Help out an '80s fan with a mix tape

Hey, gang. If you haven't heard Episode 150 yet (The Horrible Hits of 1981), here's our big dilemma. A fan from Atlanta -- "VJ" -- is 16 years old and is trying to woo a girl from school with an awesome '80s mix tape.

He recently wrote the "love doctors" at Stuck in the '80s for feedback on his playlist. Here it is (click the band name to see the video from YouTube):

• Call Me (Go West)
• Head Over Heels (Tears for Fears)
• Something About You (Level 42)
• Sign Your Name (Terence Trent D'Arby)
• True (Spandau Ballet)
• You're The Inspiration (Chicago)
• Rosanna (Toto)
• Africa (Toto)
• Whenever You Need Somebody (Rick Astley)
• Can't Fight This Feeling (REO Speedwagon)
• Waiting for a Girl Like You (Foreigner)

What do you think? Which songs work and which don't? I'm already on the record, saying he needs to deep-six Africa from the list. Add your own favorites as Sean Daly and I each concoct our own suggested mix lists for VJ.

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Comments

[Stacey]

Okay. This is my first comment here, I love the show and I've been listening for years.

I'm just 16, like Vj and I love the 80s. I'm working on a mixcd myself with 80s love songs for my friends because I love making mixcds.

Here are some of my song picks.

Do You Want to hold Me?- Bow Wow Wow
Wishing(If I Had A Photograph of You)- A Flock of Seagulls
Hounds of Love- Kate Bush
Strange Currencies- R.E.M
Don't Start- They Might Be Giants
Dance Hall Days- Wang Chung
Classic Girl- Janes Addiction
Lips Like Sugar- Echo & the Bunnymen

[Ian]

The Greg Kihn Band's Break Up song should NOT be on this list (I agree with Spearsy).

On a separate note, Greg Kihn was born in Baltimore Maryland (my hometown) and my father was a childhood aquaintence of GK (not a friend but he knew of him -for what it's worth).

[Mr. Paul]

"Hold Me Now"... great choice! Also, Jeff in Cuba hit one out of the ballpark with Michael Stanley Band's "He Can't Love You" if only to pump up the volume on the mix. Gotta include "The Promise" by When in Rome. Of course, I have plenty of suggestions if it all goes south... "Don't Let it End" (Styx), "I Got the Feelin' (It's Over)" (Gregory Abbott), "Goodbye" (Night Ranger)... etc. etc. etc. Good luck, VJ!

[Bassnote]

Head Over Heels - The Go-Go's
Achin' To Be - The Replacements
Arrested By You - Rupert Hine (it worked for John Cusack in Better Off Dead)

[CHAD]

you never heard the single open. he put it out last year on itunes. if you want, i can email you the tune if you want.send me an email at cabowabo51fifty@yahoo.com

[sparky]

Chad, what is Open. And where did you get it?

[CHAD]

after livin' it up was so laid-back, i kinda wanted an all out rock cd, it's varied, but no more than red voodoo or marching to mars. i really dig all of the tracks except the beastie boys cover. i really think he should've put open on this cd. i placed it as track 10, it fits right in with the rest of the cd.

I got my planets misaligned.

I like it. I think my favorite on the cd is Switch of the Light followed by Cosmic Universal Fashion followed by Loud.

Now that this came out I am anxiously awaiting the Chickenfoot project.

[CHAD]

you mean planet US? the second and third tunes, psycho vertigo and peephole. soul sirkus also did peephole on their cd a few years ago. he played psycho vertigo during some of his b-day bash shows. i was hoping to hear that one as well. but the inclusion of yurn up the music and plain jane made up for that. what do you think of the new cd?

[sparky]

What were the Planet P songs that were on this album.

[CHAD]

he played cosmic universal fashion, LOUD, when the sun don't shine, and dreams/cabo

[sparky]

Chad, what did he play off the new album?

[CHAD]

the first four tracks, absoluetely smoke. i could go w/o the beastie boys remake. this cd is a grower. after the rocking start, it kinda goes the livin it up route. but the songs are catchy, and the live version of dreams is awesome. by the way, i inserted open into the cd on my itunes library, makes it a fuller cd.

[GlennS.]

If I was making the tape for myself I'd ditch almost all of those songs except maybe the Tears for Fears. But since it is to impress a girl, I'd say that this young man is on the right track. I would simply add "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper, to show her he understands the give and take of relactionships.

Chad, just picked up CUF at the music store. Got through the first 4 tracks, very different from Living It Up.

Mrs. Sparky and I are waiting to see him this summer when he tours. It's funny that I turned her into a Redhead.

[Rock Fields]

Just saw this one.

