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© The 80s Mixtaper
Description
In 2016 I started listening to every single UK chart entry from January 1st 1980 to December 31st 1989. This is the story of that journey, the bands, the music and how 80s music unfolded through lots of lovely playlists. If you’re new to 80s music, consider this a great entry point. If you’re here for nostalgia, you’re in for a treat! Wham! Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Bros, The Smiths - you name it, I have you covered. As midlife crises go, it could be worse!
Cover art by Florian Schmetz. Go check him out at Unsplash!
Cover art by Florian Schmetz. Go check him out at Unsplash!
60 Episodes
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It's my podcast and I'll cough if I want to! Actually, I manage to hold it together for this entire episode despite the Autumn sniffles as we dive into Autumn 1981. We kick things off with Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin's synthy rework of "It's My Party" before questioning whether Japan's "Quiet Life" may have been the inspiration for a lot of the new romantic sounds. "Just Can't Get Enough" is both the next song and an apt description of how the single kicked off Depeche Mode's meteoric rise. To cool off, we go "Walking In The Sunshine" with Bad Manners (one of my faves) before ripping into "Happy Birthday" by Altered Images. And we end the pod with yet more Madness and "Shut Up" proving that the ska revival wasn't quite over yet.
Links to Playlist 29
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin - It's My Party
9. Japan - Quiet Life
10. Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough
11. Bad Manners - Walking In The Sunshine
12. Altered Images - Happy Birthday
13. Madness - Shut Up
Dont you ever, dont you ever, stop listening to this podcast! Yes folks, we're back after a short holiday and we're into the early offings of Autumn 1981 as we break into the first half of Playlist 29. We kick off with Joan Armatrading evolving her sound with "I'm Lucky", before meeting San Francisco rockers The Tubes. We then explore Godley and Creme's significant impact on the pop culture media of the decade and their song "Under Your Thumb".
Then, the moment we've all been waiting for (well, 5 of us), a critical analysis of "The Birdie Song" (seriously) by The Tweets, before diving into the Lionel Richie and Diana Ross classic, "Endless Love". As we reach our climax we throw on our warpaint and finest dandy threads for the apex of the Adam and the Ants experience, "Prince Charming" and end the episode in Wolverhampton with Slade! Remember folks, ridicule is nothing to be scared of!
Links to Playlist 29
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Joan Armatrading - I'm Lucky
2. The Tubes - I Don't Want To Wait Anymore
3. Godley & Creme - Under Your Thumb
4. The Tweets - The Birdie Song
5. Lionel Richie & Diana Ross - Endless Love
6. Adam & The Ants - Prince Charming
7. Slade - Lock Up Your Daughters
We rejoin the 80s Mixtaper as summer comes to an end in 1981. As we hit the back six of playlist 28 we start with school disco classic, Hands Up by Ottawan before slipping into something more comfortable with the deeply introspective Souvenir by OMD. We then discuss whether Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones was their large great song, before strapping on our roller skates for a tour round Milton Keynes and Cliff Richard for Wired for Sound. We then capture the end of Linx's hit run with So This Is Romance and end the episode by introducing Quincy Jones to the mix with Betcha Wouldnt Hurt Me.
Links to Playlist 28:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Ottawan - Hands Up
9. OMD - Souvenir
10. The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up
11. Cliff Richard - Wired For Sound
12. Linx - So This Is Romance
13. Quincy Jones - Betcha Wouldnt Hurt Me
Justin Lewis discusses his new book, Into the Groove, a month-by-month exploration of 1980s music that blends major events with overlooked moments.
They cover his record-shop roots, influences like Annie Nightingale and Janice Long, the rise of video and hip-hop, Live Aid and the decade’s lasting impact on modern pop. This one's a cracker! Enjoy.
Join The 80s Mixtaper as he walks through Playlist 28 of his decade-long mission, spotlighting seven key 1981 tracks from bands — Human League, Modern Romance, Dollar, Simple Minds, Stevie Nicks, The Pointer Sisters and Genesis — with background stories, chart context and an extra guest interview coming about 80s music history.
Links to Playlist 28:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. The Human League - Love Action
2. Modern Romance - Everybody Salsa
3. Dollar - Hand Held In Black And White
4. Simple Minds - Love Song
5. Stevie Nicks with Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - Stop Draggin My Heart Around
6. The Pointer Sisters - Slow Hand
7. Genesis - Abacab
In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music" we explore the back six tracks of Playlist 27 as we step into August 1981.
Host The 80s Mixtaper revisits Kim Wilde's "Water on Glass," Randy Crawford's take on "Rainy Night in Georgia," Classixs Nouveaux's "Inside Outside," the controversial one-hit wonder "Japanese Boy," UB40's protest anthem "One in 10," and U2's early single "Fire," tracing their chart runs and cultural context.
