B-52s keep the party going

Booty-bots! Jelly-bones! Spandex-spiral vortex! Making space love in zero gravity!

Ah yes, all that sexy talk means the B-52s must finally be back. Our favorite Athenians (sorry, REM) have a new album to reward their fans who have waited since 1992's "Good Stuff" for new danceable tracks.

The new disc -- "Funplex" -- sounds like it could easily be the soundtrack of your local swinger's club. I'm just theorizing, of course. But throughout the 11 tracks, you just get an overwhelming urge to strip down to just a wide smile and jump into a steaming mass of guilty lovin' -- with a dozen strangers all grooving and grinding to the same beat.

The band's sound has been modernized with touches of electro and saw-buzzing guitars, but it doesn't dampen or overpower the irresistible vocal give-and-take of Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson. The trio sound as fresh today as they did on "Rock Lobster" or "Planet Claire" in the late 70s.

It's hard to spot a radio-friendly or top 40 hit among the tunes, but "Pump," "Funplex" and "Keep This Party Going" are good downloads to start with. (You'll have to wait until March 24 to buy the whole album anyway.)

Want the full-power sex-attack? Try "Love in the Year 3000." Just queue it up, lay back and enjoy. Clothing is optional.

Mailbag: Stuck in the 80s answers back

We get a ton of e-mail here at Stuck in the 80s -- and not all of it is from creditors! Here are some interesting questions we've received lately, along with our somewhat serious answers.

 

What was the name of the artist who did the album covers for Journey. The ones with the scarab beetles? -- Sean via e-mail.

That'd be Stanley Mouse, also known for his artwork on Grateful Dead posters.

My kids found "The Karate Kid" on TV today, and I forgot how much I love that movie!  Have you done a podcast on this yet? -- Becky from Windsor, Canada.

Actually, no, we haven't. Bizarre, right? I'm torn on Karate Kid. Parts of it are fantastic. The whole Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita stuff. But the love story between Macchio and Elizabeth Shue? Totally unfathomable. Still, worthy of a podcast for sure.

You've discussed Air Supply, Psuedo Echo and others.  You've met with Rick Springfield.  How about an 80's "Down Under" show? -- Burty from Gippsland, Australia.

We did a similar show about Canada in the 80s, and we've talked about doing the same for Australia (possibly combined with New Zealand). It just takes a TON of research. I say it's a done deal -- just don't expect me to say many nice things about Midnight Oil. Yeech!

Got a question? E-mail me at stuckinthe80s@tampabay.com.

Idol chat tonight: One more time

Hey gang, don't forget the American Idol chat that I'm guest-hosting again tonight on Sean Daly's Pop Life blog. The fun -- aww, who am I kidding? -- the drudgery begins at 8 p.m. Come keep me company.

Tonight's auditions are in Miami, which normally you'd think would be exciting to a lifelong Floridian like myself. However, I've long given up on Miami being part of Florida. It's more like the one Orlando theme park nobody wants to go to anymore. Yeah, just like Disney's Animal Kingdom!

Still hanging tough with New Kids on the Block

Hey gang, Stephanie Hayes here. Spears, to maintain his last miserable shred of dignity, asked me to take the blog reigns on this one - NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK! The dreamy Boston boy band ruled in the late 80s, pimped by Maurice Starr as a white answer to New Edition.

Yesterday, I shared a moment with my friend, Tamara. She's a pavement-pounding journalist by day, a closet NKOTB fan by night. Here's our electronic exchange. Only true NKOTB fans will appreciate it:

Tamara: NKOTB!!!!
Stephanie: HANGING TOUGH!
Tamara: step by step oh babyyyyyyy gonna get to you giiiiirrrrrlllllllll
Stephanie: you got the right stuff, baybee, love the way you turn me on
Tamara: please dont go giiiiiiiirl
Stephanie: jordan is so hot
Tamara: i heart jordan.

Two professional women reduced to sniveling fan girls. Sad. I had the Jordan Knight doll, which if I recall, came with ONE EARRING. I had trading cards. A hot pink plastic watch. My sophisticated neighbor, Ashley Kunaszewski, who was a year older and had a boyfriend, CARVED HER HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN with Jonathan Knight's initials. (Ashley – e-mail me!)

In the early 90s, the group became a punch line. The boys were later forced into desperation gigs on the "Surreal Life" and "Dancing with the Stars."

But fear not! There has been mucho chatter of a New Kids reunion. Danny Wood, the, um, unfortunate looking one, keeps posting cryptic things on MySpace like, "I can guarantee all the fans that if this reunion were to happen, they would hear about it first on www.NKOTB.com." If it pans out, Tamara and I are getting front row tickets.

I know many of you are bent over puking into the wastebasket now. I don't expect you to share my passion for boys with fade haircuts and high tops.

But here’s my question to you, 80s nation: Not counting New Kids, what 80s band reunion would you LEAST like to see?

[AP photo]

'Do I have to talk dirty to you?'

Stuck in the 80s co-host Sean Daly is a proud, new father today -- which makes me feel a little like Uncle Buck.

