D80sV #133: REO Speedwagon - I Can't Fight This Feeling

Daily 80's Video #133: REO Speedwagon has a way of making every one of their songs sound the same and yet distinctively different. "I Can't Fight This Feeling" was everywhere in 1984, and yet, when I sing it now, I often end up singing "Keep On Loving You" or sometimes even "Time For Me To Fly." I might be the only one with this problem, but I don't really mind. They're all good songs. All one long good song. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #132: Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel

Daily 80's Video #132: Hard to believe I've posted over a 100 80's videos so far and this will be the first Michael Jackson video. Michael Jackson, more than any other artist, owned the 80's. "The Way You Make Me Feel" is one of my favorites. I remember how much the girl in this video seriously turned heads, she especially scrumptious the way she toys with poor Michael, making the King Of Pop chase her all over kingdom come, through these alley ways and parked cars - imagine that! Michael Jackson! Who does she think she is? I mean, Brooke Shields (and Emmanuel Lewis to a lesser degree), who both used to accompany Michael to all those award shows back then, would never do that - yes, Michael Jackson was a peculiar character even back then, before all the scandal that would follow. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #131: The Alan Parsons Project - Don't Answer Me

Daily 80's Video #131: Did you know Alan Parsons of The Alan Parsons Project is a real live person named Alan Parsons who had a hand in the production of such classic albums as The Beatles' Abbey Road and Let It Be and Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon? I love this song. It pops into my head on a near weekly basis. What a great sound and hook. Enjoy! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #130: The Cure - Pictures Of You (Live At Wembley Arena 1991)

Daily 80's Video #130: This is a killer song! It really helps feed into those unhealthy deep-rooted regrets we all have. As if you needed that on this lovely day. Regardless, The Cure, at least prior to their "Friday I'm In Love" days, were always good for a dreary and draining lament, at least this song. Man, this song is powerful. And a great live performance here! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #129: Men At Work - Be Good Johnny

Daily 80's Video #129: Here are the boys from Down Under winning the hearts of America in the early 80's with their third video release "Be Good Johnny." Classic story video to boot, with all the members included, and starring one mega-twerp, who looks a tad like my best friend, which makes me laugh. Sure, there would be other boys from Down Under winning the hearts of America, like INXS, but INXS took a little longer to catch on. And my favorite Split Enz, actually from New Zealand, never really caught on in America, I'm afraid, save for their lone hit in the states, "I Got You." All while Men At Work, which I also loved, was being readily embraced. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #128: De La Soul - Say No And Go

Daily 80's Video #128: Gotta love the De La! De La Soul, with rappers Posdnuos, Trugoy and Mace! "Say No Go" expertly uses a heavy sampling from Hall And Oates' "I Can't Go For That" creating another crazy catchy lovable track off De La Soul's debut Three Feet High And Rising. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #127: Hall And Oates - I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)

Daily 80's Video #127: In 1981, Hall and Oates had an amazing three number 1 hits and four Top 5's in all, including "Kiss On My List", "You Make My Dreams", "Private Eyes", and this one "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do). I remember as a kid watching Casey Kasem's weekly Top 40 and Hall And Oates dominating each week. And yet, all the while, I couldn't help asking myself, "What exactly does John Oates do in this band?" Similar to what I would ask about Dave Stewart in the Eurythmics. One will never know. Ah, just kidding. They did a lot. And what about Andrew Ridgely in Wham? Ah, I digress. Enjoy the video! And that killer beat, good enough to be used in a future hit rap song, I might say. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #126: Honeymoon Suite - What Does It Take

Daily 80's Video #126: These guys ooze 80's. I've always liked them. I had The Big Prize (1986) album, which spawned two big hits, "What Does It Take" and "Feel It Again". With that kind of success, and utter 80's-ness, it's no wonder the Canadian quintet was asked to do the theme song for Lethal Weapon (1987) the following year. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #125: Huey Lewis And The News - If This Is It

Daily 80's Video #125: In 1984 Huey Lewis And The News had a string of hits, starting with "I Want A New Drug", "Heart Of Rock N Roll", and then this one "If This Is It". This is a very fun video, which was probably part of Huey Lewis And The News' appeal during the video age. Of course, Huey Lewis' rugged good looks and soulful voice didn't hurt either. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV. 

