80's Movie Weekend

The third in four Indiana Jones movies. From 1989, Harrison Ford is back along with his "father," Sean Connery in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"... the trailer... Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Directed by Steven Spielberg Produced by Robert Watts Screenplay by Jeffrey Boam Uncredited: Tom Stoppard Story by George Lucas Menno Meyjes Starring Harrison Ford Sean Connery Denholm Elliott Julian Glover River Phoenix John Rhys-Davies Alison Doody Music by John Williams Cinematography Douglas Slocombe Editing by Michael Kahn Studio Lucasfilm Ltd. Distributed by Paramount Pictures Release date(s) May 24, 1989 Running time 127 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $48 million Box office $474,171,806

Time Flies

Boy does it ever. "Time flies" are the first two words from today's hit as we conclude our "Gloria Estefan Fridays." The past four weeks have produced some of the best from Gloria and her Miami Sound Machine including today's track which peaked at #6 on the U.S. Billboard charts some 24 years ago when Gloria was a mere 31 years old. Here she is with "Can't Stay Away From You"...
Lyrics | Gloria Estefan lyrics - Can't Stay Away From You lyrics "Can't Stay Away from You" Single by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine from the album Let It Loose Released January, 1988 Format 7" single, 3-inch CD single, cassette single Recorded 1987 Genre Soft rock Length 4:00 Label Epic Writer(s) Gloria Estefan Producer Emilio Estefan U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6

We Don't Need No Education

Hey! Teachers! Leave those kids alone! Written by bassist Roger Waters, here is the English group known as Pink Floyd from their rock opera "The Wall" with their only #1 hit. Check out the sweet rotary phone at the end of the video for "Another Brick in the Wall"...
Lyrics | Pink Floyd lyrics - Another Brick In The Wall lyrics

"Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)"
 Single by Pink Floyd
from the album The Wall
B-side "One of My Turns"
Released November 1979 (UK) January 1980 (US)
Format 7"
Recorded April–November 1979
Genre Progressive rock
Length 3:11 (single version) 3:59 (album version) 3:54 (A Collection of Great Dance Songs version)
Label Harvest (UK) Columbia (US)
Writer(s) Roger Waters Producer Bob Ezrin, David Gilmour, James Guthrie and Roger Waters

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

Time For...

... a cool change! Today's band from down under has sold more than 25 million records and achieved 13 U.S. Top 40 hits. Most of their hits were in the mid to late 70's though they did have a few minor ones in the early 80's including today's hit. It's a 1983 live performance of a song released late in 1979 that peaked in January of 1980 at #10 on the U.S. Billboard charts. Here is lead singer Glen Shorrock and the Little River Band with "Cool Change"...
Lyrics | Little River Band lyrics - Cool Change lyrics "Cool Change" US 7" vinyl single Single by Little River Band from the album First Under the Wire A-side "Cool Change" B-side "Middle Man" Released August 1979 Format 7" Single Recorded 1979 Genre Pop rock Length 3:56 Label Capitol Writer(s) Glenn Shorrock Producer John Boylan, Little River Band U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10

Looks Like It's Over

If you've been around this blog enough then you know that I'll occasionally dip into the late 70's or even early 90's on occasion.  I just happened to hear this song on the radio recently and so I found this gem of a video from Mr. Robert John.  As per the times, he lip-syncs into a microphone for the song while some stage hand had fun with the smoke machine. My favorite part though is the cutaway and the fade in/fade out of a "sad" eye.  That just cracked me up.  Can you imagine that being your claim to fame?  I was the sad eye in the Robert John video!  That's me!  That's my eye!  A number one hit at the end of 1979, here is Robert John with "Sad Eyes"...

Lyrics | Robert John lyrics - Sad Eyes lyrics

"Sad Eyes"

by Robert John

from the album:  Robert John

released:  1979

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak:  #1

We've Changed, A New Change of Season

It is a new change of season as the first day of fall was officially Saturday, and The Excellent 80's is rolling on with a minor rock hit from Lita Ford. The song was co-written by Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx. Off of her popular 1988 album entitle "Lita," here she is with "Falling in and Out of Love"...
Lyrics | Lita Ford lyrics - Falling In And Out Of Love lyrics "Falling in and Out of Love" by Lita Ford from the album: Lita released: 1988

