80s Music

"I went to see the concert last night. It was pretty good. I won't give any details. Theory of a Dead Man and Hinder were there too. It was worth the money!!!"

Andrea

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CrueFest: Motley Crue Tour Dates, New Motley Crue Album Info and More!

Published April 22nd, 2008 by Karen

Tommy Lee has become famous for a lot of things over the years, including certain videos he made with ex-wife Pam Anderson.

But, before he was starring in adult videos, the tattooed loud-mouth was starring in music videos with his band, Motley Crue.

The Crue hasn’t quite recaptured the glory of its leather panted, big hair ‘80s glory, but the band’s original line-up has reunited for a new tour, the aptly named CrueFest.

Set to launch this summer, CrueFest is poised to become something of an OzzFest for the retro hair-metal set.

In time for the new tour, Motley Crue has released a new album, Saints of Los Angeles. But, let’s face it nobody wants to hear new Crue, they want to hear classics like “Dr. Feelgood,” “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” and strip-club anthem, “Girls, Girls, Girls.”

Saints of L.A. is the Crue’s first album featuring the original line-up in a decade (although they did release a horrible album with a different singer back in 1997.)

Bands scheduled to join Motley Crue on the CrueFest tour include Papa Roach, Trapt and BuckCherry.

We’ve seen a preview of the live show here and, well, we’ll let you decide Vince Neil is singing, or using a backing track. Ahem.

Too bad fellow ‘80s leftover Bret Michaels and his band Poison didn’t sign on for the tour, too…maybe they couldn’t pull Bret away from his VH1 skank/dating show Rock of Love. (Since Bret didn’t find love on the season finale of Rock of Love 2, it seems likely that Rock of Love 3 is just around the corner.)

Tour doesn’t start until July, but here’s some Crue to keep you amused until then.

Motley Crue—“Live Wire” video
Fairly embarrassing display of red leather and hairspray. Classy.

Motley Crue—“Girls, Girls, Girls” video
Motorcycles? Yeah. Strippers? Yeah. Music? Pretty much what you should expect for a song about motorcycles and strippers.

Motley Crue—“Kickstart My Heart” video
Yeah, more motorcycles. But fewer strippers.
Motle Crue—“Dr. Feelgood” free mp3 download

Tell Us What You Think!
–Is Motley Crue too old to rock? Will you go to the concert? What song do you want to hear them play?

"real old bald guy trying to find love! He is just promoting himself because he has had no major hit in the past decade. Everyone know he's bald under..."

Trina

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Rock of Love 2 Winner Wonders What’s Under Bret Michaels Bandana?

Published April 18th, 2008 by Karen

It has been a busy week in the music world, but our favorite story of the week is Bret Michaels FINALLY revealing what is under his bandana. Bald? Wig? Weave? Keep reading…

VH1 wrapped up another season of the surprisingly popular celebrity skank-a-thon, oops, we mean, dating show, Rock of Love.

The show stars Bret Michaels, singer for ‘80s glam rock band Poison, known for songs such as “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Talk Dirty to Me.”

This season’s winner of Bret’s, um, love, was a girl named Ambre. You can see the dramatic final scenes, here.

Unfortunately, Michaels didn’t find true love, he’s already talking about the possibility of Rock of Love 3.

Of course, the biggest mystery of the show isn’t finding out who Bret’s new special lady is, it’s finding out what secret is concealed beneath his ever-present bandana.

Once part of his signature style, in recent years onlookers have started to suspect that the bandana covering his shiny blond hair is there to conceal Bret’s baldness and to hold on his wig.

Turns out, they were right. Sort of.

AP reports that Bret finally revealed what is under his scarf, “My hair is combined of my hair and the finest extensions Europe has to offer. I do the show without it on all the time and they won’t film me. They are like, “Put your bandanna back on. It is your image.” It is my signature thing.”

Now, if someone could just convince him to stop wearing so much lipgloss…

Seriously though, maybe he should take a cue from Jessica Simpson and launch his own line of hair extensions for aging rockstars?

In other news, Bret’s Poison bandmate, drummer Rikki Rockett, was arrested in March on sexual assault charges.

"rick astley was ahead of his time and a black guy in a corny white guys body,. Thats what is funny, becuz people are so uncomfortable with what they..."

Timrolled

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Who is YouTube Star Rick Astley and Why is He Awesome?

Published April 1st, 2008 by Karen

Anyone with a computer has probably been RickRolled by now—even if you don’t know what that is.

Don’t worry, your computer isn’t broken, but it is a little more awesome.

In short, RickRolling is what happens when you click a link, but instead of getting the webpage you expected, you are greeted with the 1987 music video of Rick Astley’s hit song, “Never Gonna Give You Up.” See the video here, if you haven’t already.

For its part, the song is a silly bit of disposable dance-pop. It’s really not anything special, and Astley was something of a one-hit-wonder in the ‘80s. The fact that the song has been resurrected in this way is random and weird and, most of all, entertaining (for now).

This online fad was born once net-dorks rediscovered the video and recognized the inherent comedic value in the (unintentionally) funny video and catchy song. It’s endearing because it’s such a weird bit of harmless fun (yeah, who knew “hacking” could be harmless fun? Go figure).

In a recent interview with the LA Times, Astley seemed confused and reluctantly flattered by the trend, but seems to have a sense of humor about it.

