A modern day podcaster, mean mean stride, today's podcaster, mean, mean pride. Lets not Rush (geddit?) through this episode, as we explore the back half of playlist 31. Yes folks, we enter November 1981 with an eclectic mix of funk, synthpop wizardry and more 80s flavours. Kool and the Gang kick off our show continuing their stretch of great 80s tunes with Steppin Out. We then pivot into introducing Saxon to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal picture with their steam powered song Princess of the Night. We then complete the Sheffield synth-triumvirate as we add the glamorous ABC to the mix alongside the Human League and Heaven 17, with their debut Tears are Not Enough. Rush then drop the iconic cultural behemoth Tom Sawyer - we really delve into that one, before we meet Pigbag with their funky sounds and Sunny Day. And we end today's show examining Japan's swansong, the album Tin Drum and the single, Visions of China. Links to Playlist 31: Spotify Apple Music In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are: 8. Kool And The Gang - Steppin Out 9. Saxon - Princess Of The Night 10. ABC - Tears Are Not Enough 11. Rush - Tom Sawyer 12. Pigbag - Sunny Day 13. Japan - Visions Of China
It may be Autumn 1981 but you won't need your duffle coat where we're going! Hot holidays, hot driving in the california hills, hot reggae and hot funk all feature in the first half of playlist 31. We start with perhaps one of the most polarising tracks of the decade, an art installation in its own right, O Superman by Laurie Anderson, raising questions about the purpose of the state and the superficial image of protection. Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band then rev up the convertible and take us on a joy ride with Hollywood Nights. We then fly over to Spain, forget the sun block and look like a lobster in a british bar while listening to Begin the Beguine by Julio Iglesias as we remember the era of the package holiday. Trevor Walters then entertains with some delicious lovers rock and the beautiful song Love Me Tonight. We then introduce those funky youngsters Haircut 100 to the mix for their flirty foray into the charts with Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl). OMD take us on a history lesson with the almost choral Joan of Arc and The Police end the episode with a song very special to the 80s Mixtaper, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. It's a biggie! Links to Playlist 31: Spotify Apple Music In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are: 1. Laurie Anderson - O Superman 2. Bob Seger And The Silver Bullet Band - Hollywood Nights 3. Julio Iglesias - Begin The Beguine 4. Trevor Walters - Love Me Tonight 5. Hair Cut 100 - Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) 6. OMD - Joan Of Arc 7. The Police - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
We're back with the back half of playlist 31 and stories of rock glory from the best decade in pop. In this episode we introduce arena rock giants Foreigner to the picture with their apocryphal tale of the fan who sees a concert and becomes a rock star in their single Jukebox Hero. We don our best spandex, head and wrist warmers and get Physical with Olivia Newton-John and send the 80 work out revolution into overdrive (who's mum went to a Jazz and Tap class?). We get one of the most under-appreciated singles from the Human League's Dare album in Open Your Heart. Lovers and fans of Dudley More will appreciate our next track, the epically beautiful Arthurs Theme by Christopher Cross. The Cure take up time skipping with Charlotte Sometimes and we end the episode with the Four Tops big comeback with When She Was My Girl. Links to Playlist 30 Spotify Apple Music In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are: 8. Foreigner - Juke Box Hero 9. Olivia Newton-John - Physical 10. Human League - Open Your Heart 11. Christopher Cross - Arthurs Theme 12. The Cure - Charlotte Sometimes 13. Four Tops - When She Was My Girl
Eclectic Much? Yup playlist 30 continues to demonstrate that even towards the end of 1981, the new decade is still embryonic in it's flavours. We kick off with The Police pivoting away from the reggae punk style as they focus on their next album Ghost in the Machine and break out the single Invisible Sun. Next we don our stripper heels and swing on the pole to Billy Squier's Stroke Me, which actually is a song more aligned with greasy politicians and magnates! Elvis Costello goes country with Good Year For The Roses and pops up again in Squeeze's production of Labelled With Love at the end of the episode. And inbetween we get the Siouxie and Budgie side project The Creatures, more Toyah and more Tom Tom Club. It's gonna be an extravaganza! (Johnny Briggs quote). Links to Playlist 30 Spotify Apple Music In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are: 1. The Police - Invisible Sun 2. Billy Squier - The Stroke 3. Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Good Year For The Roses 4. Toyah - Thunder In The Mountains 5. The Creatures - Mad Eyed Screamer 6. Tom Tom Club - Genius Of Love 7. Squeeze - Labelled With Love
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