timschochet 35,000 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 (edited) Special thanks to @zambonifor suggesting the year. 100. “Talk to Ya Later” The Tubes 99. “Just Fade Away” Stiff Little Fingers 98. “Jimmie Jones” The Vapors 97. “How Much More” The Go-Gos 96. “Since You’re Gone” The Cars 95. “Letting You Go” Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 94. “Who’s Crying Now” Journey 93. “YYZ” Rush 92. “The KKK Took My Baby Away” The Ramones 91. “Mony Mony” Billy Idol 90. “New Lace Sleeves” Elvis Costello 89. “Prince Charming” Adam & the Ants 88. “Be Good Johnny” Men at Work 87. “Waiting For a Girl Like You” Foreigner 86. “Destroyer” The Kinks 85. “The Best of Times” Styx 84. “Harden My Heart” Quarterflash 83. “Spirits in the Material World” The Police 82. “Sign of the Gypsy Queen” April Wine 81. “Freeze Frame” J Geils Band 80. “Physical” Olivia Newton-John 79. “Working For the Weekend” Loverboy 78. “Beautiful World” Devo 77. “This Little Girl” Gary U.S. Bonds 76. “Shake It Up” The Cars 75. “Insider” Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers featuring Stevie Nicks 74. “Hang Fire” The Rolling Stones 73. “Urgent” Foreigner 72. “Leather and Lace” Stevie Nicks and Don Henley 71. “My Kinda Lover” Billy Squire 70. “Unchained” Van Halen 69. “Just Between You and Me” April Wine 68. “Too Much Time On My Hands” Styx 67. “Stone In Love” Journey 66. “Winning” Santana 65. “867-5309/Jenny” Tommy Tutone 64. “Ghost Town” The Specials 63. “The Break Up Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” The Greg Kihn Band 62. “Jessie’s Girl” Rick Springfield 61. “Edge of Seventeen” Stevie Nicks 60. “Fire and Ice” Pat Benatar 59. “Predictable” The Kinks 58. “Hold On Loosely” .38 Special 57. “Crimson and Clover” Joan Jett & The Blackhearts 56. “The Stroke” Billy Squire 55. “No Reply At All” Genesis 54. “Private Eyes” Daryl Hall & John Oates 53. “Little Girls” Oingo Boingo 52. “History Never Repeats” Split Enz 51. “Tube Snake Boogie” ZZ Top 50. “Controversy” Prince 49. “Red Barchetta” Rush 48. “Who Can It Be Now?” Men At Work 47. “A Life of Illusion” Joe Walsh 46. “Kids in America” Kim Wilde 45. “Girls On Film” Duran Duran 44. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 43. “Every Grain of Sand” Bob Dylan 42. “Watch Your Step” Elvis Costello 41. “You Better You Bet” The Who 40. “Waiting On a Friend” The Rolling Stones 39. “Stand and Deliver” Adam & the Ants 38. “Bette Davis Eyes” Kim Carnes 37. “Leader of the Band” Dan Fogelberg 36. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” AC/DC 35. “Don’t You Want Me” The Human League 34. “Spellbound” Siouxie and the Banshees 33. “Burnin’ For You” Blue Oyster Cult 32. “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” Joan Jett & The Blackhearts 31. “Abacab” Genesis 30. “Promises In the Dark” Pat Benatar 29. “Woody and Dutch On the Slow Train to Peking” Rickie Lee Jones 28. “A Woman In Love (It’s Not Me)” Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 27. “Lady (You Bring Me Up)” The Commodores 26. “Magic Power” Triumph 25. “Slow Hand” The Pointer Sisters 24. “Message of Love” Pretenders 23. “Rock This Town” The Stray Cats 22. “White Girl” X 21. “Man On The Corner” Genesis 20. “Limelight” Rush 19. “In The Air Tonight” Phil Collins 18. “Don’t Stop Believin’” Journey 17. “Stray Cat Strut” The Stray Cats 16. “Start Me Up” The Rolling Stones 15. “Centerfold” J Geils Band 14. “Dancing With Myself” Billy Idol 13. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” The Police 12. “Only A Lad” Oingo Boingo 11. “We Got the Beat” The Go-Go’s 10. “Down Under” Men At Work 9. “Tainted Love” Soft Cell 8. “Pretty In Pink” The Psychedelic Furs 7. “Under Pressure” Queen & David Bowie 6. “Tom Sawyer” Rush 5. “Our Lips Are Sealed” The Go-Go’s 4. “Tempted” Squeeze 3. “Just Can’t Get Enough” Depeche Mode 2. “The Waiting” Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 1. “Super Freak” Rick James Edited March 18 by timschochet 7 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Just now, timschochet said: Special thanks to @zambonifor suggesting the year. Thanks, tim. Should be a good one - lots of different genres floating around then. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
worrierking 1,497 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Right in my wheelhouse, the year I graduated from High School, plus I was working at my hometown radio station. Looking forward to it, Tim! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
El Floppo 29,005 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 My prediction...pain. (Personally) This was the year I went all in as a kid...I'm sure there'll be some stuff I love and some stuff I completely hate. The nature of the beast with these things...but as always, good on you for taking the time and doing it, Tim. always fun to see and remember the years Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Just now, El Floppo said: (Personally) This was the year I went all in as a kid...I'm sure there'll be some stuff I love and some stuff I completely hate. The nature of the beast with these things...but as always, good on you for taking the time and doing it, Tim. always fun to see and remember the years No album spotlighting s'il vous plait. 