Links to Playlist 27
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Kim Wilde - Water On Glass
9. Randy Crawford - Rainy Night In Georgia
10. Classix Nouveaux - Inside Outside
11. Aneka - Japanese Boy
12. UB40 - One In Ten
13. U2 - Fire
Join The 80s Mixtaper as he dives into Playlist 27 (mid‑July 1981), unpacking seven landmark tracks — from Bill Wyman's franglais oddity and Squeeze's soul‑tinged 'Tempted' to Duran Duran's provocative 'Girls on Film', Shakin' Stevens' chart‑topping 'Green Door', Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday' campaign anthem, Soft Cell's synth‑pop smash 'Tainted Love', and Siouxsie and the Banshees' haunting 'Arabian Nights'. Hear the stories, chart tales, and cultural moments behind each song.
Links to Playlist 27
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Bill Wyman - Je Suis Un Rock Star
2. Squeeze - Tempted
3. Duran Duran - Girls On Film
4. Shakin Stevens - Green Door
5. Stevie Wonder - Happy Birthday
6. Soft Cell - Tainted Love
7. Siouxie and the Banshees - Arabian Nights
In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music" we dive into the second half of Playlist 26 (mid‑July 1981), spotlighting tracks from Kate Bush, Candido, Carl Carlton, Spandau Ballet, ABBA and Paul Gardiner, and exploring how these songs shaped the club and pop scenes of 1981.
Find Spotify and Apple Music playlists and the full track listing in the episode description, and join us next week for more 80s favourites.
Links to Playlist 26
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Kate Bush - Sat In Your Lap
9. Candido - Jingo
10. Carl Carlton - She's A Bad Mama Jama
11. Spandau Ballet - Chant No 1
12. Abba - Lay All Your Love On Me
13. Paul Gardiner - Stormtrooper in Drag
Playlist 26 takes us through July 1981, unpacking the music and stories behind seven standout tracks. Highlights include The Specials' Ghost Town and its link to Britain’s social unrest, REO Speedwagon's arena-rock hit Take It On The Run, Sheena Easton’s Bond theme For Your Eyes Only, the Psychedelic Furs’ Pretty in Pink and its later film legacy, Bad Manners’ ska romp Can Can, a nostalgia-fuelled Beach Boys medley from Gideon Park, and Kraftwerk’s influential synth-pop classic The Model.
The episode blends musical analysis, band histories and cultural context to show how these songs reflected and shaped the era’s mood.
Links to Playlist 26
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. The Specials - Ghost Town
2. REO Speedwagon - Take It On The Run
3. Sheena Easton - For Your Eyes Only
4. Psychedelic Furs - Pretty In Pink
5. Bad Manners - Can Can
6. Gidea Park - Beach Boy Gold
7. Kraftwerk - The Model
A stream-of-consciousness recap of Rewind South 2025: a sun-baked, neon-filled weekend where fans of all ages sing along to 80s classics, dress up, and celebrate the music that shaped them.
The episode mixes joyful scene-setting and standout performances (Roachford, Heaven 17, Holly Johnson, Blue and more) with a bittersweet reflection on aging artists, cancelled tours, and how the festival might evolve by adding newer acts to keep the nostalgia alive.
Ultimately it’s a loving, personal take on why Rewind matters—and what it means to hold on to those songs and memories while time moves on.
In the second half of Playlist 25 we dive back into June 1981, spotlighting breakthrough moments from Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Depeche Mode, Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club and more. We break down the songs, stories, and studio tales behind a packed final half of the playlist.
Expect a mix of Latin-funk, early synth-pop, post-punk swagger and dancefloor classics, with context on charts, recording sessions and the cultural pulse of 1981.
Links to Playlist 25
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Kid Creole & The Coconuts - Me No Pop I
9. Depeche Mode - New Life
10. Linx - Throw Away The Key
11. Grace Jones - Pull Up To The Bumper
12. Tom Tom Club - Wordy Rappinghood
13. Rainbow - Can't Happen Here
In this episode of I Completed 80s Music, we dive into Playlist 25, journeying into the musical tapestry of June 1981. Kicking off with Siouxie and the Banshees, we unravel the hypnotic allure of their track Spellbound from their iconic album Juju. As we navigate through this vibrant decade, we delve into the intricate worlds of the New Romantics and explore Siouxie's lyrical enigma that combines love, horror, and religious undertones.
Breaking conventions, we orchestrate a musical duel between Elaine Page and Barbra Streisand with their renditions of Memory from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, dissecting each version's emotional gravity and theatrical prowess. We further witness Bucksfizz in their post-Eurovision evolution with Piece of the Action, cementing their pop credentials beyond the contest fray.
