10 acts that owe their success to MTV

We're finally on the eve of the 25th birthday of MTV. So it's time for some of you millionaires out there in Musicland to hand-deliver a heartfelt letter of appreciation along with a nice gift of scented soaps, because without the invention of MTV, you'd still be singing at the lounge at the Days Inn in Wichita Springs (home of the coldest 8-ounce beers in town.)

10 acts that owe their success to MTV:

Men At Work: They came from a land down under, but without videos ("Who Can It Be Now," "Be Good Johnny" and "Down Under" all had heavy rotation), no one would have ever seen their true Aussieness (and the tricky eyeball of Colin Hay).

Def Leppard: They made Union Jack t-shirts cool (for a few weeks anyway) and later proved you could drum with only one arm. All thanks to videos, starting with "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages."

Frankie Goes To Hollywood: It's questionable whether anyone outside of England would have heard of the lads from Liverpool before MTV made their video for "Relax" famous -- by banning it.

Paula Abdul: Cheerleader and choreographer, Abdul achieved by herself. But singer, Mrs. Emilio Estevez and future American Idol judge? That's all MTV, baby. Because as videos for "Straight Up" and "Cold Hearted" proved, you don't have to sing well -- just so long as you can dance around like a half-naked stripper.

Twisted Sister: "You're all worthless and weak." Yeah, that's how the record biz felt about this New York City act until their comic videos for "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It" -- featuring Animal House's "Neidermeyer" (Mark Metcalf) -- scored some album sales.

Weird Al Yankovic: Does anyone ask "Which of Weird Al's songs do you like best?" Nope, they ask "which video."

Stray Cats: It's cool to be old school. Even better when people can actually see it. This rockabilly act had to move from Long Island to England to get noticed. If they'd only waited a little while longer, MTV videos for "Stray Cat Strut" and "Rock This Town" would have worked better.

a-Ha: The Norwegian band went through multiple versions and ignored releases of "Take On Me" before the break-through animated video finally led to millions of sales. Also, a-Ha is the first band to receive a "Best Video" award.

Duran Duran: Plenty talented on their own, but who knew they were such babe magnets until the boys from Birmingham turned video-making into high art with "Rio" and "Hungry Like The Wolf." (Maybe MTV owes them a thank-you letter as well.)

Madonna: Ah, the Material Girl. Nobody would even be calling her that without the video for -- what was that song called? -- oh, yeah ... "Material Girl." If you once dressed like her, danced like her, dyed and wore your hair like her, and yes, if you're now BORED by her, you can thank MTV.

Other acts who should at least drop a card in the mail: Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, U2, Prince, Peter Gabriel, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Idol, Robert Palmer.

[Photo: AP; click to enlarge]

Best music videos of the 80s: Help us

To honor MTV's 25th anniversary, we've begun compiling a list of the best music videos of the 80s. And as always: We want your help and participation.

Sure, some are obvious picks: Michael Jackson's "Thriller," a-Ha's "Take On Me," and just about anything by Madonna. But try thinking outside the box. Think of maybe the best video from your favorite artist. Maybe the best video from Talking Heads? (I'm thinking "Once In A Lifetime") or favorite video from ZZ Top, Van Halen, Phil Collins, Frankie Goes To Hollywood. And don't forget the hair bands and rap bands. And ask yourself questions like, "Is "Every Breath You Take" really a good video?" And if you had to pick only a couple U2 or Madonna videos, which ones would it be?

Drop us a comment with as many picks as you want and we'll compile a list to debut later this week. And don't forget VH1 Classic is replaying the first 24 hours of MTV beginning midnight on Monday.

Mel Gibson's shocking arrest report

Earlier we likened Mel Gibson to the Road Warrior after his DUI. Turns out maybe "Mad Max" would have been a better comparison.

The Hollywood celebrity-watching website TMZ.com reports that Mel Gibson went into an anti-semitic tirade after being detained by officers Friday morning when his Lexus was pulled over for speeding. Gibson was later arrested for driving under the influence when a field sobriety test showed his blood-alcohol level at 0.12.

According to the police report obtained by TMZ.com, Gibson began by "swearing uncontrollably." After he was cuffed and placed in the patrol car, Gibson started making disparaging remarks against Jews. "Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," the report quotes Gibson saying, who then asked if the arresting officer if he was a Jew.

Two reports of the arrest were written, according to TMZ.com. Details of Gibson's behavior were included on the original report but deleted from a revised report, the website reports, because officials at the department felt the details were too inflammatory.

[Photo: AP; click to enlarge]

Confessions of an 80s addict

While I generally consider myself a complete 80s fan, I will admit there are several things I didn't get to experience. I never figured out how to "moonwalk" like M.J., I never tried break-dancing and I couldn't stomach wine coolers. Maybe more important, I missed out on several 80s classics in the theaters.

Here, for your consideration, are the "great" 80s movies I haven't seen -- at least not all the way through -- to this day:

Goonies (1985): Sean Astin, Corey Feldman. I catch a lot of flack for not seeing this one. I can only guess that because it came out the year I started college, it probably didn't seem cool enough at the time. Plus, Anne Ramsey gives me the creeps.