80's Movie Weekend

This movie was probably the least favorite of mine from the Indiana Jones quartet of movies. It was the second movie of the four, and was set up as a prequel to "Raiders of the Lost Ark" which had come out a few years before. Here is "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"... the trailer... Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Directed by Steven Spielberg Produced by George Lucas Robert Watts Frank Marshall Kathleen Kennedy Screenplay by Willard Huyck Gloria Katz Story by George Lucas Starring Harrison Ford Kate Capshaw Amrish Puri Roshan Seth Philip Stone Music by John Williams Cinematography Douglas Slocombe Editing by Michael Kahn Studio Lucasfilm Distributed by Paramount Pictures Release date(s) May 23, 1984 Running time 118 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $28.17 million[1] Box office $333,107,271

At Night When You Turn Off All the Lights

Our "Gloria Estefan Fridays" roll on with my personal favorite of hers. The video is pretty outstanding as well because the drummer leads the chants at the beginning of the video and ends up being the wild, hyped up on too much caffeine guitarist at the end of the video. You don't see that too often. Also, the video features a keytar player as well. Despite a few weird looking costumes, Gloria brings it here in this top five hit - "Rhythm is Gonna Get You"...
Lyrics | Gloria Estefan lyrics - Rhythm Is Gonna Get You lyrics "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" Single by Gloria Estefan & The Miami Sound Machine from the album Let It Loose B-side "Give It Up" Released February 1987 (see release history) Format CD single Cassette single 12" vinyl single 7" vinyl single 3" CD single Recorded 1986–1987 Genre Dance-pop Length 3:56 Label Epic Writer(s) Enrique Garcia Gloria Estefan U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5

Give Me Time To Care

Anybody for a game of stickball? How about some dancing in the rain? This video had me captivated back in 1988. Just kidding. It's a ballad from the English group Breathe from their "All That Jazz" album. Here is "How Can I Fall?"
Lyrics | Breathe lyrics - How Can I Fall lyrics "How Can I Fall?" Single by Breathe from the album All That Jazz B-side "All This I Should Have Known" Released 1988 Recorded 1987 Genre Pop rock, soft AC Length 4:44 Label A&M Writer(s) David Glasper, Marcus Lillington Producer Bob Sargeant U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

Come On Little Honey

Today's song rocks. There's really no other way to put it, and it's the first appearance in The Excellent 80's from the British rock band formed sometime around 1983. It's a classic rock song from 1989. Here is The Cult with "Fire Woman"...
Lyrics | Cult lyrics - Fire Woman lyrics

"Fire Woman"
Single by The Cult
from the album Sonic Temple
Released March 13, 1989
Format 7", 12", cassette single, CD single
Recorded Late 1988
Genre Hard rock
Length 5:11
Label Beggars Banquet
Writer(s) Ian Astbury Billy Duffy Producer Bob Rock U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #46

Don't You Want Someone to Care About You?

Hot sisters, explosions, and plenty of fire dominate today's video. Anytime you have all of that plus an outstanding song then you just have video magic! The only thing that struck me as dangerous was watching Nancy Wilson playing guitar atop a winding staircase that was lit on fire. Given the amount of hairspray I'm guessing the sisters (and the rest of the band) probably used I'm surprised her head didn't catch on fire. It's Heart with "What About Love?"
Heart - All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You by Heart-Official
Lyrics | Heart lyrics - What About Love lyrics

 "What About Love"

 Single by Heart
from the album Heart
B-side "Heart of Darkness"
Released June 1, 1985 [1]
Format 7", 12", CD Single (UK only)
Genre Hard rock
Length 7:19 (album version) 3:42 (single version)
Label Capitol
Writer(s) Brian Allen Sheron Alton Jim Vallance Producer Ron Nevison

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10

Susie Doesn't Go Out Very Much

Today's video features Susie and some creepy small people who apparently try to steal her and her bed in this strange little video. She needs to get her some steel and cap those little guys if that is what's going down in the video. Here is British new wave band Naked Eyes from 1983 with "When the Lights Go Out"...
Naked Eyes - When The Lights Go Out by NakedEyes-Official
Lyrics | Naked Eyes lyrics - When The Lights Go Out lyrics "When the Lights Go Out" by Naked Eyes from the album: "Burning Bridges" released: 1983 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #37

80's Movie Weekend

Here's an 80's flop for you this weekend straight from 1984. It starred Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton in a "comedy" about how a country singer (Parton) can turn anyone into a country singing sensation (Stallone). This movie was panned by all the critics and a disappointment at the box office. It's "Rhinestone"... the trailer... Stallone is awesome as a country singer! Rhinestone Directed by Bob Clark Produced by Howard Smith Bill Blake Sandy Gallin Richard Spitalny Written by Phil Alden Robinson Sylvester Stallone Starring Sylvester Stallone Dolly Parton Richard Farnsworth Ron Leibman Music by Dolly Parton Larry Weiss Cinematography Timothy Galfas Editing by Stan Cole John W. Wheeler Tim Board Gregory M. Gerlich Richard Cadger Distributed by 20th Century Fox Release date(s) June 21, 1984 Running time 111 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $28 million Box office $21,435,321[1]

