10, 9, 8, 7,...

Want to see what the New Year's Eve celebration looked like 30 years ago tonight? In lieu of an 80's movie flashback, today's short 2:40 clip takes us back to 1981 and we get to watch the ball drop to take us into 1982. There's no Dick Clark. It's actress Donna Mills and some of Mr. Donny Osmond involved. And, the ball doesn't drop quite as smooth as it does these days. If you ask me, it looks a little shaky, like it might fall at any moment crushing hundreds below! Thankfully it doesn't. Have a safe New Year's Eve, and The Excellent 80's will see you in 2012!

When I Come Home, You Telephone

I'm a sucker for any video that features an old-school phone booth. There's just something so nostalgic and strange about them in today's modern world where even third graders have cell phones. The year was 1986 and red berets and pink shirts were in vogue. Trust me.

I also like how lead singer Alan Frew said screw it, I know I have a microphone to sing into in this video, but I'm not going to. I'm going to dance my way over to the two hot back-up singers and sing with them while they sing into their microphones. It's just a little peculiar to me. Either everyone should sing into their microphones or no one. It's not up for debate. Choose one! Anyway, here is the Canadian band Glass Tiger with their top 10 hit "Someday"...




Lyrics | Glass Tiger lyrics - Someday lyrics

"Someday"

by Glass Tiger
from the album: The Thin Red Line
released: 1986

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

She Was a Be-Bop Baby on A Hard Day's Night

I challenge you to find another classic 80's tune that opens with a mandolin and some sort of flute-like keyboard contraption being played together. That's what happens though when you get a crazy rock band from Philadelphia and combine that with some crazy teen agers hiding in car trunks and heading out to an old drive in movie theater for some fun. Here is the band known as The Hooters with "And We Danced"...




Lyrics | Hooters lyrics - And We Danced lyrics

"And We Danced"
Single by The Hooters
from the album Nervous Night
Released 1985
Format 7", 12", 12" promo
Genre Hard rock, Pop rock, Roots rock
Length 3:48
Label Columbia (1985)
Writer(s) Eric Bazilian, Rob Hyman
Producer Rick Chertoff

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #21

One Hubcap Cause Three Got Stolen

When Anthony Ray burst onto the rap scene with 1988's "Swass" album, I loved "My Posse's On Broadway." Then when he came out with his 1989 album "Seminar," I was hooked especially when he released this gem. Check out the rapper better known as Sir Mix-a-lot with "My Hooptie"...


Sir Mix A Lot - My Hooptie by DaDDy_sHug_1972


Lyrics | Sir Mix-a-lot lyrics - My Hooptie lyrics

"My Hooptie"

by Sir Mix-A-Lot
from the album: "Seminar"
released: 1989

I'm Under A Spell Again

Well if you're susceptible to seizures you may want to skip today's pop hit from 1987. It's a whirlwind of flashing lights and bright colors and quick cutaways. Here is the Brooklyn-born, now 41 year old Debbie Gibson from when she was about 17 with "Shake Your Love"...




Lyrics | Debbie Gibson lyrics - Shake Your Love lyrics

"Shake Your Love"

Single by Deborah Gibson
from the album Out Of The Blue
A-side Vocal (3:46)
B-side Bad Dubb Version (5:03) (U.S., 89187)
"Wake Up to Love" (Vocal/3:42) (U.K., A9187)
Released September 1987
Recorded March 1987
Genre Dance-pop, teen pop, freestyle, R&B
Length Album Version 3:38
Single Version 3:32
Label Atlantic
Writer(s) Deborah Gibson
Producer Fred Zarr

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4

People Talking

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas yesterday and you are enjoying your day off today! From 1982 comes an early solo hit for the former front man of the band known as The Babys. He also went on to front the supergroup known as Bad English. In between those two gigs he was a solo artist best known for the hit "Missing You." Today's tricky video features John saving a coked out porn star from jumping off a ledge... or did he? or is she? It's all very confusing at the end.




"Change"

by John Waite
from the album: Ignition
released: 1982

80's Movie Weekend

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! With the triumphant return of the Muppets to the big screen this holiday season, The Excellent 80's takes you back to just a few years outside of the 1980's (it happens every once in a while). In 1992, the Muppets put on their own production of A Christmas Carol with "The Muppet Christmas Carol"... enjoy and Merry Christmas from The Excellent 80's!

the trailer...



The Muppet Christmas Carol

by Drew Struzan
Directed by Brian Henson
Produced by Brian Henson
Martin G. Baker
Jerry Juhl
Frank Oz
David Barron
Screenplay by Jerry Juhl
Based on A Christmas Carol by
Charles Dickens
Starring Michael Caine
Steven Mackintosh
Muppet Performers:
Dave Goelz
Jerry Nelson
Frank Oz
David Rudman
Steve Whitmire
Music by Miles Goodman (score)
Paul Williams (songs)
Cinematography John Fenner
Editing by Michael Jablow
Studio Jim Henson Productions
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
Release date(s) December 11, 1992 (1992-12-11)
Running time 86 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $12,000,000
Box office $27,281,507

Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You

There's something so Christmasly 80's about this in-studio video performance by Billy Squier as he's joined by the MTV cast. It's just a very happy, very jolly performance that takes me back to a simpler place in time. I always enjoy whomever the woman is who dressed up like Santa. I would like to know who that is someday. Until then, enjoy the MTV gang from 1981 and Billy Squier, and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones from The Excellent 80's! Here is "Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You"...




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

Christmas In the Stars

We love you R2D2! From the 1980 Star Wars Christmas Album, this is actually a recording by none other than Jon Bon Jovi. It was apparently his first professional recording under his birth name John Bongiovi. What a gem this song is!



"R2D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

album: Christmas in the Stars
Studio album by Meco Monardo
Released November, 1980
Recorded 1980
Genre Christmas music
Length 33:52
Label RSO Records
Producer Meco Monardo

Track listing

1. "Christmas in the Stars" – 3:17
2. "Bells, Bells, Bells" – 3:15
3. "The Odds Against Christmas" – 3:04
4. "What Can You Get a Wookiee for Christmas (When He Already Owns a Comb?)" – 3:24
5. "R2-D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas" – 3:16
6. "Sleigh Ride" – 3:36
7. "Merry, Merry Christmas" – 2:09
8. "A Christmas Sighting ('Twas the Night Before Christmas)" – 3:43
9. "The Meaning of Christmas" – 8:08

80's Christmas Toys

With Christmas fast approaching I hope you get some of the following 80's toys from Santa this year...

