Sunday's live chat: Anthems of the '80s

YOU MISSED IT?: This week's chat is now history, but the transcript is still here. Just click on the comments link below too see what we talked about.

THE CHAT TOPIC: Anthems of the 80s. We had some great suggestions, which I'll use our choices for a future podcast. (Personal fave remains Queen's "Radio Ga Ga")

PODCAST: This week's podcast -- Top TV theme songs of the 80s -- which went online Saturday. I'll be releasing the full ranking on Monday or Tuesday. Plenty of time left for you to lobby me to get your picks in there. (What will be No. 11 on the list? Magnum or Night Court?)

GET-TOGETHER UPDATE: Don't forget the Aug. 2 Regeneration Tour stop in Las Vegas and the July 30 Journey/Cheap Trick/Heart show in Tampa. E-mail me and ask me for details on either gathering.

Comments

[Mike in Austin]

Worry not Steve-0, I parade around commando.

[Spears]

My dream for the Vegas trip: Do a 4am jog around our floor in the Luxor commando style. Maybe after three flaming jagermeisters.

[Mike in Austin]

DONE FRIGGIN DEAL! I have absolutely no problem leading the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Luxor ala commando. Wearing a jock strap may even "peak" the curiosity of those staying in the hotel!!
The question is: What is our battle cry? Our motto? Our destiny??

[Carla]

WOW!!! The images that are going through my head!! Lucky Boxers & jock straps!?!?!?!? Thanks guys!! Is it me, or is it hot in here?

Where is Riss when I need her!!

[Tonianne]

So long as you both man-up, and don't blame "anything" on the hotel's air conditioning.

That excuse is so tired.

[jane]

I'm thinking that part of your destiny should be not to end up in a holding cell in downtown LV.

[Marissa]

Riss was on the couch in her jammies watching a movie that had little to do with laughing and now I'm pissed because I cried before noon.

ps. Gerard Butler is smokin' freakin' hot in boxers.

[Mike in Austin]

No, No, I NEVER use the air conditioning or swimming pool excuse. I man up gosh darn it, it is what it is. Maybe if we hire a "fluffer" or pump some iron in order to appear larger than life.

[Spears]

Just trim the hedges and the trees always look larger.

I minored in landscaping.

[jane]

I'm thinking I'm going to just put Larry the Luxor Overnight Bartender on retainer for the weekend... especially if I'm going to be the Al Michaels for the Commando Olympics.

"Do you believe in miracles? YES! YES! YES!"

[Mike in Austin]

Trim the hedges you say, my wife insists on it since August of 1997 (story behind that). I prefer to use the term "putting green" look and feel or so smooth you can eat off it, mood dependent.
Indeed, I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE (ala Tatoo from Fantasy Island!!

[Marissa]

Egads, y'all need to go private. Sheesh. lol

[Bassnote]

I've gotten far more information from this blog post than I EVER wanted.

[chad]

im all ready got my pad with some cool suggestions, i think

[Spears]

Sam the Eagle is here!

[chad]

just asking, what would your definiton of an anthem be?

[Spears]

That's a great question, Chat.

Anthem: a song that defines the 80s. A song that rivals The Who's "Baba O'Riley" or "Won't Get Fooled Again." The 80s version of "Strawberry Fields Forever" or "Imagine."

It's the "lighter" song at your favorite concert.

[Jeff in Cuba]

I'm here, but my connection tonight is really slow.

Seriously, tragically slow.

Sean Daly running the high hurdles slow.

If I'm 12 posts behind everyone else, you'll know why.

[Carla]

So, are we starting the chat?? If so, the first one that came to mind today...

AC/DC : For Those About To Rock.

[chad]

well the reason i ask, to me its always been a song that has a lot of energy or gets you excited(not in that kind of way). by the way, mine will be mostly rock stuff.

[chad]

carla have a ac/dc one as well

[Spears]

For Those About To Rock -- that's a classic suggestion, Carla. I'd totally forgotten about that tune.

Which is pathetic, since I saw AC/DC on that very tour.

[chad]

as good as for those about to rock is, ill have to go with back in black. it is a classic in every sense.