D80sV #124: Suicidal Tendencies - Institutionalized

Daily 80's Video #124: Here's a nice capture of 1984, especially in the world of an angst-driven, or maybe not angst-driven "I just want a Pepsi" generation. Will somebody please give lead singer Mike Muir a Pepsi! Suicidal Tendencies is a California-based punk band turned crossover thrasher band formed in 1980 and is still going strong today, even if the only remaining original member is Muir, with about a zillion ex-members wandering the streets of Venice and parts unknown. For you Repo Man (1984) fans, this song might sound particularly familiar, along with all the other spastic music in that movie - Iggy Pop, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, The Plugz. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #123: Elton John - Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)

Daily 80's Video #123: I don't know what it is about this song but it comes to me at least a few times a week. I don't know if it's the amazing hook, or the subject matter, probably the most compelling of all - the life of a fallen friend, in this case Elton John's friend John Lennon. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #122: Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer

Daily 80's Video #122: In 1986 Bon Jovi had two major monster hits, "You Give Love A Bad Name" and "Livin' On A Prayer", both off their third album, 1986's 28-million mega monster 12x Platinum (or Diamond) seller Slippery When Wet. "Livin' On A Prayer" was co-written by Jon Bon Jovi and Desmond Child, of whom the story in the song was loosely based, as Tommy and Gina was originally Johnny and Gina, after John, Child's given name, but eventually changed to Tommy for the song to avoid the obvious confusion with Jon Bon Jovi. It's all in this very informative article. Enjoy! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV. 

D80sV #121: Simple Minds - Don't You Forget About Me

Daily 80's Video #121: This unforgettable song about not being forgotten was a mega-hit in 1985, especially when it was coupled with fellow mega-hit the movie The Breakfast Club. The song was written by Keith Forsey and shopped to various artists at the time including The Fixx, Bryan Ferry, and Billy Idol, but all refused, which is kinda good since I can't even imagine anyone else doing it other than Simple Minds, who only agreed to do it after Jim Kerr, Simple Minds' lead singer's wife Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders convinced him to do so. Sometimes it takes some cajoling to record a mega-smash hit and certainly the biggest hit of your career. Dig Jim Kerr in this video, who looks a tad like Martin Short goofing on being a rockstar at times - kinda funny. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #120: Big Country - In A Big Country

Daily 80's Video #120: Scottish band Big Country burst on the scene in 1983 with their massive hit "In A Big Country", one of those wild-fire debuts that just didn't seem to sustain itself, at least not in America. This song was everywhere in the middle-eighties and I loved it! As far as other hits, Big Country came back around in 86 with the lesser hit "Look Away", but for the most part never recaptured that initial splash. It's a fun video, seeing the boys seemingly on a quest, I guess maybe like the song suggests, searching for your dreams, "You can't stay here when every hope and dream is shattered..." Whatever it all means, it's kinetic, and fun, and typical of the 80's story videos. Sadly, in 2001, after a lifelong struggle with alcoholism, lead singer Stuart Adamson succumbed to his addiction. Donate and help those struggling with addiction. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #119: Wham - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

Daily 80's Video #119: Wham absolutely owned 1984, with 4 smash hits, starting with this one "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go", then "Careless Whisper", then "Freedom", then "Everything She Wants" and even adding what's now become a staple during Christmas time, "Last Christmas". That's 5 hits in one remarkable year! "Wake Me UP Before You Go Go" is probably my least favorite of the 5, but you can't argue with its catchiness as a great opening act and precursor of what was to come from Wham in 1984, not to mention all the iconic imagery from this video with the white shirts with black lettering with various messages, a look that has become synonymous with Wham and the 80's. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #118: The Outfield - Your Love

Daily 80's Video #118: The Outfield's "Your Love" was a mega hit in the 80's and still gets tons of play today. The Outfield were a very talented English 3-piece band who probably should have had more success than they did. Their biggest hit, "You Love" is a perfect pop song with a killer hook that practically forces listeners like myself try to and sing as high as lead singer/bassist Tony Lewis - yeah, good luck with that. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #117: John Cougar Mellencamp - Jack And Diane

Daily 80's Video #117: John Cougar Mellencamp had 2 mega hits in 1982, the first being "Hurt So Good" and the second being "Jack And Diane" which went to #1 in the US and Canada. "Jack And Diane" also happens to be my favorite JCM song, making quite an impression on me as a kid, especially all the cool high-tech (at the time) transitions used in the video. Now, as an adult who has entered into the living after the thrill of living is gone stage of his life, the song means even more. On that depressing note, enjoy! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV. 

D80sV #116: Lou Gramm - Lost In The Shadows (The Lost Boys Theme)

Daily 80's Video #116: Ah, the glorious 1987 release Lost Boys, starring 80's mega-geek turned mega-heartthrob, the late great Corey Haim, as well as Corey Feldman, Jason Patric, Keifer Sutherland, and tons more, featuring a great soundtrack, starting with Lou Gramm's (of Foreignor) driving theme song Lost In The Shadows. Enjoy! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV. 

D80sV #115: Television - Marquee Moon

Daily 80's Video #115: Okay, so, yeah, technically, this is a 70's song, but heck, you can't have the 80's without the 70's, and what bled into, and helped shape the 80's, a la Star Wars, coming out in 1977, not unlike this phenomenal song/album by Television. Virtually, every song on Television's 1977 debut album is, or should have been, a hit and a half. Like many of their songs, Marquee Moon is a work of art, with incredibly strong and melodic guitars and fun cryptic lyrics. Here are the Lyrics for those interested, as I was a few months back, listening to this song about 100 times over. WARNING: This song is utterly infectious. I remember Ooo how the darkness doubled I recall Lightning struck itself I was listening Listening to the rain I was hearing Hearing something else Life in the hive puckered up my night, A kiss of death, the embrace of life Ooo there I stand neath the Marquee Moon, Just waiting I spoke to a man Down at the tracks And I ask him How he don't go mad He said 'Look here junior, don't you be so happy And for Heaven's sake, don't you be so sad' Life in the hive puckered up my night, The kiss of death, the embrace of life Ooo there I stand neath the Marquee Moon, Hesitating Well a Cadillac It pulled out of the graveyard Pulled up to me All they said 'get in', get in Then the Cadillac It puttered back into the graveyard Me, I got out again Life in the hive puckered up my night, A kiss of death, the embrace of life Ooo there I stand neath the Marquee Moon, I ain't waiting nuh ah I remember How the darkness doubled I recall Lightning struck itself I was listening Listening to the rain I was hearing Hearing something else. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV. 

D80sV #114: They Live/South Park Fight Scene Mashup

Daily 80's Video #114: Sure, They Live, the 1988 John Carpenter Film, doesn't exactly stand up today, at least not technically speaking, due to pacing and effects, but in almost every other way, it still totally works. At the time, the film was awesome, utilizing the talents of WWF wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper, who was definitely one of the most intriguing and wittiest WWF wrestlers of his era, winning us over with his brains and brawn, showcased here in this pivotal scene from the film, one of the most epic fight scenes of all-time. And the folks from South Park certainly agreed, as they chose to model a fight scene between two of their characters, Timmy and Jimmy. Here is a nifty move-by-move mashup. Enjoy! Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV. 

D80sV #113: Simply Red - Holding Back The Years

Daily 80's Video #113: I think when I was a kid I didn't really get this song. I mean, I was 10 in 1985, what sort of years would I be holding back? My terrible 2's? Now, I get it. Because, holy poop, that's exactly what we're doing, living with one foot in the year we're in and one foot back in the 80's. Regardless, it's another great 80's song. I think a lot of folks might associate Simply Red with the very talented lead singer with the fluffy red hair, thinking maybe even that he himself was Simply Red. Nah, he's actually this bloke named Mick Hucknall. But we can sleep a little easier at night thinking Simply Red is the very talented lead singer with the fluffy hair. But we would be wrong. Good luck getting to sleep now. Now, that I've turned your simply red world on its simply red head. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #112: Spandau Ballet - Soul Boys Of The Western World Documentary

Daily 80's Video #112: Just watched this Spandau Ballet documentary available right now on Netflix and it was great! It's extremely comprehensive, covering each of the group members pre-Spandau and post-Spandau. Some things that stuck with me were how much the group was controlled by Gary Kemp, the groups guitarist and prime, possibly sole songwriter. Another thing was how much that control went to Kemp's head, and how it seemed to manifest in almost nonstop animosity toward the group's lead singer Tony Hadley, who comes off as innocent and totally not deserving of such treatment. In short, Gary Kemp, comes off as a prick and a half. On a lighter note, one last thing that stuck with me was how ridiculously handsome Martin Kemp was. Definitely an entertaining and informative documentary for anyone interested in 80's music. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #111: Terence Trent D'Arby - Wishing Well (Live)

Daily 80's Video #111: Here's another spirited performance from 80's showman Terence Trent D'Arby (now known as Sananda Maitreya). Reading up on D'Arby was quite interesting. Definitely a unique individual. For instance, when you look at D'Arby, do you see an accomplished boxer? Well, he was, winning the Florida Golden Gloves Lightweight Championship in 1980. Also, did you know he, like many artists, had much more success in the UK and abroad, cutting several more albums you might not know about, with some crazy titles like Return To Zooathalon and The Rise Of The Zugebrian Time Lords. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.

D80sV #110: Duran Duran - Save A Prayer

Daily 80's Video #110: So, Simon was telling me, I assume me, but maybe everyone, not sure, to save a prayer til the morning after so I did but I don't think it helped. I still didn't receive the million dollars I was praying for. Perhaps prayers and wishes don't work the same, and if that's the case, I wish it would have said so on the box. In case you were wondering, for those who didn't know, I was referring to this Simon and what he said when Simon said: Buy Song. Buy Album. Get some D80sV merch. Or maybe curl up with a good ebook. Go to next D80sV.