For those of you trying to win the national spelling bee still...



for you G.I. Joe fans out there...



For you little pony lovers out there...



For those of you in need of a post-Christmas dinner game to argue with your family relatives at...



And finally, those of you that are still master or your domain... or is it master of your universe... I have the power!!!

Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart (and the Christmas before that and the one before that...)

There are always a select few videos I love playing around Christmas time here in The Excellent 80's, and to me it's just not Christmas without George and Andrew and some ski lodge somewhere with a snowball fight, and some lost love out there. Here is Wham! with "Last Christmas"...




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

There's No Need to Be Afraid

Just remember to feed the world everyone and you'll be just fine. Of course you knew that line was going to lead you into Europe's version of USA For Africa. Here are a lot of your favorite 80's European stars in the group known as Band Aid in "Do They Know It's Christmas"...




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

80's Movie Weekend

This weekend's 80's movie flashback is from 1985 and stars Mary Steenburgen and Harry Stanton. The moral of this story is always mail your children's letters to Santa Claus!

You can watch the entire movie on youtube, and here is part one of "One Magic Christmas"...



One Magic Christmas

Directed by Phillip Borsos
Written by Phillip Borsos
Barry Healey
Thomas Meehan
Starring Mary Steenburgen
Harry Dean Stanton
Gary Basaraba
Arthur Hill
Wayne Robson
Sarah Polley
Elisabeth Harnois
Robbie Magwood
Jan Rubes
Studio Walt Disney Pictures
Silver Screen Partners II
Distributed by Buena Vista Pictures
Release date(s) November 22, 1985
Running time 89 minutes
Country US/Canada
Language English

Home For the Holidays

I hope you are able to make it "home" to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones and that you enjoy this time of year that can be ever so fast-paced and stressful. For now, sit back, relax, and check out this 80's performance by Kenny Loggins and some of his young friends as they perform "Celebrate Me Home"




Lyrics | Kenny Loggins lyrics - Celebrate Me Home lyrics

And A New Hat for Coach Landry

Wow, this is some mangled Christmas version of The Twelve Days of Christmas as done by a group of 1980's Dallas Cowboys that still featured Tom Landry, Tony Dorsett, Bill Bates, and Danny White among others. Check out the Dallas Cowboys and this classic 12 Days of Christmas rendition...

It Was December 24th on Hollis Ave in the Dark

Without a doubt, the best Christmas rap of all time from arguably the greatest rap group ever. Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay bring you this rap classic from the 1987 "A Very Special Christmas" album that benefited Special Olympics. Here is "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
Writer(s) Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, Jason Mizell
Producer Rick Rubin, Run-D.M.C.

80's Christmas Commercials

For those of you that enjoyed those holiday commercials of the 80's, here are some of the best from then...

It's a Swell Time

It's definitely that time of year to start playing some of my favorite 80's Christmas videos. There aren't too many better than Hall and Oates and their performance of "Jingle Bell Rock." They are wearing some outstanding clothes in this video. Enjoy!




Lyrics | Hall & Oates lyrics - Jingle Bell Rock lyrics

Of course Beavis and Butthead are so the 90's, but I couldn't resist adding their commentary on the Hall and Oates classic or is it the Hall and Rivera classic?

80's Movie Weekend

Last Saturday we brought you a 1986 made for NBC movie starring Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves called "Babes in Toyland." Well, to give ABC equal time here in The Excellent 80's, this weekend it's a made for ABC Christmas movie starring Jaclyn Smith (of "Charlie's Angels fame), and Art Carney (of Ed Norton fame from "The Honeymooners"). Check out "The Night They Saved Christmas"...



you can also watch this entire movie on youtube as well... here is Part 1 that is sure to get you hooked!



The Night They Saved Christmas

Directed by Jackie Cooper
Produced by David R. Kappes
Written by Jim Moloney
Starring Jaclyn Smith
Music by Charles Gross
Folliott S. Pierpont
Cinematography David Worth
Editing by Eric Albertson
Distributed by Cabin Fever Entertainment Inc.
Release date(s) 1984
Running time 94 min.
Country USA
Language English

Who Cries for the Children?

Once upon a time in 1985 the heavy metal industry felt slighted when musical all-stars from the U.S. and England produced sappy, money raising awareness songs for hungry children and the A.I.D.S. epidemic in Africa. Well, the late great Ronnie Dio would have none of that, so he wrote his own sappy all-star cast song called "Stars" which was a modest hit in the UK, but made nary a splash in the U.S. Thank goodness for Youtube and the video that accompanied it. Here is the all-star cast including among others lead vocalists Eric Bloom (Blue Öyster Cult), Ronnie James Dio (Dio), Don Dokken (Dokken), Kevin DuBrow (Quiet Riot), Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Dave Meniketti (Y&T), Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt), and Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche) known as Hear 'n Aid with "Stars"...




Lyrics | Hear N' Aid lyrics - Stars lyrics

"Stars"

by Hear 'n Aid
released: 1985

UK peak: #26

Lead Guitar Solos:

Vivian Campbell (Dio)
Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot)
Buck Dharma (Blue Öyster Cult)
Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)
Craig Goldy (Giuffria)
George Lynch (Dokken)
Yngwie Malmsteen
Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister)
Neal Schon (Journey)

We Need More of This From the NBA

Less bickering, more music videos from NBA players I say!

OK, for those of you that didn't grow up in the 80's, you have to remember that it was the thing for teams to get together and shoot music videos. We had the Seattle Seahawks "Cuz the Blue Wave is on a Roll," the New England Patriots with "Skin the Bears," and "New England, the Patriots, and We." The Cinci Bengals brought us the "Who Dey?" rap from 1989, and of course who can forget the most famous - the Chicago Bears "Superbowl Shuffle."

Well, we might not have any NBA yet, but I can at least bring you the 1987 Lakers with an important public announcement in the form of a rap... just remember that when it comes to drugs, "Just Say No!" Just say no to colorful tight tank tops and short shorts...