Our journey doesn’t stop there as we encounter the gritty synth-powered anthems by Ultravox, delve into Kirsty McCall's rockabilly charm with her cheeky narrative on love and deception, and visit Bruce Springsteen's haunting storytelling genius in The River. Prepare to revisit a year colored by memorable narratives and powerful performances that defined a decade.
Links to Playlist 25
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Siouxie And The Banshees - Spellbound
2. Elaine Paige - Memory
3. Barbra Streisand - Memory
4. Bucks Fizz - Piece Of The Action
5. Ultravox - All Stood Still
6. Kirsty MacColl - There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis
7. Bruce Springsteen - The River
Welcome back to 'I Completed 80s Music' where your musical librarian, the 80s Mixtaper, guides you through an eclectic mix of songs from the vibrant late May 1981 era. It's the second half of playlist 24. Dive into the sounds of George Harrison's heartfelt homage to John Lennon and discover the intricate journey of Split Enz with Neil Finn's introspective lyrics.
This episode features a rich tapestry of musical talent, including highlights from Hazel O'Connor, Randy Crawford, and Odyssey. You'll embark on a nostalgic journey through poignant ballads, soulful reflections, and exuberant funk tracks, all while exploring the challenges and triumphs that shaped these artists' legacies.
Join us as we celebrate memorable 80s tunes and revisit the transformative moments and enduring echoes of the era's musical landscape.
Links to Playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
7. Split Enz - History Never Repeats
8. George Harrison - All Those Years Ago
9. Hazel O'Connor - Will You?
10. Randy Crawford - You Might Need Somebody
11. Phil Collins - If Leaving Me Is Easy
12. Odyssey - Going Back To My Roots
Welcome to this week's episode of "I Completed 80s Music," where we journey back to May 1981, uncovering the sounds and stories behind some of the decade's most beloved tracks. Join the 80s Mixtaper as we start with Kim Carnes' timeless hit "Bette Davis Eyes," exploring its production, legacy, and chart-topping success.
We also dive into Kim Wilde's energetic "Checkered Love" and Adam Ant's iconic "Stand and Deliver," examining how each song captured the spirit of the era. Groove with Grover Washington Jr.'s "Just the Two of Us," a smooth jazz anthem featuring Bill Withers that's stood the test of time.
Explore Imagination's "Body Talk," a transatlantic sound that reshaped London’s club scene, and Squeeze's "Is That Love," a nuanced look at relationships from their eclectic album, "East Side Story." Finally, join us as we celebrate Toya Wilcox's rebellious anthem "I Want to Be Free," a track symbolizing her defiance and enduring presence in music and media.
This episode is a nostalgic tribute to the eclectic and vibrant music scene of the 1980s, full of insightful anecdotes and a deep dive into the tracks that defined a generation. Join us for a sonic adventure through a transformative year in pop music history.
Links to Playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
2. Kim Wilde - Checquered Love
3. Adam And The Ants - Stand And Deliver
4. Grover Washington Jnr - Just The Two Of Us
5. Imagination - Body Talk
6. Squeeze - Is That Love?
7. Toyah - I Want To Be Free
Strap in for a totally tubular trip to April 1981 on "I Completed 80s Music"! This week, we’re ripping apart the psychedelic frenzy of The Teardrop Explodes’ Treason, vibing to the synth-pop swagger of The Human League’s Sound of the Crowd, and jiving with Shakin’ Stevens’ electrifying You Drive Me Crazy. We’ll melt into the silky smoothness of Champaign’s How ’Bout Us, swoon over Smokey Robinson’s soulful Being With You, and race to the epic beats of Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire. From band implosions to bonkers chart showdowns, we’re spilling all the juicy stories and wild 80s energy behind these legendary tracks. Grab your boombox and join the party!
Links to playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. The Teardrop Explodes - Treason
9. The Human League - Sound Of The Crowd
10. Shakin Stevens - You Drive Me Crazy
11. Champaign - How Bout Us
12. Smokey Robinson - Being With You
13. Vangelis - Chariots Of Fire
Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music! In this episode, we dive into Playlist 23, exploring the best and most intriguing tracks from April 1981. As we inch forward in time, we revisit a landscape where various musical style vie for attention in a fluid chart early in the decade.
This week, we shine a spotlight on Echo and the Bunnymen, The Clash, and Madness, exploring their creative journeys and influence. Dive into the rockabilly revival with the Stray Cats and revel in the unique energy of Ten Pole Tudor's medieval punk stylings. We also pay tribute to pop tunes like Juice Newton's "Angel of the Morning" and mark the final chart appearance of The Undertones with their poignant hit.
Although we can't play the songs on the podcast due to copyright rules, discover the stories behind these iconic tracks and find them on our curated Spotify and Apple Music playlists. Join us for a nostalgic ride back to the extravagant sounds of the early 80s!