Truth be told, I hated "Uncle Buck" when I saw it in the theaters back in 1989. I was a graduating senior in college, and I'd just been turned down for a job for quite possibly the 50th time in two weeks. So the idea of the always-happy ending of a John Hughes movie wasn't what I needed. (Though certainly I could empathize with the jobless John Candy.)

Of course, nowadays I recognize it as perhaps the last great flick from the master filmmaker himself. And actually, I look forward to the day I can babysit Daly's older daughter, smoke cigars in his house and threaten the lives of her boyfriends. Ah, good times.

So take time out to read the official announcement of Sean's still-unnamed offspring, and enjoy today's top 5 list.

TOP FIVE MEMORABLE LINES FROM UNCLE BUCK:

5. "Ever hear of a ritual killing? Ah, heh heh heh heh heh."

4. "Marcie Dahlgren-Frost. Dahlgren is my maiden name, Frost is my married name. I'm single again, but I never bothered to remove the Frost. And I get compliments on the hyphen."

3. "How would you like to spend the next several nights wondering if your crazy, out-of-work, bum uncle will shave your head while you sleep?"

2. "Hey, Mom. Next time you take off in the middle of the night, why don't you hire a murderer to watch the house?"

1. "Do I have to talk dirty to you? Come on! Open up for daddy! I'm gonna shove a load into you! Here we go! Come on, it's nice and easy. Aaah! Come on, here we go! Ah! Take that! Take that!"

Even Freddy would knife this idea

The horror ... the horror: "Nightmare On Elm Street" is about to be reincarnated.

According to Variety.com, Platinum Dunes is working with New Line to reimagine the 1984 film by Wes Craven, which led to eight sequels and two TV movies. And they say creativity is dead in Hollywood.

Never heard of the Platinum Dunes production company? You probably will soon. They're also working on remakes of "Friday the 13th" and "The Birds" -- two other classics that deserve to be left alone.

Will actor Robert Englund return as the evil Freddy Krueger, the boiler room-friendly janitor who killed teenagers (including a young Johnny Depp) in their sleep? Doubful. Englund would be 60 by the time filming starts. At least he wouldn't need much in terms of makeup.

Caption contest: Stefanie Powers in Cuba

Here's the latest dispatch from our favorite overseas commander -- Jeff in Cuba:

I thought I'd share my brush with an early 80's TV star, "Jennifer Hart" herself, the lovely Stefanie Powers. She was in town for our big Christmas parade, and I got the chance to talk to her a little bit about wildlife conservation. That's part of my job down here and she's still very active in the wildlife foundation she set up with William Holden in Kenya.

The goofy smile on my face is not so much related to our success in propagating the endangered Cuban boa, as it is to how spastic I can be around celebrities. It's a good thing I don't have your jobs.

Anyway, she's a very classy and gracious lady (and looking pretty good one month past her 65th birthday!), and still has some killer Broadway-style pipes. She sang carols with the kids at the end of the parade and it was a very nice, old-school USO sort of moment.

Live chat: Ready for Idol chatter?

With Times pop music critic Sean Daly on family leave, I'm the point man for this week's American Idol blogging duties.

So join me at 8 p.m. tonight on his Pop Life blog for all the sugary goodness. We'll chat live. No alcohol required. Though clearly it would help.

What can I hope for in tonight's show -- aside from possibly my cable provider blacking out the show locally?

STEVE'S TOP 5 LIST OF COOL THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN WHILE HE'S HANDLING AMERICAN IDOL DUTIES:

5. All contestants forced to choose between singing a John Waite or Asia song.

4. Simon shaves his chest hair in order to look better in his white undershirts.

3. Randy draws the short straw and shows up drunk this week.

2. Paula instead forced to call everyone "Dog."

1. How about Carrie Fisher showing up in the slave girl bikini this time?

No mere mortal can resist the evil of MJ

Did you think you could throw a Super Bowl and NOT invite Michael Jackson? ("You close your eyes, and hope that this is just imagination.")

Wacko Jacko is rumored to be the star of a commercial airing during the game celebrating the 25th anniversary of his "Thriller" album, according to the New York Post. Jackson will appear in a Thriller-themed spot for SoBe Life Water, the beverage made by PepsiCo, which Jackson was so infamously pimping back in 1983 when his hair caught on fire.

But will his career catch back on fire? (Ouch.) The Post also says Jackson will appear on the Grammy Awards on Feb. 10. Meanwhile, his official website has been redesigned to focus on his landmark album.

TOP 5 MICHAEL JACKSON ONE-LINERS FOUND ON THE WEB:

• "If you play Thriller backwards, you can hear Michael confessing all the names of the boys he touched. That's why it is 14 minutes long."
• "It was reported the other day that Michael Jackson wants to be one of the first civilians to travel into space. A spokesperson for NASA said, 'We're fine with the idea but the only problem is Jackson insists on coming back'."
• "Michael decided to have a boy of his own because it's too expensive to rent them at $2-million a pop."
• "Michael Jackson had a boy. He also became a father!"
• "He told you he was 'Off the Wall', that he was a 'Thriller', that he was 'Bad' and that he was 'Dangerous'.  Next album will be called "Don't say I didn't warn you.' "

[AP photo]

'Potential nausea situation building here!'

