I Completed 80s Music

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