E.T. - The ExtraTerrestrial (1982): Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore. Let's see, 1982 ... year of Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Last American Virgin. Yeah, my priorities were elsewhere. Can't see it now because the thought of my lust-idol Drew Barrymore as an adolescent is wrong.

Stand By Me (1986): River Phoenix, Corey Feldman. I keep thinking I've seen this one, but when friends quiz me, I can't remember a single quote or plot line.

Heathers (1989): Winona Ryder, Christian Slater. Actually, I was forced to watch this when we did our Heathers podcast (one of only a few shows I deliberately delayed as long as possible). And still, I don't think I ever got through it without falling asleep. I have no recollection of the ending whatsoever.

Raising Arizona (1987): Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter. Another naptime favorite of mine. I hear those forced country/western accents, and see a movie based in the desert, and I nod off. I realize this was named to our top comedies of the 80s list, but I never appreciated it. Sorry, Nic.

Rad (1986): Bill Allen, Talia Shire. OK, not a classic, but you'd be surprised how many e-mails we get from podcast listeners who want a show on this movie. However, I dropped my fascination with BMX when I was about 10 years old.

Dream a Little Dream (1989): Corey Feldman, Corey Haim. Maybe it's just Corey Feldman movies I don't like (with the exception of The Lost Boys.)

The 'Burbs (1989): Tom Hanks, Carrie Fischer. Hey, this movie has Corey Feldman too. I think we have an official motive here. I caught some grief in my top Tom Hanks movie list for not including this stink-bomb. Again, tried to watch ... couldn't come close to finishing.

Howard The Duck (1986): Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones. Once again, not a classic, but surely an infamous film. But you figure an 80s fan like me who has seen "Red Dawn" a dozen times could take time out for another sad flick. Nope.

[Photo: AP; click to enlarge]

Mel Gibson arrested for DUI

Guess Mel Gibson is a Road Warrior after all. According to the AP, the actor/director was arrested in Malibu, Calif., early Friday for investigation of driving under the influence. His Lexus was pulled over at 2:36 a.m. for going 87 in a 45 mph zone.

A field sobriety test showed Gibson had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12 (in California, 0.08 is the legal limit).

Duran Duran is online

Our special one-year anniversary podcast show featuring Duran Duran is now online. Click here to listen, or click here to subscribe to the whole series for free on iTunes.

Some highlights of this week's show:

• Pop music critic Sean Daly tells the story of meeting and interviewing the band -- twice -- over the years and shares his secret to getting great quotes from Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor.
• Andy Wickett, Duran Duran's lead singer before Simon, joins the podcast from England to share the story of how the band formed. (Andy's website)
• Co-host Cathy confesses to stalking the band at the Miami airport, which is why she still can't fly commercially to this day. (No, not really, but imagine Cathy's face when she read that.)
• Steve again can't get past not being allowed to see Duran Duran in concert back in 1984. Find out why his mom told him no. (And now imagine the look of horror on my mom's face as she read that!)

Plus, we have a TON of special fan greetings from around the world and more music that you can imagine. All this is our present to our fans and listeners for giving us support and encouragement this past year. We love you.

What's to come in the next year? Stay tuned for our MTV episode. And coming soon: episodes on "The Red Scare," The Clash, Sci-Fi in the 80s, a couple John Hughes masterpieces and more.

Have a show suggestion? E-mail us stuckinthe80s@tampabay.com. We respond to every e-mail.

Fletch comes back to life

Fletch, one of the top 10 comedies in the 80s, is about to get new life in the idea-starved movie biz. A prequel about the wisecracking journalist is in the works, with Zach Braff ("Garden State") targeted to play the role made famous by Chevy Chase.

According to E! Online, the movie would be based on a 1985 novel, Fletch Won, by Gregory Mcdonald, who wrote nine Fletch novels. The movie series stopped after one two versions though -- a screeching stop after 1989's stinkfest Fletch Lives, which -- in all fairness -- wasn't based on a Mcdonald book.

The new script centers on young Irwin Fletcher as a junior reporter solving his first murder case.

Here's the important question: Can Zach step into Chevy's shoes and do a credible job without disappointing the hard-core 80s fans who loved the first flick? Tough one. Thankfully, this is a prequel, so even if Braff turns in a less-than-brilliant job, he'd still outshine Hayden Christensen's wet-cardboard performance in the Star Wars prequels.

[Photo: AP]

Canada loves Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper is performing live next week on Canadian Idol, as the popular talent show series honors the 80s with tunes chosen from the decade. The show airs Monday (July 31)and Tuesday (Aug. 1) on CTV. The contestants will be performing her classic tune "Time After Time."

What does Cyndi look like today, 25 years after the invention of MTV, which pretty much kick-started her career? Click the photo and see. (Still fantastic, of course.)

Top 5 Cyndi Lauper songs:
5. She Bop
4. Change of Heart
3. True Colors
2. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
1. Time After Time

(I know there are 80s fans out there who are going to taunt me for not picking "The Goonies R Good Enough." And no, I still haven't sat through that movie. Or "E.T." either. But I will. ... well, maybe not "E.T.")

