TapeHeads: 80's Music and Beyond

Suzanne Vega is someone you should know about, if you aren't aware of her already. We explore her musical connections and collaborators, including the illustrious Mitchell Froom and inimitable Tchad Blake. We also discuss the process of learning production and recording.

Willow is a 1988 fantasy movie starring Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer. Created by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, it has its fans but is also not necessarily well loved, even given its significance. We get into all of it.

Connect with us at tapepheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our super-cool Blood Makes Noise playlist, on Spotify

Suzanne Vega, on Spotify

Suzanne Vega, "Luka" official video, on YouTube

Willow, at IMDB

In this very special episode, we discuss a list of the ten worst #1 songs of the 80's, which Blaine found thought it would be fun to do. He was not wrong.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

The infamous list can be found here.

Our undoubtedly terrible but hopefully still fun Worst #1 Songs of the 80'splaylist, on Spotify

The Liverpool band A Flock of Seagulls had one of the biggest hit songs (and weirdest haircuts) of 1982, which puts them up against some serious competition. Quite an interesting band and story. This one was by request.

Also from 1982, the Disney movie "Tron" is probably more well-loved now than when it originally came out, and we quite happily delve into it.

RELATED LINKS:

Our "I Ran (So Far Away)" playlist, on Spotify

A Flock of Seagulls, "I Ran (So Far Away)" official video, on YouTube

COVER YOUR EARS: Hidden Citizens, "I Ran (So Far Away)" cover, on YouTube

Tron, at IMDB

Animalympics, on YouTube

The Mind's Eye, on YouTube

Beyond The Mind's Eye, on YouTube

One of our favorite subjects here on TapeHeads is bands at a point of major change in their sound or careers, and ZZ Top's 1983 album Eliminator (which sold 11 million copies) is a perfect example.

Footlose is a 1984 movie about a small town with a big dancing problem, and the hijinks ensue. Pair that with an incredible soundtrack, and you've got a hit movie. But is it good?

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our ZZ Top/Footlooseplaylist, on Spotify

ZZ Top, "Legs" official video, on YouTube

ZZ Top, on Spotify

Footloose, at IMDB

Howard Jones is someone who you may not think you know, but you definitely know his songs. In this episode, we take a deep dive into his music, and you may be surprised at the number of coincidental connections and through-lines within this show, including Aqualung, Martin Page, Peter Gabriel, Tears For Fears, Naked Eyes, and Erasure, and even Donald Fagen. You won't want to miss the playlist for this one.

"Say Anything" is the 1989 debut of Cameron Crowe as a writer/director. It is one of the most romantic and beloved movies of the time, and we're quite excited to discuss it, as well as the soundtrack, which is something that we've all come to expect from Mr. Crowe since then, but it started here.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our Like To Get To Know You Well playlist, on Spotify

Howard Jones, on Spotify

Howard Jones, "Things Can Only Get Better" official music video, on YouTube

Howard Jones, "No One Is To Blame" on "Live From Daryl's House", on YouTube

Say Anything, at IMDB

"Say Anything" original soundtrack, on Spotify

Dolly Parton is one of the most important singer-songwriters of all time. She created an unforgettable persona that has, quite literally, changed the world. We've had a blast learning more about her.

9 to 5 is a 1980 movie that is widely regarded as the first modern feminist movie. It was very influential and inspirational, while still being fun and accesible. It stars Dolly Parton in her movie debut, and she also wrote the timeless hit theme song. Rounding out the cast are Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Dabney Coleman.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our 9 to 5 playlist, on Spotify

Dolly Parton, "9 to 5" official video, on YouTube

Dolly Parton, on Spotify

The Trio live on David Letterman, "After the Gold Rush", on YouTube

9 to 5, at IMDB

A veteran of the jazz, funk, and even disco scenes, Herbie Hancock took a left turn in the 80's to help usher hip hop into the mainstream of pop music, and we're certainly glad that he did. This episode focuses on 1983's "Rockit" and the album Future Shock.

There are certain movies that could only have existed in the 80's, and Iron Eagle (1986) is one of them. Starring Jason Gedric and Louis Gossett, Jr., it's a hunk of cheese equally matched by its soundtrack, with a theme song by King Kobra.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Rockit playlist, on Spotify

Herbie Hancock, "Rockit" official video, on YouTube

Herbie Hancock, on Spotify

How to Perform the 'Rockit' Scratch, on YouTube

Herbie Hancock, Rockit LIVE at the 1985 Grammys, on YouTube

Mobb Deep sample Jessica, on YouTube

Iron Eagle⁠, at IMDB

The Outfield are a band we love, and our old band used to play one of their songs back in the day. We discuss their distinction and the fun of listening to them these days.

The Dark Crystal is a 1982 fantasy movie created by the amazing Jim Henson and company, which is unique and darkly spooky, designed to provide children with something scary. We love it and hope you'll revisit it as well, or visit it for the first time, if you've somehow managed never to have seen it.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Your Love playlist, on Spotify

The Outfield, on Spotify

The Outfield, "Your Love" official video, on YouTube

The Dark Crystal, at IMDB

Tracey Ullman is very famous for her various TV shows and movie appearances, but before all of that, she had a Top10 hit in the U.S. and U.K. with the excellent song, "They Don't Know." We look into it and her subsequent career in this episode.

