Too Dangerous to Keep

I love the guitar work in today's song. The song is a follow-up to the band's biggest international hit called "Under the Milky Way." This song didn't achieve nearly the success, but was still a pretty solid follow up. Here is the Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1980 known as The Church with "Reptile"...




Lyrics | Church lyrics - Reptile lyrics

"Reptile"

by The Church
from the album: Starfish
released: 1988

80's Television

Coming on the scene in 1988, today's television flashback series lasted seven seasons. I watched it occasionally, but was never a huge fan of the show. It did have some funny parts and of course introduced everyone to David Leisure, aka "Joe Isuzu." It was a spin-off of "The Golden Girls," and featured Estelle Getty in the show at times. 80's star Kristy McNichol starred in the series as well. There are plenty of episodes you can check out for free on Youtube. Here is Richard Mulligan in "Empty Nest"...

the intro...



Empty Nest

Genre Sitcom
Created by Susan Harris[1]
Directed by Hal Cooper
Dinah Manoff
Doug Smart
Steve Zuckerman
Starring Richard Mulligan
Kristy McNichol (1988–1992, 1995)
Dinah Manoff
David Leisure
Park Overall
Paul Provenza (1992-1993)
Lisa Rieffel (1992–1993)
Marsha Warfield (1993–1995)
Estelle Getty (1993–1995)
Theme music composer John Bettis
George Tipton
Opening theme "Life Goes On" performed by Billy Vera
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 7
No. of episodes 170

I Wanna Rock!

Today's video features the return of "Neidermeyer." Yes, he was most famous for his role in the classic movie "Animal House," but he returned to prominence with his appearance in a video called "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Dee Snider and the band Twisted Sister. As a follow up, "Neidermeyer" returns as a school teacher along with a cameo from "Flounder" and TS came up with this classic for their song "I Wanna Rock!"...




Lyrics | Twisted Sister lyrics - I Wanna Rock lyrics

"I Wanna Rock"
Single by Twisted Sister
from the album Stay Hungry
Released 1984
Format CD single, 7", 12"
Genre Heavy metal, glam metal
Length 3:02
Label Atlantic
Writer(s) Dee Snider
Producer Tom Werman

Caught Between a Hard Hard Place and a Rock

Today's video flashback to the 80's is one of the more underrated songs by Mr. Rick Springfield. I had forgotten about this little gem until it popped up on my 80's radar one day when I was shuffling through his greatest hits album on my phone. I came across today's song which I really like and don't remember too well from the 80's probably because it wasn't a big commercial hit like many of his other songs even though it did peak at #23. Anyway, I hope you roll a seven today as you check out Rick Springfield and "Souls"...




Lyrics | Rick Springfield lyrics - Souls lyrics

"Souls"

by Rick Springfield
from the album: Living in Oz
released: 1983

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #23

80's Movie Weekend

Considered by many to be one of the greatest sports movies of all-time and one of Robert De Niro's masterpieces, this weekend's 80's movie takes us back to 1980 and the story of boxer Jake LaMotta. Directed by Martin Scorsese and also starring Cathy Moriarty and Joe Pesci, it's "Raging Bull"...



Raging Bull

Directed by Martin Scorsese
Produced by Robert Chartoff
Irwin Winkler
Screenplay by Paul Schrader
Mardik Martin
Martin Scorsese (uncredited)
Robert De Niro (uncredited)
Based on Raging Bull: My Story by
Jake LaMotta
Joseph Carter
Peter Savage
Starring Robert De Niro
Cathy Moriarty
Joe Pesci
Cinematography Michael Chapman
Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker
Distributed by United Artists
Release date(s) December 19, 1980 (1980-12-19)
Running time 129 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $18,000,000
Gross revenue $23,383,987

Loaded Like a Freight Train

For you G&R fans, here is a live performance from The Ritz of Axl and the boys including one hairy half beast known as Slash. Voted one of the best all-time drinking songs, from their debut album, here is a good Friday song/video for you - "Night Train"...




