Hey! Remember the 80's?

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. 

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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. 

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Episode 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??

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Episode 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. 

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Episode 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! 

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Episode 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. 

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Episode 131: 80's in the Sand is approaching, an 80's music festival in Cancun, and as part of the preparation, Joe and Kari are taking a closer look at some of the musicians that will be appearing. Little River Band seems like a 70's act to Kari, but they've got a lot more 80's hits than she remembers! Howard Jones is a bit of a question mark, in terms of Will He Really Be Attending but also Which Howard Jones Song is This Again?? The Hooters, Janet of Vixen and Honeymoon Suite are a few more acts that Joe and Kari wanted to learn more about. Put on your sunscreen and join in on the fun!

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Episode 130: A quick music video roundup by Joe is first in Tidbits, then it's time for Obscure Soundtrack Songs. Who remembers the soundtracks for DC Cab, Mannequin, and Secret of My Success? The movies were popular on cable and at your local video rental store, but do the songs from the soundtracks hold up? Even Belinda Carlisle forgot about one of these songs, and she sang it!

Just a Bit Outside: the creator of Live Aid and a jazz legend put some songs on the chart in the early 80's. Did they deserve to chart higher? Joe and Kari decide. 

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Episode 129: First up, in Tidbits, a review of the Tina Turner DVD, a live concert from a 1990 show in Barcelona, and then it's time for TV Tidbits (Max Headroom and Ted Lasso). 

ROCKTOBER is upon us!! Joe and Kari take a look at the career of Ronnie James Dio, and his work with Black Sabbath and his transition to forming the influential group Dio.  Also, VH1 put together a list of the Greatest Hard Rock songs, which included some great 80's songs from Guns 'N' Roses and Mötley Crüe, among others. 

Pop Quiz for Joe. How well does he know the 80's hits with notable flute solos? Answer: Not very!

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Episode 128: If you've listened to a "Ranking the Hits" episode, you know how it works. Joe and Kari rank the Top 40 singles of a particular artist and then share the results. This time, we are ranking the LOWEST charting hits for some 80's superstars -- Madonna, Hall and Oates, Lionel Ritchie, they're all here! Did these "hits" deserve a higher chart placement? 

Songs That Time Forgot: A UK hit that is to blame for a million Kayleighs. And The Boss returns to the charts with an unexpected curveball. 

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