If I Could Turn Back Time. If I Could Find a Way

It's the last day of 2010 folks. Unbelievable that we've spent a full decade in the 2000's already! The 80's are becoming older and older and seem so far away now as most of us that spent the formative part of youth during that decade can attest. This time of year is usually a time of reflection and also of looking forward to things yet to come with promises of new tomorrows and new resolutions to fulfill.
Today's video has already been in The Excellent 80's before, but it's one of my favorite videos and songs of the 80's and pretty appropriate during times of reflection like now. It's the gorgeous (then 43 year old) Cher on board the USS Missouri with some wild sailors, her son Elijah Blue on guitar, and the unforgettable hit "If I Could Turn Back Time"...




Lyrics | Cher lyrics - If I Could Turn Back Time lyrics

"If I Could Turn Back Time"

Single by Cher
from the album Heart of Stone
B-side "Some Guys" (previously unreleased track)
Released June 1, 1989
Recorded 1989
Genre Pop rock, Soft rock
Length 3:56
Label Geffen
Writer(s) Diane Warren
Producer David Geffen
Certification Gold [1]

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

If You Can Give It, I Can Take It

Today's "live" video is from a 1989 appearance by the ageless wonder known simply as Cher. OK, so she's gotten a little older over the years, but even in today's video she was 43 years old and on her 20th album. This song has a little country feel to it, and it should because it's called "Just Like Jesse James"...




Lyrics | Cher lyrics - Just Like Jesse James lyrics

"Just Like Jesse James"
Single by Cher
from the album Heart of Stone
B-side "Starting Over"
Released October 1989
Recorded 1989
Genre Pop/Rock
Length 4:08
Label Geffen Records
Writer(s) Desmond Child; Diane Warren
Producer David Geffen

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #8

Well, I'm No Angel, Now, I'll Admit

Today's classic hit from 1988 features plenty of water and a hot chick wearing lots of different outfits and featuring a sweet kick to the roof. I'm not sure why she's mad in this video. I guess she just can't trust poor Eddie Money and that's why Eddie feels like he needs to "Walk on Water" to prove his love to this lovely, but vicious dame.




Lyrics | Eddie Money lyrics - Walk On Water lyrics

"Walk on Water"
Single by Eddie Money
from the album Nothing to Lose and Greatest Hits: The Sound of Money
B-side "Dancing With Mr. Jitters"
Released October 1, 1988
Format 7" single
Genre Rock
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Jesse Harms

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #9

R.I.P. Teena Marie

Found dead at her home in California on Sunday, 54 year old Teena Marie (real name Mary Christine Brockert), came on the music scene in 1979 with her debut album that included a R&B top 10 hit with mentor (and later lover) Rick James called "I'm Just a Sucker for Your Love." Because of being on the Motown label early on, many thought Marie was African American until her appearance on "Soul Train" with Rick James singing the hit duet in 1979. Marie would later go on to more success on the R&B charts as well as a top 10 Billboard hit - "Lovergirl." Here is another one of her appearances on "Soul Train" with her only #1 R&B hit called "Ooo La La La"...





"Ooo La La La"
Single by Teena Marie
from the album Naked to the World
Released 1988 (U.S.)
Genre R&B
Length 5:17
Writer(s) Teena Marie, Allen McGrier
Producer Teena Marie

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #85
U.S. R&B singles peak: #1

There' Smell of Fresh Cut Grass

Yesterday I posted the Indigo Girls 1989 hit "Closer to Fine." They were provided with some backing music by the Irish band Hothouse Flowers who I had never heard of. So, I did a little digging and found out they were pretty popular back in Ireland during the late 80's and early 90's. Even Rolling Stone Magazine called them "the best unsigned band in Europe" at one point in the mid 80's. All I can say about today's "hit" from Hothouse Flowers is thank goodness for lyricsmode.com because I couldn't understand a word except for the track's title "Don't Go"...