Lyrics | Guns N' Roses lyrics - Night Train lyrics

"Nightrain"

Single by Guns N' Roses
from the album Appetite for Destruction
A-side "Nightrain" (LP Version)
B-side "Reckless Life" (LP Version)
Released July 29, 1989
Format Vinyl
Cassette
CD
Recorded 1987
Genre Heavy metal, hard rock
Length 4:26
Label Geffen
Writer(s) Axl Rose
Duff McKagan
Slash
Izzy Stradlin
Producer Mike Clink

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #93

Sometimes You're Better Off Dead

There's a gun in your hand, it's pointing at your head... . Today's hit by the British pop due back in 1984 was pretty big worldwide. It hit #1 in the states and was all over the radio. Can't believe I haven't featured this song in The Excellent 80's yet. Well, here is the most popular duo in UK music history - Pet Shop Boys with "West End Girls"...




Lyrics | Pet Shop Boys lyrics - West End Girls lyrics

"West End Girls"

Original 1984 12" single cover
Single by Pet Shop Boys
from the album Please
B-side "Pet Shop Boys" (1984)
"A Man Could Get Arrested" (1985)
Released 9 April 1984 (1st release)
28 October 1985 (2nd release)
Format 7", 12"
Recorded Unique Studios, New York 1984
Genre Synthpop
Length 4:14 (original 7" mix)
3:59 (1985 7" version)
4:41 (album version)
Label EMI Music, Parlophone
Writer(s) Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe
Producer Bobby Orlando (1984)
Stephen Hague (1985)
Certification Gold (BPI, CRIA)

80's Television

I don't really even remember today's short-lived sitcom from the 80's. Following up on the very successful series MASH, there was apparently this lame attempt at a spin-off called, obviously, "AfterMASH"...

for a short run series, it sure had a lot of intros...

the season 1 intro...




the season 2 intro #1...



the season 2 intro #2...



AfterMASH

Format Sitcom
Starring Harry Morgan
Jamie Farr
William Christopher
Rosalind Chao
John Chappell
(1983-1984)
Jay O. Sanders
(Oct 1983 - Jan 1984)
Barbara Townsend
(1983-1984)
David Ackroyd
(1984-1985)
Anne Pitoniak
(1984-1985)
Peter Michael Goetz
(1984-1985)
Brandis Kemp
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of episodes 30

If There's Anything You Need

Today's artist was not just a one-hit wonder who became even more famous in 2007 from people who enjoyed "Rickrolling" others. Yes, he's everybody's favorite white guy who looks like Howdy Doody, but sounds like a black guy! We've already brought you "Never Gonna Give You Up," but here is another #1 hit from Astley in 1987: it's a video that makes me dizzy with the colorful background - "Together Forever"...




Lyrics | Rick Astley lyrics - Together Forever lyrics

"Together Forever"
Single by Rick Astley
from the album Whenever You Need Somebody
Released 18 June 1988
Recorded 1987
Genre Dance-pop
Length 3:24
Label RCA
Writer(s) Stock Aitken Waterman
Producer Stock Aitken Waterman

Here Comes Johnny Swinging Oldies Goldies

Today's video is probably my favorite song from the group known as Dire Straits. Ok, so I wasn't the biggest Straits fan, but I liked today's song and today's video which features a montage of sports clips throughout the video and of course it features lead singer Mark Knopfler wearing a sweet headband. It's "Walk of Life"...




Lyrics | Dire Straits lyrics - Walk Of Life lyrics

"Walk of Life"
Single by Dire Straits
from the album Brothers in Arms
Released January 1986
Recorded December 1984
Genre Country rock, New Wave
Length 4:12
Label Vertigo (United Kingdom), Warner Bros. Records (United States)
Writer(s) Mark Knopfler

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

80's Movie Weekend

OK, two things: I never saw today's movie, and secondly I realize that it's from 1993 (just a tad bit out of the 80's). But, it's so appropriate since we just finished St. Patrick's Day and there aren't a whole lot of St. Patrick's Day movies out there to choose from. Today's classic (and I use that term loosely) is one of the very first roles for former "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston. Check out her acting chops in today's movie flashback - "Leprechaun"...

the trailer...



some great scenes from the movie...



Leprechaun

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Mark Jones
Produced by Mark Amin
Jeffrey B. Mallian
Written by Mark Jones
Starring Warwick Davis
Jennifer Aniston
Ken Olandt
Mark Holton
Robert Gorman
Shay Duffin
John Sanderford
John Voldstad
Music by Kevin Kiner
Robert J. Walsh
Cinematography Levie Isaacks
Editing by Christopher Roth
Distributed by Trimark Pictures
Release date(s) January 8, 1993 (1993-01-08)
Running time 92 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $900,000
Gross revenue $8,556,940

80's Workout

Aerobics was a big deal back in the 80's, and here are some former NFL greats to lead the way today led by NY Giants QB Phil Simms. My favorite has to be Todd Christensen and all that curly hair and that sweet mustache.

