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8 Reasons 1985 Rocked

Sat, 29 May 2021 04:00:43 GMT

1 – Madonna had Three Number One Singles

It can easily be forgotten just how big Madonna was in the 80s, and 1985 is a great example of why she is called “The Queen of Pop”. It is not an understatement to say she dominated 1985. She was everywhere. Her videos were on high rotation, girls were copying her looks and the offended couldn’t stop talking about her. Then there was the music. It is no small feat that Madonna had three number one singles in 1985. The year began with “Like a Virgin” at the top. Then in the middle of the year, Madonna’s work with soundtracks saw her fly high. “Into the Groove” / “Angel” was number one, only to be replaced “Crazy For You” in July. Not many artists in history have replaced themselves at one; the Queen of Pop has. These weren’t her only songs out that year; “Material Girl” hit four, “Dress You Up” was five and “Gambler” reached ten. So many releases, all stone-cold classics. The young pop divas only wish they could have her hits and her success.

2 – The Power of Love

1985 was definitely the year for songs called, “The Power of Love”. There were three out that year that were all amazing. First, there was Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s beautiful ballad. It came out for Christmas in 1984, but its chart run was mostly in 1985, reaching four here and one in the UK. The haunting ballad was a perfect showcase for Holly Johnson’s exquisite voice. Jennifer Rush’s, “The Power of Love” was another song originally released in 1984, but it was 1985 that embraced it and made it a rightful hit. This power ballad is so good that the later cover by Celine Dion became her first mega hit. The song was also Jennifer’s biggest hit, with it going to one in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and many other places. Surprisingly, it bombed in the US. Our final, “The Power of Love” is one to get you moving and singing along. From the blockbuster film, “Back to the Future”, the Huey Lewis and the News track rightfully hit one in Australia, Canada, Japan and the US. Huey Lewis had so many great songs, but it's not a stretch to say that this was his best song.

3 – INXS began dominating in the US

Since 1980, INXS have been one of the biggest bands ever in Australia. Their only Aussie number one came in 1984 with “Original Sin”, which is a crime to INXS. Seriously, what were we thinking? From 1985 they became one of the biggest bands in the US as well. The Aussie legendary band had some minor hits in the US previously, “The One Thing”, hitting 30 in 1982. But in 1985, when they released the “Listen Like Thieves” album, things turned around and they became household names in the US. The album hit eleven in the US and “What You Need”, hit five. This was the start of an amazing chart run for the Aussie supergroup in the world’s biggest music market. They had many more top tens and even hit one with, “Need You Tonight”. By 1987, INXS were having more success in the US than at home in Australia. And that started in 1985.

4 – Stock, Aitken and Waterman had Their First Number One

When you think of 80s pop music, you can’t not think about uber producers, Stock, Aitken and Waterman. They created some of the biggest songs of the 80s. They wrote and produced tracks like, “Never Gonna Give You Up”, “I Should Be So Lucky” and “Respectable”, and were also excellent producers, proving that with their work on Bananarama’s, “Venus”. While they had some success earlier with tracks by people like Divine and Hazel Dean, it was their production of Dead Alive’s, “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”, which saw the three gentlemen have their first worldwide number one. The track is still incredible and was something very fresh for 1985. They took Hi-NRG and made it mainstream. The sound became synonymous with Stock, Aitken and Waterman and made them powerhouses in the industry with the ability to create stars.

5 – Live Aid

Generosity was at an all time high in 1985. 1984 saw the release of Band Aid’s, “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, and in 1985 the Americans decided they needed their own anthem to help Africa, with the release of the super successful, “We Are the World” by USA for Africa. Then came Live Aid. On July 13, the world watched as the world’s biggest musicians played two concerts, one in London and one in Philadelphia. The line up was the stuff of legends, with over 60 acts performing. Acts such as Queen, Madonna, U2, Elton John, Run DMC, George Michael, David Bowie and Phil Collins, who managed to perform at both concerts. The event reportedly raised $127 million. Impressive stuff, and when you watch back the footage of the event you can see why it was so loved.

6 – Brothers in Arms is Released

You would be hard pressed to find a music fan in 1985 who didn’t own Dire Strait’s massive album, “Brothers In Arms”. Clearly many people bought it, because it has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. In the UK it was number one for fourteen weeks and in the US, it had nine weeks in the top spot. But this seems paltry when compared to its chart run here in Australia. Our country saw the album hit number one for a mammoth 34 weeks. Wow. The album also spawned many massive singles, including, “So Far Away”, “Walk of Life” and the iconic, “Money For Nothing”, which became a music video sensation on high rotation on the then new MTV. They loved the section where Sting featured and sang the lines, “I Want My MTV”. You don’t get many bigger albums than this.

7 – A-HA’s Music Video for “Take On Me”

When you think of the best music videos of the 80s, one of the first to spring to mind is no doubt, A-Ha’s, “Take On Me”. The song from the Norwegian synth-pop band is already incredible and then the music video takes it into legendary status. The video combined pencil-sketch animation and live action called rotoscoping. The video is iconic and is close to hitting 1.3 billion views on YouTube. It is still as big today. Credited for bringing the song to the world, it proved to record companies that music videos were just as important as the song itself. And this one is right up there with “Thriller” and “Sledgehammer” as the best from the 80s.

8 – Kate Bush’s Genius “Hounds of Love” Album

Kate Bush is a musical revolutionary. Over her extensive and long career, she has made some truly incredible music, but her 1985 masterpiece, “Hounds of Love” stands out as possibly her greatest triumph. In the music industry it is considered as one of the best albums of all time. One of the most incredible parts of the album is that it is all her. All the tracks, except for the choir part in one song, are all exclusively written by Bush. The singles are brilliant, “Hounds of Love” and “Cloudbusting” are brilliant, but the lead single, “Running Up that Hill (Deal With God), is a stroke of genius. A perfect pop song with an incredible music video. Then to show her beautiful eccentricity, the B side is a conceptual suite about a woman drifting alone in the sea at night. Crazy? You bet. Amazing? You know it.

Why did 1985 rock for you? let us know in the comments below!

Full Interview - Steve Williams (Wa Wa Nee)

Fri, 21 May 2021 01:42:01 GMT

Wayne had the pleasure of chatting to Steve Williams of Wa Wa Nee all about their success in the 80's and the legendary Paul Gray.

Take a listen below!

8 Aussie Ladies of the 80's

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 01:03:50 GMT

Over the years, Australia has produced some of the best artists in the world, singers and bands who ruled the charts here and overseas. Time to celebrate 8 ladies who made amazing music in the 80s and we love playing their tunes on My88.

1. Kylie Minogue

You couldn’t make a list of great Aussie singers and not include Kylie. She started in 1987 and is still releasing music today, her most recent album, “Disco”, hitting #1 worldwide last year.

Beginning her career on “Neighbours”, she became the show’s break out star as Charlene Ramsey. When we talk about the massive list of soapie stars releasing music, Kylie started the trend. “Locomotion” did better than anyone could have expected, staying at number one for seemingly forever, even becoming the most successful song of 1987. It caught the attention of super producers, Stock, Aitken and Waterman and she became their most successful artist and their muse. “I Should Be So Lucky” came next, and it would be easy for us to overlook how massive and important that song was. It introduced her globally and cemented her place as an Aussie superstar. She followed that with a third number one in a row, “Got to be Certain”. In her career, she’s had ten Aussie number one singles, and she continues to shine.

My 80s favourite: There’s so much I love. “Got To Be Certain” and “Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi” are big favourites, but I think I need to pick “Wouldn’t Change a Thing” from album two, “Enjoy Yourself”. I adore the song and the clip. Here’s my shocking confession, I know every piece of choreography in the clip and do it every time I hear the song. And I am not ashamed!

2. Olivia Newton-John

Now here’s the other Aussie superstar. While Kylie dominated the UK, Liv owned the US. Ever since, “Grease”, possibly the most loved musical film of all time, people have adored her worldwide (we got to her a little earlier here). She didn’t start in the 80s, but that decade saw her take a new direction and embrace pop. She started the decade on skates with “Xanadu” and was soon the soundtrack to every aerobics class with “Physical”. Which incidentally went on to be the highest selling song of the 80s in the US. A song she almost didn’t record because she worried it was too naughty.