I Know You Can't Control Yourself Any Longer

Get out your bongos and get ready to play along with the crazy sounds from Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. Today's song and video was the first single released from their second English album called "Primitive Love." It was a worldwide smash and made everyone want to get up and do that "Conga"...
Lyrics | Gloria Estefan lyrics - Conga lyrics "Conga" Single by Miami Sound Machine from the album Primitive Love B-side "Mucho Money" Released September 3, 1985 (see Release history) Format Cassette single 12" Inch Vinyl single 7" Inch Vinyl single 3" CD single Recorded 1985 Genre Dance-Pop Length 4:14 Label Epic Writer(s) Enrique E. Garcia Certification Gold (RIAA) U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10

Where Did You Get Those Eyes

Today makes the first appearance in The Excellent 80's by the popular British rock band formed in 1976 by vocalist Siouxsie Sioux and bass guitarist Steven Severin. They disbanded in 1996, but not before they produced 11 studio albums and numerous hits in the UK. They were also moderately successful on the U.S. dance charts and modern rock tracks in the mid to late 80's and early 90's. Today's video is a #1 modern rock hit in the U.S. from 1988. Here is Siouxsie and the Banshees with "Peek-a-Boo"...
Lyrics | Siouxsie And The Banshees lyrics - Peek-A-Boo lyrics "Peek-a-Boo" Single by Siouxsie and the Banshees from the album Peepshow B-side "False Face", "Catwalk" Released 11 July 1988 Format 7", 12", CD Recorded 1988 Genre Alternative rock, Dance-punk Length 3:10 Label Polydor (UK), Geffen (U.S.) Writer(s) Siouxsie and the Banshees Harry Warren Johnny Mercer Producer Siouxsie and the Banshees

I Could Be Black, I Could Be White

The issue of apartheid in South Africa was a big issue back in the 80's and it helped produce this single from the English post-punk band formed by vocalist John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) called Public Image Ltd. Johnny has some sweet orange crazy hair in this video for the song "Rise"...
Lyrics | Pil lyrics - Rise lyrics "Rise" Single by Public Image Ltd from the album Album A-side Rise B-side Rise (Instrumental) Released January 21, 1986 (UK) Format 7" & 12" vinyl Genre Alternative rock Length 6:05 (album version) 4:27 (single edit) Label Virgin VS 841-12 Writer(s) John Lydon, Bill Laswell Producer John Lydon, Bill Laswell UK singles peak: #11

911

It's Like I Told You

Best known for two hits from 1983 including today's hit and also "Suddenly Last Summer," here are the L.A. band known as The Motels with "Only the Lonely"...
Lyrics | The Motels lyrics - Only The Lonely lyrics "Only the Lonely" by The Motels from the album: "All Four One" released: 1982 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #9

80's Movie Weekend

Well, it's your mind that tricks you to believin' every time. Recognize those lyrics? Only if you're a Kenny Rogers fan and/or saw today's movie from 1982. Featuring Kenny as race car driver Brewster Baker I saw this movie with my mom and grandma when I was 11. I remember being slightly embarrassed because the kids in the movie had foul mouths cussing at every turn, and when you're sitting with your mom and grandma that can be a little uncomfortable. The movie was fair from what I remember. Starring Kenny Rogers, Diane Lane, Erin Gray, Anthony Michael Hall, and Barry Corbin, here is "Six Pack"... the trailer... See what I mean by these foul-mouthed kids... it's a funny little short called a "Tribute to Swifty"...
 Six Pack
 Directed by Daniel Petrie
Produced by Michael Trikilis
Written by Mike Marvin Alex Matter
Starring Kenny Rogers Diane Lane Anthony Michael Hall
Music by Charles Cochran Roger Cook Charles Fox
Cinematography Mario Tosi
Editing by Rita Roland
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) July 16, 1982
Running time 108 minutes
Country United States
Language English
 Budget $20,225,989

