Yooouuuu, You Got What I Need

The Biz appeared earlier in The Excellent 80's as one of the friends of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock in the video "It Takes Two", but here is the song that put Biz Markie on the map and made him a big star... for a short time... but you say he's "Just A Friend"...




Just A Friend Lyrics

"Just A Friend"
single by Biz Markie
from the 1989 album: The Biz Never Sleeps

US Hot 100 Peak: #9

80's Television - Don't Make Him Angry

Before we get to our 80's television (that actually began in the late 70's), let's pause for a commercial from everyone's favorite gaming console... Colecovision...



A friday night favorite of mine along with Dukes of Hazzard, here is Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno as "The Incredible Hulk"...

The Intro...


Who hasn't wanted to turn green and destroy a car when you have trouble changing a flat in the pouring rain?



Or if you're late for a meeting, who wouldn't want to do this? I've got to be there by five!



The Incredible Hulk

Opening title credits
Format Drama
Science Fiction
Created by Kenneth Johnson
Starring Bill Bixby
Lou Ferrigno
Jack Colvin
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 5
No. of episodes 82
Production
Producer(s) James D. Parriott
Broadcast
Original channel CBS
Original run November 4, 1977
November 28, 1977
March 10, 1978 – May 12, 1982

I'll Take "Who Is Greg Kihn?" For 100, Alex

The answer is that this man believed "our love's in jeopardy, baby!" And also thought it'd be cool to have a bunch of zombies in his video...

The Greg Kihn band from 1983 with the hit "Jeopardy"




Jeopardy Lyrics


“Jeopardy”

Single by The Greg Kihn Band
from the album Kihnspiracy
B-side Fascination
Released 1983
Genre Rock
Length 3:47
Label Beserkley Records
Writer(s) Greg Kihn / Steve Wright
Producer Matthew King Kaufman

US Hot 100 Peak: #2


Of course, I couldn't post the Greg Kihn song without the master of parody... Weird Al Yankovich with one of my favorite Weird Al songs - "I Lost On Jeopardy"... tell Al what he lost, Don Pardo...




I Lost On Jeopardy Lyrics

“I Lost on Jeopardy”

Single by "Weird Al" Yankovic
from the album "Weird Al" Yankovic in 3-D
B-side "I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead" (7" Version)
"Mr. Popeil" (12" Version)
Released June 4, 1984
Format 7", 12"
Recorded December 12, 1983
Genre Comedy
Length 3:26
Label Scotti Brothers
Producer "Weird Al" Yankovic

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #81

Like A Telegraph To Your Soul

I remember this video spending an ungodly amount of time at the top of MTV's Video Countdown back in the day. And it's the song that came on the radio that your parents couldn't stand because it just kept reinforcing improper grammar over and over and over... here's John Waite with I ain't "Missing You"...

John Waite - Missing You
Uploaded by sayit

Missing You Lyrics

“Missing You”

Single by John Waite
B-side For Your Love
Released 1984
Format CD single
Digital download
Cassette
Vinyl
Genre Pop
Length 4:01
Label EMI
Writer(s) John Waite, Mark Leonard & Chas Sandford
Producer John Waite, David Thoener & Gary Gersh

Position Chart
U.S. HOT 100 Peak: #1
U.S. Adult Contemporary #7
UK Peak: #9

80's Movie Weekend

Can you believe George Lucas is associated with this movie? Did you actually pay to go see this movie? I don't think I did. If I did, then I have erased that mistake from my memory. I'm sure some people still dig this movie though... it has Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins - from 1986, "Howard the Duck"...

The trailer...



The Dr. Jenning scene... Ferris Bueller drove him to this...



The ending...




Howard the Duck

Directed by Willard Huyck
Produced by Gloria Katz
Written by Screenplay:
Willard Huyck
Gloria Katz
Comic Book:
Steve Gerber
Starring Lea Thompson
Jeffrey Jones
David Paymer
Tim Robbins
Ed Gale
Paul Guilfoyle
Chip Zien
Music by Score:
John Barry
Original Songs:
Thomas Dolby
Cinematography Richard H. Kline
Editing by Michael Chandler
Sidney Wolinsky
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date(s) August 1, 1986
Running time 111 min.
Country United States
Language English
Budget $37,000,000 (estimated)

I Hear The Secrets That You Keep

When you're talking in your sleep. It's the rock band from Detroit known as The Romantics with a bunch of scantily clad women who all fell asleep standing up. There is some sweet hair in this video, and the lead singer looks a little bit like a young Billy Joel (I think anyway)...

The Romantics-Talking In Your Sleep
Uploaded by adiis

Talking In Your Sleep Lyrics

single by The Romantics
from the album: In Heat
1983

U.S. Hot 100 Peak: #3 (Feb. 1984)
Hot Club Dance Party Peak: #1

It Takes Two

Right about now... it's time for one of the biggest hip-hop hits of all-time... from 1988, it's Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock with "It Takes Two" (note the appearance of Biz Markie before he became famous)...




Lyrics | It Takes Two lyrics

“It Takes Two”

Single by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock
Format Vinyl
Label Profile Records

The song went platinum

My Heart Starts Achin', My Body Starts Shakin'

The Snake is back... more leather, more cars, more hair, and more Tawny... Whitesnake with "In the Still of the Night"

Whitesnake - Still Of The Night
Uploaded by jpdc11

Lyrics | Still Of The Night lyrics

from the album: Whitesnake
1987
US BIllboard Hot 100 Peak: #79

I Would Have Let These Girls In My Room In The 80's

Today, we have a double-shot of The Bangles as they make their Excellent 80's debut. First up is one of their latter hits, from 1988 - a video with some mini skirts and some sexual innuendo - "In Your Room"...




Lyrics | In Your Room lyrics

from the album: Everything
US Hot 100 Peak: #5
UK Peak: #35

And our second video from the all-girl group that hails from L.A. - "Hazy Shade of Winter"...




Lyrics | Hazy Shade Of Winter lyrics

from the album: Less Then Zero Soundtrack
US Hot 100 Peak: #2
UK Peak: #11

My One and Only

Just as the late 80's was giving way to the dance phenomenon on many of MTV's productions, this group had a few big hits as they rode the dance wave into the early 90's. The group is Seduction, and with Martha Walsh on lead vocals, here is "(You're My One and Only) True Love"...



“You're My One and Only (True Love)”

Single by Seduction
B-side "One Mistake"
Released 1989
Length 3:52 (7" Single; Album Version), 6:29 (12" Single)
Producer C+C Music Factory
Certification Gold (US)

US Hot 100 Peak: #23
Hot R&B Singles Peak: #56
Hot Dance Hits Peak: #3

I Can't Wait

Tools, a dog, and some totally wicked graphics made this video pretty dang cheesy... and what's up with the spelling of this group? It's the husband and wife duo known as Nu Shooz and "I Can't Wait"...

Nu Shooz I Can't Wait lyrics

Song lyrics by www.allyrics.net

“I Can't Wait”

Single by Nu Shooz
from the album 'Poolside'
Released February 1986
Recorded 1984-1985
Genre dance-pop, electronic
Length 5:25
Label Atlantic Records
Writer(s) John Smith

Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #3
Hot Dance Singles Peak: #1
UK Peak: #2

The E Street Band Loses a Member

Sad news out of the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band camp yesterday as long time keyboardist and friend of Bruce Springsteen, Danny Federici, died after a three year battle with cancer... here's a live performance of Springsteen and the E Street Band with a couple good shots of Federici in Paris in 1985... The Boss' first big billboard hit - "Hungry Heart"




Lyrics | Hungry Heart lyrics

“Hungry Heart”

Single by Bruce Springsteen
from the album The River
B-side "Held Up Without a Gun"
Released October 1980
Format 7" single
Recorded June 1979 at The Power Station in New York
Genre Rock
Length 3:19
Label Columbia Records
Writer(s) Bruce Springsteen
Producer Jon Landau, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt

Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #5

80's Movie Weekend

I totally blew it last weekend, when this would have been the perfect 80's movie to go with The Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia... of course, it's one of the all-time best - "Caddyshack"

The Caddyshack trailer...



Chevy Chase's infinite wisdom...



Cinderella story at Augusta...



I want a hotdog, no I want a cheeseburger, no I want...



I was born to lick your face...



And finally, big hitter... the lama...




Caddyshack

Directed by Harold Ramis
Produced by Douglas Kenney
Written by Douglas Kenney
Harold Ramis
Brian Doyle-Murray
Starring Chevy Chase
Rodney Dangerfield
Ted Knight
Michael O'Keefe
Bill Murray
Dan Resin
Music by Johnny Mandel
Cinematography Stevan Larner
Editing by William C. Carruth
Distributed by Orion Pictures
Warner Bros.
Release date(s) July 25, 1980
Running time 98 min.
Country United States
Language English
Budget $6,000,000
Followed by Caddyshack II

Crue Fest '08 - It's On Its Way

Motley Crue has announced Crue Fest 2008, a summer rock festival that will tour the U.S. and Canada with other acts like Papa Roach and Buckcherry. Here is the Crue at their slow ballad best... "Home Sweet Home"...

Motley Crue - Home Sweet Home
Uploaded by jpdc11

Lyrics | Home Sweet Home lyrics

“Home Sweet Home”

Single by Mötley Crüe
from the album Theatre of Pain
Released September 30, 1985
Genre Glam Metal, Power Ballad
Length 3:59
Writer(s) Lyrics:
Nikki Sixx
Music:
Nikki Sixx,
Vince Neil,
Tommy Lee

Billboard Hot 100 Peak (1985): #89
Billboard Hot 100 Peak (1991 re-release): #37
(The last Crue song to chart in the American Billboard Top 40)

Sign In Please

Robots, lasers, and a group with one big hit - Autograph with "Turn Up The Radio"... just remember things go better with rock...




Lyrics | Turn Up The Radio lyrics

“Turn Up The Radio”

Single by Autograph
from the album Sign in Please
B-side Thrill of Love
Released 1984
Format 45 RPM
Genre Glam metal
Label RCA Records

Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #17

80's Television

Here's some wrasslin' for you. They just recently had Wrestlemania 73 or something like that, but here was the match that was credited with just exploding the popularity of pay per view Wrestling... with former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura (Minnesotans must be so proud) on color commentary, "Gorilla" Monsoon on play by play and Bob Uecker as ring announcer... first held in 1985, this particular match is from Wrestlemania III in 1987, here is Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant...



And don't you ever forget that Hulk Hogan is a "Real American"...




Real American Lyrics

"Real American" performed by Rick Derringer

Marvin Was A Friend of Mine

Without Lionel Richie, but still with a big hit, from 1985, it's The Commodores with a tribute to Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye... gonna be some sweet sounds coming down on the "Nightshift"...

The Commodores - Nightshift
Uploaded by Shakki

Nightshift Lyrics

“Nightshift”

Single by The Commodores
from the album Nightshift
B-side I Keep Running
Released 1985
Genre Funk
Length 4:18
Label Motown
Writer(s) Walter Orange / Dennis Lambert / Franne Golde
Producer Dennis Lambert

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #3
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Peak: #1

What's A Yngwie?

Remember the music stylings of Yngwie Malmsteen? It's ok if you don't. Yngwie hails from Sweden and was regarded as one of the great guitarists of the 80's. Still don't remember? He could play multiple instruments and compose as well. Maybe this video will help jog your memory... with Yngwie wailing away on guitar and Joe Turner on vocals, here is "Heaven Tonight"

Yngwie Malmsteen - Heaven Tonight
Uploaded by abderrahimjbali

Heaven Tonight Lyrics

from the album: Odyssey
Released: 1988

She Knows How To Use Them

The furry guitars, the cool car, the hot chicks, the beards, and oh, those "Legs"...

ZZ TOP - Legs -
Uploaded by chantalounette

Legs Lyrics

“Legs”

Single by ZZ Top
from the album Eliminator
B-side "A Fool for Your Stockings"
Released 1984
Format 7"
Recorded 1982
Genre Rock
Length 4:35
Label Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Billy Gibbons
Dusty Hill
Frank Beard
Producer Bill Ham

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #8

80's Movie Weekend

It's been 21 years since Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey steamed up the screen with some "Dirty Dancing"

This looks like it might be at a drive in movie, but the message is still clear - "Nobody puts Baby in a corner"



I had the time of my life...



And of course, here is Patrick Swayze with the hit song he actually wrote and sung, along with Wendy Fraser, here is "She's Like the Wind"...

Patrick Swayze- She's Like The Wind
Uploaded by Stella78

She's Like The Wind Lyrics

“She's Like the Wind”

Single by Patrick Swayze
from the album Dirty Dancing Soundtrack
B-side Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs - Stay
Released 1987
Format Vinyl single
Genre pop
Length 3:52
Label RCA Records
Writer(s) Patrick Swayze
Stacy Widelitz
Producer Michael Lloyd

Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #3
Adult Contemporary Peak: #1


Dirty Dancing











Directed by Emile Ardolino
Produced by Linda Gottlieb
Written by Eleanor Bergstein
Starring Patrick Swayze
Jennifer Grey
Jerry Orbach
Cynthia Rhodes
Distributed by Vestron Pictures
Release date(s) August 21, 1987
Running time 100 minutes
Language English
Budget $5,000,000[1]
Followed by Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights

80's Television

Look at what's happened to me... believe it or not, here is "The Greatest American Hero" in The Excellent 80's as our look back at a popular TV series in the 80's...
flying away on a wing and a prayer, who could it be?...

The intro...



The superhero in action...




Format superhero drama-comedy television series
Created by Stephen J. Cannell
from 1981-1983
Starring William Katt as Ralph Hinkley
Robert Culp as Bill Maxwell
Connie Sellecca as Pam Davidson
Michael Paré as Tony Villacona
Faye Grant as Rhonda Harris
Opening theme "Theme from Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)" by Joey Scarbury
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 3
No. of episodes 44

We Don't Ill, We Chill At A Party

OK, I'm cutting it close, but in late 1989, the rapper named Heavy D released his second and one of his most successful albums and this was my favorite song off of it... check out the big man and his dance moves, try not to focus on the hideous clothes... Heavy D and the Boyz with "We Got Our Own Thang"...




We Got Our Own Thang Lyrics

from the album: Big Tyme
released: 1989
album peak: #19 on Billboard Hot 200 albums and #1 on the R&B/Rap album charts
Genre Hip Hop
Length 53:53
Label Uptown Records
Producer DJ Eddie F
Teddy Riley
Marley Marl
Al B. Sure!
Pete Rock

One Shining Moment

The finals of the NCAA Tournament are upon us and for us basketball fans that means the college basketball season will be capped with CBS' montage of the NCAA tourney all to the song written especially for this exciting three weeks of hoops... it's Kansas and Memphis for the championship, and 20 yrs. ago we witnessed KU and "Danny and the Miracles" beat Oklahoma for the national championship in Kansas City... I was there... I left disappointed, but despite the pain that still lingers, here is the "One Shining Moment" video from 1988...



Here are the lyrics to the popular anthem by David Barrett (and currently being sung by the late Luther Vandross):

The ball is tipped
and there you are
you're running for your life
you're a shooting star
And all the years
no one knows
just how hard you worked
but now it shows...
(in) ONE SHINING MOMENT, IT'S ALL ON THE LINE
ONE SHINING MOMENT, THERE FROZEN IN TIME

But time is short
and the road is long
in the blinking of an eye
ah that moment's gone
And when it's done
win or lose
you always did your best
cuz inside you knew...
(that) ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU REACHED DEEP INSIDE
ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU KNEW YOU WERE ALIVE

Feel the beat of your heart
feel the wind in your face
it's more than a contest
it's more than a race...

And when it's done
win or lose
you always did your best
cuz inside you knew...
(that) ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU REACHED FOR THE SKY
ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU KNEW
ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU WERE WILLING TO TRY
ONE SHINING MOMENT....

She's The Kind of Girl You Dream Of

It's the two Phils - one was/is a big time star as a solo artist and also with a little-known band called Genesis. The other, I have no clue where he came from or where he is today. Phil Collins and Philip Bailey with the 1984 collaberation and big hit, "Easy Lover"...




Easy Lover Lyrics

“Easy Lover”

Single by Philip Bailey & Phil Collins
from the album Chinese Wall
Released USA: 1984
UK: 1985
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1984
Genre Pop
Length 5:02
Label Columbia/CBS
Writer(s) Philip Bailey, Phil Collins and Nathan East
Producer Phil Collins

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #2
US R&B Peak: #3
UK Peak: #1

80's Movie Weekend

What a feeling! Take your passion and make it happen! From 1983, it's Jennifer Beals and the popular "Flashdance"...

the trailer...



some serious dancing... in fact, she's a maniac... by Michael Sembello


Lyrics | Michael Sembello lyrics - Maniac lyrics












Directed by Adrian Lyne
Produced by Don Simpson
Jerry Bruckheimer
Written by Tom Hedley
Joe Eszterhas
Starring Jennifer Beals
Michael Nouri
Music by Giorgio Moroder
Cinematography Donald Peterman
Editing by Walt Mulconery
Bud S. Smith
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) April 15, 1983
July 16, 1983
August 11, 1983
September 14, 1983
May 23, 1985
Running time 95 min.
Country United States
Language English


Of course here is the full "What a Feeling" song by Irene Cara from the "Flashdance" Soundtrack





Lyrics | What A Feeling lyrics

“Flashdance... What a Feeling”

Single by Irene Cara
from the album What a Feelin' and Flashdance
Released 1983
2001 (re-released)
Format 12" single
7" single
Recorded 1983
Genre Pop rock
Length 3:55
Label Casablanca Records
Writer(s) Giorgio Moroder (music)
Keith Forsey (lyrics)
Irene Cara (lyrics)
Producer Giorgio Moroder
Certification Platinum (US)
Gold (UK)

This song was a world-wide hit:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: #1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: #1
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks: #4
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: #2
Austrian Singles Chart: #4
Brazilian Singles Chart: #1
Canadian Singles Chart: #1
Dutch Top 40: #1[3]
European Singles Chart: #1
Japanese Singles Chart: #1
Norwegian Singles Chart: #1
Swedish Singles Chart: #1
Swiss Singles Chart: #1
UK Singles Chart: #2

You and I and a Little Toy Shop

Remember Nena? Sure you do. The semi-hot German chick with the funky dance moves. And of course now that you remember her, don't you remember her cold-war era protest song that was a #1 hit around most of the world... "99 Red Balloons" or if you're German, "99 Luft Balloons"...




99 Red Balloons Lyrics

“99 Luftballons / 99 Red Balloons”

Single by Nena
from the album Nena / 99 Luftballons
Released 1983 (Germany)
1984 (United Kingdom)
Format CD single
Recorded 1982
Genre Pop
Length 3:53
Label EMI
Writer(s) Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen(music)
Carlo Karges (German lyrics)
Kevin McAlea (English lyrics)
Certification Gold (RIAA)

US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #2
UK Peak: #1
West Germany #1

80's Television

Everytime I turn around... one of my little sister's favorite shows from the 80's - the little orphan and her dog, Brandon - "Punky Brewster"...

But before we get to our television show, we must bring you one of the classic commercials from the 80's... from Wendy's... you know what I'm talking about...



The "Punky Brewster" intro...



Punky Power!...



Punky Brewster





Cast of "Punky Brewster": Soleil Moon Frye, Casey Ellison, George Gaynes, Susie Garrett, Cherie Johnson, Brandon the Wonder Dog, and (center) Ami Foster.






Format Situation Comedy
1984-1986
Created by David W. Duclon
Starring Soleil Moon Frye
George Gaynes
Susie Garrett
Cherie Johnson
T. K. Carter
Ami Foster
Casey Ellison
Brandon
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 4
No. of episodes 88 (44 NBC; 44 syndicated)

Happy April Fool's Day!