Money, Randy Oda
Producer Tom Dowd

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #16

I Know What You Want

2011-10-26T00:09:00.000-05:00

Back in 2007 leading up to Halloween, The Excellent 80's featured my favorite vampire movie of all-time - "The Lost Boys." You can go back and view the trailer and Gerrard McMann's theme song "Cry Little Sister." Today's video and song were also from The "Lost Boys Soundtrack" and about the only way anyone would have ever heard of the band Mummy Calls. Here is the British pop/rock band Mummy Calls with "Beauty Has Her Way"

"Beauty Has Her Way"

Single by Mummy Calls
from the album Mummy Calls
Released 1986
Format 7", 12"
Genre New Wave, Synthpop
Length 4:18
Label Geffen
Writer(s) David Banks, Paul Brook
Producer Hugh Padgham

80's Television

2011-10-25T00:09:00.000-05:00

With Halloween right around the corner, The Excellent 80's is featuring this television show that originated in 1989, so I'm classifying it as a product of the 80's. It was a HBO series that ran for seven seasons and was based on the 1950's EC Comics series of the same name. Yes, I'm talking about that cackling zombie known as the Crypt Keeper and "Tales from the Crypt"...

the intro...

the Crypt Keeper was always pretty entertaining. Here he is running for office...

the Crypt Keeper talking about your brain and your brain on drugs...

Tales from the Crypt

Genre Horror
Created by William Gaines (original concept)
Starring Van Snowden
Voices of John Kassir
Theme music composer Danny Elfman
Composer(s) Steve Bartek
Frank Becker
Bruce Broughton
Michel Colombier
Bill Conti
Ry Cooder
Cliff Eidelman
Christopher Franke
Jay Ferguson
Jan Hammer
James Horner
Vladimir Horunzhy
Michael Kamen
David Kitay
David Mansfield
David Newman
Nicholas Pike
J. Peter Robinson
Michel Rubini
Alan Silvestri
Jimmy Webb
Walter Werzowa
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 7
No. of episodes 93 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Richard Donner
David Giler
Walter Hill
Joel Silver
David Geffen
Robert Zemeckis
Running time approx. 22-29 minutes.
Production company(s) HBO
Broadcast
Original channel HBO[1]
Audio format Dolby Surround 2.0
Original run June 10, 1989 – July 19, 1996

Do You Remember When We Met

2011-10-24T00:06:00.000-05:00

OK, Robert Plant, I know you are cool and one of the best lead singers from one of the best rock bands of all-time, but I question your direction around 1981 when you formed today's group The Honeydrippers. From what I understand this was to quench a thirst that Robert had for a band with a heavy R&B sound to it. The original lineup was quite impressive though for their one and only album they released. It included Robert Plant on vocals, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck on guitars, Paul Shaffer on the keyboard, Nile Rodgers as a guitarist and co-producer, Wayne Pedziwiatr on bass, Dave Weckl on drums, and Brian Setzer made a guest appearance on guitar. The worst thing about today's video... did we really need a speedo wearing xylophonist in the video? I think not. Totally ruined it for me. A remake of the Phil Phillips hit from 1959, here are The Honeydrippers with "Sea of Love"...

Lyrics | Honeydrippers lyrics - Sea Of Love lyrics

"Sea of Love"

by The Honeydrippers
from the album: The Honeydrippers Volume One
released: 1984

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

80's Movie Weekend

2011-10-22T00:03:00.002-05:00

OK, so I never saw this weekend's movie review at all. I never even heard of it. I saw it somewhere in some list about the top scary movies of the 80's. It's called Re-animator and it looks pretty... campy and gory, but not that scary. It's the first in a series of movies like it called "Re-Animator"

here's the trailer...

Re-Animator

Directed by Stuart Gordon
Produced by Brian Yuzna
Screenplay by Stuart Gordon
William J. Norris
Dennis Paoli
Based on Herbert West, Re-Animator by
H. P. Lovecraft
Starring Jeffrey Combs
Bruce Abbott
Barbara Crampton
David Gale
Music by Richard Band
Cinematography Mac Ahlberg
Editing by Lee Percy
Studio Re-Animator Productions
Distributed by Empire Pictures
Release date(s) October 18, 1985
Running time 95 minutes
86 minutes (Unrated cut)
Country United States
Language English
German
Budget $900,000[1]
Box office $2,023,414[1]

I Don't Mind When You Act Your Age

2011-10-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Red Rocker is 63 and still going strong as his group Chickenfoot is set to release their second album soon. Back in 1982 Sammy was pumping out some good solo stuff like this hit off of his "Three Lock Box" album. If he really is 63, he would have been about 32 or 33 in this video. Here is a younger and skinnier Sammy Hagar with "Your Love is Driving Me Crazy"...

Lyrics | Sammy Hagar lyrics - Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy lyrics

"Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy"
Single by Sammy Hagar
from the album Three Lock Box
Released 1982
Length 3:30
Label Geffen
Writer(s) Sammy Hagar

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #13

80's Halloween Costumes

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Halloween and all the fun parties are approaching quickly and if you're still struggling with what to wear, here are some awesome 80's costume ideas if you just haven't found that perfect outfit yet!

Grab Your Coat and Wave Goodbye to Your Friends

2011-10-19T00:04:00.000-05:00

Monday, the group Shalamar made their debut in The Excellent 80's with "Dead Giveaway," but today's video and song from the group is probably the one I remember the most from this group. Included on the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack as well as their album "Heartbreak" here is Shalamar again (this time post Jody Watley) with a sweet bar fight scene with their song/video for "Dancing in the Sheets"...

Lyrics | Shalamar lyrics - Dancing In The Sheets lyrics

"Dancing in the Sheets"

by Shalamar
from the album: "Heartbreak" (also included on the "Beverly Hills Cop" soundtrack)
released: 1984

80's Television

2011-10-18T00:10:00.000-05:00

Don't tell me you don't remember this classic comedy/drama tv show from 1988. It lasted two whole seasons! John Ritter starred in it as a San Francisco plain clothes police officer named Harry Hooperman who inherits the apartment building he lives in when the landlady is killed in the first episode. Hilarity and drama ensue... It's the show "Hooperman"...

the intro...

speaking of hilarity, here is a clip from the show...

Hooperman

Format Comedy/Drama
Created by Steven Bochco
Terry Louise Fisher
Starring John Ritter
Felton Perry
Debrah Farentino
Dan Lauria
Barbara Bosson
Joseph Gian
Opening theme Hooperman Theme by Mike Post
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 42
Production
Executive producer(s) Robert M. Myman
Running time 30 min.
Broadcast
Original channel ABC
Original run September 23, 1987 – July 26, 1989

How Long You Gonna Carry On?

2011-10-17T00:06:00.000-05:00

That's sometimes the question I ask myself about this little blog and its continues run for four years. But, I seem to always find something new or fresh or exciting to keep me wanting to update this thing. One 80's group that I haven't featured in here before is making its' debut today. With 10 studio albums spanning the late 70's to 1990 the most famous member of the band was one-time member Jody Watley. She appears in today's mysterious video from their 1983 album "The Look." Here is the band Shalamar with "Dead Giveaway"...

Lyrics | Shalamar lyrics - Dead Giveaway lyrics

"Dead Giveaway"

by Shalamar
from the album: The Look
released: 1983

80's Movie Weekend

2011-10-15T00:02:00.001-05:00

Wow, Halloween is really sneaking up on me this year. It's just about two weeks away so it's time to start in with a few "scary" 80's movies for you to remember. Personally, I never saw today's 80's movie flashback, nor did I ever read the book. I'll just assume that it was pretty scary since it's a Stephen King story. It's some crazy, loony, killer dog they called "Cujo"...

the trailer...

Cujo

Directed by Lewis Teague
Produced by Robert Singer
Daniel H. Blatt[1]
Written by Stephen King (novel)
Lauren Currier
Starring Dee Wallace
Danny Pintauro
Daniel Hugh-Kelly
Christopher Stone
Ed Lauter
Music by Charles Bernstein
Cinematography Jan de Bont
Editing by Neil Travis
Studio Taft Entertainment
Sunn Classic Pictures
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) August 12, 1983
Running time 91 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $5,000,000
Box office $21,200,000

Your the Seventh Son of the Seventh Son

2011-10-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

Before she started strutting and talking about her "sugar walls" Sheena Easton was a pure wholesome singer with hits like this one from 1981. Here is the Scottish born Easton with the song off the album of the same name - "You Could Have Been With Me"...

Lyrics | Sheena Easton lyrics - You Could Have Been With Me lyrics

"You Could Have Been With Me"
Single by Sheena Easton
from the album 'You Could Have Been with Me'
B-side "Savoir Faire"
Released November 1981
Format 7" single
Genre Adult Contemporary
Length 3:48
Label EMI-America
Writer(s) Lea Maalfrid
Producer Christopher Neil

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #15

I Can Wait Another Day Until I Call You

2011-10-13T00:03:00.001-05:00

In honor of Sir Paul McCartney's recent third marriage, let's take a look back at his hit from 1984 off of the "Give My Regards to Broad Street" soundtrack album. I'm not sure what the first minute of the video accomplishes, but it's not too bad of an effort overall. Here is McCartney with "No More Lonely Nights"... Congrats on the new marriage, Paul!

Lyrics | Paul McCartney lyrics - No More Lonely Nights lyrics

"No More Lonely Nights"

Single by Paul and Linda McCartney
from the album Give My Regards to Broad Street
B-side "No More Lonely Nights (Playout Version)"
(original pressing);
"No More Lonely Nights (Special Dance Mix)"
(later pressing)
Released 24 September 1984
Format 7" single
Recorded Abbey Road - 1983
Genre Rock, Power Ballad
Length 4:42 (Ballad version)
4:35 (Playout version)
Label Parlophone
R6080(stereo)
Columbia (US & Canada)
Writer(s) Paul McCartney
Producer George Martin

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6
UK peak: #2

Once Is Never Enough

2011-10-12T00:07:00.000-05:00

Back to 1980 we go today for a sunglasses wearing flute playing man just called "The Captain." More specifically it's "Captain" Daryl Dragon and his wife, Cathryn Antoinette "Toni" Tennille. That's right it's Captain and his hot wife, Tennille, and their hit that peaked at #1 in February of 1980 - "Do That To Me One More Time"...

Lyrics | Captain & Tennille lyrics - Do That To Me One More Time lyrics

"Do That to Me One More Time"

Single by Captain & Tennille
from the album Make Your Move
B-side "Deep in the Dark"
Released 1979
Format 7" (45 rpm)
Genre Adult contemporary, Pop
Length 3:45
Label Casablanca 2215
Writer(s) Toni Tennille
Producer Daryl Dragon

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

80's Television

2011-10-11T00:07:00.000-05:00

Now all of you know and have probably seen at least a little bit of the classic television series "Saved By the Bell," right? Sure you have. But how many of you remember that there was one season of a show right before "Saved By the Bell" that was the precursor to it? That's right, Zack Morris was there, so was Lisa Turtle, and of course "Screech." But there was no Kelly Kapowski, AC Slater, or Jesse Spano. The show was called "Good Morning Miss Bliss."

Here is the intro from that lone season in 1988-89

Here is part one of the pilot episode with the lame original opening...

Part two...

