Lipstick Cherry All Over the Lens as She's Falling

Well, it's the last day of December, and the last day of 2008, so we are going to wrap up our "Duran Duran December" with every young male's favorite Duran Duran video, though we never got to see this version on MTV... I hope you enjoyed our "Duran Duran December" as we close it out today with the fashion model exploitation song and video - "Girls on Film"...

Duran Duran - Girls On Film [Uncensored]
Uploaded by hushhush112

Lyrics | Girls On Film lyrics

“Girls on Film”

Single by Duran Duran
from the album Duran Duran
B-side "Faster Than Light"
Released July 13, 1981 (1981-07-13)
Format 7", 12"
Recorded Red Bus Studios, London December 1980 (1980-12)
Genre Rock, New Wave
Length 3:27
Label EMI - EMI 5206
Writer(s) Duran Duran
Producer Colin Thurston

Chart positions
Chart Peak position
United Kingdom #5
Australia #11
Sweden #15
Ireland #16

What's Good for the Goose Is Always Good for the Gander

Today's music video is for a song that was the first ever single to hold the #1 spot on the R&B, Billboard Hot 100, and the Hot Dance Club Play charts at the same time... It's the R&B funk/dance band from Flint, Michigan known as Ready for the World with thier biggest hit from 1985 - "Oh Sheila"...

READY FOR THE WORLD - Oh Sheila
Uploaded by papafonk

Lyrics | Ready For The World lyrics - Oh Sheila lyrics

“Oh Sheila”

Single by Ready for the World
from the album Ready for the World
Released 1985
Format 7" single, 12" single
Genre Funk
Length 4:02
Label MCA Records
Writer(s) Melvin Riley, Jr.
Gordon Strozier
Gerald Valentine
Producer Ready for the World

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1

Cab fare To Nowhere is What You Are

"Cab fare to nowhere is what you are"... what a great opening line for a song... I had long forgotten about this song and this artist until I heard him on my Sirius radio the other day... there aren't too many solo acts who seem more uncomfortable or uncool in a video than this guy... a member of Mike and the Mechanics, here is Paul Carrack with one of his solo projects and "Don't Shed a Tear"...

Paul Carrack - Don't Shed A Tear
Uploaded by franc32

Lyrics | Paul Carrack lyrics - Don't Shed A Tear lyrics

"Don't Shed A Tear"

by Paul Carrack
from the album: One Good Reason
released: 1987

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #9

80's Movie Weekend

It's Rosanna Arquette, Aidan Quinn, and introducing Madonna in her first major film role, here is "Desperately Seeking Susan"... a life so crazy, it takes two women to live it!







the trailer...



some great magic right here, then chaos ensues...



Siskel and Ebert review the movie!



Desperately Seeking Susan

Directed by Susan Seidelman
Produced by Sarah Pillsbury
Midge Sanford
Written by Leora Barish
Starring Rosanna Arquette
Madonna
Aidan Quinn
Will Patton
John Turturro
Music by Thomas Newman
Cinematography Edward Lachman
Editing by Andrew Mondshein
Distributed by Orion Pictures
Release date(s) March 29, 1985 U.S. release
Running time 104 min.
Country United States
Language English
Budget $4,500,000 (estimated)


the best part of the movie, you ask? well, for me, it had to be this Madonna song that came from it... still one of her most danceable tunes ever, here is "Into The Groove"...

Madonna |MTV Music

Lyrics | Madonna lyrics - Into The Groove lyrics

“Into the Groove”

Single by Madonna
B-side "Shoo-Bee-Doo"
"Physical Attraction" (Japan)
Released July 23, 1985
Format 12" Maxi Single
CD Single
Recorded 1985
Genre Pop, Dance, Freestyle
Length 4:40
Label Sire, Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Madonna
Steve Bray
Producer Madonna
Steve Bray
Certification Gold (UK)

Chart (1985) Peak Position
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales1 #1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks #19
UK Singles Chart #1

I'm On The Hunt, I'm After You

The Excellent 80's hopes you had a very excellent Christmas... as we roll on with our "Duran Duran December", todays video has a Raiders of the Lost Ark feel to it... Simon Le Bon is on the hunt, he's after you - it's one of the band's signature songs, here is "Hungry Like the Wolf"...




Lyrics | Hungry Like The Wolf lyrics

“Hungry Like the Wolf”

Single by Duran Duran
from the album Rio
B-side "Careless Memories" (live)
Released 4 May 1982
Format 7", 12"
Recorded Air Studios, London 1982
Genre Rock, New Wave
Length 4:11 or 5:14
Label EMI - EMI 5295
Writer(s) Duran Duran
Producer Colin Thurston

Chart positions
Chart Peak position
United Kingdom #5
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #3
Canada #1
Ireland #4
Australia #5

80's Movie - Merry Christmas To All

Back in 1989, the Griswolds made a heroic comeback after the stinker that was European Vacation... this time around, the Griswolds made it a memorable "Christmas Vacation" instead...

Merry Christmas!



the trailer...



shopping with Clark...



what's a Christmas Vacation post without Clark's brother-in-law...



the hap hap happiest Christmas ever!



and of course, the family dinner prayer...



