Baby, You're the One

Happy Leap Year day or whatever it's called!

You know what's sexy and romantic and funny all at the same time? Milkshakes and malt shops! Don't believe me? Then let The Romantics convince you! Break out your black leather and cases of hair spray, and check out the band from Detroit known as The Romantics with the follow up to their biggest hit "Talking in Your Sleep." Here is the 1984 hit "One in a Million"...




Lyrics | The Romantics lyrics - One In A Million lyrics

"One in a Million"

by The Romantics
from the album: In Heat
released: 1984

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #37

80's Television

I watched a few episodes of today's television flashback, and I remember not being overly impressed with it. That's probably why it only lasted 22 episodes before being canned. Starring Robert Hayes and C.D. Barnes, here is the intro to sci-fi television series "Starman"...



Starman

Genre Science fiction
Created by Bruce A. Evans
Raynold Gideon
Developed by Mike Gray
James Hirsch
John Mason
Written by Michael Marks
Mike Gray
John Mason
Randall Wallace
Directed by Bill Duke
Robert Chenault
Bob Dahlin
Mike Gray
Robert Hays
Nancy Malone
Nick Marck
Bob Sweeney
Starring Robert Hays
Christopher Daniel Barnes
Composer(s) Dana Kaproff
Jack Nitzsche
Country of origin USA
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 22

I'm Going Crazy Just To Let You Know

If you're easily susceptible to seizures, try to avoid this video. Otherwise, you can enjoy the 1989 dance tune that became Donna Summer's 14th and last top 10 hit on the U.S. Billboard charts peaking at #7. Here is the then 40 year old Summer with "This Time I Know It's For Real"...




Lyrics | Donna Summer lyrics - This Time I Know It's For Real lyrics

"This Time I Know It's for Real"

Single by Donna Summer
from the album Another Place and Time
B-side Whatever Your Heart Desires (Europe), If It Makes You Feel Good (U.S.)
Released February 24, 1989
Format 7" single, 12" single, CD single
Recorded 1988 at PWL, London
Genre Dance pop, Synthpop, house
Length 3:38
Label Warner Bros. (Europe), Atlantic (U.S.)
Writer(s) Donna Summer, Matt Aitken, Mike Stock, Pete Waterman
Producer Donna Summer, Stock, Aitken & Waterman
Certification Gold (US)
Gold (UK)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

80's Movie Weekend

"Like father, like son. Like Hell!" What a great line to close a movie trailer with. Today's 1986 movie featured Sean Penn and Christopher ("I need more cowbell!") Walken as a father and son in a 1986 movie based upon a true story - "At Close Range"

the trailer...



At Close Range

Directed by James Foley
Produced by Don Guest
Elliott Lewitt
Written by Elliott Lewitt (story)
Nicholas Kazan (story and screenplay)
Starring Sean Penn
Christopher Walken
Music by Patrick Leonard
Madonna
Cinematography Juan Ruiz Anchía
Editing by Howard E. Smith
Distributed by Orion Pictures Corporation
Release date(s) April 18, 1986 (U.S. release)
Running time 111 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $6,500,000 (estimated)
Box office $2,347,000

Sean Penn and Madonna were married at this time, and this song about being strong is regarded by many as Madonna's finest ballad, here is "Live to Tell"...




Lyrics | Madonna lyrics - Live To Tell lyrics

"Live to Tell"

Single by Madonna
from the album True Blue
Released March 26, 1986
Format 7", 12", CD single
Recorded 1985
Genre Pop
Length 5:53
Label Sire, Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Madonna, Patrick Leonard
Producer Madonna, Patrick Leonard

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

My Heart is Spinning Like a Wheel

From the crowd in this video you would think that this was some top name performer on a world-wide stadium tour. Today's artist is most famous for his sappy #1 hit "Lady in Red." But this British/Irish singer-songwriter has 19 studio albums to his name, but just not a lot of "hits." This video and song from 1983 charted at #44 in both the U.S. and the UK. Here is Chris de Burgh rocking out with "High on Emotion"...




Lyrics | Chris De Burgh lyrics - High On Emotion lyrics

"High On Emotion"

by Chris de Burgh
from the album: Man On the Line
released: 1983

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #44
UK peak: #44

Never Wanted To Be No Pop Singer

I like the two sassy african-american chicks in today's video, but I never really understood the significance or why John Cougar Mellencamp wore white face for the video. Thought it was pretty stupid myself. Here is "Pop Singer"...