Her pop classics continued with the likes of “Magic” and “Twist of Fate”. We often think of her as a personality. The woman who bravely battled cancer, the woman who owned a chain of Aussie themed stores in the US and the woman with a disastrous love life, but we can’t forget the brilliant songs she delivered to us. A true Aussie icon.

My 80s favourite: Well, you can’t really go past, “Physical”, it’s an amazing song; but I’m going to. I love “Twist of Fate”, it’s truly a great pop song that is made for singing.

3. Kate Ceberano

For as talented as she is, Kate Ceberano is often overlooked, which a true shame. Kate is a true Aussie talent with a remarkable voice. When you listen to the Model’s, “Out of Mind, Out of Sight”, her backing vocals stand out. She came more into focus with her band, I’m Talking – who released some great tunes, including, “Trust Me” and that stunning cover of, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”. However, when she went solo, we really got to see her true brilliance and hear the depths of her vocal abilities. “Brave” is one of the best Australian albums ever.

Two songs where we see the vocal power are, “Bedroom Eyes” and “Brave”. Plus, there’s the awesomeness of “Love Dimension” and “That’s What I Call Love” and the cheeky sense of humour in, “Young Boys Are My Weakness” I own the vinyl and the CD and listen to the album regularly. She is one of this country’s finest ever singers.

My 80s favourite: As you could guess, this is a hard one because I love it all. But I think I have to go with “Bedroom Eyes”, a song that got to number two but should have been a number one. It’s such a sleek pop song that is a perfect vehicle for the wonderful Ms Ceberano.

4. Renee Geyer

Speaking of Aussies with big voices, Renee Geyer has one of the most remarkably textured voices you will ever find. She has also been a much sought-after backing vocalist for artists such as Neil Diamond, Chaka Khan, Toni Childs, Joe Cocker, Men at Work and Sting.

She certainly achieved some great success in the 70s, but her biggest hit came in 1981 when, “Say I Love You”, hit number five in Australia and two in New Zealand. This is such an incredible song that really should have topped the charts all over the world. Other great 80s song include, “Do You Know What I Mean?” and “All My Love”. Regarded as one of this country’s best vocalists ever, she rocks jazz, soul and R&B tracks.

My 80s favourite: It must be “Say I Love You”. I love when we play it on My88 and always sing it nice and loud, a truly cracking tune.

5. Jenny Morris

You may be saying, but she is a Kiwi, but hear she me out, she became an Aussie citizen in 2003, so in hindsight we can call her Australian. Jenny is such an amazing singer who released kick-arse tracks for many years. She released some work in the early 80s but wasn’t yet getting the attention she deserved. In 1983 she formed QED and had her first hit with, “Everywhere I Go”. By 1986, she was scoring solo hits and was a regular on the Aussie charts for the rest of the 80s and the early 90s.

So many of her releases are just perfectly crafted pop tunes and are just so catchy. Songs like, “You’re Gonna Get Hurt”, “You I Know”, “Saved Me” and “She Has to Be Loved”. That’s not even getting into the 90s classics like, “Break in the Weather”. With amazing music like this in her discography, we will always be happy to claim her as our own.

My 80s favourite: I’ll pretend this is hard. “Everywhere I Go” is so good, so is “She Has to Be Loved”, but there can be nothing finer than, “You I Know”. I adore this song so much, it is exquisite. My definite pick.

6. Grace Knight

One of the things I love about my job is that I have had the opportunity to speak to some of my favourite singers. I must admit to being more than a little star struck when I got to speak to the incredibly talented, Grace Knight.

Australia got to meet Grace from her work with the awesome band, Eurogliders. From 1982 to 1988 they were releasing great songs that were ruling the charts, they even managed to score an international hit with, “Heaven (It Must Be There)”, sadly it only got to two in Australia, it should have been a number one. “We Will Together” and “Can’t Wait to See You”, also hit top ten and “Groove” and “The City of Soul”, hit the Top 20. They are all top-notch tracks. From 1990, Grace went on to become one of this country’s finest jazz singers. Her range and vocals are truly sublime; plus, she’s damn nice too.

My 80s favourite: This is hard. I love so much and don’t want to be obvious, but I have to be. “Heaven (It Must Be There)” is that good. It is an Aussie classic, plain and simple.

7. Christie Allen

People overseas might not know the late, Christie Allen; but they should. For just four years, Christie released some amazing tunes. She did some great songs in the late 70s, but really cemented herself in the 80s. “He’s My Number One” was a number four smash and so many people loved it. She was in fact voted Most Popular Female Performer at the TV Week / Countdown Music Awards for both 1979 and 1980. In 1980, “Magic Rhythm” and “Baby Get Away” also went Top 40.

She sadly stopped having hits after that and died at just age 53 of pancreatic cancer. I will admit to not knowing her music before starting at the station, but certainly knew her name. So now we have our chart shows, I have been hearing her and I like what I hear.

My 80s favourite: There can be no doubt as its her biggest song of the 80s, “He’s My Number One”. Really catchy song that I have grown to admire.

8. The Chantoozies

I know I’m cheating a little with this one as the group originally included four female singers (then three and now two), but I couldn’t do this list and not include them. The Chantoozies are a brilliant act where the women were the heads of the band. Made up of actors and models, they quickly proved how strong their voices were. And as I discovered when I interviewed them, they are delightful – just the nicest ladies.

Wow, did they make some amazing tunes. Debut, “Witch Queen (Of New Orleans)” was an unorthodox choice of a cover that rewarded them with a much deserved top ten position. “He’s Gonna Step On You Again”, was another great cover. Then they started with originals and we were treated to some dead set legendary tunes, both “Wanna Be Up” and “Kiss and Tell” are beautifully crafted and performed pop songs. And it is so lovely they are still touring today, I really hope I get to see them live really soon.

My 80s favourite: I love so much of theirs, and “Witch Queen” is a massive favourite, but I can’t not vote for “Wanna Be Up”. What a banger. I still love it with a passion, even after all these years.

Is your favourite Aussie Lady of the 80's on this list?? Tell us who we missed in the comments!

Full Interview - Brian Canham (Pseudo Echo)

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 05:44:05 GMT

It was great to hear from Brian Canham of Pseudo Echo, check out the extended interview below including the story of where the band got their name from!

Who Knew? 80s Hits You Thought Were Originals (but are actually covers)

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 02:05:22 GMT

As the tracks start flowing on My88, how many of our most beloved 80s tunes were written and released well before the decade began? Here’s a list of 8 songs that made it big in the 80s, that you may not have known are actually covers.

Red Red Wine — UB40

After a relatively modest commercial success, the reggae-influenced UB40 released the track 'Red Red Wine' in 1983 that landed them their first spot in the top ten of the Billboard charts. It was later re-released in 1988 and made it to the number one spot on the charts.

The track however was a cover of Neil Diamond’s 1967 track that appeared on Diamond’s second record, Just For You.

Mickey — Toni Basil

Mickey or Kitty?

We all know that Mickey is so fine, but Mickey actually started out as … Kitty. Toni Basil’s hit 'Mickey', released in 1982 sat at the top of the Billboard Top 100, making the track her only top 40 placement. The song itself was in fact written and released in 1979 on UK pop quartet Racey’s debut record, Smash and Grab, but it was titled 'Kitty'.

Vacation — The Go-Go’s

'Vacation' was written in 1980 by Textones bassist Kathy Valentine, and released as a b-side which had no outstanding commercial success. In the tracks second version, Valentine brought the stems over to the Go-Go's in 1982 where it was re-recorded, fleshed out with a new chorus and an updated storyline. The Go-Go's landed 'Vacation' at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

I Love Rock ’n’ Roll — Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Topping the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks, 'I love Rock ’n' Roll' was Joan Jett & the Lockhearts' breakout single, released by the group in 1982. The tune was actually written 7 years prior, by UK glam rock band The Arrows in 1975. Jett came about the song whilst on a UK leg of the Runaways tour, and recorded it in 1979 as a b-side on a record with Steve jones and Paul Cook. However it wasn’t until the Blackhearts got together and rerecorded the song that it became staple listening for 80s rockers.

The group however were no strangers to covering hits, treating the following with their classic rock n roll shading; 'Do You Wanna Touch Me', 'Crimson and Clover', and 'Everyday People'.

Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve) — Fine Young Cannibals

The UK punk group Buzzcocks were indeed the original writers of the tune 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)' in 1978 which was brought into the 80s soundscape by Fine Young Cannibals in 1986, who recorded the cover for the film soundtrack of Something Wild released in the same year.

Jersey Girl - Bruce Springsteen

Tracks referencing New Jersey are a staple of Bruce Springsteen’s discography, so this one came at a bit of a surprise. Released as a b-side on the 1984 Springsteen album Cover Me, the track was actually released in 1980, on Tom Waits’ record, Heartattack and Vine. However, adding some lyrical gravitas of his own, Springsteen’s version of the track was recorded live in E. Rutherford, New Jersey in 1981, 3 years before it’s release on Cover Me, and included his own additional verse.

Interestingly, this added verse was taken from Springsteen’s 'Party Lights', a track released under the The River sessions in 2015.

Saving All My Love For You — Whitney Houston

Released as a second single for her debut self-titled record in 1985, 'Saving All My Love For You' became Whitney Houston’s first number one hit. However, the tune's songwriting credits lie not with Houston, but with Marilyn McCoo who first recorded the song with Billy Davis Jr. in their collaborative album Marilyn & Billy in 1978.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun — Cyndi Lauper

When I think 80s, I think 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'. The track was Cyndi Lauper’s first single released on the She’s So Unusual record in 1983. Although, what has since become an iconic feminist anthem for girls everywhere, the song was actually written from a male perspective and recorded by singer/songwriter Robert Hazard in 1979. Lauper’s take on the tune transformed its uncomfortable subtext and turned it into a call for equality, awesomely coloured by 80s pop textures, making it a definite party favourite.

Do you know any we missed out on? Let us know on our socials! Listen to these great covers from the 80s and more on My88!

Full Interview: Swanee

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 23:37:38 GMT

We loved having Swanee phone in for a chat with Wayne all about his life in the 80's, how he got signed and what he's doing now.

Hear the full interview with Swanee below, including all about how he taught brother Jimmy Barnes to sing!

Full Interview: Grace Knight (Eurogliders)

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 01:35:45 GMT

Listen to the full interview with Grace Knight below including the story of when she heard someone singing along to a Eurogliders song in Coles, and what she did next...

PENRITH MONOPOLY: Where To Find It

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 02:45:02 GMT

Media Release provided by Winning Moves Australia

After much anticipation, the official PENRITH MONOPOLY game launches March 13th, 2021.

Locals and tourists alike can now play the world’s most popular board game in a way that immortalises their beloved Penrith and its landmarks.

Over several months, thousands of people and businesses having had their say, and after much deliberation, the locally themed squares selected that will make the entire game a truly Penrith experience are:

• Brown – Nepean River and Sydney International Regatta Centre
• Light Blue – Nepean Belle, Aqua Golf and Penrith Whitewater Stadium
• Pink – Luddenham Country Markets, Club Paceway and Throw Axe
• Orange – Nepean Hospital, Museum of Fire and The Joan Sutherland Centre
• Red – High Street, Riley Street and Westfield
• Yellow – The Red Cow, O’Donoghues and East Bank Nepean River
• Green – Xavier College, Emu Hall and Mr Watkins
• Dark Blue – Panthers Leagues Club and Panthers Stadium

After such a difficult few years with bushfires and a global pandemic is it about time we had a good news story that allows people to celebrate the area but also, support the businesses they love.

The new MONOPOLY: Penrith Edition is available from the 13th of March 2021 at the following partners (RRP $69.95):
● Luddenham Country Markets
● Throw Axe
● Nepean Hospital
● Museum of Fire
● Westfield
● The Red Cow
● O’donoghues
● PRD Real Estate
● Xavier College
● Emu Hall
● Mr Watkins
● Panthers Leagues Club
● Club Paceway

Dale Hackett, Monopoly Manager, Winning Moves – manufacturers of the official Penrith version of MONOPOLY under license from Hasbro – says,

“I’m thrilled that this edition celebrates such a patriotic area of the great Sydney area. The Penrith community has fully embraced bringing this game to life, and now it’s available for the public to purchase and roll the dice!”

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said

“It’s fantastic to see Penrith has its own edition of Monopoly, putting it in company with some of the biggest cities in the world. Penrith has so much to offer and that’s reflected in the assortment of businesses and landmarks in the game. It’s a testament to our city’s strong community pride that so many local businesses have been eager to get involved.”

The MONOPOLY game first hit the shelves in 1935 – since then it has been played by more than 1 billion people. Today, it is played in 114 countries and enjoyed in over 47 different languages.

Remembering Whitney Houston

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 01:05:38 GMT

I have always loved music; I think it is in my DNA. Some of my earliest memories revolve around music. When I was young, I would rattle off my favourites as Laura Branigan, Lionel Ritchie and The Pointer Sisters. Then I heard Whitney Houston and the game changed. She became my favourite. As the years went on, Madonna took over, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Whitney, you may say, I will always love her. Promise, that will be only pun!

One of the best presents I ever received was a Whitney poster and it hung proudly above my bed. The Madonna posters started taking over, but I kept Whitney up. Finally, I had too many Madonna posters and decided the only place for the Whitney poster was on my roof. That didn’t go so well, one night it fell on my face, shaking me awake and scaring me half to death. I guess Whitney didn’t like being replaced.

Whitney had a tragic life. Abused by a family member as a child, she turned to drugs early. She was also dealing with a lot of racism. As a child, I knew none of this. I just knew that she made the best songs.

While not her first single, most people’s introduction to Whitney came via, “Saving All My Love for You”, mine included. Even today, the song sounds fresh. It was actually a cover, originally a minor hit for Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr in 1978. The song sounds so smooth and Whitney’s vocals sound like silk. Then in true Whitney form, the notes get longer, and Whitney begins to belt, leaving no-one to doubt her vocal chops. It won the Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance.

If I wasn’t hooked on “Saving All My Love”, then along came, “How Will I Know” and it cemented my love. I love a Whitney ballad, but her dance songs have always been my favourite. “How Will I Know” just makes me want to move. It has this fantastic attitude and Whitney is able to still hit the notes and show brilliant vocals, long before auto-tune. It’s my favourite on that album.

To consolidate her power, the next single was, “The Greatest Love of All”, and the world truly belonged to her. As a child, I loved this song, back then it would have been my favourite. As an adult, I don’t think it’s held up as well as the rest of the songs. Then again, power ballads don’t age as well. In 1985, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing the song, and even today its lyrics are still a part of popular culture. If I say to you, “I believe that children are our future”, you’d know exactly what I was talking about.

The first album was amazing, with so many great tracks. So many artists who’ve had a successful first album fall apart on the dreaded sophomore album, not Whitney. Her, “Whitney” album, is one of the finest second albums ever.

First single, “I Wanna Dace With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, is hands down my favourite Whitney song ever, and also one of my favourite tracks from any artist. It is just one of those songs that make you want to turn it loud, sing along to every single word and dance. Please tell me I’m not alone? In many ways it is the perfect pop song, crafted exquisitely. The chorus is brilliant, the lyrics bring joy, and the key change is a thing of beauty. All these years later, I still feel genuine joy when I hear it.

The other singles may not be as well remembered as those from the first album, but these songs are some of my favourites. There’s the incredibly catchy, “So Emotional”, the emotive, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, and the moving, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”. I had this cassette growing up and played it to death, would listen to each and every song. How good is, “Love Will Save the Day”?

It would be easy to keep talking about her career. Great songs like, “I’m Your Baby Tonight”, “I Will Always Love You” and “My Love is Your Love”, but the 80s is when I loved Whitney the most.

When people ask what celebrity death hit the hardest, no question, Whitney. I howled, I ugly cried. It was unexpected and I spent the rest of that day playing her songs. She is still missed. A true icon with a one in a lifetime voice. Thanks for all the great music and memories Whitney.

I will always love you. Damn, sorry, there’s that bad pun again!

Full Interview: The Chantoozies

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 01:59:49 GMT

It was amazing to have Ally and Eve from The Chantoozies join Wayne over the phone for a chat and hear about what they've been up to over the past year, plus reminisce on the greatest decade of all time - the 80's!

