You Glanced My Way

A staple on the R&B charts from 1980 to 1990 today's group barely made a splash in the mainstream. The one song that did chart all the way up to #25 was called "Object of My Desire," and unless you were big on R&B back in the 80's then you probably don't remember the name of the group. Originally formed in Maryland around 1969, the group is called Starpoint, and here is "Object of My Desire"...
Lyrics | Starpoint lyrics - Object Of My Desire lyrics "Object of My Desire" Single by Starpoint from the album Restless Released 1985 Format 7" and 12" Genre Dance-pop Synthpop Boogie Length 5:06 (album version) 5:40 (Vocal version) Label Elektra Records ED-5073 (US) 96 68910 (Canada) EKR26T (UK) Writer(s) Ernesto Phillips, Keith Diamond, Ky Adeyemo Producer Keith Diamond, Lionel Job U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #25

It's Been So Long, You Say You've Had Fun

Today's singer born Harry Rodger Webb in October 1940 is a British pop singer, actor, and musician who has had hits in the UK during the decades of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and 2000's. He charted in the U.S. during the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's, but never achieved near the success that he had over the pond. Today's hit was one of the more popular songs of 1981 reaching all the way to #17 on the charts. Here is Sir Cliff Richard with "A Little In Love"...
Lyrics | Cliff Richard lyrics - A Little In Love lyrics "A Little In Love" by Sir Cliff Richard from the album: I'm No Hero released: 1981 UK peak: #15 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #17

So Many Times, Said It Was Forever

I'm pretty sure Patti LaBelle won a Grammy or something for biggest hair in a music video for her performance in today's video. It's not often that Michael McDonald's hair gets over-shadowed, but that happened here in this video. Next to Kenny Rogers, McDonald had the sweetest beard of the 80's and he teams up with Patti LaBelle for this #1 hit from 1986 - "On My Own"...
Lyrics | Patti Labelle lyrics - On My Own lyrics "On My Own" Single by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald from the album Winner in You Released March 22, 1986 Format Maxi single, CD Recorded 1985 Genre Soft rock Length 4:33 Label MCA Writer(s) Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager Producer Burt Bachrach, Carole Bayer Sager Certification Gold (RIAA) U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Bop Bop Bop Bop Bop

Lots of bopping in this video and look how young the boys from Duran Duran were in this video. Most likely because this was their debut single from 1981. Simon Le Bon was having some sort of nervous system malfunction that was causing him to dance like that I assume. Duran Duran doesn't disappoint with some sweet 80's clothing and hair in this video of "Planet Earth"...
Lyrics | Duran Duran lyrics - Planet Earth lyrics "Planet Earth" Single by Duran Duran from the album Duran Duran B-side "Late Bar" Released 2 February 1981 Format 7" vinyl single, 12" vinyl single Recorded Red Bus Studios, London December 1980 Genre Rock, New Wave Length 3:59 Label EMI (EMI 5137) Writer(s) Duran Duran Producer Colin Thurston UK singles peak: #12

I Know I'm Caught Up in the Middle

With a few adult contemporary hits to her credit, today's song was by far her most successful. Today's black and white artistic video featuring American-Canadian singer-songwriter and keyboardist, Brenda Russell hit the top 10 back in 1988. I probably haven't heard this song since 1988, and I don't think I ever knew who sang it. I count myself smarter today for having learned that Brenda Russell is the artist for today's song and video "Piano in the Dark"...
Lyrics | Brenda Russell lyrics - Piano In The Dark lyrics "Piano in the Dark" Single by Brenda Russell from the album Get Here Released February 2, 1988 Format Single Recorded 1987 Genre Soul Length 5:20 Label A&M Writer(s) Brenda Russell, Jeff Hull, Scott Cutler Producer Brenda Russell, Jeff Hull Certification Gold (RIAA) U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6

80's Movie Weekend

One of my favorite movies from 1987 because of the twist at the end of the movie, it stars a young Kevin Costner along with Gene Hackman and Sean Young. There's "No Way Out"... the trailer... No Way Out
 Directed by Roger Donaldson
Produced by Robert Garland Laura Ziskin
Screenplay by Robert Garland
Based on The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing
Starring Kevin Costner
Gene Hackman
Sean Young
Music by Maurice Jarre
Cinematography John Alcott
Editing by William Hoy Neil Travis
Distributed by Orion Pictures
Release date(s) August 14, 1987
Running time 114 minutes
Country United States
Language English Russian
Budget $15 million
Box office $35,509,515

