I Completed 80s Music

Episode 16 Kenny Rogers, Spandau Ballet, Diana Ross, ABBA, Devo, Bruce Springsteen, St Winifreds School Choir

Join us as we delve into the eclectic world of 1980's music. It's November 1980 and we're starting with Kenny Rogers’ transformation into a pop sensation through his hit single "Lady," written by Lionel Richie. Next, we explore the beginnings of Spandau Ballet within the vibrant New Romantic scene, highlighting their breakthrough single "To Cut a Long Story Short." We discuss Diana Ross's timeless track "I'm Coming Out," a song originally meant as a celebration of self and identity for the gay community, turned 90s rap song. We reach ABBA's Supertrouper which on the surface sounds upbeat but is all about the pressure of success, at a time where the band's own relationships were under significant strain. We whip it good! with Devo (say no more!), we get a hungry heart with Bruce Springsteen and end with the most sugary Christmas number 1 ever, courtesy of Grandma!
Links to playlist 16:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Kenny Rogers - Lady
2. Spanda Ballet - To Cut A Long Story Short
3. Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out
4. ABBA - Super Trouper
5. Devo - Whip It
6. Bruce Springsteen - Hungry Heart
7. St Winifred's School Choir - There's No One Quite Like Grandma
 
Thanks to Fabian Roch for the glittery intro on all the songs
All can be found on pixabay!
 

Episode 15.5 Rod Stewart, John Lennon, Roxy Music, Blondie, Neil Diamond, Hall And Oates

Join the 80s Mixtaper as we delve into the second half of Playlist 15, exploring an exciting mix of music history from November 1980.
First up is Rod Stewart's risqué exploration of desire with 'Passion', a track that reflects his ability to straddle the line between rock god and pop icon. We then turn our attention to John Lennon's emotionally charged comeback with 'Starting Over', a song full of optimism that ended in tragedy.
The episode also highlights Blondie's adventurous foray into reggae with 'The Tide is High', showcasing their fearless ability to blend genres and produce chart-topping hits. Additionally, listeners are treated to the soothing croon of Neil Diamond's 'Love on the Rocks' and the influential harmonies of Hall & Oates with 'Kiss on My List'.
Tune in as we rewind to these classic moments, providing insightful commentary and stories that bring these 80s anthems to life once more.
Links to Playlist 15:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Rod Stewart - Passion
9. John Lennon - (Just Like) Starting Over
10. Roxy Music - Same Old Scene
11. Blondie - The Tide Is High
12. Neil Diamond - Love On The Rocks
13. Hall & Oates - Kiss On My List

Episode 15 Dennis Waterman, Olivia Newton-John, Sheena Easton, Kool and the Gang, Motorhead, UB40, David Bowie

Join the 80s mixtaper in this episode as they dive into the vivid tapestry of 80s music, exploring the journey of Dennis Waterman's "I Could Be So Good For You," the unforgettable anthem of British TV series Minder. Listeners are taken back to when this iconic theme song took the UK charts by storm, embodying a blend of humor and drama that defined the early part of the decade in the UK.
The episode also delves into the heartfelt duet "Suddenly" by Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard, bringing to life the tender harmonies and emotional depth that captured audiences during its release. Meanwhile, Sheena Easton's "One Man Woman", the final song of her 1980 trilogy presents an exploration of her evolving music identity, highlighting her blend of independence and romance through catchy melodies.
As the journey continues, celebrate the unyielding joy of Kool and the Gang's "Celebration," a song that transcends time and becomes the anthem for victory worldwide. Then, delve into the raw power of Motorhead's "Ace of Spades," encapsulating the heavy metal chaos that defined the early trappings of thrash metal.
The episode further explores UB40's politically charged "The Earth Dies Screaming," offering a haunting glimpse into 1980 Britain and its societal tensions. Finally, David Bowie's "Fashion" wraps up the episode with its critique of trends and media influence, completed with Bowie's signature style of eerie sophistication.
Links to Playlist 15:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Dennis Waterman - I Could Be So Good For You
2. Olivia Newton-John - Suddenly
3. Sheena Easton - One Man Woman
4. Kool and the Gang - Celebration
5. Ace of Spades - Motorhead
6. UB40 - The Earth Dies Screaming
7. David Bowie - Fashion
 

Episode 14.5 Kurtis Blow, Adam and the Ants, Status Quo, Generation X, Stephanie Mills, Japan

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music with the 80s Mixtaper as we dive into the second half of Playlist 14, where we explore some pivotal moments in music history. We journey through the landscape of 1980 with Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks," a cornerstone that heralded the rise of rap music, and Adam Ant's "Dog Eat Dog," a breakthrough that reshaped pop stardom.
Listeners' comments spark a nostalgic discussion about Leo Sayer's influence on pop music and his role as a heartthrob for teens in the 1970s.
As the episode unfolds, we also delve into the era-defining sound of Japan with "Gentlemen Take Polaroids," a track that laid some of the groundwork for the New Romantic movement, while reminding us of Status Quo's enduring appeal with their boogie-rock classic, "What You're Proposing." Meanwhile, Billy Idol's leap into solo fame with "Dancing With Myself" showcases a seamless blend of punk and new wave aesthetics.
Join us as we traverse through these musical milestones, connecting the dots between these iconic artists and the lasting impact of their work on the 80s music scene and beyond.
 