[Spears]

I might opt for "You Shook Me All Night Long" too.

How about Rush's "The Spirit of Radio"

[Carla]

Pink Floyd: Another Brick In The Wall
Journey: Don't Stop Believing
Queen : We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions

[chad]

totally forgot about rush, thats a great pick, maybe even limelight.

[Carla]

Chad: I almost went with Back In Black... VERY classic!!

[Big Tex]

The song that defines the 80's for me is Pride by U2

[Jeff in Cuba]

My current anthem of choice:

You Can Still Rock in America ~ Night Ranger

Not exactly a classic choice, but when they closed thier GTMO show with it, it made quite an impact.

I know the Cubans could see the show from their towers, but it's too bad they couldn't hear it. That would have been icy in its irony.

[chad]

heres a few more: heat of the moment-asia, the stroke-billy squier, lay your hands on me-bon jovi, photograph and rock of ages-def leppard(maybe all of pyromania), into the fire-dokken, juke box hero-foreigner. just a bit of what i got

[chad]

jeff
i have that very song in my list as well(my fav night ranger song since 83)

[Big Tex]

Good job with the Def Leppard, Chad. I'd go with Pour Some Sugar on Me, though

[Spears]

I'm still pissed beyond belief that Bon Jovi didn't play "Lay Your Hands on Me" during this last tour.

But Jeff's Night Ranger suggestion is also a top 10 call. And yes, still bitter they didn't play it here.

Though "Sister Christian" is another consideration.

[chad]

well since steve thinks thats an overplayed song, i figured i might skip it

[Spears]

Anyone hear this week's podcast yet? Just curious about how you thought it was.

[Tonianne]

some of my favorites:

true faith - new order
rock you like a hurricane - scorpions
winds of change - scorpions
who's crying now - journey
keep on rockin in the free world - neil young
subdivisions - rush
i would die for you - prince
sister christian - night ranger
pride in the name of love - U2
everybody wants to rule the world - tears for fears
rebel rebel - david bowie
kids in america- kim wilde
in a big country - big country
pour some sugar on me - def leppard

although they could all benefit from just a bit more cowbell.

[ian]

I'll have to agree with Big Tex. That song definitely IS the 80's for me.

Does Jane have a Police song that qualifies for anthem?

[Big Tex]

Sister Christian is disqualified by its use in Boogie Nights ;)
Chad and Jeff are right with their NR pick

[chad]

just a side note, have any of ya'll gotten the new def leppard cd(songs from the sparkle lounge)? if not pick it up, its a great cd.

[Marissa]

I did! Great podcast. Eric's Mr. T impression was fantabulous!

[80sfan]

I can't hear a Mr. T impression without thinking of Pee Wee Herman.

[chad]

i really liked the opening bit with you and sean, friggin hilarious

[Spears]

What song did I say was overplayed?

[Big Tex]

If you want a low-key anthem, I'd vote for Please, Please, Please Let Me get What I Want.

[80sfan]

I downloaded a bunch of TV Themes this afternoon after listening to the podcast.

[Spears]

"I pity the fool that don't eat my breakfast cereal."

[chad]

pour some sugar on me. its on one of the older podcasts, with gini

[Big Tex]

Tonianne - I'm glad to see New Order represent! How bout Bizarre Love Triange as well?

[Jeff in Cuba]

Steve,

Pissed at Bon Jovi; bitter about Night Ranger.

Somebody needs thier Flintstones Chewable Prosac.

[Spears]

I have the new Def Leppard CD. Still listening to it. I'll review it this week, but suffice to say it will get a GREAT review. Good stuff.

[Marissa]

For me the anthem denotes that I crank it up no matter where I am. I turn up the volume even if I'm mid conversation.

"What I Like About You" ~ THe Romantics
"In a Big Country" ~ Big Country
"Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat"~ The Go-gos

[Spears]

Disappointed with Bon Jovi, but totally still in love with Night Ranger. Just a communication issue with the venue, I know.

They still put on an epic show. I'd have killed to have seen them at GTMO. The band still raves about that experience.

I think playing at GTMO is going to be something every band is going to want to do after hearing Night Ranger talk about it.