My Beat is Ever Boomin', and You Know I Get It Started

Get out your dancing shoes for Stanley Kirk Burrell today and prepare to get on down! From his best selling debut album that featured the hit "Turn This Mutha Out," here is the man known better as MC Hammer with "Let's Get It Started"...
Lyrics | Mc Hammer lyrics - Let's Get It Started lyrics "Let's Get It Started" by MC Hammer from the album: Let's Get It Started released: 1988

As I Watch You Move

Today just feels like one of those days where you, the viewer, need a sappy, boring love song, by a sappy, boring English group who filmed a sappy, boring video. Oh, did I mention this song and video are sappy and boring? But, it's like I've said many a time here before, this is a non-discriminating blog! It's the first appearance by the English pop group known as Breathe and one of their three top 10 U.S. hits from 1987-88. Here they are with "Hands to Heaven"...
Lyrics | Breathe lyrics - Hands To Heaven lyrics "Hands to Heaven" Single by Breathe from the album All That Jazz B-side "Life and Times" Released 1987 Recorded 1987 Genre Pop, Adult contemporary, Smooth jazz Length 4:20 Label A&M Writer(s) David Glasper, Marcus Lillington Producer Bob Sargeant U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2

Do This the Kid 'N Play Way

Not as popular as some of the other tracks off the "2 Hype" album like "Rollin' With Kid N Play" but still a solid effort from the duo. They released three albums and four feature films together. Here is Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin with "Do This My Way"... "Do This My Way" by Kid N Play from the album: 2 Hype released: 1988

You Called Me From the Room in Your Hotel

Today's number one hit from 1985 features a duet between the well known hit machine known as Phil Collins and a woman who I've only heard of in this song. Her name is Marilyn Martin and she was a backup singer for many artists in the 80's before landing this number one hit from the White Nights movie soundtrack. Here they are together singing "Separate Lives"...
Lyrics | Phil Collins lyrics - Separate Lives lyrics "Separate Lives" Single by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin from the album White Nights soundtrack B-side "I Don't Wanna Know" Released 1985 Format 7" Recorded 1985 Genre Soft rock Length 4:06 Label Atlantic, Virgin Records, WEA Writer(s) Stephen Bishop Producer Arif Mardin, Phil Collins U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Run Away and Hide From Everyone

Today's video received massive airplay on MTV back in 1984, but after you had seen it once that's all you ever cared to watch it. Choosing to go with a Dick Tracy-like cartoon featuring "Nick" as the hero, here is the English progressive rock band consisting mainly of singer Eric Woolfson and keyboardist Alan Parsons known as The Alan Parsons Project with "Don't Answer Me"...
Lyrics | Alan Parsons Project lyrics - Don't Answer Me lyrics "Don't Answer Me" by The Alan Parsons Project from the album: Ammonia Avenue released: 1984 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #15

80's Movie Weekend

I want beer! Milk! Beer! Never saw this weekend's 80's movie, but it looks like a typical 80's party movie with a weak plot, plenty of beer, and good looking women. From 1987, a movie that features Jamie Farr, Rich Little, and Tawny Kitaen, it's "Happy Hour"... the trailer...

"Happy Hour"

released:  May 1987
Cast overview,
 Jim Parrott ... Barbarian Leader
 Richard Gilliland ... Blakely
 Kathi Diamant ... Cathy Teegarden
 James Newell ... Jack Marshall (as Jim Newell)
 Herb Kronsberg ... Jenkins
 Debi Fares ... Ms. Shepard
 Eddie Deezen ... Hancock
 Deborah Gates ... Meredith Casey (as Debbie Gates)
 Arnie Miller ... Tinker
 Rich Little ... Mr. X
 Jamie Farr ... Crummy Fred
 Mary M. Egan ... Old Woman
 D.J. Sullivan ... Fred's Neighbor
 Tawny Kitaen ... Misty Roberts
 Stephen F. Andrich ... Steve Andrich (as Steve Andrich)