Lyrics | Hothouse Flowers lyrics - Don't Go lyrics

"Don't Go"
Single by Hothouse Flowers
from the album People
Released February 22, 1988
Genre Rock
Length 3:48

UK peak: #11
U.S. Modern Rock tracks peak: #7

I'm Trying to Tell You Something About My Life

Today's post is a first for this duo that didn't really come onto the scene until the late 80's with the release of their first major album. With a little assistance from an Irish band known as Hothouse Flowers, it's the Grammy-award winning Indigo Girls with "Closer to Fine"...




Lyrics | Indigo Girls lyrics - Closer To Fine lyrics

"Closer to Fine"

by Indigo Girls
from the album: Indigo Girls
released 1989

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #52

Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You

I posted this here last year, and I couldn't help but post it again because it's so 80's. It captures the look and the feel of the 80's and incorporates all of the original MTV VJ's except Alan Hunter (R.I.P. JJ) all singing together as the chorus to Billy Squier's "Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You." What do you want to bet Billy took Nina back to his place for a little Christmas cheer afterwards? Merry Christmas everyone!




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

"Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You"
by Billy Squier
released: 1981

Last Christmas I Gave You This Video

It's just become tradition to post today's Christmas classic in here every year. Everyone get ready to wave really hard and happily at George as he steps out of his taxi and waves back to all those who have already gathered for their wintry Christmas getaway. And try to overlook George and Andrew with girlfriends. Merry Christmas eve!




Lyrics | George Michael lyrics - Wham! / Last Christmas lyrics

"Last Christmas"
Single by Wham!
from the album Music from the Edge of Heaven
Released December 1984
Format 12", 7", CD single
Recorded 1984
Genre Pop, holiday
Length 4:27
6:45 (Pudding Mix)
Label Columbia Records (US/Canada)
Epic Records
Writer(s) George Michael
Producer George Michael

I'm Chillin' and Coolin' Just Like a Snowman

It's been a few years or so since I posted my all-time favorite Christmas rap song. Is there even any other choice? Of course not. It's Run-DMC with "Christmas in Hollis"...




Lyrics | Run-d.m.c. lyrics - Christmas In Hollis lyrics

"Christmas in Hollis"
Single by Run-D.M.C.
from the album A Very Special Christmas
B-side Peter Piper
Released November 1987
Format Vinyl, Cassette
Recorded 1987
Genre Hip hop
Length 2:59
Label A&M Records
Writer(s) Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, Jason Mizell
Producer Rick Rubin, Run-D.M.C.

Me, I Want a Hula Hoop

Today's Christmas song isn't an 80's original. In fact, it's much older than the 80's, but hey, this is my blog, and I can break the rules should I choose. It was one of my favorites when I was little, so I'm bringing it into The Excellent 80's for the first time. From 1958, this song won three Grammy awards and hit #1 on the U.S. Billboard charts. Here is Alvin and the Chipmunks with The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)"...




Lyrics | Alvin And The Chipmunks lyrics - The Chipmunk Song / Christmas Don't Be Late (Classic Version) lyrics

"The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)"
Single by The Chipmunks
A-side The Chipmunks, Alvin, Theodore & Simon, with the music of David Seville - The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)
B-side David Seville - Almost Good
Released 1958 (U.S.)
Format 7"
Genre Christmas song
Length 2:17
Label Liberty Records (F-55168)
Writer(s) Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. (a.k.a. David Seville)
Producer Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. (a.k.a. David Seville)

White Christmas and I'm Blue

It's another rendition of the beard and the boobs today for you. Yes, I'm talking about the dynamic country duo of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and a Christmas video/song we haven't featured in The Excellent 80's before. With less than a week until Christmas, enjoy this 1984 classic from the duo's Christmas album (one of the biggest selling Christmas albums of the 80's) called "Once Upon a Christmas." From their CBS television special, here is "Christmas Without You"...




Lyrics | Christmas Songs lyrics - Christmas Without You lyrics

"Christmas Without You"

by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
from the album: Once Upon a Christmas
released: 1984

80's Christmas Commercials

Always one of my favorite 80's commercials around this time of year. Thank you Folgers.