Our Finest Gifts We Bring

I hope you are well into your Christmas shopping, or perhaps even finished! Regardless of where you are in your busy holiday season, feel free to take a few minutes and relax and enjoy today's Christmas video. Even though this was pre-1980's by a few years, it's still a holiday classic, and I still enjoy it. David Bowie drops in on Bing Crosby and the two do a little duet shortly before Bing passed away. Here are the two legendary performers in the Christmas spirit with "The Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth"...




Lyrics | David Bowie lyrics - Peace On Earth - Little Drummer Boy lyrics

My Baby Broke All the Rules

It's part comedy, part rock-act today for your 80's video flashback. It's the glam metal band from the Philly area making its first appearance in The Excellent 80's with one of their most famous hits. It's a 1988 single from the debut album of the same name as the band... it's Britny Fox with "Girlschool"...




Lyrics | Britny Fox lyrics - Girl School lyrics

"Girlschool"

by Britny Fox
from the album: Britny Fox
released: 1988

Now I Got a Job, But it Don't Pay

Recorded in 1979 and released in early 1980, today's hit song has to be considered one of the signature songs of the British punk rock band known as The Clash. Apparently written in one night and recorded the next day, here is The Clash off of their "London Calling" album with "Train in Vain (Stand By Me)"...




Lyrics | Clash lyrics - Train In Vain lyrics

"Train in Vain"
Single by The Clash
from the album London Calling
B-side "London Calling"
Released 12 February 1980
Format Vinyl
Recorded 1979 at Wessex Studios, London
Genre Rock
Length 3:09
Label CBS 50851
Writer(s) Joe Strummer / Mick Jones
Producer Guy Stevens, Mick Jones

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #23
UK peak: #4

80's Movie Weekend

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is right around the corner... again. Didn't we just get through taking down the decorations? Anyway, I always like to post Christmas movies from the 80's or TV specials or cartoons, etc., etc. every December, and I refuse to deviate from that award-winning approach! Check out a young Drew Barrymore along with Keanu Reeves and Richard Mulligan in a made for NBC movie musical from 1986 titled "Babes in Toyland"...



All 10 parts can be watched on youtube... here is part one if you dare...



Babes in Toyland
Directed by Clive Donner
Produced by Tony Ford
Neil T. Maffeo
Written by Glen MacDonough
Paul Zindel
Starring Drew Barrymore
Keanu Reeves
Richard Mulligan
Pat Morita
Eileen Brennan
Jill Schoelen
Music by Leslie Bricusse
Cinematography Arthur Ibbetson
Editing by David Saxon
Country United States
Language English
Original channel NBC
Release date December 19, 1986 (1986-12-19)
Running time 140 minutes

Get Up On It

Today's video with soul has so much 80's pleasure to enjoy I had to watch it twice. From the vintage late 80's clothing (ripped, high waisted acid washed jeans anyone?) to the horrible dancing, white-boy rapping, and the receding hairline of today's featured artist who had some hits in the late 80's and early 90's with "24/7", "Summer Girls," "Romeo," and this song. Here is Dean Esposito, better known as Dino with his top 10 hit from 1989 "I Like It"...




Lyrics | Dino lyrics - I Like It lyrics

"I Like It"

by Dino
from the album: 24/7
released: 1989

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

Cause We Are Living in a Crazy, Crazy World

It's a crazy, crazy dog at the beginning of the video and the end in today's tribute to the little known girl band Big Trouble. Don't remember them? Don't worry, because you're probably not alone. They were an all-girl pop band that was put together by TV executive Fred Silverman. Bobbi Eakes (Miss Georgia 1983) was the lead singer. Here is their only "hit," called "Crazy World"...




Lyrics | Big Trouble lyrics - Crazy World lyrics

"Crazy World"
by Big Trouble
from the album: Big Trouble
released: 1988

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #71

Evil or Divine?

Today's campy 80's video from the band Dio may have scared you from being in elevators back in the day, because this one jacked up elevator. With fresh electronics and awesome make up jobs, here is another classic Dio song and video - "Last in Line"...




Lyrics | Dio lyrics - Last In Line lyrics

"The Last in Line"
Single by Dio
from the album The Last in Line
B-side Stand Up And Shout (live)
Straight Through The Heart (live)
Released 1984
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1984
Caribou Ranch, Colorado, USA
Genre Heavy metal
Length 5:48
Label Vertigo
Sterling Sound
Writer(s) Ronnie James Dio, Jimmy Bain, Vivian Campbell
Producer Ronnie James Dio

Please Please Tell Me Now

With the posting of the new nine and a half minute Duran Duran video earlier this month here in The Excellent 80's I went back, looked, and realized I had missed this gem from 1983's United States re-issue of the band's 1981 debut album "Duran Duran." As long as you don't care about videos that don't make a lick of sense or are offended by naked buns then you should enjoy this quirky video for Duran Duran's "Is There Something I Should Know"...




Lyrics | Duran Duran lyrics - Is There Something I Should Know? lyrics

"Is There Something I Should Know?"
Single by Duran Duran
B-side "Faith in this Colour"
Released 19 March 1983
4 June 1983 (US)
Format 7", 12"
Recorded London, December 1982
Genre Pop, New Wave
Length 4:11
Label EMI - EMI 5371
Writer(s) Duran Duran
Producer Duran Duran, Colin Thurston, Ian Little

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4
UK peak: #1

Got the Groove That Hits the Bone

Today's "futuristic" video from 1988 features my favorite German rock band The Scorpions. A bunch of hot futuristic chicks accompany the video, but what really cracks me up are the facial expressions of the band members the first half of the video. Seriously? Somebody thought these were cool shots? Hilarious is what I think. Here are those bad boy Scorpions with "Rhythm of Love"...




Lyrics | Scorpions lyrics - Rhythm Of Love lyrics

"Rhythm of Love"
Single by Scorpions
from the album Savage Amusement
Released 1988
Recorded 1988
Genre Heavy metal
Length 3:47
Writer(s) Rudolf Schenker
Klaus Meine
Producer Dieter Dierks

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #75
U.S. Rock Tracks peak: #6

80's Movie Weekend

I saw this 1982 film with my grandmother and sitting through this movie for an 11 year old was pure torture back in 1982. Sure this movie had its target audience, but I was not it, and at a running time of over three hours this was worse than being a school. I might enjoy watching and learning from this movie today, but the scars it left on me as an 11 year old make me never want to sit through this thing again. Here is Ben Kingsley who won an Academy Award in the role of "Gandhi"...

Even the trailer is too long...



