Hey, Remember The 80's?

Send us a textEpisode 151: What exactly is Power Pop? There are a few guidelines, but really, you'll know it when you hear it. The Knack and Cheap Trick are a couple of the more popular Power Pop bands, but since this is HRT80's, Joe and Kari spotlight a few of the lesser-known acts: The Kings, XTC, and The Spongetones, among others. That's What Friends Are For: Culture Club backing vocalist, and (one-time) friend of Boy George, Helen Terry gets her moment to shine in the spotlight. Love Lies Lost was a Top 40 UK Hit, but what happened next? 

Send us a textEpisode 150! Can you believe it?? Joe and Kari have decided to spend this momentous occasion (or maybe it was a coincidence) to take a deep dive into the careers of "artistes" Devo and Rickie Lee Jones. Kari chose to investigate the art-rockers Devo and how they got started. Joe is obsessed with Rickie Lee Jones. These two acts definitely march to the beat of their own drum. Coming Around Again: The ubiquitous 80's hit "Walking on Sunshine" was actually the second version of the song, who knew? Tune in to Episode 150 - and don't it feel good??!!

Send us a textEpisode 149: Got a minute? Joe and Kari are bringing you more epic guitar solos that last around 60 seconds, including classics from artists you would expect (Santana, Guns 'N' Roses, Led Zeppelin), as well as some deeper hits from acts like Vandenberg, J. Blackfoot, and Bad Company. Who's Holding Phil Now? It's the same old story from Mr. Collins -- he tells record execs "I'm not doing that!" and then of course, he ends up doing just that -- including a big hit from his foray into film acting Buster. 

Send us a textEpisode 148: Hope you love the segment "Just a Bit Outside" as much as Joe and Kari do, because that's the sole focus of this episode -- but with a twist!! Since Joe complained so much about focusing on the deeper hits from the year 1980, Kari decided to zoom on up to 1989! So get ready for songs from 1989's brightest stars: Neneh Cherry, Dino...and Loverboy?!

Send us a textEpisode 147 is here! Joe and Kari take a look at the Billboard issue from February 22, 1986, with a highlight on R&B News and Charts. Did you know how many times James Brown hit the Hot 100?? Billboard's resident chart watcher (and Psychic Friend) Paul Grein knew! James Brown was on the charts with a song from Rocky IV. Jermaine Jackson, Bernard Wright and Dana Dane were making waves on the R&B Chart in 1986, and the Reagan Administration put an end to War on Drugs. It was a big week!Friend of the podcast Michael drops in to quiz Joe and Kari on some trailblazers in R&B and Hip Hop. Who will reign? Tune in and find out!

Send us a textEpisode 146: The 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees have been announced, and this year's crop includes some MTV-era stars as well as a certain Country & Western Icon.  Don't forget to vote daily for your faves!! R&B Superstars: Kari's reference book come in handy once again this week. Time for a closer look at some of the acts that were dominating the R&B Chart in the 80's: D Train, The Emotions, and Fatback are just a few of the artists that made this week's playlist one of the funkiest in recent history!! (Also they discuss The Family.)

Send us a textEpisode 145: The Janet Jackson documentary dropped, and Joe and Kari have some opinions!  It's hard to distill the impact of Janet's music and legacy into four hours (with commercials), but overall, viewers were treated to some behind-the-scenes footage that allowed a glimpse into the music. Was it enough?What better time to look at the 80's music output of some of the other Jacksons: Rebbie, LaToya, and Marlon. Joe and Kari discuss which songs are worth listening to. Just a Bit Outside: The segment that checks out songs that didn't quite make the Top 40 is back. Another famous last name was releasing music -- Sly's brother released a Joni Mitchell cover -- but why??

Send us a textEpisode 144: Ready for another episode of Hey, Remember the 80's? Joe and Kari take a look at the R&B Chart to highlight some of the artists that dominated that chart throughout the 80's. Atlantic Starr, George Benson, and Cameo are some of the powerhouse acts that put over 20 songs on the R&B Chart. Top of the Pops: A quick look at two songs that topped the UK Singles Chart. One from the British Elvis, and a duet between two unlikely acts. 

Send us a textEpisode 143: Longest Sax Solos of the 80's, Part Two! The saxophone solo is a staple of your favorite 80's hits, time to check in on some doozies: Wang Chung and Go West are two synth-based acts, but they weren't afraid to dust of the sax when needed! The Stray Cats and The Rolling Stones show up as well. Quiz Time: Kari recently took part of a trivia contest, time to see how Joe would've fared. Who will emerge victorious?? 

Send us a textEpisode 142: That's What Friends Are For…Joe and Kari keep smilin', keep shinin' as they highlight the 80's tunes which feature famous musicians in the studio that are paying a favor to their friends. A former Eagle recruits Kim Carnes for backup, while Dave Mason does one better and gets the biggest star of the 80's to sing backup for him. Coming Around Again: A couple of songs get a second chance on the charts! One song is from a British act, and one is from the King of Rock and Roll!