And you can't go the whole Holiday season without some red and green M&M's... it's anti-American if you do!



And there's nothing wrong with a little Popeye's Chicken this time of year either!

80's Christmas Movie Weekend

Christmas time in 1989 brought us a movie about an eight year old girl (Rebecca Harrell) and how she nurses one of Santa's reindeers back to health and her relationship with her rough and widowed dad, Sam Elliott. It's the movie "Prancer."

the trailer...



Prancer

Directed by John D. Hancock
Produced by Raffaella De Laurentiis
Written by Greg Taylor
Starring Sam Elliott
Cloris Leachman
Rebecca Harrell
Abe Vigoda
Michael Constantine
Rutanya Alda
Ariana Richards
Music by Maurice Jarre
Studio Nelson Entertainment
Cineplex Odeon Films
Distributed by Orion Pictures
Release date(s) November 17, 1989
Running time 103 min
Language English

The Snow's Coming Down

Today's 80's Christmas video and song are easily one of my top two or three favorite 80's Christmas songs. I consider it a legendary Christmas performance by a legendary band still going strong to this day. Maybe this song needs to go out to a loved one of yours. The song originated in 1963 sung by Darlene Love, but for my money this two minutes and 18 seconds of Christmas singing pleasure is the best version. It's U2 with "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"...




Lyrics | U2 lyrics - Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) lyrics

A Very Brady Excellent 80's Day

From 1969 through 1974, ABC aired a little family sitcom about a blended family. It consisted of a man and his three sons marrying a woman with three daughters. Maybe you've heard of it - it was called "The Brady Bunch." Sure the episodes were corny and the acting was horrible, but it was a staple of my childhood growing up. Well, much to my happiness, the Bradys reunited in 1988 to give us today's little Christmas gem. It was a made for tv movie called "A Very Brady Christmas."

The intro to the movie...



To the tune of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," enjoy some highlights from "A Very Brady Christmas"... remember when they all had to sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" to rescue Mike from the collapsed building at the end? Totally awesome! (I wish I could find that clip... somebody send me the link if you can find it)...



A Very Brady Christmas
Directed by Peter Baldwin
Produced by Barry M. Berg
Lloyd J. Schwartz
Written by Sherwood Schwartz
Lloyd J. Schwartz
Starring Florence Henderson
Robert Reed
Ann B. Davis
Maureen McCormick
Eve Plumb
Jennifer Runyon
Barry Williams
Christopher Knight
Mike Lookinland
Music by Laurence Juber
Cinematography Isidore Mankofsky
Distributed by CBS
Release date(s) December 18, 1988
Running time 100 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Finding a Christmas Tree

In 1987, Seattle based radio personality Bob Rivers came up with his own parody of "The 12 Days of Christmas" calling his version "The 12 Pains of Christmas." I think we all can relate somewhat...

On The First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me A Beer

In 1982 those hosers from up north, the McKenzie Brothers, came up with a genius rendition to "The 12 Days of Christmas." Did you forget about it? I did until recently, so this is the first time this song has been included here at The Excellent 80's. Here are Bob and Doug McKenzie with their own unique version of "The 12 Days of Christmas"...

80's Christmas Commercials

To get you into the holiday spirit, here's a look back at a few holiday commercials from years ago...

You know you either had or really wanted these back when you were little...



And you know you want some Fruity Pepples everytime you see this commercial...

Every Single Day, Every Word You Say

No movie flashback for you this weekend as The Excellent 80's wraps up an entire week dedicated to the music videos of The Police from the 80's (ok, I brought you one from 1979). It was today's Police song that led me to purchase the cassette "Synchronicity" back in 7th grade, and wondering what the hell that word meant. It didn't matter because I loved this song. It's also the best stalker song of all-time, and a classic black and white video that just played on a loop day and night at MTV back in 1983-84. A song that spent eight weeks at #1 in the U.S. and four weeks at #1 in the UK, here is "Every Breath You Take"...




Lyrics | Police lyrics - Every Breath You Take lyrics

"Every Breath You Take"
Single by The Police
from the album Synchronicity
B-side "Murder By Numbers"
Released May 20, 1983
Format Vinyl record (7")
Recorded December 1982
Genre New Wave, soft rock
Length 4:14
Label A&M - AM 117
Writer(s) Sting
Producer The Police, Hugh Padgham
Certification Gold (RIAA[1], BPI)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1
UK peak: #1

You Consider Me the Young Apprentice

Today's video may be The Police's most visually appealing video. All the candles, all the jumping around - it's just crazy! But what would you expect from these three silly British boys? Of course the best part is when Sting takes one and knocks the circle of candles surrounding him over. I think I'll do that one day too.




Lyrics | Police lyrics - Wrapped Around Your Finger lyrics

"Wrapped Around Your Finger"
Single by The Police
from the album Synchronicity
B-side "Someone To Talk To"
Released

July 1983 (1983-07) UK
January 1984 (1984-01) US
Format 7", 12"
Recorded January, 1983
Genre New Wave
Length 5:13
Label A&M - AM 127
Writer(s) Sting
Producer The Police

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #8
UK peak: #7

Just a Castaway

OK, so today's song was released in 1979... close enough! We are on Thursday of our week dedicated to The Police. So, here is the bow-tie wearing Sting and The Police with "Message in a Bottle"...




Lyrics | Police lyrics - Message In Bottle lyrics

"Message in a Bottle"
Single by The Police
from the album Reggatta de Blanc
B-side Landlord
Released September, 1979
Format 7" single
Recorded 1979
Genre Rock, new wave, reggae
Length 3:50 (7" single edit)
4:50 (Full-length album version)
Label A&M - AMS 7474
Writer(s) Sting
Producer Stewart Copeland
Sting
Andy Summers
Certification Gold (BPI)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #74
UK peak: #1

Young Teacher, the Subject of School Girl Fantasy

What the hell is Sting wearing in this video? Happy Wednesday everybody! Please enjoy the Grammy award winning "Don't Stand So Close to Me"...




Lyrics | Police lyrics - Don't Stand So Close To Me lyrics

"Don't Stand So Close to Me"

1980 single cover
Single by The Police
from the album Zenyattà Mondatta
B-side

"Friends"
"A Sermon" (U.S. 7")
Released 19 September 1980
January 1981 (U.S.)
Format vinyl record (7")
Recorded 1980
Genre New Wave
Length 4:03
Label A&M - AMS 7564
Writer(s) Sting
Producer Stewart Copeland,
Sting,
Andy Summers
Certification Gold (BPI)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10
UK peak: #1

I Resolved To Call Her Up A Thousand Times a Day

Oh, these crazy Police boys in today's video just clowning around and having a good ol' time I tell ya. It's the second day of our week dedicated to The Police. Here is "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic"...




Lyrics | Police lyrics - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic lyrics

"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"
Single by The Police
from the album Ghost in the Machine
B-side Flexible Strategies
Released 2 November 1981
Format Vinyl record (7")
Recorded Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec, Canada, 1981
Genre Rock, New Wave
Length 4:05 (7" single edit)
4:16 (Full-length album version)
Label A&M - AMS 8174
Writer(s) Sting
Producer Stewart Copeland
Sting
Andy Summers

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3
UK peak: #1

Don't Think Me Unkind

It is the season of giving and so as a gift to you for the next six days, I give you the gift of The Police and the band's various videos from the 80's. No need to thank me! Kicking it off this Monday is a video where it's obviously cold as evidenced by the snow and the red noses on our band members. As The Excellent 80's kicks off a week of Police songs and videos, I love the old school camcorder they break out for filming in this one. Really all I have left to say to you is "De Do Do Do De Da Da Da"




Lyrics | Police lyrics - De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da lyrics

"De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da"
Single by The Police
from the album Zenyattà Mondatta
B-side "A Sermon" (UK)
"Friends" (US)
Released 5 December 1980
Format Vinyl record (7")
Recorded 1980
Genre New Wave
Length 4:09
Label A&M - AMS 9110
Writer(s) Sting
Producer Stewart Copeland,
Sting,
Andy Summers

80's Movie Weekend

Total chick flick alert! There, you've been properly warned, but there's no other way to describe this weekend's hit movie that came out at the end of 1988. I don't think I've ever seen the whole thing through - just bits and pieces. And one time something flew in my eye and made it water during one of the more emotional moments of the movie. It was a critical success for Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey and was directed by Garry Marshall. Yep, you guessed it, it's "Beaches"...

the trailer...



the first three minutes of "Beaches"... ya know, to get you hooked on it so that you have to go rent it to see how it ends!



Beaches

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Garry Marshall
Produced by Bonnie Bruckheimer
Bette Midler
Margaret South
Written by Iris Rainer Dart (Novel)
Mary Agnes Donoghue
Starring Bette Midler
Barbara Hershey
John Heard
James Read
Spalding Gray
Lainie Kazan
Music by Georges Delerue
Cinematography Dante Spinotti
Editing by Richard Halsey
Distributed by Touchstone Pictures
Release date(s) December 21, 1988 (1988-12-21)
Running time 123 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Gross revenue $57,041,866

Of course someone has to die in these type of movies, and it's even more powerful when you can put a Grammy award-winning #1 hit sung by Bette Midler as the backing music for the scene. So, get out your kleenexes and listen to Bette belt out "It must have been cold there in my shadow..." with "Wind Beneath My Wings"...





"Wind Beneath My Wings"
Single by Bette Midler
from the album Beaches
Released June 1, 1989
Format CD single, cassette single
Genre Pop
Length 4:18 (Edit)
4:54 (Album Version)
Label Atlantic
Writer(s) Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar
Certification Gold (U.S.)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Red Roses, Temptation

Featured last month for the first time in The Excellent 80's, we're back with another hit from Taylor Dayne today. Ain't no room for no ugly people in the Taylor Dayne band! Well, except for the drummer, but just don't show him in the video. Here is the #2 hit off of her debut album "Don't Rush Me"...




Lyrics | Taylor Dayne lyrics - Don't Rush Me lyrics

"Don't Rush Me"

45 Single Cover
Single by Taylor Dayne
from the album Tell It to My Heart
B-side "In the Darkness"
Released 1989 (1989)
Format 45 single
Cassette single
UK CD single
12" Vinyl
Recorded 1987
Genre Pop
Length 3:47
Label Arista
Writer(s) Alexandra Forbes/Jeff Franzel
Producer Rick Wake

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2

I Wanna Live It Up, Wanna Quit My Job

Today's video is another classic DLR video from 1986 from his "Eat 'Em and Smile" solo album. Though not as popular as "Yankee Rose," today's song received some radio airplay, but was definitely another solid effort in the video department by Dave and his crew. Here are the Picasso Brothers featuring DLR and Steve Vai on lead guitar with "Goin' Crazy"...


David Lee Roth - Goin' Crazy
Uploaded by jpdc11. - Watch more music videos, in HD!


Lyrics | David Lee Roth lyrics - Goin' Crazy lyrics

"Goin' Crazy"

by David Lee Roth
from the album: Eat 'Em And Smile
released: 1986

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #66
U.S. Mainstream Rock tracks: #12

Watching Every Motion in My Foolish Lover's Game

Today's song was one of the top hits from the movie "Top Gun" which we featured here in The Excellent 80's back in . Lead singer Terri Nunn has some seriously horrible 80's hair going on in our video today. It's the #1 hit from the L.A. band called Berlin with "Take My Breath Away"...


"Take My Breath Away" Berlin
Uploaded by Garglouik. - Explore more music videos.


Lyrics | Berlin lyrics - Take My Breath Away lyrics

"Take My Breath Away"
Single by Berlin
from the album Top Gun soundtrack and Count Three & Pray
B-side "Radar Radio"
Released 1986
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1986
Genre Pop
Length 4:15
Label Columbia, Geffen
Writer(s) Giorgio Moroder, Tom Whitlock
Producer Giorgio Moroder
Certification Gold (US)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1