Hey! Remember the 80's?

Episode 250 (Part 2)!!

Episode 250 (Part 2) (Taylor's Version) is here! The celebration continues, but Joe and Kari had to record a bit of new stuff to cover some pressing tidbits. And then it's BACK to Just a Bit Outside to cover more of those songs that didn't hit the Top 40. Then friend of the podcast Michael plays Quizmaster to finish out the ongoing quiz series. Find out who will emerge victorious!!! Finally, find out which 80's icon sends a congratulatory message to Joe and Kari on account of the 250th episo...

Episode 250!

Episode 250 is here! Join Joe and Kari for Part One of the milestone episode. They welcome friend of the podcast Michael to the show for a supersized Just a Bit Outside segment, for a look at those songs that hit the Hot 100, but didn't make it to the famed Top 40. You'll hear about songs from Shooting Star, Guy, Grace Slick and the B-52s, among others. Episode 250 is so big, it had to be split into 2 episodes! Stay tuned for the finale next week with some big surprises!

The "British" Top 30

Episode 249: This episode is inspired by Kari's trip to the record store, where she uncovered a set called "The British Top 30 Show." The countdown is from June 16, 1985, but is it based on the official UK Charts? Definitely not, but the jury is still out on where these rankings really came from. What can be confirmed is that you'll hear discussion about songs from Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy, Skipworth and Turner, U2 and others. More on our ongoing quiz series, but this time with a voice you m...

Billboard Flashback 3/26/1983

Episode 248: Let's go back in time to March 26, 1983! That's the date on the issue of Billboard magazine that Joe and Kari have chosen to peruse (and you can do the same at www.worldradiohistory.com). Let's take a look at some of the ink splashed for artists like Simple Minds, The Bar-Kays, and Ultravox. You'll also hear about The First Video Games Conference, and an interesting ad taken out to get the attention of a famous singer. Also making the pages of the issue are Jules Shear, The Brai...

You! Don't! Have! To! Yell!!

Episode 247: Multiple tidbits this week, including the lineup for the 2025 80’s Cruise, and a tribute to Eric Carmen.  You Don’t Have to Yell! Did you ever notice that multiple 80’s song titles include exclamation points in them? What’s the deal with that?? Joe and Kari take a look at some songs from Scritti Politti, Donnie Iris, Thompson Twins, and others that beg the listener to SCREAM the song title in excitement. But did these songs EARN the right to use those exclamation points? That’s...

Left of Center Soundtrack Songs

Episode 246: Obscure Soundtrack Songs. Joe and Kari asked for suggestions on the FB page (follow it, if you aren't already!) They got some great recommendations from Bill G., David N. and Kindra K., including songs from Streets of Fire, Pretty in Pink and The Lost Boys, which actually has a ton of great songs! You'll hear about contributions from Suzanne Vega, Fire, Inc., and Lou Gramm. You'll also hear the next round of the ongoing QUIZ series between Joe and Kari. Find out who comes out on...

Birthday Party!

Episode 245: Grab your party hats and noisemakers, it's time to celebrate some birthdays for some of your favorite musicians of the 80's! Cindy Wilson of the B-52s, Neal Schon of Journey (and numerous other bands), Robyn Hitchcock, and Tone Loc are all Pisces. Find out more about these acts and others in this week's episode of HRT80s

Ivory Ticklers

Episode 244: It's time to consult The 80's Music Compendium for another list of songs with the longest piano solos. It's not that surprising to find songs from Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Carole King. But Sheena Easton and Heart, what are you doing here? Segment two is another round of the ongoing quiz series, with accompaniment by a special guest! Find out if Joe is ever going to take the lead away from Kari!

I Want My Tidbits!