In the late 80s, Sean Young had Hollywood by the ... well, you know. Great co-starring spots in "No Way Out" and "Cousins." Nice spicy roles in "Blade Runner" and "Wall Street."

And then, the 90s came, and suddenly she was crazier than Michael Jackson's plastic surgery adviser. Nuttier than Danny DeVito on a Limoncello bender. And basically, more desperate for an acting job than Clint Howard when his brother Ron is on vacation.

Latest example: Young went bizarro at the 2008 Director's Guild Awards over the weekend, according to Access Hollywood. Young interrupted speeches and taunted winners from her table before she was forcibly removed by security guards.

Somewhere today in Hollywood, Tom Cruise is muttering: "Thank Hubbard, she's not a Scientologist."

TOP 5 SEAN YOUNG ROLES OF THE 80s:

5. YOUNG DOCTORS IN LOVE (1982): Ah yes, "Dr. Stephanie Brody" almost single-handedly cured my fear of hospitals.

4. STRIPES (1981): She plays the M.P. who hooks up with Harold Ramis.

3. COUSINS (1989): Ten Danson's wife -- and object of lust at every wedding in the movie.

2. BLADE RUNNER (1982): The creepy and cold replicant Rachael. "I'm not in the business. I am the business."

1. NO WAY OUT (1987): Her character gets to sleep with both Kevin Costner and Gene Hackman. Maybe that's what sent her to the padded room. "We've got a potential nausea situation building here!"

[AP photo]

Rambo didn't draw first blood: These did

Is it just me or does it seem like the latest Rambo movie tip-toed quietly into the theaters? Like it almost didn't want to be noticed.

Critics have been understanding and sympathetic to Sly Stallone's latest creation (Read the review here from the Times film critic, my buddy Steve Persall). That's because Stallone and the Rambo franchise are basically a punchline these days.

But is Rambo the lamest of the action-hero movies of the 80s? Not even close.

TOP 10 WORST ACTION MOVIES OF THE 80s:

10. Tango & Cash (1989): Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell. Tagline: "Two of L.A.'s top rival cops are going to have to work together... Even if it kills them." One critic said: "All the suppressed homosexuality of the buddy movie genre ... A pathetically juvenile screenplay."

9. Action Jackson (1988): Carl Weathers, Craig T. Nelson. Tagline: "It's Time For 'Action.' " One critic said: "Did they start with the comedy  and then pencil in the sadism, or the other way around?"

8. Above The Law (1988): Steven Seagal, Pam Grier. Tagline: "He was a covert agent trained in Vietnam. He has a master 6th degree black belt in Aikido... and family in the Mafia. He's a cop with an attitude." One critic said: "There are suggestions of so many other action heroes in this guy that he seems to have been assembled from leftover parts."

7. No Holds Barred (1989): Hulk Hogan, Joan Severance. Tagline: "No Ring. No Ref. No Rules." One critic said: "I can even pretend that the Hulkster has any place scrubbing cineplex toilets, much less packing people into its theaters."

6. Masters of the Universe (1987): Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella. Tagline: "Only the universe could hold adventure this big!" One critic said: "Little kids at play have come up with craftier plots, better characterization and conceivably more spectacular effects -- provided their mothers let them play with matches."

5. Megaforce (1982): Barry Bostwick, Michael Beck. Tagline: "There has never been a superhero like ACE HUNTER!" One critic said: "Turn off every logic circuit in your brain and just watch this for the sheer spectacle ... Mind you, a shiny rock can occupy me for hours."

4. Over The Top (1987): Sylvester Stallone, Robert Loggia. Tagline: "Lincoln Hawk will fight for his son the only way he knows how." One critic said: "It's Stallone showing his vulnerable side, a sort of Father Knows Best -- But Can't Put It Into Words."

3. Red Sonja (1985): Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brigitte Nielsen. Tagline: "A woman and a warrior that became a legend." One critic said: "One of those sword and sandals movies where you can only enjoy it if you appreciate the aesthetics of ineptness."

2. Cobra (1986): Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen. Tagline: "Crime is the disease. Meet the Cure." One critic said: "Keep in mind that even most Stallone fans can't sit through it, so be sure to think long and hard before investing 90 minutes of your life in Marion Cobretti."

1. Gymkata (1985): Kurt Thomas, Tetchie Agbayani. Tagline: "The skill of gymnastics, the kill of karate." One critic said: "Gymkata is based on a book titled 'The Terrible Game.' There is truth in advertising here."

Actually, they can get there from here

Finally, R.E.M. has announced some tour details in support of their new album, "Accelerate," which is set for release April 1.

A North American tour is in the works with dates set for May and June, according to their official website. The Athens, Ga.-based band will start May 23 in Vancouver. [Click here for more dates as they're announced.]

Touring with R.E.M. will be Modest Mouse and The National.

The band also has launched a new website to promote the new album -- Ninetynights.com. According to Pitchfork.com, the new album is "fast."

"The lethargic (read: forgettable) touch of 2004's 'Around The Sun' is nowhere to be found, replaced with what band manager Bertis Downs calls 'rockers,' Pitchfork writes. [Click here for the full article.]