National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Directed by Jeremiah Chechik
Produced by John Hughes
Matty Simmons
Written by John Hughes
Starring Chevy Chase
Beverly D'Angelo
Juliette Lewis
Johnny Galecki
John Randolph
Diane Ladd
Music by Angelo Badalamenti
Cinematography Thomas E. Ackerman
Editing by Jerry Greenberg
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) December 1, 1989
Running time 97 min.
Country United States
Language English
Budget $27 million
Gross revenue $71.32 million
Preceded by National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)
Followed by Vegas Vacation (1997)

Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You

A classic 80's MTV Christmas video clip... Billy Squier is in studio along with the MTV VJs and the workers of MTV to sing his song "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You"... you have to love the swaying audience, the rythmic clapping of JJ Jackson, Mark Goodman, Martha Quinn and of course Nina Blackwood, who looked like she was sizing Billy up the whole song... but where was my man, Alan Hunter? I don't see him in this video if he was there.. anyway, Merry Christmas everyone and enjoy!




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

There Won't Be Snow in Africa

Last Christmas, I posted this classic video, and just felt compelled to do it again this Christmas season... it's Sting, Bono, George Michael, Simon Le Bon, Boy George, Phil Collins, and more... it's the collection of superstars known as Band Aid founded by Bob Geldof in order to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia... here is "Do They Know It's Christmas?"...

Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas
Uploaded by beautifulcynic

Lyrics | Do They Know It's Christmas Time lyrics

released: 1984
UK Peak: #1
fastest selling single of all-time in the UK

Participants
The original Band Aid ensemble consisted of (in sleeve order):

Phil Collins (Genesis)
Bob Geldof (The Boomtown Rats)
Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet)
Chris Williams (Iron Static Overdrive)
Chris Cross (Ultravox)
John Taylor (Duran Duran)
Paul Young
Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet)
Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17)
Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran)
Simon Crowe (The Boomtown Rats)
Marilyn
Keren Woodward (Bananarama)
Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet)
Jody Watley (Shalamar)
Bono (U2)
Adam Clayton (U2)
Paul Weller (The Style Council, and previously The Jam)
James "J.T." Taylor (Kool & The Gang)
George Michael (Wham!)
Midge Ure (Ultravox)
Martyn Ware (Heaven 17)
John Keeble (Spandau Ballet)
Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet)
Roger Taylor (Duran Duran)
Sarah Dallin (Bananarama)
Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama)
Sting (The Police)
Pete Briquette (The Boomtown Rats)
Francis Rossi (Status Quo)
Robert 'Kool' Bell (Kool & The Gang)
Dennis Thomas (Kool & The Gang)
Andy Taylor (Duran Duran)
Jon Moss (Culture Club, former member of Adam and the Ants)
Rick Parfitt (Status Quo)
Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran)
Johnny Fingers (The Boomtown Rats)
David Bowie (who contributed via a recording that was mailed to Geldof and then dubbed onto the single)
Boy George (Culture Club)
Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes to Hollywood)
Paul McCartney (Wings and The Beatles, who contributed via a recording that was mailed to Geldof and then dubbed onto the single)
Stuart Adamson (Big Country)
Bruce Watson (Big Country)
Tony Butler (Big Country)
Mark Brzezicki (Big Country)

They Tried To Break Us, Looks Like They'll Try Again

As our "Duran Duran December" continues, today's featured video is one that cost over a million dollars back in 1984 - an enormous amount at that time for a music video... complete with strange creatures and band members in peril, here is "Wild Boys"...

Duran Duran - Wild Boys
Uploaded by Caro69

Lyrics | Wild Boys lyrics

“The Wild Boys”

Single by Duran Duran
from the album Arena
B-side "(I'm Looking For) Cracks in the Pavement" (Live 1984)
Released October, 1984
Format 7", 12"
Recorded July 1984, Maison Rouge Studios, London
Genre Rock, New Wave
Length 4:16
Label EMI - DURAN 3
Writer(s) Duran Duran
Producer Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers

Chart positions
Country Peak position
United Kingdom #2
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #2
Canada #1
Germany #1
Ireland #2
Italy #2
Austria #2
Switzerland #2
Australia #3
Norway #6
France #13
Sweden #19

Hey Santa, You're a Lovely Guy!

Gosh, who didn't love Max Headroom? Me! That's who! Hated the dude, but since it is the season for love and peace and all that crap, here is the idiotic (I mean strangely unique and interesting) Max Headroom for nostalgia purposes only this Christmas season... "Merry Christmas Santa Claus (You're a Lovely Guy)"...

80's Movie Weekend

Before Tim Allen brought Santa Claus to new heights in the 1990s, there was a pretty decent Santa Claus movie back in 1985 with Dudley Moore as an elf and John Lithgow doing what he does best - portray the bad guy... so, with Christmas fast approaching, here is a movie to help get you more in the spirit if you're not already... from 1985, "Santa Claus: The Movie"...


the trailer...



the first seven minutes of the movie...



