Back to the Eighties: Handle With Care

Original video located here. Accessed 31st December 2022

Song title: Handle With Care

Artist: Travelling Wilburys

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

It is well documented that a key moment in my education of pop music was getting up early on a Saturday morning to watch the top 40 on this TV show called rage (that my older sister knew about).

It was how I came across this song. Funnily enough, at the time I knew who Roy Orbison was but I had no idea who the other four guys were....

Still, this song still holds up years later and it is a shining example of five veterans getting together and seeing what comes of it. And if a song that stuck with me as a six year old can still work for me when I'm in my forties then something must've worked.

Back to the Eighties: The Winner Takes It All

Original video located here. Accessed 30th December 2022

Song title: The Winner Takes it All

Artist: ABBA

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

Proving my hypothesis that the 80s were a fertile period for break up songs we come to the mother of all break up songs.

It may be easy to dismiss ABBA for producing 'silly pop songs' but personally? When they decide to get serious, it makes one sit up and take notice. So yeah, it's my favourite of ABBA's catalogue purely because it is both relatable and quite he emotional rollercoaster, coming from a band you wouldn't think had it in them.

Favourite line: "And I understand / You've come to shake my hand.."

Back to the Eighties: Surfing With the Alien

Original video located here. Accessed 29th December 2022

Song title: Surfing with the Alien

Artist: Joe Satriani

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

I have always maintained that my interest in metal stems from the fact that there are some very talented musicians attached to that genre. So when you wish for more people who follow the Frank Zappa dictum of "Shut up and play your guitar", one eventually arrives here.

I cannot recall why I decided to purchase this album was from. Was it the Silver Surfer on the cover? Was it the vague idea of instrumental metal? But who cares: This song is great and shows a true master of the craft.

Back to the Eighties: Rockin' in the Free World

Original video located here. Accessed 24th December 2024

Song title: Rockin' in the Free World

Artist: Neil Young

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

It's fascinating to hear music of the late eighties now because, with hindsight, it is possible to pick up signposts of what was going to happen in the following decade.

And this is one such example: Not only is it Neil Young weighing in with some righteous anger but it is also an example of proto-grunge.

Funny how it takes an old guy to show the kids how it's done.

Not much I can add except it has plenty of fire years later and is a sterling example of how to do a comeback

Back to the Eighties: Posion

Original video located here. Accessed 27th December 2022

Song title: Poison

Artist: Alice Cooper

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

I recall this song, at the time, making an impression on my seven-year old mind. And it would seem that said impression was quite the long lasting one.

Also there was a time when I'd confuse this song with Guns N Roses' Sweet Child of Mine. Most likely because the opening riffs sound similar.

Actually, forget what I said about the Killing Moon: THIS is the sound of being approached by a succubus XD

Back to the Eighties: The Flame

Original video located here. Accessed 26th December 2022

Song title: The Flame

Artist: Cheap Trick

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

I know some people don't like this song. Some people disregard it has more Power balled Malarky. Some people feel it goes against the grain of what made Cheap Trick initially so interesting.

But in this case, the romantic side of me won out.

I will certainly admit that, for years, this is song did speak the hopeless romantic in me (emphasis on the word hopeless) and in to that end it certainly had quite a bit of staying power - which is more than can be said of other songs of the same era.

Back to the Eighties: I'm an Adult Now

Original video located here. Accessed 25th December 2022

Song title: I'm an Adult Now

Artist: The Pursuit of Happiness

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

Comedy in pop music is a tricky proposition. Because pop music is built around repetition. Tell the same joke often enough and it becomes tiresome and even annoying, But this song works purely because of it's relatability. It isn't much of a stretch for anyone to latch onto this song upon entering adulthood and connecting with some of these lines. "Gotta get up and take on that world / When you're an adult it's no cliche it's the truth"

In addition it's also not much of a stetch to change the refrain into "I'm on the dole now!"

Personally I still get a chuckle out of this song no matter how many times I have heard it - Favourite line: "I don't write songs about girls any more / I have to write songs about women / No more 'Boy meets girl Boy loses girl' / More like: 'Man tries to understand what the hell went wrong!'"

