This was amazing to read. My oldest son was born in 1976. I raised four more after him. Now, looking back, I realize those were the best days of my life. Thank you for writing this, and for compiling all those memories.
This is my happy place! I was more of a hair band girl, but all of these take me back. When I need a boost, I always put on the "all-out 80s" Spotify Playlist. God, If I could have one ounce of the energy I had back then back today....
I really enjoy this kind thing. More would be desired. Also, more interviews/conversations (especially with your longtime gay friends). And more on your other interests, like, haven't you mentioned an interest in Tudor England? You're very good at telling stories.
I was in high school in the early 80s. It was an amazing, sparkling time (with some shadows here and there) and that music is still near and dear to my heart.
I remember seeing some of my favorite bands and they sounded as good live as they did on vinyl.
It's a major and maddening difference from the "recording artists" now.
"I Love Rock and Roll" came on the radio the other day, and as I listened, I couldn't help but wonder, "where is a 17 year old going to take you home to, his parents' house?" Things strike you differently when you're older.
Love this! Sunil and I add these: Wham! "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," Eurythmics "Here Comes the Rain Again," Culture Club "Karma Chameleon," Bananarama "Cruel Summer." And we could go on and on and on...
I had a chunky Fisher-Price cassette player, into which went many assortments of tapes paired with storybooks. We listened to them so many times that our parents would always say "NO STORY TAPES!" when we wanted to play them on car rides.
And Material Girl. I think that was my Madonna awakening too, actually. And then, la isla bonita (magical!) and of course, Say Goodbye.
Thank you for this trip down memory lane.
When you said Dorothy stepping out of sepia into technicolor (brilliant) at five years old, I wonder if this is what my son felt like moving from sepia rural Ontario to technicolor Mexico.
I wonder how it will all shape him. The music is important— all my childhood memories are laced by the songs of the era, the songs we listened to in the car with my parents on “nowhere drives”.
Today’s kids have weird music for kids (the infantilizing and grotesquely un-melodic baby shark), and the youth in general have Billie Eilish (dark) and whatever else is out there.
We still play old music in our house and car. I hope that shapes our boys memories too. :)
OMG the memories tho I was in Alaska part of the decade and a metal head. but man, I remember MTV and how they relentlessly pushed Cindy Lauper. Such silly innocence in that music. Never again, alas.
Good tunes, thanks 🙏🏼 ✌🏼 🤘🏼🫶🏻
This was amazing to read. My oldest son was born in 1976. I raised four more after him. Now, looking back, I realize those were the best days of my life. Thank you for writing this, and for compiling all those memories.
This is my happy place! I was more of a hair band girl, but all of these take me back. When I need a boost, I always put on the "all-out 80s" Spotify Playlist. God, If I could have one ounce of the energy I had back then back today....
Upon listening to these songs again, I notice how good they actually are! I’ve always loved Rio though. Incredible song!
There were some really avant garde stuff on MTV at the time too.
Thanks Josh,
I’d love to see more of this!
I really enjoy this kind thing. More would be desired. Also, more interviews/conversations (especially with your longtime gay friends). And more on your other interests, like, haven't you mentioned an interest in Tudor England? You're very good at telling stories.
I was in high school in the early 80s. It was an amazing, sparkling time (with some shadows here and there) and that music is still near and dear to my heart.
I remember seeing some of my favorite bands and they sounded as good live as they did on vinyl.
It's a major and maddening difference from the "recording artists" now.
I am *sent*. Thanks for this.
“The 80s” began for me one sunny morning in the late summer of 1981.
Six years old that morning. I turned on the TV, and there it was:
https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs?si=Y3T8TITPuFKZTrN2
“We can’t rewind; we’ve gone too far.”
Same age and I have this exact same memory. 🥹
“And you remember, the jingles used to go…”
"I Love Rock and Roll" came on the radio the other day, and as I listened, I couldn't help but wonder, "where is a 17 year old going to take you home to, his parents' house?" Things strike you differently when you're older.
Great songs all.
You forgot the coolest villains of the 80's. I'm going to count to three.
Love this! Sunil and I add these: Wham! "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," Eurythmics "Here Comes the Rain Again," Culture Club "Karma Chameleon," Bananarama "Cruel Summer." And we could go on and on and on...
I had a chunky Fisher-Price cassette player, into which went many assortments of tapes paired with storybooks. We listened to them so many times that our parents would always say "NO STORY TAPES!" when we wanted to play them on car rides.
Omg the jukeboxes.
And Material Girl. I think that was my Madonna awakening too, actually. And then, la isla bonita (magical!) and of course, Say Goodbye.
Thank you for this trip down memory lane.
When you said Dorothy stepping out of sepia into technicolor (brilliant) at five years old, I wonder if this is what my son felt like moving from sepia rural Ontario to technicolor Mexico.
I wonder how it will all shape him. The music is important— all my childhood memories are laced by the songs of the era, the songs we listened to in the car with my parents on “nowhere drives”.
Today’s kids have weird music for kids (the infantilizing and grotesquely un-melodic baby shark), and the youth in general have Billie Eilish (dark) and whatever else is out there.
We still play old music in our house and car. I hope that shapes our boys memories too. :)
Love your musical numbers, keep em coming.
Damn the 80s sound amazing.
And yes I love your nostalgic music pieces!
OMG the memories tho I was in Alaska part of the decade and a metal head. but man, I remember MTV and how they relentlessly pushed Cindy Lauper. Such silly innocence in that music. Never again, alas.