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timschochet 35,000 Posted February 19 Author Share Posted February 19 100. The Tubes “Talk to Ya Later” (from The Complete Backwards Principle) https://youtu.be/H-rEVVAw3-0 This song holds a special place in my heart because it was the first ever video I saw on MTV. (I want to say the network was about a month old.) After that I was hooked, and would be for the remainder of my teenage years. Two years later The Tubes would score their one and only huge hit with “She’s a Beauty” but they had some really fine tunes before then, notably this one and “Prime Time”, which I included in the 1979 list. 6 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 (edited) 8 minutes ago, timschochet said: 100. The Tubes “Talk to Ya Later” (from The Complete Backwards Principle) https://youtu.be/H-rEVVAw3-0 This song holds a special place in my heart because it was the first ever video I saw on MTV. (I want to say the network was about a month old.) After that I was hooked, and would be for the remainder of my teenage years. Two years later The Tubes would score their one and only huge hit with “She’s a Beauty” but they had some really fine tunes before then, notably this one and “Prime Time”, which I included in the 1979 list. Good start 👍 ETA: the things you learn. Song was co-written by Steve Lukather of Toto, who also performs the guitar solo. Edited February 19 by zamboni Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 In a perfect 1981 world, the Solid Gold dancers would support each song as it's introduced. 2 1 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Binky The Doormat 12,943 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 59 minutes ago, timschochet said: “Prime Time”, which I included in the 1979 list. the entire first side of the album "Remote Control" that Prime Time is on - kicks ### - still in my regular rotation Turn Me On TV Is King Prime Time I Want It All Now No Way Out 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wikkidpissah 19,163 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 so i gets to sit back and listen to ally'all's nostalgia stories now that it's your wheelhouses, right? 1 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mookie Gizzy 33 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Prime Time is such a great song. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 3 minutes ago, Mookie Gizzy said: Prime Time is such a great song. The blonde co-singer (Re Styles) in the video was a big fan favorite. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Dufresne 12,804 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 While I would argue that '82 was the beginning of "80's music", at least '81 was the death knell for disco. We haven't done '82 right? I might like to tackle that year... Talk To Ya Later is a great kickoff to this list. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 1 minute ago, Andy Dufresne said: We haven't done '82 right? I might like to tackle that year... No 1982 yet, but sounds good to me after we're done here. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 9 minutes ago, wikkidpissah said: so i gets to sit back and listen to ally'all's nostalgia stories now that it's your wheelhouses, right? Our stories just won't compare GB, unless you want to hear about hours and hours of mastering Missile Command. 1 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
El Floppo 29,005 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 1 minute ago, zamboni said: Our stories just won't compare GB, unless you want to hear about hours and hours of mastering Missile Command. That was my game too... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Leroy Hoard 14,028 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 28 minutes ago, zamboni said: Our stories just won't compare GB, unless you want to hear about hours and hours of mastering Missile Command. My saddest time at the video arcade was a Led Zeppelin song. No Quarter. 3 1 1 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 3 minutes ago, Leroy Hoard said: My saddest time at the video arcade was a Led Zeppelin song. No Quarter. Didn't help when they rubbed it in by playing Queen next. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bracie Smathers 3,773 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 2 hours ago, timschochet said: Special thanks to @zambonifor suggesting the year. 100. “Talk to Ya Later” The Tubes 👍 Could easily be ranked 30 spots higher. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timschochet 35,000 Posted February 19 Author Share Posted February 19 99. Stiff Little Fingers “Just Fade Away” (from Go For It) https://youtu.be/NhzNPt6U9zQ Forgotten Irish punk band here (though I think they’re still around.) This was one of the best efforts, a song that still sounds fresh 40 years later. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DocHolliday 4,189 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 The 80s. Such a weird and wonderful time. Going to love following this thread. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 (edited) 26 minutes ago, timschochet said: 99. Stiff Little Fingers “Just Fade Away” (from Go For It) https://youtu.be/NhzNPt6U9zQ Forgotten Irish punk band here (though I think they’re still around.) This was one of the best efforts, a song that still sounds fresh 40 years later. Never heard this one before - pretty good tune. Interesting outfits on the band: one looks like he's going to a black tie wedding, another a Bills game, and another one cross-country skiing. Edited February 19 by zamboni 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FairWarning 1,035 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 16 minutes ago, zamboni said: Never heard this one before - pretty good tune. Interesting outfits on the band: one looks like he's going to a black tie wedding, another a Bills game, and another one cross-country skiing. I second this. Never heard of them either. 81-82 was my senior year in HS, will follow closely. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
