I Completed 80s Music

By: The 80s Mixtaper
  • Summary

  • In 2016 I started listening to every single UK chart entry from January 1st 1980 to December 31st 1989. This is the story of that journey, the bands, the music and how 80s music unfolded through lots of lovely playlists. If you’re new to 80s music, consider this a great entry point. If you’re here for nostalgia, you’re in for a treat! Wham! Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Bros, The Smiths - you name it, I have you covered. As midlife crises go, it could be worse! Cover art by Florian Schmetz. Go check him out at Unsplash!
    The 80s Mixtaper
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Episode 18 David Bowie, Fassbender and Russell, Ultravox, Dire Straits, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Honey Bane
    May 5 2025

    Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, your ultimate tour of the decade's most iconic sounds. Our host, the 80s Mixtaper, transports us from the threshold of 1980 to the vibrant sound energy of 1981. This episode explores not only two of the era's essential tracks but delves into narratives that defined music in those transformative years.

    Our sonic adventure kicks off with David Bowie and his audacious single "Scary Monsters and Super Creeps," marking Bowie's innovative leap into the new decade. We then traverse through the poignant echoes of Susan Fassbender and Kay Russell's "Twilight Café" — a track as enchanting as it is ephemeral.

    Ultravox's "Vienna" takes center stage, a monumental anthem that redefined New Wave. Followed by Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet," an evocative ballad bridging Shakespearean romance with gritty realism. The episode also revisits Diana Ross's introspective "It's My Turn," a declaration of autonomy.

    We spotlight Phil Collins' solo triumph "In the Air Tonight," his raw, powerful expression of heartache that elevated the single into a cultural phenomenon.

    Concluding with Honey Bane, a punk icon's flirt with pop in "Turn Me On, Turn Me Off." Each song paints a vivid soundscape of 1981, a year defined by musical exploration and relentless creativity. Join us as we delve into the stories behind the tracks, the artists, and the immense cultural tapestry of the 80s.

    Links to playlist 18:

    Spotify

    Apple Music

    In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:

    1. David Bowie - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)

    2. Susan Fassbender and Kay Russell - Twighlight Cafe

    3. Vienna - Ultravox

    4. Dire Straits - Romeo and Julier

    5. Diana Ross - Its My Turn

    6. Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight

    7. Honey Bane - Turn Me On Turn Me Off

    Show more Show less
    49 mins
  • Episode 17: YOU HAVE COMPLETED 1980!
    Apr 28 2025

    Hello and welcome back to "I Completed 80s Music" with your host, the 80s Mixtaper. In this milestone episode, we celebrate completing the first year of our 80s musical journey with the conclusion of 1980. Before diving into a year-end review, we explore the final five tracks left on playlist 17. Join us as we delve into a film hit from Queen, a whimsical tune by The Police, a classic synth track from Visage, Stevie Wonder's unique country impression, and some funky beats from Yarborough and Peoples.

    As we say goodbye to 1980, we'll reflect on standout solo artists, iconic bands, and noteworthy trends that shaped the year. Get ready for an exciting preview of what's to come in 1981, with new music discoveries and continued exploration into the heart of 80s music. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey as we complete the music of 1980, and look forward to an equally thrilling year ahead.

    Links to playlist 17:

    Apple Music

    Spotify

    In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:

    1. Queen - Flash

    2. The Police - De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da

    3. Visage - Fade To Grey

    4. Stevie Wonder - I Aint Gonna Stand For It

    5. Yarbrough and Peoples - Don't Stop The Music

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Episode 16.5 Madness, Jona Lewie, Chas and Dave, Siouxie and the Banshees, The Clash, Adam and the Ants
    Apr 21 2025

    Join the 80s mixtaper for a captivating musical exploration of late 1980 as we dive into some of the most iconic tracks of the era. This episode spotlights "Embarrassment" by Madness, a bold and deeply personal song that challenges societal norms and family dynamics. We also delve into Jonah Louie's unexpected Christmas hit "Stop the Cavalry," a protest song turned festive classic.

    Experience the humorous yet contraversial "Rabbit" by Chas & Dave, and discover the haunting beauty of Susie and the Banshees' "Israel," a track that transcends traditional Christmas themes with its gothic and atmospheric sound. Meanwhile, the Clash's "The Call Up" offers a quietly subversive anti-war message, underscoring the band's diverse musical and thematic range.

    Finally, revel in the audacious rebellion of Adam and the Ants with "Ant Music," a track that signifies a turning point in the 80s music scene with its flamboyant and innovative sound. With each song, immerse yourself in the vibrant and transformative landscape of the year's end, celebrating the diverse and unparalleled creativity of the 1980s.

    Links to playlist 16:

    Spotify

    Apple Music

    In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are:

    8. Madness - Embarrassment

    9. Jona Lewie - Stop The Cavalry

    10. Chas and Dave - Rabbit

    11. Siouxie and the Banshees - Israel

    12. The Clash - The Call Up

    13. Adam and the Ants - Antmusic

    Show more Show less
    35 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup

What listeners say about I Completed 80s Music

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.