Some old songs for a new year

The burden of Christmas is over so it's time to concentrate on the bigger issues: Specifically, how to ruin another New Year's Eve.

We all can't stay home and watch "Better Off Dead" over and over again while drinking Southern Comfort slushies. Though one more year of that, and I break the existing world record for being a wuss. (Even "Lane Meyer" feels bad for me.)

Our latest Stuck in the 80s podcast is here to help. In it, we offer up our Ultimate New Year's Eve Playlist, including songs submitted by live callers. What song gets our nod for top pick to play come midnight? You'll have to download the show to find out. Or click here to subscribe to all our shows for free on iTunes.

(Are you even going to remember midnight? Or will be you cleaning up the mess left over after I drink all those rum-and-coke slammers?)

A little trivia for you: The countdown you hear at the start of the show is actually from New Year's Eve in 1984. Let no one say I don't go all-out on the details.

A special thanks to all those who called in during our "live podcast" to chat with us. I know a lot of people had a hard time getting through. Next time we'll try it on a weekend. You just need to help me get that lazy, hungover Sean Daly off the sofa and into the studio on his day off.

Other highlights from this week's show:

• Guest co-host Stephanie Hayes joins the cast to help balance out the content -- and to defend her woeful performance in our recent blog battle over holiday songs.
• New music and movie quote challenges.
• No seriously sad stories from me. That's gotta be worth something.

Drop us a comment and let us know what you thought of the show.

Comments

[Mike in Austin]

For the love of God Steve: The Call! My heart sank, great song! A Million Miles Away by the Plimsouls, my kids were singing that song (the chorus of course) a few days ago while I was doing dishes.
Great show brothers!

Have a safe New Year,

All the love,

Mike in Austin

[Spears]

So you like the Call song or not?

Gotta love The Call.

[Mike in Austin]

Yes, the song rocks! I'm going for it tonight on iTunes. Once again, thanks for the great memories. I can remember sitting on my parents bed, spinning the HUGE cable dial to MTV and seeing that video!

[Spears]

I saw The Call open for Simple Minds back in 86 or 87. Great show. Very simple. No lights, no smoke. Just a bunch of guys playing music at full tilt.

[Bassnote]

I saw the Call open for Peter Gabriel when that song was a hit, they rocked. I saw the Call in a very intimate setting in 1997, and they blew the doors off the place; no frills, just killer music.
Did you slap Sean for 'The Humpty Dance'? I HATE THAT SONG!! Every time I DJ and that song is requested, when I start to play it, the dance floor immediately clears. That song is in my top 5 of all-time hated songs.
Jeff In Cuba throwing out 'Good Times', EXCELLENT choice!
I will have to say that Stephanie had the best top 3, followed by Steve. I will give Sean props for 'Bust A Move' though. Great podcast, And Happy New Year to all!

[Spers]

Bassnote -- you're doing to defend "Kiss" by Prince?!? That song is criminally bad.

So bad, in fact, that I can't even remember the other two songs she picked!

[Bassnote]

You've got to give her props for 99 Luftballons and Rebel Yell, those are excellent choices for an 80's themed New Years party. Prince's 'Kiss' is a much more tolerable song than 'The Humpty Dance'. Being a DJ, I have to say, people like to dance to that song

[Walter Cox]

I never did get around to submitting anything, but the very first real New Year's Party I went to, 12/31/90, the host threw everybody out at 12:01 AM by playing "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash.

Sean called me Coxey, which rhymes with foxey, so does he think I'm hot or sly?

[Harriot in Cuba]

I am still in shock that people are commenting on one of my all time favorite bands: The Call. However, you picked the wrong song for New Years. You have to go with Let the Day Begin...c'mon like let the YEAR begin. During one specific High School party in 1980 (yes, I am that old; mother of 4) I never wanted to kiss any of my loser classmates, so I went into the bathroom at midnight to avoid saliva exchange, and flushed in another new year!!

I can't believe the man I sleep with picked "Good Times". I am not a fan,(sorry Sean). However, in his defense, he was able to woo me primarily due to his geek-like knowledge of obscure 80's music and pop references.

Clearly, based on my comments you can tell I have been in Cuba the last three years (5 restuarants, one store, two radio stations, one of which is ruined by the man I sleep with) and I don't get out much.
Loved the podcast, however, Steve please defend our demographic concerning Sean's pick of the Humpty Dumpty Booty Call tune. After hearing it, I was more than convinced we should all just Let the Day Begin!!

[Jeff in Cuba]

Now you've done it. You've got my wife onto the blog! She's right, though. I love "Walls", but "Let The Day Begin" is far and away the more appropriate Dec 31 tune (and probably just a better tune in general.)

Great 'cast, and not just because my tune won a split decision for the New Year' Eve title! It was a lot of fun talking to you and even more fun listening to the other "usual suspects".

I was dismayed (but not surprised) to find out that Sean's schoolboy giggling about Marissa's "concealed weapons" was exactly what I thought it was. And I'm no expert, but I would imagine that once your cup size gets into mid-alphabet, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep the weapons concealed.

All the best to the collected 80's Nation for a safe and happy new year (a year I still hope will include a podcast from Cuba!)

[Marissa]

Ohhhh boy! I'm almost at a loss for words. This is such a trip. I blame Sean for turning me into a babbling pool of goo. Steve, I had to replay a couple bits to catch what you're saying in the background. I was really giddy with hopes of getting to talk to you more. Sean explained that you were twiddling some knobs.
I must note that my suggested song was never played, Steven Q. Spears.
What gives?
Being sandwiched between the smooth voices of the men on this blog makes me appear more like Chrissy Snow than ever. Consider me the comic relief with a sure fire giggle.
Oh what fun I had being the ONLY chick to get through. High five my bad self!
Totally awesome podcast ... and I'm not just saying that because I was referenced throughout the entire 'cast.

[Spears]

"Twiddling some knobs", eh? Heh-heh.

Yep, as many people forget, I'm engineering the show in the control booth while Sean now gets our female guest-hosts all to himself. I'm just glad I don't have to mop the studio afterward as well.

Actually, we couldn't find a good copy of "Concealed Weapon" to use on the show, hence you don't hear it. Plus, at 53 minutes long, I decided to cut a few songs out. I'm sure the leviathan size of this week's episode was a little long for fans.

[Marissa]

But, but, but it would have proven what a great party song it is. Particularly when you consider how many women don festive, cleavage baring attire on New Year's Eve! It's really a shame the song wasn't released for the masses to enjoy.
For the record, time flew by while my ears took in the rapture that is Stuck in the 80s . I'm typically left craving more. So, this particular length was ideal for me!

[Jeff in Cuba]

Steve,

I finally figured out why your top three songs resonated so clearly with me: you lifted two of them ("Pump It Up" and "A Million Miles Away") from my blog submission.

OK, maybe you didn't lift them; maybe it's just that great 80's minds think alike. Nonetheless, I'm glad I decided to save "Good Times" for the podcast.

[Stephanie Hayes]

Bassnote! You liked my songs! You rock. You can come to my New Year's Eve party.

[Spears]

Jeff -- "A Million Miles Away" is one of my all-time faves ... the main reason I foamed at the mouth to buy the Valley Girl soundtracks. Probably in my top 5 list of all-time favorite songs. And no, I won't divulge the others just yet. I just know that "Kiss" by Prince wouldn't be in my top 500.

I did pick "Pump It Up" off your list though. Great suggestion. I'm guilty of ignoring Elvis Costello far too often.

[Al]

Excellent choice regarding the Call.

"Let the Day Begin" is a classic '80's Tune!

Steve, I've only had one decent New Year's party......so I agree with your playlist....Sean's is just atrocious.

But Steph's is clearly the best, due to the blistering guitar solo. I agree with Sean's reasoning.

[Marissa]

I suppose I ought to chime in on my choice of NYE playlists. Steve hates when I straddle the fence.

I like to shake my money maker. So, IF you remove The Humpty from Sean's list, I'm keen on it. Remove "KISS" from Steph's list and all is groovy since I love Billy Idol. That would have to come after I've chugged too many adult beverages and I pretend I can air guitar to the solo in Rebel Yell.

Now, once the alcohol starts to wear off and I'm starting to realize I only had the back of my hand to smooch on at the stroke of midnight, I'd put on Steve's tunes. I'd then wallow in what I'd hoped might happen on NYE, but didn't materialize...and there you have it.

[Douglas Arthur]

A couple of thoughts...
first, I am greatful that I made the final cut.
Second, Sean, you can't "grandfather" in something that came after, only something before or pre-existing. So including the Humpty Dance is more like "grandson-ing", and nobody wants that.
third, I just want to say that I, too, carry a concealed weapon. It may not be as large or intimidating as Marissa's double-barreled shotgun, but it still packs quite a wallop, if I do say so myself...and I do. (mainly because no one else is saying it)

Douglas "Don't call me Mac" Arthur

Also, Sean, it is a small world to think we were at the same Stones concert in '89 at the Carrier Dome. It does prove one thing to the non-believer Spears, though. As I recall, Living Colour opened the show, thus proving that they got their start in the 80's.

On another note. I finally found the VHS tape that has The Overload movie on it, so I will attempt to convert it over to digital format and send it along to you guys.

Duty now, Steve-o!

[Marissa]

Douglas! If you intended for my mind to wander, you succeeded!

[80sfan]

If I could go back in time, The Humpty Dance would have never taken up time on our airwaves. (Now there's a podcast topic for you.)

[Dennis]

will downlad the podcast now - so can't comment yet, but what for me always works as a good choice is to end a year on a das note with Joy Division 'Atmosphere' and start the new year with the welcome bells of 'Plainsong' by The Cure... but obviously better for a small get together rather than a big party + for some for sure a good mood killer, who cares though?
Anyway, have a great start into the new year Steve + Sean!