Back to the Eighties: Back in Black

Original video located here. Accessed 30th November 2022

Song title: Back in Black

Artist: AC/DC

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

The beauty in simplicity. Also a handy song to have around when one enters a room XD

Back to the Eighties: Mixed Emotions

Original video located here. Accessed 29th November 2022

Song title: Mixed Emotions

Artist: Rolling Stones

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

Say what you like about 80s Stones but this song still makes the grade for two reasons. First, it was my first exposure to the Stones. And second, in 2014, i reconnected with an old friend who I had quite a nasty falling out with. Currently we are still good friends so whenever I hear this song I think of my friend and wonder how they are doing

Back to the Eighties: Uncertain Smile

Original video located here. Accessed 28th November 2022

Song title: Uncertain Smile

Artist: The The

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Simply put: It sounds like nothing else from the entire decade. Also that piano solo, provided by none other than Jools Holland, is pretty sweet.

Got it Covered: Real Wild Child

Original video located here. Accessed 27th November 2022

Song title: Real Wild Child (Wild One)

Artist: Iggy Pop

Originally Done By: Johnny O'Keefe

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Being a child of the eighties I effectively grew up with the presence of a fun TV show called rage. As such, this song has permanently embedded into my consciousness.

Not that I'm complaining of course. It rocks hard and Iggy takes these words and makes them his own.

I do wonder however: Would Johnny O'Keefe have liked this?

Back to the Eighties: Theme For Great Cities

Original video located here. Accessed 26th November 2022

Song title: Theme for Great Cities

Artist: Simple Minds

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

As mentioned previously, i like a good instrumental. This, I feel, is because any instrumental makes you, the listener, draw your conclusions - as opposed to having a lead singer who is telling you what to think.

I am also a firm believer that certain songs require a certain atmosphere. And this is perfect for driving through a city at night 🙂

Got it Covered: Walk This Way

Original video located here. Accessed 25th November 2022

Song title: Walk This Way

Artist: Run DMC with Aerosmith

Originally Done By: Aerosmith

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

There's not much I can say about this song that hasn't already been said. It's the merging of two completely different worlds and proof that it can work a charm (as wonderfully illustrated by the music video). And it rocks hard too.

I recently heard an argument that the true takeaway from the success of this song is the strategy of veteran/washed-up artists teaming up with some up-and-comer can lead to a second wind. Indeed, in the years to come we would see Tammy Wynette join forces with the KLF, Santana collaborate with Rob Thomas, Billy Ray Cyrus help out Lil Nas X, and Kate Bush team up with the producers of Stranger Things. It's plausible but then again nothing breeds wrong answers quite like success XD

Back to the Eighties: Otis

Original video located here. Accessed 24th November 2022

Song title: Otis

Artist: The Durutti Column

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

Won't say no to an instrumental. Especially when they're done as good as this. Yes it's pretty much all a guitar and some loops but, as is often the case, a lot is done with very little.

And sometimes certain songs can work with particular surroundings. Why, even as I type this, I am watching the evening sun set out through the front window 😃

Back to the Eighties: Order of Death

Original video located here. Accessed 23rd November 2022

Song title: Order of Death

Artist: Public Image Ltd

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

Bit late for Halloween but still....

One thing that the advent of punk rock was how to do a lot with very little - and it's a lesson that it's successor genre, post-punk, learnt. And that is the case here: What stands out about this song is the repetition of both the minimalist lyrics and that striking guitar figure. And whilst that's pretty much all of it, it works: The song never gets boring and, as a mood piece, its damn effective

Back to the Eighties: Institutionalised

Original video located here. Accessed 22nd November 2022

Song title: Institutionalised

Artist: Suicidal Tendencies

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

This song is definitely a case of only finding out about it years later. In my adulthood, I was watching late night rage and I came across this. I knew nothing about it beforehand but I was struck by how it was constructed with a guitar that builds with intensity playing underneath what can only be described as a rant. It may sound strange to describe any song as an effective description of having a breakdown but this song works because the rant is hilarious.

"Don't tell me nothing! You're on drugs!!"

Back to the Eighties: Take Me Back

Original video located here. Accessed 21st November 2022

Song title: Take me Back

Artist: Noiseworks

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

It may be easy to dismiss this song as being atypical 80s bombast but that's exactly what makes it work. Kind of like in a 'professional wrestler entry theme' kind of way.

In relation to the lyrics, do I have a 'one that got away' story of my own? Certainly but I have better things to do than wonder what could've been XD

Back to the Eighties: Little Red Corvette

Original video located here. Accessed 20th November 2022

Song title: Little Red Corvette

Artist: Prince

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

I will admit that i took a while to warm up to Prince. Because at the end of the day, as this song demonstrates, he certainly knows his way around a snappy pop song. (and a few other things as well I can imagine)

Back to the Eighties: The Killing Moon

Original video located here. Accessed 19th November 2022

Song title: The Killing Moon

Artist: Echo and the Bunnymen

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

I first heard this back in the late nineties. At the time I didn't know what to think of it but it eventually grew on me.

And that explains just why this song succeeds: It seduces. So many elements in play that gradually win the listener over: That opening guitar, the bass and light drumming, the growly guitar and the strings.

Maybe it's the product of an overactive imagination but i will always associate this song as being akin to being approached by a succubus. Which makes the seductive nature of it make sense XD

Back to the Eighties: Turning Japanese

Original video located here. Accessed 18th November 2022

Song title: Turning Japanese

Artist: The Vapors

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

It's the anthem of anime geeks everywhere.

Pretty all that needs to be said really. XD

Back to the Eighties: Birthday

Original video located here. Accessed 17th November 2022

Song title: Birthday

Artist: Sugarcubes

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

It sounds like nothing else around at the time. Unique, expressive and delightfully strange.

Also it's a favourite to play every June 11th.

Got It Covered: Pipeline

Original video located here. Accessed 16th November 2022

Song title: Pipeline

Artist: Dick Dale and Stevie Ray Vaughan

Originally Done By: Chantays

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

Behold: A cover.

And a case of finding out stuff when you're an adult: I doubt had I seen Pulp Fiction I would've become aware of the music of Dick Dale. And I certainly won't say no an instrumental.

What makes this one special is seeing (hearing?) two expert guitarists working off one another and each with their distinctive sound: Dale with the deep roar and Vaughan with his higher pitch. Great stuff

Back to the Eighties: We're Not Gonna Take It

Original video located here. Accessed 15th November 2022

Song title: We're Not Gonna Take It

Artist: Twisted Sister

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

Sometimes you just need something to hear when you're pissed off.

The music video is hilarious too.

Back to the Eighties: Rock the Casbah

Original video located here. Accessed 14th November 2022

Song title: Rock the Casbah

Artist: The Clash

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

I listened to a lot of 2nd wave punk music in my teens so it was inevitable that i would branch out and go after the music of the first wave. And I found it much to my liking, being an outlet for anger and a rallying cry for the rebel in me.

As for this song, it is the Clash at their funkiest - certainly a far cry from the punk which they made themselves known for but hey, it's certainly a party-starter. And the rage is still there. So an angry song can get a party stated? Who would've thunk it?

Back to the Eighties: Walk Away Renee

Original video located here. Accessed 13th November 2022

Song title: Walk Away Renee

Artist: Billy Bragg

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

This has to be one of the most humorous break-up songs ever. As such a topic usually inspires songs that are sad or angry but rare is the break-up song with such funny lines.

e.g.: "I confronted her about it / I said: "I'm the most illegible bachelor in town! / And she said: "Yeah that's why i can never understand any of those silly letter you send"

Back to the Eighties: Billie Jean

Original video located here. Accessed 12th November 2022

Song title: Billie Jean

Artist: Michael Jackson

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

I guess it's safe to say that the eighties would be defined by Michael Jackson, both with his music and his rise to super stardom. But if everyone knew Michael Jackson was, I however was the exception. I knew nothing of the man nor his music - and at a time when people of all ages would be familiar with him.

So what do I think of this song then? Well a cynic would think that it's a sign of paranoia creeping in - that would haunt MJ for years to come - and it's huge ask of the listener to empathise with the wealthy popstar and not the impoverished single mother. So how does this song get away with it?

It's the bass line. Yep, let's go with that

Back to the Eighties: Every Breath You Take

Original video located here. Accessed 11th November 2022

Song title: Every Breath You Take

Artist: The Police

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

I don't believe time has been kind to this song. If anything people know this song for being both THE stalkers anthem and something you don't want played at your wedding. But such jokes really sell the song short: For it is a very effective song about loneliness, what with the lyrics and the constantly looping guitar (no doubt mimicking the thought pattern of a guy going crazy).

Is that the reason why people seem so keen on the jokes, as it provides some comfort against uncomfortable truths? Maybe

Back to the Eighties: Your Wildest Dreams

Original video located here. Accessed 11th November 2022

Song title: Your Wildest Dreams

Artist: The Moody Blues

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

I have something for a soft spot for the Moody Blues. I can attribute this as this was another act passed down from me from my father. Indeed, I recall the Moodies landmark 1967 album Days of Future Passed as being the very first album I heard from start to finish. And you don't forget stuff like that.

It should be noted that the 1980s were kind to veteran acts (boomer nostalgia perhaps?) so of course the Moodies would show up in this list of 80s music. That and the fact that the song is quite a snappy one. Okay sure there's a whole of eighties production going on here but it works - that and we have one of John Lodge's finest bass lines

Back to the Eighties: You're the Best

Original video located here. Accessed 9th November 2022

Song title: You're the Best

Artist: Joe Esposito

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

I confess: I'm a sucker for a 'pump-up' anthem and this one delivers. Funny how a song written for a kid's movie resonates with me as an adult.

Admittedly I've never seen the Karate Kid but I will sooner associate this song with Futurama XD

Back to the Eighties: Our Lips Are Sealed

Original video located here. Accessed 8th November 2022

Song title: Our Lips are Sealed

Artist: The Go-Gos

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

I remember hearing the Spiderbait cover of this back in 1996, and I misheard the title lyric as "Alex the Seal". Sounds dumb I know but I will admit there's an idea there....

But if i can love a song that was then fifteen years old then that is a testament that the song itself cannot wither with age. Why even listening to it now, over four decades later, it sounds great

Back to the Eighties: Are You Ready to be Heartbroken

Original video located here. Accessed 7th November 2022

Song title: Are You Ready to be Heartbroken?

Artist: Lloyd Cole And The Commotions

Year: 1984

Why I like this song:

This song fascinates me on two levels. Firstly, there are some witty and sharp lines dotted throughout. Secondly, it doesn't sound like a product of it's time. This certainly sounds unique against the rest of the eighties music canon and, as a result, has aged a lot better against it's contemporaries.

Back to the Eighties: Everywhere

Original video located here. Accessed 6th November 2022

Song title: Everywhere

Artist: Fleetwood Mac

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

It can't be disputed that the fortunes of Fleetwood Mac changed dramatically when they brought in Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. However when i listen to the material produced by the classic line up (Buckingham/Nicks/McVie/McVie/Fleetwood) it's the songs written by Christine McVie that end up sticking out for me. Songbird. You Make Loving Fun. Don't Stop. Can't beat an output like that.

Which brings me to Everywhere: It's a pop song par excellence with great guitar work and wonderful harmonies - both of which are highlighted in live versions (like the one in the video above).

Talk about playing to one's strengths.

Back to the Eighties: Danger Zone

Original video located here. Accessed 5th November 2022

Song title: Danger Zone

Artist: Kenny Loggins

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Some songs just make you feel like a badass

It's doubtful that this song will ever not be associated with the movie Top Gun. But personally I find it a useful song to have when you're roaring down the highway - of course my car will never be an F-14 but close enough XD

Back to the Eighties: Ghost Town

Original video located here. Accessed 4th November 2022

Song title: Ghost Town

Artist: The Specials

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

In talking about Eighties songs there are three perspectives at work: That of myself as a child, that of myself as a teenager and that of myself as a adult. And this song represents how each perspective can work on a song. Child me didn't know of it, Teenager me didn't know what to make of it but Adult me came to appreciate it.

As for the song itself, it's effective at tackling subjects like unemployment, poverty and de-urbansiation and makes it sound like a horror movie. And it still sound relevant now

Back to the Eighties: What a Feeling

Original video located here. Accessed 3rd November 2022

Song title: What a Feeling

Artist: Irene Cara

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

Can't say I've seen the movie but I do know when I hear something I like.

So what makes this song special? A lot may rest on the shoulders of one Giorgio Moroder delivering the goods as producer. But in the end this is a slice of irresistible eighties pop and it does it's job with flair

Back to the Eighties: Mickey

Original video located here. Accessed 2nd November 2022

Song title: Mickey

Artist: Toni Basil

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

Believe it or not this song has a particular resonance for me as it was number one on the Australian charts the week i was born - and that was enough to secure a position on this list.

Some people might think this song is annoying and obnoxious but to those people i say: RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!!!!

Back to the Eighties: Hotta

Original video located here. Accessed 1st November 2022

Song title: Hotta

Artist: Sky

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

It may surprise some people but my father had an influence on my tastes in music. Indeed, i credit my interest in the Beatles, Celtic folk and classical music to my Dad. However, the returning of the favor has yet to happen (he said through gritted teeth).

But I digress: Among the list of musical acts that my father got me into there was also this: Sky. A band made up of British and Australian personnel, who enjoyed success in both countries. Some say their success was the last hurrah for the prog rock that defined the seventies and who am i to argue with such an assessment?

As for the song: I am a sucker for a great instrumental and this one delivers. Also, the song shows off the musicianship these guys have and everyone gets to solo.