FIVE R.E.M. TUNES THAT DON'T GET ENOUGH PLAYTIME:

• Can't Get There From Here
• Just a Touch
• (Don't Go Back To) Rockville
• Radio Free Europe
• Cuyahoga

[AP photo]

Bon Jovi lays an egg in Australia

Sometimes, even a great showman like Jon Bon Jovi has an off night on stage.

Bon Jovi's concert in Perth, Australia, late last week is getting cold write-ups in the local press. Perth Now reports that the band whizzed through its set there, taking little time to chat up the audience yet complaining that concert-goers were sitting on their hands.

"This ain't television. Get up out of your seats. I came a long way to be here tonight," Bon Jovi reportedly yelled from the stage. Still, an overly ambitious security staff seemed intent on keeping people in their seats and out of the aisles.

Fans seemed put off by the band's choice of encores as well. Those final three songs -- "The Last Night," "Wanted Dead Or Alive" and "I Love This Town" -- echoed of the recent loss of Aussie native Heath Ledger.

"Maybe it was all purely coincidental, but for a town in mourning it seemed a little too close to the bone," critic Jay Hanna wrote online. "Rather than leaving feeling elated, some of the crowd seemed a little baffled and confused."

Bon Jovi's upcoming U.S. tour starts Feb. 18 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Hey, Jon, try to keep the Cornhusker jokes to a minimum.)

[AP photo]

Comedy is tragedy ... plus Alan Alda

Here's a question you wouldn't expect on a Monday morning: Does Alan Alda count as an 80s icon?

His signature work -- Hawkeye in "M*A*S*H" -- began in '72 but lasted through 1983. (Alda co-wrote and directed the series finale -- "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.")

But several of his most under-appreciated film roles also came in the 80s. Of them, Woody Allen's "Crimes and Misdemeanors" stands out for Alda, since it's one of the first times he plays a villain (something that would be commonplace later in his career).

But don't underestimate the simplicity of "Sweet Liberty," where Alda plays a small-town history professor whose book on the Revolutionary War is nearly turned into a farce by Hollywood. (Casting Michael Caine as the horn-dog British commander -- jolly good!)

Alda turns 72 years old today. Queue up some his classic work and honor our favorite Army surgeon.

5 GREAT ALAN ALDA LINES FROM THE 80s:

5. "Mom, the Devil is not in your kitchen." (Sweet Liberty)

4. "If it bends, it's funny. If it breaks, it isn't." (Crimes and Misdemeanors)

3. "Comedy is tragedy plus time!" (Crimes and Misdemeanors)

2. "I think I should warn you - I have a sword in my bag." (Sweet Liberty)

1. "Father, I may never see you again, and before you go, there's something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time. Your shirt's on backwards." (M*A*S*H)

"Juuuust a bit outside..."

Everyone's favorite baseball commentator turns 73 years old this weekend.

The play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers since the 70s, Bob Uecker also has made more than 50 appearances on the "Tonight Show," had an acting part in the 80s sitcom "Mr. Belvedere" and has filmed more Miller Lite beer commercials than any other human on the planet.

However, to hard-core 80s fans (are there any other kind?), he'll always be remembered as "Harry Doyle" in 1989's "Major League."

TOP 5 BOB UECKER LINES FROM MAJOR LEAGUE:

5. "In case you haven't noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven't, the Indians have managed to win a few ball games, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar."

4. "Remember, fans, Tuesday is Die Hard Night. Free admission for anyone who was actually alive the last time the Indians won the pennant."

3. "Heywood leads the league in most offensive categories, including nose hair."

2. "This guy threw at his own son in a father-son game."

1. "Juuust a bit outside."

'Peterson on line 1 ... and watch your mouth'

"Well, Mr. Rooney, as you may have heard, we're having a little bit of a live podcast today, so if you can excuse Sloane for a few minutes to give us a ring, we'd really appreciate it."

Pardon my French, but if you don't call in today between 4 and 5 pm Eastern time, then you're an .... (Hello, this is your editor breaking in here. You realize, Steve, that your Rainman-like abilities to quote 80s movies has to be censored from time to time. Like right now. We return you now to Steve's incessant ranting.)

Dissed on my own blog? It's my castle, man!

Anyway, Sean Daly and I will take your calls beginning today at 4 eastern time. The studio line is 727-892-2655. If it's busy (and it most likely will be at times, since we have one phone line), keep trying. We'll ask about your favorite 80s concerts and other random questions. Be prepared to prove your love of the 80s!

Until then ... les jeux sont faits. Translation: the game is up. Your ... (Steve, I warned you!) is mine.

...

AND NOW IT'S OVER: Thanks to everyone who called into the show today. If you're in Tampa Bay, I hope to see you tonight at the Crowbar in Ybor City for the big 80s Party!

UB40, singer Ali Campbell part ways

UB40 announced today lead singer Ali Campbell has left the band after nearly 30 years. But the reason for the sudden split is still an issue.

According to a statement on the band's official website, Campbell wanted to pursue his solo career.