Send us a textEpisode 141: Everybody's gotta start somewhere, and in this episode of HRT80's, Joe and Kari are taking a look at some of the earlier songs from legendary songwriter Diane Warren. She has written some of the biggest hits of all-time, like "How Do I Live," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," but in the 80's, she wrote some songs that DIDN'T top the charts. She wrote songs for Barbara Mandrell, Melissa Manchester, and Ronnie Spector, among others. Some of these are really good! And for others, the top spot on the Hot 100 was a real moonshot. 

Send us a textEpisode 140: Joe and Kari took a little break for the holidays, but they are BACK, and to coincide with the first episode of the New Year, they are taking a look at the first time some of your faves hit the Hot 100: Survivor, Don Henley, and the solo debuts of a couple members of the Go-Go's are the first up. You'll also hear about the debut of Jermaine Stewart and cuties Roman Holliday. Quiz Time: Joe and Kari face off with a little 80's music trivia. Who will be the Queen (not a spoiler) of 80's music trivia? Find out in this new episode of HRT80s. 

Send us a textEpisode 139: Santa brought everyone a SUPER-SIZED episode this week, as well as an appearance from friend of the podcast Michael! This week's topic: Grand Theft Auto (it's a video game, and don't worry if you've never played it, Joe hasn't either). The MUSIC in Grand Theft Auto is Amazingggg, lots of big hits and obscure 80’s songs. Joe, Kari, and Michael give you the rundown on some of the musicians and songs included, like songs from Whodini, Roxy Music, and Sigue Sigue Sputnik.Quiz Time: Kari, that wily minx, pits Joe and Michael against each other to see who knows more about those songs that hit the Bubbling Under chart. Place your bets now!

Send us a textEpisode 138: Another look at some of the songs that were topping Billboard's *other* charts: Dance, R&B, Rock. First, dueling Steely Dan/Michael Jackson mash-ups, did they get paid for this? Siedah Garrett was topping the dance chart as well. She was hot off of her number one with MJ, was this song the right move for her? Also, Bobby Brown made solo music before "Don't Be Cruel" - who knew? And a look at a song that was made famous again after an SNL sketch.Just A Bit Outside: April Wine and Narada Michael Walden hit the Hot 100 in the early 80's, did they deserve to chart higher?

Send us a textEpisode 137: A momentous occasion for sure; Kari re-evaluates her stance on the music of Dire Straits! Joe and Kari reveal the longest organ solos of the 80's: J. Geils Band, Axe, and Crowded House make the list, and you will also learn exactly what a "brewer's droop" is, for better or worse.Who's Holding Phil Now: Time to check in on Phil Collins, who probably spent more time in the studio than any other 80's musician. Even former bandmate Peter Gabriel couldn't resist asking Phil to help out on his solo albums. 

Send us a textOne big tidbit kicks off the episode: a summary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and tributes to Carole King, Tina Turner, the Go-Go's, and LL Cool J. Then it's Time to go Back in Time, to November 30th, 1985 to be exact. Ads and articles in that edition of Billboard Magazine highlight artists like Arcadia, Kurtis Blow, Grace Jones, and Jack Wagner, who did NOT wear an eye patch in whatever soap opera he starred in. And finally, a review for an actor-slash-singer who had some LOFTY goals. 

Send us a textEpisode 135: The 80’s had no shortage of amazing female vocalists, and in this episode, Joe and Kari will be ranking the hits of three talented women: Linda Ronstadt, Barbra Streisand, and … Juice Newton? Yes, chart-wise, these three had about the same amount of hits!! It’s no secret that Joe loves Juice Newton, but will she nab the top spot? That’s What Friends Are For — it should come as a surprise to no one, but the members of Duran Duran had a LOT of famous friends. But who among them would show up to the studio when it came time to record a third single for one of their side projects??

Send us a textEpisode 134 is here! First things first, why did the last episode end with Paula Abdul's "Vibeology"? Next, a deep dive into two 80's acts that have been on tour recently -- The Psychedelic Furs and The Fixx. Kari saw The Psychedelic Furs in Milwaukee, so she tackles their history and some notable songs. Joe has tickets for The Fixx in STL, so he's got the rundown on their career and music highlights. Just a Bit Outside: some non-Top 40 singles from 2 big names (Blondie and .38 Special), and one from a lesser-known R&B Singer/Songwriter. 

Send us a textEpisode 133: The time has finally arrived for Joe and Kari to reveal all about 80's in the Sand, the five day 80's music festival in Cancun. They discuss the highs, the lows, and everything in between! Billy Idol was the headliner (and put on a great show), but everyone from The Little River Band to The Smithereens gave it their all! Find out which acts put on fantastic poolside sets, and which acts blew the doors off the auditorium. Put on some SPF 50, grab a Miami Vice, and feel the vibes! 

Send us a textEpisode 132: Joe and Kari will discuss their recent Cancun adventures very soon in an upcoming 80's in the Sands episode, but for now, please enjoy this episode covering an event that has been talked about in passing in previous episodes. The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute was a massive undertaking that occurred at Wembley Stadium in 1988. Diverse acts like Sting, Joan Armatrading, and Simple Minds performed. Listen to clips from the concert from these acts and more, as well as commentary from Joe and Kari.