El Floppo 29,005 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 1 hour ago, zamboni said: Never heard this one before - pretty good tune. Interesting outfits on the band: one looks like he's going to a black tie wedding, another a Bills game, and another one cross-country skiing. For some reason they never really turned my crank back innaday...but yeah- that's a fun tune. And lol at their outfits. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timschochet 35,000 Posted February 19 Author Share Posted February 19 98. The Vapors “Jimmie Jones” (from Magnets) https://youtu.be/4vofi42-F8M I realize I’m starting out with a few lesser known tunes here but they’re so good I had to do it. Of course the Vapors were best known for the one hit wonder “Turning Japanese” which was released in 1980 on the album New Clear Days, which is filled with excellent pop tunes. Their second and final effort, Magnets, wasn’t nearly as good, except for this brilliant song about cult leader Jim Jones- it might be the best thing this band ever did. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockaction 26,139 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 (edited) 8 hours ago, timschochet said: 99. Stiff Little Fingers “Just Fade Away” (from Go For It) https://youtu.be/NhzNPt6U9zQ Forgotten Irish punk band here (though I think they’re still around.) This was one of the best efforts, a song that still sounds fresh 40 years later. Just taken by Karma Police in the punk rock category for Genrepalooza. Not forgotten at all. Don't believe them Don't believe them Don't get bitten twice You've got a sus-sus-sus-suspected Sus-Sus-Suspect device Edited February 20 by rockaction 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pip's Invitation 7,601 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 10 hours ago, zamboni said: In a perfect 1981 world, the Solid Gold dancers would support each song as it's introduced. My 10-year-old self watched a TON of Solid Gold in 1981. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mister CIA 8,610 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 (edited) 10 hours ago, wikkidpissah said: so i gets to sit back and listen to ally'all's nostalgia stories now that it's your wheelhouses, right? "Take a hit or I'll kick your ###." ETA: From 79-81 I lived in Navy housing in Bucks County, PA. We were widely regarded as white trash by the surrounding community, but I have nothing but fond memories. See link below, I lived on Corsair Dr., but I LIVED in The Woods. It was all pot and tobacco; nobody drank, except our parents. https://imgur.com/LfLV4H8 Edited February 20 by Mister CIA Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockaction 26,139 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 10 hours ago, zamboni said: Our stories just won't compare GB, unless you want to hear about hours and hours of mastering Missile Command. Is "mastering Missile Command" a euphemism? 2 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 21 minutes ago, rockaction said: 10 hours ago, zamboni said: Our stories just won't compare GB, unless you want to hear about hours and hours of mastering Missile Command. Is "mastering Missile Command" a euphemism? Happy ending 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockaction 26,139 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 2 minutes ago, zamboni said: Happy ending Always sad to wave it goodbye. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
El Floppo 29,005 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 26 minutes ago, zamboni said: Happy ending You must've emptied your arsenal prematurely. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Leroy Hoard 14,028 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 15 hours ago, timschochet said: 98. The Vapors “Jimmie Jones” (from Magnets) https://youtu.be/4vofi42-F8M I realize I’m starting out with a few lesser known tunes here but they’re so good I had to do it. Of course the Vapors were best known for the one hit wonder “Turning Japanese” which was released in 1980 on the album New Clear Days, which is filled with excellent pop tunes. Their second and final effort, Magnets, wasn’t nearly as good, except for this brilliant song about cult leader Jim Jones- it might be the best thing this band ever did. Back then my radio market was only enlightened enough to play one song per "new wave" artist, so if you didn't buy the records you missed out on songs like this. Meanwhile the traditional rock stations would play multiple songs from an artist, giving you a better idea of how good they really were. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timschochet 35,000 Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 97. The Go-Gos “How Much More” (from Beauty and the Beat) https://youtu.be/taLIdF97VFA This tune, written by Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin, is the oldest song on the album; it comes from the days when the band was more punk than pop. But it still has that fresh, happy sound that made this group The Beach Boys of the early 80s. The link is to a live version which doesn’t quite have the sound quality of the original, but it shows what an energetic and charming performer young Belinda Carlisle was onstage. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockaction 26,139 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Great song. Love it. Probably should be higher. But they were "The Beach Boys" of the early '80s? That sounds wild. Where was the black tar heroin and 300 lb. lead singer locking herself in her room in mental anguish requesting cheeseburger upon cheeseburger? 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ghost Rider 6,375 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Not that making it means a whole lot anymore, but it's a sham that the Go-Go's are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. How Much More is a fun little tune, and I suspect their best song from the same album (not the one featured in Fast Times) will be very high up on this list, or at least it better be. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timschochet 35,000 Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 50 minutes ago, rockaction said: Great song. Love it. Probably should be higher. But they were "The Beach Boys" of the early '80s? That sounds wild. Where was the black tar heroin and 300 lb. lead singer locking herself in her room in mental anguish requesting cheeseburger upon cheeseburger? Well, Belinda did gain a little weight after a while and she did have a drug thing later in the decade so... But hey at least the drummer wasn’t hanging out with Charles Manson, right? So perhaps your point is well taken. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Just now, timschochet said: Well, Belinda did gain a little weight after a while and she did have a drug thing later in the decade so... But hey at least the drummer wasn’t hanging out with Charles Manson, right? So perhaps your point is well taken. Speaking of the drummer, Gina Schock was really good at her craft. Really anchored their sound. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockaction 26,139 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 3 minutes ago, timschochet said: Well, Belinda did gain a little weight after a while and she did have a drug thing later in the decade so... I thought that as I was typing it out. "Mad About You" has her at her plumpest, IIRC. "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" is a close second. Lots of overhead angles. Slimming effect. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zamboni 7,392 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 1 minute ago, rockaction said: I thought that as I was typing it out. "Mad About You" has her at her plumpest, IIRC. "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" is a close second. Lots of overhead angles. Slimming effect. I thought she got slimmer in the later solo years from all that coke. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockaction 26,139 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Just now, zamboni said: I thought she got slimmer in the later solo years from all that coke. Huh. Maybe my memory is failing. Good excuse to check out some Belinda and see, I guess. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ghost Rider 6,375 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 5 minutes ago, zamboni said: Speaking of the drummer, Gina Schock was really good at her craft. Really anchored their sound. I had never checked out any of their stuff other than the hits, but I saw their new special on Showtime a while back, and was impressed with some of the deeper cuts on those records. Better musicians than they are giving credit for, and they rocked pretty hard at times. See: that riffage in Turn to You. 3 minutes ago, rockaction said: I thought that as I was typing it out. "Mad About You" has her at her plumpest, IIRC. "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" is a close second. Lots of overhead angles. Slimming effect. Circle in the Sand has held up extremely well as a great song, IMO. 1 minute ago, zamboni said: I thought she got slimmer in the later solo years from all that coke. I thought that, too. She looked more glamorous and trimmer when she went solo. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shuke 22,909 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 2 hours ago, rockaction said: I thought that as I was typing it out. "Mad About You" has her at her plumpest, IIRC. "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" is a close second. Lots of overhead angles. Slimming effect. You are certifiably insane, sir. 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockaction 26,139 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 4 minutes ago, shuke said: You are certifiably insane, sir. I think my memory is completely failing me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pip's Invitation 7,601 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 6 minutes ago, rockaction said: I think my memory is completely failing me. I can barely even remember what Belinda looks like, much less what her weight was doing at any given time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HellToupee 15,759 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 On 2/19/2021 at 11:00 AM, zamboni said: Good start 👍 ETA: the things you learn. Song was co-written by Steve Lukather of Toto, who also performs the guitar solo. Horrible start. No way in hell is this not in the top 50 with all the fantastic crap that will follow. Awesome drumming by Prairie Prince As I mentioned near the close of the last record, this record you are now playing is another example of the completion backward principle. If you can possibly manage the time, please play both sides at one meeting 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockaction 26,139 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 (edited) 9 minutes ago, Pip's Invitation said: I can barely even remember what Belinda looks like, much less what her weight was doing at any given time. Really? The Dottie Danger? She was a slightly older dream for a teenager. The jury is in. She was bigger when she was in the Go-Go's. Edited February 20 by rockaction 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
northern exposure 1,537 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 8 minutes ago, Pip's Invitation said: I can barely even remember what Belinda looks like, much less what her weight was doing at any given time. She's no Susanna Hoffs that's for sure. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HellToupee 15,759 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 20 hours ago, timschochet said: 98. The Vapors “Jimmie Jones” (from Magnets) https://youtu.be/4vofi42-F8M I realize I’m starting out with a few lesser known tunes here but they’re so good I had to do it. Of course the Vapors were best known for the one hit wonder “Turning Japanese” which was released in 1980 on the album New Clear Days, which is filled with excellent pop tunes. Their second and final effort, Magnets, wasn’t nearly as good, except for this brilliant song about cult leader Jim Jones- it might be the best thing this band ever did. New Clear Days was The Matrix , Magnets was Matrix. 2 & 3. Magnets led directly to the band ending 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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