On this week’s episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews Kevin Smokler, author of “Brat Pack America: A Love Letter To 80’s Teen Movies” (8:29). They discuss Smokler’s journey to becoming a full-time writer before ultimately penning this outstanding book. They also talk about some of the 80’s teen movies featured in the book, … Read More
80s
Favorite 100 Albums of the 80s: (#84) Asia – Asia
YEAR RELEASED: 1982 NOTABLE TRACKS “Heat of the Moment”, “Only Time Will Tell”, “Sole Survivor” ALBUM MVP: “Heat of the Moment” WHY I LOVED IT: From the first track of this stellar debut album it’s unmistakably apparent with this record Asia’s not trying to complicate you, get overly philosophical or leave your mind on the … Read More
Favorite 100 Songs of the 80s: (#69) Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams
It’s entirely possible Hall & Oates may be my favorite pop group of the 80s era, although Huey Lewis & The News may have something to say about that. A significant part of the pop music fabric, Hall and Oates’ music was many things to me growing up, and the simple word “fun” resides at … Read More
Favorite 100 Songs of the 80s: (#70) REO Speedwagon – Keep On Loving You
The adult me absolutely hates the spirit of “Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon. The band’s lead singer, Kevin Cronin wrote the song as a response to finding out his scandalous fiancé was cheating on him prior to their marriage. Rather than kick the cheating bitch to the curb, Cronin writes he’ll keep loving … Read More
Favorite 100 Songs of the 80s: (#71) Survivor – The Search Is Over
I love me a good power ballad, and “The Search Is Over” was easily one of my favs of the 80s era. More on the song in a minute, but first let’s talk about Survivor. People rarely mention them discussing great rock and roll groups of the 80s, and that’s a shame. Survivor was a … Read More
Favorite 100 Songs of the 80s: (#75) A Flock Of Seagulls – I Ran (So Far Away)
Songfacts.com describes “ I Ran (So Far Away)” by Flock of Seagulls as the following: “This is the opening song of the album, which is a concept piece about an alien invasion of earth. The song itself describes a person seeing an attractive female – he becomes anxious and wants to run away from his … Read More
Favorite 100 Songs of the 80s: (#99) Michael McDonald – I Keep Forgetting
If you’re young enough and heard this song for the first time, you’d instantly think “Regulate” by Warren G (1994) from the first note. Reality is us elders and/or those in tune with music aged 35+ years know we’re about to groove with Michael McDonald for 3 minutes and 39 seconds. McDonald’s known far more … Read More
Favorite 100 Songs of the 80s: (#100) Hall & Oates – I Can’t Go For That
I hate starting any countdown with a spoiler, but here’s an obvious nugget to share— Hall & Oates aren’t one-and-done here over the next 100 days. About the only thing I hate about “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” is having to also spell out “No Can Do” in parenthesis. Released in 1981 … Read More
Let’s Countdown The Best 100 Songs Of The 80s
I’m rather obsessed with 80s music and unapologetic about it. If we’re at the club and you hear Debbie Gibson’s “Only in my Dreams” on the jukebox, look no further when seeking the perpetrator. It was my dollar that paid for 3 minutes and 44 seconds of awesomeness. You’re welcome. I’ll take Sergio Mendes over … Read More