[chad]

a few more: separate ways(worlds apart)-journey, danger zone-kenny loggins, lick it up and i love it loud-KISS, working for the weekend-loverboy, wild side and dr. feelgood-motley crue

[80sfan]

I have been enjoying the new Def Leppard CD all this week. Not bad, not bad.

[Spears]

By the way, anyone suggesting "Wang Chung Tonight" is going to be banned from the blog.

[Bassnote]

Rebel Yell - Billy idol
We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister
Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds
Fight For Your Right - Beastie Boys
Synchronicity II - The Police

Interestingly enough, I did a wedding friday night that used For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) by AC/DC as the wedding party introduction music.

[chad]

lol, wang chung

[Marissa]

How about "Let's Go" by the same band, Spearsy?

[Spears]

Put a bunch of Queen songs on the list: One Vision, Radio Ga-Ga, Another One Bites the Dust, Who Wants to Live Forever, I Want To Break Free.

[chad]

its been a good month or so with 80s based bands, asia, def leppard, whitesnake, dokken, bryan adams, with more coming soon

[Big Tex]

All good suggestions, Bassnote. I'd add Bang Your Head to that list.

[Spears]

"Don't You Forget About Me" -- well, we have our front-runner for the night.

Can it be dethroned?

[Carla]

Twisted Sister : We're Not Gonna Take It
Quiet Riot : C'mon Feel The Noise
Ratt : Round 'N Round

[Spears]

Fight for Your Right To Party

We're Not Gonna Take It

Obviously, the rock hits have the built-in advantage.

[Marissa]

"Word Up!" Cameo
"DAncing with Myself" ~ Billy Idol
"Jungle Love" and "THe Bird" ~ The Time
"The Boys are Back in Town" ~ The Busboys (thanks Bassnote)

[Jeff in Cuba]

Haven't had a chance to listen to the latest cast. I'm downloading it now, but it will be another 45 minutes.

I'm just a slave to the bandwidth.

[Tonianne]

big tex - let sister christian qualify and you got yourself a deal.

chad - love the new def leppard.

steve - ever since the politics in the 80s podcast, i've thought deggans was a rock star. you need to have him on more often.

and i'm still pondering what a "landscaping minor" entails.

[chad]

few more: dont tell me you love me and secret of my success-night ranger, lay it down-ratt, living in oz-rick springfield.

[Spears]

Holy crap, the Ratt lead singer is here in Tampa Bay this week for a solo gig, I think.

Should I cover it?

[Marissa]

"Don't you forget about me" is so obvious, though.

[chad]

ratt's supposed to be doing a new cd as well later in the year

[Spears]

Obvious is good and bad. But 'Riss has a point. Surely there is a song that represents our generation slightly better.

[Big Tex]

You can cover it, Spears. It should take about 3 minutes for him to play his hit, then you're free for the rest of the night.

[Bassnote]

Should I Stay Or Should I Go - The Clash
Somebody - Bryan Adams
People Are People - Depeche Mode
What You Need - INXS
Things Can Only Get Better - Howard Jones
Sunglasses At Night - Corey Hart

[chad]

ok they werent a one hit wonder.

[80sfan]

I was just about to suggest Rick Springfield's Living in Oz.

How about Heart's - Even it Up?

[ian]

Marissa, I forgot about "Don't you forget about me". It's hard to remember all the good ones. There's just too many!

[Spears]

I'm thinking there's a definitive Depeche Mode song here. Maybe "Blasphemous Rumors"?

[chad]

i had somebody on my list as well, but took it off. what about summer of 69

[80sfan]

Pat Benatar's All Fired Up
Byran Adams - Kids Wanna Rock

[Marissa]

and please, please, please don't say it's Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough"

[Bassnote]

Eighties - Killing Joke

[Spears]

Anyone thinking of coming to Tampa for the July 30 Journey/Heart/Cheap Trick show?

[chad]

or maybe one night love affair by bryan adams

[Marissa]

Nooooooooooo not Blasphemous Rumors. ack

[Jeff in Cuba]

Everclear is the next band to rock GTMO. Not exactly in my pop culture comfort zone, so I'm having trouble prepping for my interview.