I think that Africa needs to go and add these:

Stay the Night - Chicago
Then Along Comes a Woman - Chicago
Take My Breath Away - Berlin
Everything I do (I Do It For You) - Bryan Adams

Hard to believe all the Top Gun fans missed the Berlin song.

As for missing mix-tapes, I think they have now turned into playlists on the old iPod.

[Rae]

Love the idea of "Everlasting Love" by HJ and also Bowie's "As the World Falls Down". Great songs!!

I would also recommend taking out Toto, and perhaps adding some Bon Jovi - maybe "Livin' on a Prayer" and also some Queen in "Somebody to Love".

I miss mixed tapes. Maybe it's time for me to create a special playlist for my hubby on the MP3 player... :)

[Anne]

Oingo Boingo- "We Close Our Eyes" (My #1 most played iPod song!)

Howard Jones- "Everlasting Love"

Depeche Mode- "Just Can't Get Enough"

The Cure- "Just Like Heaven"

Modern English- "Melt With YOu"

I could go on...and on...but these would be my top picks!

[Roy, UK]

Why are people putting Phil Collins and Genesis songs down? VJ wants to show his girl how much he wants to be with her, not make her feel like she's some evil controlling cow who dumped him for his painter-decorator and he'll keep on hating her until he finally discovers Disney music.

Phil is an amazing artist, but he's definitely not designed for pre relationship mix tapes. Perhaps use him for the 'Get Outta My Head B***h' playlists you use if the relationship turns sour. He's well used to that.

As far as practical help in choosing songs go, i'd put on:

Lullaby- Wang Chung
Right Here Waiting- Richard Marx
The Beautiful Ones- Prince
In Your Eyes- Peter Gabriel
You Make My Dreams- Hall and Oates
Open Arms- Journey

[Cathy]

I'm going to be more obscure with my pick from The Cure and a little darker..... Just One Kiss

Somebody by Depeche Mode

Let's Go Forward by Terence Trent D'Arby
(Hey it worked for Seth Rogen in Knocked Up)

We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo

And I have to agree with the others -definitely something off of Avalon!

Plus I know that this isn't '80s but if someone put Otis Redding on a mix CD for me ala Duckie, I would be theirs!!!!

[Douglas Arthur]

Late to the party here, so I missed my opportunity to suggest something from Roxy Music's landmark classic Avalon album, so instead I will suggest something a bit off the beaten path. How about either Heartbeat or Matte Kudasai by King Crimson? Usually known for their noisy prog rock/art rock, these are two of their prettier songs. Adrian Belew's heartfelt lyrics and guitar are counterpointed by some of Robert Fripp's most emotional riffs, Bill Bruford's steady, but intricate rhythms, and the bedrock of Tony Levin's bass and stick work. Give 'em a whirl and see if you like 'em. But definitely go with the Roxy Music. Avalon is the greatest make out album of all-time.

Another I just thought of is Art Of Noise's Moments in Love. It used to make my ex all mushy-like.

[CHAD]

sparky
i saw sammy last nite in new orleans, awesome show. he did a few tunes from the new cd. they sounded great. he was in fine form. for a 61 year old guy, he may have the best voice in rock. add the fact, that he opened the show with turn up the music and plain jane, it was an excellent performance. sorry to hi-jack the thread, steve. here's a few: baby it's you-sammy hagar, reason to live-KISS, somebody-bryan adams, the deeper the love-whitesnake, hearts away-night ranger, why can't this be love-van halen, alone with you-the outfield, and don't walk away-rick springfield.

[Bassnote]

If I Was - Midge Ure
Sweet Sixteen - Billy Idol
Everything In My Heart - Corey Hart

[Vegasgirlfriend]

Gotta add a few from my mix that reminds me of Spears:

Don't Cry by Asia
Good Feeling by Violent Femmes
As The World Falls Down by David Bowie
Be Near Me by ABC
Crazy Love by Bryan Ferry
Land by Duran Duran
Eloise by The Damned
Always on my Mind by Pet Shop Boys
any song off of the album Avalon by Roxy Music

[Bassnote]

How could I forget one I used on a tape for my wife! "Follow You, Follow Me" - Genesis (live version from Three Sides Live).