Let Me Be Your Paperman, I'd Love to Be Your Jokerman

Today's group reminds me a little of an imitation Kool and the Gang, only without near the success. Hailing from Cleveland, from 1982, here is the group known as The Dazz Band ("danceable jazz") with their biggest hit "Let It Whip"...
Lyrics | Dazz Band lyrics - Let It Whip lyrics "Let It Whip" Single by Dazz Band from the album Keep It Live Released February 12, 1982 Format 12" Genre R&B, funk Length 4:42 (album version) 4:06 (single version) Label Motown Writer(s) Reggie Andrews, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler Producer Reggie Andrews U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5

Yo Man, There's a Lot of Brothers Out There Flakin' and Perpetratin'

Today's video and song was the last single released from the 1988 album "Straight Outta Compton." With lyrics handled mostly by Dr. Dre and an appearance in the video by Tone Loc, here is a toned-down N.W.A. with "Express Yourself"...
Lyrics | N.w.a. lyrics - Express Yourself lyrics "Express Yourself" Single by N.W.A from the album Straight Outta Compton Released February 27, 1989 Format 12" single Recorded 1988 Genre Hip hop, Soul, Funk Length 4:26 Label Priority/Ruthless Writer(s) Eric "Eazy-E" Wright, O'Shea "Ice Cube" Jackson Producer DJ Yella Dr. Dre

There's This One Particular Harbour

Even back in the 80's, the great Jimmy Buffett was not immune to cheesy videos as evidenced here today in The Excellent 80's. When I listen to Buffett it reminds me of my time in college during the summers when I was painting houses to earn some cash. Jimmy helped me through a lot of those hot summer days with his gulf and western music and that includes today's song. This video features Jimmy sporting a sweet mustache and also features those 80's staples - the boom box and the pay phone. Known for his hits "Margaritaville" and "Come Monday," here is Buffett with his 1983 hit "One Particular Harbour"...
Lyrics | Jimmy Buffett lyrics - One Particular Harbour lyrics "One Particular Harbour" Single by Jimmy Buffett from the album One Particular Harbour A-side "One Particular Harbour" B-side "Distantly In Love" Released October 1983 Format 7" Recorded 1983 Genre Rock/Gulf and western Label MCA MCA 52298 (U.S., 7") Writer(s) Jimmy Buffett, Bobby Holcomb Producer Jimmy Buffett, Michael Utley U.S. Adult Hot Contemporary Tracks peak: #22

Thank You For Coming Home

With the 2012 Olympics fading into the distance, I've had a little time to digest them. In my opinion the games seemed to go splendidly and were well hosted by our neighbors across the pond. "Team GB" scored an impressive amount of medals (65 in all) including 29 gold ones. Who would have thought that today's video from 1983 would feature the song played over and over by the BBC before their breaks before every medal ceremony in London. Known mostly for their hit "True," Spandau Ballet did crack the top 30 in the U.S., and this song peaked at #2 in the UK for them. Here is the song "Gold" by Spandau Ballet. Well done on the Games of 2012 Great Britain! Well done.
Lyrics | Spandau Ballet lyrics - Gold lyrics

"Gold"
Single by Spandau Ballet
from the album True
Released 1983
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1982
Genre New Wave
Length 7:12 (Extended Version) 4:51 (Album Version) 3:51 (Single Version)
Label Chrysalis Records
Writer(s) Gary Kemp

 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #29 UK singles chart peak: #2

You Act Like You Were Just Born Tonight

Yesterday, The Excellent 80's brought you a top country hit from 1988 and Johnny Cash's oldest daughter, Roseanne. Thought I'd throw one more Roseanne Cash song at you today. It was probably her biggest hit reaching #1 on the country charts and crossing over and reaching #22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 back in 1981 as well as becoming a top ten single on the adult contemporary charts. I'm digging the dude wearing his Don Johnson sport coat and proudly displaying his blond ponytail in this performance. Here is Roseanne Cash with "Seven Year Ache"...
Lyrics | Rosanne Cash lyrics - Seven Year Ache lyrics "Seven Year Ache" Single by Rosanne Cash from the album Seven Year Ache B-side "Blue Moon with Heartache" Released February 1981 Format 45 rpm Genre Country Length 3:15 Label Columbia Writer(s) Rosanne Cash Producer Rodney Crowell U.S. Country charts peak: #1 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #22