The Last Starfighter is a 1984 science fiction movie that follows young Alex Rogan's journey from a California trailer park to outer space. It was also one of the first movies to feature computer-generated visual effects. Very fun.

Follow and contact us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our weirdest but possibly most inspired playlist so far, They Don't Know, on Spotify

Tracey Ullman, on Spotify

Tracey Ullman, "They Don't Know" official video, on YouTube

The Last Starfighter, at IMDB

The King of Kong, at IMDB

David Lee Roth is a human male singer that some people find compelling, including the two of us. His 1986 album "Eat 'Em and Smile" is a favorite of both of ours, and we dive into it with great enthusiasm.

Connect with us at www.tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our extremely rocking Yankee Rose playlist, on Spotify

David Lee Roth, "Yankee Rose" official video, on YouTube

David Lee Roth, "Eat 'Em and Smile," on Spotify

David Lee Roth, "Sonrisa Salvaje", on Spotify

Talas, "Shyboy," on YouTube

COVER YOUR EARS:

Jason Becker, "Yankee Rose," on YouTube

Eat 'Em and Smile band live, 2019, with Jeff Scott Soto, on YouTube

Michael Penn is one of our collective favorites. The musician, that is, not the YouTube mathematician. You may not think you know him, but you certainly know his family; brothers Sean and Chris, TV director father Leo, actor mother Eileen, sister-in-law Robin Wright (Inconceivable!), and singer/actor wife Aimee Mann. Lots of connections. He has a handful of critically acclaimed albums and has done numerous movie soundtracks, including Boogie Nights. We go through his albums and focus on his 1989 single, "No Myth." Stunningly interesting story, we think you'll agree.

A Fish Called Wanda is a 1988 British crime comedy featuring John Cleese, Michael Palin, Kevin Kline (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for this tilm) and Jamie Lee Curtis. Extremely well-written, well-acted, and even well-paced, this classic movie deserves all of the praise it gets. If you've never seen it, you're in for a treat.

RELATED LINKS:

Our No Myth playlist, on Spotify

Michael Penn, on Spotify

Michael Penn, "No Myth" official video, on YouTube

Michael Penn, "Try" official video, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, on YouTube

Mellodrama, at IMDB

Angels In America, at IMDB

COVER YOUR EARS:

Hot Pants de France, "No Myth", on YouTube

A Fish ACalled Wanda, at IMDB

Michael Palin Centre for Stammering

Naked Eyes' 1983 hit "Always Something There To Remind Me" is good but not among our favorites--we'll get into it--but it did open both of us up to a much larger story. We think you'll agree.

The Coen Brothers' quirky and hilarious 1987 second movie "Raising Arizona" was way ahead of its time, and was the first in a long string of hits for them, and it set the tone for many of their movies that would follow. Definitely one of the best we've done on this show so far. Is it better than My Dinner With Andre?

RELATED LINKS:

Our Always Something There To Remind Me playlist, on Spotify

Naked Eyes, "Always Something There To Remind Me" official video, on YouTube

Naked Eyes, on Spotify

Raising Arizona, at IMDB

This is one of the biggest songs of all time, as well as the best and most distinctive videos. We do a deep dive into both.

Our movie this time is the unique "My Dinner With Andre", starring Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory. It's a movie about two estranged friends having dinner together, and much, much more.

RELATED LINKS

Our Take On Me playlist, on Spotify

a-ha, on Spotify

a-ha, Take On Me official video, on YouTube

My Dinner With Andre, at IMDB

The Sound of 007, at IMDB

COVER YOUR EARS:

Brooklyn Duo; "Take On Me", on YouTube

The Church are an Australian band, probably most well known for thier 1988 hit "Under the Milky Way," a beautiful song that is the subject of this episode.

Three O'Clock High is a 1987 movie about a mild-mannered high school student who ruffles the feathers of the school's newly-arrived bully, and the hijinks ensue.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Under the Milky Way playlist, on Spotify

The Church, "Under the Milky Way" official video, on YouTube

The Church, on Spotify

The Church, "Starfish," on Spotify

COVER YOUR EARS: PS22 Chorus, "Under the Milky Way"

Sia, "Under the Milky Way" official video, on YouTube

The Killers, "Under the Milky Way" live, on YouTube

Three O'Clock High, at IMDB

In our favorite musical year of 1984, after many years of creating a multitude of hits separately, two musical giants came together at the top of their game to collaborate on one of the best songs of the 80's, "Easy Lover," by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins. We'll delve into the supremely interesting story of how this incredible song came to be. Fun fact: it was used in the original Wrestlemania. Also, you're a Zen-master Beatles fan if you know where the phrase 'four guys of them' comes from.

Fletch is a 1985 comedy that we feel very differently about--as did Siskel and Ebert!--thanks to the movie's star, the polarizing and infamous Chevy Chase. Is it hilarious? Is it terrible?

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Be sure to check out our Easy Lover playlist, on Spotify!