[Rick]

He should add any or all of these:

The Ghost in You - Psychedelic Furs

More Than This - Roxy Music

Avalon - Roxy Music

Wrapped Around Your Finger - The Police

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police

[sparky]

I use to be the master of the mix tape. So here ya go Steve, Sean and VJ:

If You Need Somebody - Bad Company
When I See You Smile - Bad English
C'Etait Toi (You Were The One - Billy Joel
Take It Slow - Bobby Brown
I'll Be There for You - Bon Jovi
Please Don't Go - Boyz II Men
Man's Job - Bruce Springsteen
My Beautiful Reward - Bruce Springsteen
Run to You - Bryan Adams
Where You Goin' Now - Damn Yankees
Have You Ever Needed Someone so Bad - Def Leppard
Boardwalk Baby - Eddie Money
Kayleigh - Marillion
Color of Your Smile - Night Ranger
Call My Name - Night Ranger
When You Close Your Eyes - Night Ranger
All the Love in the World - The Outfield
Everytime You Cry - The Outfield
Your Love - The Outfield
In My Dreams - REO Speedwagon
Darlin' One - The Replacements
What I Like About You - The Romantics
One in a Million - The Romantics
Back Into You - Sammy Hagar
Two Sides of Love - Sammy Hagar
Don't Make Me Wait - Sammy Hagar
A Girl Like You - The Smithereens
Tempted - Squeeze
Foolish Heart - Steve Perry
She's Mine - Steve Perry
I've Got a Lot to Learn About Love - The Storm
If We Never Meet Again - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers
She's a Beauty - The Tubes
When It's Love - Van Halen
Everybody Wants Some!! - Van Halen
I'll Wait - Van Halen
Love Walks In - Van Halen
I Saw Red - Warrant
Sometimes She Cries - Warrant
Love Will Find a Way - Yes

Go get 'em VJ

[chase]

What I like about You ... and Cool Places ... wow, great choices, y'all, I forgot about both of those

[Jeff in Cuba]

A few suggestions:

"Somewhere In My Heart" ~ Aztec Camera
"Solid Bond In Your Heart" ~ Style Council
"Heart & Soul" ~ T'Pau
"He Can't Love You" ~ Michael Stanley Band
"I Melt With You" ~ Modern English
"Whenever You're On My Mind" ~ Marshall Crenshaw

[Angela]

It Must Be Love by Madness is another good one to put on the list.

[Tom]

I'd ditch Toto and add

Hall & Oates-"Kiss On My List" and/or "One on One"

Howard Jones- "Everlasting Love"

Roger Daltrey- "Without Your Love"

Romantics- "What I Like About You"

Just my 2 cents, good luck VJ!

[Rob Bass from Chicago]

I agree with miguel...when I saw this post; I immediately thought "Slave to Love" by Roxy Music.

I love the lyrics of this song...

"We´re too young to reason
Too grown up to dream"

I think you could easily grandfather in the song by 10CC titled, "I'm not in Love"

[Bassnote]

I love some of the suggestions that have been posted.

Let My Love Open The Door - Pete Townshend (go with the E Cola Mix that was used in the movie Grosse Pointe Blank)
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel (inspired choice)
Cool Places - Sparks & Jane Weidlin (LOVE this one)

[Jake Grimme From Indiana]

Ok guys how about Every Rose Has Its Thorn By Poison i mean what a way to melt that young girls heart

[Spears]

"Hold Me Now" is a great pick! Just ask my first, Alisa! (If i could find her.)

[Miguel]

Africa gotta go, mate.

You can add:
.The Power Of Love-Frankie Goes To Holywood
.Let My Love Open The Door-Pete Towshend
.In Too Deep-Genesis(no tunes from Phil Collins solo,man)
.Slave To Love-Bryan Ferry
.Baby Can I Hold You-Tracy Chapman

Good luck with the girl!

[Jake Grimme From Indiana]

Hey guys i havent posted in a very long time i guess ive just been caught up in school and what not. But i have a suggestion what about
In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
just a thought maybe even Carrie by Europe

[Kevy Metal]

For sage and solid advice on how to compose a mix tape I highly recommend watching "High Fidelity". If you haven't already of course, and if you have...reflect. A mix tape is an effort not to be taken lightly.

I would be weary of laying it on too thick with the song selection. Mix up the listing with some fun, playful tunes that convey your message without being so serious. Some suggestions:

"Just Can't Get Enough" - Depeche Mode
"Love and Pride" - King
"Cool Places" - Sparks
"Hurt So Good" - John Cougar Mellencamp

And if you think the mix needs a little spice try these:

"Erotic City" - Prince
"Sex Dwarf" - Soft Cell
"Master and Servant" - Depeche Mode

From personal experience I strongly advocate putting time into creating great cover art. The images can tell a story, represent a theme, reference a shared interest, or just be simply dynamic and cool to look at.