 Of course the movie did feature the big hit by Kenny called "Love Will Turn You Around." Unfortunately there don't seem to be any good clips of him singing the song from back in the 80's so you'll have to settle for this recent sped up version of him singing it with Spanish subtitles...
Lyrics | Kenny Rogers lyrics - Love Will Turn You Around lyrics "Love Will Turn You Around" Single by Kenny Rogers from the album Love Will Turn You Around B-side "I Want a Son" Released June 28, 1982 Format 7" (45 rpm) Genre Country Length 3:35 Label Liberty Writer(s) Kenny Rogers, David Malloy, Thom Schuyler, Even Stevens Producer Kenny Rogers, David Malloy U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #13 U.S. Hot Country Singles peak: #1

Gloria Estefan Grows a Tail

I just realized that there are no Gloria Estefan videos in The Excellent 80's. What a travesty. Well, her and her sound machine did have eight top 10 hits in the U.S. during the 80's. Because of that success, it is my duty to give you fans of her work a "Gloria Estefan Friday." Including today, and for the next three Fridays, The Excellent 80's will be bringing you some of her finest works. First up, a video with way too many creepy cats for me... here is "Bad Boy"...
Lyrics | Miami Sound Machine lyrics - Bad Boys lyrics "Bad Boy" Single by Miami Sound Machine from the album Primitive Love B-side "Surrender Paradise" (North America) "Movies" (Europe) Released August 30, 1985 (see Release history) Format Cassette single Vinyl 7" Single Vinyl 12" single Recorded 1985 Genre Pop-Dance Length 3:58 (Album Version) 3:42(Single Remix) Label Epic Certification Gold (ARIA, RIAA) U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #8

Just Before Dawn in the Cold Light

Making their debut in The Excellent 80's is one of the most successful English metal bands from the '80's. They had 8 top 40 albums in the UK along with numerous charting singles. It's the band Saxon, and here was their highest charting single in the UK reaching #12 in 1981. Here is a live performance of "And the Bands Played On"...
Lyrics | Saxon lyrics - And The Bands Played On lyrics "And the Bands Played On" Single by Saxon from the album Denim and Leather Released 1981 Format 7" vinyl Recorded 1981 Genre Heavy metal Length 2:48 Label Capitol Writer(s) Saxon Producer Nigel Thomas UK singles peak: #12

Listen to the Girl

For some reason, I want some candy after watching today's video from 1985. I'm not sure why. I want candy and some hair spray. Love the hair in today's video, and I'm a fan of the song by the Scottish alternative rock band known as The Jesus and Mary Chain. Here they are with "Just Like Honey"...




Lyrics | Jesus And Mary Chain lyrics - Just Like Honey lyrics

 "Just Like Honey"

 Single by The Jesus and Mary Chain
from the album Psychocandy
B-side "Head"
Released September 1985
Format 7", 2x7", 12"
Genre Noise pop
Label Blanco y Negro
Writer(s) William Reid, Jim Reid
Producer The Jesus and Mary Chain

UK singles peak: #45

Yes I'm Lucky, Yes I'm Lucky

I actually liked today's video and song by Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger circa 1985. He either can't win or he cheats to do so, but either way he's "Lucky In Love"... "Lucky In Love" by Mick Jagger from the album: She's the Boss released: 1985 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #38

I Was Walking In, He Was Walking Out

Happy Labor Day to you all! I hope you are all taking it easy today. In honor of today, the Excellent 80's brings you a song and video from Mr. Bluecollar everyman himself... The Boss. I've always loved this song and video, and even though it's been in here before, I bring it to you again. Do you remember who "got" the Boss in the bottom of the 9th? Here is Bruce with "Glory Days"...
Lyrics | Bruce Springsteen lyrics - Glory Days lyrics "Glory Days" Single by Bruce Springsteen from the album Born in the U.S.A. B-side "Stand on It" Released May 13, 1985 Format 7" single Recorded April or May 1982 Genre Heartland rock Length 4:15 Label Columbia Writer(s) Bruce Springsteen Producer Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5

80's Movie Weekend

I liked this Arnold movie just as much if not more than any other movie he's done. Featuring Richard Dawson as the host to the future's most popular show, it's "The Running Man"... the trailer... Arnold had some great lines in this movie... "Here is Sub Zero, now is plain zero!" The Running Man Directed by Paul Michael Glaser Produced by George Linder Tim Zinnemann Screenplay by Steven E. de Souza Based on The Running Man by Stephen King Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger Richard Dawson María Conchita Alonso Yaphet Kotto Music by Harold Faltermeyer Cinematography Thomas Del Ruth Editing by John Wright Mark Roy Warner Edward A. Warschilka Distributed by TriStar Pictures Republic Pictures (current) Release date(s) November 13, 1987 Running time 101 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $27 million Box office $38,122,105