Jason and Dee take on what should be a simple task: ranking their Top 5 songs of 1986. Of course, there’s a twist. Thanks to past episodes and the upcoming podcast calendar, huge chunks of the year are completely off-limits—no cuts from albums they’ve already covered, and nothing from what’s coming next. That means saying goodbye to obvious giants and digging deep into the bench to find songs that still define the year without breaking the rules.

The result? A list that’s surprising, debatable, and very on-brand for the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast. Along the way, the guys trade memories of what 1986 felt like in real time—what was on TV, what was in theaters, and what they were doing when these songs were soundtracking everyday life. They also toss in two honorable mentions that narrowly missed the cut, because some tracks are just too good to ignore.

No repeats. No previews. Just a creative, constraint-heavy love letter to one of the most loaded years in pop culture—and a ranking guaranteed to spark arguments. 🎧📻

Jason and Dee roll out the red carpet for one of the most important rock albums of all time as they’re joined by Rush super fans Brad Moore and Tim Epp to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Moving Pictures. Together, they dive deep into the stories behind every classic track—from radio staples to prog-rock masterpieces—breaking down the lyrics, musicianship, and moments that helped propel Rush from cult heroes to arena-filling legends. Along the way, the conversation traces the band’s unlikely rise, creative risks, and why this album became the perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. And then comes the big moment: after weeks of discussion, Jason and Dee finally render their final judgment in the ultimate showdown—Moving Pictures vs. REO Speedwagon’s Hi Infidelity. Prog precision or heartland hooks? The verdict is in. 🎸🎧

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Jason and Dee fire up the jukebox for one of the biggest albums of the MTV era as they welcome special guest Doug Gray, noted REO Speedwagon expert, to break down 1981’s chart-dominating blockbuster Hi Infidelity. Track by track, the trio digs into the stories behind every song—from the heartbreak anthems to the arena-ready rockers—while tracing REO Speedwagon’s long road from Midwest bar band to overnight superstars. Along the way, they unpack band history, lineup changes, behind-the-scenes studio moments, and why this album connected with everyone at exactly the right time. But this episode is only half the battle: Hi Infidelity now heads into a heavyweight showdown against Rush’s Moving Pictures. Jason and Dee will render their final judgment next week—so consider this the evidence phase before the verdict drops. 🎸📀

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What really goes on behind the microphone? In this special crossover episode, Jeff Johnson steps in from the A Film Bypodcast to turn the tables on Jason and Dee, asking the questions listeners have always wondered about.

How did the show first get started? Have they ever regretted a final matchup decision? Which episode result surprised them the most — and which one truly “moved the needle” for the podcast? Jeff digs even deeper, challenging each host to reveal the secret dream matchup they still hope to bring to the show someday.

It’s a relaxed, funny, and revealing conversation as Jeff, Jason, and Dee pull back the curtain and share stories, debates, and a few behind-the-scenes moments you’ve never heard before. If you’ve ever wondered how the magic happens, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Defender! revolutionized arcade gaming in 1981 with its sideways-scrolling chaos and button-overload controls. In our series finale, we rank all five legendary 1981 games and reveal how we'd spend our last five quarters: Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Frogger, or Defender? The ultimate showdown of the greatest arcade year ever!

College students took on a video game empire—and won. Then they did the impossible: they improved the greatest game ever made. Hear how Ms. Pac-Man became the queen of 1981 arcades, outsmarted the ghost AI, and still looks amazing over 40 years later. The untold story of the rebellion that created gaming's most beloved female icon.

One young woman's courage changed video game history forever. Discover the secret origin of Frogger, explore every way to die (there are many!), hear the iconic music's story, and learn about a record-breaking high score that still amazes. This 1981 arcade legend has more surprises than you think. Why did the frog cross the road? Find out!

Galaga took everything Space Invaders started, added Galaxian's colors and sounds, and created a 1981 masterpiece. Discover behind-the-scenes secrets of this arcade legend, insider development stories, and why the Challenging Stage became iconic. Don't miss the pro tip: never shoot your own captured ship! The ultimate deep dive into one of 1981's greatest arcade games.

Donkey Kong almost starred Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto. Learn the shocking origin story behind Nintendo's 1981 breakthrough hit: the near-fatal lawsuit, how Mario and Donkey Kong got their names, and why their lawyer became immortalized in gaming history. This is the untold story of the arcade classic that launched a gaming empire and defined 1981 as the golden year of video games.

Why was 1981 the greatest year in arcade gaming history? Before Jason and Dee dive into Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Frogger, and Defender, discover the revolutionary games that paved the way. From Pong's simplicity to Space Invaders' invasion and the "Puck Man" controversy, this prequel episode explores the arcade legends that changed gaming forever. Grab your quarters—the high score challenge starts here!