Philip Bailey, on Spotify

Phil Collins, on Spotify

Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, "Easy Lover" official video, on YouTube

Fletch, at IMDB

Mystery Science Theater 3000, "Mitchell, on YouTube

This episode is a bit different than our others so far. We'd actually been talking about doing a World Party episode recently, when Karl Wallinger suddenly died a week or so before this, which added some gravitas and urgency, so we decided to move him to the front of the line. Great musician and songwriter. He will be missed by us and by many others of you around the world. RIP, Karl.

RELATED LINKS:

Our RIP, Karl Wallinger playlist, on Spotify

World Party, on Spotify

World Party, "Ship of Fools" official video, on YouTube

World Party, "Way Down Now" official video, on YouTube

World Party, "Way Down Now" on David Letterman, on YouTube

World Party, "Is It Like Today?" official video on YouTube

World Party, "Is It Like Today?" on David Letterman, on YouTube

World Party, "She's The One", on Spotify

Robbie Williams, "She's The One", on Spotify

World Party, "What Does It Mean Now" official video, on YouTube

The Waterboys, on Spotify

The Waterboys' excellent album, "This Is The Sea", which Karl had the most to do with, on Spotify

The Waterboys, "Whole of the Moon" official video, on YouTube. Watch for a very young Karl on keyboards and piano.

Dexys Midnight Runners are a one-hit wonder band (actually with TWO number-one hits) whose 1982 song "Come On, Eileen" is one of the most catchy and unusual songs of the 80's, and the band's story is one of the most interesting we've come across so far. You'll love it.

The World War III story Red Dawn, from 1984, holds the distinction of being the first movie to be rated PG-13. It features a cast that would all go on to be among the biggest stars. We also discuss what life was like growing up during the end of the Cold War.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com. And don't forget to click through and check out the killer playlist for this episode!

RELATED LINKS:

Our Come On, Eileen playlist, on Spotify

Dexys Midnight Runners, "Come On, Eileen" official video, on YouTube

Dexys Midnight Runners, on Spotify

Warner Bros. piano bomb compilation video, on YouTube

Red Dawn, at IMDB

In the spring of 1988, George Harrison recruited his friends Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jim Keltner to collaborate on a song. The result was so stunningly good that they decided to do an entire album together, thereby creating the biggest supergroup of all time. And yes, we do discuss some of those other ones as well.

Better Off Dead is a classic dark comedy from 1985 starring John Cusack. Its eminently quotable dialogue (ever wonder where the line, "I want my TWO DOLLARS" cam from?) and strange, memorable characters make for a fun watch, or RE-watch.

Contact us and find all episodes at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Heading For The Lightplaylist, on spotify

Traveling Wilburys, on Spotify

Better Off Dead, at IMDB

This episode is devoted to Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist Jane Child. She's our first one-hit wonder, and she's possibly the last big one-hit wonder of the 80's. This episode is being released on February 15, which--coincidentally enough--is also Jane's birthday, so we're wishing her a happy one.

Our 'movie' this time is actually a TV show we loved when we were young called B.J. and The Bear, about a trucker and his chimp Bear who travel the country and meet women in every town, all while attempting to stay one step ahead of the law. The show was created by the ubiquitous Glen A. Larson (Battlestar Galactica, Magnum P.I.) and was one of our favorites at the time.

RELATED LINKS:

Jane Child, on Spotify

Jane Child, "Don't Wanna Fall In Love" official video, at YouTube

Jane Child Citroën Quarterly interview, 1991

B.J. and The Bear, at IMDB

In this 'very special' episode, Blaine kept the subject a secret from Todd until we recorded it. New Edition and all of the tentacles of their related bands (Bobby Brown, New Kids on the Block, and even Whitney Houston) is a supremely interesting story, and we're sure you'll agree. This one's by request.

RELATED LINKS:

New Edition, on Spotify

Bobby Brown, on Spotify

Bell Biv DeVoe, on Spotify

New Kids on the Block, on Spotify

Whitney Houston, on Spotify

Whitney documentary, at IMDB

The New Edition Story, at IMDB

The Bangles were arguably the biggest all-female band of the 80's, and we both totally love them. We explore their early career and their big hits, as well as the issues that arose within the band as one of the members' star rose.

Our movie this time is "The All-Nighter (1987)", which starred Susanna Hoffs, Joan Cusack, and Pam Grier, and was co-written/produced/directed by Susanna's mom. What could go wrong with that formula?

RELATED LINKS:

Our The Bangles playlist, on Spotify

The Bangles, on Spotify

The Bangles, "Walk Like an Egyptian" official video, on YouTube

The All-Nighter (1987), at IMDB

U2's album "The Joshua Tree" is one of the biggest and most influential of all time, and it's the subject of this, our first episode of 2024. We mostly focus in on the song "Where The Streets Have No Name," but discuss other songs too, as well as the making of the video and the band's later involvement with author and filmmaker Bill Carter during the civil war in Sarajevo in the early Nineties. We're sure you'll agree that they're an incredible band with an incredible story, even the comparatively miniscule part that we're choosing to illuminate here.

RELATED LINKS:

U2, "Where the Streets Have No Name" official video, on YouTube

U2, "The Joshua Tree", on Spotify

U2 at The Sphere, on YouTube

U2, "The Unforgettable Fire", on Spotify

U2 with Luciano Pavarotti, "Miss Sarajevo" official video, on YouTube

"Miss Sarajevo" documentary, at BillCarter.cc

Fools Rush In book, at Amazon

Released in 1987, "A Very Special Christmas" was a bit of a turning point for Christmas music, which both of us enjoyed back then and continue to enjoy to this day.

We also take you back a long time ago (1978) to a galaxy far, far away to discuss the famously awful Star Wars Holiday Special. We've added plenty of audio clips because you wouldn't believe just how weird and awful it is otherwise. We even included Christmas in the Stars from 1980, which is perhaps most famous for being Jon Bon Jovi's recording debut. We're excited to share this episode with you, and we hope it brings you some well-deserved holiday joy.

RELATED LINKS:

various artists, "A Very Special Christmas", on Spotify

The Star Wars Holiday Special, on YouTube

Christmas in the Stars, on YouTube

In this, our first-anniversary episode, we talk about the new Beatles releases quite a bit, before moving on to Toto and their album Toto IV, their incredible prowess as studio musicians, and their well-known penchant for doing cocaine back in the day.

Our movie this time is the 1982 classic "An American Werewolf in London," which Todd had never seen until now. This excellent, strange, and surprisingly romantic movie sparks an interesting and funny conversation.

RELATED LINKS:

The Beatles, "1962-1966", on Spotify

The Beatles, "1967-1970", on Spotify

The Beatles, "Now and Then" official video, on YouTube

Toto, "Rosanna" official video, on YouTube

Toto "Toto IV," on Spotify

Rick Beato, "The Steve Lukather Interview," on YouTube

Yacht Rock, on YouTube

An American Werewolf in London, at IMDB

We thought it would be super fun to share the music that made us who we are today, and last time was Blaine's turn, so this time is Todd's turn, along with some personal stories and insights. We think you'll enjoy it.

OurTodd's Top 10 playlist, on Spotify

Trevor Rabin, on Spotify

Tears For Fears, on Spotify

Elliott Smith, on Spotify

Van Halen, on Sotify

Yngwie Malmsteen, on Spotify

Ben Folds Five, on Spotify

Crowded House, on Spotify

Neil Finn, on Spotify

Jellyfish, on Spotify

Jon Brion, on Spotify

Aimee Mann, on Spotify

The Beatles, on Spotify

Toy Matinee, on Spotify

Kevin Gilbert, on Spotify

Sheryl Crow, "Tuesday Night Music Club", on Spotify

The Beach Boys, "Pet Sounds", on Spotify

Johann Sebastian Bach, on Spotify

E. Power Biggs, "Bach: Great Organ Favorites", on Spotify

E. Power Biggs, "The 4 Great Toccatas & Fugues - Played on the Four Antiphonal Organs of the Cathedral of Freiburg, Germany", on Spotify

Albert Schweitzer, "Albert Schweitzer Plays Bach", on Spotify

Beach Boys documentary BehindTheSounds, on YouTube

The Police, "Synchronicity Concert (1983)", on YouTube

We thought it would be super fun to share the music that has made us the people we are today, and Blaine's going to start us off with his all-time, whole-life favorites.

Blaine's Top 10 playlist⁠, on Spotify:

Drummer playing Beatles on the rooftop⁠, on YouTube

⁠Fountains of Wayne hotline⁠, on YouTube

Trevor Rabin, on Spotify

Men At Work, on Spotify

Colin Hay, on Spotify

Toy Matinee, on Spotify

Kevin Gilbert, on Spotify

The Police, on Spotify

Sting, on Spotify

Bring on the Night, at IMDB

Crowded House, on Spotify

Tears For Fears, on Spotify

Billy Joel, on Spotify

Hired Gun, at IMDB

Van Halen, on Spotify

Pink Floyd, on Spotify

Genesis, on Spotify

Peter Gabriel, on Spotify

Fountains of Wayne, on Spotify

Jellyfish, on Spotify

The Beatles, on Spotify

Milli Vanilli were famous for lip-synching their way into history back in 1989, as well as for winning (and returning) their Grammy for Best New Artist. But, as is so often the case, there's much more to the story, and that's what we discuss in this edition of TapeHeads. The story of Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan--known around the world more commonly as Rob and Fab--is weird, deep, nuanced, and even tragic, but we hope you'll agree with Fab that when you fall, you stand back up. Enjoy their bizarre and riveting story.

Find all our episodes, contact us, and listen to our playists athttp://tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Milli Vanilli, "Girl, You Know It's True" official video, on YouTube

Milli Vanilli, on Spotify

Milli Vanilli press conference 1990, on YouTube

Rob & Fab album, on YouTube

Rob & Fab, "We Can Get It On", interview and performing with a live band on Arsenio Hall

"Marni Nixon: Singing Voice of the Stars", on YouTube

This episode is devoted to one of our all-time favorite bands, Crowded Houose. Neil Finn is a genius, and we can't wait to share more of his music with you, along with his brother Tim, with whom he has collaborated quite a bit, and Mitchell Froom, who produced and played on many of the best CH albums, and is currently touring with them, at the time this episode is being released. Be sure to check out our playlist for this one. No movie this time, but just a glowing recommendation for one of the best bands that we think deserve your attention.

Connect with us at our web site, tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our ⁠Crowded House Deep Dive⁠ playlist, on Spotify

Crowded House, on Spotify

Neil Finn, on Spotify

Tim Finn, on Spotify

Mitchell Froom, on Spotify

The Finn Brothers, on Spotify

Split Enz, on Spotify

Crowded House, "Don't Dream It's Over" official video, on YouTube

Tim Pierce, "I Played Guitar on 'Don't Dream It's Over' by Crowded House" video, on YouTube

That Pedal Show, "Neil Finn & Liam Finn Of Crowded House [Guitar Rig Tour 2022"on YouTube

This episode, focusing on the famous and infamous Mötley Crüe, is another one that was brought to us by request. Their story is so vast and their so long-ranging that this show could have been ten hours long. We had fun with it, and we think you'll enjoy it. Don't forget to click through to our episode links and watch the hilaious video of Vince's less-than-stellar vocals.

Leave a comment here, or you can contact us and make a request of your own, orour web site, tapehead spod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Mötley Crüe, "Looks That Kill" official video, on YouTube

Mötley Crüe on Spotify

The Dirt book, at Amazon

The Dirt movie, on Netflix

Kickstart My Heart - Misheard Lyrics, on YouTube. HILARIOUS.

This is another episode that was done by request (thank you, Ryan!). Both of us knew absolutely nothing about Erasure before this, but came away finding them super interesting. We think you'll agree.

The movie this time is The 'Burbs, starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher, which both of us love and find very quotable. "I want to kill. . .everyone. Satan is good. . .Satan is our pal." This and many other lines were improvised, as you will see. Love it.

Erasure, "A Little Respect" official video, on YouTube

Erasure, on Spotify

Our A Little Respect playlist, on Spotify

The excellent Cover Your Ears version by Duets on YouTube

The 'Burbs, at IMDB

This episode of TapeHeads is about the Rembrandts. Think you don't know the Rembrandts? You absolutely do. You'll see. We discuss them at great length, as well as the nature of fame and success and the (perceived) notion of 'selling out.' These guys are an awesome band that we think deserve your attention.

Our movie this time is "Communion," based on an autobiographical book by Whitley Strieber, which is about his experiences with alien abduction. It goes on to spark a very spirited discussion about Art Bell, UFOlogy, and even prompts Todd to teach us all how to say 'UFO' in French.

Visit our web site at http://www.tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

The Rembrandts, "Just The Way It Is Baby" official video, on YouTube

The Rembrandts, on Spotify

Our Just The Way It Is Baby playlist, on Spotify

COVER YOUR EARS version:

PostModernJukebox, "Evolution of the 'Friends' Theme song - 1920s to 1990s", on YouTube

Communion, at IMDB

In this episode we discuss Winger, who were one of the last of the 'hair' bands, and who were made fun of constantly by Beavis and Butthead. We focus primarily on their song "Seventeen," with its controversial lyric, "Daddy says she's too young, but she's old enough for me." We also learn about a derogatory term that the Winger lads had for drumming that they considered too basic. Be sure to listen for that hilarious tidbit.

Our movie this time is "Gremlins," a very fun (and occasionally gruesome) family-friendly "creature feature" from 1984. Fun fact: this movie would have been rated PG-13 if that had existed at the time. That designation would be created a short tie later in 1984, the first movie being "Red Dawn."

Find all our episodes, links, Spotify playlists, and more at our new web site at http://tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Winger, "Seventeen" official video, on YouTube

Winger, on Spotify

Winger, Making of IV, on YouTube

The Beatles, "I Saw Her Standing There", on YouTube

Nothing But A Good Time book, at Amazono

COVER YOUR EARS versions:

Hungry 17's, on YouTube

These Guys Live Vincent Bernardo, on YouTube

WHAT MOVIE ARE WE TALKING ABOUT TONIGHT?

Gremlins, at IMDB

This episode is our first 'by request' episode, courtesy of Todd's friend Mike (thank you, Mike!), and it finds us exploring what the Guardian newspaper controversially called the greatest UK #1 song of all time, "West End Girls" by the Pet Shop Boys. Not sure we'd agree with that designation, but it's unquestionably a great and very interesting song, and it certainly deserves a deeper dive.

Our movie this time is the 1984 Eddie Murphy showcase, "Beverly Hills Cop," an action comedy about a black Detroit cop who plays by his own rules and finds himself in ultra-white, ultra-ritzy Beverly Hills, where they do everything 'strictly by the book,' and the hijinks ensue.

RELATED LINKS:

Pet Shop Boys, "West End Girls" official video, on YouTube

Pet Shop Boys on Spotify

Our West End Girls playlist, on Spotify

Our Cover Your Ears version, by BooBoo'zzz All Stars, on YouTube

The supremely beautiful Cover Your Ears runner-up, by Brian Molko and Fiona Brice, on YouTube

Beverly Hills Cop, at IMDB

Eddie Murphy, "Party All The Time" official video, on YouTube

Eddie Murphy on Spotify

Def Leppard's 1987 album, "Hysteria," was four years in the making, and involved an unusual amount of tragedy, expense, rebirth, and ultimately triumph, providing a wealth of hit songs that the band still perform to this day. Come along with us on the journey, and delve into the depths.

"The Black Hole," Disney's first PG-rated movie, was released in what most people assume was a response to Star Wars, but as you'll see (as we did), had its roots much further back, in the disaster movies from the early 1970's. An uncharacteristically dark and strange movie for the Mouse House, we extol its many virtues and quirks, and especially its stunning visual effects. Watch it on the largest screen you can, and revel in its weirdness, as well as its haunting John Barry score.

RELATED LINKS:

Def Leppard, "Pour Some Sugar On Me" UK video version, on YouTube

Def Leppard, Hysteria album, on Spotify

Rockman sounds R.J. Ronquillo, on YouTube

Our Cover Your Ears version, Vanessa Lavoie, on YouTube

The Black Hole, at IMDB

Rick Astley is the most famous person you probably knew nothing about. That's okay, neither did we. And that was the point of this episode. What an incredible story, and an incredible human being. And one of the biggest Internet memes of all time. And an incredible production company, with an incredible string of hit songs, including everyone from Divine to Donna Summer, by way of Dead Or Alive, Kylie Minogue, Bananarama, Samantha Fox, and Rick, obviously. And all of that was with a little help from the seemingly ubiquitous Fairlight.

P.S.: C'mon, Todd, Posh Spice--not Sporty--is the one who's married to David Beckham.

Our movie this time is the unforgettable 1988 supernatural dramedy "Big," starring Tom Hanks, which Blaine had seen so often he didn't need to re-watch it, and Todd hadn't seen since its original release. Take a walk along the piano keyboard with us as we look at this lovely gem, and you're even invited to come have a sleepover, but as usual when it comes to the bunk beds, we get to be on top. Wait, what?

RELATED LINKS:

Rick Astley, "Never Gonna Give You Up" official video, on YouTube

Rick Astley, on Spotify

Our most glittery Never Gonna Give You Up playlist, on Spotify

Amazing and surprisingly emotional documentary Legendary Song That Became the RickRoll, on YouTube

Another amazing documentary, The Hit Factory, about Stock Aitken Waterman, on YouTube

Kylie and Rick live in Hyde Park, on YouTube. PURE JOY to watch.

Our Cover Your Ears song, which is Rick with The Foo Fighters live in Tokyo, on YouTube

Big, at IMDB

The iconic walking piano scene from Big, on YouTube

In this episode, we go back to the gold mine of 1984 to revisit the iconic anthem "The Warrior", by Scandal, featuring Patty Smyth (not to be confused with Patti Smith!). Blaine shares another torture device, and we introduce a new segment called Cover Your Ears, where we scour YouTube to feature a funny, terrible or awesome cover version of our chosen song. This particular one involves a hilarious moment of Perilus/Perilous that's quite possibly the first time that's ever happened.

Our movie this time is the bubble gum-chewing, ass-kicking 1988 cult sci-fi action classic, "They Live", starring former WWF professional wrestler Roddy Piper in his first (and we're going to go ahead and say his best) movie role. The conversation is sparked by this Orwellian movie's bizarre dialogue, bleak outlook, and epically weird extended fight scene between two friends. Enjoy the ride, and don't forget your bubble gum.

RELATED LINKS:

Scandal, featuring Patty Smyth, "The Warrior", official video, on YouTube

Scandal on Spotify

Singer hit by bass player

Cover Your Ears segment: PerilousRelish covers "The Warrior"

GLOW, at Netflix

New Kids On The Block, "Step By Step", at YouTube

They Live, at IMDB

After a few years of ruling the world, hard rock had become derivative and run its course, so it was only a matter of time before something new would step up, and grunge was that something. In this episode, we delve into this supremely interesting transition.

Follow us on Instagram and Spotify.

RELATED LINKS:

Our GreatWhiteLionSnake playlist, on Spotify

I Want My MTV book, on Amazon

Nothin' But A Good Time book, on Amazon

Hollywood Rocks book (even though we didn't mention it), on Amazon

Xentric Guitars

Rotten Apples 1, on YouTube

Rotten Apples 2, on YouTube

Rotten Apples 3, on YouTube

In this episode, we discuss the 1984 Chicago album, "Chicago 17", more specifically the band's revival and collaboration with mega-producer David Foster, who we think you'll agree is well worth your time and investigation.

We also discuss the hilarious cult classic murder mystery comedy "Clue", featuring a stellar cast that includes Tim Curry, a number of Mel Brooks alumni, and an a well-known punk rock singer.

RELATED LINKS:

Chicago, "Stay the Night" official video, on YouTube

Our excellent Stay the Night playlist, on Spotify

Chicago, "Chicago 17" on Spotify

Clue at IMDB

David Foster: Off the Record at IMDB

Sound City at IMDB

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead at IMDB

Back in the 80's, there existed a genre--equal parts rock and beauty--that was almost exclusive to the times, called Power Ballads. Many were epic, many were cheesy, and we explore quite a few of the most famous ones in this episode. For those of you keeping track at home, not a single one of them featured a Fairlight. Have a comment or an 80's song/band/movie you'd like to hear us cover on the show? Email us at tapeheads80@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram and Spotify RELATED LINKS: Our Heavy Metal Power Ballads playlist, on Spotify Poison, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" official video, on YouTube Guns 'n' Roses, "November Rain" official video, on YouTube Motley Crue, "Home Sweet Home" (1985 version) official video, on YouTube Motley Crue, "Home Sweet Home" (1991 version) official video, on YouTube

I Want My MTV book, at Amazon

In this episode, we talk about one of our absolute favorite bands, Tears For Fears, and more specifically, their career-changing feminist anthem, "Woman in Chains," which introduced the world (but not Todd's dad!) to the stunning Oleta Adams. It also featured the drumming talents of both Manu Katché--already famous for playing with Peter Gabriel--and the inimitable Phil Collins. Oh yeah. . .and it totally featured a Fairlight synthesizer, too, because of COURSE it would, and if you're a regular listener of this podcast, you're already well aware of it.

Our movie this time is the clever, thorny, and ultimately problematic 1988 dark comedy "Heathers," starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, which could only have been made in the era before suicides and school shootings were all-too-common occurrences in this country. You've been warned; both subjects are prominent story arcs in the movie.

Want to hear us discuss a song, band, or movie from the 80's and beyond? Have a comment or a question? Email us at tapeheads80@gmail.com

Follow our small but mighty Instagram page.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Tears For Fears Deep Dive playlist for this episode, on Spotify

Tears For Fears, "Woman in Chains" official video on YouTube

Tears For Fears, "The Seeds of Love" on Spotify

Tears For Fears, "Saturnine, Martial, and Lunatic" on Spotify

Heathers at IMDB

Boxing Helena at IMDB

When we think of 80's glam metal, the first things we all think of are poofy hairstyles and slinky spandex pants, but the third thing we think of is amazing guitarists, the likes of which haven't really been seen either before or since. We go on a very deep dive into some of our (really Todd's, because this stuff wasn't really Blaine's cup of tea) favorites of the time. We also discuss some modern guitarists, and we even wax a bit philosophical about what this somewhat beleaguered and often maligned musical genre means to those of us who still find ourselves enjoying it today.

Did we overlook your favorite guitar god or goddess from back then? Let us know by e-mailing us at tapeheads80@gmail.com, and they can also be added to our Spotify playlist or maybe even our Instagram profile. 

RELATED LINKS:

Our Guitar Gods playlist, on Spotify

Chuck Klosterman's book, Fargo Rock City, at Amazon

Bob Larson's book, Bob Larson's Guide to Rock, at Amazon

This episode finds us discussing a controversial song by The Police, so much so that they actually recorded two different versions of it, the original in 1980 which creeped everybody out, and the 1986 version which not only broke up the band (essentially), but also incorporated our favorite instrument, the Fairlight. 

We also discuss one of the most famous 80's movies of them all, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. We spend a good amount of time on the soundtrack, and on Ferris's synthesizer, which was an E-mu Emulator II (like Trevor Rabin of Yes used to have) and NOT a Fairlight.

Send us an e-mail at tapeheads80@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram for randomness, and Spotify for playlists for some of the episodes.

RELATED LINKS:

The Police, "Don't Stand So Close to Me" official video (1980), on YouTube

The Police, "Don't Stand So Close to Me '86" official video, on YouTube

The Police, "Zenyatta Mondatta", on Spotify    

The Police, "Every Breath You Take: The Classics", on Spotify

The Police, "Driven To Tears" live, from URGH! A Music War, on YouTube. The drums at the end are absolutely amazing.

Hilarious fight between Stewart and Sting, on YouTube

Bring on the Night, at IMDB

Stewart's excellent live percussion on "Wrapped Around Your Finger", on YouTube 

Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita, at Amazon Books

Ferris Bueller's Day Off, at IMDB

Occasionally, we have a story that doesn't quite fit into a regular episode, but we like it enough that we still want to share it, so we thought it would be fun to create mini-episodes for those little orphan stories. Our regular episodes will come out at their regularly scheduled times, but one of these could drop at any time. This particular one involves Northern Lights, which was the Canadian equivalent of Band Aid, Live Aid, USA for Africa, and--best of all--Hear 'N' Aid. We briefly mentioned this in our Band Aid episode, so if you haven't heard that one yet, give it a listen. It's quite fun.

For questions, comments, commissions, requests, or conversations, contact us at tapeheads80@gmail.com

Do you do animation or know someone who does? We're consnidering animating some of these for a YouTube tie-in. Get in touch if this is something you're interested in collaborating on with us.

RELATED LINKS:

David Foster documentary, "Off the Record" trailer on YouTube

Northern Lights, "Tears Are Not Enough" official video on YouTube

Helix, "Rock You" official music video on Youtube. This is quite possibly the most quintessenitally 80's video ever made.

Helixon Spotify

This episode is the first in a series about the singular and super-interesting story of 80's glam rock, which seemed to rise from nowhere to the top of the charts. This subject is so vast that we will break it up and share it in a number of episodes over the next few months, and I imagine that we'll return to that particular gold mine often after that.

Follow us on our small but growing Instagram page.

We also have a brand spanking new Spotify profile, where we share accompanying playlists. Here's the one for this episode.

RELATED LINKS:

Quiet Riot, "Cum On Feel the Noize" official music video on YouTube

Ratt, "Round and Round" official music video, on YouTube

the list of number-one albums from 1983

the list of number-one albums from 1984; the shortest list of all time, at a mere five albums

the list of number-one albums from 1985

David Lee Roth live in Detroit with his Eat 'Em and Smile band from 1986, on YouTube

This episode is actually devoted to an entire Paul McCartney album, 1989's "Flowers in the Dirt,"  that we think deserves more love than it gets. This was the beginning of everything Paul is currently doing to this day, from a major world tour to including a number of Beatles songs in his set. (Also, WE SAW HIM IN CONCERT ON THIS TOUR.) This album saw Paul collaborating with songwriter Elvis Costello and various producers of the time, one of whom will be very familiar to regular listeners of this podcast. This is one of the less popular albums in Paul's discography, at least to some of those OTHER people, but we unabashedly love it.

We also love "Back to the Future" and have a great time revisiting it. We even give a special nod to composer Alan Silvestri for his amazing score, and expose the truth about DeLorean cars. 

Be sure to stay tuned to the very end (don't be fooled by the fake-out ending!) to hear more about the Catherine wheel, otherwise known as the 'breaking wheel', the medieval torture device Blaine mentioned in our previous episode.

RELATED LINKS:

Paul McCartney, "Flowers in the Dirt" on Spotify

Paul McCartney, "Tripping the Live Fantastic" on Spotify

Paul McCartney, "Put It There" documentary on YouTube

Paul McCartney, "48 Hours" TV special from this tour, on YouTube

Elvis Costello, "Spike" on Spotify

"Back to the Future" at IMDB

Under the Bus Network on YouTube

"Howard the Duck" at IMDB

Crowded House, "Catherine Wheels" on Spotify

The gruesome Catherine, or 'breaking' wheel on, uh, the internet

In this episode, we explore the 1985 hit "Voices Carry" by Aimee Mann's former band 'Til Tuesday. as well as the beginning of her solo career and her involvement with occasional collaborator Jon Brion. This then led to their eventual collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson, who based his movie "Magnolia" on a number of Aimee's songs, and Jon composed the orchestral score. We also reminisce about our favorite movie in the massive Star Trek enterprise. (See what I did there?) 

Contact us at tapeheads80@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram 

RELATED LINKS:

'Til Tuesday, "Voices Carry" official video

'Til Tuesday on Spotify

Aimee Mann on Spotify

Jon Brion on Spotify

Michael Penn on Spotify

The Grays on Spotify

"Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" at IMDB

"Magnolia" at IMDB

The two of us ring in 2023 (not really) by discussing one of our favorite songs by one of our favorite bands, the 1984 hit "Hot For Teacher" by Van Halen. We also discuss one of the few perfect movies in existence, "The Princess Bride," which we actually saw together in the theater when it came out in 1987.

We look forward to what 2023 has in store, and we look forward to sharing lots more songs and movies with you. You can make requests, offer suggestions, or heap praise upon us by e-mailing us at tapeheads80@gmail.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Van Halen, "Hot for Teacher" official video

Van Halen on Spotify

Van Halen, "Voodoo Queen" song demo

Other songs from The Wild Life, including what would become "Right Now"

The Princess Bride at IMDB

Star Wars meets The Princess Bride on YouTube

In the TapeHeads spirit of the holidays, we tackle the controversial, condescending, and ultimately extremely successful song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" released by the super-group Band Aid in 1984. For our movie recommendation, we proudly present a mostly forgotten (but completely awesome) documentary about a similarly altruistic holiday offering by the hard rock community, entitled Hear 'n' Aid. 

Contact us with comments, requests, or suggestions at tapeheads80@gmail.com. And, as always, we hope you enjoy it. Happy holidays from all two of us here at TapeHeads HQ! 

RELATED LINKS:

Band Aid, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" official video

Hear 'n' Aid, "Stars" documentary on YouTube 

USA For Africa relief organization

Doctors Without Borders weren't mentioned in the show, but they're an amazing organization doing great work around the world

We kick off this new endeavor by taking a look inside Yes's 1983 hit, "Owner of a Lonely Heart," along with context about just how different this album was from all of their previous ones. There are also some entertaining personal anecdotes and hilariously surprising scatological revelations (about the band, not us) of which you may not have been aware. 

Our 80's movie recommendation is the excellent "WarGames," which also was released in 1983. 

We couldn't be more excited to introduce this podcast, and we very much hope that you enjoy it. If you like what you hear, spread the word. Feel free to contact us, make requests, or discuss 80's life by e-mailing us at tapeheads80@gmail.com

RELATED LINKS:

Yes, "Owner of a Lonely Heart" official music video

Yes on Spotify

Trevor Rabin, "Owner of a Lonely Heart" demo versions on YouTube

the venerable and amazing Fairlight CMI synthesizer

WarGames at IMDB 

IBS, a.k.a. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which Trevor hopefully doesn't have

RCA Selectavision VCR, circa 1979

Welcome to TapeHeads, a fun retrospective podcast about 80's music, culture, movies, etc., by two friends who were there.