Back to the Eighties: Fairytale of New York

Original video located here. Accessed 24th December 2022

Song title: Fairy-tale of New York

Artist: The Pogues

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

It may be unconventional as a Christmas song but for many people, myself included, it is one that is true to life.

There was a period of time, back in 2004, that I was listening to the Pogues a lot. At first it was the novelty of hearing what would've happened had someone combined a punk rock band with n Irish folk band in some illegal mad scientist's laboratory. But then I picked up that there was some really stellar songwriting at play in this band.

That being said, what kind of Christmas song has the singers cursing each other? And is about failure? (Not one by Mariah Carey that's for sure) But, as stated above, the song's unconventional nature is part of it's appeal.

Finally, in recent months I have discovered my father had developed something of a liking for the Pogues. Looks like there's been some progress made....

Got it Covered: Alone

Original video located here. Accessed 23rd December 2022

Song title: Alone

Artist: Heart

Originally Done By: I-Ten

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

On paper this seems corny: A power balled? Really? Sure it may be easy to dismiss power ballads being melodramatic and overwhelming to the point of being tiring.

But in this case, I have to admit: Ann Wilson's voice has a power that simply cannot be ignored. It also helps that the music is great and the rather striking line in the chorus ("I never even cared until I met you!!")

Back to the Eighties: Almost With You

Original video located here. Accessed 22nd December 2022

Song title: Almost With You

Artist: the Church

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

Jangle-pop Australian style. Yes, whilst the UK had the Smiths and the US had R.E.M., we had these guys.

When it comes to picking a song from the Church, it's a tough call as one is spoilt for choice. But I opted for this one as it plays to the Church's strengths: Abstract lyrics, great guitar work and a really neat acoustic solo

Back to the Eighties: Eternally Yours

Original video located here. Accessed 21st December 2022

Song title: Eternally Yours

Artist: Laughing Clowns

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

I've had a keen interest in Ed Kuepper for years and have always followed what he's done. So lets talk about the band he had going in the early eighties known as the Laughing Clowns

Three things stand out about this song: Firstly, it sounds like nothing else that was produced at the time in Australia (or since for that matter). Second, the propulsive drumming. And thirdly that glorious saxophone solo. Great stuff all around

Back to the Eighties: What I Like About You

Original video located here. Accessed 20th December 2022

Song title: What I Like About You

Artist: The Romantics

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

Continuing the theme of songs that exist out of time and place, this has to be rock and roll at it's most primeval. It sounds like it has always existed, using riffs that you'd swear were ripped off of somewhere else.

And damn does it work wonders. It's damn infectious and even the harmonica solo works.

Back to the Eighties: Golden Brown

Original video located here. Accessed 19th December 2022

Song title: Golden Brown

Artist: The Stranglers

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

Another song that sounds so unique and completely devoid of any time and place. And it does so despite the fact that this song is a strange one. This is because a) it's in a waltz and b) you never hear a pop song featuring a harpsichord, let alone one where said instrument dominates.

Back to the Eighties: Wicked Game

Original video located here. Accessed 18th December 2022

Song title: Wicked Game

Artist: Chris Isaak

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

I hold this song as proof of my hypothesis that the eighties songs that sound the least eighties are the ones that age the best. Indeed, when i first became aware of this song I thought it was a nineties song but no: it came out earlier than that.

That and one would think this song was custom made for summer evenings spent on a beach....

Back to the Eighties: Africa

Original video located here. Accessed 17th December 2022

Song title: Africa

Artist: Toto

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

It may be a song about an idealised version of Africa (it should be known writer David Paich wrote the words based on what he saw in National Geographic) but hey, it's one of those songs that will never get old.

Back to the Eighties: Save Me

|Original video located here. Accessed 16th December 2022

Song title: Save Me

Artist: Queen

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

I can only imagine this, back in it's day, would've been a surprise for the singles buying public. Here's a band who had built up a career of fun and bombast and they deliver something sombre. But personally, I feel that this song walked so Who Wants to Live Forever/The Show Must Go On/These Are the Days of Our Lives could all run.

