Things We Learned in 1985...

...Saturday nights were for WWF wrestling!!

The show debuted May 11, 1985 on NBC. 

Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, and Jesse "The Body" Ventura were just some of the wrestlers that help the show break rating records in 1987 for its time slot (that still stand today.) 

From 1985-1988, pop music was used throughout the show. Animotion's "Obsession" was the opening theme while "Take Me Home" by Phil Collins served as the closing theme. "Take on Me" by a-ha was also used for commercial breaks.

80s Exam: Name That Catch Phrase

Can you name the "catch phrase" of these 80s movie, TV, and cartoon characters?
Leave a comment with your answers!

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Ultimate 80s New Year's Resolution Playlist

Ultimate 80s New Year's Resolution Playlist

It's about that time...another year coming to a close. I, like most others, usually come up with a couple things to put on my new year's resolution list. They usually involve trying to learn a talent that I simply don't have or coming up with an over-exaggerated exercise regimen that lasts usually for about a month.

I think it's safe to say we all could stand to lose a few pounds in 2012 after all the holiday eats, so I've created a nice long 80s playlist to assist us (including myself) in getting back into shape!! Whether you plan to walk around the neighborhood, jog on a track, use the stair stepper at the gym, or run a marathon, this playlist is here to help!!

U2 "New Years Day" (1983)
I dare you to find a better song to kick off the new year!!

Pink Floyd "Run Like Hell" (1980)
Gotta have this one on your iPod for when the neighbor's pit bull gets out and starts chasing you down the sidewalk! No other way to run but "like hell" when that happens.

Bob Seger "Against the Wind" (1980)
"I was livin' to run and runnin' to live" is a great line from this song. Seger has said this song was written from his days as a cross country runner in high school. It also features Glen Frey on backup vocals.

Flock of Seagulls "I Ran (So Far Away)" (1982)
This song is probably my favorite of the entire decade of the 80s. Seems to fit perfect with a nice long distance run. Just make sure you listen to the original and not to the Fez version from the 70s show.

Matthew Wilder "Break My Stride" (1983)
This song lyrics are a far better motivator than Matt Foley ever dreamed to be! (Although, he could do a heck of a cartwheel.) We all have the doubters around us. "Your gonna what?? Yeah right!!" Well thanks to this song you can tell those doubters that no one is gonna slow you down and you'll keep right on moving!

Bryan Adams "Run To You" (1984)
This is actually the first song I heard that started this playlist. Runners will love this song and if they need an extra boost, try the mashup version with Metallica.

Katrina and the Waves "Walking On Sunshine" (1985)
Feel that burn!..."Don't it feel good?" This up-tempo song is probably not that great for "walking." Although if you were walking on the sun, you would probably speed it up! In case you don't have the MP3, try the dozens of movies, TV shows, video games, or TV commercials that have featured it.

RD80s Contest #2 Winner!!

Congratulations to Olivia Merifield!! She is the winner of our latest contest!!

Enjoy the SilverHawks Volume 1 DVD Set!!

More great contests to come in 2012. Stay tuned to the RD80s Facebook page!

Things We Learned In 1983...

...avoid this guy...

 and WIN BIG BUCKS!!!

In 1984, Michael Larson avoided the whammy on the game show Press Your Luck and walked away with a single day record of $110, 237!! After an investigation, CBS decided he did not cheat and let him keep the winnings. It was later revealed that he memorized what was thought to be random patterns on the game board. Soon after, more patterns were added to prevent memorization from happening again. In 2003, GSN aired Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal which revealed the story behind record setting show.

80s Timeworn Twelves: "Tainted Love"

This is the first of what I hope to be many more posts on 12" record singles of the 80s. Most of us are familiar with remixed versions of popular songs that are played mainly in clubs. Seems any DJ can remix songs nowadays, but before the digital era, 12" vinyl was our ticket to long-play extended versions of our favorite songs. They became popular in the 80s, although first introduced in 1976. Typically, these records featured the radio version of a hit single, extended versions, remixed versions, and sometimes exclusive B side songs not released on any album. I'm looking to resurrect some of these extended cut 80s songs and open our ears to what we've been missing! Our first Timeworn Twelve is a prime example.

