Cool Music Video of the day: "Close (to the Edit)" by The Art of Noise (1984)

80's Hit Song Review: "I Cry Just A Little Bit" by Shakin' Stevens (1984)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 67 (Originally released in the U.K. in '83)

Backstory: Welsh singer Michael Barrett, better known as Shakin' Stevens was born in 1948. During the 60's, he started to write songs and perform music with his band Shakin' Stevens and the Sunsets. But he got his big break in the early 80's when he had a hit with a cover of, "This Ole House", which was a No. 1 hit in the U.K. In fact, he was the single most successful solo male artist of the 80's in the U.K. But despite all of his success in England, this following song was surprisingly his only ever hit here in the States, only peaking as high as No. 67 on the Hot 100. But it made the top 20 on the Adult Contemporary Charts and was yet another top 10 hit for him in the U.K. He still continues to make and perform music to this very day.

The review: I've always loved this very nice sounding pop song with a slight 60's feel to it. The beat, Stevens's vocals, and the occasional saxophone make this one a winner in my book. Shame it was his only ever hit here in the States, not even a big one either.

Final rating: 9/10

80's Bubbling Under The Hot 100 Song Review: "I Love You" by Yello (1983)

U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100 Charts Peak Position No. 103

Backstory: This highly bizarre but unique and one of a kind Swiss electronic duo was formed by millionaire industrialist and gambler Dieter Meier and Boris Blank, along with Carlos Peron, although he left the group to pursue a solo career. Their music is characterized by their usage of bizarre samples, beats, and vocal effects, along with bringing in their own unique and wacky sense of humor. In 1980, they released their debut album, Solid Pleasure, on The Residents Ralph Records label based out of San Francisco. After leaving Ralph Records, they released this single off of their album, You Gotta Say Yes To Another Excess, which unfortunately only Bubbled Under. But it was a success on the U.S. dance charts and in the U.K., where it peaked at No. 41 on the U.K. Singles Chart. After that they kept on releasing more and more albums and singles, but they are easily most well known for their bizarre 1985 oddball New Wave/ dance hit, "Oh Yeah", which was used in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, among many other movies and TV shows. That song peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their first and only ever Hot 100 chart entry. They even have an app called the Yellofier that they released sometime in 2013, and are still performing and making new music and samples to this day.

The review: Oh my goodness, is this song an absolutely BLAST to listen to! The funky little upbeat New Wave electronic synth beats and rhythms are just too damn awesome! And the lyrics and the occasional female voice saying a rather goofy yet kind of sexy and attractive "I love you" voice is also another fantastic fine little touch. Love this one, and it's such a bummer it stalled so early.

Final rating: 10/10

80's Hit Song Review: "I Predict" by Sparks (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 60

Backstory: This incredibly popular Los Angeles based cult rock, pop, and New Wave band (though they also experiment with other music genres as well, even including opera and spoken word), was formed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael in either 1967 or 1968. Both were graduates of UCLA, and are incredibly well-known in their Los Angeles area to this day. Ironically however, they had more chart success in Europe then they ever had here in the States. Their biggest U.S. hit, "Cool Places" which also included The Go-Go's Jane Wiedlin on vocals only got as high as No. 49 on the Hot 100. They still release plenty of music to this day and remain a VERY popular cult act. In fact, filmmaker Edgar Wright is even making a documentary about them. This song, from their 1982 album, Angst in My Pants, was their only other Hot 100 chart entry. A somewhat comedic yet controversial music video was also made for the song, made in the style of David Lynch's weird films, although it wasn't made by Lynch himself. The video consists of member Ron Mael performing a comedic striptease in front of a bunch of middle aged, slightly drunk and perverted looking men.

The review: This is EASILY one of my 100 favorite New Wave songs of ALL time. But what makes it even more epic is not only the cool and ridiculously catchy New Wave synth and drum beat, but also the comedic and truly ridiculous (yet clever and even somewhat smart and creative) lyrics making fun of lies, psychics, and fake news. Lyrics include such gems such as: "You're gonna eat a bowl of chow mien and get hungry real soon", and "This song will fade out" (yet it doesn't.) LOL. But the ONE line of lyrics in this song that is EASILY one of my ALL time favorite pieces of lyrics are, get this: "Cold beer and pretzels takes care of cancer!" LOL! Like, ya right, no shit Sherlock! Overall, just a very strange yet catchy and fun, comedic New Wave song.

(Also, don't forget to check out the album cover for Angst. You'll bust up LAUGHING. LOL.)

Final rating: 10/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Flashes" by Tiggi Clay (1984)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 86

Backstory: This San Francisco Bay Area based New Wave and R&B trio consisting of all African-American members consisted of Fizzy Qwick (Debravon Lewis), William "Billy" Peaches, and Romeo "Breath" McCall. In 1984, they released their one and only self-titled album. According to the band, the name Tiggi Clay was named after a notorious bully that they unfortunately knew while growing up, most likely sometime during their high school years. This single was released off of the really short lived Motown Records sub-label, Morocco. It was a minor success, but the album sadly never took off despite having many positive reviews. After breaking up, Qwick went on to make and produce more music and even worked a bit with Tina Turner. Most recently, Qwick has written music for the little known singer, U. Niq.

The review: This song is just an absolutely fun and awesome blast to listen to! The catchy synths, and fresh and upbeat vocals, and medleys are just too awesome! Such a shame it never really caught on too well.

Final rating: 9/10

80's Hit Song Review: "What If (I Said I Love You)" by Unipop (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 71 (Released in very late '82, didn't peak until in early '83)

Backstory:Italian-American singer and pianist Manny Loiacano grew up in the New York during the 50's and 60's, and in his early 20's until late 20's he performed in many shows around New York under the name of Rick Daniels. He was even popular enough to make a couple of appearances on the Tonight Show. After marrying his wife, Phyllis, who was a teacher at the time, both of them moved down to Atlanta and began to write and perform their own music. It was there when they got the attention of Bertie Higgins, best known for his No. 8 1982 hit, "Key Largo." It also attracted the attention of Kat Family Records, Higgins's short lived record label. With help from Higgins's main record producer, Sonny Limbo, they recorded their first and only ever album, Unilove. This first single was a minor success, but other singles sadly failed to chart and their Unipop days were over. Loiacano and his wife resumed life in Atlanta and started a family, who all enjoy good music, pianos, and Italian cuisine. Manny and his wife now own Roswell Piano Tuning By Ear, which is still up and running to this day. You should check out their website, and in fact, Loiacano even had a few famous people and musicians drop by there!

The review: Some people may think that I'm overrating this song, but I have personally always absolutely LOVED this 50's doo-wop style throwback song. But what definitely makes it unique is the multi-tracking slightly high pitched vocal style. With saxophones and a sweet piano, this tune is a winner in my book! But what's sad is the fact that only THREE full uploads of this song to this day even exist on YouTube! Such a great little nostalgic sounding tune.

Final rating: 10/10

80's Hit Song Review: "The Fanatic" by Felony (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 42 (Released in '82, didn't peak until in early '83)

Backstory: This short lived Los Angeles based New Wave band was formed by brothers Jeffrey Scott Spry and Joseph Anthony Spry and brothers Danny and Steve Sands. The Spry brothers were originally in a band called The New Order (obviously not the British band of the same name), which only lasted from 1975 until October of 1976. This single was their first and only ever hit single from their first and only ever album, named after this single. The single nearly made it into the Top 40, but the album was only a minor success, only peaking as high as No. 185 on the Billboard Hot 200 Album Charts. Another single of theirs was a cover of the 60's classic hit, "The Pied Piper." The album got quite a lot of airplay on the L.A. based station, KROQ-FM. But many people also remember this song from it being included in the classic 1983 film, Valley Girl. Sadly, on March 9th, 1992, Jeffrey Scott Spry committed suicide by gunshot. He was just 39 or 40 years old. Allegedly, this may have been after a fight with his brother or wife.