"The band are of course saddened by Ali's departure, they have been together for a long time and their relationship as band members and friends is almost like a marriage," a spokesman said online. "They haven’t ruled out working together in the future but for now the other seven members will continue as UB40."

Campbell's official website, however, says that's not true: "Contrary to some of the misleading, false information and accusations that have been circulating in recent months, the reason for my forthcoming departure from the band is NOT, as has been stated, due to my wanting to pursue a solo career. That is not the truth!" Campbell says online.

"The reason for me leaving the band is that management difficulties, which have been ongoing for almost 5 years, had become intolerable," Campbell continues. "I have been deeply unhappy with the administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years regarding the band, and I have an ongoing investigation into the handling of my business affairs in relation [to] UB40."

The Birmingham, England-born band cranked out scores of hits in the U.K., with some success in the U.S. with tunes including "Red Red Wine" and a remake of "I Got You Babe" with the Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde.

UB40's next studio album - "24/7"- was recorded with Ali Campbell will go ahead as planned for release in May.

[Publicity photo from www.ub40.co.uk]

'This is your wake-up call...'

You haven't forgotten, have you? The call to Stuck in the 80s on Saturday afternoon? Buddy, Buddy. It's the big game-hunters that bag a live conversation with 80s geeks like Sean Daly and me. Not just anyone.

We'll light up the phone lines about 4pm Eastern time on Saturday, Jan. 26. The studio line is 727-892-2655. And our friendly producer Debbie will actually be answering the phone this time, so don't be shocked when it's not my phlegmy voice you hear first.

We'll be asking you about your favorite 80s concert for starters, and see where that leads us. Sean promises an unedited account of his first trip to see Judas Priest. It should be epic.

And don't forget: A film crew from Penn & Teller will be taping the podcast for an upcoming episode!

DON'T FORGET: Huge 80s party at The Crowbar in Tampa's Ybor City on Saturday, Jan. 26, starting at 9 p.m. I'll be there and so will the cameras from Penn & Teller. It's an official WMNF event -- so you know it'll be cool. Live music, DJs, fashion show. You got something better to do?!? Click here for a map and more information.

How the 80s really were: Caption contest

Ah yes, this looks familiar. (Click to see full version.) Thick glasses. Members Only jackets. Classic arcade video games. Feathered hair. Cheesy mustaches. It's from the 80s alright. The only thing that doesn't quite belong ...

What are all those cheerleaders doing there?!?

The trip back through time was sent in by Stuck in the 80s fan Tom Sims. (No word on whether he's in the photo or not.) If you wanted to pick out the person here who looks similar to me in the 80s (photo left), it'd be the guy in the gray hooded sweatshirt and white t-shirt, near the right side -- the one who seemingly forgot to keep his eyes open.

Any ideas for great captions? ("The first Commodore 64 user-group meeting?")

Keep sending in your classic 80s pics. The e-mail address is stuckinthe80s@tampabay.com. Best photo wins a prize yet to be determined. But it'll be better than an autographed bag of Funyuns.

[Publicity photo from "King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters"]

Happy birthday, John Belushi

The odd ending to the equally odd 1981 flick "Neighbors":

Top 5 memorable lines from Neighbors:

5. "I was real friendly with a boy named Earl once - well, twice really."

4. "We haven't any children, unless Ramona just pumped one out and didn't tell me about it."

3. "Hey Earl, want some of your daughter's panties? They come in four flavors; banana, peach, mint and, of course, cherry!"

2. "You touched my brick?"

1. "This is crazy... but there's something so right about it."

Tom Petty ready to hit the road

Fresh off his upcoming appearance during the halftime of Super Bowl, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are planning a huge summer tour.

Pollstar.com reports Petty kicks it off May 30 in Grand Rapids, Mich. The tour winds through the U.S. and Canada, wrapping up on Aug. 29 in Texas. The tour includes a stop in Tampa Bay -- July 16 at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Want choice tickets? Alas, Petty has the usual fan club routine set up. Members of the "Highway Companions Club" can buy tickets beginning Jan. 30. Otherwise, fans will have to wait 'til Feb. 4 to grab whatever seats are left.

Also available on this tour -- a "Dream" package, which includes a seat in the first 15 rows, a copy of his latest book ("Runnin' Down a Dream"), a download of his new album ("Mudcrutch") when it's released in April and the chance to choose all the songs for the set list for the show you see him at. (Warning: I'm pretty sure I just made up that last part.) No word on the cost yet.

[Getty Images]
 

Just give me a fun song

OK, gang, the latest episode of Stuck in the 80s is ready to go online. Are you ready for it?

It's the "Novelty Songs of the 80s" show. And I gotta admit, it took me four full days (well, bits and pieces) to edit this monster together. Cutting and pasting. Pasting and cutting. Drinking and recovering.

(I uploaded it Wednesday night for a sneak preview and live chat -- you'll see the comments below. Click here to download the official show. Or click here to get all our shows for free via iTunes.)

Fair warning: Despite the very sexy photo of Weird Al, none of his music appears on this show. We'll be doing a whole special show on him some day -- some day soon I hope.