Links to playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Echo & The Bunnymen - Crocodiles
2. Tenpole Tudor - Swords Of A Thousand Men
3. Stray Cats - Stray Cat Strut
4. The Clash - The Magnificent Seven
5. Madness - Grey Day
6. Juice Newton - Angel Of The Morning
7. The Undertones - It's Going To Happen
Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, hosted by the 80s Mixtaper. In today's episode, we explore the back half Playlist 22, April 1981, featuring tracks 8 to 13. This playlist encapsulates the unpredictable musical year of 1981, where genres collided and experimentation flourished. Bands like Girlschool and Bauhaus pushed boundaries, while timeless artists such as Barry Manilow took bold new directions. Join us as we dive into the stories behind these tracks and celebrate the unique musical tapestry of 1981.
Links to playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Girlschool - Hit And Run
9. Barry Manilow - Bermuda Triangle
10. Ennio Morricone - Chi Mai
11. Bauhaus - Kick In The Eye
12. Level 42 - Love Games
13. The Beat - Drowning
In this episode of "I Complete Your 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes you on a musical journey through the unforgettable hits and unique stories from 1981. Dive into the heart of Eurovision excitement with Bucks Fizz's electrifying performance that captured the UK's fourth win, and relish the long ride with REO Speedwagon's iconic power ballad, "Keep On Loving You." Explore the lesser-sung tracks that also defined the era, including Department S's "Is Vic There?" and Keith Marshall’s touching "Only Crying." Discover The Cure’s deeper dive with "Primary," and unravel the mythical undertones of Spandau Ballet's "Musclebound." This episode not only celebrates the chart-toppers but also shines a spotlight on the eclectic, sometimes overlooked tracks that made 1981 a pivotal year in the 80s music scene.
Links to playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up
2. Department S - Is Vic There?
3. Keith Marshall - Only Crying
4. The Cure - Primary
5. Dire Straits - Skateaway
6. Spandau Ballet - Musclebound
7. REO Speedwagon - Keep On Loving You
Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, the podcast where we traverse the vibrant, eclectic world of 1980s pop. I'm your host, the 80s Mixtaper, and today we dive into the second half of Playlist 21.5, filled with synth-pop, reggae, and ska tunes.
We embark on this journey with Heaven 17's politically charged anthem, "We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang," a protest wrapped in infectious synth beats. Step into Sheffield's industrial atmosphere of 1981 as we unravel the protest anthem that dared to merge political commentary and dance rhythms.
Then, join us in a nostalgic trip to Top of the Pops with Phil Lynott's "Yellow Pearl," a synth-pop banger that defined an era's TV music scene while showcasing Lynott's leap into solo ventures.
We rekindle memories with Hazel O'Connor's "D-Days," a sharp critique of London's nightlife set to new wave beats, illustrating the artist's attempt to shed her "Breaking Glass" persona.
Groove along to Light of the World's "I'm So Happy," capturing the essence of Britain's jazz-funk movement, and revel in Sugar Minott's reggae cover of Michael Jackson's "Good Thing Going," which soared through UK charts.
Finally, we dive into the ska universe with Bad Manners' "Just a Feeling," a cheeky anthem from 1981 that rides on the energy of those larger-than-life ska performances. Join the mixtaper as we relive the unrestrained celebration of 80s music and its remarkable impact.
Links to playlist 21:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
8. Heaven 17 - Fascist Groove Thang
9. Phil Lynott - Yellow Pearl
10. Hazel O'Connor - D Days
11. Light of the World - I'm So Happy
12. Sugar Minott - Good Thing Going
13. Bad Manners - Just A Feeling
In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes you back to March 1981, exploring the vibrant and eclectic tracks of Playlist 21. Join us as we unravel the stories behind some of the era's most iconic hits, including Phil Collins' pivotal "I Missed Again," a track marking his transition from Genesis' progressive rock legacy to a pop sensation. Discover how The Who grappled with their past and present in their final hit "You Better You Bet," and witness New Order's emergence from Joy Division's ashes with "Ceremony."
Learn about the surprising journey of Lena Lovitch with her consumerism critique "New Toy," and how The Nolans kept the disco-pop spirit alive with "Attention to Me." The Whispers' "It’s a Love Thing" will sweep you back to the dancefloors of the early 80s, while Graham Bonnet's "Night Games" showcases a solo leap post-Rainbow. Dive into the colorful mix of genres and stories that pepped up the charts in March 1981, and explore how these artists defined a musical generation.
Links to playlist 21:
Spotify
Apple Music
In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:
1. Phil Collins - I Missed Again
2. The Who - You Better You Bet
3. Lene Lovich - New Toy
4. The Nolans - Attention To Me
5. The Whispers - Its A Love Thing
6. New Order - Ceremony
7. Graham Bonnett - Night Games
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