The review: I have ALWAYS absolutely LOVED this song! The clever and cool New Wave and guitar rhythm and beat and the slight bounciness of it is just too gosh darn awesome! And the lyrics and Spry's vocal performance are great as well! The crazy laugh at the end of this tune is yet another fine little small touch, and so is the piano solo. May Jeffrey Scott Spry Rest in Peace.

Final rating: 10/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Let Me Be" by Korona (1980)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 43

Backstory: This band was formed out of the band Starbuck, best known for their 1976 No. 3 hit, "Moonlight Feels Right". Bruce Blackman, the main member of Starbuck, was also mostly responsible for this particular band. It was Korona's only ever hit single before splitting up and disbanding only a short time later, nearly making the Top 40. It was also a minor success on the Adult Contemporary Charts, peaking at No. 49.

The review: This is a so-so yet kinda cheesy soft rock song with a nice softness, vocals, piano, guitars, and occasional saxophone in it. I definitely don't love it, but I still kinda like it. Frankly, I'm surprised it even made it as high as it did, considering the fact that this tune sounds more like it's from 1970 than 1980. Definitely a tune that hasn't aged all too well, but like I said, not too bad either. A forgotten little hit.

Final rating: 6/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Not Fade Away" by Eric Hine (1981)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 73

Backstory: British singer, keyboardist, producer, and engineer Hine was born in 1944. In the mid to late 60's, he played keyboards for Simon Dupree and the Big Sound. But when he was sick, guess who replaced him for a bit? SIR ELTON JOHN himself, before he was even well known and famous! It wasn't until the early 80's until Hine decided to make a little bit of solo work, including this cover of the famous Buddy Holly song of the same name, which was also remade by the Rolling Stones. It was released off of the short lived Montage label in the U.S., and was his only ever U.S. hit single. He would only ever release one more single, a song called "Expectation (Brave New World)" during the same year. I couldn't even really find any information on what he did after that or what he is up to nowadays, unfortunately.

The review: This is a pretty cool and unique version of the Holly classic with unique synths and an electronic New Wave/ synth pop sound to it. Should've been somewhat of a bigger hit. It is just so artsy and fartsy!

Final rating: 8/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Take Away" by Big Ric (1983)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 91

Backstory: This Los Angeles based foursome was founded mainly by 3 members of Barry Manilow's touring band. They teamed up and found a singer for the band, Joel Porter, and signed with Scotti Bros. Records to release their one and only ever album, a self titled debut. This single was released, and it became just a minor blip near the bottom of the Hot 100 for just 3 weeks. After splitting up, two members, Bud Harner and John Pondel formed a jazz group called Uncle Festive. They even appeared on Manilow's 1988 special Big Fun on Swing Street, and recorded up to 6 albums.

The review: I've always really liked this nice and simple power pop/ New Wave tune with a solid beat and nice vocal work from Porter. I wouldn't peg it for a Top 10, but it damn well should of at least made the Top 40. Definitely a more obscure band that you should check out. They had another decent single called, "Diana", which I also kind of liked.

Final rating: 8/10

70's Hit Song Review: "Kiss in the Dark" by Pink Lady (1979)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 37

Backstory: This Japanese pop duo was formed by school childhood friends Mitsuyo Nemoto and Keiko Masuda in 1976, and had plenty of huge hits in their native Japan. In 1979, they released this single off of Elektra/Curb and Victor Records that was one of the last disco hits. It made the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, making them one of only TWO Japanese musical acts to this day to have a top 40 hit single here in the States, the other one being Kyu Sakamoto with his 1963 classic No. 1 hit, "Sukiyaki", which was later covered by A Taste of Honey in 1981, with their version peaking at No. 3 on the Hot 100. They even had a short lived critically panned variety comedy show on NBC called Pink Lady and Jeff, which was created by both of the Kroft brothers. After that, they disbanded in 1981, although they have gotten back together many times after that and recorded a bit more music. They even had one or two of their songs on the Japanese version of the incredibly successful Just Dance video game series. Definitely an awesome pop/disco duo!