Gandhi
Directed by Richard Attenborough
Produced by Richard Attenborough
Screenplay by John Briley
Starring Ben Kingsley
Music by Ravi Shankar
George Fenton
Cinematography Billy Williams
Ronnie Taylor
Editing by John Bloom
Studio Goldcrest Films
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date(s) 30 November 1982 (1982-11-30) (India)
3 December 1982 (1982-12-03) (United Kingdom)
Running time 191 minutes
Country India
United Kingdom
Language Hindi
English
Budget $22 million
Box office $52,767,889

I Know There's Something Going On

Today's song was a huge hit around the world in 1982-83 by one of the original members of the supergroup ABBA. Anni-Frid Lyngstad (aka "Frida") released a solo album in 1982 while ABBA was on a break. The album was produced in part by Phil Collins, and the first single and biggest hit from that album features Phil on the drums and backing vocals. Here is the video for the song in which Frida sings repeatedly that "I Know There's Something Going On"...




Lyrics | Frida lyrics - I Know There's Something Going On lyrics

"I Know There's Something Going On"

Single by Anni-Frid Lyngstad
from the album Something's Going On
B-side "Threnody" (album version)
Released 1982
Format Cd/Vinyl
Recorded 1982
Genre Art Rock, New Wave
Length 5:29 (album version)
4:04 (edit)
Label Epic / Universal
Writer(s) Russ Ballard
Producer Hugh Padgham, Phil Collins


Charts

Chart Position
Australian Singles Chart 5
Austrian Singles Chart 3
Belgian Singles Chart 1
British Singles Chart 43
Canadian Singles Chart 30
Costa Rican Singles Chart 1
Dutch Singles Chart 3
Finnish Singles Chart 7
French Singles Chart 1
German Singles Chart 5
Irish Singles Chart 23
Italian Singles Chart 7
Norwegian Singles Chart 3
Polish Singles Chart 3
South African Singles Chart 5
Swedish Singles Chart 3
Swiss Singles Chart 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 13

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! The Excellent 80's is thankful for your continued viewership whether you've only been in here a few times or many times over the years. I found this little clip from Nickelodeon's "Thanksgiving Fest," but it's really just the commercials that came on. I love the BK's commercial and the Nintendo commercial and graphics are just outstanding...



Here's some more sweet 80's commercials sandwiched in the Garfield Thanksgiving special...



I'm also thankful for Van Halen so enjoy a little VH on this special, special day!




Lyrics | Van Halen lyrics - Unchained lyrics

"Unchained"
Single by Van Halen
from the album Fair Warning
A-side "Unchained"
B-side "Sinners Swing!"
Released 1981
Recorded 1981
Genre Hard rock, heavy metal
Length 3:29
Label Warner Bros.

Nobody Knows Who You Are!

Ruff ruff ruff! This is awesome. I hadn't thought about or seen this music video in over 20 years until I ran across it on Grantland's worst videos of all time story. This is from sometime in the 1980's from an MTV show called "Basement Tapes" where no name bands tried to get noticed. This is the worst... or is it the best? You decide. Here is Dog Police with "Dog Police"...



"Dog Police"

by Dog Police

I Never Wanted to Settle Down

Where else are you going to find a video today featuring a hard rock/glam metal band from the 80's from Norway? I predict nowhere! It's the little known band TNT with their biggest hit. It's a single from 1987 with a video that probably cost 100 bucks to make. Cue the wind machine, and action - here is TNT with "10,000 Lovers (In One)"...




Lyrics | T.n.t. lyrics - 10,000 Lovers (In One) lyrics

"10,000 Lovers (In One)"
Single by TNT
from the album Tell No Tales
B-side "Desperate Night"
Released 1987
Format 7" single
Genre Hard rock, Glam metal
Length 2:53
Label Vertigo
Writer(s) Tony Harnell, Ronni Le Tekrø, Morten "Diesel" Dahl
Producer Bjørn Nessjø

Baby Sneezes, Mummy Pleases

Today is the first video in the Excellent 80's by a singer known mainly for her singing and songwriting contributions which peaked with 1970's hit "You're So Vain." She was also married and had two children with James Taylor. She made albums all through the 80's but just never quite managed to gain that popularity she had achieved in the 1970's. From a 1987 album comes today's top 20 hit from the singer/songwriter born in NYC in 1945. Here is Carly Simon with "Coming Around Again"...




Lyrics | Carly Simon lyrics - Coming Around Again lyrics

"Coming Around Again"

by Carly Simon
from the album: Coming Around Again
released: 1987

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #18

80's Movie Weekend

Here's an 80's movie I never saw, but I heard it's kind of a holiday/thanksgiving type feel that might be mood-fitting this time of year. It has a castful of stars including Michael Caine, Mia Farrow, Woody Allen, Barbara Hershey, and Daniel Stern. It's a story that begins and ends with a Thanksgiving dinner and also picked up Academy Awards for best supporting actor and actress. It's the Woody Allen directed "Hannah and Her Sisters"...

the trailer...



Hannah and Her Sisters

Directed by Woody Allen
Produced by Robert Greenhut
Written by Woody Allen
Starring Woody Allen
Michael Caine
Mia Farrow
Carrie Fisher
Barbara Hershey
Lloyd Nolan
Maureen O'Sullivan
Daniel Stern
Max von Sydow
Dianne Wiest
Cinematography Carlo Di Palma
Editing by Susan E. Morse
Distributed by Orion Pictures Corporation
Release date(s) February 7, 1986
Running time 106 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $6,400,000 (est.)
Box office $59,000,000

I'm Addicted to Ya Babe

From their most successful album ever, Chicago 17, here is the band Chicago with one of their four hits from the album. Cue the horns and the anguished women, here is "Hard Habit to Break"...




Lyrics | Chicago lyrics - Hard Habit To Break lyrics

"Hard Habit to Break"
Single by Chicago
from the album Chicago 17
B-side "Remember The Feeling"
Released July 1984
Recorded 1984
Genre Rock
Length 4:48
Label Full Moon/Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Steve Kipner, John Lewis Parks
Producer David Foster

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

Ah, Now I Don't Hardly Know Her

Loved me some Joan Jett back in the 80's. She was badass. We featured her former bandmate from The Replacements, Lita Ford, yesterday. Here is a remake Joan did of the Tommy James and the Shondells hit from 1968 called "Crimson and Clover." I do think Joan did this song justice. I love this version...