DON'T FORGET: We're doing the live call-in show on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 4 to 5pm Eastern Time. The number to call is 727-892-2655. If you get a busy signal, keep trying.

Live from St. Petersburg, it's ... you!

Are you ready for another live call-in show? Because this Saturday, Jan. 26, we want YOU to be the voice of Stuck in the 80s.

From 4 to 5 p.m. eastern time, Sean Daly and I will take your phone calls and record them for our next podcast. And get this: While you're talking to us, Penn & Teller's Showtime film crew will be taping it all for an upcoming edition of their cable show. You too can become famous.

The topic for the call-in show: Tell us about your favorite concert experience of the 80s. Daly and I already have our stories queued up and ready to go. (I'll be wearing my beloved Journey concert tee. Sean will be wearing ... well, you have to hear his story to find out.)

Feel free to throw trivia at us too. Or ask about Sean's olive oil fetish. It's really quite frightening.

So tune back in on Saturday afternoon and we'll give you the phone number to call. Wearing a concert tee is optional.

I no longer wish to be a Member

The news we all dreaded to hear is finally upon us: The Members Only Jacket is making a comeback.

According to the Daily Candy blog, the New York City boutique Henri Bendel is stocking the jackets again ... this time in some interesting colors -- black, white, cognac (tasty!), chocolate (yum!) and metallic gold leather (ok, just freaky).

Lord knows I'm a sucker for anything 80s, but I draw the line at the fashion of the era. Unless someone knows where I can get a "Frankie Say" t-shirt, because that would be valuable information.

In case you're wavering on this one, the price tag should deter you. Wait for it ... a Member's Only jacket will set you back $950!

[Getty Images photo]

Top sports teams of the 80s

We're in the "Dead Zone" of the sports business right now. Meaningless hockey and NBA games (is there any other kind), no baseball and the Super Bowl is still more than a week away.

So what better time to discuss -- the most memorable championship teams of the 80s.

When you think of sports in the 80s, which players and teams come to mind? Joe Montana and the 49ers? The "Frig" and the Bears. Maybe even Kurt Gibson and the L.A. Dodgers? Which team deserves to be crowned as the "team of the 80s?"

Here are some options:

1985 CHICAGO BEARS: Despite losing that one game to the Miami Dolphins, the Bears were simply unstoppable that year. They had talent and charisma at every position (including the head coach). And the flattened the New England Patriots during the final game. (I watched it from my freshman dorm lounge with a frosty keg of beer sitting next to me. Good times.)

1986 NEW YORK METS: With 108 wins, the Mets should be remembered for being one of the dominant teams of the decade. Instead, they're remembered for Red Sox's Bill Buckner's error in Game 6. Either way, an unforgettable team.

EDMONTON OILERS and NEW YORK ISLANDERS: Each team took home the Stanley Cup four times during the 80s. How have they done since the 80s? Not so good. (Of course, the Oilers had the help of some guy named Wayne Gretzky.)

MIAMI HURRICANES: It pains me to write this, because they're the sworn enemy of my beloved Gators. But Miami won three national titles in the 80s. My favorite Miami memorable though: Watching Doug Flutie's "Hail Flutie" pass beat Miami 47-45 back in 1984.

Add your own teams and share your opinion: Who was the ultimate sports champion of the 80s?

[AP photo]

A return to Journey? Don't stop believin'

Are you actually at work today? You mean your job doesn't give you the day off for "Steve Perry's Birthday?" What is this country coming to?

Our favorite Journey singer turns 59 years old today. Seems like just yesterday he was prancing around in tuxedo tails on stage at the Lakeland Civic Center singing "Stone In Love." (Alas, it was Oct. 22, 1981.)

Perry usually posts a birthday greeting to his still-devoted fans. But you'll have to keep checking the Fan Asylum site to see if Perry has penned it yet.

Back in June, Perry went online to debunk rumors of a Journey reunion: "It has been brought to my attention that there is a rumor circulating that I am reuniting with Journey. I want to go on record as saying that I have no such plans whatsoever to do that. What you have heard is only a rumor. I'm truly sorry for any disappointment this rumor may be causing."

These days, Journey continues moving along without Perry, but in a way, he's still leaving his mark on the band. This fall, Journey announced that Arnel Pineda would join the band and handle lead vocal duties. Pineda's credentials? He sounds exactly like Perry.

That's one way of having your legacy stick around long after you leave the room.

[Publicity photo from Columbia]

Night Ranger rocks GTMO

As promised, here's the concert review of Night Ranger in Cuba, supplied by the legendary "Commander" himself -- Jeff Johnston:

It was an amazing show, almost two hours of high energy rock and roll under a full moon, and bathed in tropical breezes. There was a bit of a scare earlier in the day when it was discovered someone in the crew had left a very important box of gear back in Florida.

With only 6 hours until show time, calls went out around the base to guitar players and musicians who loaned their own guitars, amps, strings, etc. so that the show could go on. That's just the way GTMO works. I ran into a friend of mine this morning who told me he still can't get over the fact that Brad Gillis played his guitar in concert. How cool is that?

If you're curious about what they played, you can check this photo of Jack's setlist that I personally peeled off the stage and had him sign.