I Don't Want to Drink My Whiskey Like You Do

Ahh, top of the morning to ya and a Happy St. Patty's day to ya! Usually I reserve St. Patrick's Day for one of the biggest in the world and Ireland native U2. But, I decided to do a little research into some other 80's Irish acts that made minor splashes here in the States. And, first up is this appropriate video by the hard rock band known as Mama's Boys. The Boys, from Northern Ireland, put together this remake of a 70's Slade song and garnered some decent airplay on MTV in 1984. Here are Mama's Boys with "Mama Weer All Crazee Now"...




Lyrics | Slade lyrics - Mama Weer All Crazee Now lyrics

"Mama Weer All Crazee Now"

by Mama's Boys
released: 1983
from the album: "Mama's Boys"

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #54


Our second video of the day just missed the 80's by a few months, but it was a song written in the 80's by the one and only Prince. It's everyone's favorite bald, pope-picture-tearing Irish female named Sinead O'Connor with "Nothing Compares 2 U"... I went to the doctor and guess what he told me? Guess what he told me...




Lyrics | Sinead O'connor lyrics - Nothing Compares 2 U lyrics

"Nothing Compares 2 U"
Single by Sinéad O'Connor
from the album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Released 8 January 1990 (UK) 11 February 1990 (US)
Format CD single, 7" single, 12" single
Recorded 1989
Genre Alternative rock, Pop rock
Length 5:09
Label Chrysalis
Writer(s) Prince
Producer Sinéad O'Connor, Nellee Hooper

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

80's Television

I caught maybe a handful of episodes from today's 80's television flashback. With St. Patrick's Day upon us, I would garner a guess that both actors might have some Irish ancestry with names like Brian Keith and Daniel Hugh Kelly, so I thought it fitting to remind you of the action series from the mid-80's known as "Hardcastle and McCormick"...

the intro with explanation about the series...



here's one of the many car chase scenes...



Hardcastle and McCormick

Format Action/Drama
Created by Stephen J. Cannell, Patrick Hasburgh
Starring Brian Keith
Daniel Hugh Kelly
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 3
No. of episodes 67
Production
Running time 60 minutes per episode
Production company(s) Stephen J. Cannell Productions
Distributor Sony Pictures Television
Broadcast
Original channel ABC
Original run September 18, 1983 – May 5, 1986

If A Mirror Should Break, It's Easy to Take

With lyrics like those in the title line, you know there are some geniuses at work for today's featured song and video. It was the last Billboard hit for the five man band with the weird name - Europe. There is some outstanding hair in this video from the hair metal band. Filmed at an old castle on Long Island, here is "Superstitious"...




Lyrics | Europe lyrics - Superstitious lyrics

"Superstitious"

Single by Europe
from the album 'Out of This World'
B-side "Lights and Shadows"
Released July 1988
Format CD single
7" single
12" single
Genre Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal
Length 4:35
Label Epic Records
Writer(s) Joey Tempest
Producer Ron Nevison

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #31

Thinkin' Back In Time

Today's slow jam is a Quincy Jones produced song that features Patti Austin and James Ingram and their #1 hit "Baby Come To Me", and yes, that's Michael McDonald you hear on background vocals.

Patti Austin & James Ingram . Baby Come To Me [Show TV 80's] - kewego
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Lyrics | Patti Austin lyrics - Baby Come To Me lyrics

"Baby, Come to Me"

Single by Patti Austin and James Ingram
from the album Every Home Should Have One
Released 1982
Recorded 1981
Genre R&B
Label Qwest
Writer(s) Rod Temperton
Producer Quincy Jones

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

80's Movie Weekend

Today's movie flashback to 1985 has one of my all-time favorite actors - John Cusack. It also stars Daphne Zuniga (remember her from the 90's hit "Melrose Place"?), Cusack's best friend - Anthony "Goose" Edwards, and features former "Desperate Housewives" star Nicolette Sheridan as "The Sure Thing"...

the trailer...



here's how you eat pizza without burning the roof of your mouth...



check out "Goose"... ok, "Lance" on the cordless phone... I think I had one of those...




