I Completed 80s Music

In 2016 I started listening to every single UK chart entry from January 1st 1980 to December 31st 1989. This is the story of that journey, the bands, the music and how 80s music unfolded through lots of lovely playlists. If you’re new to 80s music, consider this a great entry point. If you’re here for nostalgia, you’re in for a treat! Wham! Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Bros, The Smiths - you name it, I have you covered. As midlife crises go, it could be worse! Cover art by Florian Schmetz. Go check him out at Unsplash!
Episodes
Episodes



Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
In this episode of 'I Completed 80s Music,' explore the eclectic mix within Playlist 10's second half. Get ready for disco and funk anthems, including Stacey Lattisaw's 'Jump to the Beat,' and also Odyssey's 'Use it up Wear it out'. We reconnect with Joan Armatrading and her hit 'Me Myself I'.
We uncover the layers of punk rock history with the Sex Pistols, delving into their unexpected 1980 release, 'I'm Not Your Stepping Stone.' Discover how this embodies both commercial ambition and rebellious spirit, while also touching on John Lydon's evolution with Public Image Limited. We balance this with the Splodgenessabounds comedic classic, "Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please".
Finally, lose yourself in Bob Marley's cross-genre masterpiece 'Could You Be Loved,' and the enduring legacy that keeps his music alive across generations.
Links to playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Stacy Lattisaw - Jump To The Beat
9. Joan Armatrading - Me Myself I
10. Sex Pistols - Steppin Stone
11. Splodgenessabounds - Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps Please
12. Odyssey - Use It Up And Wear It Out
13. Bob Marley & The Wailers - Could You Be Loved



Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Welcome back to 'I Completed 80s Music' where we embark on a captivating journey through the entire 1980s music chart. Hosted by the 80s Mixtaper, this podcast episode offers an in-depth look into some of the era's most memorable songs, fascinating stories, and unique artists. From Phil Collins' rise to superstardom to quirky tracks like Splodgenessabounds' "Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please", we relive the vibrant and idiosyncratic 80s soundscape.
Join us as we dive into the emotional depth of The Korgis' "Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime", explore the electronic innovation of Gary Newman's "We Are Glass", and groove to Tina Marie's "Behind the Groove". Alongside these hits, host the 80s Mixtaper shares listener comments, fascinating anecdotes, and insights into the tracks that defined a decade. With playlists available on Spotify and Apple Music, get ready to relive the timeless appeal of 1980s music.
Links to playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. The Korgis - Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime
2. Gary Numan - We Are Glass
3. Teena Marie - Behind The Groove
4. Hoyt Axton - Della And The Dealer
5. Judas Priest - Breaking The Law
6. The Hollies - Soldier's Song
7. Bad Manners - Lip Up Fatty



Monday Jan 06, 2025
Episode 9.5 The Spinners, OMD, MASH, Lipps Inc, Roberta Flack, Thin Lizzy
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
In this exciting episode of I Completed 80s Music, the 80s Mixtaper takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the second half of Playlist 9. The episode navigates the fascinating evolution of 80s music, delving into the disco era and its transition into synth-pop. Explore the stories behind iconic tracks like The Spinners' "Body Language", OMD's "Messages", and the impactful "Suicide is Painless" from M*A*S*H, uncovering the intricacies of their production and cultural significance.
Listeners are treated to insights into the music industry's shifts during the late 70s and early 80s, highlighting how bands like The Spinners adapted to change and how synth-pop emerged as a defining sound of the new decade. Enjoy deep dives into the creative processes behind these classic songs, including tales of triumph and challenges faced by artists like Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.
As the episode unfolds, audiences are invited to explore not just the music but also the narratives of artistic evolution, reflecting on how these unforgettable hits left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the 80s. Tune in for a mix of music history, storytelling, and memorable melodies that continue to resonate with fans old and new.
Links to music playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. The Spinners - Body Language
9. OMD - Messages
10. Johnny Mandel - Suicide Is Painless
11. Lipps Inc - Funkytown
12. Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack - Back Together Again
13. Thin Lizzy - Chinatown



Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Join the 80s mixtape adventure as we journey through the transformative musical landscape of early 1980. In this episode, our host dissects iconic tracks that mark the transition from the late 70s to the quintessential 80s sound.
We start with Andrew LLoyd Webber and Marti Webb, with their evocative breakup song "Tell Me On A Sunday" from the musical of the same name.
Encounter the evolving sounds of funk through the Average White Band's groove-filled Let's Go Round Again and the heartfelt ballads of Michael Jackson's She's Out of My Life. Discover the origins of British rock giants Whitesnake with Fool for Your Loving, and feel the ska revival with The Beat's Mirror in the Bathroom.
We end with an exploration of the wonderfully idiosyncratic Jona Lewie and his introverted hit You Will Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties.
This episode captures a pivotal moment in music, tracing the shift from disco's last dance to the rise of new wave, synth-pop, and beyond. Tune in and relive the melodies that defined a decade!
Links to music playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Marti Webb - Tell Me On A Sunday
2. Average White Band - Lets Go Round Again
3. Whitesnake - Fool For Your Loving
4. Crown Heights Affair - You Gave Me Love
5. The Beat - Mirror In The Bathroom
6. Michael Jackson - She's Out Of My Life
7. Jona Lewie - You'll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties



Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
In this exciting episode of "I Completed 80s Music," join the 80s mixtaper as we dive into the second half of Playlist 8. We explore iconic tracks that defined an era, from David Essex's "Silver Dream Machine," a synth-laden spectacle that soared into the UK charts, to the quirky and enduring "Nightboat to Cairo" by Madness. Discover the indie allure of The Cure's atmospheric "A Forest," and groove to Blondie's chart-topping "Call Me."
Get ready for a jazz-infused interlude with Rodney Franklin's "The Groove," before we conclude with a smooth, adventurous ride as Christopher Cross takes us on an escapism-filled journey with "Ride Like the Wind." This episode is packed with musical gems that capture the spirit and sound of the 1980s. Tune in and play along with our playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify, links below:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. David Essex - Silver Dream Machine
9. Madness - Night Boat To Cairo
10. The Cure - A Forest
11. Blondie - Call Me
12. Rodney Franklin - The Groove
13. Christopher Cross - Ride Like The Wind



Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Join us on a musical journey as the 80s mixtaper dives deep into the iconic sounds and hidden gems of the early 1980s. In this episode, we explore the dazzling twilight of the disco era with Bobby Thurston's infectious track, "Check Out the Groove." Discover why Thurston, a master of disco-funk fusion, remains a revered figure among funk and soul enthusiasts.
Our journey continues through the ska revival with The Selector's poignant "Missing Words," as we delve into its politically charged context and enduring appeal. Then, sway to Dr. Hook's "Sexy Eyes," a smooth offering from the apex of the Yacht Rock era, as we reflect on its place at the crossroads of 70s charm and 80s exuberance.
Feel the adrenaline rush with Judas Priest's "Living After Midnight," a heavy metal anthem that defined a generation eager to party beyond the confines of a nine-to-five existence. Immerse yourself in the prog rock brilliance of Sky's "Toccata," a reimagining of Bach's masterpiece with an electrifying twist. We introduce the 80s starlet Sheena Easton with "Modern Girl", a hit second time around and we end with some post-punk with the Undertones and their snarky delight "My Perfect Cousin".
Tune in for a riveting exploration of the era's groundbreaking sounds, from disco-defying beats to the vibrant ska scene, heavy metal powerhouses, and the classically infused rock of the 80s. Don't miss this eclectic celebration of musical artistry and cultural milestones!
Links to Playlist 8
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Bobby Thurston - Check Out The Groove
2. The Selecter - Missing Words
3. Dr Hook - Sexy Eyes
4. Judas Priest - Living After Midnight
5. Sky - Toccata
6. Sheena Easton - Modern Girl
7. Undertones - My Perfect Cousin



Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Welcome back to iCompleted 80s Music. In this episode, we continue our deep dive into Playlist 7, exploring the second half with an eclectic mix of post-punk, dad rock, and goth influences. From Siouxie and the Banshees' bold critique of suburban bliss in "Happy House" to Genesis's rhythmical prank "Turn It On Again," we delve into the genius behind these iconic tracks.
Join us on a journey through 1980, a pivotal year that saw the rise of gothic superheroes, prog rock transformations, and the relentless spirit of radio connecting with listeners worldwide. We'll explore the cultural context and evolution of this era's groundbreaking music, featuring influential bands like Rush and unforgettable classics from Dexy’s Midnight Runners and The Jam.
Don't forget to check out the playlists on Apple Music and Spotify below:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Siouxsie & The Banshees - Happy House
9. Genesis - Turn It On Again
10. Rush - The Spirit Of Radio
11. Rupert Holmes - Him
12. Dexys Midnight Runners - Geno
13. The Jam - Going Underground



Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Welcome back to another deep dive into the unforgettable sounds of the 1980s, with your host, the 80s mixtaper. In this episode, we return to the magical year of 1980, exploring a playlist rich with iconic hits and overlooked gems that defined a generation.
We start with Blondie's "Atomic," a dazzling blend of disco punk and new wave that topped the UK charts with its unforgettable groove and irresistible charm. Moving through the tracklist, we embrace the funk-infused rhythms of Patrice Rushen's "Haven't You Heard," and the post-punk allure of Martha and the Muffins' "Echo Beach." Each song tells a story, inviting listeners to reminisce about the decade's unique musical landscape.
Squeeze's "Another Nail in My Heart" offers a quirky take on heartbreak, blending sharp lyrics with playful melodies, while Bad Manners' "Ne Ne Na Na Na Na Nu Nu" brings a ska-infused burst of joy to the mix. This episode also showcases Dan Fogelberg's heartfelt ballad "Longer," a timeless ode to love that's endured through the years.
Finally, we conclude with Barbara Dickson's "January February," a pop gem that shines with its melodic warmth and emotional resonance. Each track we explore serves as a testament to the vibrant diversity of the 1980s music scene, promising to transport you back to a time of thrilling musical experimentation and enduring classics.
Don't forget to check out the playlists on Apple Music and Spotify below:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Blondie - Atomic
2. Patrice Rushen - Havent You Heard
3. Martha And The Muffins - Echo Beach
4. Squeeze - Another Nail In My Heart
5. Bad Manners - Ne-Ne, Na-Na, Na-Na, Nu-Nu
6. Dan Fogelberg - Longer
7. Barbara Dickson - January, February