I'm Worried About You, I'm Worried About Me

Today features the eldest daughter of the late, great Johnny Cash. Roseanne cash had a string of hits back in the 80's, and today's video features a song that was Roseanne's 9th #1 country hit. From 1988, here is "Runaway Train"...
Lyrics | Rosanne Cash lyrics - Runaway Train lyrics "Runaway Train" Single by Rosanne Cash from the album King's Record Shop B-side "Seven Year Ache" Released July 1988 Genre Country Length 3:58 Label Columbia Writer(s) John Stewart Producer Rodney Crowell U.S. Country charts peak: #1

Well My Friends, The Time Has Come

It's a special Sunday edition of The Excellent 80's for you this week! It's been a glorious two weeks for you sports fans or fans of the Olympics out there. I include myself in those categories, and I've enjoyed it as much as ever and I always look forward to it every four years. It's every four years that I get my fill of badminton, table tennis, swimming, gymnastics, handball, water polo, etc., etc. So, remember back with me to the 1984 closing ceremony in L.A. and enjoy the break-dancing, and enjoy Lionel Richie closing it down with "All Night Long"...

80's Movie Weekend

I remember watching this movie after it was released to normal television back in the day because I thought Kristy McNichol was hot. Unfortunately, this musical/comedy was a bad movie with horrible songs that starred McNichol and Christopher Atkins. Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley they are not. Check out "The Pirate Movie"... the trailer... The Pirate Movie Directed by Ken Annakin Produced by Ted Hamilton (executive) David Joseph Written by W. S. Gilbert (operetta) Trevor Farrant Starring Christopher Atkins Kristy McNichol Ted Hamilton Music by Mike Brady Terry Britten (songs) Sue Shifrin (songs) Peter Sullivan Arthur Sullivan (operetta) Cinematography Robin Copping Editing by Ken Zemke Distributed by 20th Century Fox (theatrical) Anchor Bay Entertainment (DVD) Release date(s) 6 August 1982 Running time 105 min./USA: 98 min. Country Australia Language English Box office $8,000,000 (domestic)

On Candy Striped Legs the Spiderman Comes Softly Through

You recognize those lyrics above if you are a fan of the excellent band known as The Cure. If Robert Smith had gone with a green tint to his hair in this live performance, he would have looked like Heath Ledger's "Joker" some 20 years before the role. Interestingly enough, this became The Cure's highest charting single in the UK making it all the way up to #5. Here is The Cure with "Lullaby"...
Lyrics | Cure lyrics - Lullaby lyrics "Lullaby" Single by The Cure from the album Disintegration Released 10 April 1989 Format 7", 12" Genre Gothic Rock, Dark wave Length 4:10 Label Fiction Records Producer Robert Smith Dave Allen UK peak: #5 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #74

I'll Keep Holding On

If you are a fan of the Simpson's Sideshow Bob, more specifically Bob's hair, then you loved to watch Simply Red back in the 80's, no? If ever there could have been a live version of the cartoon character, then lead singer Mick Hucknall was the man regardless of if you liked his music or not. Filmed in the English coastal town of Whitby, and soaring all the way to #1 in 1985, here is Simply Red with "Holding Back the Years"...
Lyrics | Simply Red lyrics - Holding Back The Years lyrics "Holding Back the Years" Single by Simply Red from the album Picture Book B-side "Drowning in My Own Tears" / "I Won't Feel Bad" Released 1985 Genre Pop rock, blue-eyed soul Length 4:27 Label WEA Elektra Writer(s) Mick Hucknall, Neil Moss U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1 UK peak: #2

You Keep Your Mind on the Money and Your Eyes on the Wall

Lots of dancing and lots of crazy outfits for you in today's video that comes to us from 1984. It's such an emotionally charged video that nearly leaves you crying at the end of it. It does leave Tina crying. It's Tina Turner and she wants to be your "Private Dancer"...
Lyrics | Tina Turner lyrics - Private Dancer lyrics "Private Dancer" Single by Tina Turner from the album Private Dancer B-side "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby" "Nutbush City Limits" (live) (US) Released October 28, 1984 Format Vinyl CD single Digital download Cassette Recorded 1984 Genre Smooth Jazz, R&B Length 7:11 (Album version) 3:54 (7" edit) Label Capitol Writer(s) Mark Knopfler Producer John Carter U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7 U.S. R&B peak: #3