The Sure Thing

Directed by Rob Reiner
Produced by Henry Winkler
Andrew Scheinman
Roger Birnbaum
Written by Steven L. Bloom
Jonathan Roberts
Starring John Cusack
Daphne Zuniga
Viveca Lindfors
Nicollette Sheridan
Music by Tom Scott
Cinematography Robert Elswit
Editing by Robert Leighton
Release date(s) March 1, 1985
Running time 95 min.
Country U.S.A.
Language English

Stay Around, The Sun Goes Down

Today's video might be one of the best videos never seen for young boys growing up in the 80's. I don't remember ever seeing this music video before, but after some research found out that it was banned for some time overseas because a few nipple slips that occur throughout the video, and it was probably never featured on MTV. The singer is an Italian singer named Sabrina and today's song actually reached #1 in Spain, Switzerland, France, and Italy if you believe wikipedia. From 1987, here is "Boys Boys Boys" by Sabrina...

Lyrics | Sabrina lyrics - Boys lyrics

"Boys (Summertime Love)"

Single by Sabrina
from the album Sabrina
B-side "Get Ready (Holiday Rock)"
Released 1987
Format 7" single, 12" single
Genre Italo disco, Synthpop
Length 3:55
Label Baby Records
Writer(s) M.Bonsanto, R.Rossi, C.Cecchetto, M.Charlton
Producer Claudio Cecchetto, mixed by M. Bonsanto and R. Rossi
Certification Gold SNEP, 1988

Spare a Little Candle, Save Some Light For Me

OK, cue the wind, cue the smoke machine... now, where's Nancy? Ahh, there she is! Crazy blond hair - check. Boots - check. Leather - check. Let's go! It's the sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson today with a #1 hit from their band Heart. From 1986, here is "These Dreams"...




Lyrics | Heart lyrics - These Dreams lyrics

"These Dreams"

Single by Heart
from the album Heart
B-side "Shell Shock"
Released January 18, 1986[1]
Format 7", 12" (picture sleeve), CD Single (UK only)
Recorded The Record Plant, Sausalito, CA (January-April 1985)
Genre Rock, pop, power pop
Length 4:15
Label Capitol
Writer(s) Martin Page
Bernie Taupin
Producer Ron Nevison

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

80's Television

Today's tv flashback takes us back to 1984 when Harry the Hat ("Cheers" reference) made his debut as the honorable judge Harry T. Stone in a really good comedy called "Night Court." With John Larroquette, Richard Moll, and Markie Post adding to the supporting cast, "Night Court" had a great run for nine seasons and had many an outstanding episode. Enjoy today's look back at "Night Court."

the intro from season one (did you realize Markie Post wasn't in season one? It sure got a lot better once she made her debut in 1985)...



Check out guest star Brent Spiner (think "Data" from Star Trek The Next Generation) in this clip (he makes numerous returns to court in this role as well...



Here's a young Teri Hatcher...



Night Court
Night Court title screen.jpg
Series intertitle
Format Sitcom
Created by Reinhold Weege
Starring Harry Anderson
John Larroquette
Richard Moll
Karen Austin (1984)
Paula Kelly (1984)
Ellen Foley (1984–1985)
Selma Diamond (1984–1985)
Charles Robinson (1984-1992)
Florence Halop (1985–1986)
Markie Post (1985-1992)
Marsha Warfield (1986–1992)
Opening theme Jack Elliott
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 9
No. of episodes 193 (List of episodes)

Keep the Fire Burning. Let It Keep Us Warm

One thing undeniable about the 80's is that Kevin Cronin had some great hair some of those years. A fine example of it is being brought to you here today in The Excellent 80's with another REO Speedwagon hit. The video itself is nothing special, but Kevin's hair and all-white clothing choice more than make up for the lack of originality in today's video. From 1982, here is the bad that began many moons ago in Illinois with a top 10 hit - "Keep the Fire Burnin'"...




Lyrics | Reo Speedwagon lyrics - Keep The Fire Burnin lyrics

"Keep The Fire Burnin'"
Single by REO Speedwagon
from the album Good Trouble
B-side "I'll Follow You"
Released June 1982
Format 7"
Recorded 1982
Genre Rock
Length 3:53
Label Epic
Writer(s) Kevin Cronin

Country Peak position
US Billboard Hot 100 #7
US Mainstream Rock Tracks #2

Shoobie Doobie Doo Wop

Today's video is so utterly 80's it's hard to believe the song was released in 1979. It's also hard to believe that the name of the group is just one letter - M. Fronted by Robin Scott, today's hit features Scott as a radio DJ flanked by two robotic models who provide the backing vocals to this gem. So, everybody... let's do the milkshake, sellin' like a hotcake. Try some, buy some, fee-fi-fo-fum. Talk about "Pop Muzik"...