Links to Playlist 14:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Kurtis Blow - The Breaks
9. Adam And The Ants - Dog Eat Dog
10. Status Quo - What You're Proposing
11. Generation X - Dancing With Myself
12. Stephanie Mills - Never Knew Love Like This Before
13. Japan - Gentlemen Take Polaroids

Episode 14 Gilbert O'Sullivan, Bad Manners, The Police, OMD, Kate Bush, Sweet People, Barbra Streisand

Join the 80s mixtaper as we navigate through a pivotal moment in music history, exploring the autumn of 1980. This episode delves into the careers of iconic artists who defined an era, beginning with Gilbert O'Sullivan's introspective hit "What's In A Kiss," his last top 20 song in the UK during a transitional time in his career.
Learn about the whimsical charm of Bad Manners' "Special Brew," a ska classic inspired by a love for lager, and how it captured the playful essence of the band. Experience the poignant tale behind The Police's "Don't Stand So Close To Me," a narrative woven with tension and musical evolution.
Discover the synth sounds that heralded a new wave as OMD's "Enola Gay" poignantly addresses historical events through a pop lens. Alongside, Kate Bush's "Army Dreamers" offers a narrative of loss underscoring her unique artistry and evocative themes.
We also dive into sweet instrumental nostalgia with Alain Morisod and Sweet People's "And the Birds Were Singing," a serene escape amid the vibrancy of the 80s music scene. Finally, we end with Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb's collaboration on "Woman in Love," a testament to crossover appeal and timeless emotion.
With playlists available for those looking to hear the tunes simultaneously, this episode promises a rich, auditory journey through some of the era’s defining music and the stories that shaped them.
Links to Playlist 14:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Gilbert O'Sullivan - What's In A Kiss?
2. Bad Manners - Special Brew
3. The Police - Don't Stand So Close To Me
4. OMD - Enola Gay
5. Kate Bush - Army Dreamers
6. Sweet People - And The Birds Were Singing
7. Barbra Streisand - Woman in Love

Episode 13.5 AC DC, Madness, Stevie Wonder, Specials, Diana Ross, Air Supply

Join us as we delve into the monumental musical moments from the second half of Playlist 13, starting with the iconic track 'You Shook Me All Night Long' by AC DC. Discover the heart-wrenching story of how the band overcame the loss of their frontman, Bon Scott, and emerged with Brian Johnson to create one of the greatest rock anthems of all time.
Next, we explore Madness's classic hit 'Baggy Trousers', a song that captures the rebellious spirit of British school life and serves as a counter-narrative to the era's bleakness. Dive into the ska rhythms and pop sensibilities that reflect the joyful chaos of youth.
We then shift to Stevie Wonder's 'Master Blaster', an infectious reggae tune honoring Bob Marley and symbolizing hope and rejuvenation. Experience how this track bridges genres and pays tribute to the reggae movement, cementing Wonder's place as a genre-blending musical genius.
Next we're back with more ska innovation as the Specials prove that they too can evolve as we hear the early harkenings of Fun Boy Three with their mariachi horned "Stereotype".
Diana Ross then dances back into our ears with "My Old Piano", connecting her past success with her future as Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards update her sound. And we end with the best song ever? Well according to Korn. Yes, it's Air Supply and "All Out Of Love". Is it the best rock ballad ever? You decide!
Links to playlist 13:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. AC DC - You Shook Me All Night Long
9. Madness - Baggy Trousers
10. Stevie Wonder - Master Blaster (Jammin)
11. The Specials - Stereotype
12. Diana Ross - My Old Piano
13. Air Supply - All Out Of Love

Episode 13 Gary Numan, Robert Palmer, Queen, Bob Marley, Ozzy Osbourne, Ottawan, Odyssey

Join us in this episode as we dive into Playlist 13, exploring the vibrant tapestry of 1980s music. Our host recounts a unique midlife crisis-inspired quest to listen to every UK charting single from the decade, revealing the era's standout tracks and fascinating stories behind them.
This week we delve into early Autumn 1980, celebrate the artistic evolution of Gary Numan, delve into Robert Palmer's eclectic sound shift with "Johnny and Mary," and experience Queen's genre-bending funk hit "Another One Bites the Dust." Feel the optimism with Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" and the adrenaline rush of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train." Relive the era's disco fever with Otterwan's "D.I.S.C.O." and discover the emotional depth of Odyssey's ballad "If You're Looking for a Way Out."
Engage in a musical journey through the dynamic soundscape of 1980, where each track offers a glimpse into the cultural shifts and innovations of the time. Tune in for insightful commentary, personal anecdotes, and a dash of nostalgia as we continue our exploration of 80s music magic.
Links to playlist 13:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Gary Numan - I Die You Die
2. Robert Palmer - Johnny and Mary
3. Queen - Another One Bites The Dust
4. Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds
5. Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train
6. Ottawan - D.I.S.C.O
7. Odyssey - If You're Looking For A Way Out
 

Episode 12.5 Hazel OConnor, Split Enz, David Bowie, The Jam, Level 42, Randy Crawford

Welcome to "I Completed 80s Music," where we dive deep into the intriguing decade of the 1980s, exploring one captivating song at a time. In this episode, we delve into Hazel O'Connor's rise and artistic impact, scrutinizing her monumental track "Eighth Day" and its narrative on technological ambition. We also explore the musical evolution leading to Crowded House through Split Enz's "I Got You," courtesy of Neil Finn's genius.
Our musical journey continues with a spotlight on David Bowie's reinvention in "Ashes to Ashes," a testament to his artistry and introspective nature. We take a trip back to the foundational jazz-funk sound of Level 42's "Love Meeting Love" and conclude with the soul-stirring essence of Randy Crawford's "One Day I'll Fly Away," celebrating deeply personal human experiences and inspirations.
Join us for this exploration as we navigate through these iconic tracks, artist transformations, and the defining musical moments of the 1980s.
Links to Playlist 12:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Hazel O'Connor - Eighth Day
9. Split Enz - I Got You
10. David Bowie - Ashes To Ashes
11. The Jam - Start!
12. Level 42 - Love Meeting Love
13. Randy Crawford - One Day I'll Fly Away