I may have to ask Sean for some pointers so I can perpetuate the illusion of my rock journo credentials.

[Big Tex]

Wish I could join you, Spearsy - gotta work...

[chad]

im still pondering coming down

[Spears]

I love "One Night Love Affair" -- quick, what movie does it appear in?

[Marissa]

The Miss Riss Story?

[chad]

real genius

[Carla]

I was going to say "Can't Get Enough".. but I'm thinking of the version by Winger

[Bassnote]

Who Do You Want To Be - Oingo Boingo

[80sfan]

Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out for a Hero
Billy Idol's Rebel Yell
Scandal's The Warrior

[chad]

one of val kilmers best flicks

[Tonianne]

def. need something by heart. maybe "alone."

slade - run run away

[Bassnote]

If anyone suggests Come On Eileen, I will hunt you down like a dog.

[Marissa]

Wind of Change ~ Scorpions

[Bassnote]

Here's my Heart suggestion: Never

[Jeff in Cuba]

Steve,

We're still not sure if we're coming to the Tamps get-together, or all the way to Vegas.

But we'll see see you somewhere, sometime this summer!

[chad]

and yet a few more: theres only one way to rock and i cant drive 55-sammy hagar, modern day cowboy-tesla, still of the night-whitesnake, tell me what you want-zebra(from louisiana originally)

[Carla]

So Bassnote... I'm guessing "True" by Spandau Ballet is out too?? lol

[Bassnote]

I second There's Only One Way To Rock by Sammy Hagar

[chad]

yes totally not an anthem

[Spears]

Jeff quotes a classic Simple Minds tune!

I'm in awe. I love that song. I can sing it like a drunk man in a Boston St. Patrick's Day parade.

[Marissa]

In honor of Sean Daly I throw this little gem out to you all
"Da Butt" ~ E.U.

[Bassnote]

Pride (In The Name Of Love) - U2

[Spears]

BTW, "Winds of Change" was 1990, i think. But I've grandfathered it in.

[Bassnote]

Oh heck, Let's go with Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2 too.

[chad]

always loved new years day by u2

[Spears]

And, AND...

I'm personally offended that no REO songs have been mentioned to this point!

OFFENDED!

Though it's possible that's the Wild Turkey talking.

[Mike in Austin]

The podcast was good. I enjoyed the gentleman's commentary. I think you've had him on before.

[80sfan]

Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves - Aretha Franklin with The Eurythmics
Heart and Soul - Huey Lewis and the News
Kick - INXS

[Big Tex]

Good call, Bassnote - "This song is not a rebel song!"

[Mike in Austin]

Wild Turkey is on my agenda for the next Las Vegas Training Event

[Big Tex]

I was thankful that no REO Chuckwagon songs had been mentioned.

[chad]

well i was gonna put a few reo tunes, but changed my mind. but heres a few: dont let him go, that aint love, i do'wanna know, keep the fire burning

[Bassnote]

Da Butt does not qualify.

[ian]

We all secretly agreed to NOT mention REO. ...just for you Spears!

[Jeff in Cuba]

I was going to feed my addiction to Scottish jangle-pop and nominate "Obscurity Knocks" (Trashcan Sinatras), but I think that puts me in the early 90's.

Can anybody carbon date that track for me?

[Carla]

ZZ Top: Sharp Dressed Man or Cheap Sunglasses (was that 80's?)

[chad]

another great sammy hagar tune, three lock box

[Spears]

Be careful with the Wild Turkey, Mike. It bites.

Start with Jack first, then go for the Turk 182. Then once you tired of Timothy Hutton, try liquor. Actually just the Turk 80, then the Turk 101.

[Miguel]

Hi guys.It`s 2:36 here in Lisbon and no sleep.
Put She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult

[Carla]

Cheap Trick : Dream Police... released in 79, but on the charts in early 1980!

[Spears]

Sunday Bloody Sunday -- I think we might have a new front rummer. Whoa, I mean front-runner.

That's the Turkey. Gooble.

[Tonianne]

keep on loving you has to be included. do it for lawrence, man.