"Tainted Love" by Soft Cell

The album version of "Tainted Love" is just 2 mins 34 secs and the single version (what we normally hear on the radio) is only 2:41. The US 12" extended version record which included "Where Did Our Love Go" at the end of the song, has a 8:58 run time which is 6 more minutes! The 12" record also featured a remixed version entitled "Tainted Dub" and an album track "Memorabilia" on the B side.

Atari 2600 Humor: Part 3 (RD80s Originals)

I've shared some pretty hilarious Atari 2600 creations up to this point. They have been some of the more popular posts on RD80s, so I figured I'd try coming up with some of my own. I can't attribute most of the images as my creations, but I've come up with the game names and added a few tweaks here and there. Let me know what you think!!

A Christmas Story Podcast

In 1983, we were introduced to the Parker family and a film that is a "tribute to the original, traditional, one hundred percent, red-blooded, two-fisted, all American Christmas." A Christmas Story remains a holiday favorite for many of us, so much so that this is the 15th year that Turner Broadcasting will air the film for 24 hours straight on Christmas Day. Recently, I was invited to join the UnderScoopFIRE.com crew to reminisce about this 80s movie classic on a podcast. We discuss our favorite scenes/lines, if the movie has stood the test of time, our thoughts on the 24 hr marathon tradition, what was our personal "Red Ryder BB Gun" growing up in the 80s, and much more! Join me and USF staffers Corey Chapman, Joe Zicari, Chris Tanski aka "Tank", and Dan Fogarty aka "Fogs" of Fogsmoviereviews.com on UnderScoopFIRE Podcast #16 - A Christmas Story...I triple dog dare ya!!!

Listen on Buzzsprout
Listen on iTunes

The 80s Arcade: Spy Hunter

The 80s Arcade: Spy Hunter

Spy Hunter Theme

Spy Hunter is definitely in my top ten favorites of all time. It combined elements of the James Bond films, the Pole Position arcade game, and the TV show Knight Rider into what would be an 80s classic. Though it does not have a very successful legacy, Spy Hunter made a big impact when it was first released on quarter-spending kids such as myself. The game was encompassed around a white sports car that could transform into a speedboat and had defensive mechanisms such as oil slick and machine guns. It was then your job to drive this awesome piece of machinery and to protect the streets against various enemy vehicles. That basic premise led to sequel games and almost a movie starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Let's take a look back at how Spy Hunter became a favorite at the 80s arcade.

Spy hunter is a vertically scrolling driving game that was released by Bally Midway in 1983. It's controls were similar to that of 1982's driving icon Pole Position with a steering wheel, gas pedal, and a low/high gear shifter. The steering wheel was not your tradition style but more like airplane controls with two thumb firing buttons and two triggers on each handle. These buttons controlled the special weapons for your high advanced spy vehicle, including machine guns, smoke screen, oil slick, and missiles. You gained these weapons by driving into the back of a tractor trailer ala Knight Rider. Once the weapons van had you ready to unleash hell on the streets, it was your job o maneuver the "G-6155 Interceptor" to disable enemy vehicles. And if that wasn't enough, your journey was serenaded by Henry Mancini's famous Peter Gunn theme.

RD80s Site Update

Hello everyone! Thanks so much for following along with RD80s! I wanted to take minute to thank you and tell you about what's new on the site and on our social media outlets.

First up, we have a great giveaway going on right now! In 1986, Thundercats creator Rankin/Bass gave us the "partly metal, partly real" intergalactic heroes know as the SilverHawks! Click over to the giveaway tab on Facebook and enter to win the SilverHawks 4 Disc Vol 1 DVD Set!! This set includes 32 of the 65 original episodes. We'll be giving away this 80s cartoon fave on Christmas Day, so don't forget to enter!!

Check out the new and improved 80s Music page on the RD80s site. We still have all of the exclusive Ultimate 80s Playlist links for you to check out and listen to some theme based 80s tunes. Now, you can also stream Radionomy's Always 80s station right from the page!! We also have a "Stream 80s Music" tab posted on our Facebook page that streams the same channel directly from Facebook!



Don't forget to visit the 80s Finds on Amazon page on the RD80s website for some great deals! Amazon constantly changes their sale items and we've been checking weekly for new 80s Bluray/DVD and MP3 Album deals! Right now you can grab R.E.M.'s Green or U2's Joshua Tree MP3 albums for $5!! There are also many 80s movies and cartoons you can snag for less than $10!!



Finally, we've created a Contact Us page if you'd like to email us directly with your suggestions, comments, or anything about the site. You can also leave a public comment this page if you like. Connect with RD80s on Facebook, Twitter, and now on our new Google Plus page! Be looking for some fresh content soon include more Ultimate 80s playlists, 80s Arcade posts, and the usual 80s fun! Check out UnderScoopFIRE.Com too for my 80s music columns and more children of the 80s content! We've got some great stuff planned for the new year including more giveaways so be sure to keep up with RD80s!

80s Motivational Posters

Here is a collection of 80s themed motivational posters that I've found while surfing the web. 

Misheard 80s Lyrics "Even Downtown, Boys Are Scary"

Here's another misheard lyric that I can thank my lovely wife for. I don't mind when she does misquote songs because it gives me a chance to flex my 80s muscles at her. This wonderful misinterpretation is one of her more comical ones. The real 'Til Tuesday lyric is "keep it down now, voices carry" and her lyrics were "even downtown, boys are scary."  No matter how you sing it, it's still a great 80s song!

Here they are performing live on American Bandstand in 1985

Rediscover the music of 'Til Tuesday

80s Exam: Name That Movie Line 3

Name the line from the following 80s movie scenes:

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Totally Awesome Birthday Cakes

Last month I did a fun post on my birthday. Just a few days prior I stumbled on to a picture of a birthday cake that kick-started the idea for the post. Since then I've found many more 80s themed birthday cake creations that are definitely worth sharing!

Ultimate 80s Real Men Don't Cry Playlist

Ultimate 80s Real Men Don't Cry Playlist

We've all learned that music can be a great healer and get you through the worst of times. Music can also trigger a memory of a very happy time in the past. Add in, those songs that are forever linked to an emotional part of a movie and you can turn even the toughest man into jello. Most of us men are taught to be strong and that crying shows weakness, but we are human after all. So, here is a playlist of 80s songs that have us men reaching for our handkerchiefs and sometimes, a place to hide.

Journey "Open Arms" (1981)
One of the most powerful love ballads of all time. Steve Perry wails...end of story.

Vangelis - "Titles (Chariots Of Fire theme)" (1981)
Even though it's has been heavily parodied for the running scenes at the beginning of Chariots of Fire, this song still touches the hearts of those who know the triumphant story of the 1924 Olympics.

Billy Vera & the Beaters "At This Moment" (1981/1986)
Originally recorded in 1981, the song got new life on the hit TV show Family Ties in 1986 and was re-released. Michael J. Fox has stated that "Tracy and I couldn't get on the dance floor anywhere in the world for like ten years without hearing 'What would you think...'"

Lionel Richie - "Hello" (1984)
Even though this song has almost a soap opera feel to it, the lyrics really brings home a true feeling of desperation.

80s Exam: Name That Movie Line 2

Can you name the 80s movie lines from the following 8 scenes??

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80s Literal Music Video: "Drive"

Another hilarious literal music video. This one uses the 1986 video "Drive" by the Cars, one of my personal faves. Thanks to robohara for posting on Youtube.

Rediscover the Cars greatest hits on Amazon MP3

Footloose Shoes of the 80s

Let's take a look back at our favorites kicks worn in the 80s! 

Jelly shoes or "Jellies"

I would classify these as the "crocs" of the 80s, although they were mainly designed and worn by women. Introduced at the 1982 World's Fair, former bank president Preston Haag developed the plastic shoes as his new family business. The were an immediate hit and really excelled in the market after Bloomingdale's of New York began selling the shoes in 1983. Most 80s ladies will agree that they were probably the most uncomfortable shoe trend of the 80s!

KangaROOS

Having to jog with your keys jingling in your pants pocket was a problem solved in the early 80s. Created by avid runner Bob Gamm in 1979, KangaROOS quickly became popular and one of the top 5 sports shoe brands in the mid 80s. At one point 700,000 pairs a month were being produced. The KangaROOS "Dynacoil" technology, tested by NASA, was one of the first innovations developed for athletic shoes. NFL legend Walter Payton developed his own line and was famously rewarded with a Lamborghini for his contribution. 'Roos are still around today and still being manufactured for worldwide sales with those famous zipper pockets.