80's Hit Song Review: "What Do All the People Know" by The Monroes (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 59

Backstory: This American rock and power pop group was formed in San Diego in the late 70's. They got signed to the Japanese record label, Alfa Records and soon released this single in 1982, which became their one and only ever charting single. Unfortunately, due to the fact that Alfa Records were closing up their American shop, the song stalled at just No. 59 on the Charts. After that, the Monroes signed to CBS, but sadly got nowhere and disbanded eventually in 1988. Member Tony Ortiz has his own channel dedicated to his band. You should check it out if you want to.

The review: This is a really solid, upbeat, and fun pop rock and power pop song with nice production and guitars, along with some nice vocal work as well. I definitely love the synths and the kitschy keyboards as well. Shame Alfa closed their American shop early, leaving the Monroes with only a modest sized hit single. Should've definitely been a bigger hit.

Final rating: 9/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Nicole" by Point Blank (1981)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 39

Backstory: This American rock band from Texas was formed in 1974 and released their debut album on Arista Records before switching to MCA Records, releasing their album, American Exce$$ in 1981. Bill Ham, the music producer who produced music for ZZ Top produced music for this group. This song was their first and only song to ever chart on the Hot 100, though they had one or two more singles that Bubbled Under. They split up in 1983.

The review: This is a pretty good southern rock style song with a groovy swaying beat. It's nothing outstanding, but I do really like it. The production is good as well.

Final rating: 7/10

80's Music Video of the Day: "Square Rooms" by Al Corley (1984)

No. 1 hit in France and pretty big hit in other European countries as well, but only made it as high as No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 in Corley's native U.S. the following year. Pretty good synth pop tune. Produced by Harold Faltermeyer of 1984's, "Axel F" fame.

Corley was also an actor, known for playing Steve Carrington in the soap opera, Dynasty.

60's Hit Song Review: "They're Here" by Boots Walker (1967)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 77

Backstory:Very little is known about Walker except for the facts that his real name is Lou Zerato and the fact that he was born sometime in 1938 somewhere in Texas. This minor sci-fi inspired novelty song (that is also an unique take on Napoleon XIV's, "They're Coming To Take Me Away Ha-Haaa!") was his only ever charting Hot 100 single, released off of the popular at the time but now defunct Texas based record label, Rust Records. But believe it or not, he actually had A NO. 1 HIT IN JAPAN called, "Geraldine". How it became so popular over there, I'll never know. It's unclear what ever happened to Zerato after his short and small amount of fame. I don't even know if he's still alive.

The review: This is a fairly unique yet kinda odd novelty song about aliens and UFO's. Creepy! The beat also is very unique and kinda different and groovy as well. I honestly really like it! Should've been a bigger hit.

Final rating: 8/10

80's Music Video of the Day: "Little Darlin'" by Sheila (1981)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 49 (No. 1 hit in her native France)

Pretty good underrated pop/rock song with some ABBA like vibes. This was this famous French singer's only ever U.S. hit single on the Hot 100 (though she had two on the R&B and Dance Charts that never crossed over onto the Hot 100 pop charts) She even had an album that was produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic fame! You can follow Sheila on her official Instagram page. Sheila still remains highly popular in France, however.

A slight insight to Wes Anderson's 2004 film, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

Anderson's 2004 film is a somewhat bizarre yet highly creative and stylish yet awesome film full of animation, great sets, and of course, ocean life. Personally, I think it's very underrated.

The film has many great shots, both inside and out, which shows Wes and his crews delightful insight for fantastic set and art design.

And the soundtrack is also very nice as well, which includes many David Bowie covers.

Overall, a (somewhat) underrated film.

80's Hit Song Review: "Angel Say No" by Tommy Tutone (1980)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 38

Backstory: This California based pop rock and power pop band was formed in 1978 by Tommy Heath and Jim Keller. Although they disbanded in 1984, they since reformed in 1996 and still remain together to this very day. They had their first hit single in 1980 with this song which just made the Top 40. But, the following year, they had a huge hit with, "867-5309, Jenny", which made it all the way to No. 4 in 1982. That huge hit was their only other hit single (though they had a single that Bubbled Under the Hot 100 at No. 101 called, "Which Man Are You?") Heath later became a computer analyst and software engineer and moved to Portland, Oregon.

The review: This is a pretty good and fairly upbeat power pop tune with nice guitar and vocal work. It's nothing outstanding, but I still really like the tune. So yes, this means that Tommy Tutone are, in fact, a two hit wonder, NOT an one hit wonder. Huh. LOL.

Final rating: 7/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Stay in Time" by Off Broadway (1980)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 51 (Released in '79, didn't peak until a year later in early 1980)

Backstory: This American rock and power pop band was formed in Oak Park, Illinois in 1977. They got signed to Atlantic Records and soon released their debut album, On in 1979. The album got to as high as No. 101 on the Billboard Hot 200 Album Charts, and this following single from the album got to as high as No. 51 and was their one and only ever charting single. They released one more unsuccessful album, and than broke up in '83. They have, however, since reunited and still play occasional concerts, usually in their home state.

The review: This is a really fine, fun, and upbeat tune with nice guitars and vocal work. Not sure why it only got to as high as No. 51. Should've been bigger in my eyes. Good production and drums as well.

Final rating: 8/10