I Completed 80s Music

Episode 21.5 March 1981 Lynott Writes An Iconic Theme Tune

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, the podcast where we traverse the vibrant, eclectic world of 1980s pop. I'm your host, the 80s Mixtaper, and today we dive into the second half of Playlist 21.5, filled with synth-pop, reggae, and ska tunes.
We embark on this journey with Heaven 17's politically charged anthem, "We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang," a protest wrapped in infectious synth beats. Step into Sheffield's industrial atmosphere of 1981 as we unravel the protest anthem that dared to merge political commentary and dance rhythms.
Then, join us in a nostalgic trip to Top of the Pops with Phil Lynott's "Yellow Pearl," a synth-pop banger that defined an era's TV music scene while showcasing Lynott's leap into solo ventures.
We rekindle memories with Hazel O'Connor's "D-Days," a sharp critique of London's nightlife set to new wave beats, illustrating the artist's attempt to shed her "Breaking Glass" persona.
Groove along to Light of the World's "I'm So Happy," capturing the essence of Britain's jazz-funk movement, and revel in Sugar Minott's reggae cover of Michael Jackson's "Good Thing Going," which soared through UK charts.
Finally, we dive into the ska universe with Bad Manners' "Just a Feeling," a cheeky anthem from 1981 that rides on the energy of those larger-than-life ska performances. Join the mixtaper as we relive the unrestrained celebration of 80s music and its remarkable impact.
Links to playlist 21:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Heaven 17 - Fascist Groove Thang
9. Phil Lynott - Yellow Pearl
10. Hazel O'Connor - D Days
11. Light of the World - I'm So Happy
12. Sugar Minott - Good Thing Going
13. Bad Manners - Just A Feeling
 

Episode 21 March 1981 A New Order

In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes you back to March 1981, exploring the vibrant and eclectic tracks of Playlist 21. Join us as we unravel the stories behind some of the era's most iconic hits, including Phil Collins' pivotal "I Missed Again," a track marking his transition from Genesis' progressive rock legacy to a pop sensation. Discover how The Who grappled with their past and present in their final hit "You Better You Bet," and witness New Order's emergence from Joy Division's ashes with "Ceremony."
Learn about the surprising journey of Lena Lovitch with her consumerism critique "New Toy," and how The Nolans kept the disco-pop spirit alive with "Attention to Me." The Whispers' "It’s a Love Thing" will sweep you back to the dancefloors of the early 80s, while Graham Bonnet's "Night Games" showcases a solo leap post-Rainbow. Dive into the colorful mix of genres and stories that pepped up the charts in March 1981, and explore how these artists defined a musical generation.
Links to playlist 21:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Phil Collins - I Missed Again
2. The Who - You Better You Bet
3. Lene Lovich - New Toy
4. The Nolans - Attention To Me
5. The Whispers - Its A Love Thing
6. New Order - Ceremony
7. Graham Bonnett - Night Games
 

Episode 20.5 February 1981 Hows Stevie Feeling Lately?

In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes listeners on a journey through the eclectic sounds of the second half of Playlist 20. Dive into nerdy-themed tracks discussing zealotry and nuclear war, revel in a rockabilly classic, and groove to one of Stevie Wonder's finest records. The episode also features listener comments from TikTok and Instagram, sparking discussions on the intelligence of early 80s bands like The Police, The Jam, and Dire Straits.
Among the highlighted tracks are Landscape's hauntingly catchy "Einstein A Go-Go," Shakin' Stevens's hip-shaking cover of "This Old House," and Sharon Redd's dancefloor anthem "Can You Handle It." The Jacksons' post-Motown unity anthem "Can You Feel It" is also explored, showcasing their transition as Michael Jackson's solo success begins to emerge.
Join the 80s mixtaper as he delves into Lynx's Britfunk with "Intuition" alongside the profound emotional depth of Stevie Wonder's "Lately," a raw ballad capturing love's fragility. This episode is brimming with diverse tracks that defined an era while setting the stage for future musical exploration. Tune in for a nostalgic dive into the vibrant and sometimes quirky world of 80s music history.
Links to Playlist 20
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Landscape - Enstein A Go-Go
9. Shakin Stevens - This Ole House
10. Sharon Redd - Can You Handle It
11. The Jacksons - Can You Feel It
12. Linx - Intuition
13. Stevie Wonder - Lately
 

Episode 20 February 1981 Duran Duran Enter Planet Earth

Join the 80s mixtaper as we dive into the biggest musical hits of the 80s, crafted from a personal challenge to listen to every charting song from 1979 to 1989. In this captivating episode, the biggest so far, we're now mid february 1981 as explore the debut of iconic bands and artists like Duran Duran, Kim Wilde and revisit classic hits like "Jealous Guy" by Roxy Music and Dolly Parton's "9 to 5." Enjoy insightful discussions and storytelling about these legendary tracks that shaped the decade. Tune in for nostalgia, insights, and the magic of 80s music!
Links to Playlist 20
Spotify
Apple Music
 
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Pretenders - Message Of Love
2. Dolly Parton - 9 To 5
3. Duran Duran - Planet Earth
4. Kim Wilde - Kids In America
5. Kiki Dee - Star
6. Roxy Music - Jealous Guy
7. Eddie Rabbitt - I Love A Rainy Night
 
 

Episode 19.5 February 1981 Thats Entertainment

In this episode of I Completed 80s Music, the 80s Mixtaper takes us on a nostalgic journey back to February 1981, exploring the rich and diverse soundscape of the second half of Playlist 19. From the silky, summery jazz funk of Freeze’s ‘Southern Freeze’ to Joe Dolce’s light-hearted but controversial ‘Shut Up Your Face,’ the episode encapsulates the eclectic mix of genres that defined 1981.
Listeners are invited to rediscover the poignant ironies of The Jam’s ‘That’s Entertainment’ and Neil Diamond’s heartfelt ‘Hello Again,’ which both highlight the eras punk-inspired mod revival to softer, more reflective ballads.
The episode concludes with a glance at Christopher Cross’s ‘Sailing,’ capturing the soothing essence of yacht rock, and Boney M’s ‘Children of Paradise,’ marking the twilight of disco in a rapidly evolving music scene. Join the Mixtaper for deep dives into musical nostalgia, artist insights, and cultural reflections.
Links to Playlist 19:
Spotify
Apple Music
 
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Freeez - Southern Freeez
9. The Jam - That's Entertainment
10. Joe Dolce - Shaddup You Face
11. Boney M. - Children Of Paradise
12. Neil Diamond - Hello Again
13. Christopher Cross - Sailing
 

Episode 19 January 1981 And You May Ask Yourself

Join the 80s mixtaper as he takes you on a nostalgic journey through the eclectic music of the 1980s. It's late January 1981. This episode dives deep into the posthumous success of John Lennon with his heartwarming single "Woman," a tender tribute to love and a testament to his enduring legacy. Explore the vibrant chaos of The Teardrop Explodes with their biting track "Reward," and revel in Barry Manilow’s emotive ballad "I Made It Through The Rain," capturing the spirit of resilience in a changing world.
Discover the transition of Rainbow to pop-metal glory with "I Surrender" and Talking Heads’ transformative and iconic hit "Once in a Lifetime," which blends art-punk with Afrobeat influences. Experience the mystique of The Passions with "I'm in Love with a German Film Star," a post-punk gem of infatuation and atmospheric allure. From the soulful last hurrah of MFSB's "Mysteries of the World" to the eclectic narratives of the 80s, this episode offers a compelling look into the decade's musical evolution.
Links to Playlist 19:
Spotify
Apple Music
 
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. John Lennon - Imagine
2. MFSB - Mysteries of the World
3. The Teardrop Explodes - Reward
4. The Passions - I'm In Love With A German Film Star
5. Rainbow - I Surrender
6. Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime
7. Barry Manilow - I Made It Through The Rain

Episode 18.5 January 1981 Rapture

Join the 80s mixtaper as we navigate the vibrant musical landscape of early 1981, exploring a diverse range of tracks from the era. Dive into the world of The Clash and their politically infused "Hitsville UK" that celebrates the indie spirit amidst the chaotic backdrop of the Sandinista album. Experience XTC's quirky and controversial "Sergeant Rock Is Going to Help Me," a tune layered with new wave energy and social commentary.
We also revisit Spandau Ballet's fashion-forward and dance-centric "The Freeze," which maintained the momentum of the New Romantic movement. Madness's joyful and instrumental "The Return of the Los Palmas 7" brings a playful twist to the playlist, while Cliff Richard's "A Little In Love" offers a tender moment with its heartfelt pop confession.
The episode culminates with Blondie's genre-blending "Rapture," a pioneering track that merges new wave, disco, and early hip-hop influences, making history as the first US number one song to feature rap vocals. Each track is a testament to the eclectic and transformative spirit of the 80s music scene.
Links to playlist 18:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. The Clash - Hitsville U.K
9. XTC - Sgt Rock (Is Going To Help Me)
10. Spandau Ballet - The Freeze
11. Madness - The Return Of The Los Palmas 7
12. Cliff Richard - A Little In Love
13. Blondie - Rapture

Episode 18 January 1981 This Means Nothing To Me

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, your ultimate tour of the decade's most iconic sounds. Our host, the 80s Mixtaper, transports us from the threshold of 1980 to the vibrant sound energy of 1981. This episode explores not only two of the era's essential tracks but delves into narratives that defined music in those transformative years.
Our sonic adventure kicks off with David Bowie and his audacious single "Scary Monsters and Super Creeps," marking Bowie's innovative leap into the new decade. We then traverse through the poignant echoes of Susan Fassbender and Kay Russell's "Twilight Café" — a track as enchanting as it is ephemeral.
Ultravox's "Vienna" takes center stage, a monumental anthem that redefined New Wave. Followed by Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet," an evocative ballad bridging Shakespearean romance with gritty realism. The episode also revisits Diana Ross's introspective "It's My Turn," a declaration of autonomy.
We spotlight Phil Collins' solo triumph "In the Air Tonight," his raw, powerful expression of heartache that elevated the single into a cultural phenomenon.
Concluding with Honey Bane, a punk icon's flirt with pop in "Turn Me On, Turn Me Off." Each song paints a vivid soundscape of 1981, a year defined by musical exploration and relentless creativity. Join us as we delve into the stories behind the tracks, the artists, and the immense cultural tapestry of the 80s.
Links to playlist 18:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. David Bowie - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)
2. Susan Fassbender and Kay Russell - Twighlight Cafe
3. Vienna - Ultravox
4. Dire Straits - Romeo and Julier
5. Diana Ross - Its My Turn
6. Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight
7. Honey Bane - Turn Me On Turn Me Off