The review: I have always absolutely loved this song. The upbeat funky little disco rhythms, along with Mie and Kei's smooth voices makes this one a definite winner in my book. That being said, I still wouldn't call it one of my all time favorite disco songs, but it's still definitely a really good one! Should've travelled further into the Top 40.

Final rating: 9/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Opposites Do Attract" by All Sports Band (1982) Released in late '81, didn't chart until in February of '82.

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 78

Backstory: Throughout the history of pop and rock music (and sometimes just even all kinds of music in general), there have been many cheesy acts based on one specific kind of fad or topic. Of course, one of the most successful and well known of these acts were the Village People. But unlike some other bands in this style, All Sports Band weren't a novelty or funny band, rather they were just a pop and rock band that represented 5 different kinds of sports: auto racing, boxing, baseball, martial arts, and football. Their first charting single, "I'm Your Superman", was barely a blip on the Hot 100 Charts, peaking at an incredibly low No. 93. This second single, however, was a slightly bigger success, peaking at No. 78. They released a couple of more singles, but none of them ever charted. They even appeared on American Bandstand and Solid Gold before splitting up and going on to other things. One member became a church pastor, I believe, while another even worked with Metallica!

The review: I have always really liked this upbeat and positive sounding pop rock/ power pop tune with a fun beat. The guitars, keyboards, and vocals are all great, and if it wasn't for the really cheesy sports theme of this band, then I'm sure it could've been a much bigger hit. After doing some research, I did learn, however, that this song did get quite a bit of radio airplay all throughout the entire country on certain radio stations despite being a pretty minor hit. Overall, just a really good forgotten pop and rock tune that's really fun to listen to. Their other charting single, however, is really cheesy and cringeworthy stuff, IMO. LOL.

Final rating: 8/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Younger Days" by Joe Fagin (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 80

Backstory: English singer Fagin was born in January of 1940 and started to perform and make music way back in the 1960's, but his career didn't even take off until the early 80's by the time he was in his early 40's. This single, released off of the now defunct Millennium Records label, was his only ever U.S. hit, peaking at a rather low No. 80 after just staying on the charts for only 3 weeks. However, he is best known for his 1984 double A side single, "Breakin' Away/ That's Living Alright", which was the opening and closing theme for the British TV series, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, which peaked all the way up at No. 3 on the U.K. Singles Chart in that same year. He released a couple of more singles, most of which were not successful. After retiring from making music, he became a driving instructor who delivers driving lessons to young recruits in the British Army.

The review: I have always loved this beautiful and nostalgic sounding soft rock song with lyrics about Fagin remembering his youth in the 50's with Elvis and James Dean, along with Rock'N'Roll. It has a great soft medley to it as well. Should've been a much bigger hit, shame it was Fagin's only ever U.S. hit single.

Final rating: 9/10

80's Bubbling Under The Hot 100 Song Review: "You Are the One" by Phil Garland (1982)

U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under The Hot 100 Peak Position No. 109 (released in late '82, didn't Bubble Under until sometime in 1983)

Backstory: Not a whole lot is known about Garland, but I did find out that he was born in Boston and besides being a singer and songwriter is also a violinist. He released this promo single off of both Atlantic and the Atlantic sub-label, Radio Records. But unfortunately because it was only released as a promo single, it failed to enter the actual Hot 100 charts and had to settle for a peak position of No. 109 on the Bubbling Under Charts. It was released off of his first album, Dreams of A Boy. He later released one more single in '83 called "The Final Sting" off of the German label, Intercord. He only released one more album in 1991 called, Dancing on the Edge. After that, his recording career ended. I couldn't even find ANY information on what he is doing today, or even if he is still alive. He is also not to be confused with the somewhat well known New Zealand based bluegrass and folk musician of the same name, who died in March of 2017.

The review: Oh boy, do I absolutely LOVE this song! It was VERY stupid on either Atlantic/Radio Records, or Garland's part, (or both of them), to only release this song as a promo single. It could have blown up EASILY if it was just released as a normal single. The guitars and positive medley along with Garland's singing voice are just too awesome! Such a shame.

Final rating: 9/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Seasons" by Grace Slick (1980)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 95

Backstory: Slick was having both alcohol and drug problems after the breakup of Jefferson Airplane, but eventually got help and recovered. During this time, she later rejoined the newly created Jefferson Starship (or simply just Starship later on) in 1980. During this time, she released her second solo album, Dreams, off of RCA Records, with this song being the first single. It was barely a blip on the Hot 100, peaking at an incredibly low No. 95 after only staying on the charts for two short weeks. However, it was a MUCH bigger success in the Netherlands, where it peaked as high as No. 17. This incredibly minor blip was her first and ONLY ever song as a solo artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. A second single, the title track, Bubbled Under the Hot 100 at No. 104 and peaked at No. 50 on the U.K. Singles Chart. The album however was a really big success, peaking as high as No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 200 Album Charts. Of course, Slick would go on to make a few more solo albums, and much more music with Starship.

The review: Yes, she's definitely a legend and all, but seriously, what kind of single is this!? It's just so different and strange, and even more so as a single! In fact, the b-side, "Angel of Night", sounds so much better and should have been the A-Side. The harmonies of this song sound like a Russian folk tune from the 17 or 1800's rather than an early 80's pop or rock song. I'm definitely not surprised that this song stalled so gosh darn low on the Hot 100, though I can see how the European like medleys may have attracted Dutch listeners. But with all of that being said, I applaud and respect Mrs. Slick for creating a very unique and different kind of single, so I feel like I personally can't hate this song, rather just really dislike it.

Final rating: 4/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Nice Girls" by Eye To Eye (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 37

Backstory: This American blue-eyed soul/ sophisti-pop duo was formed in Seattle by Deborah Berg and Julian Marshall, who was formerly in the British duo Marshall Hain with Kit Hain, who had a hit in both the U.K. and U.S. in 1978 and 1979 with, "Dancing in the City", which peaked at No. 3 in their native U.K. and No. 43 in the U.S. Marshall was also briefly in The Flying Lizards, who had a surprise hit with their oddball New Wave/ experimental Avant-Garde version of the 1959 Barrett Strong classic, "Money (That's What I Want)", which peaked at No. 5 on the U.K. Charts in 1979, and No. 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1980. After leaving both of those groups, he formed this new unique duo in 1980, and then two years later the duo released their first album, a self-titled debut with this song as their first charting single. It would be their first and only ever Top 40 hit. Their only ever other charting song was a really minor hit called, "Lucky", which only got to as high as No. 88 in the Autumn of 1983, and was released off of their album, Shakespeare Stole My Baby. They disbanded the following year in 1984, but reformed in 2001, and released a third album, Clean Slate, on 12th St. Records in 2005, and still make music to this day, although they sadly haven't released an album in over 14 years.

The review: This is an upbeat little sophists-pop/ blue-eyed soul tune in the same styles of Hall and Oates and Simply Red. I really like the soft but still catchy beat, and Berg's nice voice. I also love the little soft and sweet breakdown in the middle of the tune and the catchy extended ending. With the help of Steely Dan's producer, Gary Katz, I can easily see how this became a Top 40 hit. Sadly, many people have forgotten about this great little tune. Should've made the Top 20, though I wouldn't call it a masterpiece.

Final rating: 8/10