I Completed 80s Music

Episode 20 Pretenders, Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Kim Wilde, Kiki Dee, Roxy Music, Eddie Rabbitt

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 Freez, The Jam, Joe Dolce, Boney M, Neil Diamond, Christopher Cross

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 John Lennon, MFSB, Teardrop Explodes, The Passions, Rainbow, Talking Heads, Barry Manilow

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 The Clash, XTC, Spandau Ballet, Madness, Cliff Richard, Blondie

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 David Bowie, Fassbender and Russell, Ultravox, Dire Straits, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Honey Bane

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

Episode 17: YOU HAVE COMPLETED 1980!

Hello and welcome back to "I Completed 80s Music" with your host, the 80s Mixtaper. In this milestone episode, we celebrate completing the first year of our 80s musical journey with the conclusion of 1980. Before diving into a year-end review, we explore the final five tracks left on playlist 17. Join us as we delve into a film hit from Queen, a whimsical tune by The Police, a classic synth track from Visage, Stevie Wonder's unique country impression, and some funky beats from Yarborough and Peoples.
As we say goodbye to 1980, we'll reflect on standout solo artists, iconic bands, and noteworthy trends that shaped the year. Get ready for an exciting preview of what's to come in 1981, with new music discoveries and continued exploration into the heart of 80s music. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey as we complete the music of 1980, and look forward to an equally thrilling year ahead.
Links to playlist 17:
Apple Music
Spotify
 
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Queen - Flash
2. The Police - De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
3. Visage - Fade To Grey
4. Stevie Wonder - I Aint Gonna Stand For It
5. Yarbrough and Peoples - Don't Stop The Music
 

Episode 16.5 Madness, Jona Lewie, Chas and Dave, Siouxie and the Banshees, The Clash, Adam and the Ants

Join the 80s mixtaper for a captivating musical exploration of late 1980 as we dive into some of the most iconic tracks of the era. This episode spotlights "Embarrassment" by Madness, a bold and deeply personal song that challenges societal norms and family dynamics. We also delve into Jonah Louie's unexpected Christmas hit "Stop the Cavalry," a protest song turned festive classic.
Experience the humorous yet contraversial "Rabbit" by Chas & Dave, and discover the haunting beauty of Susie and the Banshees' "Israel," a track that transcends traditional Christmas themes with its gothic and atmospheric sound. Meanwhile, the Clash's "The Call Up" offers a quietly subversive anti-war message, underscoring the band's diverse musical and thematic range.
Finally, revel in the audacious rebellion of Adam and the Ants with "Ant Music," a track that signifies a turning point in the 80s music scene with its flamboyant and innovative sound. With each song, immerse yourself in the vibrant and transformative landscape of the year's end, celebrating the diverse and unparalleled creativity of the 1980s.
Links to playlist 16:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Madness - Embarrassment
9. Jona Lewie - Stop The Cavalry
10. Chas and Dave - Rabbit
11. Siouxie and the Banshees - Israel
12. The Clash - The Call Up
13. Adam and the Ants - Antmusic

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!