Give Me Just Another Kiss Before the Dawn Breaks Through

I am pretty sure that I'm not the only person that was scared of Mick Jagger back in 1985. All you have to do is watch this video and let your mind take you back to 1985. Between the scary eye makeup, his black tank top, and the manic dancing he does amidst the flashing lights, you know he scared you too. He looks like a vampire in the video and does he lick that girl's shoulder when he's dancing with her? Whatever the case, this was one of Jagger's bigger solo hits which came from his 1985 album "She's the Boss." Here is "Just Another Night"...
Lyrics | Mick Jagger lyrics - Just Another Night lyrics "Just Another Night" by Mick Jagger from the album: She's the Boss released: 1985 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #12 UK peak: #32

Oooh Weee! Oooh Weee!

I love today's video from 1984, which gets cut off at the end for some reason. Anyway, it's from the debut album by the Fat Boys and it's a song called "Can You Feel It." I love that the Fat Boys felt the need to wear t-shirts that said Fat Boys on them. Combine those shirts with their goofy glasses, shorts, and hats, and you have one enjoyable 80's rap hit...
Lyrics | Fat Boys lyrics - Can You Feel It lyrics "Can You Feel It" by Fat Boys from the album: Fat Boys released: 1984 U.S. R&B / Rap hits peak: #38

80's Movie Weekend

I don't remember if I actually watched this movie, but I vaguely remember buying the cassette or album at that time because I had this fold out poster size sheet that showed you how to break dance. I was going to be the greatest break dancer that Seminole, OK had ever seen. Unfortunately, I learned a few moves then gave up on it altogether. Just remember: Don't be mistakin', you've got to see "Breakin'"... the trailer... check out a young Ice-T doing the rapping for this scene...

Breakin'

Directed by Joel Silberg
Produced by Allen DeBevoise, producer, and David Zito, producer Yoram Globus (executive producer) Menahem Golan (executive producer)
Written by Charles Parker (a.k.a. David Zito) and Allen DeBevoise Starring Lucinda Dickey Adolfo Quinones Michael Chambers
Music by Michael Boyd
Cinematography Hanania Baer Editing by Larry Bock Mark Helfrich Gib Jaffe Vincent Sklena
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (USA) Cannon Films (non-USA)
Release date(s) May 4, 1984
Running time 90 min.
Country United States
Language English

Shouting Gun On They Run

Inspired by Ernest Hemingway's 1940 novel of the same name, today's video from one of metal's greatest bands comes to us from 1985 off their "Ride the Lightening" album. Having not been featured in The Excellent 80's since 2008, here is one of the most popular Metallica songs ever, here is James, Lars, and the boys with "For Whom the Bell Tolls"...
Lyrics | Metallica lyrics - For Whom The Bell Tolls lyrics

 "For Whom the Bell Tolls"
 Single by Metallica
from the album Ride the Lightning
Released August 31, 1985
Recorded February 20 - March 14, 1984 at Sweet Silence Studios Copenhagen, Denmark
Genre Thrash metal, heavy metal
Length 5:10
Label Elektra
Writer(s) James Hetfield / Lars Ulrich / Cliff Burton Producer Metallica, Flemming Rasmussen

Olympics 80's Style

With the London Olympics in full swing I thought it would be interesting to visit the opening ceremonies from the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. It gives a great contrast to the big budget productions that are put on now (especially by Bejing in 2008). Check out the rocket man and all the fans holding up cards to help make up the opening ceremonies. There are definitely some fashion statements being made as well!

If I Could, I Would, I Swear

Today's boring song and boring video comes from one of the most popular artists of the 80's - George Michael. There is a lot of white in this slow video and George has a lot of hair in it. A number one hit in the UK and a follow up to one of his trademark hits "Careless Whisper," here is "A Different Corner"...
Lyrics | George Michael lyrics - A Different Corner lyrics "A Different Corner" Single by George Michael from the album Music from the Edge of Heaven Released 2 April 1986 Format 12", 7" Recorded 1984–1985 Genre Soft rock Length 4:32 (LP version) 3:57 (single edit) Label CBS Records (US/Canada) Epic Records Writer(s) George Michael Producer George Michael Chart (1986) Peak position UK Singles Chart[8] 1 US Billboard Hot 100[9] 7 US Billboard Adult Contemporary[9] 6