Good Morning, Miss Bliss

Good Morning, Miss Bliss title card
Also known as Saved by the Bell: The Junior High Years
Genre Teen sitcom
Created by Sam Bobrick
Starring Hayley Mills
Dennis Haskins
Joan Ryan
Max Battimo
Dustin Diamond
Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Heather Hopper
Lark Voorhies
T.K. Carter
Theme music composer Charles Fox
Opening theme "These are the Best of Times"
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 13

I Used to Think That Love Was Such a Fairy Tale

2011-10-10T00:06:00.000-05:00

I thought this QVC video from 2010 was really interesting when I stumbled across it the other day because I hadn't seen Billy Ocean probably since the late 80's, maybe early 90's. The thing that's cool about this is that he sings live with just an acoustic guitarist accompanying him and he still has magic in that voice. Though this is not one of my favorite Ocean songs, you sure can hear that voice that made him so popular during the 80's. Born in Trinidad, here is the now 61 year old Billy Ocean singing one of his biggest hits from 1985... "Suddenly"...

Lyrics | Billy Ocean lyrics - Suddenly lyrics

"Suddenly"
Single by Billy Ocean
from the album Suddenly
Released May 10, 1985
Format 7" (45 rpm)
Recorded 1984
Genre Soul, R&B, soft rock
Length 3:55
Label Jive Records
Writer(s) Billy Ocean
Producer Keith Diamond, Billy Ocean

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4
UK peak: #4

80's Movie Weekend

2011-10-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

Back during John Travolta's first run as a superstar A-list actor, he had this 1981 movie that was pretty good. It also starred Nancy Allen (not sure who she is), and also John Lithgow. You can't go wrong when Lithgow is playing a villain in your movie can you? It's the 1981 thriller by Brian De Palma called "Blowout"...

the trailer...

the opening credits...

Blow Out

Directed by Brian De Palma
Produced by George Litto
Written by Brian De Palma
Starring John Travolta
Nancy Allen
John Lithgow
Dennis Franz
Music by Pino Donaggio
Cinematography Vilmos Zsigmond
Distributed by Filmways
Release date(s) July 21, 1981 (U.S. release)
Running time 108 min.
Language English
Budget $18 million

I Can Make You Number One

2011-10-07T00:09:00.000-05:00

I sense some Michael Jackson influence from today's group and video. From the dress to even some of the dance moves at the end, I sense a Jackson Five wannabe group that includes three females and two males - all siblings. It's the British pop/R&B group known as Five Star. They didn't achieve too much success stateside other than the occasional top 40 showing on the U.S. R&B charts. They had much more success in Britain during the peak of their fame from 1985-1988. Here are the five Pearson siblings known as Five Star with "R.S.V.P."...

"R.S.V.P."
Single by Five Star
from the album Luxury Of Life
B-side "Say Goodbye"
Released November 9, 1985
Format 7" single, 12" single
Genre Pop
Length 4:45
Label RCA, Tent
Writer(s) Nick Trevisick, Paul Gurvitz
Producer Buster Pearson, Nick Martinelli

UK peak: #45

Says He's A People Fan

2011-10-06T00:06:00.000-05:00

From 1982, one of the great British synthpop bands of the 80's is coming your way today. They've been featured before here in The Excellent 80's, and here is another one of their top 40 U.S. hits, and a song that went all the way to #2 on the UK charts. It's "Mirror Man"...

Lyrics | Human League lyrics - Mirror Man lyrics

"Mirror Man"

Single by The Human League
from the album Fascination!
B-side "Non-Stop"
Released 27 November 1982
Format 7", 12" vinyl single
Recorded Genetic Studios, Reading, UK
Genre Synthpop
Length 3:52
Label Virgin Records, A&M Records
Writer(s) Philip Oakey, Jo Callis, Ian Burden
Producer Martin Rushent

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #30
UK peak: #2

I Was Taught To Never Tell a Lie

2011-10-05T00:07:00.000-05:00

Love today's song and video from the one and only Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Joan is rocking the white outfit today. And, for the second day in a row we get a video that features a turn table with an old 45 single being played. And remember those things you had to put in the middle of those singles called 45 rpm adapters? Wow, that takes me back. Anyway, check out a song that barely cracked the top 20 on the Billboard charts, so in my mind that makes this an underrated hit of Joan's. Here is "Little Liar"...

Lyrics | Joan Jett And The Blackhearts lyrics - Little Liar lyrics

"Little Liar"

by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
from the album: "Up Your Alley"
released: 1988

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #19