Is This a Cool World or What?

It's the end of 2009... where did it go!? Well, The Excellent 80's is leaving 2009 with a parting shot to the 1982 MTV New Year's Rockin' Eve... introduced by the late, great JJ Jackson, here is actress/singer Karla DeVito who sang backup for Meat Loaf at one time and who later married and had children with actor Robby Benson... with a song from her debut album by the same name, here is "Is This a Cool World or What?"...



See you in 2010!

Make A Wish Baby

Formed in Los Angeles in the early 70's, today's band hit it big in 1980 with this song and for a time in the early 80's they featured a young Bruce Hornsby in their group... here is the band Ambrosia with their 1980 hit "Biggest Part of Me"...

Ambrosia - Biggest Part Of Me Live
Uploaded by panathinacos. - Explore more music videos.

Lyrics | Ambrosia lyrics - Biggest Part Of Me lyrics

"Biggest Part of Me"

by Ambrosia
released: 1980
from the album: One Eighty

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

Can You Feel It, Baby

The thing that always cracked me up about today's video is that this artist looks really pissed or at least very agitated in a lot of the shots in this video... born Albert Joseph Brown III on June 4, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts, don't forget the exclamation point when you refer to today's artist - Al B. Sure! with his soulful 1988 hit, "Nite and Day"

Al B.Sure! - Nite and day
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Lyrics | Al B. Sure! lyrics - Nite And Day lyrics

"Nite and Day"

Single by Al B. Sure!
from the album In Effect Mode
Released 1988
Recorded 1987
Genre R&B
Length 4:02
Label Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Al B. Sure!, Kyle West
Producer Kyle West
Al B. Sure! (co-producer)

Chart (1988) Peak Position

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #7
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks #1
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks #19

You Make My Heart Go Giddy Up

I hope you had a great Christmas and you got everything you wanted... if not, then take heed, because I'm here to give you a 1982 version of "My Girl, Lollipop" as an after Christmas gift from the odd UK band known as Bad Manners...

Bad Manners - My Girl Lollipop
Uploaded by misstattooedgirl. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Lyrics | Bad Manners lyrics - My Girl Lollipop lyrics

"My Girl Lollipop"

by Bad Manners
released: 1982
from the album: Forging Ahead

80's Movie Weekend

I trust everyone had a very Merry Christmas yesterday and are now just trying to recover from the gluttony of toys and food... this weekend's flashback is a Kurt Russell classic... starring as truck driver Jack Burton, here is Russell in "Big Trouble in Little China"...

the trailer...



great reflexes...



Big Trouble in Little China

Directed by John Carpenter
Produced by Larry J. Franco
Written by Adaptation:
W. D. Richter
Screenplay:
Gary Goldman
David Z. Weinstein
Starring Kurt Russell
Kim Cattrall
Dennis Dun
James Hong
Victor Wong
Music by John Carpenter
Alan Howarth
Cinematography Dean Cundey
Editing by Steve Mirkovich
Mark Warner
Edward A. Warschilka
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) July 2, 1986
Running time 99 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $25,000,000 (est.)
Gross revenue $11,100,000

There Won't Be Snow In Africa This Christmastime

Just like I posted Wham's "Last Christmas" out of obligation to my faithful Excellent 80's following, I feel I must do the same with today's video... so, Merry Christmas to all, go out and feed the world, and I hope you have a great day! Here is Band Aid with "Do They Know It's Christmas Time?"...




Lyrics | Band Aid lyrics - Do They Know It's Christmas Time lyrics

"Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Single by Band Aid
from the album Now That's What I Call Christmas!
B-side "Feed the World"
Released 29 November 1984
Format 7" 12"
Recorded 25 November 1984
Genre Rock
Length 3:48
Label Phonogram, Columbia
Writer(s) Bob Geldof, Midge Ure
Producer Midge Ure

80's Christmas Cartoons

It's Christmas Eve, and thought it only appropriate to bust out this classic cartoon from the 1980s called "Twas the Night Before Christmas"...

Last Christmas I Gave You This Video (And I'm Giving It To You Again)

I always have to post today's Christmas classic from Wham... it's just become a Christmas season special here in The Excellent 80's, and I know that you enjoy it just as much (if not more) than I do... here are George and Andrew with some beautiful scenery from Switzerland in "Last Christmas"...




Lyrics | Wham! lyrics - Last Christmas lyrics

"Last Christmas"

Single by Wham!
from the album Music from the Edge of Heaven
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

80's Christmas Commercials

And, for our final Tuesday of 80's Christmas commercials, we bring you a couple of classics including this first one from Polaroid...



Remember when these crazy giraffes were spokes-animals for Toys R Us? Never really cared for them to tell you the truth, but oh, the memories they bring back...

Nothing Says Christmas Like a Reggae Song

Nothing says Christmastime like a white Canadian rocker singing a reggae Christmas song... enjoy this beauty from '84 or '85 featuring Pee Wee Herman, and the MTV cast, it's Bryan Adams singing "Reggae Christmas"....




Lyrics | Bryan Adams lyrics - Reggae Christmas lyrics

80's Christmas Cartoons

We've taken a break the past few weeks from movie weekends to bring you Christmas cartoon weekends, and so here is everyone's favortie fat cat Garfield in his Christmas special from 1987...

Part one...



You can check out the rest of the cartoon (parts 2 & 3) on youtube.

So Here It Is Merry Christmas

The big day is closing in (one week to go!), and to continue to get you into a merry mood check out Slade from 1983 with "Merry Christmas Everybody"...




Lyrics | Slade lyrics - Merry Christmas Everybody lyrics

Why'd You Have to Give it Up?

Today's glam metal band has been around since 1984, but didn't put out an album until 1989 and it garnered a few minor hits including today's... with lots of pretty balloons, colors, rainbows, and symbols... it's so... annoying... I still like the song though... here is Enuff Z'Nuff with "Fly High Michelle"...

Enuff Z'Nuff - Fly High Michelle
Uploaded by jpdc11. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Lyrics | Enuff Z'Nuff lyrics - Fly High Michelle lyrics

"Fly High Michelle"

by Enuff Z'Nuff
from the album: Enuff Z'Nuff
released: 1989

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #47

Well The Truck Stop Cutie Comin' On To Me

You know I love me some occasional 80's country here in The Excellent 80's and today's artist was big back in the early 80's... he's already been in here one time before with "I Love A Rainy Night" and today he comes back strong again with this country chart topper... long before Garth Brooks brought some rock edge to his songs, Eddie Rabbitt was doing it... sweet hair, sweet beard, sweet unbuttoned shirt... enjoy this U.S. Billboard Hot 100 top 5 song and Country Charts #1 single - "Drivin' My Life Away"...




Lyrics | Eddie Rabbitt lyrics - Drivin' My Life Away lyrics

"Drivin' My Life Away"

Single by Eddie Rabbitt
from the album Horizon
Released 1980
Format 7"
Recorded 1980
Genre Country, pop
Length 3:16
Label Elektra Records 46656
Writer(s) Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy
Producer David Malloy
Certification Gold (RIAA)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5
U.S. Country Charts: #1

80's Christmas Commercials

First up for our Tuesday of 80's Christmas commercials is a classic from Folgers...



Bah hum-bug! Get on down to KFC for some holiday chicken cheer!

Are There Voices In Your Head Calling

Everybody get ready to swing your hips to today's 1982 classic that made it all the way to #2... here is a video that probably cost about a hundred dollars to make with some sweet disco balls and the sweet voice of Laura Branigan singing "Gloria"...

Laura Branigan - Gloria
Uploaded by Discodandan. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Lyrics | Laura Branigan lyrics - Gloria lyrics

"Gloria"

Single by Laura Branigan
from the album Branigan
B-side "I Wish We Could Be Alone"
Released August 4, 1982 (US)
January 2, 1983 (UK)
Format 7", 45rpm
Recorded Los Angeles, California
Genre Pop/Dance/Rock
Length 4:50
Label Atlantic ATL 11759
Writer(s) Umberto Tozzi, Giancarlo Bigazzi, Trevor Veitch
Producer Jack White, Greg Mathieson

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2

80's Christmas Cartoons

Well, some of this is cartoon, but anyway, here is "A Disney Christmas Gift" from 1982... part one...



The rest of the parts of this special are located on youtube beginning with part two located here.

Don't Mean To Bust Your Bubble

Today's video is one of the first rap tunes I ever heard when I was in high school... a funny little funky jam that sampled the "I Dream of Jeannie" music... it's the debut single of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince with their words of wisdom - "Girls Ain't Nothin' But Trouble"...




Lyrics | Dj Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince lyrics - Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble lyrics

"Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble"
Single by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
from the album Rock the House
Released 1986
Format 12" Vinyl
Recorded 1985
Genre Hip hop
Label Sony

People Know the Part I'm Playing

Back in 1985 with Van Halen on the cusp of ending their relationship with David Lee Roth, Diamond Dave released an EP that featured this remake and produced "Dave TV" You remember Dave TV don't you? Sure you do, and if not, just check out this video by Diamond Dave in which he kills Billy Idol, wrecks havoc on the censorship board, and visits a host of other artists including Michael Jackson, Cindy Lauper, and Boy George... here is "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody"...

David Lee Roth - Just A Gigolo & I Ain't Got Nobody
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Lyrics | David Lee Roth lyrics - Just A Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody lyrics

"Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody"

by David Lee Roth
released: 1985
from his EP release

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #12

Let Me Rock You That's All I Want to Do

Everyone that grew up in the 80's can still easily recite the rapping of Melle Mel at the beginning of this Chaka Khan hit... a song originally written and recorded by Prince on his debut album, it was Chaka's biggest hit since her 1974 single "Tell Me Something Good"... here is "I Feel For You"...

Chaka Khan - I Feel For You



Lyrics | Chaka Khan lyrics - I Feel For You lyrics

"I Feel for You"

Single by Chaka Khan
from the album I Feel for You
Released October 29, 1984
Format Vinyl single, picture disc
Recorded 1984
Genre R&B
Length 5:46
Label Warner Bros
Writer(s) Prince
Producer Arif Mardin
Certification Gold (RIAA)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3
U.S. Dance charts peak: #1
U.S. R&B chart: #1

80's Christmas Commercials

More 80's commercials for you today as promised every Tuesday this month leading up to Christmas (a rare double post today because of the anniversary of John Lennon's death)... first up is Fred, Barney, and Santa and some Fruity Pebbles... love me some Fruity Pebbles!



Also love me some cream filled Oreos... Ho ho ho, O-R-E-O...

Woman, Please Let Me Explain

Today's video is the first song released after the untimely death of Mr. John Lennon on December 8, 1980. Can you believe it has been 39 years since Lennon was assasinated by Mark David Chapman just outside of his residence in New York City? Doesn't seem like it... anyway, here is the song written as a tribute to his wife Yoko Ono, "Woman"...

WOMAN JOHN LENNON
Uploaded by guilhem7777

Lyrics | John Lennon lyrics - Woman lyrics

“Woman”

Single by John Lennon
from the album Double Fantasy
Released January 16, 1981
Recorded August 5, August 27, September 8, September 22, 1980
Genre Rock
Length 3:32
Label Geffen Records
Writer(s) John Lennon
Producer John Lennon, Yoko Ono & Jack Douglas

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2
UK Peak: #1
New Zealand: #1

I Thumbed My Way From L.A. Back to Knoxville

Like I do from time to time, I bust you off a little country to keep you honest amongst all the hair bands, rap stars, pop icons, and new wave English bands that appear frequently in here... today's artist is making his first appearance in the Excellent 80's and was a country music superstar... at one time Ronnie Milsap had a string of 11 #1 hits and, overall, has hit the top of the country charts 40 times... he was also a popular crossover artist back in the early 80's... today's song reached #1 on the country charts, but also cracked the top 25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 back in 1981... a performance from the Grand Ole Opery, here is the legendary Ronnie Milsap with "Smokey Mountain Rain"...




Lyrics | Ronnie Milsap lyrics - Smokey Mountain Rain lyrics

"Smoky Mountain Rain"
Single by Ronnie Milsap
from the album Greatest Hits
Released September 1980 (U.S.)
Format 7"
Recorded 1980
Genre Country, pop
Length 3:45
Label RCA Records
Writer(s) Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #24
U.S. Country Charts peak: #1

80's Christmas Cartoons

We're taking a break from the 80's movies weekend to bring you a sweet 80's Christmas cartoon on this Saturday morning. You remember cartoons on Saturday mornings don't you? Well, from 1987, here is part one of the He-Man and She-ra Christmas special...



You can go to youtube to view the rest of the parts from this exciting cartoon!

Don't Put Me Off Cause I'm On Fire!

That's right! The Excellent 80's is on fire! Besides, where else are you going to go to see the Psychedelic Furs one day, Motorhead the next and Madonna to round out three days? Well, right here in the Excellent 80's that's just what I did... the Furs followed yesterday by Motorhead and "Eat the Rich" from Motorhead, and today it's the rich Material Girl herself with an early classic - "Burning Up"...

Madonna - New Music - More Music Videos

Lyrics | Madonna lyrics - Burning Up lyrics

"Burning Up"

Single by Madonna
from the album Madonna
B-side "Physical Attraction"
(AA-side in some countries)
Released March 9, 1983 (US)
Format Vinyl single (Worldwide)
Recorded Sigma Sound Studios, New York City; 1982
Genre Pop
Length 3:45
Label Sire, Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Madonna

Come On Baby, and Eat the Rich

Like I've said before, this is a non discriminatory blog and so I'll post songs and videos that I like and that I don't like, and so today just happens to be one of those groups I never could get into but many liked back in the 80's... here is the British rock band Motorhead, from 1987, with "Eat the Rich"....

Motorhead - Eat The Rich
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Lyrics | Motorhead lyrics - Eat The Rich lyrics

"Eat the Rich"

Single by Motörhead
from the album Rock 'n' Roll
B-side Cradle to the Grave/Just 'cos You Got the Power (12" only)
Released 1987
Format 7"
12"
Recorded 1987
Master Rock Studios
Redwood, London, UK
Genre Heavy metal
Length 4:36
Label GWR
Writer(s) Phil Campbell
Würzel
Lemmy
Phil Taylor
Producer Motörhead
Guy Bidmead

And It Feels Like Love

I was not into this band at all back in the 80's, but this is definitely my favorite song of theirs and was their only top 40 hit here in the U.S.... it is the English group formed in 1977 called the Psychedelic Furs with a cool little black and white number known as "Heartbreak Beat"...

Psychedelic Furs - Heartbreak Beat
Uploaded by jpdc11. - See the latest featured music videos.

Lyrics | The Psychedelic Furs lyrics - Heartbreak Beat lyrics

"Heartbreak Beat"

Single by Psychedelic Furs
from the album Midnight to Midnight
Released March, 1987
Format 7" single
12" maxi
Genre New Wave, Pop rock
Length 4:03
Label Columbia Records
Writer(s) Richard Butler, John Ashton, and Tim Butler
Producer Chris Kimsey

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #26

80's Christmas Commercials

Every Tuesday in December, The Excellent 80's is going to bring you some classic Christmas commercials from the 80's kicking off with these two...

First up, Ronald McDonald shows off his ice skating skillz...



Wow, these creepy looking Nestle dogs scare the crap out of me making it a lot less likely that I'll purchase any Nestle products this season...

You Come On with a Come On

You don't fight fair! Hey everybody, a happy end of November to you... Put up your dukes, let's get down to it... we are concluding our month long tribute to the hits of Pat Benatar today with one of her signature songs ... it's the rockin' concert footage version of "Hit Me With Your Best Shot"... fire away!

Pat Benatar - Hit Me With Your Best Shot
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Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - Hit Me With Your Best Shot lyrics

"Hit Me with Your Best Shot"
Single by Pat Benatar
from the album Crimes of Passion
B-side "Prisoner of Love"
Released September 15, 1980
Format 7"
Recorded 2009
Genre Hard Rock
Length 2:52
Label Chrysalis
Writer(s) Eddie Schwartz
Producer Felix Pappalardi

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #9

80's Movie Weekend

This weekend's 80's flashback takes us back to one of Ron Howard's many hits... starring Tom Hanks, John Candy, and a half nude Darryl Hannah in the mermaid romance-comedy known as "Splash"...

the trailer...



what big secret?



Splash

Directed by Ron Howard
Produced by Brian Grazer
Written by Brian Grazer
Lowell Ganz
Babaloo Mandel
Bruce Jay Friedman
Starring Tom Hanks
Daryl Hannah
John Candy
Music by Lee Holdridge
Cinematography Donald Peterman
Editing by Daniel P. Hanley
Mike Hill
Distributed by Touchstone Films
Release date(s) March 9, 1984
Running time 111 min.
Country United States
Language English
Budget USD$8,000,000
Gross revenue USD$69,821,334 (domestic)
Followed by Splash, Too

Heartache to Heartache We Stand

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving yesterday!
Our artist of the month was born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski on January 10, 1953 in Greenpoint New York... the name you know her by is Pat Benatar, and she will dance and recruit other girls to dance at you until you are intimidated... I know this from this 80's video that scared me way worse than Michael Jackson's dancing zombies... probably Pat Benatar's most famous video, here is "Love is a Battlefield"...

Pat Benatar - Love is a Battlefield 1983
Uploaded by ZapMan69. - See the latest featured music videos.

Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - Love Is A Battlefield lyrics

"Love Is a Battlefield"

Single by Pat Benatar
from the album Live from Earth
Released October 24, 1983
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1983
Genre Rock, New Wave
Label Chrysalis Records
Writer(s) Holly Knight, Mike Chapman
Producer Neil Geraldo, Peter Coleman

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Thanksgiving and for most that means the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and some football... all you Cabbage Patch fans out there will enjoy Tim Conway and this Cabbage Patch performance from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1984...



And, to follow up the parade with some NFL football, here is a quick clip of one of the best Detroit Lions ever... Billy Sims scoring on a four yard run against the KC Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day 1981...



And, as a bonus, here's a special Thanksgiving minisode of a cartoon from way back... anyone remember the arcade game Q-Bert? Here's the cartoon that followed with a Thanksgiving special...

Who Needs Friends Who Never Show

I'm back with one of my favorite all girl groups today... it's the English trio founded in London in 1979 called Banarama with "I Heard a Rumour"...

Bananarama - I Heard A Rumour
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Lyrics | Bananarama lyrics - I Heard A Rumour lyrics

"I Heard A Rumour"

Single by Bananarama
from the album Wow!
B-side Clean Cut Boy
Released July 1987
Format 7" single, 12" single
Recorded February 1987
Genre Pop, Dance
Length 3:25
Label London Records
Writer(s) Matt Aitken, Sarah Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman, Keren Woodward
Producer Stock Aitken Waterman

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4
UK peak: #14

Your Love is Like a Tidal Wave

In today's video as we roll on with our "Pat Benatar November" it appears as if Pat has just gotten out of aerobics class, tossed on a suit jacket, and proceeds to rock your ass off! Love all the various clothing of the other band members as well... here is Pat Benatar rocking "Heartbreaker"...

Pat Benatar - Heartbreaker
Uploaded by jpdc11. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - Heartbreaker lyrics

"Heartbreaker"

by Pat Benatar
from the album: In the Heat of the Night
released: 1979

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #23

Dominatrix - Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight

Today's interesting video is a collaberation by Ken Lockie, who was born in Newcastle, England... he co-wrote and co-produced this 1984 classic which apparently spent 10 weeks at the top of the Billboard Dance charts... This track later became part of the Grosse Pointe Blank movie soundtrack in 1997... here is Dominatrix with "Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight"...

Dominatrix - Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight
Uploaded by trashfan. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

released: 1984

80's Movie Weekend

This weekend's 80's movie flashback is a comedy that I thought was pretty descent back in 1987 when I first watched it... starring Dennis Quaid, who's still going strong today, Martin Short, and Meg Ryan, here is the Steven Speilberg produced "Innerspace"...

the trailer..




what went wrong?



psyche yourself up, Jack!



Innerspace
Directed by Joe Dante
Produced by Michael Finnell
Written by Chip Proser (story)
Jeffrey Boam &
Chip Proser (screenplay)
Starring Dennis Quaid
Martin Short
Meg Ryan
Kevin McCarthy
Fiona Lewis
Robert Picardo
Vernon Wells
Henry Gibson
Wendy Schaal
Harold Sylvester
William Schallert
John Hora
Music by Jerry Goldsmith
Cinematography Andrew Laszlo
Editing by Kent Beyda
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) July 1, 1987 (USA)
Running time 120 minutes
Language English

You Better Run

Here's Pat in her tight leather and with a bad attitude... when I see her like this I always think that it would be one heck of a fight if a fight ever broke out between her and Joan Jett... I would have paid money back in the 80's for a fight like that! I do know that if she were ever mad at me I would heed her advice from this song - "You Better Run"...

Pat Benatar - You Better Run
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Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - You Better Run lyrics

"You Better Run"

by Pat Benatar
from the album: Crimes of Passion
released: 1980

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #42

The Ladies Will Kick It

Today's video was actually released in 1990, but the album was a late 1989 album and the first by a new female rapper on the scene by the name of Queen Latifah... Latifah has had a pretty decent career I'd say to this point... she was only 19 when this album came out and this is the first video I remember seeing her in and it became a ladies anthem... wit Monie Love lending a helping hand, here is "Ladies First"...

Queen Latifah : Ladies_first
Uploaded by BLACKMUSICS. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Lyrics | Queen Latifah Featuring Monie Love lyrics - Ladies First Featuring Monie Love lyrics

"Ladies First"

by Queen Latifah
from the album: "All Hail the Queen"
released: 1990

Hot Rap singles peak: #5

80's Television

While I gave you "That's Incredible!" a week back, this show was probably the precursor to that one... kicking off in 1979 and running for 5 seasons, today's television flashback takes look at some early 80's reality television... here is the intro to "Real People"...



Real People

Starring John Barbour
Sarah Purcell
Byron Allen
Skip Stephenson
Bill Rafferty
Mark Russell
Peter Billingsley
Fred Willard
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 5
Production
Producer(s) George Schlatter
Broadcast
Original channel NBC
Original run April 18, 1979 – July 4, 1984

Many Times I've Tried to Tell You

Probably one of my least liked Pat Benatar hits today, but a pretty big mainstream hit nonetheless... I do dig on the green gloves she is sporting in the video, but that's really about it... here is her top five and grammy nominated song from 1984 - "We Belong"...

Pat Benatar - We Belong
Uploaded by valentin73. - Explore more music videos.

Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - We Belong lyrics

"We Belong"

Single by Pat Benatar
from the album Tropico
Released 1985
Recorded 1984
Genre Pop rock
Ballad
Length 3:42
Label Chrysalis Records
Writer(s) Eric Lowen & Dan Navarro

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5

She'll Tease You, She'll Unease You

I love the slapping choreography in today's video - absolutely genius! Today's song spent nine weeks at #1, was the highest seller of the year and won the Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year... The song was also a number one hit in 31 countries... here is Californian Kim Carnes with "Bette Davis Eyes"...

Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
Uploaded by trashfan. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Lyrics | Kim Carnes lyrics - Bette Davis Eyes lyrics

"Bette Davis Eyes"

Single by Kim Carnes
from the album Mistaken Identity
B-side "Miss You Tonight"
Released April 9, 1981
Format 7"
Genre Pop
Length 3:48
Label EMI America
Writer(s) Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon
Producer Val Garay

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

80's Movie Weekend - Cut Loose

Starring the dancing, fun loving, Ren McCormack, aka Mr. Kyra Sedgewick, aka Kevin Bacon, this weekend's movie flashback takes us back to a simpler time - 1984... it's the story of a big city boy who can't dance in his new small town home - blasphemy! Also starring Lori Singer, Dianne Wiest, and Pastor John Lithgow as Ren's biggest opponent, here is the classic 80's movie "Footloose"...

the trailer...



you are going to learn to dance (with a little help from Deniece Williams' vocals)...



from an awesome soundtrack, here is Kenny Loggins with the title track video - "Footloose"...

Kenny Loggins - Footloose
Uploaded by trashfan. - See the latest featured music videos.

Lyrics | Kenny Loggins lyrics - Footloose lyrics

"Footloose"
Single by Kenny Loggins
from the album Footloose soundtrack
B-side "Swear Your Love"
Released February 5, 1984 (U.S.)
July 6, 1984 (U.K.)
Format CD single, 7", 12"
Recorded 1984
Genre Rock/Dance
Length 3:48
Label CBS
Writer(s) Kenny Loggins, Dean Pitchford [1]
Producer Kenny Loggins

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Footloose

Directed by Herbert Ross
Produced by Lewis J. Rachmil
Craig Zadan
Written by Dean Pitchford
Starring Kevin Bacon
Lori Singer
Dianne Wiest
John Lithgow
Music by Tom Snow
Jim Steinman
Kenny Loggins
Nigel Harrison
Mark Mothersbaugh
Jamshied Sharifi
Cinematography Ric Waite
Editing by Paul Hirsch
Studio Paramount Pictures
IndieProd Company Pictures
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) February 17, 1984
Running time 107 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $8.2 million
Gross revenue $80,035,402

A-E-A-E-I-O-U-U

All I can say about today's video is "wow"... some really really white dudes, some undeniable 80's fashion looks, some high pitched screaming, a sweet keytar, and some street dancing all make for this forgettable classic from the British band Freeez with the dance hit from 1983 called "I.O.U."...

Freez - IOU
Uploaded by trashfan. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Lyrics | Freeez lyrics - IOU lyrics

"I.O.U."
Single by Freeez
from the album I.O.U.
B-side "I Dub U"
"We Got the Jazz"
Released June 1983 (1983-06)
Format 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl, CD (1987)
Recorded 1983, Unique Recording Studios, New York City
Genre synthpop, freestyle
Length 7:50 (12" version)
Label Beggars Banquet (UK)
Streetwise (US),
Victor Industries (JP),
Virgin (Germany),
Vertigo (Canada),
Criminal (US, 1986),
Citybeat (UK, 1987)
Writer(s) Arthur Baker
Producer Arthur Baker

U.S. club play singles peak: #1
UK peak: #2

This Bloody Road Remains a Mystery

I can't decide if Pat called Prince to help her with her wardrobe for this video or not... probably not, but Pat is looking very hip and trendy for 1985 with this classic video and song today... here is the top 10 single (and one of her 19 top 40 singles) "Invincible"...

Pat Benatar-Invincible_xvid
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Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - Invincible lyrics

"Invincible"

by Pat Benatar
from the album: Seven the Hard Way
released: 1985

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10

Can't You See It In My Eyes?

All I want to really know is who told lead singer Joey Tempest to keep his hands in his pockets for the beginning of this video? Was it all a big build up to the end of the song when his hands come out and he gestures how much this girl meant to him? I don't get it and it just looks wrong... anyway, it's the Swedish glam rock band known as Europe with their follow up hit to "The Final Countdown"... here is the hit ballad "Carrie"... if you were old enough to remember hearing this song, did the song bother you or help you out if your name is Carrie?


Europe - Carrie by jpdc11


Lyrics | Europe lyrics - Carrie lyrics

"Carrie"

Single by Europe
from the album The Final Countdown
B-side "Love Chaser"
Released January 1987
Format CD single
7" Single
12" Single
Recorded 1986
Genre Power Ballad
Length 4:30
Label Epic
Writer(s) Joey Tempest, Mic Michaeli
Producer Kevin Elson

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

80's Incredible Television

I used to enjoy an occasional episode of this every now and then during its run from 1980 to 1984... featuring a live studio audience, and three co-hosts that included an ex NFL star, an ex-actress, and a man known mostly for his game show hosting... Fran Tarkenton, Cathy Lee Crosby (who dated ex NFL star Joe Theisman in the early 80's), and John Davidson host "That's Incredible!"...

the intro (I love the group one-armed hug on stage)...



check out this gem from the show featuring three dudes all trying to become the Ms. Pac Man world champion... love the commentating and instant replay that the hosts do... and what could be the corny topping to this cake? check out who appears to hand out the trophy and the $5000 check at the end...



That's Incredible

Genre Reality show
Created by Alan Landsburg Productions
Starring John Davidson,
Fran Tarkenton and Cathy Lee Crosby
Country of origin Flag of the United States.svg United States
No. of seasons 4
Production
Producer(s) Alan Landsburg
Running time 60 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel ABC
Original run March 17, 1980 – April 30, 1984

Ooh, You're Givin' Me the Fever Tonight

Here's another early 80's classic from Pat Benatar as we continue to dedicate the month of November to her classics from the 80's... a concert footage video for a song that reached the top 20 in 1980... here is the grammy award winning "Fire and Ice"...

Pat Benatar - Fire & Ice
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Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - Fire And Ice lyrics

"Fire and Ice"

by Pat Benatar
from the album: Precious Time
released: 1981

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #17

80's Movie Weekend

This weekend's movie flashback takes us back to 1986 and three comedy legends... the movie was pretty much a disappointment to me the first time I saw it, but I have to say that it's grown on me over the years and just stands now as one of those ridiculously dumb movies that still makes me laugh... the three legends of course are Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short, or better known in 1986 as the "Three Amigos!"

the trailer...



It's the singing bush!



My little buttercup...



the Three Amigos forever!



¡Three Amigos!
Directed by John Landis
Produced by Lorne Michaels
George Folsey Jr.
Written by Lorne Michaels
Steve Martin
Randy Newman
Starring Chevy Chase
Steve Martin
Martin Short
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Randy Newman
Cinematography Ronald W. Browne
Editing by Malcolm Campbell
Distributed by Orion Pictures
Release date(s) December 12, 1986
Running time 104 min.
Country United States
Budget $25,000,000

Don't Ask Me What You Know is True

Some violins, a sweet saxophone solo, and the haunting voice of the late Michael Hutchence... here is a ballad from 1988's Kick album... it's a dreary, boring video, but a big hit nonetheless from one of the great 80's bands, INXS with "Never Tear Us Apart"...

INXS - Never Tear Us Apart
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Lyrics | Inxs lyrics - Never Tear Us Apart lyrics

"Never Tear Us Apart"

Single by INXS
from the album Kick
B-side "Different World (7" Mix)", "Guns in the Sky (Kick Ass Remix)"
Released August 1988
Format 7", 12", cassette single
Genre Rock
Length 3:02
Label Atlantic Records
Writer(s) Andrew Farriss, Michael Hutchence
Producer Chris Thomas

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7
UK Singles: #24

Ain't Nobody Livin' in a Perfect World

Here's Pat Benatar rocking the leather jacket and high waisted jeans in a late 80's underrated song of hers (I think anyway)... enjoy "All Fired Up" as our month of Pat Benatar rolls on...

Pat Benatar - All Fired Up
Uploaded by jpdc11. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - All Fired Up lyrics

"All Fired Up"

by Pat Benatar
from the album: Awake in Dreamland
released: 1988

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #19

Baby I'm Tired

Bringing a little rockabilly to today's Excellent 80's post is the son of a famous musician... born in Memphis in 1953, he is the son of rock and roll pioneer Johnny Burnette... here is Rocky Burnette in a video with some sweet, sweet outfits with his most notable hit from 1980 - "Toein the Line"...




Lyrics | Rocky Burnette lyrics - Tired Of Toein' The Line lyrics

"Tired of Toein' the Line"

Single by Rocky Burnette
B-side "Boogie Down in Mobile, Alabama"
Released 1980
Format 7"
Recorded 1979
Genre Pop Rock, New Wave
Length 3:48
Label EMI America
Writer(s) Rocky Burnette, Ron Coleman
Producer Rocky Burnette

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: 8

Baby, Baby When I Called You On the Phone Today

It's back to the family band from Minneapolis today... already in The Excellent 80's once, here are the eight oldest kids from the Wolfgramm family nominated for a Grammy award in 1988 for this song, here are The Jets (looking like an early version of The Wiggles) with "Rocket 2U"...

Jets - Rocket 2 U
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Lyrics | The Jets lyrics - Rocket 2 U lyrics

"Rocket 2 U"
Single by The Jets
from the album Magic
B-side "Our Only Chance"
Released 1988
Format 7", 12"
Genre Dance-pop
Length 3:30
Label MCA Records
Writer(s) Bobby Nunn
Producer Bobby Nunn

Chart (1988) Peak position

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #6
U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles #5
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales #3
UK Singles Chart #69

Surrender All Your Dreams to Me Tonight

I realized that I've never featured a female rocker in any of our month long tributes in 2+ years here in The Excellent 80's (Janet Jackson has been the only female so far)... that's changing this month... one of the 80's best female artists, and one of the best female artists ever will be featured throughout the month... we're kicking off our "Pat Benatar November" with a video that shows her as a bad ass fighter pilot and also slips in some cameo appearances by then-unknown actors Judge Reinhold and Bill Paxton... here is "Shadows of the Night"...

Pat Benatar - Shadows Of The Night
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Lyrics | Pat Benatar lyrics - Shadows Of The Night lyrics

"Shadows of the Night"

by Pat Benatar
from the album: Get Nervous
released: 1982

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #13

They're Out To Get You

As has become tradition here in The Excellent 80's over the years, Halloween brings us another look at the best song/video ever created for the holliday... of course, I am speaking of the late Michael Jackson and the masterpiece that cost about $1,000,000 and is largely considered the most successful music video ever... here is "Thriller"...

Happy Halloween!

Thriller - Music Video
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Classic TV and last night's shows, online.

Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - Thriller lyrics

"Thriller"

Single by Michael Jackson
from the album Thriller
B-side Can't Get Outta The Rain
Released January 23, 1984
Format 7", 12", CD single
Recorded 1982
Genre Dance-pop, funk
Length 5:57 (Album Version)
5:11 (Single Version)
3:56 (Original 7')
Label Epic Records
Writer(s) Rod Temperton
Producer Quincy Jones
Michael Jackson singles chronology
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)"
(1983) "Thriller"
(1984) "Farewell My Summer Love"
(1984)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4

Did I See You Drinking A Pina Colada at Trader Vic's?

OK, so today's Halloween song ventures outside of the 80's, but not by much... it's my favorite Werewolf song and hopefully yours as well... it's the scary Warren Zevon from 1978 with "Werewolves of London"...

Warren Zevon - Werewolves of London
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Lyrics | Warren Zevon lyrics - Werewolves Of London lyrics

"Werewolves of London"
Single by Warren Zevon
from the album Excitable Boy
B-side "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner"
Released 1978
Format 7" single
Recorded 1977
Genre Rock
Length 3:27
Label Asylum Records
Writer(s) LeRoy Marinell, Robert "Waddy" Wachtel, Warren Zevon
Producer Jackson Browne, Waddy Wachtel

American Top 40 peak: #21

Ray Parker Jr. - The Other Woman

Don't try and tell me that American Werewolf in London was Michael Jackson's inspiration when it came to the Thriller video... I believe it was this song and video instead... you've got a dancing Frankenstein, werewolf, and mummy, some sort of Uncle Fester character playing the saxophone, a spooky graveyard, and Ray Parker Jr. as Dracula with his hit song "The Other Woman"...

Ray Parker Jr - The Other Woman
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Jimmy Brown Made of Stone, Charlie Clown No Way Home

Today's video is scary... I'm just warning you ahead of time... if you can't deal with flying cows, crazy half man - half unicorns, and the scary looks of lead singer Ian McCulloch then you should just turn away right now... for the rest of you that like to be scared and enjoy this Halloween time of year, feel free to check out today's video by Echo and the Bunnymen - "Bring On the Dancing Horses"...

Echo & The Bunnymen - Bring On The
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Lyrics | Echo & The Bunnymen lyrics - Bring On The Dancing Horses lyrics

"Bring On the Dancing Horses"

Single by Echo & the Bunnymen
from the album Songs to Learn & Sing (also on the "Pretty in Pink" Soundtrack)
B-side "Over Your Shoulder", "Bedbugs and Ballyhoo"
Released 14 November 1985
Format 7", 12", picture disc
Genre Post-punk, alternative rock
Length 3:59 (7"), 5:37 (12")
Label Korova (UK)
WEA (Worldwide)
Writer(s) Will Sergeant, Ian McCulloch, Les Pattinson, Pete de Freitas
Producer Laurie Latham, The Bunnymen

Chart (1985) Peak position
UK Singles Chart[1] #21
Irish Singles Chart[2] #15