Rick Springfield is my therapist

While I'm locked away in a closet, preparing for Wednesday's big Duran Duran podcast, the 80s world is quickly going straight to hell. Observe:

• George Michael is caught prowling the parks for sex -- again. His muse this time? A 58-year-old, unemployed van driver.
• The Miami Vice movie is about to open nationwide. Unfortunately, it bears little or no resemblance to the 80s show the characters are based on. "We never conceived of it as a derivative,” director Michael Mann says. Um, then why not just call it Toledo Vice?
• Rick Springfield has embarked on a tour with other 80s acts -- such as Bow Wow Wow and A Flock of Seagulls -- and says the world needs 80s music again: "The 80s were probably the last safe decade, the last time anybody ever felt safe in the world. "

Amen, Rick. Amen.

Finally, Duran Duran week is here

The Stuck in the 80s blog and podcast celebrates its one-year anniversary this week. And to mark the occasion, we're finally tackling the ultimate band of the 80s -- Duran Duran -- for this week's show.

And since Duran Duran is the ultimate "fan" band, we want your help in crafting the show. So drop us a comment on this:

• What's your favorite Duran Duran song? Which was your favorite album? (My pick: the self-titled debut album)
• Who was your favorite band member? (Umm, John Taylor. He always looked so happy.)

And hey, if there's a particular song that you really want to hear on the podcast, let us know.

(Photo: AP)

Mellencamp goes Quayle hunting

We 80s fans have been tough on John Mellencamp over the years. We mocked his Johnny Cougar moniker. Cracked on his signature "Jack and Diane" ditty. Wondered aloud what would make someone sing about pink houses. Called him a poor man's Springsteen. But ole Mellencamp kept smiling and never groused. Probably that strong Midwest upbringing.

So today, I want to give him his due. Why? Because he recently chased away former Vice President Dan Quayle from one of his concerts by taking a shot at the current Bush administration. AP reports that at a July 14 concert in Nevada, Mellencamp, unaware that Quayle was in attendance, introduced the tune "Walk Tall," saying the song was for "all the poor people who've been ignored by the current administration." Quayle beat it to the nearest exit. His spokesman explained later than Quayle felt "enough was enough."

Mellencamp, however, has no regrets. In a statement to the L.A. Times, the singer said, "It's kind of telling that he chose to walk out as I was doing a song about tolerance."

Maybe Danny Boy ought to stick with Bush-friendly acts like Toby Keith and the rest of the country music scene.

In the meantime, this top 5 list is for you, Mr. Mellencamp.

Top 5 John Mellencamp songs:
5. Jack and Diane: "Let the bible belt, come and save my soul"
4. Authority Song: "Dying to me don't sound like all that much fun"
3. Ain't Even Done With the Night: "Our hearts beat like thunder, I don't know why they don't explode"
2. I Need A Lover: "I don't know no good come-ons. And I don't know no cool lines"
1. Small Town: "Gonna die in this small town. And that's probably where they'll bury me"

(Photo: AP)

Here's a Confession: I still hate Madonna

NBC announced this weekend that it will air a special two-hour Madonna concert, taped this summer at London's Wembley Stadium during her "Confessions" tour. The November broadcast is reportedly the first network concert for the dancer (ok, yeah, she sings a little between the lip-synced numbers too).

NBC Entertainment's president gave this obligatory statement to the press: "Madonna is one of the greatest artists of our time and never fails to generate excitement."

(Translation: "Madonna is an overexposed celebrity whose marginal talent vanished years ago, but we'll jump on the bandwagon too if we can make two nickels pimping a show to her legions of meat-headed fans.")

The statement continues: "We think this is going to be a big event for television."

(Translation: "If she rips off her pointy bra or makes out with another half-naked female celebrity in a kinky S&M scene, the notoriety we earn will be well worth whatever fine the FCC slaps on us.")

(Photos: AP)

Michael Keaton podcast online

Our Stuck in the 80s tribute to Michael Keaton is now online. Click here to download it. Or click here to subscribe to the podcast for free on iTunes.

The podcast is chock full of bizarre trivia and great quotes from his movies in the 80s, which included Night Shift, Mr. Mom, Gung Ho, Johnny Dangerously, Beetle Juice and Batman. The Stuck in the 80s crew couldn't agree on which movie was tops: Sean Daly appreciates Mr. Mom; Cathy Wos is sticking with Beetle Juice; and I'm hooked on Night Shift. ("Yeah, corn dog...")

Did you know Keaton was offered the role of Capt. Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean? Turned it down. Check out the podcast for more tasty treats.

Top 10 quotes from Michael Keaton movies:

10. "Is it just me or do you hate the way your shorts feel when they're wet?" (Gung Ho)

9. "My life's a shambles. I need pie." (Multiplicity)

8. "We've come for your daughter Chuck" (Beetle Juice)

7. "Ah, it's great to be young and insane!" (The Dream Team)

6. "You're confusing us with CBS, pal. We're the under-paid vultures." (Live From Baghdad)

5. "What if you mix the mayonnaise in the can, WITH the tunafish? Or...hold it! Chuck! I got it!
Take LIVE tuna fish, and FEED 'em mayonnaise! Oh this is great." (Night Shift)

4. "Sometimes you can just smell a horrendously s---ty day on the way, can't you?" (The Paper)

3. "220, 221, whatever it takes." (Mr. Mom)

2. "Love brokers!" (Night Shift)

1. "Well... I attended Juilliard... I'm a graduate of the Harvard business school. I travel quite extensively. I lived through the Black Plague and had a pretty good time during that. I've seen the Exorcist about 167 times, and it keeps getting funnier ... every single time I see it ... not to mention the fact that you're talking to a dead guy! Now what do you think? You think I'm qualified?" (Beetle Juice)

Want your old MTV? Your wish is granted

Remember when MTV was all about music? Heck, I don't even remember when baby brother VH1 just played music videos. But to honor MTV's 25th anniversary next month, VH1 Classic will go back in time and replay the first 24 hours of MTV's programming.