[Big Tex]

Start Me Up by the Stones

[chad]

was damn yankees in the 80s? if so, coming of age will do

[Mike in Austin]

I just relayed your training tip to the wife, she laughed. Jack it is. DONE!
The next training event will take place the first weekend of June. I know, I know, I need to get out there and train but time is precious

[Carla]

Kenny Loggins: Footloose or Nobody's Fool!

Steve are you educating us on Wild Turkey, in hopes we can keep up with you??

[Jeff in Cuba]

Bassnote,

I'll grant you that 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday' is anthemic, but my tragic history with that tune will preclude me from granting it my full support.

Some scars don't heal.

[80sfan]

Beastie Boys - You Gotta Fight For Your Right...
R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A - John Mellencamp
I Hate Myself for Lovin' You - Joan Jett

[Spears]

Miguel -- If I could buy you a plane ticket to Vegas, I would, my friend!

We need you there!

[Mike in Austin]

Anthems you say "Little 15" by Depeche Mode.....Oh caca....wrong blog....

[Bassnote]

Wouldn't It Be Good - Nik Kershaw
Let's Go To Bed - The Cure
I Still Believe (Great Design) - The Call
Big Time - Peter Gabriel
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Take Me Home - Phil Collins
The Way It Is - Bruce Hornsby & The Range
Girls Girls Girls - Motley Crue
Alive And Kicking - Simple Minds

[chad]

another asia tune, sole survivor or here comes the feeling

[jane]

Jeff in Cuba:

"Obscurity Knocks" by Trashcan Sinatras = 1991

jane the research babe

[Big Tex]

Panama by VH

[Marissa]

Rock The Casbah ~ The Clash
Why you ask? Drunk people sing it at parties and tear up the lyrics. I find it amusing.

[chad]

a few van hagar tunes: afu(all fired up), "5150", and dreams

[Bassnote]

I have to go read to my kids, but I will be back.

[chad]

couldnt sing that song sober. can barely understand them

[Miguel]

Ah,Steve i would love to go to Vegas!
If you wanna buy it,be my guest!

Just Like Heaven,Boys Don`t Cry-The Cure

[80sfan]

1 word...True

[Tom]

Stones-Start Me Up.

Asia-Only Time Will Tell

Zebra-Who's Behind the Door

Just the first few notes and you know the 80's have arrived.

[Big Tex]

Any REM? Radio Free Europe or Can't Get There from Here

[ian]

U2- Sunday Bloody Sunday
U2- Pride (In the Name of Love)
Beastie Boys - You Gotta Fight For Your Right...
Van Halen - Panama
Peter Gabriel - Big Time
The Clash - Rock the Casbah

[Miguel]

LONDON CALLING-THE CLASH

One of the greatest tunes of all time!

[chad]

figured id be the only person listing a zebra tune. they still play here in ole la. on a regular basis

[Spears]

Best REM anthem? Good challenge...

I'm drawing a blank.

[Mike in Austin]

Bassnote, what a great man....read to your babies....I'm reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

[ian]

YES! London Calling!

[chad]

happy shiny people? its 90s dont count. lol just kidding

[Spears]

OK, side question.

Help out with more TV themes for the top 20 or top 30 list I have to write sometime tomorrow.

What songs NOT on this week's podcast nee to be on there?

[80sfan]

REM's Stand

Tomorrow we kick off Radiothon Week here in GTMO to raise money the the Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society.

Folks will pledge money to put songs on the air, and then others will pledge more money to bump them off the air in favor of another song. It's very Darwinian, very fun, and raises a whole lot of money for a worthy cause.

Anyway, I'll be on the air 2 or 3 hours a day, and I'll put 5 bucks behind the anthem that ends the chat in the top slot, and dedicate it to the Greater 80's Nation.

So now we're playing for something!

[chad]

only problem i had with the list was the greatest american hero being so low. i figured it would be top five at least

[Spears]

London Calling and Rudy Can't Fail...

Two sure picks.

[Carla]

TV Theme Songs...

Without Us... Family Ties

[jane]

R.E.M. -
Can't Get There From Here
Stand

The Police --
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

[80sfan]

The Simpsons

[Marissa]

I'm done contributing to the song list.

[chad]

jeff gotta play (you can still) rock in america. i figure its already on your list

[Tom]

I grew up in Nola, Chad so La bands always have a special spot for me.

[ian]

REM's "It the End of the World As We Know It" ??

[Miguel]

Steve, the Dallas theme(hated the show but always stood for the opening credits).

Charles in Charge.

[chad]

another asia tune, go from astra

Jane, I was thinking more of Synchronicity II.

[Miguel]

Definitely The Simpsons,man!

[80sfan]

Facts of Life, Gimme a Break, and The Fall Guy.

[jane]

Good call. Synchronicity II works quite well as a Police anthem. Although truth be told, I prefer Synchronicity I.

[Spears]

I wanted either Dallas or Dynasty in the top 10 list, but I figured putting Dynasty in the intro bit with me and Sean covered that.

But suffice to say they'll both be in the final list.

And Greatest American Hero would be higher on my personal list. It falls a little since the show didn't last long.

[chad]

in the 8os and some of the 90s every band or singer came to louisian all the time, now no one comes. so i have to drive all over the friggin place to see anyone. only place they usually come is the house of blues in new orleans. but you wont see anyone like bon jovi or leppard there. although the black crowes are coming in november.

That is a good tune, but I always thought the lyrics were a bit weak compared to Synch II.

[Spears]

I still don't feel like we've figured out the real TOP anthem of the 80s.

Maybe the 80s was a bad decade for anthems.

[80sfan]

One Day at a Time

[Jeff in Cuba]

What about the Specials' "Free Nelson Mandela"?

Just because the political underpinnings of a song come undone, it doesn't make it any less anthemic.

[Miguel]

Hey,Entourage is on!From now it will be one eye in the chat,the other on the TV.

[chad]

i have the greatest american hero in all its glory on dvd, all three seasons. great show, they are supposedely gonna do a movie.

[Spears]

The new season of Entourage?? Or just a rerun?

VICTORY!!!

[80sfan]

I really like the theme to Quantum Leap but it's barely an 80s show.

The 80's were a great decade for anthems! I think you may need to slow down on the hooch Spears!

[chad]

a few more bon jovi tunes: wanted dead or alive, you give love a bad name, runaway, wild in the streets, born to be my baby.

[jane]

Can't be the new season of Entourage yet. I'd know if my boys were back in town.

LLOYD!

[chad]

actually you could say the 80s were the last decade of anthems. i cant think of any from the 90s and onward. only ones i can think of is from 80s bands

[80sfan]

If I had to pick one song as an anthem to the 80s it would be Queen's We Will Rock You.

[Tonianne]

note to self: see if luxor gets hbo.

[chad]

tell you vision would qualify as a new one. great song.

[chad]

tell your vision would qualify as a new one. great song.

chad, I think you may be right. The early 90's gave a few great anthems, but after that, it seemed to have died.

Bon Jovi may have tried to bring it back with, "It's My Life".

[Spears]

"We Will Rock You" was 70s, wasn't it?

As for the 90s, they have "Smells like Teen Spirit."

Though I say screw Nirvana.

[chad]

oops sorry about that

[Miguel]

Hi I`m back.I was hooked on Entourage.It`s a season 4 episode the one where Eric has a small car accident with Anna Faris and Turtle is out of weed.

[Spears]

Anyone got a top pick from what we've mentioned so far?

[80sfan]

Whoops. It was 1977.

[chad]

ones i can think of would be, keep the faith-bon jovi, dont tread on me-damn yankees, sign of the times-night ranger, to name a few

[Jeff in Cuba]

Completely off topic.

I spent Friday afternnon with a couple of Florida congressman (Representatives Crenshaw and Stearns). What's going on, Florida voters?

They were nice enough guys, but not exactly the sharpest of the 64 Crayolas.

[Marissa]

Has anything from Thriller been thrown out there? Such as, Thriller?

You may need to give us a recap. That's if you've been jotting all these songs down.

[Big Tex]

I'm OK with either Pride or Don't You (Forget About Me) as a top pick

[Carla]

From what we have so far.. I'm liking "Back In Black" probably the best!

[M]

No TV watching in Vegas Tonianne, unless of course Jane makes TV available in her ultra lounge