Santa Claus

Directed by Jeannot Szwarc
Produced by Pierre Spengler
Ilya Salkind
Written by David Newman and
Leslie Newman (story)
David Newman (screenplay)
Starring Dudley Moore
John Lithgow
David Huddleston
Judy Cornwell
Burgess Meredith
Music by Henry Mancini
Cinematography Arthur Ibbetson
Editing by Peter Hollywood
Distributed by Tri-Star Pictures
Release date(s) November 27, 1985
Running time 108 min.
Country United States/
United Kingdom
Language English
Budget $50,000,000 (estimated)
Gross revenue $23,500,000 (USA)


As an added bonus, here is the video for the Sheena Easton song from the movie - "It's Christmas All Over the World"...

Merry Christmas, I Don't Want To Fight Tonight

You guessed it (or maybe not)... as Christmas approaches, it's time for this classic from The Ramones... does red make you look bloated? Here are The Ramones with "Merry Christmas I Don't Want to Fight Tonight"...




Lyrics | Ramones lyrics - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight) lyrics

"Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)"

by The Ramones
from the album: Brain Drain
released: 1989

Rock and Roll Christmas

One week til Christmas and for those of you that want a "Rock and Roll Christmas," here is George Thorogood and the Destroyers hanging out with some of those crazy MTV VJs and spreading some yuletide cheer...



Let's have a rock and roll Christmas,
Just like we used to know
Yeah, a rock and roll Christmas,
And I'll meet you by the mistletoe
We'll rock around the tree,
Go Santa, go, go, go

I want a Chuck Berry record, and a picture of Elvis too
A pair of ice skates for my baby, Peggy Sue
Yeah, and a phonograph player so I can rock and roll with you

Let's have a rock and roll Christmas,
Just like we used to know
Yeah, a rock and roll Christmas,
And I'll meet you by the mistletoe
We'll rock around the tree,
Go Santa, go, go, go

(Sax solo)

Little sister will be up before dawn's first light
With her eyes wide open when she sees those Christmas lights
Yeah and Mom and Pop, they won't get no sleep tonight

Let's have a rock and roll Christmas,
Just like we used to know
Yeah, a rock and roll Christmas,
And I'll meet you by the mistletoe
We'll rock around the tree,
Go Santa, go, go, go

Rock, rock, rock and roll Christmas
Rock, rock, rock and roll Christmas
Rock, rock, I sure don't want to miss it
Rock, rock, rock and roll Christmas
Rock and roll Christmas like we used to know

(Guitar Solo)

Rock, rock
Rock, rock

Telegram Force and Ready

strange man creatures abound in this Duran Duran video today... Lyricist Simon Le Bon (notoriously shy about explaining his oblique lyrics) hinted in the Duran Duran lyric book The Book of Words that the borderline might be one between the conscious and subconscious minds. In later interviews, he proclaimed that it was a reference to Tantric sex... from 1983, here is "Union of the Snake"...

Duran Duran - Union of the Snake
Uploaded by IDLYITWdotcom

Lyrics | Union Of The Snake lyrics

“Union of the Snake”

Single by Duran Duran
from the album 'Seven and the Ragged Tiger'
B-side "Secret Oktober"
Released 17 October 1983
Format 7", 12"
Recorded Sydney, Australia, 1983
Genre Dance, New Wave
Length 4:24
Label EMI - EMI 5429
Writer(s) Duran Duran
Producer Duran Duran, Ian Little and Alex Sadkin

Chart / Peak position
United Kingdom #3
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #3
Canada #1
Australia #4
Ireland #5
Norway #8
Sweden #16

What a Crazy Fluke, We're Gonna Get Nuked

Only Weird Al could make such a morbid Christmas song and video... in case you've long forgotten about this strange and depressing 80's video, here is Weird Al with "Christmas At Ground Zero"...

Weird Al Yankovic - Christmas At Ground Zero
Uploaded by jpdc11

Lyrics | Weird Al Yankovic lyrics - Christmas At Ground Zero lyrics

“Christmas At Ground Zero”

Single by "Weird Al" Yankovic
from the album Polka Party!
B-side "One of Those Days"
Released November 1986
Format 7" / 12"
Recorded April 23, 1986
Genre Comedy
Length 3:08
Label Rock 'n' Roll/ Scotti Brothers
Producer "Weird Al" Yankovic

You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry

Not exactly sure when this video was shot, and I realize that he officially recorded this song post 1980's, but still, it's Christmas-y and it's Bruuuuuucccceeee! "Santa Claus is Coming To Town"...

Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Uploaded by weirdcritter

Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart

This is just one of those videos that I feel the need to post every Christmas and even moreso this year after finding this awesome website dedicated to this Christmas classic. So, once again this year, here are the boys Ridgeley and Michael with "Last Christmas"...

Wham - Last Christmas
Uploaded by nm_lae67

Lyrics | Wham! lyrics - Last Christmas lyrics

“Last Christmas”

Single by Wham!
Released 1984
Format 12", 7", CD single
Recorded 1984
Genre Pop
Length 4:27
6:45 (Pudding Mix)
Label Columbia Records (US/Canada)
Epic Records
Producer George Michael

UK Peak: #2

80's Movie Weekend

Roger Moore, Grace Jones, and the great Christopher Walken bring you today's classic 80's movie... James Bond never gets old, and here is 007 from 1985 with "A View To A Kill"...




the trailer...



the intro to the movie



A View To A Kill

James Bond Roger Moore
Also starring Christopher Walken
Tanya Roberts
Grace Jones
Directed by John Glen
Produced by Albert R. Broccoli,
Michael G. Wilson
Novel/Story by Ian Fleming (story)
Screenplay Michael G. Wilson,
Richard Maibaum
Cinematography by Alan Hume
Music by John Barry
Main theme A View to a Kill
Composer John Barry
Duran Duran
Performer Duran Duran
Editing by {{{editing}}}
Distributed by MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
Released 13 June 1985
Running time 126 minutes
Budget $30,000,000
Worldwide gross $152,400,000
Preceded by Octopussy (1983)
Followed by The Living Daylights (1987)


Of course with this being a "Duran Duran December" in the Excellent 80's, we have to include the title track and video for today... here is the only James Bond theme song to make #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 - "A View To a Kill"...




Lyrics | A View To A Kill lyrics

Chart positions
Country Peak position
United Kingdom #2
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
Canada #1
Sweden #1
Ireland #2
Italy #1
Norway #2
Australia #6
Austria #6
Switzerland #7
Germany #9
France #11

Here She Comes, Just Like An Angel

Dammit, I just don't care. I know it was 1990, but I just feel in my heart of heart that this is a band that deserves to be in The Excellent 80's at least once... they've got the bleach-blond hair, the leather, and even the holes in their jeans for God's sake! Throw in the long coats and the boots and the fact that they are one of the more famous sets of twins to come along and I just feel like they belong in here... so, making a rare exception today, I give you the brothers Nelson, Gunnar and Matthew with "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection"...

Nelson - Can't Live Without Your Love And Affection
Uploaded by sweetheart567

Lyrics | Nelson - (cant Live Without Your) Love And Affection lyrics

“(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection”

Single by Nelson
from the album After the Rain
B-side "Will You Love Me"
Released 1990
Length 3:55
Label Geffen
Writer(s) Matthew Nelson, Gunnar Nelson, Marc Tanner

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and Now They're Getting Divorced

That's how the song should go... I mean if mommy is kissing Santa Claus and cheating on daddy, this marriage is over! Alright, I'm taking it a bit too far, and I do love John's little daughter (I think it's his daughter, maybe someone can confirm for me) singing out the song at the end of the video... so enjoy John Cougar Mellancamp from 1987 and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"...




Lyrics | John Mellencamp lyrics - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus lyrics

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

by John Cougar Mellancamp
released: 1987
from the album: "A Very Special Christmas"

Every Silver Linings Got a Touch of Grey

Today's most excellent post is the only Grateful Dead song to crack the US Billboard Hot 100 Top 10... back in 1987, the Dead hit the MTV airwaves with their first ever music video for this song... led by the late Jerry Garcia, here you go "Dead Heads", it's "A Touch of Grey"...

The Grateful Dead |MTV Music

Lyrics | Touch Of Grey lyrics

“Touch of Grey”

Single by Grateful Dead
from the album In the Dark
Released 1987
Format 7"
Genre Rock
Length 5:50
Label Arista Records
Writer(s) Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter
Producer John Cutler

Come, They Told Me

Even though this was shot for Bing's 1977 television special, the single of the song was released in 1982 making it a partial 80's Christmas hit... it was rumored that David Bowie hated the "Little Drummer Boy" and did not want to sing it, and that's why he ended up singing the "Peace On Earth" portion of this duet... so, here is "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie...



“Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy”

Single by David Bowie & Bing Crosby
B-side "Fantastic Voyage"
Released October 1982
Format 7"/12” single
Recorded Elstree Studios, London
11 September 1977
Genre Traditional, Christmas
Length 4:23
Label RCA Records
BOW 12
Producer David Bowie, Tony Visconti

UK Peak: #12

And Watching Over Lucky Clover Isn't That Bizarre

I apologize if I offend any fans out there one way or the other, but Simon Le Bon looks like George Michael to me in this video... it's a live performance and a #1 hit for Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, and lead singer Simon Le Bon... as our "Duran Duran December" rolls on, here is "The Reflex"...

duran duran - the reflex
Uploaded by kareem93

Lyrics | The Reflex lyrics

“The Reflex”

Single by Duran Duran
from the album Seven and the Ragged Tiger
B-side "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) (live)", "New Religion"
Released April 16, 1984 (1984-04-16)
Format 7", 12", CD Single
Recorded Late 1983
Genre Dance, New Wave
Length 5:29
Label EMI - DURAN 2
Producer Duran Duran, Ian Little, Alex Sadkin

Country / Peak position
UK #1
US #1
Belgium #1
Canada #1
Ireland #1
Netherlands #1[4]
Australia #4
Germany #8
Switzerland #10
Austria #11
Italy #11
France #15 (what's wrong with the French!?)

80's Movie Weekend

This weekend's 80's movie weekend stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, and Kelly Preston... another very good Ivan Reitman film, from 1988, here is the comedy, "Twins"...

laughing at Stallone...



tonight is your night, bro...



yakkety yak, don't talk back...



Twins

Directed by Ivan Reitman
Produced by Ivan Reitman
Written by William Davies &
William Osborne and
Timothy Harris &
Herschel Weingrod
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger
Danny DeVito
Kelly Preston
Chloe Webb
Bonnie Bartlett
Tony Jay
Marshall Bell
Music by Georges Delerue
Randy Edelman
Frank Fitzpatrick (Supervising Music Editor)

Cinematography Andrzej Bartkowiak
Editing by Donn Cambern
Sheldon Kahn
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date(s) December 9, 1988
Running time 105 min.
Country United States
Language English
Budget $15,000,000 (estimated)
Gross revenue $111,936,400 (USA)

Don't Say A Prayer For Me Now

filmed in parts of Sri Lanka, once again it's the band that the late Princess Diana cited as one of her favorite bands of all time - the English pop rock band Duran Duran and "Save A Prayer"...

duran duran - save a prayer
Uploaded by kareem93

Lyrics | Save A Prayer lyrics

“Save a Prayer”

Single by Duran Duran
from the album Rio
B-side "Hold Back the Rain"
Released August 9, 1982 (1982-08-09)
Format 7", 12"
Recorded AIR Studios, London 1982
Genre Dance, New Wave
Length 5:34 (single version)
Label EMI - EMI 5327
Writer(s) Duran Duran
Producer Colin Thurston

Chart positions (1982)
Chart Peak position
United Kingdom #2
US Billboard Hot 100 #16
Ireland #2
Australia #56

So Much For Your Promises

Today's featured video is from an English pop band formed in 1986 by Clark Datchler (vocals, piano), Calvin Hayes (keyboards), and the German born Mike Nocito (bass)... and named after a friend who really did hate jazz, it's Johnny Hates Jazz with their biggest hit - "Shattered Dreams"...




Lyrics | Shattered Dreams lyrics

“Shattered Dreams”

Single by Johnny Hates Jazz
from the album Turn Back the Clock
Released 1987 (UK)
1988 (U.S.)
Genre Pop
Label Virgin Records
Writer(s) Clark Datchler
Producer Calvin Hayes / Mike Nocito

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #3
UK Peak: #5

You're It. No, You're It. Hey, You're Really It

Today's "newbie" into The Excellent 80's is an alternative band formed in New York City around 1981... the first single from their 1988 album, "Daydream Nation", here is Sonic Youth and "Teenage Riot"...

Sonic Youth - Teenage Riot
Uploaded by Dan_of_the_Land

Lyrics | Teenage Riot lyrics

“Teen Age Riot”

Single by Sonic Youth
from the album Daydream Nation
B-side: "Silver Rocket," "Kissability," "Candle"
Released: 1988
Format: CD single, 12", Flexi disc
Recorded: Greene Street Recording, New York City, July 1988 – August 1988
Genre: Alternative rock
Length
3:50 (Single Edit)
6:57 (Album Edit)
Label: Enigma/Blast First
Writer(s): Sonic Youth
Producer: Nick Sansano, Sonic Youth

And We Began To Rock

...steady... steady rockin' all night long... The Whispers are making their debut in The Excellent 80's today with their highest charting US Billboard Hot 100 single... over 20 years after their formation in 1964, The Whispers hit it big with this dance groove - "Rock Steady"...




Lyrics | Rock Steady lyrics

"Rock Steady"

by The Whispers
from the album: "Just Gets Better With Time"
released: 1987

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #7
US R&B Singles Peak: #1

Her Name Was Rio

and she dances in the sand... it's Duran Duran making thier debut in The Excellent 80's and I'm dubbing the month of December a "Duran Duran December"... we'll bring you the best of Duran Duran from the 80s throughout the great month of December... first up is "Rio"...

Duran Duran - Rio
Uploaded by aquanote

Lyrics | Rio lyrics

“Rio”

Single by Duran Duran
from the album Rio
B-side "The Chauffeur"
"Hold Back the Rain"
Released November 1, 1982 (UK)
March 1983 (US)
Format 7", 12"
Recorded AIR Studios, London 1982
Genre Rock, New Wave
Length 4:40
Label EMI - EMI 5346
Writer(s) Duran Duran
Producer Colin Thurston

Chart Peak position
United Kingdom #9
United States Billboard Hot 100 #14

New York, New York, Is it Everything They Say?

Our "Huey Lewis and The News November" sadly concludes today with another big hit for the group... and, as far as I'm concerned, as long as Huey Lewis is still singing and touring, the "Heart of Rock and Roll" will always be beating... enjoy...

Huey Lewis&the News-Heart of Rock&roll
Uploaded by Docbuzz

Huey Lewis and News Lyrics

"The Heart of Rock and Roll"

by Huey Lewis and The News
from the album: "Sports"
released: 1986
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #6

I'm Alone Sitting With My Empty Glass

Today's band was formed in California in the late 1970s and this was their first MTV hit back in 1983 when MTV was still an infant... it's Terri Nunn and Berlin with "The Metro"...




Lyrics | Metro lyrics

“The Metro”

Single by Berlin
from the album Pleasure Victim
Released 1983
Format 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl
Recorded 1982, Los Angeles
Genre New Wave / Synth-pop / Dance / Rock
Length 4:07
Label Geffen
Writer(s) John Crawford
Producer Daniel R. Van Patten

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #58

80's Holiday Movie Weekend

This early weekend's featured movie is a classic Thanksgiving holiday flick... it's the epic tale of Steve Martin trying to get home for Thanksgiving dinner all the while having to deal with the crazy antics of the late John Candy in "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"... Have a great Thanksgiving!


flight cancellation scene with Ben Stein...



those aren't pillows!

Those aren't pillows.
Uploaded by RandySsavage

you're going the wrong way! you're going to kill someone!



Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Directed by John Hughes
Produced by John Hughes
Written by John Hughes
Starring Steve Martin
John Candy
Music by Ira Newborn
Cinematography Donald Peterman
Editing by Paul Hirsch
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) November 25, 1987
Running time 92 min.
Country United States
Language English

I Made This Money, You Didn't

Post New Edition, Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel" album was a smash hit and it included this late 80's anthem... written by Bobby B and Teddy Riley, here is bad boy Bobby Brown's only #1 hit, "My Prerogative"...

Bobby Brown - My Prerogative
Uploaded by jpdc11

Lyrics | My Prerogative lyrics

“My Prerogative”

Single by Bobby Brown
from the album Don't Be Cruel
Released 1988
Format Cassette single
7" single
12" single
CD single
Genre R&B / Pop
Length 4:51
Label MCA
Writer(s) Bobby Brown
Gene Griffin
Teddy Riley
Producer Gene Griffin

Charts (1988) Peak Position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Songs #1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play #7
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales #2
UK Singles Chart #6


Just because I wanted to see it, I went ahead and included the Britney Spears remake of the song for you as well today... so, if you want to see a perfectly awesome 80's song sung by a cool guy who turned crazy totally destroyed and ruined by a promising young singer who turned crazy, then please view for yourself...

Britney Spears - My Perogative
Uploaded by mattgroening

Happy Birthday JJ

A happy birthday to the late JJ Jackson who was one of the original five VJs on MTV... here is some footage of JJ back in the day on a MTV Reunion Weekend as well as the video from Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy"....




Lyrics | Bow Wow Wow lyrics - I Want Candy lyrics

“I Want Candy”

Single by Bow Wow Wow
from the album The Last of the Mohicans
Released 1982 (1982) (U.S.)
Genre New Wave, Pop/Rock
Label RCA


Chart Peak Position
UK Singles Chart #9
USA Top 100 #62
USA Mainstream Rock #22
USA Hot Dance Club Play #36


RIP JJ, who passed away in 2004

Now, for an added bonus today, here is the English glam band, Slade... see chameleon lying there in the sun, all things to everyone... "Run Runaway"...




Lyrics | Run Run Away lyrics

“Run Runaway”

Single by Slade
released: 1984
B-side Don't Tame A Hurricane
Genre Folk rock
Length 3:24
Writer(s) Noddy Holder/Jim Lea
Producer John Punter

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #20
UK Peak: #7

I Met a Fan Dancer Down in Southside Birmingham

Written by Bruce Hornsby, today's featured video is one of three #1 hits for Hugh Anthony Cregg III and his band better known as Huey Lewis and The News... from 1986, here is the #1 hit, "Jacob's Ladder"...

Huey Lewis & The News - Jacob's Ladder
Uploaded by jpdc11

Huey Lewis Lyrics

“Jacob's Ladder”

Single by Huey Lewis & The News
from the album Fore!
B-side "The Heart of Rock & Roll" (Live)
Released 1987
Format 7" single
Recorded 1986
Genre Rock
Label Chrysalis
Writer(s) Bruce Hornsby, John Hornsby
Producer Huey Lewis & The News

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #1

You Know Where You Are? You in a Chinese Democracy, baby. You Gonna Die!

Like how I combined old and new GNR in the title today? Sure you do. In a special Sunday post celebrating the release of the album that was like 30 years in the making, "Chinese Democracy", Axl and the old GNR crew are back in The Excellent 80's today with the song that rocked a nation and gave hundreds of high schools a theme song at sporting events... here is Guns N' Roses and "Welcome To the Jungle"...

Guns N' Roses - Welcome to the Jungle
Uploaded by hushhush112

Lyrics | Guns N' Roses - Welcome To The Jungle lyrics

“Welcome to the Jungle”

Single by Guns N' Roses
from the album Appetite for Destruction
Released 1987
Format Vinyl single (7", 12")
Cassette
CD
Recorded 1987
Genre Hard rock
Length 04:33
Label Geffen
Writer(s) Axl Rose
Slash
Producer Mike Clink

US Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

80's Movie Weekend

Today's movie flashback takes us back to the classic duo of Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas... throw in Danny DeVito and you have yourself a hit movie, here is "Romancing the Stone"...

the trailer...



if you want to check out Siskel and Ebert's review of the film, here you go...




Romancing the Stone

Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Produced by Michael Douglas
Jack Brodsky
Joel Douglas
Written by Diane Thomas
Uncredited:
Lem Dobbs
Howard Franklin
Treva Silverman
Starring Michael Douglas
Kathleen Turner
Danny DeVito
Alfonso Arau
Manuel Ojeda
Music by Alan Silvestri
Cinematography Dean Cundey
Álex Phillips Jr.
Editing by Donn Cambern
Frank Morriss
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) March 30, 1984 (USA)
Running time 105 min.
Country Mexico / USA
Language English
Followed by The Jewel of the Nile

also from this movie, I had forgotten about this little jewel... this guy is best known for his single, "Electric Avenue" and I had forgotten that he had even done this song for the movie... here is Eddy Grant, and check him out wailing away on the guitar with "Romancing the Stone"...




Lyrics | Romancing The Stone lyrics

She's As Fine As She Can Be

Our "Huey Lewis and the News November" is winding down as November is quickly escaping from us and turning into December... this video is better suited for Halloween, but anyway, here is the mad scientist Huey Lewis with The News and this nearly 8 minute video - "Doin' It All For My Baby"...

huey lewis§the news"doing it all..."
Uploaded by miklo

Huey Lewis amp The News Lyrics

"Doin' It All For My Baby"

by Huey Lewis and The News
from the album: "Fore!"
released: 1987

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #6

Baby, I Know You're Wondering

Coming hard on to the club dance scene in the mid-80's and making their debut in The Excellent 80's today is Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam with their first big hit - "I Wonder If I Take You Home"...

Lisa Lisa Cult Jam - I Wonder If I Take
Uploaded by jpdc11

Lyrics | I Wonder If I Take You Home lyrics

“I Wonder If I Take You Home”

Single by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
from the album Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force
Released 1985
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1984
Genre Freestyle music
Length 3:57 (album version); 6:48 (extended remix)
Label Columbia Records
Writer(s) Full Force
Producer Full Force, Don Oriolo, Jurgen Korduletsch
Certification Gold

US Billboard Hot 100 peak: #34
US R&B Peak: #6
US Hot Dance Club Play peak: #1
UK Singles: #12

And the Man At the Back Said

Today's hard rockers toured with the likes of Sammy Hagar, Def Leppard, and Judas Priest in the 1980's... formed in Switzerland in 1974, it's Krokus with "Ballroom Blitz"...




Lyrics | Ballroom Blitz lyrics

"Ballroom Blitz"

by Krokus
from the album: The Blitz
released: 1984

Gimme A Break!

A little flashback to the days when Nell Carter was a big time star and had a hit tv show on her hands... remember "Gimme a Break"?

a promo for the show...



the intro and the beginning to one of the episodes (notice the young Joey Lawrence)...




Gimme a Break!

Format Comedy
Created by Mort Lachman
Sy Rosen
Starring Nell Carter
Dolph Sweet (1981-1985)
Lara Jill Miller
Lauri Hendler (1981-1986)
Kari Michaelsen (1981-1986)
John Hoyt (1982-1987)
Joey Lawrence (1983-1987)
Telma Hopkins (1984-1987)
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 6
No. of episodes 137

Please Let Me Know!

Power ballad time for Huey Lewis and the News today... from the album "Sports", here is "If This is It"...

Huey Lewis & The News - If This Is It
Uploaded by jpdc11

Lewis Huey Lyrics

“If This Is It”

Single by Huey Lewis & The News
from the album Sports
B-side "Change of Heart"
Released 1984
Format 7" 45 RPM
Genre Pop / Rock
Length 3:46
Label Chrysalis
Writer(s) Johnny Colla, Huey Lewis
Producer Huey Lewis & The News

Chart (1984) Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #6
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks #5
U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks #19

80's Movie Weekend

It's hard to go wrong with a Chevy Chase flick... ok, ok, he has had some real bombs over the years and some people even include this one, though I'm kind of on the fence with it... this weekend's featured movie clips come from the 1981 Chevy Chase film, "Modern Problems"...


the trailer...



snorting Demon Powder with Nell Carter...



Modern Problems

Directed by Ken Shapiro
Produced by Alan Greisman
Michael Shamberg
Written by Ken Shapiro
Tom Sherohman
Starring Chevy Chase
Patti D'Arbanville
Dabney Coleman
Mary Kay Place
Nell Carter
Music by Dominic Frontiere
Cinematography Edmond L. Koons
Editing by Michael Jablow
Distributed by Twentieth Century Fox
Release date(s) December 25, 1981
Running time 89 mins.
Country United States
Language English
Budget Unknown

I Was Falling In Love

Known primarily for their biggest hit "I Ran", A Flock of Seagulls had a few minor hits including today's featured video... don't worry, lead singer Mike Score is still sporting that sweet do that he was known for back in the 80's, here is the English band, A Flock of Seagulls with "Space Age Love Song"...




Lyrics | Space Age Love Song lyrics

"Space Age Love Song"

by A Flock of Seagulls
from the album: A Flock of Seagulls
released: 1983

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #30
UK Peak: #34

Give a Little Bit of Heart and Soul

Named after a female Vulcan priestess from the show "Star Trek", today's featured video is the biggest hit from the band called T'Pau... formed by singer Carol Decker, here is their biggest chart topper - from 1987, "Heart and Soul"...




Lyrics | Heart And Soul lyrics

“Heart and Soul”

Single by T'Pau
from the album Bridge of Spies
B-side "On the Wing"
Released June 6, 1987 (1987-06-06)
Label Siren, Virgin
Writer(s) Carol Decker, Ron Rogers
Producer Roy Thomas Baker

Chart performance
Country Peak position
The Netherlands #34
United Kingdom #4
United States #4
Canada #1

I Want a New Drug

Today, as our "Huey Lewis and The News November" rolls on, we have the video that caused me to delve deep into drugs and try everything illegal on the market back in the 80s which in turn led to my 12 stints in rehab and my deviated septum... just kidding... I didn't ever need a new drug, but Huey apparently did with this hit song that was all over MTV back in the day... "I Want a New Drug"...

Huey Lewis&The News-I want a new drug
Uploaded by Docbuzz

Lewis Huey Lyrics

As a side note to this song, Huey Lewis would later sue Ray Parker Jr. claiming that Parker had ripped off the sound of "I Want a New Drug" for his hit "Ghostbusters (Who ya Gonna Call?)" I posted that video here if you want to compare for yourself.

“I Want a New Drug”

Single by Huey Lewis & The News
from the album Sports
B-side "Finally Found a Home"
Released 1984
Format 7", 12"
Genre Pop / Rock
Length 4:46 (album version)
3:29 (single edit)
5:32 (12" dance mix)
Label Chrysalis
Writer(s) Chris Hayes, Huey Lewis
Producer Huey Lewis & The News

Chart (1984) Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #6
U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks #7
U.S. Billboard Dance Club Play #1

Zhum Zhum Zinny Zinny

Is it Ebony and Ivory? No. Michael and Paul? No. Phil C and Philip B.? Nope. Today's black-white combo comes from the long forgotten duo known as Sly Fox... Gary "Mudbone" Cooper and Michael Camacho form Sly Fox and today's video - "Let's Go All the Way"...

Sly Fox - Let's Go All The Way
Uploaded by hushhush112

"Let's Go All The Way"
by Sly Fox
from the album: Let's Go All the Way
released: 1986

US Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7
UK Peak: #3

We Walked In The Garden, We Planted a Tree

No, today's title doesn't suggest some environmentally friendly song to promote green, instead it provides a totally different positive vibe... it promotes picking up strangers in the rain, taking them back to a hotel (that you know well), having a romp in the hay, leaving him a note, becoming pregnant and bearing that poor bastard child while married to another man... even though this hit from Heart came out in 1990, I couldn't resist including it in The Excellent 80s for the sheer silliness of the lyrics and the promotion of promiscuity... here is the Wilson sisters, Heart, with "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You"...


Heart - All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You by Heart-Official


Lyrics | All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You lyrics

“All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You”

Single by Heart
from the album Brigade
B-side "Call of the Wild"
"Cruel Tears" (non-LP)
Released March 1990
Genre Rock/Pop
Label Capitol Records
Writer(s) Robert John "Mutt" Lange
Producer Richie Zito

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #2
UK Peak: #8
Canada and Australia: #1

80's Movie Weekend - Ferris, You're My Hero

One of the best movies of all-time... "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" gave every teenager hope for possibly achieving the greatness that was Ferris Bueller... tell me that you don't remember about licking your palms to give that clammy feeling because having a temperature would mean a doctor's visit and would totally kill your chances of getting to stay at home by yourself...



some of the best bits from the movie...



Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Directed by John Hughes
Produced by John Hughes
Tom Jacobson
Written by John Hughes
Starring Matthew Broderick
Alan Ruck
Mia Sara
Jeffrey Jones
Jennifer Grey
Edie McClurg
Music by Ira Newborn
Arthur Baker
John Robie
Cinematography Tak Fujimoto
Editing by Paul Hirsch
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) June 11, 1986
Running time 102 min
Country United States
Language English
Budget $6,000,000 USD
Followed by Ferris Bueller

We've Had Some Fun

Yes, it's true (yes, it's true)... the Excellent 80's is "stuck" with a "Huey Lewis and The News November" as we blast through some of the best of Huey and The News all this month... today, from the "Fore!" album, here is "Stuck With You"...

Huey Lewis & The News - Stuck With You
Uploaded by jpdc11

Huey Lewis And The News Lyrics

“Stuck with You”

Single by Huey Lewis and the News
from the album Fore!
Released 1986
Format 7" Vinyl record
Recorded 1986
Genre Rock
Length 4:29
Label Chrysalis
Writer(s) Chris Hayes, Huey Lewis
Producer Huey Lewis and the News

Chart (1986) Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1
U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary #1
U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks #2
UK Singles Chart #12