For those wishing to schedule vacation or call in sick to work, it starts Monday, July 31 at midnight. (MTV kicked off on Aug 1, 1981.) I'm wondering if I can just sit home, drink malt liquor, eat pork rinds and call it work, since I'm on the 80s beat anyway. (Steve's boss responds: Umm, no.)

Fans also can expect the segments from the network's original VeeJays -- Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, Martha Quinn and J.J. Jackson.

Most people know the first-ever video was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles. Some might even know the second video -- Pat Benator's "You Better Run." But prepare yourself to be fully emerged in the bliss of what followed, including tunes by Blondie, 38 Special, Hall & Oates and REO Speedwagon.

(Special bonus to anyone who can name the first video that aired on MTV Europe)

New address, look for 80s blog

Stuck in the 80s has a new address and new look starting this week. And while you may have found us using your old bookmark, the new address of the site is http://blogs.tampabay.com/80s

We also have a new RSS feed, so please use this address for your newsreader programs:
http://tampabay.typepad.com/80s/index.rdf

Here are a couple other changes you'll notice:

• The new blog uses Typepad instead of Blogger as its software.
• We now have categories -- see them listed to the upper left? -- to help organize all the posts. If you're a big movie fan and would like to see just the posts about movies, click on "film" and there you go.
• Links to our mothership -- tampabay.com -- are at the top of the page. Try them out.
• And now there's a current photo of your's truly instead of the 1987 photo I've been relying on to help me relive my youth.

Please drop us a comment if you have suggestions, compliments or complaints. After all, this blog would be worthless without the fantastic, ongoing support of 80s addicts.

Viva la 80s!

50 funniest films of the 80s: The Top 10

And now, the top 10 movies on our list of 50 funniest movies of the 80s.

Today's star, Chevy Chase, appears in three of the top 10 films. Bill Murray comes in a close second with two films in the top 10.

(Click here to read how we compiled the list; click for movies ranks 11-20, 21-30, 31-40,  41-50.)

THE TOP 10 FUNNIEST FILMS OF THE 80s

10. Caddyshack (1980): Chevy Chase, Bill Murray. "He hauls off and whacks one - big hitter, the Lama - long, into a ten-thousand foot crevasse, right at the base of this glacier. Do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga... gunga, gunga-galunga."

9. Vacation (1983): Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo. "I gotta be crazy! I'm on a pilgrimage to see a moose. Praise Marty Moose!"

8. Big (1988): Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins. "Do you mean sleep over?  Well, okay... but I get to be on top."

7. A Fish Called Wanda (1988): Kevin Kline, Jamie Lee Curtis. "It's K-K-K-Ken c-c-c-coming to k-k-k-kill me."

6. This is Spinal Tap (1984): Michael McKeen, Christopher Guest. "I do not, for one, think that the problem was that the band was down. I think that the problem may have been, that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf." (Spinal Tap podcast)

5. Fletch (1985): Chevy Chase, Joe Don Baker. "You using the whole fist, Doc?" (More on Fletch)

4. Ghost Busters (1984): Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd. "I've been slimed."

3. Beetle Juice (1988): Michael Keaton, Geena Davis. "Not so fast, round boy. We're gonna have some laughs."

2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986): Matthew Broderick, Jeffrey Jones. "It's a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school." (Ferris podcast)

1. Airplane! (1980): Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays. "Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?"

Technically, there was a tie in votes received for Ferris Bueller and Airplane. I cast the tie-breaker in favor of Airplane because I felt it was a truer comedy and served as a big influence on many of the films that followed in the 80s, including Naked Gun and Top Secret-- both top 50 comedies as well. (Ferris influenced the creation of two short-lived TV series - "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" was the better of them -- and Broderick next appeared in Project X. So go figure.) Click here to hear our Airplane podcast with a compilation of the best quotes from the movie.

Most followers of the Stuck in the 80s blog and podcast may be shocked that I didn't pick Ferris. But the whole ending with Cameron and his dad's car -- that typical John Hughes ending -- hurts its overall comedy rating.

So there you go, feel free to leave a comment on the list. Agree, disagree, whatever. I'm all ears.

Funniest movies of the 80s: Nos. 11-20

We've reach the top 20 mark of our list of 50 funniest movies of the 80s.

Today's big star -- literally -- is John Candy, who appears in two movies in today's list and five overall in the list. (And that's without Great Outdoors, Summer Rental or Uncle Buck making the list.) Let's face it -- the late, great Candy made some fantastic comedies. (Was he the greatest movie dad too?)

(Click here to read how we compiled the list; click for movies ranks 31-40,  41-50 and 31-40.)

11. Raising Arizona (1987): Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter. "Give me that baby, you warthog from hell!" (A classic? Or overrated?)

