Episode 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 text

Episode 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 text

Episode 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 text

Episode 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 text

Episode 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 text

Episode 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 text

Episode 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 text

Episode 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 text

Episode 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 text

One 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 text