Lyrics | John Mellencamp lyrics - Pop Singer lyrics

"Pop Singer"

by John Cougar Mellencamp
from the album: Big Daddy
released: 1989

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #15

I Got Cat Class, and I Got Cat Style

I always dug Brian Setzer's hair, especially in this video from the rockabilly threesome. Here are the Stray Cats with their highest charting hit, "Stray Cat Strut"...




Lyrics | Stray Cats lyrics - Stray Cat Strut lyrics

"Stray Cat Strut"

Single by Stray Cats
from the album Stray Cats / Built for Speed
B-side
"Drink That Bottle Down" (UK)
"You Don't Believe Me" (US)
"What's Goin' Down (Cross That Bridge)" (Japan)
Released April 16, 1981 (UK)
June 11, 1982 (US)
Format 7", 12"
Genre Rock 'n' roll
Length 3:15
Label Arista (UK)
EMI America (US)
Writer(s) Brian Setzer
Producer Dave Edmunds

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

80's Television

Remember the 80's television show "Life With Lucy"? Don't worry, I don't either. Probably because it only lasted for eight episodes before being cancelled. Lucille Ball tried to make a return to television at the age of 75 in 1986, but things just didn't work out for the great comedienne who would die shortly after the Academy Awards in 1989. For those of you that might have watched an episode or two or just want to remember the intro, with executive producer Aaron Spelling, here is "Life With Lucy"...

Here's the intro and the beginning of the first episode...



Life With Lucy

Title card for Life With Lucy.
Format Sitcom
Created by Aaron Spelling Productions
Starring Lucille Ball
Gale Gordon
Ann Dusenberry
Larry Anderson
Jenny Lewis
Philip J. Amelio II
Donovan Scott
Country of origin USA
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 13 (5 unaired)
Production
Running time 30 minutes per episode
Distributor CBS Television Distribution
Broadcast
Original channel ABC
Original run September 20, 1986 – November 15, 1986
Chronology
Preceded by Here's Lucy

Touch Me. How Can It Be?

Today's video features a bunch of stiffs. Literally. There a bunch of creepy mannequins hanging out with the Norwegian band A-ha circa 1985. I always thought this was a solid follow-up effort to their #1 hit "Take On Me," but it never quite shot up the charts in the U.S. peaking at #20. Picking up where their previous video left on and going from there here they are with "The Sun Always Shines on TV"...


A-Ha - The Sun Always Shines On TV by zocomoro


Lyrics | A-ha lyrics - The Sun Always Shines On T. V. lyrics

"The Sun Always Shines on T.V."

Single by A-ha
from the album Hunting High and Low
B-side "Driftwood"
Released 16 December 1985 (UK)
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1985
Genre Synthpop, New Wave
Length 5:06
4:30 (7")
Label Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Pål Waaktaar
Producer Alan Tarney
Certification UK: Silver[1]

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #20
UK peak: #2

80's Movie Weekend

OK, so this movie came out in 1992. Don't care. It gives me one last chance to pay my respects to the talented Whitney Houston in her first starring role in a movie. I thought the movie itself was mostly boring, but this Dolly Parton song that Whitney belted out became her signature song. First check out the trailer to the movie co-starring Kevin Costner and then check out the full version of the song/video below...

the trailer...



The Bodyguard

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Mick Jackson[1]
Produced by Kevin Costner
Lawrence Kasdan
Jim Wilson
Written by Lawrence Kasdan
Starring Kevin Costner
Whitney Houston
Gary Kemp
Bill Cobbs
Music by Alan Silvestri
Cinematography Andrew Dunn
Editing by Donn Cambern
Richard A. Harris
Studio Tig Productions
Kasdan Pictures
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) November 25, 1992
Running time 130 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $410,945,720[2]


Spending 14 weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts after its' release, here is the iconic Whitney version of "I Will Always Love You"...




Lyrics | Whitney Houston lyrics - I Will Always Love You lyrics

"I Will Always Love You"

Single by Whitney Houston
from the album The Bodyguard
Released November 3, 1992
Format CD single, cassette single, 7" single, 12" single
Recorded Spring 1992
Genre R&B, pop
Length 4:32
Label Arista
Writer(s) Dolly Parton
Producer David Foster
Certification 4x platinum (Australia, U.S.)
2x platinum (UK)
Platinum (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden)
Gold (Austria, France)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Whitney Tribute Continued

Continuing with our four-day Whitney Houston tribute wrapping up tomorrow, here's the spectacular Star Spangled Banner sung by Whitney Houston...



Of course what would a post be without another #1 hit from Whitney. This 1988 hit is one of my favorite Whitney songs - "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"...




Lyrics | Whitney Houston lyrics - Where Do Broken Hearts Go lyrics

"Where Do Broken Hearts Go"

Single by Whitney Houston
from the album Whitney
Released February 25, 1988
Format CD single, Cassette single, 7" single
Recorded 1987
Genre R&B
Length 4:38
Label Arista
Writer(s) Frank Wildhorn, Chuck Jackson
Producer Narada Michael Walden

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

More Whitney

A one day tribute just didn't seem like long enough for the great Whitney Houston. So, The Excellent 80's is continuing through Saturday with a few more videos from one of the greatest voices ever, here she is with "So Emotional"...




Lyrics | Whitney Houston lyrics - So Emotional lyrics

"So Emotional"

Single by Whitney Houston
from the album Whitney
Released November 12, 1987
Format CD single, Cassette single, 7" single
Recorded 1987
Genre R&B, pop rock
Length 4:36
Label Arista
Writer(s) Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly
Producer Narada Michael Walden

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Ho, hum, just another number one... Whitney with a live performance of "Didn't We Almost Have It All"... yes, Whitney, yes, we almost did...




Lyrics | Whitney Houston lyrics - Didn't We Almost Have It All lyrics

"Didn't We Almost Have It All"

Single by Whitney Houston
from the album Whitney
Released August 13, 1987
Format CD single, Cassette single, 7" single
Recorded 1986
Genre R&B, soul
Length 5:07
Label Arista
Writer(s) Michael Masser, Will Jennings
Producer Michael Masser

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak #1

R.I.P. Whitney

So it's been a few days and I purposely waited until after Valentine's Day to post a few clips of Whitney Houston instead of depressing you just before or on Valentine's Day by reminding you of the enormously talented singer we lost this past weekend.

I was never a huge Whitney fan, because her music just wasn't in my wheel house during the mid to late 80's and early 90's, but I always admired the voice. One of the greatest singers of my lifetime will be missed and unfortunately remembered for the past bizarre decade of her life. I choose to remember her for the greatness that she was pre-Bobby Brown and drugs and alcohol. So, let's erase this past 10-12 years and remember her like she should be remembered.

Check out this amazing performance on Letterman...



Another chart-topping hit from Whitney here with her video for "The Greatest Love of All"...




Lyrics | Whitney Houston lyrics - Greatest Love Of All lyrics

"The Greatest Love of All"

Single by Whitney Houston
from the album Whitney Houston
Released March 14, 1986
Format CD single, Cassette single, 7" single, 12" single
Recorded December 1984
Genre R&B, soul
Length 4:48
Label Arista
Writer(s) Michael Masser, Linda Creed
Producer Michael Masser

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you and your significant other have a romantic evening. To get you in the mood here is the R&B band named after their hometown of Champaign, Illinois. It's the band Champaign from 1981 with their big hit "How Bout Us"...




Lyrics | Champaign lyrics - How Bout Us lyrics

"How 'Bout Us"
Single by Champaign
from the album How 'Bout Us
Released January 18, 1981
Genre R&B, pop
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Dana Walden

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #12

Now, on the other hand if you're not in a relationship nor do you want to be in one, enjoy this video also from a 1981 song by The Greg Kihn Band - "The Break Up Song"...




Lyrics | Greg Kihn Band lyrics - Breakup Song lyrics

"The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)"

Single by The Greg Kihn Band
from the album 'Rockihnroll'
B-side "When the Music Starts"
Released May 1981
Genre Rock
Length 2:50
Label Beserkley
Writer(s) Greg Kihn, Steve Wright
Producer Matthew King Kaufman

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #15

I've Heard People Say That Too Much of Anything Is Not Good For You

Though known mostly for his timeless R&B hits in the 70's, the late, great Barry White born in Galveston, Texas produced a few R&B hits in the 80's. And since we are just a day away from Valentine's Day, the Excellent 80's is bringing you the big man with the deep sexy voice from years ago. Here is his top 20 R&B hit from 1987, "Sho You Right"...