Listen to the full interview below;

8 Women Who Ruled The 80s!

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 04:19:15 GMT

So many awesome women from all over the world made iconic music in the 80s. From our homegrown heroines like Kylie Minogue and Olivia Newton-John, to international sensations like Madonna and Whitney Houston, here’s a list of 8 women who totally ruled the 80s for International Womens Day:

1. Cyndi Lauper

When I think 80s, I think Cyndi Lauper. ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ was and will always be a total bop. Her 1983 debut album, ‘She’s So Unusual,’ broke records, when four of her tracks reached higher than the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, the first debut album by a female artist to achieve that impressive feat.

Cementing her status as an 80s icon, she was also involved with ‘The Goonies’ movie soundtrack, and released her second album, ‘True Colors,’ in 1986. She’s had an impressive career that’s spanned over 40 years, even becoming known for her LGBT activism.

2. Whitney Houston

Before she was proclaiming her everlasting love in ‘The Bodyguard,’ Whitney Houston was looking for someone to dance with in 1987. But even earlier than that, she was dazzling audience with iconic hits off her debut album such as, ‘How Will I Know,’ which helped introduce her to the MTV audience. This song and her future hits being played on MTV made her the first African-American women to receive consistent heavy rotation on the channel.

She’s currently the only artist to have seven consecutive number-one singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, beginning with ‘Saving All My Love For You’ and ending with ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go?’

Overall, the 80s were an amazing time for her, both her albums went to number 1, 7 Grammy award nominations, and 2 Grammy wins. Her success helped other 80s icons like Janet Jackson and Anita Baker find success in popular music and on MTV as well.

3. Madonna

The Queen of Pop, one of the most influential figures in pop culture and our breakfast hosts favourite artist of all time; Madonna burst into the 80s with a self-titled debut album and a fashion style that quickly became a widespread trend. Her song ‘Holiday’ launched her to international stardom, earning her top ten chart spots in a handful of European countries, and right here in Australia. Her debut album was released in 1983 and featured underrated classics ‘Borderline’ and ‘Lucky Star’.

Madonna did the absolute most in the 80s, releasing four albums between 1983 and 1989, appearing in 5 different movies including ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ and ‘Shanghai Surprise,’ and who could forget her iconic performance of ‘Like a Virgin’ at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards.

Since the 80s, Madonna has completely reinvented herself time and time again, showing the kind of versatility that’s kept her relevant and iconic for decades. The impact she’s had has been compared to other influential artists like Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley; and she’s been credited with completely changing the music scene and paving the way for every other female artist who came after her.

4. Tina Turner

The 80s was not only a time for brand new styles and artists, but also for reinvention. Tina Turner launched possibly one of the best comebacks in music history when she started releasing music as a solo artist, earning huge success with her 1984 album ‘Private Dancer.’ The song, ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It,’ came from this album and became wildly successful, earning her a Grammy award and topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

She even travelled to Australia during the 80s, starring in the 1985 film ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,’ and recording two songs for the soundtrack. Other notable 80s achievements for her include recording vocals for ‘We Are The World,’ performing at Live Aid, publishing her autobiography and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

5. Kylie Minogue

Our very own homegrown talent Kylie Minogue started her journey to superstardom in the 80s. After a few smaller tv gigs, including her first televised singing performance on Young Talent Time in 1985, she was cast in ‘Neighbours’ as Charlene Mitchell. The role boosted her profile massively, with over 20 million viewers tuning in to watch her characters TV wedding to Jason Donovan’s character on the show. She won four Logie awards at the 1988 ceremony, and became the youngest Gold Logie recipient at 19 years old.

She released her first single, ‘Locomotion” in 1987, and it spent 7 weeks at number 1 on the Australian singles charts, and became Australia’s best-selling single of the 80s, earning her an ARIA award. Her debut album ‘Kylie’ was also quite successful, reaching number 2 in Australia and number 1 in the UK.

She’s most recently become the first female solo artist to achieve a number one album in five consecutive decades when her latest album ‘Disco’ hit number 1.

6. Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson released four albums in the 80s, the first two under supervision of her father, but the latter two without him, after severing business ties from her family in the end half of the decade.

She released ‘Control’ in 1986 which became an immediate success despite it only being produced in 6 weeks. The album was praised as being mature despite coming from a teenaged artist, and sparked comparisons to Donna Summer. ‘Control’ contained hits like ‘Nasty’ and ‘What Have You Done For Me Lately.’

Her songs had always contained socially conscious themes, and her follow up ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ was no different. She said that the catchy sounds and well-choreographed dances were intentional, so it would help catch people’s attention long enough for them to consciously listen to the lyrics. By the end of the 80s, she had well and truly stepped out of the shadow of her famous family roots.

7. Olivia Newton-John

Another Aussie icon, Olivia Newton-John, reinvented herself in the 80s, a change mirrored by her character in Grease. Her most successful album to date, ‘Physical,’ released in 1981, reinforced her image change by showcasing more risqué and rock-oriented material. The title track spent ten weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The overtly suggestive tone of the song led a few radio stations to ban the track altogether. The music video works to counter the lyrics, the exercise-themed visuals turned the song into an aerobics anthem and started the trend of wearing headbands outside the gym.

She teamed back up with John Travolta in 1983 to release album ‘Two of a Kind,’ which was less than successful, but gave us the great track, ‘Twist of Fate,’ which peaked at number 4 on the Australian music charts. Currently, she is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, selling over 100 million records worldwide.

8. Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks gained popularity pre-80s with the band ‘Fleetwood Mac,’ but decided to undertake some solo projects on the side during the bands recordings of their album ‘Tusk.’ Her solo work would solidify her status as a rock legend of her own merit by the end of the 80s. Fighting for her place as a songwriter in the band, going solo meant that her song-writing prowess was exposed to the world.

She released her debut solo album ‘Bella Donna’ in 1981, and it featured singles we all still love like ‘Leather and Lace’ and ‘Edge of Seventeen.’ The release of the album led Rolling Stone magazine to dub her the “reigning Queen of Rock and Roll.” She went on to release 3 more solo albums in the 80s, giving us iconic hits like ‘I Can’t Wait,’ and ‘Rooms on Fire.’

C atch all of these songs and more on My88!

Full Interview: David Sterry - Real Life

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 05:21:42 GMT

David Sterry of Real Life (Send Me An Angel, Catch Me I'm Falling) joined Wayne on the phone for a chat about his life, including that one time Molly Meldrum was late to meet a very young Madonna because he was hanging with David Sterry his bandmates!

Plus, find out who David Sterry's 80's crush was and more.

Listen to the full interview below, including our (soon to be) famous 8 quick fire questions!

Australian Music Entrepreneur Dies age 68

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:01:08 GMT

Australian music legend Michael Gudinski (AM) has died age 68.

Mr Gudinski died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Melbourne, said a statement from Mushroom Records; the Record Label he founded at just 20 years old. It went on to become the largest independent record label in Australian music.

He managed a number of up-and-coming bands in the 70's, including Chain and Skyhooks. Both acts went on to produce number one hits, but it was the Skyhooks which went on to cement the future success of Mushroom Records. Their debut album, 'Living In The 70’s', spent 16 weeks at No. 1 in Australia, selling 240,000 copies. No Australian album had sold more at that point in time.

Gudinski also signed Split Enz onto the record label when they moved to Australia, and although they had only moderate success for the first few years, they scored huge success in 1980 with the release of their album True Colours and the hit single 'I Got You'.

It was thanks to Michael Gudinski that the world got to know Kylie Minogue, Jimmy Barnes and many other iconic Australian acts.

Over the years Gudinski diversified his business interests to include most sections of the music industry including venues, concert promoting, merchandise, publishing and recording. In 2006 he was made a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia, and in In 2012 was listed in the #1 position in the AMID Power 50, a list of the top 50 most influential people in the Australian music industry.

"Michael’s legacy will live on through his family and the enormously successful Mushroom Group – an enduring embodiment of decades of passion and determination from an incredible man" the statement from Mushroom Records reads.

Never Ending 80s

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:46:47 GMT

We were so excited to have Never Ending 80s stop by in early February to promote their unique new event, teaming up with Hoyts to present a full on 80's Experience for everyone to enjoy.

The band joined Wayne in the studio and performed acoustic versions of a few of their favourite 80's songs, then sat down for a chat.

Listen to the full interview below, including our (soon to be) famous 8 quick fire questions!