[don in tulsa]

less euro crap and more rock and metal "fluff." i like some of the suggestions from above such as journey (just about anything slow from them had the girls melting in high school), whitesnake "is this love" is a keeper. i do think :when you close your eyes" by night ranger isn't a good choice. on the surface yes but it's really a song about a breakup and wondering if the girl thinks about you now that she's "blown" it. for some variety throw in:

“Hold Me Now” by Thompson Twins
“Every Little Thing She Does” by the police
"I just died in your arms tonight" by Cutting Crew
"Just Like Heaven" by The Cure
Need You Tonight - INXS
Waiting For A Girl Like You - Foreigner
Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon
Almost Paradise (Ann Wilson & Mike Reno)

how about adding some cinderella, mr big (to be with you), tesla (love song), the cars (you might think)

so many songs so little time.

[Fr. Paul]

Oops, noticed I made The Cure a song title. Oh well. I forgot "Against All Odds" per your suggestion too - Phil and Genesis have a ton of great stuff.

[chase]

Hi Father Paul, nice to hear from you, loved your letter!

[Fr. Paul]

Hey, greetings from Fr. Paul from the Twin Cities. Thanks to Sean and Steve for reading my letter along with the other pastor. Now if I could just figure out the song they had played for us...

Once upon a time, I did date, and made a couple of mix tapes. Of course never again will I make one, but here are my suggestions:

“Rock and Roll Heart” by Eric Clapton
“In Too Deep” by Genesis.
“Hold Me Now” by Thompson Twins.
“No One To Blame” by Howard Jones.
“True” Spandau Ballet (Sorry, Sean!)
“Invisible Touch” by Genesis
“She’s Got a Way” by Billy Joel
“Lady In Red” by Chris DeBurgh
“Hello” – Lionel Richie.
“Red Red Wine” by UB40.
“Every Little Thing She Does”
“Something About You” – Level 42
“I Got My Mind Set On You” – George Harrison.
“The Cure” – Just Like Heaven
“Forever Young” – Alphaville.
“Don’t Dream It’s Over” – Crowded House.
“Lost In Emotion” – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
"Don't Stop Believing" - Journey

What a great age. It was terrifying approaching girls for me in high school as it was for many guys, but I wish him the best. I was on a retreat this weekend with some of our teens, and it was a great experience, though me and the chaperones had to police to make sure couples didn't go off alone. I actually gave a talk on the importance of respecting one another's body, and hopefully it sunk in. It's great to start dating, but people must remember one needent take their clothes off to have a good time. That might make a good song. In all seriousness, I hope I made some progress because at that age, sometimes people tend to go way too fast and not think things through. Hope the CD mix turns out well for him though. He does have good taste in music!

Have a great week!

Padre Paul

[chase]

How about "I just died in your arms tonight" by Cutting Crew ...

"Is This Love?" by Whitesnake (bonus points for the name of the band, wink wink!)

and "I just called to say I love you" by Stevie Wonder ... awwwww

.... yeah, the Toto stuff has to go, you want her to like you, right?

[Petey in Montreal]

How about 'Heaven' by Bryan Adams?

[Bassnote]

I put my suggestions in the Cameron Frye post, but I'll repeat here with a few edits.

Keep:
Something About You - Level 42
Call Me -Go West
Waiting For A Girl Like You - Foreigner (despite their soulessness)
Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon
True - Spandau Ballet

Dump all the rest, especially the Toto songs (Rosanna is a song about getting dumped). If you are going with a Chicago song, be aggressive. Go with "Stay the Night". I like the song Head Over Heels by TFF, but that's a song that laments falling in love.

Add:
I've Been In Love Before - Cutting Crew
In Too Deep - Genesis
Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird - Will To Power
Like To Get To Know You Well - Howard Jones
Just Like Heaven - The Cure (or "Love Song")
Hold Me Now - Thompson Twins (or "King For A Day")
Delirious - Prince
When You Close Your Eyes - Night Ranger
Need You Tonight - INXS

[Spears]

Just Like Heaven or Friday I'm In Love -- both good picks.

I think we're missing Depeche Mode. Maybe "Somebody" ...

[Angie]

How about taking out Africa and replacing it with the Cure's Six Different Ways or Just Like Heaven?

[Keith TY]

Might be too cheesy but how about:

Almost Paradise (Ann Wilson & Mike Reno)
Glory of Love (Peter Cetera)
Amanda (Boston)
*this one only really works if her name is Amanda

Keep True (Spandau Ballet)
*in honor of Sean!

These were my go to songs for a mix tape from the 80s.

[Neil]

I agree, Africa should go...it really doesn't fit in that list. I would probably throw some Journey in the mix. That usually got the girls going when I was in Highschool, and probably some "Endless Love" wouldn't hurt either.

[Petey in Montreal]

Keep:
* Call Me (Go West)
* Something About You (Level 42)
* True (Spandau Ballet)
* Africa (Toto)
* Whenever You Need Somebody (Rick Astley)
* Can't Fight This Feeling (REO Speedwagon)

Dump:
the rest!