"You're Going To Hear It" is going to be the first single off of "Hole In The Sun", and it sounded great.  It's more of a "rocker" along the lines of "Don't Tell Me" and "Rock In America." 

A couple of things you won't find on the setlist:  Jack fulfilled a promise to Ted Nugent by leading the band in an amazing acoustic version of "Cat Scratch Fever," with Ted's message that he'll be back with the full version later this year.

The bird is the word? Hardly

While everyone waits patiently for this week's Stuck in the 80s podcast on "Novelty Songs of the 80s," here's an obnoxious video to keep you company: Pee Wee Herman doing the "Surfin' Bird" -- one of the 80s songs we played yesterday during my WMNF gig.

Not only is it sometimes difficult to hear and watch, but I take great perverse pleasure in knowing that I actually paid money to see the movie in which this scene appears: 1987's "Back to the Beach," starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. "Why-o, why-o, why-o, did I ever leave Ohio?"

The 80s go radioactive again

Hey there, 80s nation: I just got home from guest-hosting two hours of great 80s music at WMNF 88.5-FM here in Tampa Bay. Muchos gracias goes to Flee (pictured above), who invited me to kick off the station's "80s Week."

If you missed the show, click this to hear it online. Or for each hour of the show (minus the news and traffic), use these links: Hour 1 and Hour 2. (Thanks to Dave Peterkofsky for pulling those together.)

(And I returned the favor to Jeff in Cuba by wearing his radio station's t-shirt.)

Flee's got great taste in 80s music. Playing the Dead Milkmen's "Instant Club Hit" was totally his call. We were close to using "Bitchin' Camaro" instead, but there's a little adult-language problem with that tune.

Here was the final playlist we went with:

• Billy Idol - Blue Highway
• The Nails - 88 Lines About 44 Women
• Elvis Costello - Let Them All Talk
• They Might Be Giants - Ana Ng
• Pee Wee Herman - Surfin' Bird
• Alex Chilton - No Sex
• Artists United Against Apartheid - Sun City
• Oingo Boingo - Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself)
• The Dead Milkmen - Instant Club Hit
• New Order - Confusion
• Prince - United For West
• The J.A.M.S. - Whitney Joins The Jams
• Adam Ant - Stand And Deliver
• The dB's - Love Is For Lovers
• The Cars - You might Think
• The Plimsouls - A Million Miles Away
• Jerry Harrison/Bootsy Collins - Begin Bombing In 5 Mins
• Living Colour - Cult Of Personality
• Thomas Dolby - Europa And The Pirate Twins
• Black Flag - TV Party
• Styx - Best Of Times

Thanks to everyone who listened along at home and left comments on the blog. The next stop on the Stuck in the 80s tour de force is an appearance on ABC Action News in Tampa Bay later this week -- this time with co-host Sean Daly coming along for the ride. More details later on that.

Don't forget the station's 80s party at the Crowbar in Ybor City on Saturday night. Flee and I will both be there. He'll be the one signing autographs. I'll be the loner guy at the bar trying to order a 32-ounce kamikazee, scaring away the ladies.

Look who's stuck in the 80s

Just 24 hours after Night Ranger rocked Clearwater, Fla., our 80s heroes were down in Cuba, supporting the troops -- and pimping "Stuck in the 80s!"

Drummer Kelly Keagy and singer Jack Blades (wearing one of our hats!) visited our favorite Navy commander yesterday before their concert today for the troops. Jeff Johnston -- aka "Jeff in Cuba" -- is stationed in at the US Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, where he also serves as a radio host for the base's FM station. A longtime fan of the podcast and a fully decorated 80s junkie, Jeff has had a chance to hang with some really cool bands from our decade. This weekend, it was Night Ranger.

Here is Jeff's retelling of the experience:

First of all, thanks for telling them about me. As soon as I introduced myself, Jack Blades smiled and said "Oh, you're the Commander. We've heard about you!"

Jack and Kelly came out to the radio station yesterday afternoon (Brad and the rest of the band were on a later flight) and gave me a great interview. I asked them about the Clearwater show, and particularly why "Rock In America" didn't make it into the set. Jack was visibly dismayed when I brought it up, and told me "It was just a mistake, man." He said that some venues have mandatory times when a concert must end, so the opening act has to be careful not to stay out too long and take some of the headliner's time. They forgot to check into that situation at Ruth Eckerd before they took the stage, so just to be safe, they cut their set short.

I asked Kelly if his sister ever forgave him for making her an 80's icon, but he assured me she (and his whole family) has embraced the reference, and she often jokes that she's going to change her name from Christine to Christian.

Stuck in the 80s hits radio today

While the world eagerly awaits the next bawdy episode of our podcast, here's some good news: Stuck in the 80s will be live on the radio today instead.

From 4 to 6pm eastern time, I'm the guest on WMNF 88.5-FM radio along with the infamous DJ Flee. It's "80s Week" here on the station, beginning today. I'll sit in for two hours, play some cool music and talk 80s with Flee.

And yes, if you're outside the Tampa Bay area, you can hear the show live on the web. Click here for the high-speed streaming audio link.

And Saturday, I'll be attending the big "Pop Goes The World" 80s party at the Crowbar in Ybor City, where Penn & Teller's film crew will be taping me for an upcoming episode of their Showtime series. If you're anywhere near Tampa Bay, I hope you can make it to the party and say hello.

Also on Saturday, we'll be doing a live call-in podcast during the afternoon, taking your calls as we record a new show. More details later this week.

In the meantime, cross your fingers for the new podcast to go online Tuesday or Wednesday.

"These are the best ... of times"

After seeing Dennis DeYoung last night in Clearwater for the first time in about 25  years, one thought kept me tossing in bed all night: I'm a total idiot.

I've probably had a half dozen chances to catch DDY's solo act in the last five years. But for certainly lame reasons, I chose not to. And now, I'm filled with regret -- and that's an awful feeling to have after such a great concert. I wish this was the third or fourth time I'd seen the DDY show. Not the first.

Even Dennis sensed a lot of newcomers in the crowd. "How many of you out there tonight are seeing me for the first time -- either alone or with Styx?" he asked us early in the night. Huge roar from at least half the crowd. "What took you so long!?!" he playfully fired back. Hilarious, and a little sad for me at the same time.

I know I'm not the only one who agonizes over concert decisions. Hey, thanks to this horrific economy, money is short these days for everyone. My friends and co-workers sit around, debating the finer points of micro-economics all the time: Van Halen, Bon Jovi or Bruce Springsteen? And what about the Go-Go's next month? Never seen them live either. Or They Might Be Giants, coming later this spring?

My personal curse: After about 15 years and 40 some concerts, I stopped going to live shows for about 10 years. I'd grown tired of the whole experience. (Plus, there's the whole "should I really stand and be as obnoxious as the guy in front of me or sit on my hands and act like I'm watching chess" dilemma.) But shortly after we started Stuck in the 80s, I gave concerts another try with a "We Are the 80s" show at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall. (Listen to our podcast from that show.) And again I find myself hooked.

Here's my long-winded point: Stop sitting on your hands! Catch these great touring acts while you can. And remember, it's okay to stand up and sing "I'm Kilroy! ... Kilroy! ... Kilroy!" at the top of your lungs during "Mr. Roboto." Your heroes on stage really get a kick from it, even if the person next to you is a bit embarrassed.

Domo arigato, Dennis DeYoung, for helping me escape just when I needed to.

A trip down Sentimental Street

Welcome to a rainy night here backstage at the Night Ranger/Dennis DeYoung show in Clearwater.

I'm all set up and ready to blog from my customized dressing room, complete with my own personalized sign. It's four-star service for Stuck in the 80s.

Night Ranger should take the stage in about 30 minutes. Right now, I'm stressing out, trying to practice the stage announcements. Once that's over with, I can finally relax.

Any bets on what Night Ranger will open up with tonight? Still Rock in America? When You Close Your Eyes? I should have stopped Jack Blades and asked when he passed by my door a few minutes ago.

7:45 p.m. -- Just about 10 minutes until I take the stage and try to avoid having a heart attack. I'm betting all my money that NR will open with "Rock in America."

Just got the rundown of tonight's events. Night Ranger will play for about an hour. Dennis DeYoung gets nearly two hours. I'll be back between sets to fill you in.

7:55 p.m. -- Stage announcements are over. I got a few laughs on my Ron White joke . (He's playing here on Valentine's Day ... nothing says 'I love you' like a bourbon-guzzling comic from Texas.) I passed Night Ranger on the way back to my dressing room and wished them luck. Guitarist Brad Gillis smiled and said thanks for the intro.

9:15 p.m. -- Night Ranger just finished up. Great set. And to settle all the bets, they opened with "This Boy Needs to Rock."(I think. I was still racing to my seat when they took the stage.) They didn't play "Rock in America" at all. The last two songs were "When You Close Your Eyes" and, of course, "Sister Christian."

One revelation: Guitarist Brad Gillis has guns the size of Jose Canseco and is easily one of the most under-appreciated hard-rock guitarists. Amazing show. I think the majority of the crowd, though, was there primarily to see Dennis DeYoung, so NR didn't get the full adoration they deserved. Still, it was the first time I've seen NR in concert. And I left impressed.

9:30 p.m. -- Five minutes to Dennis, so I'm back to the auditorium. The stage is set up with a huge backdrop, resembling the facade of Paradise Theater.

11:15 p.m. -- Holy crap. Dennis DeYoung is 60 years old and his voice is as strong and pure today as it was when I saw him with Styx back during the Mr. Roboto tour. He can still hit 99.97 percent of the notes -- leaving only the the most voice-shredding ones alone these days.

Dennis was dressed in what looked like a black velvet suit, his hair still short and white. As a performer, he's really got his act down, teasing the crowd with little dance moves, great quips and a playful showmanship -- waxing his eyebrows before doing some air-guitar windmills -- rarely seen in rock circles.

He opened with "Grand Illusion" and then it was hit after hit after hit. "Paradise Theater," "Lady," "Castle Walls," "Suite Madame Blue" -- all classic renditions. Close your eyes, and it's Styx you hear on stage.

There was only one song in the set,