Lyrics | Joan Jett lyrics - Crimson And Clover lyrics

"Crimson and Clover"

by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
from the album: "I Love Rock and Roll"
released: 1981

You Feel the Power

Today's short video coming in at just under three minutes is just funny. It comes from the former lead guitarist of the band The Runaways who's solo career peaked with the hit single "Kiss Me Deadly." That's right, it's the hot guitar playing singer known as Lita Ford with one of her earlier solo efforts called "Gotta Let Go"...




Lyrics | Lita Ford lyrics - Gotta Let Go lyrics

"Gotta Let Go"

by Lita Ford
from the album: Dancin' on the Edge
released: 1984

U.S. Mainstream Rock charts peak: #1

Girl, I've Been Watching You

One thing I won't be watching is this video again. Somebody thought this video was a good idea. Wow, was he/she wrong. This is one horrible video for one of the top hits of 1987, and I don't plan to ever watch it again. Hitting #1 on the U.S. Billboard charts, here is NYC born singer Gregory Abbott with "Shake You Down"...




Lyrics | Gregory Abbott lyrics - Shake You Down lyrics

"Shake You Down"

Single by Gregory Abbott
from the album Shake You Down
Released September 29, 1986
Format Vinyl record (7")
Recorded CBS 06191(1986)
Genre R&B
Length 4:04
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Gregory Abbott
Producer Gregory Abbott
Certification Platinum (RIAA)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

We've Come a Long Long Way to Be With You

Today's interesting song and video comes from a band fronted by Hamburg-born vocalist Lenny Wolf. The entire band was made up of German musicians and has a Led Zeppelin sound to it. From 1988 here is the band Kingdom Come with "Get it On"...




Lyrics | Kingdom Come lyrics - Get It On lyrics

"Get It On"
Single by Kingdom Come
from the album Kingdom Come
Genre Hard rock
Glam metal
Length 4:23
Label Polydor Records

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #69
U.S. Mainstream Rock tracks peak: #4

80's Movie Weekend

Long before he was the governator, he was ripping up movie screens and taking on made up creatures like in today's 1987 film where Ahhnold takes on the "Predator"...



why does Apollo Creed always have to die!? Is it a black thing? It's a racist thing against Apollo I think!




Predator

Directed by John McTiernan
Produced by Joel Silver
Lawrence Gordon
John Davis
Written by Jim Thomas
John Thomas
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger
Carl Weathers
Elpidia Carrillo
Bill Duke
Jesse Ventura
Kevin Peter Hall
Music by Alan Silvestri
Cinematography Donald McAlpine
Editing by Mark Helfrich
John F. Link
Studio Silver Pictures
Lawrence Gordon Productions
Davis Entertainment
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) June 12, 1987 (1987-06-12)
Running time 107 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget US$15,000,000
Box office $98,267,558

The Return of Duran Duran

Happy 11/11/11 day to you! For this peculiar day, I am taking you out of the 80's for a day with a brand new video from one of the bands that dominated the 80's with their music and style and still appears to be going strong today.

It's been years since I featured Duran Duran here in The Excellent 80's with a "Duran Duran December" back in 2008. Well, the gang is back along with all of the gorgeous models that don't seem to have aged a bit since the 80's. Duran Duran released their 13th studio album earlier this year, and (along with director Jonas Akerlund) cleverly used these models (you'll recognize Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigova, and Helena Christensen among others) in their new video for the new release which has a great 80's sound to it. Here is the enjoyable nine and a half minute new video and song for the group entitled "Girl Panic!"...




Lyrics | Duran Duran lyrics - Girl Panic lyrics

"Girl Panic!"
from the album: All You Need is Now
released: 2011

I'll Search Low and I'll Search High. R.I.P. Heavy D

We lost an outstanding voice in the music community on Tuesday afternoon when rapper Heavy D (Dwight Arrington Myers) passed away at his Beverly Hills home. I always enjoyed Heavy D's smooth flow, his non-threatening presence, and his fashion style with the oversized colorful suits he would bust out in many of his videos.

Heavy D was born in Jamaica and raised in New York, and he not only put out albums, but he also collaborated with the biggest of stars including the late Michael Jackson on "Jam," and sister Janet on "Alright." Heavy D also performed the rap to the TV shows "In Living Color," and "MadTV." Along with rapping, Heavy D also perfected his acting chops in bit roles on TV and film including the recently released Eddie Murphy - Ben Stiller flick "Tower Heist."

He always seemed like the kind of guy you could hang out with and just kick it, and he always seemed like the kind of guy that would be good for a laugh and knew how to have fun. His most popular raps were about having fun, dancing, and finding a good woman. I bought his 1989 cassette tape "Big Tyme" which topped the soul albums chart and hit #19 on the pop album charts. Still an outstanding listen to this day, here is a song off that album that made it to #8 on the U.S. R&B charts and #1 on the U.S. rap charts. Here is "Somebody For Me"...




Lyrics | Heavy D & The Boyz lyrics - Somebody For Me lyrics

Here is the theme song to the 1990's hit sketch comedy show "In Living Color" that was sung by Heavy D...



R.I.P. Heavy D... you will be missed...

Me and Romeo Have Never Been Friends

I was a big fan of this song back in 1987 though I don't really recall the video very much. After watching it I'm sorely disappointed I didn't see it more back in 1987. It probably received more airplay on VH1 Soul or BET vs. MTV, but the song was a crossover hit for the R&B group LeVert, which was comprised of Sean and Gerald Levert, the sons of O'Jays founder Eddie Levert, as well as Marc Gordon. I love the hair and I love the shoulder pads the LeVert boys are rocking with their suit jackets for this video for "Casanova"...




Lyrics | Levert lyrics - Casanova lyrics

"Casanova"

by Levert
from the album: The Big Throwdown
released: 1987

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5

80's Bullies

I saw this on eBaum's World last week. This is an awesome five minutes of movie clips from great 80's movies that features bullies of the 80's like Chet from "Weird Science," Biff from "Back to the Future," and Billy Zabka in a bunch of movies in which he was always the bully.

Check it out you dork...

TV Dinners

I kind of like to forget that ZZ Top ever made this song, but I saw this video posted recently on Grantland's worst music videos of all-time story and had to at least post the video in here as well. With some crazy 80's style computer generated graphics check out the bearded boys with "TV Dinners"...




Lyrics | Zz Top lyrics - Tv Dinners lyrics

"TV Dinners"

Single by ZZ Top
from the album Eliminator
B-side "Cheap Sunglasses"
Released 1983
Format 12", cassette
Recorded 1982
Genre Rock
Length 3:50
Label Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Billy Gibbons
Dusty Hill
Frank Beard
Producer Bill Ham


Chart (1983) Peak position
UK Singles Chart #67
U.S. Billboard Top Tracks #38

80's Movie Weekend

Anytime you can have a movie featuring Ogre (Donald Gibb) from the Nerds' movies and a young Forest Whitaker, AND the awesome acting of Jean-Claude Van Damme, then you know you have a hit! This was actually a pretty entertaining movie and one of the bigger hits from 1988. Here is "Bloodsport."

the trailer...



if you just want to skip to the end and check out the final fight,well here it is... you break my record, now I break you like I break your friend!



Bloodsport

Directed by Newt Arnold
Produced by Mark DiSalle
Yoram Globus
Menahem Golan
Screenplay by Christopher Cosby
Mel Friedman
Sheldon Lettich
Story by Sheldon Lettich
Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme
Donald Gibb
Leah Ayres
Music by Paul Hertzog
Cinematography David Worth
Editing by Carl Kress
Jean-Claude Van Damme (uncredited)
Studio The Cannon Group
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) February 26, 1988 (1988-02-26)
Running time 92 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $1.1 million
Box office $11.8 million (USA)[1]

Get Ready Tonight

A happy Friday to everyone! Last month was the first time I featured the band Shalamar in The Excellent 80's with "Dead Giveaway" and "Dancing in the Sheets." This month I'm back with an earlier hit of theirs from 1982. It's a very rudimentary video for a popular song (especially in the UK where it peaked at #6). Featuring the original Shalamar lineup of Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett and Jody Watley, here is "A Night to Remember"...




Lyrics | Shalamar lyrics - A Night To Remember lyrics

"A Night to Remember"

Single by Shalamar
from the album Friends
B-side On Top of the World
Released June 12, 1982 (UK)
Format 7" single 12" single
Genre Funk, post-disco
Length 5:08
Label SOLAR Records
K 13162
Writer(s) Nidra Beard, Dana Meyers, Charmaine Sylvers
Producer Leon Sylvers III

U.S. Billboard peak: #44
UK peak: #6

Can't We Try Just a Little Bit Harder?

Today I bring you a slow beautiful duet with the Canadian Kenny Rogers and his partner, Darryl Hannah. Seriously, look and tell me I'm not right. OK, if you want to get all technical about it, it's some hoser from Canada, eh, named Dan Hill and some babe named Vonda Shepard. I've never heard of Dan who I would say is more a combination of Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers, but if you ever watched the show "Ally McBeal," then you should remember Vonda Shepard as the singer at the local bar where the gang would go to blow off some steam. But in 1987, the duo came up with this Billboard top 10 hit. Here they are with "Can't We Try"...




Lyrics | Dan Hill lyrics - Can't We Try lyrics

"Can't We Try"

by Dan Hill with Vonda Shepard
from the album: Dan Hill
released: 1987

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6

The Return of Beavis and Butthead

I realize the idiot teens from MTV was a 90's thing, but they reviewed many an 80's video. So in honor of their valiant return to MTV this past week, here is a look back at a few of their 80's music video related reviews... huh, huh huh...

Beavis and Butthead take on Ratt's "I Want a Woman"...



B&B on Grim Reaper's "Fear No Evil" from 1985...



Finally the boys take on Hall & Oates "Maneater"...

Girl, It's Been a Long Time That We've Been Apart

Happy 11-1-11 day! Today's song obviously came out before the Billboard 100 really started recognizing the greatness of heavy metal music. Easily my second favorite from the German rock band formed in 1965 known as the Scorpions, today's song reached only #65 (it was a #1 hit on the U.S. Rock Tracks chart though). Here is the over-shadowed little brother of "Rock You Like a Hurricane." It's their 1982 hit "No One Like You"...




Lyrics | Scorpions lyrics - No One Like You lyrics

"No One Like You"
Single by Scorpions
from the album Blackout
Released March 1982
Recorded late 1981, Dierks Studio, Stommeln-Cologne, Germany
Genre Heavy metal
Length 3:57
Label Mercury, Universal
Writer(s) Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine
Producer Dieter Dierks

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #65
U.S. Rock Tracks: #1

It's Close To Midnight - Happy Halloween!

As I do every year on Halloween, I bring you the late, great Michael Jackson with his classic masterpiece of a video - "Thriller." Have a spooktacular Halloween everyone!




Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - Thriller lyrics

80's Movie Weekend

In 1987, we were introduced to one scary figure in American horror, and he goes by the name "Pinhead." The movie spawned several sequels. Your 80's movie flashback for the weekend is considered one of the scarier movies from the 80's - "Hellraiser"...

the trailer...



here is Pinhead...



Hellraiser

Directed by Clive Barker
Produced by Christopher Figg
Written by Clive Barker
Starring Andrew Robinson
Clare Higgins
Ashley Laurence
Sean Chapman
Oliver Smith
Doug Bradley
Music by Christopher Young
Cinematography Robin Vidgeon
Editing by Richard Marden
Tony Randel
Studio Cinemarque Entertainment BV
Film Futures
Rivdel Films
Distributed by New World Pictures
Release date(s) September 11, 1987 (UK)
September 18, 1987 (US)
Running time 94 minutes
Country United Kingdom
United States
Language English
Box office $14,564,027[1]

Who Could Ask For More?

Every year around this time there is always one or two videos I post. Today's post happens to be one of them and it's one of my favorites and probably only song I know from the obscure band originally known in 1972 as The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo. They shortened their name, released quite a few albums and toured for many years. This, fittingly, is their most famous song. Just leave your body and soul at the door and enjoy "Dead Man's Party"...




Lyrics | Oingo Boingo lyrics - Dead Man's Party lyrics

"Dead Man's Party"

Single by Oingo Boingo
from the album Dead Man's Party
Released April 29, 1986
Format 7"
Recorded August 1985
Genre New Wave
Length 6:23
Label MCA
Writer(s) Danny Elfman
Producer Danny Elfman, Steve Bartek

Ooh, Something's Got a Hold of Me Now

It's almost Halloween again, and here's a Dracula-inspired video featuring Edward Joseph Mahoney, or as you might know him as - Eddie Money. From 1982, it's "Think I'm In Love"...




Lyrics | Eddie Money lyrics - I Think I'm In Love lyrics

"Think I'm in Love"
Single by Eddie Money
from the album No Control
B-side "Drivin' Me Crazy"
Released 1982
Format 7" single
Genre Rock
Length 3:09
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Eddie Money, Randy Oda
Producer Tom Dowd

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #16

I Know What You Want

Back in 2007 leading up to Halloween, The Excellent 80's featured my favorite vampire movie of all-time - "The Lost Boys." You can go back and view the trailer and Gerrard McMann's theme song "Cry Little Sister." Today's video and song were also from The "Lost Boys Soundtrack" and about the only way anyone would have ever heard of the band Mummy Calls. Here is the British pop/rock band Mummy Calls with "Beauty Has Her Way"





"Beauty Has Her Way"

Single by Mummy Calls
from the album Mummy Calls
Released 1986
Format 7", 12"
Genre New Wave, Synthpop
Length 4:18
Label Geffen
Writer(s) David Banks, Paul Brook
Producer Hugh Padgham

80's Television

With Halloween right around the corner, The Excellent 80's is featuring this television show that originated in 1989, so I'm classifying it as a product of the 80's. It was a HBO series that ran for seven seasons and was based on the 1950's EC Comics series of the same name. Yes, I'm talking about that cackling zombie known as the Crypt Keeper and "Tales from the Crypt"...

the intro...



the Crypt Keeper was always pretty entertaining. Here he is running for office...



the Crypt Keeper talking about your brain and your brain on drugs...



Tales from the Crypt

Genre Horror
Created by William Gaines (original concept)
Starring Van Snowden
Voices of John Kassir
Theme music composer Danny Elfman
Composer(s) Steve Bartek
Frank Becker
Bruce Broughton
Michel Colombier
Bill Conti
Ry Cooder
Cliff Eidelman
Christopher Franke
Jay Ferguson
Jan Hammer
James Horner
Vladimir Horunzhy
Michael Kamen
David Kitay
David Mansfield
David Newman
Nicholas Pike
J. Peter Robinson
Michel Rubini
Alan Silvestri
Jimmy Webb
Walter Werzowa
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 7
No. of episodes 93 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Richard Donner
David Giler
Walter Hill
Joel Silver
David Geffen
Robert Zemeckis
Running time approx. 22-29 minutes.
Production company(s) HBO
Broadcast
Original channel HBO[1]
Audio format Dolby Surround 2.0
Original run June 10, 1989 – July 19, 1996

Do You Remember When We Met

OK, Robert Plant, I know you are cool and one of the best lead singers from one of the best rock bands of all-time, but I question your direction around 1981 when you formed today's group The Honeydrippers. From what I understand this was to quench a thirst that Robert had for a band with a heavy R&B sound to it. The original lineup was quite impressive though for their one and only album they released. It included Robert Plant on vocals, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck on guitars, Paul Shaffer on the keyboard, Nile Rodgers as a guitarist and co-producer, Wayne Pedziwiatr on bass, Dave Weckl on drums, and Brian Setzer made a guest appearance on guitar. The worst thing about today's video... did we really need a speedo wearing xylophonist in the video? I think not. Totally ruined it for me. A remake of the Phil Phillips hit from 1959, here are The Honeydrippers with "Sea of Love"...




Lyrics | Honeydrippers lyrics - Sea Of Love lyrics

"Sea of Love"

by The Honeydrippers
from the album: The Honeydrippers Volume One
released: 1984

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

80's Movie Weekend

OK, so I never saw this weekend's movie review at all. I never even heard of it. I saw it somewhere in some list about the top scary movies of the 80's. It's called Re-animator and it looks pretty... campy and gory, but not that scary. It's the first in a series of movies like it called "Re-Animator"

here's the trailer...



Re-Animator

Directed by Stuart Gordon
Produced by Brian Yuzna
Screenplay by Stuart Gordon
William J. Norris
Dennis Paoli
Based on Herbert West, Re-Animator by
H. P. Lovecraft
Starring Jeffrey Combs
Bruce Abbott
Barbara Crampton
David Gale
Music by Richard Band
Cinematography Mac Ahlberg
Editing by Lee Percy
Studio Re-Animator Productions
Distributed by Empire Pictures
Release date(s) October 18, 1985
Running time 95 minutes
86 minutes (Unrated cut)
Country United States
Language English
German
Budget $900,000[1]
Box office $2,023,414[1]

I Don't Mind When You Act Your Age

The Red Rocker is 63 and still going strong as his group Chickenfoot is set to release their second album soon. Back in 1982 Sammy was pumping out some good solo stuff like this hit off of his "Three Lock Box" album. If he really is 63, he would have been about 32 or 33 in this video. Here is a younger and skinnier Sammy Hagar with "Your Love is Driving Me Crazy"...




Lyrics | Sammy Hagar lyrics - Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy lyrics

"Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy"
Single by Sammy Hagar
from the album Three Lock Box
Released 1982
Length 3:30
Label Geffen
Writer(s) Sammy Hagar

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #13

80's Halloween Costumes

Halloween and all the fun parties are approaching quickly and if you're still struggling with what to wear, here are some awesome 80's costume ideas if you just haven't found that perfect outfit yet!

Grab Your Coat and Wave Goodbye to Your Friends

Monday, the group Shalamar made their debut in The Excellent 80's with "Dead Giveaway," but today's video and song from the group is probably the one I remember the most from this group. Included on the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack as well as their album "Heartbreak" here is Shalamar again (this time post Jody Watley) with a sweet bar fight scene with their song/video for "Dancing in the Sheets"...




Lyrics | Shalamar lyrics - Dancing In The Sheets lyrics

"Dancing in the Sheets"

by Shalamar
from the album: "Heartbreak" (also included on the "Beverly Hills Cop" soundtrack)
released: 1984

80's Television

Don't tell me you don't remember this classic comedy/drama tv show from 1988. It lasted two whole seasons! John Ritter starred in it as a San Francisco plain clothes police officer named Harry Hooperman who inherits the apartment building he lives in when the landlady is killed in the first episode. Hilarity and drama ensue... It's the show "Hooperman"...

the intro...



speaking of hilarity, here is a clip from the show...



Hooperman

Format Comedy/Drama
Created by Steven Bochco
Terry Louise Fisher
Starring John Ritter
Felton Perry
Debrah Farentino
Dan Lauria
Barbara Bosson
Joseph Gian
Opening theme Hooperman Theme by Mike Post
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 42
Production
Executive producer(s) Robert M. Myman
Running time 30 min.
Broadcast
Original channel ABC
Original run September 23, 1987 – July 26, 1989

How Long You Gonna Carry On?

That's sometimes the question I ask myself about this little blog and its continues run for four years. But, I seem to always find something new or fresh or exciting to keep me wanting to update this thing. One 80's group that I haven't featured in here before is making its' debut today. With 10 studio albums spanning the late 70's to 1990 the most famous member of the band was one-time member Jody Watley. She appears in today's mysterious video from their 1983 album "The Look." Here is the band Shalamar with "Dead Giveaway"...




Lyrics | Shalamar lyrics - Dead Giveaway lyrics

"Dead Giveaway"

by Shalamar
from the album: The Look
released: 1983

80's Movie Weekend

Wow, Halloween is really sneaking up on me this year. It's just about two weeks away so it's time to start in with a few "scary" 80's movies for you to remember. Personally, I never saw today's 80's movie flashback, nor did I ever read the book. I'll just assume that it was pretty scary since it's a Stephen King story. It's some crazy, loony, killer dog they called "Cujo"...

the trailer...



Cujo

Directed by Lewis Teague
Produced by Robert Singer
Daniel H. Blatt[1]
Written by Stephen King (novel)
Lauren Currier
Starring Dee Wallace
Danny Pintauro
Daniel Hugh-Kelly
Christopher Stone
Ed Lauter
Music by Charles Bernstein
Cinematography Jan de Bont
Editing by Neil Travis
Studio Taft Entertainment
Sunn Classic Pictures
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) August 12, 1983
Running time 91 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $5,000,000
Box office $21,200,000

Your the Seventh Son of the Seventh Son

Before she started strutting and talking about her "sugar walls" Sheena Easton was a pure wholesome singer with hits like this one from 1981. Here is the Scottish born Easton with the song off the album of the same name - "You Could Have Been With Me"...




Lyrics | Sheena Easton lyrics - You Could Have Been With Me lyrics

"You Could Have Been With Me"
Single by Sheena Easton
from the album 'You Could Have Been with Me'
B-side "Savoir Faire"
Released November 1981
Format 7" single
Genre Adult Contemporary
Length 3:48
Label EMI-America
Writer(s) Lea Maalfrid
Producer Christopher Neil

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #15

I Can Wait Another Day Until I Call You

In honor of Sir Paul McCartney's recent third marriage, let's take a look back at his hit from 1984 off of the "Give My Regards to Broad Street" soundtrack album. I'm not sure what the first minute of the video accomplishes, but it's not too bad of an effort overall. Here is McCartney with "No More Lonely Nights"... Congrats on the new marriage, Paul!




Lyrics | Paul McCartney lyrics - No More Lonely Nights lyrics

"No More Lonely Nights"

Single by Paul and Linda McCartney
from the album Give My Regards to Broad Street
B-side "No More Lonely Nights (Playout Version)"
(original pressing);
"No More Lonely Nights (Special Dance Mix)"
(later pressing)
Released 24 September 1984
Format 7" single
Recorded Abbey Road - 1983
Genre Rock, Power Ballad
Length 4:42 (Ballad version)
4:35 (Playout version)
Label Parlophone
R6080(stereo)
Columbia (US & Canada)
Writer(s) Paul McCartney
Producer George Martin

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6
UK peak: #2

Once Is Never Enough

Back to 1980 we go today for a sunglasses wearing flute playing man just called "The Captain." More specifically it's "Captain" Daryl Dragon and his wife, Cathryn Antoinette "Toni" Tennille. That's right it's Captain and his hot wife, Tennille, and their hit that peaked at #1 in February of 1980 - "Do That To Me One More Time"...




Lyrics | Captain & Tennille lyrics - Do That To Me One More Time lyrics

"Do That to Me One More Time"

Single by Captain & Tennille
from the album Make Your Move
B-side "Deep in the Dark"
Released 1979
Format 7" (45 rpm)
Genre Adult contemporary, Pop
Length 3:45
Label Casablanca 2215
Writer(s) Toni Tennille
Producer Daryl Dragon

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

80's Television

Now all of you know and have probably seen at least a little bit of the classic television series "Saved By the Bell," right? Sure you have. But how many of you remember that there was one season of a show right before "Saved By the Bell" that was the precursor to it? That's right, Zack Morris was there, so was Lisa Turtle, and of course "Screech." But there was no Kelly Kapowski, AC Slater, or Jesse Spano. The show was called "Good Morning Miss Bliss."

Here is the intro from that lone season in 1988-89



Here is part one of the pilot episode with the lame original opening...



Part two...



Good Morning, Miss Bliss

Good Morning, Miss Bliss title card
Also known as Saved by the Bell: The Junior High Years
Genre Teen sitcom
Created by Sam Bobrick
Starring Hayley Mills
Dennis Haskins
Joan Ryan
Max Battimo
Dustin Diamond
Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Heather Hopper
Lark Voorhies
T.K. Carter
Theme music composer Charles Fox
Opening theme "These are the Best of Times"
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 13

I Used to Think That Love Was Such a Fairy Tale

I thought this QVC video from 2010 was really interesting when I stumbled across it the other day because I hadn't seen Billy Ocean probably since the late 80's, maybe early 90's. The thing that's cool about this is that he sings live with just an acoustic guitarist accompanying him and he still has magic in that voice. Though this is not one of my favorite Ocean songs, you sure can hear that voice that made him so popular during the 80's. Born in Trinidad, here is the now 61 year old Billy Ocean singing one of his biggest hits from 1985... "Suddenly"...




Lyrics | Billy Ocean lyrics - Suddenly lyrics

"Suddenly"
Single by Billy Ocean
from the album Suddenly
Released May 10, 1985
Format 7" (45 rpm)
Recorded 1984
Genre Soul, R&B, soft rock
Length 3:55
Label Jive Records
Writer(s) Billy Ocean
Producer Keith Diamond, Billy Ocean

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