12. 48 Hrs. (1982): Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte. "And I want the rest of you cowboys to know something, there's a new sheriff in town. And his name is Reggie Hammond. So Y'all be cool. Right on. "

13. Tootsie (1982): Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange. "You slut."

14. A Christmas Story (1983): Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. "In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan."

15. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987): Steve Martin, John Candy. "If I wanted a joke, I'd follow you into the john and watch you take a leak. Now are you gonna help me or are you gonna stand there like a slab of meat with mittens?"

16. Real Genius (1985): Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret. "Would you prepared if gravity reversed itself? The only thing I can't figure out is how to keep the change in my pockets. I've got it. Nudity. "

17. The Naked Gun (1988): Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley. "Doctors say that Nordberg has a 50 - 50 chance of living, though there's only a 10 percent chance of that."

18. Sixteen Candles (1984): Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall. "No more yankie my wankie. The Donger need food." (Is Jake Ryan the ultimate boyfriend? Or is it Lloyd Dobler?)

19. Spaceballs (1987): Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis. "So, Lord Helmet, at last we meet again for the first time for the last time."

20. The Princess Bride (1987): Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin. "You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!"

Tomorrow: The top 10 comedies of the 80s ... so no more hints.

Funniest movies of the 80s: Nos. 21-30

After a short weekend break, the list of 50 funniest movies of the 80s continues today. Remember, this list was compiled by 80s fans -- not film critics or Hollywood weasels -- so it's your list!

Today's big star? It's Judge Reinhold, believe it or not, who appears in three of the movies in this list of 10. (Not for Head Office or Vice Versa thankfully.)

(Click here to read how we compiled the list; click for movies ranks 41-50 and 31-40.)

21. When Harry Met Sally (1989): Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan. "Of course when I asked where she was when Kennedy was shot she said, 'Ted Kennedy was shot?' " (5 reasons never to watch this movie with a date)

22. Back to the Future (1985): Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd. "There's that word again; 'heavy.' Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the earth's gravitational pull?"

23. Better Off Dead (1985): John Cusack, Diane Franklin. "Now that's a real shame when folks be throwin' away a perfectly good white boy like that." (More on the movie)

24. Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold. "This is the cleanest and nicest police car I've ever been in my life. This thing is nicer than my apartment." (Whatever happened to Funny Eddie?)

25. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989): Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter. "This is a dude who, 700 years ago, totally ravaged China, and who, we were told, 2 hours ago, totally ravaged Oshman's Sporting Goods."

26. Arthur (1981): Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli. "You're a hooker? Jesus, I forgot! I just thought I was doing GREAT with you!"

27. Ruthless People (1986): Danny DeVito, Bette Midler. "My husband does business with the Mafia! When they track you down, you, your entire family, everyone you ever KNEW will all get chainsaw enemas!"

28. Top Secret! (1984): Val Kilmer, Lucy Gutteridge. "I'm not the first guy who fell in love with a woman that he met at a restaurant who turned out to be the daughter of a kidnapped scientist only to lose her to her childhood lover who she last saw on a deserted island who then turned out fifteen years later to be the leader of the French underground."

29. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982): Sean Penn, Judge Reinhold. "Look at you: member of the honor roll, assistant to the assistant manager of the movie theater. I'm tellin' ya, Rat, if this girl can't smell your qualifications, then who needs her, right?" (Reliving sex in the 80s)

30. Trading Places (1983): Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy. "When I was growing up, if we wanted a Jacuzzi, we had to fart in the tub."

Sneak peek of tomorrow's list: More Val, Eddie and lots of John Candy.

Forest Whitaker: Sacked by Jefferson

Forest Whitaker, once upon a time known as the football star "Charles Jefferson" in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, turned 45 years old this weekend.  (Just about all my favorite scenes from Fast Times revolve around his character: Jefferson asking Damone about tickets to Earth, Wind & Fire, Spicoli wrecking his car, and the infamous football massacre that follows).

Whitaker's career in the 80s included parts in Vision Quest ("Balldozer"), The Color of Money ("Amos"), Platoon ("Big Harold"), Good Morning Vietnam ("Pfc. Garlick") and the title role in Bird. He scored TV appearances in the North and South miniseries, Diff'rent Strokes, The Fall Guy, Hill Street Blues and more.

Hard to forget his non-80s role, though, as Jody in The Crying Game. ("As they both sink beneath the waves, the frog cries out, "Why did you sting me, Mr. Scorpion? For now we both will drown!" Scorpion replies, "I can't help it. It's in my nature!")

Perhaps underrated outside critical circles, Whitaker has enjoyed an impressive career. Two of his better roles were only on HBO -- playing Rucker in Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault in 1996 and Army-colonel-turned-whistleblower in The Enemy Within in 1994.

I'll go as far to say he's not made any truly awful movies -- until Battlefield Earth in 2000. Nowadays, Whitaker continues to earn much-too-quiet praise for his work on TV's The Shield.

Rock is about to be fun again

Of all the bands who last recorded a studio album in the 80s, few people could guess that it'd be this band that would announce a new CD and world tour for the fall.

(I had my money on Berlin, Flock of Seagulls or Frankie Goes to Hollywood.)

But indeed, The Who is back. Thank god, because the music scene has truly been a teenage wasteland without them.

Absent from the recording studio since 1982's "It's Hard," surviving bandmembers Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend announced this weekend that they'd begin a world tour Sept. 12 in Philadelphia. The 17-date tour ends in early December. The new disc, called Who 2, will be released Oct. 23. Word has it that it features a mini rock-opera called Wire & Glass.

Pino Palladino, the band's studio bassist, will take over the stage duties for John Entwistle, who died in 2002. (Click here to see dates)

Though The Who is the farthest thing from an 80s act, they've been my favorite rock act since I caught their first farewell show on HBO back in the mid-80s. Plus, my favorite album from the gang is 1981's Face Dances, which I seem to misplace every 18 months, forcing me to buy it again and thus contribute royalties to the band. It's the least I can do. Well, except for giving them their own top 5 list.

An 80s fan's top 5 Who songs:
5. Who Are You: "I felt a little like a dying clown, with a streak of Rin Tin Tin"
4. You Better You Bet: "I got your body right now on my mind, but I drunk myself blind to the sound of old T-Rex"
3. My Generation: "I hope I die before I get old"
2. Won't Get Fooled Again: "And the party on the left is now the party on the right,
and the beards have all grown longer overnight"
1. Baba O'Riley: "Don't cry. Don't raise your eye. It's only teenage wasteland"

Funniest movies of the 80s: Nos. 31-40

The countdown of the Top 50 funniest movies of the 80s continues today, with numbers 31-40. Pee Wee Herman makes his headlining debut today -- don't expect Big Top Pee Wee to come later on ... this is his solo appearance. (Click here to read how we compiled the list; Click here for movies 41-50.)

31. Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985): Paul Reubens, Elizabeth Dailey. "There's a lotta things about me you don't know anything about, Dottie. Things you wouldn't understand. Things you couldn't understand. Things you shouldn't understand."

32. Back to School (1986): Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman. "Mr. Melon, your wife was just showing us her Klimt."

33. The Blues Brothers (1980): John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd. "They're not gonna catch us. We're on a mission from God."

34. Coming to America (1988): Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall. "Semmi, you have disgraced yourself, and you must be punished. Confine yourself to our royal suite at the Waldorf-Astoria."

35. The Breakfast Club (1985): Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall. "You're not fooling anyone, Bender. The next screw that falls out will be you."

36. Heathers (1989): Winona Ryder, Christian Slater. "If you were happy every day of your life you wouldn't be a human being. You'd be a game-show host."

37. Stripes (1981): Bill Murray, Harold Ramis. "We're all very different people. We're not Watusi, we're not Spartans, we're Americans. ... And you know what that means? That means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world.

38. Bachelor Party (1984): Tom Hanks, Tawny Kitaen. "Hi, come on in! Drugs to the right, hookers to the left."

39. Broadcast News (1987): Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter. "A lot of alliteration from anxious anchors placed in powerful posts!"

40. Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983): John Cleese, Michael Palin. "Protestantism doesn't stop at the simple condom. Oh, no. I can wear French Ticklers if I want."

A surprise to me: "Stripes" so low in the list; "Breakfast Club" so high; and the fact that "Heathers" made it at all.

Sneak preview of tomorrow's list: Skeet surfing, coffee with Serge, and skiing with Lane Meyer.

Funniest movies of the 80s: Nos. 41-50

The countdown of the Top 50 funniest movies of the 80s begins today, starting with numbers 41-50. Michael Keaton and Steve Martin are the co-stars today, with two movies each so far. (Click here to read how we compiled the list)

41. Night Shift (1982): Henry Winkler, Michael Keaton. "What if you mix the mayonnaise in the can, WITH the tunafish? Or...hold it! Chuck! I got it! Take LIVE tuna fish, and FEED 'em mayonnaise!"

42. Earth Girls are Easy (1988): Geena Davis, Jeff Goldblum. "Just because they're aliens doesn't mean they can't be dates."

43. The Man with Two Brains (1983): Steve Martin, Kathleen Turner. "I'm making a citizen's annulment. Ipso facto coitus interruptus."

44. Mr. Mom (1983): Michael Keaton, Teri Garr. "I yelled at Kenny for coloring outside the lines! Megan and I are starting to watch the same TV shows. I'm liking them. I'm losing it! "

45. Midnight Run (1988): Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin. "I'll tell you what: if you don't cooperate, you're gonna suffer from "fistophobia."

46. Good Morning Vietnam (1987): Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker: "Seeing as how the V.P. is such a V.I.P., shouldn't we keep the P.C. on the Q.T.? 'Cause if it leaks to the V.C. he could end up M.I.A., and then we'd all be put out in K.P."

47. Stir Crazy (1980): Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor. "Yea, that's right! That's right! We bad!"

48. Strange Brew (1983): Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas. "My brother and I used to say that drownin' in beer was like heaven, eh? Now he's not here, and I've got two soakers... this isn't heaven, this sucks."

49. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984): Peter Weller, John Lithgow. "Buckaroo, The White House wants to know is everything ok with the alien space craft from Planet 10 or should we just go ahead and destroy Russia?"

50. All of Me (1984): Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin. "I want my body back. And I want my freedom and my privacy. And most of all, I'd like to be able to take a leak without being fondled."

Tune in Friday for the next 10 in the list. A sneak preview: Monty, Eddie and two brothers from Chicago.

Truly a laughing matter

Our list of Top 50 comedies of the 80s is ready to go online. With the help from readers from this blog, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the funniest movies from our favorite decade. And starting Thursday, we'll begin revealing them 10 at a time.

Basically, we compiled your suggestions -- giving extra points to movies mentioned the most -- and added in some weight from the American Film Institute's list of best comedies of all time. And then, frankly, we added our own common sense. (Is "A Christmas Story" funnier than "Spaceballs?" What do you think?)

Want some hints on what's to come? A lot of Chevy Chase and Eddie Murphy. But also Jamie Lee Curtis, Holly Hunter and even Molly Ringwald. (What's an 80s list without Molly?)

When it's all revealed, you'll discover 1984 was the funniest year of the 80s -- and 1981 was the least funny.

Stay tuned for numbers 41-50!

No mere mortal can resist The Thriller

Speaking of Michael Jackson, here's something about the 80s we can all agree about: Thriller is the greatest music video of all time, right?

MTV tagged it with that honor in 1999, then in a bizarre fit of insanity named Madonna's Vogue as the second-best video. I think I threw a wine cooler bottle at the TV when I saw that ... umm, it wasn't my wine cooler. I'm sure it was a girlfriend's. (You gotta go with Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer, Duran Duran's Hungry Like the Wolf and a-Ha's Take on Me all before you consider ANY product by Madonna. Except maybe the pointy bra.)

If you want to rewatch some of the best videos, head over to Pitchfork Media's website. Click this link to see their list of the top 100 (alphabetically) with links to each individual video. And then curse yourself for throwing away the next five hours of your life. (Nah, it was worth it.) Click here to see the full 15-minute of Thriller.

So do I really need to present an argument for Thriller? Puleeze. It co-starred a former Playboy centerfold (Ola Ray). John Landis directed it, just two years after his American Werewolf in London masterpiece. The video didn't debut until more than a year after the album was released. Even the video "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" sold tens of millions of copies.

"The making of Madonna's Vogue"? I don't think so.

Stay tuned to your computer and iPod for more Michael Jackson trivia and music as Stuck in the 80s records its "Thriller" episode this week.

The genius of Thriller

Once upon a time, in a decade not so long ago, there was a talented and normal artist known as Michael Jackson. And, with the help of super-producer Quincy Jones, he gave us an album that spawned seven Top 10 hits, a movie-length video and a dance move called Moonwalking.

In this week's Stuck in the 80s podcast, we spotlight one of the defining albums of the 80s: Michael Jackson's Thriller. (It doesn't even look like MJ on the cover, does it?)

Here's some trivia to get you looking for your dance shoes:
-- Vincent Price was picked to do the narration of Thriller because he was friends with the wife of producer Quincy Jones.
-- Price needed only two takes to record the chilling verses. Though three verses were penned by the author of the song, only two are used in the recording.
-- The E.T. Storybook (from the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), featuring Jackson reading the story of the film and singing "Someone in the Dark," was recorded at the same time as Thriller.
-- The original name for the album and single was Starlight. But Jackson wasn't happen with the song. So Thriller was written and chosen as the album title instead.

Want more trivia? Tune in on Thursday. In the meantime, feel free to share your own opinions on the album and your favorite song from it. (I lean toward "Human Nature.")

Tom Hanks: God's animated cartoon

Tom Hanks better love the 80s -- his career took off during those magical years. Hanks, who turns the big Five-Ohmigod years old today, had his first acting credits in 1980 as "Elliot" in He Knows You're Alone and as "Rick Martin" on an episode of Love Boat.

But it was 1891 that Hanks would make his big entrance, playing cross-dressing Kip on Bosom Buddies. (Anyone else out there love Hanks in 1982's Mazes and Monsters? Classic.) The flood doors opened with Splash in 1984. Hanks ended the decade with THIRTEEN big-screen appearances. Can anyone say he didn't own the 80s?

It'd be easy to give you a top 5 list of our favorite Hanks movies. Instead, I'ved a different birthday present for the The Most Likeable Guy in Hollywood ...

Five Most Underrated Tom Hanks movies from the 80s:

5. The Man With One Red Shoe  (1985):  Any 80s movie that also stars Lori Singer, Dabney Coleman and Jim Belushi is high on my list.
Signature quote: "I'm not tense. Well, I did pass out today ... and got hit in the head by a basebal l... and brushed my teeth with shampoo ... then butchered Rimsky- Korsakov in front of 1,500 people, and my clothes fell apart. But I'm not tense."

4. Volunteers (1985): Hanks met his future wife, Rita Wilson, during the making of this film. John Candy and Gedde Watanabe (Long Duk Dong in 16 Candles) co-star.
Signature quote: "It's not that I can't help these people. It's just I don't want to."

3. Nothing in Common (1986): The final film for co-star Jackie Gleason, who plays Hanks' dad.
Signature quote (Gleason this time): That was something we all had in common... your grandfather, me, you. We always knew had to talk a girl into bed.

2. Bachelor Party (1984): Possibly the funniest movie Hanks has ever done. Supported by a cast of actors who no one would hear from again.
Signature quote: "Attention, passengers, we are now leaving Nun Central on our journey to Hell and beyond."

1. Punchline (1988): This movie suffered at the box office because people weren't ready for a drama about comedy. Too bad. With Sally Field, John Goodman and Taylor Negron, it's one to remember next trip to the video store.
Signature quote: "If you're sending someone down, you better send him fast - 'cuz Funny Steve's going under."

Nothing trivial about the 80s! Except the game

Applause, applause. There's a new Trivial Pursuit boardgame on the way -- the "Totally 80s edition." Can you handle 2,400 questions about pop culture in the 80s? Sure you can, just keep reading this blog and you'll never lose.

The game even features four new player tokens -- the Trapper Keeper (ah, my favorite school notebook), Compact Disc, Care Bear, and Rubik Cube. (What, no Smurfs or jewel-encrusted gloves?)

The game, which should reach most retailers by September, is being promoted with a commercial featuring some of the biggest A-list (well, B-list) stars from the decade. Cyndi Lauder directed the shot, which included Kelly LeBrock (Weird Science), Philip Michael Thomas (Miami Vice), Corey Feldman (Lost Boys), Charlene Tifton (Dallas) and even 80s NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Check out this photo from the commercial shoot...

OK, so now that we've whet your appetite, how about a few trivia questions to get your mind working too?

1. What was the name of ABC's show that was meant to mimic the success of NBC's Saturday Night Live?

2. In the movie "Pink Floyd's The Wall," who played "Pink"?

3. On Knight Rider, what was the name of the tractor-trailer that "Garthe Knight" drove?

4. Who died of a drug overdose two days after being selected second in the 1986 NBA Draft?

(Nominate Stuck in the 80s for the annual Podcast Awards. Click here)

Pretty in Pink -- best movie of the 80s?

Our Stuck in the 80s podcast show on the 1986 masterpiece Pretty in Pink is now online. Click here to download it. Or click here to subscribe to the whole series of podcasts for free on iTunes.

In the show, the hosts debate whether it's actually the best teen film of the 80s. At the very least, it certainly sports one of the best soundtracks of the 80s, so prepare yourself for plenty of music, including one song that wasn't included on the soundtrack. (Gotta love the Rave-Ups.)

Other trivia you'll discover while listening:
-- Find out which two actors turned down the role of Duckie, before the character landed on the lap of Jon Cryer, who turned it into one of his best acting pieces ever.
-- Hear the exciting news about the original ending of the movie ... soon to be available for the first time.
-- Discover the answer to the nearly-impossible "name that 80s tune" challenge and try the latest challenge. You could win Cathy's car! (Or more likely a hat and pen.)
-- Special bonus for 80s addicts: Click here to download Pretty in Pink wallpaper for your computer monitor. (Yeah, I did it. I'm hopeless.)

(Don't forget: We need your vote for the annual Podcast Awards. Click here for the nomination form. Nominate us for whatever categories you like. We're throwing a kegger for all our fans if we win.)

Four more great 80s movie dads

The people have spoken: "We want more 80s movie dads honored." So be it, jedi.

Today's bracket of contenders:

Thornton Mellon, Back to School (Rodney Dangerfield)
Upside: Millionaire; returns to college to help son Jason (Keith Gordon) graduate; books Oingo Boingo for dorm party.
Downside: Ethically impaired
Signature line: "Bring us a pitcher of beer every seven minutes until somebody passes out. And then bring one every ten minutes."
Better known as: Al Czervik in Caddyshack (1980); Monty Capuletti in Easy Money (1983).

Jack Butler, Mr. Mom (Michael Keaton)
Upside: Takes care of kids while unemployed; throws the Employee Olympics so wife can save face.
Downside: No experience with teenagers yet
Signature line: "Kenny, don't paint your sister!"
Better known as: Billy Blaze in Night Shift (1982); Hunt Stevenson in Gung Ho (1986); Bruce Wayne in Batman (1989).

Jack Chester, Summer Rental (John Candy)
Upside: Takes entire family to Florida for the summer
Downside: Ditches family to go boozing and sailing with Rip Torn (I'd have done the same)
Signature line: "I'm Joe Public, welcome to my beach."
Better known as: Freddie Bauer in Splash (1984); Del in Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Clark Griswold, Vacation (Chevy Chase)
Upside: Takes family on cross-country trip to Wally World; skinny dips with Christie Brinkley.
Downside: Kills old lady, a dog and shots John Candy in the butt with a BB gun.
Signature line: "This is no longer a vacation. It's a quest. It's a quest for fun."
Better known as: Fletch (1985); Emmett Fitz-Hume in Spies Like Us (1985); Ty Webb in Caddyshack (1980)

And by popular demand...

Darth Vader, Star Wars (David Prowse/James Earl Jones)
Upside: Pretty much rules the galaxy; wants to share power with siblings.
Downside: Strict disciplinarian; breathing apparatus makes more noise at night than snoring
Signature line: "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further."
Better known as: Anakin Skywalker

(Nominate Stuck in the 80s for the annual Podcast Awards. Click here)

Best movie dads of the 80s

Our favorite flicks in the 80s had many common elements: great music, daring teens who made light of life's most trying rites of passage and parents who were usually completely out of touch with reality.

But we if forced your feet to the fire, and made you pick one, whaddya say: Who was the best movie dad of the 80s?

Here are four top contenders (