Episode 243: Lots of Odds and Ends to discuss this week, so we've got a super-sized Tidbit section for you all! Even though Kari did her best to ignore it, the Rock Hall nominees for 2024 need to be discussed. Who got snubbed? Who was deserving? More tidbits come courtesy of Michael H. and Blair (thanks for the suggestions). You'll hear discussions about Guns N' Roses, Bruce Hornsby, and Rick Astley.  Just a Bit Outside: Songs that didn't hit the top 40 from Leif Garrett and Steve Forbert. ...

My Toot Toot!

Episode 242: So many tidbits! You won't even believe it, and Joe and Kari left out a big one (to be discussed at a later date, maybe!!). Main topic: R&B Superstars, including some musicians with a ton of R&B hits (and not just in the 80's), like Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight and the Pips. You'll also hear about Evelyn "Champagne" King and Cheryl Lynn (who is currently enjoying a resurgence on the charts). Plus, find out the history behind "My Toot Toot"

Singin' Actresses of the 80's

Episode 241: This segment idea comes courtesy of friend of the podcast, Dom. Way back in episode 5, we discussed some actors who were "moonlighting" as pop singers, so why not focus on some actresses who tried it as well? We start off with some actors associated with the classic show The Facts of Life: Lisa Welchel, Kim Fields and Gloria Loring, who sang the famous theme song (talk about "you take the good, you take the bad..."). You'll also hear about songs from Audrey Landers, Princess Ste...

Yes, and? Best Pop Songs Which Never Hit the Hot 100

Episode 240: Time for part two of our series highlighting the Best Pop Songs NEVER to Hit the Hot 100, according to Billboard Magazine. Why did great songs from Change, Tears for Fears, Womack and Womack, Bruce Springsteen and others NOT hit the Hot 100? Billboard has their reasons, which are myriad (Heathers reference, nailed it). Then it's time for the next part of the ongoing QUIZ series, find out if Joe finally catches up to Kari!

Another Visit to HRT80s Court

Episode 239: Order in the court! HRT80s Court is in session, and Joe and Kari object... to artists ripping off other artists. Of course, they try to be fair and hear both sides, so you can also decide if the audio evidence is enough to convict. This week's docket includes Kid Creole and the Coconuts v. Bananarama, and Ollie & Jerry v. Dan Hartman. There's a third case as well, but that's a secret!!  O' Canada: more songs from the CBC's list of the 50 Best Canadian Songs of the 80's, includi...

A Supersized Just a Bit Outside

Episode 238: It's time to go "Just a Bit Outside" to check out some singles that hit the Hot 100 but DIDN'T make the Top 40. This week, we'll hear singles from Neil Diamond and Jennifer Warnes, and a couple from the Great White North from Red Rider and Anne Murray. It's not all Adult Contemporary, though! The singles from 1989 are from acts like Love and Rockets and Debbie Gibson.  Buckle up, there's a new Quiz in town! Find out if Joe can pull off another upset in this new series of quizze...

Our Favorite Number Ones

Episode 237: Happy New Year, folks! Joe and Kari are starting off 2024 with a bang! They've chosen their Top Five Number One singles of the 80's and discuss each one's merits. They also discuss live versions, demos, or remixes. Get ready for chatter about Genesis, Janet Jackson, Bruce Hornsby & The Range, Cyndi Lauper, and more! Find out if any of your faves made this totally subjective list!

On The Brink

It’s a very special episode of HRT80s and it’s dropping right smack dab in the middle of the busy holiday season. As we get ready for a new year, let’s take a look at some songs that hit the Hot 100 at the end of 1989. Some of these are definitely considered more “90’s” but since they debuted in 1989, they are fair game for HRT80s! Friend of the Podcast Chad joins Joe and Kari to discuss some of the songs that were On The Brink of the 90’s, including songs from Gloria Estefan, Technotronic, ...

Billboard Flashback: 8/27/1983

Episode 235: Time for a trip back through time, to August 27, 1983 to be exact. That's the date on the front of the issue of Billboard that Joe procured at the antique mall, but you can follow along at worldradiohistory.com if you like. This episode is a review of the ads and articles from the issue, like ads for Louise Mandrell's scorching new album Too Hot To Sleep! There's also a lot of ink devoted to the rise of that new invention the CD! Singles from Will Powers, Tom Tom Club, Two Siste...

Another Grab Bag

Episode 234: It's time for another Grab Bag episode -- Joe and Kari are taking listener suggestions (as well as their own suggestions to each other) to discuss some songs that just didn't fit into any other episodes. Thanks to listener Wes for his suggestion on Contemporary Christian artists in the 80's. Steve Taylor and The 77s had some very interesting songs, thank G**! And Joe and Kari also discuss a couple of forgotten gems that deserve a listen from Starpoint and The Look Just a Bit Ou...

Best Pop Songs Not to Hit the Hot 100

Episode 233: Think back to Episode 229 from a few weeks ago, when Joe and Kari discussed in Tidbits the list of the 500 Best Pop Songs from Billboard. If you remember, part of the criteria included that the song HAD to chart on the Hot 100 to qualify. Well, the people at Billboard put together ANOTHER list of the 100 Best Pop songs NOT to hit the Hot 100, and that's what is being discussed in this week's episode! You'll hear about pop non-hits from Miquel Brown, Taena Gardner, Bonnie Raitt, ...

Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls

Episode 232: Yes, Joe and Kari attended the Darker Waves Festival, and they lived to tell the tale! On the podcast! Their review kicks off this episode, find out what they liked (OMD! English Beat!) and what they didn't like (Lines! People! Paying for beer!).  Since World AIDS Day is December 1st, Joe and Kari are taking a look at some of the artists who tried to use their music to bring awareness to this serious topic, like Cyndi Lauper, Jimmy Somerville of Bronski Beat, and Book of Love. 

Darker Waves Preview

Episode 231: If you haven't heard Joe and Kari discuss this in previous episodes, they are traveling to Huntington Beach, CA this week to attend the Darker Waves Festival! The lineup is STACKED with artists that have been discussed on HRT80s many times, but this episode is dedicated to some of the lesser-known bands like The Chameleons and Clan of Xymox, as well as faves like The English Beat, OMD and X! You'll feel like you're at a music festival when you listen to this one, and the beers w...

Not The Song You're Thinking Of

Episode 230: This week's episode is a very special one, as Joe and Kari welcome their first international guest to the podcast: Listener Dom from New Zealand! Dom has been kind enough to suggest some of the segments that we've brought to you on HRT80s, and this week, we get to know the man behind the ideas, and what exactly he loves about music from the 1980s.  Then we invite Dom to discuss one of his segment ideas: Not the Song You're Thinking Of, which takes a look at songs that have the ...

The Freaks Come Out at Night!

Episode 229: Spooky Halloween Edition! Since this episode drops on Halloween, Joe and Kari took some listener suggestions on their favorite creepy songs of the 80's. Toto Coelo sang a love song about Dracula, Whodini warned us that the freaks come out at night, and Ministry gave us a goth anthem with "Everyday is Halloween." Finally, the Great 80's Music Quiz comes to an end with the final rounds. Find out who wins the sack of full-size candy bars, and who comes home with a bag full of thos...

Countdown America Part II: February 18, 1989

Episode 228: As promised, here is Part Two of the recap of the Countdown America program from February 18, 1989. Dick Clark hosted this syndicated radio program that used the Top 30 Adult Contemporary charts from Radio and Records magazine. In the upper reaches of the countdown, we have songs from Vanessa Williams, Anita Baker and Barbra Streisand. Plus, Debbie Gibson and Tiffany face off with ballads from their sophomore albums. Which song was more successful on the charts (and in our heart...

TV Theme Songs

Episode 227: This episode is only for the Jackée stans!!! That's right: HRT80s is celebrating 227 episodes this week! And we asked the listeners to tell us their favorite TV Theme Songs for us to cover on the podcast. So get ready to hear about the theme songs to your favorite 80's shows: Perfect Strangers, Cheers, 227 (natch), and everyone's favorite, Golden Girls. Then it's time for more QUIZZING; who ends up in the lead after this round? You better listen and find out, because there's no...

Pumpkin Spice Lattes with Friend of the Podcast Michael

Episode 226: Please welcome to the podcast: Michael! He's joining the panel for HRT80s court, that segment that takes a look at some similar-sounding songs and asks, Who is at fault for this? Why does "Running Back to You" by Vanessa Williams sound a bit like "Right on Track" by the Breakfast Club? Does Bananarama owe some money to Company B? And why exactly was New Line Pictures up in arms about the harmless DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince Freddy Krueger song?  Once the verdicts are in,...

Music of New Zealand 🇳🇿 Aotearoa

Episode 225: Sometimes the tidbits are plentiful. This week, Joe and Kari discuss (deep breath): Cyndi Lauper's new musical, news of a Debbie Gibson memoir, Moonlighting comes to streaming finally, Pat Benatar's daughters new single, and news of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. PLUS, Joe's mini-review of the Squeeze/Psychedelic Furs show. WHEW Main Topic: Suggested by listener Dom, Joe and Kari take a look at some of the biggest and best hits of the 80's to come out of New...

Countdown America: February 18, 1989

Episode 224:  Joe and Kari had so much fun dissecting the National Music Survey in episode 214 that....well, they fell down the rabbit hole. One eBay purchase later, they're now the owner of several old 80's countdowns on vinyl. This week's episode takes a look at Countdown America from the week of February 18, 1989. It's the top 30 AC hits based on Radio and Records, hosted by the one and only Dick Clark! They discuss some of the singles from Carly Simon, Boy Meets Girl, Edie Brickell and N...

Grab Bag

Episode 223: This week's episode is a grab bag, odds and ends that Joe and Kari have collected over the past few weeks due to Instagram stories, Apple Music playlists, and suggestions from Loyal Listeners. First up is a gem from Tina Yothers (!), yes she attempted a pop music takeover, but was she successful? Up next are a couple of rap songs from the mid-80's that have ties to Sly Fox. Also, Stacey Q was putting out music before "Two of Hearts" made it big on the charts. Finally, an 80's mu...

80's Karaoke Songs

Jennifer's 80's Karaoke Picks

Episode 222: Please welcome to the podcast, Kari's sister Jennifer! She gets the HRT80s rundown: favorite 80's music, 80's concerts, and our main topic, her favorite 80's Karaoke jams! You'll get info about the acts behind those karaoke classics -- Journey, Rick Astley, Pat Benetar, and...Clarence Carter?? Get to know more about young Kari and Jennifer in this episode of Hey, Remember the 80's!

The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball

Episode 221: This episode is inspired by another recent Kari find at the record store (she is on a roll!). Have you heard of the Secret Policeman's Ball? It's okay if you haven't because it's a secret! The UK fundraiser for Amnesty International dates back to 1976, but the 1987 event put a focus on music, and featured performances from Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading, Duran Duran, and Bob Geldof, among others. Joe and Kari discuss those performances, as well as those from Erasure, Nik Kershaw an...

Italo Disco

Episode 220: First of all, we want to thank listener Giovanni for suggesting some songs to discuss during our episode devoted to Italo Disco! Synthesizer-heavy songs from Gazebo, Milva, and Via Verdi are discussed. The true star of the episode is the song (and video) "Future Brain" by Den Harrow (OR IS IT???) Then, Joe gets quizzed again in this ongoing series, find out if he bests Kari when all is said and done!

Everybody's Steady Rockin'

Episode 219: Joe and Kari are back from their break in a big way, the two were able to record an episode in the same room, an HRT80s Rarity! Kari starts off Tidbits with a review of the I Want My 80's Tour that is currently snaking around the USA.  Just a Bit Outside: Time to highlight those non-top 40 singles, including a divisive (for multiple reasons) single from Styx. Other singles from RCR, Peter McIan, Giant and The Cult get the JaBO treatment, plus a special song from a *MySteRy ArTi...

Head to Toe

Episode 218: Kari and Joe want to dress you up in their love... ew, not like that. Working with a suggestion from amazing listener Dom, we have put together an 80s outfit using the titles of songs. Get out your Wigs, Favourite Shirts and Goody Two Shoes and listen along.  Quiz Time: Kari continues quizzing Joe with some (pretty easy) questions about 80s music to determine who is the Queen of 80s Trivia, but it gets heated. (Joe calls Kari a B! Can you believe it??)

Ranking the Hits of Wham!

Episode 217: Jitterbug! Hot on the heels of the new Wham! documentary that is streaming on Netflix, Joe and Kari have ranked Wham's 12 singles. Which Wham! songs reached the upper echelon aka The Edge of Heaven? Listen to the latest ep and find out! Jitterbug! Quiz Time: Kari unearthed some 80's questions in a new series that may prove once and for all who is the Queen of 80's Music Trivia!

Speedin' Into a Nude Sunrise

Episode 216: Long guitar solos and long beards, that's what this episode is all about! Of course, ZZ Top starts things off. What Joe wants to know is this -- if you tell someone "Give me all your lovin'" are the hugs and kisses implied? Or should they be specifically requested as well? Other guitar solos discussed include the usual suspects -- hard rockin' acts like White Lion, Britney Fox, and Paul McCartney? O' Canada: More songs from the CBC's list of the 50 Best Canadian Songs of the 80...

Furs and Expensive Cars

Episode 215: First up in Tidbits: Joe and Kari's thoughts on the new Wham! documentary that is streaming on Netflix, so make sure you've watched it before listening (the doc is highly recommended!).  Obscure Soundtrack Songs: If you've never heard of the movie Party Party, it's okay because Joe and Kari had never heard of it until they each located a copy of the soundtrack in different record stores. Songs from Altered Images and Modern Romance are discussed. Next up is Fatal Beauty, a movi...

National Music Survey

Episode 214: Does anyone know of the syndicated countdown special from the late 80's called National Music Survey? It's okay, Joe didn't know about it either until one magical day at the record store when he came across a copy of the countdown from January 20, 1988! This episode is a recap of the countdown -- the top 25 Adult Contemporary songs, ranked by Radio and Records. You'll hear about AC hits from Dave Mason and Phoebe Snow, Manhattan Transfer, and Donna Summer, among others. Plus the...

Searching for the Meaning of #74

Episode 213: Happy 4th of July, from Kari and Joe! Enjoy this rundown of songs that peaked at number 74 on the Hot 100 (get it?). Max Werner, The Call, and Heaven 17 are a few of the acts discussed, as well as a singer that had a huge hit down under!  Just A Bit Outside: Songs that didn't hit the Top 40 include songs from superstar Dionne Warwick, and freestyle legend Stevie B.

Let's Mow All The Way

Episode 212: This is a very special episode, folks, because Joe and Kari are welcoming a very special guest to the podcast: Chad! Chad is a friend of the podcast and a loyal listener since day one. He was very excited to discuss something very near and dear to his heart as a father and husband: mowing the lawn! Chad's got the perfect playlist for anyone out there who has a difficult task ahead of them, and he discusses with Joe and Kari some of the songs he chose. It's a very varied playlist...

Billboard Flashback: 6/13/1981

Episode 211: Let's take it back, y'all! We are going back to June 13, 1981, and perusing the pages of Billboard magazine. There's an ad for an up-and-coming singer named John Schneider, who was wowing audiences on the show The Dukes of Hazzard. Does this good ol' boy have what it takes to conquer the Hot 100? More ink is spilled for acts like Frankie Beverly and Maze, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Gang of Four. Joe and Kari discuss the songs behind the ads and articles! 

Summer Songs

Episode 210: The weather is getting hotter, and that can mean only one thing -- Global Warming! Just kidding -- Joe and Kari rounded up some of the best 80's songs about everyone's favorite season, Summer! Songs from APB, Diesel, James Taylor, and Don Henley are gonna make you SWEAT!  That's What Friends Are For: A look back at 1980 when Elvis Costello needed some assistance with a vocal, and he called on his friends from the band Squeeze!

National Jennifer Day

Episode 209: Happy National Jennifer Day! Joe and Kari are here to make sure you celebrate responsibly. The plan was to discuss multiple Jennifer's of the 80's, but the research on singer Jennifer Warnes proved much more fruitful than expected. She is most well known for songs from the soundtracks to An Officer and a Gentleman and Dirty Dancing, but there is so much more! This deep dive includes a few detours to discuss songs from non-Jennifers as well. 

No More Jaguars

Episode 208: It's time for a super-sized edition of Just A Bit Outside, the segment that looks at songs that peaked outside the Top 40. From 1980, we've got R&B from the Bar-Kays, Southern (Scottish) Rock from Nazareth, a Country single from Mac Davis, and whatever genre Korona fits into. 1989 brings songs from Regina Belle and Icehouse, who had quite a few underrated songs throughout the whole decade.  O, Canada: More songs from the CBC list of the Best Canadian Songs of the 80's, includin...

Listener Suggestions

Episode 207: Joe and Kari are always thrilled to get listener suggestions! First, from Matt B., a look at an act that started out in 1982, Everything But the Girl. True, they are probably best known for their hit from the 90's, but their 80's output is definitely worth checking out. Then, listener Alex suggested a few songs from Minor Detail and Polyrock. And finally, Blair's suggestion becomes a segment called Could've Been So Beautiful: a look at some big hits from 1989 that maybe were TOO...

Kari's Record Store Haul

Episode 206: First in Tidbits -- surely you've heard the news about the inductees for this year's class of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and now Joe and Kari offer their two cents on who got snubbed.  Kari's Record Store Haul: A trip to MadCity Music in Madison, WI proved fruitful for Kari. In this episode, we take a look and some of the finds of the day. Albums from The Pretenders, Roachford, Wang Chung and others are discussed, along with some of the pivotal tracks from each. Also included,...

Even More Long Sax Solos

Episode 205: The Sax is Back! Thanks to The 80's Music Compendium, Joe and Kari have a new batch of 80's songs to discuss that include long sax solos. Bobby Womack and Patti LaBelle joined forces to climb the R&B chart in 1984, and Dan Fogelberg took some inspiration from a trippy Tom Robbins novel to create a number one hit on the AC chart. You'll also hear about sax solos from songs by The Mary Jane Girls, The Honeydrippers, and a duet between David Bowie and Tina Turner! Finally, a long-...

It Peaked On This Day

Episode 204: First up in Tidbits, a recap of Joe and Kari's trip to Minneapolis to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of Transmission! So much great music and dancing!  Then it's time for a new segment: It Peaked on This Day, a look at songs that peaked on April 25th. In 1981, songs by Steely Dan, The Outlaws, and Fantasy reached their peaks on the Hot 100. In 1987, songs from Peter Gabriel, Prince, and Robbie Nevil reached their peaks. Which songs do Joe and Kari want to add to their playlists...

Birthday Bash

Episode 203: Grab some punch and a piece of cake because we are celebrating BIRTHDAYS this week on HRT80s. No, not Joe or Kari's birthdays, but rather the birthdays of some notable musicians, including Iggy Pop, Paul Carrack, Jack Blades of Night Ranger, and The Triplets! Then it's time to discuss a truly bizarre (and awesome) song and video from a band that was founded by the one and only Bill Paxton!