In 2016, the host began listening to every single UK chart entry from the 1980s. This podcast chronicles that journey, exploring the bands, the music, and how 80s music unfolded through playlists. It serves as both an entry point for newcomers to 80s music and a nostalgic trip for those who lived through the era, covering artists like Wham!, Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Bros, and The Smiths.
Episodes
Ep54.5 Jan 83 Echo and the Bunnymen, Dire Straits, U2, Eddie Rabbitt, Toto, Icehouse
It's a biggie! Yes, in the second half of Playlist 54 we finally meet Toto on the plains of Africa. U2 also get chilly on New Years Day but not before Dire Straits warm us up again with a bop round the pool. Echo and the Bunnymen spare us the cutter, Eddie Rabbitt links up with Crystal Gayle and we end by meeting another of Australia's finest exports, Icehouse! (And yes I do mistakenly say Februar
Ep54 Jan 83 Joe Cocker, Eddy Grant, Prince, Thompson Twins, Indeep, Bauhaus, Kajagoogoo
We're gonna rock down to podcast avenue in this weeks ep as January 1982 continues in playlist 54. Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes grind the assault course to fly jets (you eyeballin' me Mayo-naise?!), Eddy Grant sings about a street in London while Prince prepares us for the Millenium.The Thompson Twins make their introduction, Bauhaus dance with old Nick and we end with Kajagoogoo hitting number
Ep53.5 Jan 83 Southern Death Cult, China Crisis, Haysi Fantayzee, Alan Parsons Project, Level 42, Belle Stars
Another shiny shiny episode this week as we continue into early 1983. Ian Astbury discovers a band in his cellar, China Crisis emulate Eno, Haysi Fantayzee dance around the apocalypse, the Alan Parsons Project causes the Mixtaper to have a wobbly bottom lip, Level 42 have Alan Partridge eating the Chinese Way and the Belle Stars leave us with the sign of the times. What an ep! (seriously though, b
Ep53 Jan 83 Wham!, Runrig, Billy Griffin, Joe Jackson, Stranglers, Men At Work, Grandmaster Flash
Welcome to 1983 and year 4 of our quest! Playlist 53 starts with Wham! celebrating unemployment, we travel the high and low roads with Runrig and meet Billy Griffin. Joe Jackson takes us for a night on the town before the Stranglers get all Parisian. Men at Work have an iconic 80s moment and we pop and lock our way to the end of the show courtesy of Grandmaster Flash.
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Ep52.5 Dec 82 Whodini, The Mighty Wah and the End of 1982 Show!
Merrrrry retro Christmas and a Happy 1983! And we have some gifts as we finish playlist 52 with some magic tricks and a blue story! Then we're into the celebrations proper as we reflect back on the year that was 1982, hand out some awards and then look forward to all the treats 1983 has in store!
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Ch
Ep52 Dec 82 Dionne Warwick, Maisonettes, David Essex, Waitresses, Fleetwood Mac, Laura Branigan, John Williams
It's the last playlist of 1982 and (almost) the last episode of that year as we jump onto playlist 52. The Maisonettes take us down Heartache Avenue, we get two Christmas singles, Fleetwood Mac make their welcome return after 3 years, Dionne Warwick signs off, Laura Branigan signs the Stanley Cup and John Williams shows us how movie music should be done - Elllliiiottt!
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Ep51.5 Dec 82 Beat, Cliff Richard, Incantation, Phil Collins, Malcolm McLaren, Jam
We start with The Beat and end with a Beat Surrender this week as we roll into December 1982 and the end of The Jam. Cliff Richard also limbers up for a run of Christmas Hits, we learn why we all briefly got fascinated by the pan pipes, Phil Collins goes Motown and goes massive and Malcolm McLaren goes from agent provocateur to artiste provocateur!
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Ep 51 Dec 82 Bing Crosby, Pale Fountains, Bucks Fizz, Culture Club, Madness, Ultravox, The The
It's almost December 1982 and as we open our advent calendar who do we find behind the cardboard doors? (it's the 80s, so no milk chocolate) Bing Crosby and David Bowie! We also introduce the Pale Fountains for one brief dalliance and bathe in the creative majesty of The The. Bucks Fizz get hot and bothered in the kitchen, Culture Club can't stop dropping hits, Madness win an Ivor Novello and Ultr
Ep50.5 Nov 82 Modern Romance, Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Musical Youth, Human League
He's only gone and done it! The tonne!
Yes folks, somehow, amazingly, this is the 100th episode of the pod.
After a brief celebration and discussion about how technically backward I now am, we get back into the show proper. Modern Romance kick off the party reminding us the 80s were the best years of our lives. Meanwhile Duran Duran get on a yacht and ruin some perfectly tailored suits. Annie Le
Ep50 Nov 82 Marvin Gaye, Hall and Oates, America, Flock of Seagulls, Donna Summer, Clannad, Michael Jackson
And when I get that feeling it's like podcast healing! Yes folks as we reach the cusp of the tonne (episode 99 over all!), Playlist 50 brings us Marvin Gaye's brief comeback. Hall and Oates get chased by a panther, America bring their box of magic tricks, while a Flock of Seagulls consider a burgeoning photography career. Donna Summer makes her step into the 80s with the help of literally everyone
Ep49.5 Nov 82 Heaven 17, Supertramp, Men At Work, Renee & Renato, Rush, Blancmange
Cornettos and operatic voices at the ready! It's time for the ultimate cheesefest in this episode as we reach November 1982 and Renee & Renato! We meet Men At Work, have a drizzly flirtation with Supertramp and Heaven 17 kick off their Luxury Gap release. Meanwhile Rush brood on suburban isolation and Blancmange release their biggest hit. All in the latter half of playlist 49!
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Ep 49 Oct 82 Eddy Grant, John Mellencamp, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, ABBA, Mood, Killing Joke
You may not wanna dance, but this week's pod will have you on your feet to Eddy Grant and Playlist 49, October 1982. We also introduce a little ditty from John Mellencamp and both Dionne Warwick and Killing Joke make their first appearance. We tell the brief story of The Mood, Diana Ross is hungry for muscles and we finally say goodbye to ABBA!
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Ep48.5 Oct 82 Toyah, Julio Iglesias, Kid Creole, Wham!, Blue Zoo, Kool & The Gang
Wham! Nuff said.
In all seriousness though, this is a biggie. The second half of playlist 48 and October 1982 introduces one of the biggest groups of the 80s to the fold. We also get an inspirational anthem from Toyah, Julio Iglesias makes everyone's mums put a song on repeat a little too often, Kid Creole talks paternity, we briefly meet Blue Zoo and Kool & The Gang have us dancing yet again
Ep 48 Oct 82 Tears For Fears, Pretenders, Air Supply, Spandau Ballet, Fame, Dexys, Steve Winwood
It's a mad world this week in 1982 as we finally introduce Bath's finest, Tears For Fears. The Pretenders also find strength in tragedy, Air Supply find love and Spandau Ballet find a new wardrobe. The Kids from Fame bring an emotional closure, Dexy's raise our spirits and Steve Winwood proves that 3 times the charm!
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Ep47.5 Sept 82 Jam, Peter Gabriel, Clash, Ultravox, Roxy Music, Musical Youth
Pass the podcast on the left hand side! We finally meet Musical Youth and clear up any confusion on what they were passing as we complete September 1982 and playlist 47. The Clash and The Jam (almost) break up, Peter Gabriel is shocking, Ultravox are reaping and Roxy Music comes to an end, which has us weeping.
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Links to Playlist 47
Ep 47 Sept 82 Patrick Cowley, Billy Idol, Diamond Head, Mari Wilson, Culture Club, Pinkees, Fat Larry's Band
It's gonna be hot in the city tonight as we finally introduce Boy George and Culture Club, Billy Idol releases the aforementioned hit, Patrick Cowley brings the High NRG and we Zoom in with Fat Larry's Band amongst others!
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Links to Playlist 47:
Spotify
Apple Music
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In case the hy
Ep46.5 Aug 82 Evelyn King, UB40, Grandmaster Flash, Jennifer Holliday, ABC, Dire Straits
Don't push me, cos this pod is close to the edge! As we slip further into August 1982, we do indeed finally reach, "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash (or was it?!), Evelyn King drops a club classic, UB40 release their last socially conscious song before the big time, Jennifer Holliday proves we're gonna love her, ABC reach the end of the lexicon and Dire Straits get every dramatic!
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Ep46 Aug 82 Chicago, Frida, Judas Priest, Haircut 100, Duran Duran, Afrika Bambaataa, Simple Minds
This week you hold a glittering prize in your hand and we save a prayer for all the good 80s Music! In the second half of playlist 46 Chicago enter the fray while Frida breaks from ABBA. Judas Priest make a roaring return while Duran Duran prove their ballad chops. Afrika Bambaataa drops a cornerstone of rap, Simple Minds are in their pomp and we say goodbye to Haircut 100.
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Ep45.5 Aug 82 Psychedelic Furs, Toto Coelo, David Sylvian, Rockers Revenge, Thomas Dolby, Carly Simon
You'll be walking on sunshine with this week's pod. Why? Well as we delve deep into August 1982 we find in the record bins, Rockers Revenge, the Psychedelic Furs brining the film soundtracks, Carly Simon (that was the Why? link), David Sylvian breaking from Japan, Thomas Dolby and Toto Coelo being hungry for more than fame!
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Links to
Ep 45 Jul 82 Stranglers, Kid Creole, Madness, McRarys, Boys Town Gang, Blancmange, Survivor
This week the pod gets the eye of the tiger as we step into late July 1982. The Stranglers play a trick on their record label, Kid Creole tells the tale of a crook turned informant, Madness release possibly the best car-related song ever and the McRarys bring a little gospel to proceedings. In the latter half we meet the Boys Town Gang and learn of their impact on the High NRG scene, are Blancmang
Ep44.5 Jul 82 Hot Chocolate, Chas & Dave, Belle Stars, Yazoo, Haysi Fantayzee, Talk Talk
3 6 9, the goose drank wine, the monkey played a podcast which was sublime! Yes folks, this week we continue deeper into July 1982 and the Belle Stars get us all tangled up with the clapping song, Chas & Dave take us on a "proppa" British holiday, Hot Chocolate bring the school romance and Yazoo release the next evolution in the clubbing genre amongst others.
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Ep44 Jul 82 Irene Cara, Bananarama, AC/DC, Postman Pat, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Brat, Damned
Fame! I wanna podcast forever! Or at least until the 80s Music runs out. We finally slip into July 1982 and hit Irene Cara's big moment that sent mums and their kids into a spin buying leotards and legwarmers. Bananarama strike out on their own and AC/DC strike the cannon fuse. Postman pat takes us on a nostalgia delivery, the Tygers of Pan Tang take us on a rendezvous. John McEnroe throws a music
Ep 43.5 Jun 82 David Essex, Captain Sensible, Asia, Dennis Brown, Dexys, Trio
Ready for some happy talk? Well you've come to the right place! As we crawl into July 1982 Captain Sensible releases on of the most surprising number 1s of the decade. Asia get caught up in the heat of the moment, David Essex takes us nightclubbing, Dennis Brown is the crown prince of reggae, Dexys drop the biggest seller of 1982 and Trio bring the Casio organ to the fore! Hear all this and more a
Ep43 Jun 82 Bucks Fizz, Dollar, Steve Miller Band, Roxy Music, Gary Numan, Clash, Four Tops
Abracadabra, this pod will reach out and grab ya! Today we dive back into June 1982. But first the Mixtaper goes on a (minor) rant about AI and the platforms so desperate to get into bed with it all in the name of "revenue streams" and reveals his complicated history with one of them. We then get back into the music proper with Bucks Fizz bringing some vocal harmonies. Dollar reach the Trevor Horn
Ep 42.5 Jun 82 Bow Wow Wow, Flock Of Seagulls, Queen, Odyssey, Shalamar, Leo Sayer
If you have a sweet tooth, this episode will fix your sugar cravings! We continue into the summer of 1982 and Bow Wow Wow release their confectionary hit. A Flock of Seagulls take us into space, Queen go spanish, Odyssey release their last top 10 hit, Shalamar bring the party and also drop one of the most iconic dance moves of the era and Leo Sayer stops our heart as we finish Playlist 42.
Plea
Ep42 Jun 82 Siouxie, Echo & The Bunnymen, Soft Cell, Belle Stars, Natasha, Cars, Stevie Wonder
My podboy said to your podboy I'm gonna set your pod on fire. And while that does seem a little harsh, it does set up our episode today as we continue in June 1982. As you may have guessed, we have our Iko Iko playoff between the Belle Stars and Natasha. Siouxie brings the strings and fireworks (beautiful song alert), Soft Cell reinvent the torch song, the Bunnymen find their sound and we end with
Ep41.5 Jun 82 ABC, Gang of Four, Toyah, New Order, Madness, Adam Ant
Don't drink don't smoke, what do you do? Listen to podcasts, namely I Completed 80s Music! It's June 1982 and this week we tackle the back end of playlist 41. ABC give us the look of love, the Gang of Four show us their uniforms, Toyah shows us a brave new world, New Order start to sound like New Order and we end with two big hits of the 80s. Madness take us "party hat" shopping at the House of Fu
Ep 41 May 82, Nicole, Kid Creole, Charlene, Go-Gos, Fun Boy Three, Duran Duran, Iron Maiden
Hopefully you're hungry like the wolf for this next episode as we dive headlong into May 1982 and playlist 41. The first half gives us a little peace courtesy of a German Eurovision winner, Kid Creole gives us a wonderful thing (himself) before Charlene visits (herself). The Go Gos and Funboy three seal their lips but in different ways before Duran Duran go global and Iron Maiden create global fur
Ep40.5 May 82 Joan Jett, RAH Band, Tight Fit, D Train, Blondie, Associates
We love rock n roll! But we also love pop, new wave, synthpop, you get the picture. It's now May 1982 and Joan Jett explodes onto the UK scene. The RAH band show us their perfumed garden (ooh er missus) and Tight Fit swing out of the charts. D Train walks in a brilliant cover, Blondie walk off until 1997 and the Associates make fun of the entire circus. It's quite the episode!
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Ep 40 Apr 82 Paul McCartney, Hot Chocolate, Yazoo, The Fixx, Patrice Rushen, Junior, Talk Talk
All we wanna do is TalkTalk on this podcast and this week we natter about April 1982 and a slew of incredible hits on playlist 40. Macca and Stevie Wonder duet on a song about racial harmony, Hot Chocolate go girl crazy while the Fixx bring the cold war paranoia. Meanwhile Vince Clarke leaves Depeche Mode to form Yazoo with Alison Moyet. Patrice Rushen drops a club classic which becomes a staple o
Ep 39.5 Apr 82 David Bowie, Bardo, J Geils Band, Bananarama, England WC Squad, Haircut 100
Hopefully we're really saying something (bop bop shooby do wah) with this episode of the pod as we tackle the back 6 songs of playlist 39 and April 1982. Bowie kicks us off as he teaches us to put out fires with gasoline. Bardo then attempt to replicate Bucks Fizz Eurovision success (nerves ensue). The J Geils band have one last hurrah. Banarama return the favour to Fun Boy Three. The English Worl
Ep 39 April 82 Bucks Fizz, PhD, Monsoon, Pigbag, Shakatak, Roxy Music, Simple Minds
This podcast wont let you down but the copies of the singles might! Yes folks, as we get into April 1982 we have our first divergence of song choice on Spotify and Apple Music. Jim Diamond and PhD go in different directions leading to different versions on the music platforms. Roxy Music get a little saucy and increase the population of West London. Also in this episode Pigbag and Shakatak, drop t
Ep38.5 Mar 82 Visage, Japan, Flock Of Seagulls, Elton John, Shalamar, Dollar
This podcast can make you feel good, or at least Shalamar can! Yes folks, as we continue our sojourn through the 80s, we have reached the introduction of Shalamar, Flock of Seagulls and Elton John to the mix as March 1982 continues. We also have Visage proving they were not one hit wonders and Japan's swansong before it all fell apart. Just when they thought they could not be stopped!
Links to Pla
Ep 38 Mar 82 Goombay Dance Band, Pluto, Imagination, Gary Numan, Chas & Dave, Classix Nouveaux, Genesis
Whether your donning your grass skirt, imaginary bass guitar or gold lined harem pants, playlist 38 promises to be a colourful one! This week we cover the first 7 songs and what an episode! We introduce the one hit wonder Goombay Dance Band, follow up with some humorous reggae courtesy of Pluto before sliding into the peak of Imagination's discography (or is it just an illusion?!). Gary Numan brin
Ep 37.5 Feb 82 ABBA, Kraftwerk, Iron Maiden, Madness, Journey, Foster and Allen
Just a small town pod, living in a world of pods....it took the midnight train going anyyyyywhere...
Anyway. Don't stop believin in this episode description, not matter how corny it gets as this week's episode reaches the latter half of playlist 37 and the end of February 1982. Naturally, Journey have their glee moment, but Iron Maiden make us run to the hills, Madness give us heart problems and
Ep37 Feb 82 Black Sabbath, J Geils Band, Jam, Kiss, Nolans, Associates, ABC
How have we reached 1982 and not met Black Sabbath or Kiss yet?! Well in this episode, all that changes. February 1982 and playlist 37 promises pivot point for both bands as Sabbath contemplate a world without Ozzy and Kiss consider a world without heroes. The J Geils Band drop the greatest "Na Na" chorus of the decade, the Jam bring Woking to the fore (and not in a good way) and the Nolans bring
Ep 36.5 Feb 82 Bohannon, Vice Squad, Robert Palmer, UB40, Fun Boy Three Bananarama, Depeche Mode
If there's one thing that we can take from this week's pod it's that in 1982 and even now perhaps, it's not what you do, it's the way that you do it! Indeed in this weeks eclectic mix, we see funk, hardcore, electro and reggae all represented as we plunge into the second half of playlist 36 and February 1982. Naturally with that opening line, we'll be meeting Bananarama as they team up with Fun Bo
Ep 36, Feb 82 Adrian Gurvitz, Diana Ross, Toni Basil, D Train, EWF, Soft Cell
Do you want the best chant of the 80s? Or how about Soft Cell's best song? Well you're in the right place. Whether it's "Hey Mickey" or "Say Hello Wave Goodbye" and everything inbetween, this episode has it all as we slip into February 1982 and playlist 36. We kick off with Adrian Gurvitz putting aside his rock roots to write a Classic. Diana Ross gets introspective and funky with her post Motown
Ep35.5 Jan 82 Tight Fit, Hall and Oates, Theatre Of Hate, XTC, OMD, Bow Wow Wow
Whether you want to sleep in the jungle with a lion (bit weird) or go wild in the country, we have you covered as we complete January 1982! Its the second half of playlist 35 and we kick off with the aforementioned childhood memory by Tight Fit but explore the deeper darker history of the track. Next up Hall & Oates bring their A-Game and drop I Can't Go For That which it turns out, isnt a lov
Ep 35 Jan 82 Stranglers, Mobiles, Lindsey Buckingham, Mike Post, Elkie Brooks, Shakin Stevens, Stevie Wonder
If you're looking for a pod describing the rhyming scheme of "truly" and "Julie", look no further! Yes as we begin our ascent of the 1982 charts, the 80s Mixtaper acts as our musical sherpa. We'll be stopping along the way to muse on the Stranglers' multi-meaning Golden Brown, feeling the chill of the cold war with Mobiles' Drowning in Berlin before Lindsey Buckingham gets us into trouble, amongst
Ep 34 Dec 1981, Kool and the Gang and the End of 1981 Review
Get down on this podcast! Today, we reach the end of 1981! Can you believe that we're a fifth of the way through this journey already?! And as such, we feature but one song, the only remaining song to mention for 1981 and playlist 34 (the one that stupid here should have just tacked on to episode 33.5). Yes folks, we get cool with Kool and the Gang and their classic hit Get Down On It. Then, a lit
Ep33.5 Dec 81 Rolling Stones, Foreigner, Altered Images, Jon & Vangelis, Rod Stewart, ABBA
Step right up as we complete the last full playlist of 1981 and the back end of playlist 33. What an episode we have. Are the Rolling Stones going to break up? Do Foreigner know they have one of the most iconic ballads of the 80s? Are Altered Images happy?Will Jon & Vangelis find their way home? Does Rod Stewart want to be a young turk and do ABBA simply want to go their separate ways? We'll p
Ep 33 Dec 81 Bucks Fizz, Status Quo, Duran Duran, Sheena Easton, Dramatis, Madness, Human League
This episode will transport you back to the land of make believe (or the 80s, same difference) as we hit December 1981. In playlist 33 we get a Christmas Number one which the band didnt even want to release but which becomes one of the legendary songs of the decade. Duran Duran fill time between their debut album and Rio with a disco throwback, Status Quo get all misty eyed about rock and roll and
Ep 32.5 Nov 81 Pretenders, Soft Cell, Queen, SHAKATAK, Godley & Creme, Meat Loaf
Don't go to sleep on this episode! For one it ends with Meatloaf's Dead Ringer For Love, so you'll be wide awake again.
In the second half of playlist 32, we transport you back to the end of November 1981. The Pretenders kick off proceedings with a desperate lament about love in a song which would take on sadder meaning in their future. Soft Cell then transport us to a lonely Bedsit after the part
Ep 32 Nov 81, Fun Boy Three, Modern Romance, Diana Ross, EWF, Dollar, George Benson, Kim Wilde
A lunatic has taken over the podcast! (Frankly he was never away). Or rather Fun Boy Three do, as we move forward into deepest November 1981 with Playlist 32. Messrs Hall, Staples and Golding become FB3 and launch their debut single as we explore the messy split from the Specials and what came next. Modern Romance then continue their formulaic party song rise through the charts and Diane Ross brea
Ep 31.5 Nov 81 Kool & the Gang, Saxon, ABC, Rush, Pigbag, Japan
A modern day podcaster, mean mean stride, today's podcaster, mean, mean pride.
Lets not Rush (geddit?) through this episode, as we explore the back half of playlist 31. Yes folks, we enter November 1981 with an eclectic mix of funk, synthpop wizardry and more 80s flavours. Kool and the Gang kick off our show continuing their stretch of great 80s tunes with Steppin Out. We then pivot into introduci
Ep 31, Oct 81, Laurie Anderson, Bob Seger, Julio Iglesias, Trevor Walters, Haircut 100, OMD, Police
It may be Autumn 1981 but you won't need your duffle coat where we're going! Hot holidays, hot driving in the california hills, hot reggae and hot funk all feature in the first half of playlist 31.
We start with perhaps one of the most polarising tracks of the decade, an art installation in its own right, O Superman by Laurie Anderson, raising questions about the purpose of the state and the super
Ep 30.5 Oct 81Foreigner, Olivia Newton-John, Human League, Christopher Cross, Cure, Four Tops
We're back with the back half of playlist 31 and stories of rock glory from the best decade in pop. In this episode we introduce arena rock giants Foreigner to the picture with their apocryphal tale of the fan who sees a concert and becomes a rock star in their single Jukebox Hero. We don our best spandex, head and wrist warmers and get Physical with Olivia Newton-John and send the 80 work out rev
Ep 30 Oct 81Police, Billy Squier, Elvis Costello, Toyah, Creatures, Tom Tom Club, Squeeze
Eclectic Much?
Yup playlist 30 continues to demonstrate that even towards the end of 1981, the new decade is still embryonic in it's flavours. We kick off with The Police pivoting away from the reggae punk style as they focus on their next album Ghost in the Machine and break out the single Invisible Sun. Next we don our stripper heels and swing on the pole to Billy Squier's Stroke Me, which actua
Ep29.5 Sept 81 Dave Stewart, Japan, Depeche Mode, Bad Manners, Altered Images, Madness
It's my podcast and I'll cough if I want to! Actually, I manage to hold it together for this entire episode despite the Autumn sniffles as we dive into Autumn 1981. We kick things off with Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin's synthy rework of "It's My Party" before questioning whether Japan's "Quiet Life" may have been the inspiration for a lot of the new romantic sounds. "Just Can't Get Enough" is b
Ep 29 Sept 81Joan Armatrading, Tubes, Godley and Creme, Tweets, Lionel Richie, Adam Ant, Slade
Dont you ever, dont you ever, stop listening to this podcast! Yes folks, we're back after a short holiday and we're into the early offings of Autumn 1981 as we break into the first half of Playlist 29. We kick off with Joan Armatrading evolving her sound with "I'm Lucky", before meeting San Francisco rockers The Tubes. We then explore Godley and Creme's significant impact on the pop culture media
Ep 28.5 Aug 81 Ottawan, OMD, Rolling Stones, Cliff Richard, Linx, Quincy Jones
We rejoin the 80s Mixtaper as summer comes to an end in 1981. As we hit the back six of playlist 28 we start with school disco classic, Hands Up by Ottawan before slipping into something more comfortable with the deeply introspective Souvenir by OMD. We then discuss whether Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones was their large great song, before strapping on our roller skates for a tour round Milton K
I Completed 80s Music Special: Interview with Justin Lewis.
Justin Lewis discusses his new book, Into the Groove, a month-by-month exploration of 1980s music that blends major events with overlooked moments.
They cover his record-shop roots, influences like Annie Nightingale and Janice Long, the rise of video and hip-hop, Live Aid and the decade’s lasting impact on modern pop. This one's a cracker! Enjoy.
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Ep 28 Aug 81 Human League, Modern Romance, Dollar, Simple Minds, Stevie Nicks, Pointer Sisters, Genesis
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
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Ep 27.5 Aug 81 Kim Wilde, Randy Crawford, Classix Nouveaux, Aneka, UB40, U2
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 char
Ep 27 Jul 81 Bill Wyman, Squeeze, Duran Duran, Shakin Stevens, Stevie Wonder, Soft Cell, Siouxie
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 'A
Ep 26.5 Jul 81, Kate Bush, Candido, Carl Carlton, Spandau Ballet, ABBA, Paul Gardiner
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 80
Ep26 Jul 81Specials, REO Speedwagon, Sheena Easton, Psychedelic Furs, Bad Manners, Gidea Park, Kraftwerk
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
A Rewind South 2025 Special: Triumph and Bitterweet Tears.
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
Ep 25.5 Jun 81Kid Creole, Depeche Mode, Linx, Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club, Rainbow
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
Ep 25 Jun 81 Siouxie, Elaine Paige, Barbra Streisand, Bucks Fizz, Ultravox, Kirsty MacColl, Bruce Springsteen
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
Ep 24.5 May 1981 Split Enz, George Harrison, Hazel O'Connor, Randy Crawford, Phil Collins, Odyssey
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 tapes
Ep 24 May 81 Kim Carnes, Kim Wilde, Adam & The Ants, Grover Washington Jnr, Imagination, Squeeze, Toyah
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
Ep23.5 May 81 Teardrop Explodes, Human League, Shakin Stevens, Champaign, Smokey Robinson, Vangelis
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’
Ep 23 Apr 81 Echo & The Bunnymen, Tenpole Tudor, Stray Cats, Clash, Madness, Juice Newton, Undertones
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
Ep 22.5 Apr 81 Girlschool, Barry Manilow, Ennio Morricone, Bauhaus, Level 42, The Beat
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 dire
Ep 22 Apr 81 Bucks Fizz, Dept S, Keith Marshall, The Cure, Dire Straits, Spandau Ballet, REO Speedwagon
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
Ep 21.5 Mar 81 Heaven 17, Phil Lynott, Hazel O'Connor, Light of the World, Sugar Minott, Bad Manners
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 b
Ep 21 Mar 81 Phil Collins, The Who, Lene Lovich, Nolans, Whispers, New Order, Graham Bonnet
In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes you back to March 1981, exploring the vibrant and eclectic tracks of Playlist 21. Join us as we unravel the stories behind some of the era's most iconic hits, including Phil Collins' pivotal "I Missed Again," a track marking his transition from Genesis' progressive rock legacy to a pop sensation. Discover how The Who grappled with
Ep 20.5 Feb 81 Landscape, Shakin Stevens, Sharon Redd, Jacksons, Linx, Stevie Wonder
In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes listeners on a journey through the eclectic sounds of the second half of Playlist 20. Dive into nerdy-themed tracks discussing zealotry and nuclear war, revel in a rockabilly classic, and groove to one of Stevie Wonder's finest records. The episode also features listener comments from TikTok and Instagram, sparking discussions on t
Ep 20 Feb 81 Pretenders, Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Kim Wilde, Kiki Dee, Roxy Music, Eddie Rabbitt
Join the 80s mixtaper as we dive into the biggest musical hits of the 80s, crafted from a personal challenge to listen to every charting song from 1979 to 1989. In this captivating episode, the biggest so far, we're now mid february 1981 as explore the debut of iconic bands and artists like Duran Duran, Kim Wilde and revisit classic hits like "Jealous Guy" by Roxy Music and Dolly Parton's "9 to 5.
Ep 19.5 Feb 81 Freeez, The Jam, Joe Dolce, Boney M, Neil Diamond, Christopher Cross
In this episode of I Completed 80s Music, the 80s Mixtaper takes us on a nostalgic journey back to February 1981, exploring the rich and diverse soundscape of the second half of Playlist 19. From the silky, summery jazz funk of Freeze’s ‘Southern Freeze’ to Joe Dolce’s light-hearted but controversial ‘Shut Up Your Face,’ the episode encapsulates the eclectic mix of genres that defined 1981.
Listen
Ep 19 Jan 81 John Lennon, MFSB, Teardrop Explodes, Passions, Rainbow, Talking Heads, Barry Manilow
Join the 80s mixtaper as he takes you on a nostalgic journey through the eclectic music of the 1980s. It's late January 1981. This episode dives deep into the posthumous success of John Lennon with his heartwarming single "Woman," a tender tribute to love and a testament to his enduring legacy. Explore the vibrant chaos of The Teardrop Explodes with their biting track "Reward," and revel in Barry
Ep 18.5 Jan 81 The Clash, XTC, Spandau Ballet, Madness, Cliff Richard, Blondie
Join the 80s mixtaper as we navigate the vibrant musical landscape of early 1981, exploring a diverse range of tracks from the era. Dive into the world of The Clash and their politically infused "Hitsville UK" that celebrates the indie spirit amidst the chaotic backdrop of the Sandinista album. Experience XTC's quirky and controversial "Sergeant Rock Is Going to Help Me," a tune layered with new w
Ep 18 Jan 81 David Bowie, Fassbender & Russell, Ultravox, Dire Straits, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Honey Bane
Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, your ultimate tour of the decade's most iconic sounds. Our host, the 80s Mixtaper, transports us from the threshold of 1980 to the vibrant sound energy of 1981. This episode explores not only two of the era's essential tracks but delves into narratives that defined music in those transformative years.
Our sonic adventure kicks off with David Bowie and his aud
Ep17 END 80 Queen, Police, Visage, Stevie Wonder, Yarbrough & Peoples, Year End Wrap up
Hello and welcome back to "I Completed 80s Music" with your host, the 80s Mixtaper. In this milestone episode, we celebrate completing the first year of our 80s musical journey with the conclusion of 1980. Before diving into a year-end review, we explore the final five tracks left on playlist 17. Join us as we delve into a film hit from Queen, a whimsical tune by The Police, a classic synth track
Ep 16.5 Nov 80 Madness, Jona Lewie, Chas & Dave, Siouxie, The Clash, Adam & The Ants
Join the 80s mixtaper for a captivating musical exploration of late 1980 as we dive into some of the most iconic tracks of the era. This episode spotlights "Embarrassment" by Madness, a bold and deeply personal song that challenges societal norms and family dynamics. We also delve into Jonah Louie's unexpected Christmas hit "Stop the Cavalry," a protest song turned festive classic.
Experience the
Ep 16 Nov 80 Kenny Rogers, Spandau Ballet, Diana Ross, Abba, Devo, Bruce Springsteen, St Winifed's School Choir
Join us as we delve into the eclectic world of 1980's music. It's November 1980 and we're starting with Kenny Rogers’ transformation into a pop sensation through his hit single "Lady," written by Lionel Richie. Next, we explore the beginnings of Spandau Ballet within the vibrant New Romantic scene, highlighting their breakthrough single "To Cut a Long Story Short." We discuss Diana Ross's timeless
Ep 15.5 Nov 80 Rod Stewart, John Lennon, Roxy Music, Blondie, Neil Diamond, Hall & Oates
Join the 80s Mixtaper as we delve into the second half of Playlist 15, exploring an exciting mix of music history from November 1980.
First up is Rod Stewart's risqué exploration of desire with 'Passion', a track that reflects his ability to straddle the line between rock god and pop icon. We then turn our attention to John Lennon's emotionally charged comeback with 'Starting Over', a song full of
Ep 15 Oct 80 Dennis Waterman, Olivia Newton-John, Sheena Easton, Kool & The Gang, Motorhead, UB40, David Bowie
Join the 80s mixtaper in this episode as they dive into the vivid tapestry of 80s music, exploring the journey of Dennis Waterman's "I Could Be So Good For You," the unforgettable anthem of British TV series Minder. Listeners are taken back to when this iconic theme song took the UK charts by storm, embodying a blend of humor and drama that defined the early part of the decade in the UK.
The episo