"Sho You Right"
by Barry White
released: 1987
from the album: "The Right Night and Barry White"

U.S. R&B peak: #17

I'm not going to leave you with just that minor hit from 1987! I wouldn't do that to you. Check out Barry in some sweet threads from the 70's and one of his all-time classics - his #1 hit from 1974, "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love"...




Lyrics | Barry White lyrics - Can't Get Enough Of Your Love lyrics

80's Movie Weekend

Loved this movie that was based upon the personal letters of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, and the novels Lay This Laurel, by Lincoln Kirstein, and One Gallant Rush, by Peter Burchard. This American Civil War story is based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first formal unit of the US Army to be made up entirely of African American men. It's told by Robert Gould Shaw, its commanding officer during the American Civil War. With stars like Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, here is "Glory"...

the trailer...



This is one of those movies you can watch in parts on youtube. Here is part one to get you started if you want to watch it...



Glory

Directed by Edward Zwick
Produced by Freddie Fields
Written by Books:
Lincoln Kirstein
Peter Burchard
Screenplay:
Kevin Jarre
Starring Matthew Broderick
Denzel Washington
Cary Elwes
Morgan Freeman
Music by James Horner
Cinematography Freddie Francis
Editing by Steven Rosenblum
Studio TriStar Pictures
Freddie Fields Productions
Distributed by TriStar Pictures
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release date(s) December 14, 1989 (Limited)
February 16, 1990 (Wide)
Running time 118 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $18,000,000[1]
Box office $26,828,365[2]

No Time For Wasting Baby

I recently gave a shout out to the great rock band Van Halen due to the release of their new album and subsequent tour coming up. One of the interesting things about their upcoming tour is their opening act - Kool and the Gang. Yes, the great R&B band from the 70's and 80's. Strange? Yes. Possibly a little awkward? Sure. I love Van Halen, but I also love me some Papa Bell "Kool" and the Gang. Here is a #1 R&B song from 1981 from Kool and the Gang - it's "Take My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It)"...




Lyrics | Kool And The Gang lyrics - Take My Heart lyrics

"Take My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It)"

by Kool and the Gang
released: 1981
from the album: "Something Special"

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #17
U.S. R&B singles peak: #1

I've Been Looking Too Hard, I've Been Waiting Too Long

Any of you that have been to this blog from time to time through the years know I always post some sappy, syrupy love songs in the early part of February to get you properly motivated for Valentine's Day. Well add this live performance to the list! From 1981, here is Foreigner with "Waiting For a Girl Like You"...




Lyrics | Foreigner lyrics - Waiting For Girl Like You lyrics

"Waiting for a Girl like You"

Single cover
Single by Foreigner
from the album 4
B-side "I'm Gonna Win"
Released October 1981
Format 7"
Recorded 1981
Genre Soft rock
Length 4:35 (single)
Label Atlantic
Writer(s) Mick Jones, Lou Gramm
Producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, Mick Jones

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2

This Stuff is Starting Now

Known for their infectious hit "Word Up!", the band Cameo followed that up with another #1 R&B hit which also cracked the Billboard Top 25 as well. The thing that's disappointing is that lead singer Larry Blackmon is back with his bright red cup protector which you can't help but look at it everytime it's on the screen, and that just pisses me off. Here is the second single released from the "Word Up!" album entitled "Candy"...




Lyrics | Cameo lyrics - Candy lyrics

"Candy"
Single by Cameo
from the album Word Up!
Released July 31, 1986
Genre Funk
Length 5:39
Label Casablanca Records
Writer(s) Larry Blackmon
Tomi Jenkins
Producer Larry Blackmon

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #21

You've Got Me Captured. I'm Under Your Spell.

Well, I've been under the spell of Van Halen and all of its drama for some 30 years now every since I bought "Diver Down" on cassette back around 1982-83. With today being February 7th, it marks the first all-new Van Halen album since 1998's colossal disappointment - "Van Halen III" with Gary Cherone on lead vocals. This marks the first all-new album with David Lee Roth on vocals since 1983's "1984" album, and I for one couldn't be more excited. The band kicks off its tour February 18th in Louisville, and though I won't be there, I will be in Tulsa, OK at the BOK Center on May 1st when the band rolls through there. If only Michael Anthony were still strumming bass, but I'll take three out of four at this point in their careers.

In honor of their return, from their "1984" album, here is their top 20 hit (a poor concert video - it was 1984 though!) "I'll Wait"...




Lyrics | Van Halen lyrics - I'll Wait lyrics

"I'll Wait"
Single by Van Halen
from the album 1984
A-side "I'll Wait"
B-side "Girl Gone Bad" (US)/"Drop Dead Legs" (UK)
Released 1984
Recorded 5150 Studios, Hollywood, California, 1983
Genre Hard rock
Length 4:45
Label Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, David Lee Roth, Michael McDonald
Producer Ted Templeman

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #13

The Cradle of Love Don't Rock Easily, It's True

Recorded in 1989, but released in 1990 today's song and video was truly the last major hit, and only #1 hit on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the U.S. to date for one William Michael Albert Broad.

Better known as Billy Idol, today's video is one of my favorites of his. The old school computer, the cassette tape player, and just the fact that the Patrick Dempsey lookalike would let some strange girl into his apartment to play her music as loud as she wanted while dancing around half naked and tearing the sheets off of his bed is just simply outlandish. But, it wasn't for 1990! It could have happened to anyone, right!? Here he "Cradle of Love"...




Lyrics | Billy Idol lyrics - Cradle Of Love lyrics

"Cradle of Love"

Single by Billy Idol
from the album Charmed Life
B-side "311 Man"
Released 1990
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1989
Length 4:39
Label Chrysalis
Writer(s) Billy Idol, David Werner
Producer Keith Forsey

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #9

Super Bowl Weekend

Thirty years ago Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers took on Ken Anderson and the Cincinnati Bengals. I can't believe it's been 30 years! Anyway in honor of the Super Bowl tomorrow, here is a look back to 1982's Super Bowl XVI battle...

Standing in the Door of the Pink Flamingo

Known for their catchy time-defying hit "Tainted Love," the synth-pop duo known as Soft Cell put out this sweet little romantic hit in 1982 that went all the way up to #3 on the UK charts. Featuring a whole lot of rain and water, here is Soft Cell with "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye"...




Lyrics | Soft Cell lyrics - Say Hello Wave Goodbye lyrics

"Say Hello, Wave Goodbye"

Single by Soft Cell
from the album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
B-side "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" (Instrumental)
Released 1982
Format 7", 12"
Genre Synthpop
Length 5:24
Label Some Bizzare
BZS 7
Writer(s) Marc Almond, David Ball
Producer Mike Thorne

UK peak: #3

Been Running So Long

Last week The Excellent 80's brought back The Go Go's for the first posting since 2008, but here they are in back to back weeks now! Belinda Carlisle is sporting a fresh short do which might be the reason for the downward spiral The Go Go's were about to embark on from drug problems to conflicts within the group. They would break up a little over a year later from the release of their "Talk Show" album sometime in 1985. Here is one of the two hits from that last album, it's "Head Over Heels"...




Lyrics | Go-go's lyrics - Head Over Heels lyrics

"Head over Heels"
Single by The Go-Go's
from the album Talk Show
Released February 21, 1984 (1984-02-21) United States
June 19, 1984 (1984-06-19) United Kingdom
Format 7" single, 12" single
Recorded 1983
Genre Pop rock
New wave
Length 3:37
Label I.R.S.
Writer(s) Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine
Producer Martin Rushent

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #11

With All My Heart, I Love You Baby

Ahh, it's February once again and it's the month of love. Guys, you're working on two weeks to pull off something wonderful for your wife or girlfriend. Maybe today's video and song will give you a little inspiration. Making her first appearance in The Excellent 80's, it's the soul singer/songwriter raised in Detroit known as Anita Baker. An eight time Grammy award winner, from 1986 here is her top 10 hit "Sweet Love"...




Lyrics | Anita Baker lyrics - Sweet Love lyrics

"Sweet Love"

Single by Anita Baker
from the album Rapture
Released 1986
Format 7" vinyl single
Recorded 1985
Genre R&B, Soul
Length 4:26
Label Elektra
Writer(s) Anita Baker
Louis A. Johnson
Gary Bias

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #8