Explore every episode of the podcast TapeHeads: 80's Music and Beyond

To celebrate our third anniversary of the big show, we thought it would be fun to look back a bit and discuss where we started and where we're going, as well as appreciate those of you who've been with us along the way, from our embryonic state to whatever you want to call the state we're in these days. :)

RELATED LINKS:

Our Retrospective playlist, on Spotify

Were there songs in the 80's to which you slow-danced with your sweetheart (or your flavor of the week), but then years or decades later, you listened to the lyrics and realized that maybe the songs weren't as romantic as you remembered? These are some of those songs for us, and Blaine guides us through them.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS.

Our Depressing Songs of the 80's, Vol. 1 playlist, on Spotify

How do we explain Max Headroom? He was a not-really CGI character but quasi-virtual TV presenter and talking head who was absolutely everywhere in the late 80's. The actor who played him, Matt Frewer, is still a very busy and visible actor in lots of movies and shows. Such a crazy and fun story that couldn't have happened at any other time.

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RELATED LINKS:

Max Headroom, "Merry Christmas Santa Claus (You're a Lovely Guy" official video, on YouTube

"Max Headroom's Giant Christmas Turkey", on YouTube

"Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into the Future", on YouTube

"The Max Headroom Broadcast Incident - Weird Tales", on YouTube

"The Max Headroom Incident Unsolved TV Hijack of 1987", on YouTube

Whitesnake are epic and awesome. Yes, they are. "Here I Go Again" is one of the most iconic songs of the 80s, and that's not even mentioning the video. They cast a long shadow and have a very interesting story. We also have a hilarious discussion about their obviously euphemistic name. This song also has multiple versions over the decades, so be sure to check out our playlist on this one.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Here I Go Again playlist, on Spotify

Whitesnake, on Spotify

Whitesnake, "Here I Go Again" official video, on YouTube

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

Vinnie Vincent, botn Vincent Cusano, is an extremely interesting character. He's most famous for his tenure in Kiss, but his career has varied widely, from working on some famous television shows to being a recluse for decades. We get into all of it in this episode.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Boyz Are Gonna Rock playlist, on Spotify

Vinnie Vincent, on Spotify

Vinnie Vincent, "Boyz Are Gonna Rock" official video, on YouTube

Warrior, on Spotify. This is a tricky one because there are multiple bands called Warrior. This should be the right one.

Kiss, Creatures of the Night album, on Spotify

Kiss, Lick It Up album, on Spotify

Dan Hartman, "Instant Replay" official video, on YouTube

Kiss live in Rio de Janeiro 1983, full concert. Largest concert in history, at the time

John Waite, No Brakes album, on Spotify

COVER YOUR EARS

Forte Guitar Co.'s excellent "No Substitute" version

The Cars got their start in Boston in the early 70's, and for their fifth album in 1984, they teamed up with mega-producer "Mutt" Lange to create a huge hit album. We discuss all of it here in this extremely fun episode.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Magic playlist, on Spotify

The Cars, "Magic" official video, on YouTube

The Cars, on Spotify

When one of the biggest bands and one of then most iconic singers in the world find themselves in the same place at the same time, magic is bound to happen, as it did in the case of Queen and David Bowie's collaboration, "Under Pressure." It's quite a song, and quite a story.

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RELATED LINKS;

Our Under Pressure playlist, on Spotify

Queen & David Bowie, "Under Pressure", on Spotify

Queen & David Bowie, "Under Pressure", official music video, on YouTube

We mentioned on a previous episode (actually, Todd did) that Kenny Loggins is the soundtrack king of the 80's, but now it's time for Todd to put his knowledge to the test, as Blaine challenges him to name all of the songs.

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RELATED LINKS:

Our Soundtrack King of the 80's playlist, on Spotify

Kenny Loggins, on Spotify

Where do you even start with Spinal Tap? They set the standard for parody documentaries (otherwise known as 'mockumentaries') and influenced many bands and movies in the ensuing decades. Todd was even lucky enough to see them perform live on the Break Like The Wind tour. It was super fun to tell the story of this band.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight playlist, on Spotify

Spinal Tap, on Spotify

This Is Spinal Tap, at IMDB

The 80's were famous for soundtracks. Some of the biggest and best of all time came from back then. We explore a list created by JoBlo, which rounds up some of the usual suspects but also provides a few surprises. Let's get into it.

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RELATED LINKS:

JoBlo Top 10 Soundtracks of the 80's

Our JoBlo-Inspired Top 10 (?) Soundtracks of the 80's playlist, on Spotify

Hired Gun documentary, art IMDB

This episode is a very special two-bands-for-for-the-price-of-one conversation.

Bourgeois Tagg. Does this band ring a bell for you? We would be surprised if it they do, but their song "I Don't Mind At All" is fantastic, and we think you'll agree.

Similarly, Freiheit are a German band known for a song from the soundtrack to the movie "Say Anything" (we discussed the song on that episode as well) that was also featured on American Idol. Best Paul McCartney song he never wrote.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our I Don't Mind At All playlist, on Spotify

Bourgeois Tagg, on Spotify

Freiheit, on Spotify

Münchener Freiheit, on Spotify

Bourgeois Tagg, "I Don't Mind At All" official video, on YouTube

Freiheit, "Keeping the Dream Alive" official video, on YouTube

"Keeping the Dream Alive" as performed on American Idol

Vinnie Vincent, "That Time of Year" official video, on YouTube

This song and album was one of the bigggest from the 80's, as well as the most controversial for its use of an anti- gay slur. Mark Knopfler was and is one of the best guitarsts around. We delve into all of it.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Money For Nothing playlist, on Spotify

Dire Straits, on Spotiy.

Dire Straits, "Money For Nothing" official video, at YouTube

Under the Volcano (2021) documentary, at IMDB

COVER YOUR EARS:

Colt Clark and the Quarantine Kids

As a member of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson wrote many of the world's most famous surf songs, despite being afraid of the water and not knowing how to swim. After he'd stopped performing with them live, he went on to write some of the best and most beloved songs of all time. He also had a very tragic and strange life story, as we discuss in this episode.

Connect with us at tapeheaedspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our RIP, Brian Wilson playlist, on Spotify

Brian Wilson, on Spotify

The Beach Boys, on Spotify

"The Beach Boys" documentary, on Disney +

Love and Mercy, at IMDB

Behind the Sounds documentary series, on YouTube

The Wrecking Crew! documentary, at IMDB

Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me documentary, at IMDB

Brighter Day: A Jellyfish Story book, at Kool Kat Musik

This is a little different discussion than our usual fare. Blaine has recently rekindled his love of CD's, due to the audio limitations of the most common formats like MP3 and streaming, so we talk about all of it, as well as comparing streaming vs. CD vs. vinyl records. Quite interesting and fun.

Listen to all the stuff

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our What Have You Been Missing? playlist, on Spotify

Cyndi Lauper is a phenomenon. Her first album, "She's So Unusual," sold millions of copies, and her songs continue to be some of the most memorable and influential of all time. There is much more to her story, however, and that's what we discuss this time.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our Girls Just Wanna Have Fun playlist, on Spotify

Cyndi Lauper, on Spotify

Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" official video, on YouTube

COVER YOUR EARS:

Not30, "Time After Time," on YouTube

This time around, we're discovering another fun internet list, found for us by Blaine. We love these things because A) they're super fun, and B) they take no research or preparation. Just sit down, read through the list, and Bob's Blaine's uncle.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

The original article by Jolina Mandicho, 50 Albums From the 80's That You Need to Hear Before the World Ends

Our 25 Albums to Hear Before the World Ends playlist, on Spotify

As we've discussed before, Kiss are a difficult band of which to be a fan. Todd is a fan, however, and has many of their albums and a T-shirt. Blaine is indifferent about them. In this fun and hilarious episode, we dive deeply and compare the best and worst songs from the band's extensive catalog.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our The Best and Worst of Kiss playlist, on Spotify

Kiss, on Spotify

In this episode, we discuss the songs from the 80's that spent the most weeks at the #1 spot on the pop charts. Be sure to click down to our playlist to listen to the full versions of these great songs.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our Most Weeks At #1 playlist, on Spotify

Madonna,"Like A Virgin" official video, on YouTube

Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, "Say Say Say" official video, on YouTube

Irene Cara, "Flashdance" official video, on YouTube

Survivor, "Eye of the Tiger" official video, on YouTube

J. Geils Band, "Centerfold" official video, on YouTube

Kenny Rogers, "Lady" official video, on YouTube

Blondie, "Call Me" official video, on YouTube

Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean" official video, on YouTube

Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, "Ebony and Ivory" official video, on YouTube

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" official video, on YouTube

The Police, "Every Breath You Take" official video, on YouTube

Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, "Endless Love" official video, on YouTube

Kim Carnes, "Bette Davis Eyes" official video, on YouTube

Olivia Newton-John, 'Physical" official video, on YouTube

Kiss are one of the biggest bands of all time. Are they one of the best? Well, it's a little more complicated than that, but they're certainly one of the most interesting, and we join their story at what is arguably the heaviest and most interesting point, 1982's album "Creatures of the Night."

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our Creatures of the Night playlist, on Spotify

Kiss, "Creatures of the Night" album, on Spotify

Kiss, "I Love It Loud" official video, on YouTube

Vinnie Vincent, "Boyz Are Gonna Rock" official video, on YouTube

Redd Kross, "Stay Away From Downtown" official video, on YouTube

Chuck Klosterman, "The Definitive, One-Size-Fits-All, Accept-No-Substitutes, Massively Comprehensive Guide to the Life and Times of Kiss", at grantland.com

Kiss, "A New Era Begins" avatar video, on YouTube

45 Minutes of Paul Stanley Stage Banter

Star Trek episode explanation The Inner Light, on YouTube

Paul Simon is one of most venerable and some would say inscrutable songwriters out there today. After a string of hits in the 60's and 70's, he was coming off of a couple of unsuccessful albums in the 80's. Looking for inspiration, he turned to the music of South Africa and created the album Graceland, which was a huge success and completely revitalized his career. We discuss the album's hit, "You Can Call Me Al."

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RELATED LINKS:

Paul Simon, on Spotify

Our You Can Call Me Al playlist, on Spotify

Paul Simon, "You Can Call Me Al" official video, on YouTube

Bronski Beat were a synth pop trio from London who may have been fairly short-lived, but were very influential, especially with the gay community at the time. They were very politically active, and ahead of their time. Their enduring hit "Smalltown Boy" is our subject this time.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our Smalltown Boy playlist, on Spotify

Bronski Beat, on Spotify

Bronski Beat, "Smalltown Boy" official video, on YouTube

Framed Youth documentary, on YouTube

All Out! documentary, on YouTube

There were two musical synthesizers that revolutionized the way music was made in the late 1970's and all through the 80's, the Synclavier and the Fairlight. The least expensive model cost the equivalent of a small house, and the most expensive model was the equivalent of a smallish mansion. More similar than they were different, they would help some of the greatest musicians of the time to create their biggest hits, and we delve into it here. We also mention their spiritual predecessor--and Todd's favorite instrument--the Chamberlin, as well as their tiny concurrent sibling, the Casio SK-1.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Synclavier vs. Fairlight playlist, on Spotify

Kevin Malony Synclavier documentary, on YouTube

The Fairlight Story, on YouTube

Mellodrama, the Mellotron/Chamberlin documentary, trailer, on YouTube

Bobby McFerrin is one of the most famous musicians on the planet. He's been a singer, a conductor, a music ambassador, and even a pop star. But he's also written one of the most polarizing one-hit wonder songs of all time, which was both recognized by the Library of Congress and ridiculed by Public Enemy. Lots to explore in this episode about an incredible and venerable musician.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our Don't Worry, Be Happy playlist, on Spotify

Bobby McFerrin, on Spotify

Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" official viideo, on YouTube

Playing For Change, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" video, on YouTube

Playing For Change official web site

In this episode, Blaine guides us through 10 hit songs with controverisal or problematic subject matter that wouldn't be released today. This list came from one of his infamous trips down the proverbial rabbit hole.

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RELATED LINKS:

Our 10 Songs That Couldn't Be Released Today playlist, on Spotify

10 Songs From the 80's That Could Not Be Released Today

Formed in Los Angeles in 1983 and currently based in Portland, Animotion have one of the best one-hit wonder songs of the 80's, and are still around performing and releasing new albums to this day. We're here to tell the story of the song, "Obsession."

Conn eat with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Animotion, on Spotify

Animotion, "Obsession" official video, on YouTube

"A Night in Heaven" movie trailer, on YouTube

"Runaway (1984)" movie trailer, on YouTube

COVER YOUR EARS:

Terminatryx, "Obsession", on YouTube

In this very special episode, Blaine explores a few songs by Billy Joel that he feels best show Billy's masterful songwriting. We think you'll enjoy it.

RELATED LINKS:

Our short but sweet Billy Joel playlist, on Spotify

Billy Joel, on Spotify

Lords of 57th Street (Liberty playing drums), on YouTube

Duran Duran are one of the biggest and best bands of the 80's, and we thought they would be perfect subjects for continuing our second anniversary celebration. We invited our friend Russ to help and add insight, as we delved into Duran and their offshoot bands The Power Station, Arcadia, and Robert Palmer as well. Super interesting and fun story. We did experience some unfortunate technical issues with Russ's vocal track, but we're sure you'll love him and see past all that. Really fun having him join us.

Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

Our Please Please Tell Me Now playlist, on Spotify

Duran Duran, on Spotify

The Power Station, on Spotify

Arcadia, on Spotify

Robert Palmer, on Spotify

Can you believe it's our second anniversary episode? And our fiftieth? We're celebrating both, and we have a very special guest who makes an appearance. We're discussing our namesake movie, TapeHeads, a fairly obscure 1988 cult classic film starring John Cusack and Tim Robbins as two guys who want to get into the business of making rock music videos. It also stars Sam Moore and Junior Walker as their musical idols the Swanky Modes. The soundtrack is fantastic (Todd owns it on vinyl, CD, and cassette), and the score is by Fishbone, who appear in a scene as a country band. Comparatively few people have seen this underdog of a movie, and we're thrilled to be able to share it with you. Am I crying? Well, it wouldn't surprise me if I was. Let's get into trouble, baby!

(TapeHeads fact checker here: Bird is the movie about Charlie Park, obviously. The Dexter Gordon movie is 'Round Midnight.)

Connect with us a tapeheadspod.com

RELATED LINKS:

TapeHeads, at IMDB

The excellent TapeHeads soundtrack, on YouTube

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.

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RELATED LINKS:

The infamous list can be found here.

Our undoubtedly terrible but hopefully still fun Worst #1 Songs of the 80's playlist, 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/Footloose playlist, 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 Light playlist, 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