"Pop Muzik"

Single by M
from the album New York • London • Paris • Munich
B-side "M Factor"
Released 1979
Format 7", 12"
Genre New wave, synthpop
Length 3:21
Label MCA / EMI / Sire
Writer(s) Robin Scott
Producer Robin Scott

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

80's Movie Weekend

Yes, this was a real movie, so no, that is not a made up poster. Back in 1981 when all the execs at Disney were drunk and had no direction whatsoever with their movie projects, someone or someones came up with the brilliant idea at a comedy/adventure called "Condorman." Starring Michael Crawford, Oliver Reed, Barbara Carrera, and James Hampton - all of whom I've never heard of, this movie was panned by critics and did poorly at the box office. Still, it is a product of the 80's, and we don't discriminate here!

a trailer that was made post "Condorman," but still a pretty good trailer nonetheless...



here's the intro and first three minutes of this movie... and I use the term "movie" very loosely...




Condorman

Directed by Charles Jarrott
Produced by Jan Williams
Written by Mickey Rose
Robert Sheckley
Marc Stirdivant
Starring Michael Crawford
Oliver Reed
Barbara Carrera
James Hampton
Music by Henry Mancini
Cinematography Charles F. Wheeler
Studio Walt Disney Productions
Distributed by Buena Vista Distribution Co. Inc.
Release date(s) August 7, 1981 (1981-08-07)
Running time 90 minutes
Country United States
Language English

I've Been Looking So Long at These Pictures of You

One of my favorite Cure songs for you today. Although it was released in 1990, the song comes off of their 1989 album "Disintigration." Here is the English band The Cure with "Pictures of You"...


The Cure - Pictures of you
Uploaded by Tunashaker. -

Lyrics | Cure lyrics - Pictures Of You lyrics

"Pictures of You"

Single by The Cure
from the album Disintegration
Released 19 March 1990
Format 7", 12", CD
Genre Alternative rock
Length 7" - 4:48
12" - 7:59
12" (U.S.) - 6:40
Album - 7:29
Label Fiction Records
Producer Robert Smith, Dave Allen

What Have I, What Have I, What Have I Done to Deserve This?

Today's it's a little bit of synthpop for you from the duo of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe that met and formed in 1981 in London and joined on this song by a London female born Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien. The duo was better known as the Pet Shop Boys while the female went by the stage name of Dusty Springfield, who had numerous hit throughout the 1960's. Pet Shop Boys were never one of my favorite groups, which explains why so few videos of theirs are on this blog currently, but I do like today's feature, which is probably my favorite of theirs. Here is "What Have I Done to Deserve This?"

Lyrics | Pet Shop Boys lyrics - What Have I Done To Deserve This? lyrics

"What Have I Done to Deserve This?"

Single by Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield
from the album Actually
B-side "A New Life"
Released 10 August 1987
Format 7", 12", cassette, CD
Genre Synthpop
Length 4:19
Label Parlophone - R 6163
Writer(s) Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe, Allee Willis
Producer Stephen Hague

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

I'm Over You, I'm Over You

Not sure today's hot duo even registered on my radar in 1988, because as soon as they came they were gone. I can't believe it either with the sweet hair, stripper dance moves, and vocals who would have thought this song would be from their one and only album. Well, maybe one out of three is more accurate after checking out today's song/video by the latin freestyle duo out of Miami known as Sequal with "I'm Over You." Get your dancing shoes out ladies!



"I'm Over You" lyrics

"I'm Over You"

Single by Sequal
from the album Sequal
Released 1988
Format 12" single
Genre Dance-pop, Freestyle
Length 4:43 (album version)
Label Capitol
Writer(s) Miguel Morejon
Angie Vollaro
Producer Michael Morejon

U.S. Billboard Hot Dance club peak: #11

I Can See the Older Man Looking at the Younger Man

Hey all you 80's junkies who are now way older than you ever imagined you would be when you were back in grade school or high school or even college... it's time to "Celebrate Youth" with Rick Springfield. And remember, there's no black and there's no white!




Lyrics | Rick Springfield lyrics - Celebrate Youth lyrics

"Celebrate Youth"

by Rick Springfield
from the album: Tao
released: 1985

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #26