Welcome to the Boomtown
32 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Benny Banzai and Dr. Dave bring you the best from the greatest decade ever for music. From A Flock of Seagulls to ZZ Top, we'll feature our favorite tracks, the Top 40 hits, and the deep cuts. Take a trip back to a time when skinny ties and leg warmers were the height of fashion, when MTV still played videos, and music meant something. It's all about the music.
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Episodes
Episode 29: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 29 (Banzai's Theatre Mixtape)
June 11, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 219 MBWelcome back to the 80s! From August 1984 - April 1988, Benny Banzai was in charge of the Wayne State College Student Activities Board Film Program.. His many responsibilities included: booking, scheduling and logistics, marketing, projectionist, and selecting the pre-show music. Episode 29 is another one of his mixtapes featuring some of his favorite songs of the 80s that he played before the films at WSC. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and...
Episode 28: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 28 (Pre MTV)
April 10, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 209 MB“Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.” Welcome back to the 80s. On August 1, 1981 viewers in New Jersey were the first to see the debut of a new music video channel, MTV. In the years that followed, MTV would become a cultural phenomenon, influencing TV, film, advertising and fashion. However, for Episode 28, we thought it would be uber-nostalgic to go back to those days between January 1, 1980 and July 31, 1981 to hear what music was like before MTV changed everything. A shout ou...
Episode 27: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 27 (Side 2)
February 20, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 230 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Remember the days before streaming, when listening to music meant you had to flip over an album or cassette? Yeah, sometimes it was a pain, and we're willing to bet some of you didn't bother doing so believing all the best songs were on Side 1. Episode 27 features great 80s songs that made Side 2 worth listening to. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to Team Boomtown: Al...
Episode 26: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 26 (Standing the Test of Time Volume 1)
December 29, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 212 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Episode 26 features artists who got their start in the 1950s and 60s, and still managed to have hits in the 80s. Some acts, like The Rolling Stones, Scorpions, and Bruce Springsteen, will even be touring in 2024, proving that age really just is a number. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to Team Boomtown: Alan (artwork), DJ Phil B (technical advice) and David Baerwald an...
Episode 25: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 25 (Precious Metal)
October 10, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 198 MBWelcome back to the 80s! If you did a Wikipedia search for “heavy metal music” you would see there are literally dozens of different metal subgenres and fusion genres, as well as regional and local scenes. Episode 25, Precious Metal, features some of the popular metal artists of the 80s from the US, Canada, and the UK. So, turn up the volume to 11, throw up your devil horns, and start head bangin’! A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome...
Episode 24: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 24 (Driving at Night)
August 09, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 234 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Do you remember riding around with friends at night or driving down a deserted highway or back road with the windows down, listening to your favorite music? So do we. Episode 24 features some of our go to songs for driving at night. Hopefully, this brings back some memories and you'll be inspired to go for a drive later, listening to this episode. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As alw...
Episode 23: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 23 (Long Titleitis)
June 13, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 180 MBWelcome back to the 80s! This introduction to Episode 23 will be short to provide a dramatic contrast to those 80s artists who clearly needed an editor when naming their songs. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to Team Boomtown: Alan (artwork), DJ Phil B (technical advice) and David Baerwald and David Ricketts, also known as David + David, for their amazing album which inspired the title of ou...
Episode 22: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 22 (Teacher Teacher)
May 02, 2023 00:00 - 53 minutes - 122 MBWelcome back to the 80s and our first mini-episode! We came up this idea when we didn’t have enough songs to fill our usual 90-minute podcast theme. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week May 8-12, this episode features songs not only about teachers and education, but also high school proms and even some good ol’ fashioned high school rebellion. We should mention that the irony isn’t lost on us that some of these songs move beyond simply poking fun at school, to being rather critical...
Episode 21: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 21 (BHS Class of 1983)
March 28, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 214 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Forty years ago, Benny Banzai and his classmates graduated from Burwell Jr. Sr. High School in Burwell, NE. From May 1982-May 1983, his senior year was filled with great songs from REO Speedwagon, Hall & Oates, America, George Thorogood, the Billys (Squire & Idol) and many more. So to the graduates of the Class of 1983 everywhere, congratulations on your 40th Anniversary. Hopefully this episode brings back some memories. A shout out to those of you who hav...
Episode 20: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 20 (Dr. Dave's Forgotten 80s: Volume II)
February 07, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 211 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Episode 20, and the first of 2023, is Dr. Dave’s Forgotten 80s: Volume II, once again highlighting some of my favorite songs of the decade that were popular on the radio and MTV, but had the longevity of New Coke on store shelves. From Cheap Trick in 1980 to Enuff Z’ Nuff in 1989 I’m hoping you’ll remember most, if not all of these songs. Oh, and in case you were wondering Forgotten 80s will indeed be a trilogy, so watch for Episode III in the future. A sh...
Episode 19: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 19 (We Saw Them in Concert - The 80s)
December 06, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBWelcome back to the 80s. The concert experience in the 80s was much different than it is today. You first had go to a record store (remember those?) and the cashier had a stack of embossed tickets held together with a rubber band. Most shows were also General Admission which meant you had to get to the venue hours before the doors opened to get good seats. Good times. That said, there were some amazing artists touring during the 1980s. Episode 19 features all the acts Benny Banzai a...
Episode 18: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 18 (You're Listening to KWSC-FM)
October 04, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 206 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Benny Banzai here. In my opinion, the best time for college radio was in the 80s. From January 1984 to May 1988, I was on air at KWSC-FM at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. We were Pixies, The Ramones, The Replacements, The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen, R.E.M. and so many great bands that weren't getting much play on commercial radio stations. This episode features these bands and more. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning...
Episode 17: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 17 (Twofers in 2022)
August 16, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 210 MBWelcome back to the 80s! If you grew up in the 70s and 80s, you remember the School House Rock educational shorts that aired during ABC’s Saturday morning cartoons. Here’s some lyrics to the Multiplication Rock episode “Elementary, My Dear” that reveals the theme of Episode 17: Two times one is two, of course And it must occur to you You get an even number Every time you multiply by two A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our ...
Episode 16: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 16 (Cold War Kids)
June 09, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 206 MBWelcome back to the 80s! You can’t talk about the 80s without discussing the Cold War between the US and Soviet Union. There was real fear that tensions between these two superpowers would lead to nuclear war. Episode 16 “Cold War Kids” features such artists as U2, Sting, Prince, and Men at Work who wrote songs that reflected these anxieties. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to Team Boomtown: ...
Episode 15: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 15 (Banzai's Mixtape)
April 14, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 184 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Mixtape (noun): a compilation of songs from different artists recorded onto a cassette tape or a CD by an individual. Episode 15 features some of Benny Banzai's favorite 80s songs of all time. These are the songs he can listen to over and over again and still be excited like he was hearing them for the first time. Featuring songs from Simple Minds, Slade, Kenny Loggins, Todd Rundgren, Bob Seger and more. A shout out to those of you who have been with us sin...
Episode 14: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 14 (Dr. Dave's Love Songs Volume 1)
February 10, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 223 MBWelcome back to the 80s! In honor of Valentine’s Day this month I’ve selected some of my favorite Love Songs of the decade. Be sure to have some tissues handy. This episode is sure to bring a tear to your eye. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to Team Boomtown: Alan (artwork), DJ Phil B (technical advice) and David Baerwald and David Ricketts, also known as David + David, for their amazing albu...
Episode 13: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 13 (I Come From a Land Down Under)
January 20, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 196 MBG'Day and welcome back to the 80s! This special Boomtown episode celebrates our listeners in Australia who have been with us from the very beginning. You've heard of Aussie artists like AC/DC, INXS, and Rick Springfield, but there are many other musicians Down Under you may not be familiar with who made some fantastic 80s music. A shout out to all our listeners, both old and new. As always, thanks to Team Boomtown: Alan (artwork), DJ Phil B (technical advice) and David Baerwald an...
Episode 12: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 12 (From the Request Line)
December 09, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 185 MBWelcome back to the 80s. We love our listeners! When we started this podcast two years ago, we didn’t know what to expect. We were just hoping there were at least a few 80s music fans who would find our page and give us a chance. Since then we’ve discovered there are Welcome to the Boomtown fans in all 50 states (and Washington DC) and at least 52 countries. So, in appreciation of our listeners around the world we’ve turned this episode over to you. Thanks to everyone who sent us a ...
Episode 11: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 11 (Talk About Pop Music)
October 15, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 202 MBWelcome back to the 80s! According to British music producer, musician and songwriter Paul Epworth, “Pop music has greater power to change people and to affect people because it's a universal language. You don't have to understand music to understand the power of a pop song.” We couldn’t agree more. In Episode 11 we celebrate the power of 80s pop with Grammy winners, one hit wonders, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and, of course, the King of Pop. A shout out to those of you...
Episode 10: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 10 (I Want My MTV)
August 01, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 217 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Where were you at 12:01 am on August 1, 1981? If you weren’t living in New Jersey you missed seeing The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star,” the first music video to launch the new cable channel, MTV. Over the next several years MTV would come to influence not only music, but also fashion, television, film, and advertising around the world. In Episode 10 we celebrate the 40th anniversary of MTV, playing some of the biggest music video hits of the 80s, and...
Episode 9: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 9 (Make It Big: 80s Megastars)
June 10, 2021 11:30 - 1 hour - 206 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Merriam-Webster defines mega as: vast; of the highest level or rank, excellence or importance; greatly surpassing others of its kind. When applied to 80s music, the word mega defines a variety of singers and groups. Episode 9 features artists who dominated the decade such as Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, The Police, and, of course, Michael Jackson. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As alwa...
Episode 8: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 8 (The Ladies of the 80s)
April 01, 2021 11:38 - 1 hour - 186 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Stevie Nicks once said, “Don’t be a lady. Be a legend.” Certainly the 80s had their fair share both, with women topping the Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, and Dance charts. This episode features songs from not only Stevie, but Olivia, Dolly, Sheena, Pat, Janet, Whitney, The Divine Miss M, and many others. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to the people who helped us put this ...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 8 (The Ladies of the 80s)
April 01, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 112 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Stevie Nicks once said, “Don’t be a lady. Be a legend.” Certainly the 80s had their fair share both, with women topping the Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, and Dance charts. This episode features songs from not only Stevie, but Olivia, Dolly, Sheena, Pat, Janet, Whitney, The Divine Miss M, and many others. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to the people who helped us put this together:...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 7 (Dr. Dave's Forgotten 80s Volume 1)
February 04, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBWelcome back to the 80s! In case you were curious, Dr. Dave isn’t just a catchy 80s radio DJ name, he actually IS a university professor. Anyway, years ago he hosted an 80s music internet radio show at his school titled the “Forgotten 80s.” He’s revived that theme for this episode, selecting some of his favorite 80s songs from not only one hit wonders, but also popular artists and icons of the decade that were only sort of popular, with kind of memorable videos (or not), that may hav...
Episode 6: Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 6 (A Very 80s Christmas)
December 11, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 98.3 MBWelcome back to the 80s! We close 2020, and celebrate our first year of podcasts, with a Christmas-ish episode. We’ll play your favorite 80s music, but sprinkle in a few Christmas songs to help get you in the mood for the holiday season. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to the people who helped us put this together: Alan (for all our artwork), DJ Phil B (for the technical stuff) and to David Baerwald a...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 6 (A Very 80s Christmas)
December 11, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 98.3 MBWelcome back to the 80s! We close 2020, and celebrate our first year of podcasts, with a Christmas-ish episode. We’ll play your favorite 80s music, but sprinkle in a few Christmas songs to help get you in the mood for the holiday season. A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. As always, thanks to the people who helped us put this together: Alan (for all our artwork), DJ Phil B (for the technical stuff) and to David Ba...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 5 (For Those About To Rock...)
October 09, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 113 MBWelcome back to the 80s! It's time to turn the volume up to 11 and ROCK! Let's get back to basics with some killer guitar riffs, pulsating bass lines and thumping drums (OK, and maybe the occasional keyboard). Whether you're a black shirt, blue jeans wearing headbanger, shed a tear during power ballads or just like throwing up the Sign of the Horns, there's something here for you. Rock on! A shout out to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new l...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 4 (Live Aid - London)
July 10, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Or, more specifically, July 13, 1985. We're excited to bring you our 35th Anniversary tribute to one of the greatest music events of all time, Live Aid, the benefit concerts for African famine relief held at London's Wembley Stadium, and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. In this episode we will be spotlighting the London show. Wherever possible, we used the live recordings from that day. In some cases though, the sound quality of some songs isn't the best, or the...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 3 (Totally Different Head. Totally.)
May 13, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Episode 3 is here and it's our first themed episode. From the US, Europe, and Australia, this time we're featuring those great new wave tracks of the 80s. Thanks to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. And thanks again to the people who help up put this together: Alan (for all our artwork), DJ Phil B (for the opening and closing) and to David Baerwald and David Ricketts, also known as David + David, for th...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 3 (New Wave)
May 13, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBWelcome back to the 80s! Episode 3 is here and it's our first themed episode. From the US, Europe, and Australia, this time we're featuring those great new wave tracks of the 80s. Thanks to those of you who have been with us since the beginning and welcome to our new listeners. And thanks again to the people who help up put this together: Alan (for all our artwork), DJ Phil B (for the opening and closing) and to David Baerwald and David Ricketts, also known as David + David, for their amaz...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 2 (Electric Boogaloo)
March 04, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBSet the TARDIS controls, we're headed back to the 80s! Here we are with Episode 2, we appreciate you joining us. Thanks to those of you who were with us for Episode 1 and welcome to our new listeners. And thanks again to the people who help up put this together: Alan (for all our artwork), DJ Phil B (for the opening and closing) and to David Baerwald and David Ricketts, also known as David + David, for their amazing album where the title of our podcast comes from. Please tell al...
Welcome to the Boomtown Episode 1 (A Taste of the 80s)
December 21, 2019 17:51 - 1 hour - 111 MBDig out your skinny ties and leg warmers, the 80s are back and our first podcast is here. Big thanks to four people for helping us get this together. To our friends Alan (for all our artwork) and DJ Phil B (for the opening and closing). You've made us look and sound a little more professional than when we started. And to David Baerwald and David Ricketts, also known as David + David, for their amazing album where the title of our podcast comes from. Listen, like and share! Please t...