Years later, it's that going against the grain that still makes this song work. It also helps that the lyrics do indeed run the whole of phase of emotions dealing with a break up.

Got it Covered: Song to the Siren

Original video located here. Accessed 15th December 2022

Song title: Song to the Siren

Artist: This Mortal Coil

Originally Done By: Tim Buckley

Year: 1983

Why I like this song:

This is a song I would only discover well into adulthood. I knew of the song title and the band name, but beyond such a striking combination I knew nothing else.

So what is this song? It's dream pop at it's finest. It's a song where Liz Fraser puts her heart and soul into. It's a cover of a song by Tim Buckley (Jeff's dad for all you trainspotters).

But for me this is like nothing else out of the whole decade. No matter how many times I hear it, it takes me away to somewhere. else. And when it's done, it's like awakening from a dream - which is something very few songs can achieve successfully.

After all, is this a voice that is worth travelling an ocean for but will forever remain out of reach? One would think so.

Back to the Eighties: I Don't Want a Lover

Original video located here. Accessed 14th December 2023

Song title: I Don't Want a Lover

Artist: Texas

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

I recall this song being popular back when I was in the 2nd grade. I also recall, at the time, a particular books on ghosts from my primary school library that I would read intently. Needless to say, I have come to associate this song with the village of Pluckley.

But what strikes me about this song is the production. It's not just the slide guitar - no this song gives off a ghostly (har har) feel throughout. Indeed it was only hearing this song again in adulthood that I realise the harmonica part runs right through it.

Back to the Eighties: Emotion in Motion

Original video located here. Accessed 13th December 2022

Song title: Emotion in Motion

Artist: Ric Ocasek

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Eighties production ahoy.

I will admit that yes I am a romantic at heart. And while this may not be well known (at the time it was a no.8 hit in Australia) this is quite the love song. Maybe it's just me but it conveys the sense of wonder that comes in being in a relationship with ease.

Back to the Eighties: Just Can't Get Enough

Original video located here. Accessed 12th December 2022

Song title: Just Can't Get Enough

Artist: Depeche Mode

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

It may not be the best representation of what Depeche Mode could accomplish but damn, is this infectious. In fact I doubt anyone could anyone could listen to this without cracking a grin - which says a lot for a band who are known for more dour material.

Back to the Eighties: That's Entertainment

Original video located here. Accessed 11th December 2022

Song title: That's Entertainment

Artist: The Jam

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

For the uninitiated, The Jam were part of the late-seventies British Punk rock scene. Therefore it's ironic that their best known song is something that doesn't sound at all punk.

But this is nothing less than striking: The acoustic guitar, the rumbling bass, the percussion that strikes so little that you notice it when it does and the lyrics dealing with observations about working class life.

Indeed, you could easily make the argument that this song has aged a lot better than the other songs of the era.

Back to the Eighties: (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right

Original video located here. Accessed 10th December 2022

Song title: (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right

Artist: Beastie Boys

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

Can you tell a joke too well? This song says you can - as it is well known that this song was embraced by the people the Beastie Boys were criticising. And the irony is too delicious.

Still this song works because of it revelling in it's bratty obnoxiousness. Also the video is one of the funniest I've ever seen.

Back to the Eighties: Don't Give Up

Original video located here. Accessed 9th December 2022

Song title: Don't Give Up

Artist: Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush

Year: 1986

Why I like this song:

What can I say about this one? It's expertly crafted as a duet, with all lines arranged in a conversational manner. And you can't deny the comforting power in Kate's lines. And this has certainly been a helpful song to have around in difficult times of my life - and I can imagine, for a lot of other people too.

Obituary: No More Heroes

Original video located here. Accessed 9th December 2022

Song title: No More Heroes

Artist: The Stranglers

Year: 1978

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Jet Black

Were the Stranglers really trend-chasers? Who cares? If the above video is anything to go by they certainly knew how to come across as not giving a rat's arse what any else thinks.
And this is indeed admirable. 

Back to the Eighties: Pocket Calculator

Original video located here. Accessed 8th December 2022

Song title: Pocket Calculator

Artist: Kraftwerk

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

Ermmm.... Das ist gut!

I'm a big fan for Kraftwerk - largely for their pioneering spirit and the fact their music demands full attention. So you wouldn't think they would be the kind to tackle a pop song - or at least something resembling it. Guess the success of The Model gave the impression it could work.

Needless to say, this is very unlike Kraftwerk being upbeat and fun. And somehow, it works

Back to the Eighties: If You Leave Me Can I Come too?

Original video located here. Accessed 7th December 2022

Song title: If You Leave Me Can I Come too?

Artist: Mental As Anything

Year: 1981

Why I like this song:

From one group of goofballs to another.

I recall the Mentals being a major presence on radio in the eighties. And later in my adulthood, I started listening to their albums seriously. And even though the Mentals have written some quality songs, they will forever be a group of goofballs - as evidenced by this song. Sure the main hook is the pun of the title but there is quite snappy song. And that is the deception that works in the Mentals favour: Great songs written by a goofballs

Back to the Eighties: I'm Gonna Be 500 Miles

Original video located here. Accessed 6th December 2022

Song title: I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)

Artist: The Proclaimers

Year: 1988

Why I like this song:

One act I remember quite vividly from the late eighties were these guys: I remember their music being a constant presence and their album, Sunshine on Leith, played a lot at home. And in adulthood, I found this song is handy to have around as a singalong - especially when you've more than a few drinks

Also of particular note was during the late eighties was when I started wearing glasses. At first it took some getting used to but then I realised: If a pair of Scottish identical twins can pull off this look then so can I

Back to the Eighties: Kiss the Dirt

Original video located here. Accessed 5th December 2022

Song title: Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)

Artist: INXS

Year: 1985

Why I like this song:

I was never into INXS as a kid. Yeah: Australia has it's biggest musical export and I slept through the whole thing. Throughout INXS' heyday, their music didn't do anything for me (with the exception of Beautiful Girl - but that's another story) and it was only during my adulthood that I came to see their music in a new light.

And for me, this song was the best of INXS in the eighties. The strength in the song is within it's simplicity what with the fact that a lot is done with few guitar chords and the synthesizer effect throughout. Also, perhaps it is fitting that the video is shot in a desert because this song does indeed evoke heat and wide open spaces.

Back to the Eighties: So Far Away

Original video located here. Accessed 4th December 2022

Song title: So Far Away

Artist: Dire Straits

Year: 1985

Why I like this song:

A song that ended up resonated with me in my later years. I have previously been involved in distance relationships and this song will forever remind me of them.

Back to the Eighties: House of Fun

Original video located here. Accessed 3rd December 2022

Song title: House of Fun

Artist: Madness

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

Funny thing: At first glance (listen?) one would think this is a fun/zany song. It is only with time that one realises that this song has built around a metric tonne of sexual innuendo. And I've only realised this for the first time within the past twelve months XD

Still it does prove that subtlety can indeed work wonders

Mind you however, such subtlety doesn't change the fact that I find this song handy to have around when moving into a new place

Back to the Eighties: Allentown

Original video located here. Accessed 2nd December 2022

Song title: Allentown

Artist: Billy Joel

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

So the piano man tackles a protest song? About a mining town in recession? It sounds like a strange combination but here it works. Props to Billy to coming with some really hard-hitting lines for a son that, unfortunately, is still relevant

Obituary: You Make Loving Fun

Original video located here. Accessed 1st December 2022

Song title: You Make Loving Fun

Artist: Fleetwood Mac

Year: 1977

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Christine McVie

I don't know about the rest of you but she was my favourite songwriter of Fleetwood Mac's successful era. And the above song is testament to that.

Back to the Eighties: Ever So Lonely

Original video located here. Accessed 1st December 2022

Song title: Ever so Lonely

Artist: Monsoon

Year: 1982

Why I like this song:

Another case of me discovering a song until much later. Granted there is a novelty of merging Indian music with pop sensibilities but it works. This song certainly sounds unique amongst other entrants on this list and is all the better for it