Wayne's Top 8 Concerts

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 00:26:34 GMT

So, anyone who’s heard my brekky show will know I love, and miss, concerts. So here is a list, in no order, of some of the best live shows I have seen in recent years from great 80s artists:

1 – B-52s / OMD / Berlin – Central Park, New York, USA

In 2019 I went to New Jersey to attend the NJ Web fest, where my web series, “After Nightfall”, picked up an award. Then I spent a few days in my favourite city, New York. Whilst here I went to an amazing concert with my good friend from Uni, Nathan – who is now living in NYC. We went to Central Park for their Summer Concert Series. It was a warm Autumn night and I got to see the B-52s, supported by OMD and Berlin. It was packed, a visit to the bar could take 30 minutes and the atmosphere was electric. I had seen Berlin before, and lead singer, Terri Nunn, still sounds amazing. She is a natural performer, and it was a great set. As it began to get dark, OMD hit the stage. I admit to not knowing many of their songs, but they were great. And many in the crowd were singing along to everything. Then it came time for everyone’s favourite Georgians. Three of the original line up, Fred, Cindy and Kate, were there and they have such great presence. The songs were just as fun as always and the banter on stage was entertaining and hilarious. Hits, they were there. “Roam”, “Love Shack” and “Rock Lobster”, complete with a giant lobster on stage, were highlights. And how special seeing it in the iconic Central Park under the stars. A night I will never forget.

2 – Madonna – Brooklyn Opera House, New York, USA

The next night I got to see Madonna in Brooklyn, an exciting moment for a lifelong Madonna fan. I was so proud I caught the subway from Chelsea to Brooklyn, and then found the venue all on my own. There was a slight panic when my Australian Ticketmaster app didn’t register with their scanners. But soon enough I was in the exquisite Opera House waiting for Madonna to hit the stage – she is notorious for being late. I had a good seat, but in this intimate venue, all seats gave clear view to the Queen of Pop. For a man who has seen a LOT of concerts in his life, hands down this was the best concert I have been to. The stage design was inventive, and the choreography was first class. Madonna’s vocals were strong, and the spectacle was sublime. While she focussed a lot on her last album, “Madame X”, she did perform some of the classics. We got to hear “Express Yourself”, “Vogue”, “Papa Don’t Preach”, “La Isla Bonita” and my favourite song of all time, “Like a Prayer”. The later song being an emotional experience with full choir and the whole crowd singing along to every word. A perfect way to finish my New York trip. I didn’t get to the hotel until 2am and then had to had to be up at 6.30 for an LA flight, but it was so worth it. Best concert of my life.

3 – Kim Wilde / Howard Jones – Rooty Hill RSL, Sydney

It is crazy how many great shows I have seen at the Rooty Hill RSL. And what a great show Kim Wilde and Howard Jones put on. I was there to see Kim, but Howard really impressed me. I forgot how many Howard Jones songs I knew and loved. I went home and downloaded his Greatest Hits album. Kim was second on stage and her show was a real treat. She sang all the hits and really made me believe we could be great friends with her hilarious stories. “Kids in America” saw the crowd bouncing, “You Keep Me Hanging On” was the big sing-along and it was a treat to hear, “If I Can’t Have You”. It would be up there as favourite show of mine.

4 – Cyndi Lauper / Blondie – ICC, Sydney

There’s always so much nervous energy as you try and buy tickets when they go on sale. You often find yourself refreshing the computer crazily, hoping to finally secure those seats. So, it was with great shock that on my first attempt to secure seats for Cyndi Lauper and Blondie I got them, and not just that, but I secured front row. I kept thinking it was going to be a mistake, but no, there I was, front row. Blondie started us off and it was okay. Debbie Harry sounded good; she just didn’t really seem to engage with the crowd. I had fun though. Cyndi Lauper, however, was a revelation. She knows how to put on a show. She was doing a few songs from her last album, but really sang the hits. I think it is easy to forget how good of a vocalist she is. She really could belt out those notes and then when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Boy George joined her on stage and the pair sang, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. A truly great show.

5 – Alison Moyet – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

I was an Alison Moyet fan, but not a massive one. I was right in the middle of my concert obsession when she announced she was coming to Australia, so I decided I may as well go. I really played a lot of her music before I went, and I could feel my love for her growing. Katie Noonan was her support act, and she was great, but the night was all about Moyet. I managed to get myself to the front of the dancefloor. Moyet came on for the opening number, was unhappy with the start, and decided to begin again. It showed how much of a perfectionist she is. The rest of the night was a combination of classic hits and newer tracks. On her website blog she wrote about every show, she was brutally honest about which shows were good and which audiences she loved. It was lovely to see her say how much she loved Sydney and how much she said she was inspired by the crowd. I walked away an Alison Moyet super fan. A good gig makes you truly love an artist.

6 – Belinda Carlisle – Rooty Hill RSL, Sydney

I had only recently returned from living in Melbourne when I went to Belinda Carlisle. This was my first concert at Rooty Hill, and damn I loved it. Belinda’s vocals were great and though she wasn’t big on talk breaks, she was warm and told her stories through her songs. All the hits were there and naturally, “Heaven is a Place on Earth” was the big highlight. Belinda had no new music to promote, so any song you can think of was on the playlist. Hit after hit. I found myself dancing and singing along all night. Was another bucket list item seeing Belinda live.

7 – Totally 80s: Martika / Berlin / Paul Lekakis / Limahl / Katrina / Wa Wa Nee / Real Life / Men Without Hats – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Some line ups are a bit of a dream, that was "Totally 80s". It was a line-up that would excite any fan of the 80s, Martika, Berlin, Katrina (without The Waves), Paul Lekakis, Limahl, Wa Wa Nee, Real Life and Men Without Hats; they put on one helluva good show. One of the best elements of the night was that the singers seemed just as excited as the audience to be there and were loving their time on stage. And they all sounded awesome and had great stage presence. Everyone was good but the main reason I wanted to go was for Martika. I had loved her since the late 80s. And she did not let me down, she sounded amazing. What a special night, a big, brash, 80s filled night with amazing artists, every one of them brilliant in their own way.

8 – 80s Mania: Taylor Dayne / Go West / Paul Young / Cutting Crew / Wang Chung – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Admittedly this show wasn’t as good as Totally 80s, but it was still a blast. The sad news, Paul Young has lost his voice, but it was still good to sing along with his hits. The two highlights were the headliners. I was shocked about Go West. I liked them, but this set was so good. Songs like “King of Wishful Thinking” and “Call Me”, were massive. I would see them again any day. The main reason for my attendance, Taylor Dayne. Always loved her. She did not disappoint. Quite simply, her voice is ridiculous. Still is. She sang any song you could have wanted, and she engaged with the crowd. The whole evening felt like one giant party, an 80s party. How awesome.

What is one of your top concerts?

The Best 80's Movies You Can Stream Right Now!

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 03:44:13 GMT

Nothing beats the nostalgia and fun of an 80's movie. From quintessentially 80's movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, to iconic films that you forgot came out in the 80's like The Shining. Right now is still a great time to stay in and cuddle up watching movies, so why not pick an old favourite to accompany you on your next movie night.

Below is a list of some of the most awesome 80's movies you can stream right now, across Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Binge in Australia.

At the time of publishing, this list is accurate. My88 FM currently has no affiliation with any of the following streaming services and did not receive anything in return for creating this post.

Netflix:

Netflix actually has one of the smallest selections of 80s movies across the streaming platforms, but does have a few decent family ones like Labyrinth and Annie.

· Annie (Musical/Family)

· Blade Runner (Sci Fi/Action)

· Clash of the Titans (Fantasy/Adventure)

· The Color Purple (Coming-of-Age/Period)

· Coming to America (Comedy/Romantic)

· Fright Night (Horror)

· Full Metal Jacket (War)

· Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Adventure/Action)

· Kiki’s Delivery Service (Anime/Family)

· Labyrinth (Fantasy/Family)

· My Neighbour Totoro (Anime/Family)

· The Seventh Sign (Horror/Apocalyptic)

· She’s Gotta Have It (Comedy/Drama)

· The Shining (Horror)

· Silverado (Western)

· Sudden Impact (Crime/Thriller)

Stan:

In direct contrast, Stan has the biggest selection of 80's movies across the streaming platforms. If you want the most options to pick from, this is a good place to start. Stan has tons of sequels too, so dedicated fans can enjoy hours of their favourite Indiana Jones and Rambo movies. Stan also features gems such as Desperately Seeking Susan, which is our breakfast host’s favourite 80's movie!

· 1984 (Sci Fi)

· A View to Kill (Spy/Action)

· Beverly Hills Cop (Action/Comedy)

· Beverly Hills Cop II (Action/Comedy)

· Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Comedy/Adventure)

· The Care Bears Movie (Family/Fantasy)

· Child’s Play (Horror)

· Crocodile Dundee (Comedy/Adventure)

· Crocodile Dundee II (Comedy/Adventure)

· Desperately Seeking Susan (Comedy/Romance)

· Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Comedy/Crime)

· Evil Dead II (Horror/Comedy)

· Fatal Attraction (Thriller/Drama)

· Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Comedy/Teen)

· Flash Gordon (Space Opera)

· Ghoulies (Horror/Comedy)

· Ghoulies II (Horror/Comedy)

· Heathers (Black Comedy/Teen)

· Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (Action/Adventure)

· Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Action/Adventure)

· Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Action/Adventure)

· The Living Daylights (Spy/Action)

· The Man from Snowy River (Drama/Western)

· Manhunter (Thriller/Drama)

· Mannequin (Fantasy/Romance)

· Moonstruck (Romantic Comedy)

· Mystic Pizza (Comedy/Romance)

· Octopussy (Spy/Action)

· Ordeal by Innocence (Mystery/Thriller)

· Overboard (Comedy/Romance)

· Phar Lap (Family/Drama)

· Platoon (Action/War)

· Pretty In Pink (Romance/Comedy)

· Poltergeist II: The Other Side (Horror/Supernatural)

· Poltergeist III (Horror/Supernatural)

· Rain Man (Drama/Comedy)

· Rambo: First Blood Part II (Action/War)

· Rambo III (Action/War)

· Red Dawn (War/Action)

· The Return of the Living Dead (Horror/Comedy)

· Road House (Action/Thriller)

· RoboCop (Action/Sci Fi)

· Rocky III (Sports/Drama)

· Rocky IV (Sports/Drama)

· The Secret of Nimh (Family/Adventure)

· Short Circuit (Comedy/Sci Fi)

· Teen Wolf (Comedy/Teen)

· Teen Wolf Too (Comedy/Teen)

· The Terminator (Sci Fi/Action)

· The Texas Chainsaw Massacre II (Horror/Comedy)

· Three Amigos (Comedy/Western)

· Top Gun (Action/Drama)

· The Thing (Horror/Sci Fi)

· The Untouchables (Crime/Drama)

· Valley Girl (Teen/Comedy)

· Vampire’s Kiss (Horror/Comedy)

· When Harry Met Sally (Romance/Comedy)

· Yentl (Romantic/Musical)

Disney+:

Disney+ is the other streaming service with a small selection of 80s movies, but they’re all pretty good nostalgic ones, with some underrated classics in there. Plus: Star Wars! Anyone else remember being completely traumatised by Return to Oz? Or the dip and steamroller scenes in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Or just all the heartbreak of The Fox and the Hound? You can relive all of that on Disney+.

· Big (Fantasy/Comedy)

· The Black Cauldron (Family/Fantasy)

· The Fox and The Hound (Drama/Family)

· The Great Mouse Detective (Family/Mystery)

· Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (Family/Comedy)

· The Little Mermaid (Family/Fantasy)

· Oliver and Company (Family/Musical)

· Return to Oz (Family/Fantasy)

· Splash (Fantasy/Romance)

· Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Adventure/Sci Fi)

· Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Adventure/Sci Fi)

· Three Men and a Baby (Comedy)

· Tron (Action/Sci Fi)

· Turner & Hooch (Comedy/Buddy-Cop)

· Who Framed Roger Rabbit (Mystery/Family)

Amazon Prime:

Amazon Prime also features some great movies and their sequels. You can find well-known favourites like Back to the Future and Ghostbusters on here, but also lesser-known gems like Howard the Duck, Marvel's first feature film that was directed by George Lucas. Its also got some Australian ones on there, like Puberty Blues and Razorback.

· Airplane! (Comedy/Parody)

· Back to the Future (Sci-fi/Comedy)

· Back to the Future II (Sci-fi/Comedy)

· Beverly Hills Cop (Action/Comedy)

· Clue (Mystery/Crime)

· Day of The Dead (Horror/Zombie)

· The Dead Zone (Horror/Thriller)

· Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Comedy/Crime)

· E.T the Extra-Terrestrial (Family/Sci-fi)

· Ghostbusters (Comedy/Fantasy)

· Ghostbusters II (Comedy/Fantasy)

· Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Comedy/Musical)

· Heathers (Black Comedy/Teen)

· Hellraiser (Horror/Slasher)

· Highlander (Fantasy/Cult)

· Howard the Duck (Sci-fi/Action)

· Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (Action/Adventure)

· Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Action/Adventure)

· Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Action/Adventure)

· My Bloody Valentine (Horror/Slasher)

· Platoon (Action/War)

· Playing Beatie Bow (Fantasy/Sci-fi)

· Prom Night (Horror/Mystery)

· Puberty Blues (Teen/Comedy)

· Razorback (Horror/Mystery)

· Top Gun (Action/Drama)

· We Are The World: The Story Behind The Song (Documentary/Music)

Binge:

So this selection has actually sold me on Binge because there’s such a great mix of classic stuff that appeals to everyone, plus some greats that deserve more attention. Who could ever pass up The Breakfast Club? Or Stand By Me with young River Phoenix? Horror fans, there’s some great ones on here like the original Evil Dead, the first Poltergeist movie and The Thing.

· Arthur (Comedy/Drama)

· Back to the Future (Sci-fi/Comedy)

· Back to the Future II (Sci-fi/Comedy)

· Beverly Hills Cop (Action/Comedy)

· Beverly Hills Cop II (Action/Comedy)

· Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Comedy/Adventure)

· Blade Runner (Sci Fi/Action)

· The Blues Brothers (Musical/Comedy)

· The Breakfast Club (Teen/Comedy)

· Caddyshack (Comedy/Sport)

· Christine (Horror/Thriller)

· The Color Purple (Coming-of-Age/Period)

· Coming to America (Comedy/Romantic)

· E.T the Extra-Terrestrial (Family/Sci-fi)

· The Evil Dead (Horror/Gore)

· Fatal Attraction (Thriller/Drama)

· Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Comedy/Teen)

· Field of Dreams (Fantasy/Drama)

· First Blood (War/Action)

· Flashdance (Dance/Romance)

· Footloose (Dance/Musical)

· Gorilla’s in the Mist (Drama/Historical)

· Gremlins (Horror/Comedy)

· Look Who’s Talking (Comedy/Romance)

· The Karate Kid (Family/Drama)

· The Karate Kid II (Family/Drama)

· The Karate Kid III (Action/Drama)

· National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Comedy/Family)

· National Lampoon’s European Vacation (Comedy/Slapstick)

· Poltergeist (Horror/Thriller)

· Rambo: First Blood Part II (Action/War)

· Rambo III (Action/War)

· The Shining (Horror)

· Sixteen Candles (Teen/Comedy)

· Stand By Me (Adventure/Drama)

· St Elmo’s Fire (Drama/Coming-of-age)

· The Thing (Horror/Sci Fi)

· Top Gun (Action/Drama)

· Twins (Comedy/Buddy)

Did we miss any awesome ones? Get acquainted with our socials to let us know if we forgot one of your favourites!

Getting to Know Wayne Tunks

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 04:00:01 GMT

We sat down with your breakfast announcer - Wayne Tunks - to ask him some quickfire 80's related questions.

Favourite 80's song?

“Like A Prayer by Madonna, and for karaoke, I’m So Excited by The Pointer Sisters.”

Favourite 80's movie?

“Desperately Seeking Susan”

Favourite 80's movie song?

"Into the Groove by Madonna”

Favourite 80's movie quote?

“I’ll have what she’s having” from 'When Harry Met Sally”

What 80's song always makes you get up and dance?

“Heaven is a Place on Earth”

Best 80's related concert you’ve been to?

“In a trip to the US in 2019, I saw the B-52s, Berlin and OMD at Central Park. The following night I saw Madonna at the Brooklyn Opera House. Was a pretty amazing two days.”

If you could join any music group (band etc) from the 80's which one would it be and why?

“Bananarama, because those ladies had more fun than anyone else”

Where does your passion for 80's music come from?

“I didn’t have the best time at high school, so music was my escape. And it became my really close friend.”

Have you met anyone who was famous in the 80's?

“I appeared on Saturday Morning Live, which used to be a TV show in the 80s. I was partnered with Gyan, who had a hit called Wait. She autographed the first copy of her album for me.

But also, when I was working on Neighbours, I didn’t get starstruck until the day that I met Ian Smith, who played Harold. He walked up to me and said; ‘Hello I am Ian Smith, pleased to meet you.’ And I went ARGH."

What was your best (worst) outfit choice in the 80's?

“I used to wear a black shoe string tie, which had a little gem on it. That was the worst. I also used to wear a thin red leather tie, which I wore with a green and white striped shirt. That was my party outfit.”

If you could spend a whole day with one 80's star, who would it be?

“I won’t say Madonna, because she would probably scare me. So probably Kylie & Dannii (Minogue).”

Don't forget to Wake up with Wayne for Breakfast, Weekdays from 7am on My88!

Looking Back; A Celebration and Brief History of Pink Floyd’s 'Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)'

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 03:12:59 GMT

Released on the 30th of November 1979, Pink Floyd’s eleventh studio record The Wall made it into the world.

Although released at the tail end of the '70s, it wasn’t until the beginning of 1980 that 'Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)' was released as a single in the US, where it sat at no.1 of the Billboard charts for four weeks, rendering the song the first and only no.1 for Pink Floyd.

This isn’t a reflection of the band’s commercial success, rather their stubbornness and passion for albums to be released as singular bodies of work, with no duplicate tracks existing out in the ether. This was due purely by the belief that context is just as much a part of the listening experience as a singular piece; Pink Floyd was the master of the concept album.

Roger Waters speaks of the inspiration behind the record;

"Well, the idea for "The Wall" came from ten years of touring, rock shows, I think, particularly the last few years in '75 and in '77 we were playing to very large audiences, some of whom were our old audience who'd come to see us play, but most of whom were only there for the beer, in big stadiums, and, er, consequently it became rather an alienating experience doing the shows. I became very conscious of a wall between us and our audience and so this record started out as being an expression of those feelings.”

The album itself speaks to the withdrawal from the goings on around us, and the separation that is built over the course of lives. The album reckons with the issues and subjects that create these walls — what the bricks are made of. In 'Part II', what initially started as a protest against rigid schooling, and an insight into bassist and lyricist Roger Waters’ experience growing up in boarding school;

“Some of the teachers there were locked into the idea that young boys needed to be controlled with sarcasm and the exercising of brute force to subjugate us to their will… that was their idea of education.”

transformed into a more satirical, albeit deeper look at a resistance to ill-structured power. In a 2009 interview with Mojo magazine, Waters explained;

"You couldn't find anybody in the world more pro-education than me. But the education I went through in boys' grammar school in the '50s was very controlling and demanded rebellion… the song is meant to be a rebellion against errant government, against people who have power over you, who are wrong. Then it absolutely demanded that you rebel against that."

However it is producer Bob Ezrin to thank for the single’s release.

Once Ezrin caught wind of the original 1min 20sec track, he immediately begged the band to continue working on the piece, only to be snubbed at the idea of releasing it as a single. Instead, Ezrin extended the instrumental demo himself (behind the band’s back), and recruited English sound engineer Nick Griffiths to record samples of a school choir. In just 40mins, Griffiths captured the 25 school kids signing that would eventually appear as one of the most identifiable and effective vocal overdubs on any rock track.

Once Waters heard Ezrin and Griffiths’ additions to 'Part II' he came onside, excited for what the song could become. The band then fleshed out the remainder of the track, including a kick drum on every beat (as encouraged by Ezrin) that whilst shaded the song in a disco feel that was popular at the time, also provided allusions to the strict, power hungry dynamic captured in the lyrics. The uniformity of the drums add gravitas both to the stringency of control, as well as to the war-like organisation of rebellion and resistance.

David Gilmour’s guitar solo was recorded directly into a mixer, only then to be played back through an amp in an empty room and be re-recorded, capturing all extra ambience and tone. It was done on the first take.

In its final form, both musically and lyrically speaking, 'Part II' reflects upon the realities and complexities of the human condition; identifying the damage of restriction, blind submission, and the loneliness of identities moulded by societal expectations.

'Part II' has since been included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s List of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, a testament to its longevity as a brilliantly composed and realised piece of music, as well as its ability to stand against the gauntlet of time, reckoning with ideas and concepts still relevant to us in 2021.

Now 40 years on, we celebrate 'Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)' as a bookend of '70s progressive rock, and as dawning the 1980s alternative rock scene.

Welcoming My88! My Top 8 Tracks

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:39:27 GMT

As we welcome a new year, we also welcome a new radio station for Penrith, celebrating the best decade of music; the 1980s.

From Cyndi Lauper to U2, Michael Jackson to Joy Division, Whitney Houston to The Eurythmics, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered on My88. The station is fresh and new, branching out from playing the same chart toppers (which of course are fab), and instead focusing on the voices you love, whether or not they topped the charts for weeks on end. My88 is your home of the 80s.

So as a bit of an icebreaker, here is a list of what would be included in my home of the 80s, My Top 8 Tunes:

8. Deanna

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

I must admit The Birthday Party never really did it for me, but Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds? Definitely.

Released as the second single on the 1988 album Tender Pray , 'Deanna' is cited as being written about a woman whom Cave had a "passionate, intense relationship with". Usually I’m all for getting into the history and context of the songs I love, but this one quite happily sits in my rotation simply as a masterclass in mixing garbling bass low ends with the piercing quality of organ lines in a rock song. There’s nothing like organ fills, gallop tom beats and the reckless tone of Cave’s vocals to create a track so incredibly awesome for lack of a better word.

'Deanna’ is garage rock at its finest!

7. The Boy With the Thorn in His Side

The Smiths

'The Boy With the Thorn in His Side' was first released as a single in 1985 before appearing on The Smiths' third record, The Queen Is Dead the following year in ’86. With choral melodies second perhaps to 'I Know It’s Over' there is a playfulness to 'The Boy With the Thorn in His Side' which although is explored in a lot of The Smith’s repertoire, is beautifully encapsulated in the simplicity of this tune (as well as the fact that it has strings). Like many of those suckers for alternative rock, there’s nothing much better than a rock lineup ornamented with synthesised string sections.

It is also perhaps one of the few Smiths songs that can be listened to without being faced with glaring existential quandaries, exhausting attempts at comprehending satire, or slumping into a woeful pit for a while — I love The Smiths, I really do, but sometimes you just want to have a bit of a singalong in the car; 'The Boy With the Thorn in His Side' is most definitely the song for that job.

6. Once in a Lifetime

Talking Heads

I don’t think any other band could turn an existential crisis into a dance hit. Talking Heads did it brilliantly on 'Once in a Lifetime'. This song was born from a multitude of improv jams, from which the band and producer Brian Eno isolated the best parts, played them repetitively, and allowed lead singer David Byrne improvise vocals overtop. What emanated from these sessions in the mid 80s, is a piece brimful of spectacular chaos, cacophony, and perfect imbalance. There is a massive tapestry of sound and rhythm that interweaves seemingly with no conventional pattern or expectation. Within 'Once in a Lifetime' we are graced with elements of funk, reggae, dance, rock and experimental art pop. Fittingly, amidst this sonic alchemy riddled with mismatch and opposition, Byrne protects the track as a musical exploration of the unconscious;

"We operate half-awake or on autopilot and end up, whatever, with a house and family and job and everything else, and we haven't really stopped to ask ourselves, 'How did I get here".

What on paper reads as something that should sound like a mess, presents itself as (at least in my opinion) one of the greatest new wave pop hits of all time.

5. It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

R.E.M.

With online streaming stats up about 48% during the COVID-19 pandemic, R.E.M.’s 'It’s the End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)' first hit the airwaves on their 1987 album Document. Complete with the iconic R.E.M. rock feel, equally astute and nonsensical lyrics, and overdubbed Stipe backing vocals, 'It’s The End Of The World As We Know It' is one of my all time favourite R.E.M. tracks.

Fun fact, the song actually came from a demo called 'PSA' which was later reworked into the 2003 single 'Bad Day' — also a banger.

4. Never Tear Us Apart

INXS

I couldn’t have a top 8 without INXS. 'Never Tear Us Apart' was released on the band’s sixth album, Kick in 1988. The song is also included amongst my evidence supporting the idea that the best songs are written in 6/8. The waltz-like feel elevates the track above the usual 4 on the floor dance hits of the 80s which although are great, miss out on the groove and flow that rests upon the string pulses of 'Never Tear Us Apart'.

Also, who doesn’t love a saxophone solo?

3. Message To My Girl

Split Enz

Written by Neil Finn, 'Message To My Girl’ reached number 12 on Australian charts the month after its release as a second single for the 1983 record Conflicting Emotions . The following year whilst touring the album, Tim Finn brought in Paul Hester to debut in the rhythm section, who would later on with Neil, form Crowded House.

'Message To My Girl' I would argue to be the strongest of the Split Enz repertoire, perhaps that’s just because I’m partial to Neil Finn on vocals. An anthemic love song, 'Message To My Girl' has both the ticks for an awesome pop rock tune — a killer chorus and a punchy piano riff.

It’s 'simple' done extremely well.

2. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

Paul Simon

For many, the folky soundscapes of Paul Simon probably don’t come to mind when thinking of the 1980s. Yet as an avid Simon fan, I would argue that some of his best work was released during the decade. Simon’s seventh studio album Graceland was released in 1986, with its fourth single being 'Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes'.

The track alongside many others was written whilst Simon was on the hunt for a new sound in Johannesburg in the mid 80s, and featured South African male choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Whilst the single and the housing record faced heated backlash amongst the midst of the apartheid, what remains is a body of work both exploratory and celebratory of music relatively unknown to western culture.

The high-spirited 'Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes' is a lesson in musical collaboration, where Simon’s musical dialect is swayed and influenced by the newness of Zulu performance (on a Western stage). Staying true to the narrative style of Simon’s prose, the song pieces together conventional pop structures with South African soundscapes, creating a sound so incredibly stunning; brimful of acrobatic bass lines, playful guitar tones, brass riffs, and Simon’s iconic New York accent as he floats from glorious melody to glorious melody, interweaving with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

'Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes' alongside the rest of the Graceland album outlines a cosmopolitan of sound which can be found throughout Paul Simon’s 1980s discography, and beyond.

1. Death Defying

Hoodoo Gurus

Here it is, my number one - possibly of all time.

Released as the second single for the Gurus’ 1985 record Mars Needs Guitars !, 'Death Defying' peaked at number 43 on the Aussie charts, with the album itself climbing to 140 on the US Billboard top 200 in 1986.

The track is one of the best examples of Australian pub rock; thumping drums, melodic guitar solos, and lyrics which carry a little more substance than a band just wanting to sell records. I think Hoodoo Gurus are a case in point of having something to say, but having great fun whilst doing it.

I can’t count how many times I’ve been lucky enough to have seen the Hoodoo Gurus play live, and every single time 'Death Defying' is an absolute standout. With one of the band’s finest guitar riffs and closing bridge, sonically, the song is an incredible portrayal of rock n’ roll — I’ve always lost my voice during 'Death Defying', without fail.

However, this is just all just a taster of some of the tunes I’ll be listening out for on My88.

What do you want to hear on the station?

Top 10 80s One-Hit Wonders That Are Still Bangers in 2021

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 15:25:05 GMT

The 1980s produced some amazing music; never had there been such an eclectic mix of music in a decade before then. Hair metal, new wave, and synth-pop were all massive genres, but one of the big things the 80s is remembered for is having some of the best one-hit wonders. Even though the 80s had the least one-hit wonders out of any decade, the songs were streamed right into our loungerooms through MTV, and deeply embedded themselves in our brains.

Many of these songs still hold up today, and wouldn’t be out of place in any house party. Here’s 10 of the best 80s one-hit wonders you should definitely add to all your party playlists:

1. Whip It- Devo

Whip It by Devo is one of those undeniably catchy songs that gets stuck in your head the rest of the day. Released in 1980, the song recently celebrated its 40-year anniversary. The song was so popular, that the band had momentarily pause their tour to upgrade to bigger concert venues. The band Devo were even recently selling the iconic red “Energy Dome” hard hats with an attachable face shield, a great addition to any pandemic outfit.

2. You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)- Dead Or Alive

This song could not have been made in any decade but the 80s. The video is so quintessentially 80s, with the huge hair, the outrageous fashion, and the completely synth sound that makes up the backing track. The record company that Dead or Alive was with were so unenthusiastic about the song that Pete Burns had to take out a personal loan to record it anyway. They still hated it, so the band had to fund the music video themselves.

3. It’s Raining Men- The Weather Girls

You just can’t help but want to dance to this 80s hit. The green screen effects in this music video somehow make the song even more iconic. The song’s been covered a handful of times, by such notable people as RuPaul Charles the drag queen, and Geri Halliwell of the Spice Girls.

4. Come On Eileen- Dexy’s Midnight Runners

This song has one of the most iconic and recognisable intros, and sounds like nothing else that was produced in the 80s. The matching denim overalls in the music video are such a pinnacle of 80s fashion. When this song reached number 1 in the USA, it knocked Billie Jean by Michael Jackson off the top spot. Allegedly, Eileen was a real girl that the lead singer Kevin Rowland was in a relationship with in his adolescence.

5. Take On Me- Aha

This song actually gained popularity by being shown in cinemas before a movie, before being moved to MTV. The video took months to make, mostly because of its hand-drawn animation. This song is also ridiculously catchy, and if nothing else, it is totally satisfying to attempt to screech the super high note at the end of the chorus, akin to that final note in Summer Nights from Grease.

6. The Safety Dance- Men Without Hats

Lead singer of Men Without Hats, Ivan Doroschuk wrote this song after he was kicked out of a club for pogo dancing; a dance style that involved jumping up and down on the spot like a pogo stick. He maintains that the song is a protest against bouncers prohibiting pogo dancing in dance clubs. I mean, if your friends don’t dance, well they’re no friends of mine.

7. Relax- Frankie Goes To Hollywood

This song and music video were banned by the BBC in 1984 due to the suggestive nature of the lyrics and accompanying video. As a response, the song went directly to number 1, and the record company sold so many “Frankie Says Relax” shirts that the slogan has long outlasted the band.

8. 99 Luft Balloons- Nena

This song has an interesting German to English translation, and tells the story of 99 red balloons being released and being mistaken for a UFO by authorities, which sets off the start of a war. At least half the fun of this song is attempting to sing along to the words in German. I recently heard the English translated version of this song, and as well as changing the meaning, it changed the whole vibe of the song too.

9. Somebody’s Watching Me- Rockwell

This song features Michael Jackson, who definitely was not a one-hit wonder artist, but this spooky sounding song is a super fun tune to add to any Halloween playlist. This song was Rockwell’s debut hit, and was one of the songs used in the first episode of Miami Vice.

10. Tainted Love- Soft Cell

The original version of this was released by artist Gloria Jones in 1965. Soft Cell’s cover was recorded in only a day and a half, as a “throwaway cover song.” This 80s version of this song is super synth-y, complete with bizarre alien light visuals.

Catch all of these songs and more on My88!

my88

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4 – Cyndi Lauper / Blondie – ICC, Sydney

5 – Alison Moyet – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

6 – Belinda Carlisle – Rooty Hill RSL, Sydney

7 – Totally 80s: Martika / Berlin / Paul Lekakis / Limahl / Katrina / Wa Wa Nee / Real Life / Men Without Hats – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

8 – 80s Mania: Taylor Dayne / Go West / Paul Young / Cutting Crew / Wang Chung – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

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Stan:

Disney+:

Amazon Prime:

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Getting to Know Wayne Tunks

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Favourite 80's movie?

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If you could spend a whole day with one 80's star, who would it be?

Looking Back; A Celebration and Brief History of Pink Floyd’s 'Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)'

Welcoming My88! My Top 8 Tracks

8. Deanna

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

7. The Boy With the Thorn in His Side

The Smiths

6. Once in a Lifetime

Talking Heads

5. It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

R.E.M.

4. Never Tear Us Apart

INXS

3. Message To My Girl

Split Enz

2. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

Paul Simon

1. Death Defying

Hoodoo Gurus

Top 10 80s One-Hit Wonders That Are Still Bangers in 2021

I Love Rock ’n’ Roll — Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Jersey Girl - Bruce Springsteen