In fact, today the featured video section of YouTube has been hacked so that all of the video links lead to Astley.

Which, let’s face it, this silly video is probably better than most of YouTube’s videos of kids falling off of their skateboards anyway.

And for the record, Astley, now 42, is still a working musician—that might be the most surprising part of this whole story. Check out his website. Oh, and his hair is still fantastic.

In honor of Astley and RickRollers everywhere, we present today’s list:

The Most Awesome Things about Rick Astley

Super-sweet dance moves
While his big, booming voice is radio-gold, Astley’s dance moves are not. This may be the key to the whole video. In short, this must be where Napoleon Dynamite copped all of his dance moves. Awkward, nerdy, stiff and utterly devoid of rhythm, Rick Astley is a monument to bad dancing—and we love him for it.

Hair As evidenced by the now inescapable video, Astley has the biggest, shiniest pompadour since Elvis. You want to touch it, but you really shouldn’t.

Sunglasses
Over-sized ‘80s sunglasses? Yeah, he’s rockin’ em. So what?

Cheesy ‘80s synth music
This is after all, dance music. So cheesy keyboards are mandatory—and hilarious.

Fashion
A particularly suave wardrobe choice finds our star dressed in head to toe denim, all one color, all bleached/stonewashed. And his high-wasted pants practically come up to his nipples. Classy.

Incompetent backing dancers
Blond girls with big, um, hair, in tight dresses dance around Astley in several scenes of the video, and while Astley himself is no Fred Astaire, these ladies are worse than any Dancing with the Stars cast-off. The dancing bartender is also awesomely awful.

Hair, again.
Seriously, watch the video. This guy’s hair is beyond human. Perfectly sculpted and shellacked, it is surely indestructible and a wonder to behold. But, much like the sun, it is probably best not to stare directly at it.

Fun Fact:
In 1989 Astley was nominated for the Best New Artist award at the Grammys, but lost to Tracy Chapman. Yeah, well, who is laughing now, Tracy? Well, Tracy probably isn’t laughing, but then again, she doesn’t seem like much fun.

And…
Astley’s other hit song, “Together Forever” is almost as sweet as “Never Gonna Give You Up.” If that one catches on, Astley’s revived 15 minutes of fame might just last a little longer.

Your turn…
What’s the most awesome thing about Rick Astley? Leave a comment and tell us!

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Poison Rikki Rockett Arrest and Top Five Rockstar Crimes

Published March 28th, 2008 by Karen

AOL reports that 46-year-old Rikki Rockett, drummer for big-haired ’80s glam-metal band Poison, has been arrested at a L.A. airport on sexual assault charges from Mississippi.

Poison? The lamest, least-threatening band ever? That’s messed up. We’d expect this sort of thing from, I dunno, Motley Crue or something, but Poison? Weird. Poison frontman Bret Michaels has shown some bad judgment by starring in a skank-a-thon reality/dating show (Rock of Love), but at least he’s not a criminal.

Of course, Rockett isn’t the worst character in the music world.
So, today we’re taking a look at some famous musical criminals.

Yes, bad music should be a crime, but today we’re sticking with actual lawbreakers.

First, watch Rockett and Poison rock the 1986 hit, “Talk Dirty to Me” (video).

Top Rock Crimes and Scandals

Lead Belly—“Bourgeoisie Blues”
One of the most important figures in American folk and blues music, singer/guitarist Lead Belly (AKA Huddie William Ledbetter), was convicted of murdering a relative in 1918, and was accused of attempted homicide in 1930. Pretty tough stuff for a guy who made such nice music.

Chuck Berry—“Johnny B. Goode”
One of the pioneers of rock guitar, Chuck Berry was convicted of armed robbery (car theft) in 1944 and faced another scandal, and 5 years in prison, in 1959 after being implicated in a prostitution business. Maybe he should run for mayor of NY?

Phil Spector
This legendary music producer created his signature “wall-of-sound” recording style in the ‘60s and worked with groups like the Ronettes, Ike & Tina and the Beatles. Legendary tales of his erratic behavior include stories that he brandished a gun in the studio while working with artists such as John Lennon, Leonard Cohen and the Ramones. In 2003, he faced trial for the murder of Lana Clarkson.
Mayhem

Artimus Pyle of Lynryd Skynyrd—“Free Bird”
Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this creepy fella was arrested twice for failure to register as a sex offender, following his 1993 conviction on charges of sexual battery against two children ages 4 and 8.

And now, the scariest band ever:

Although not widely known in the U.S., this black metal outfit is probably the most feared band in its native Norway. Although many of the stories surrounding this band are merely urban legends, it is true that band members have been tangled up in a gruesome series of events including murder, suicide and possible cannibalism. In fact, one of the band’s album covers features a photo of the suicide scene. You can read the very gory details here and here, but you’ve been warned. They might be scary maniacs, but they do have a MySpace page with music. Then again, lots of people on myspace are probably scary…We’re just sayin’…

And…
Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Rockstars have been getting into trouble since rock’n’roll first began. Leave a comment and let us know which crime or scandal you think is the most noteworthy.

"This pretty much explains it best. =) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_qPc8xEnAs"

Bryan

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Christian Music Sucks, but Christian Rock Sucks More.

Published January 30th, 2008 by Karen

…or does it?

Christian rock has gotten a bad reputation over the years, and some of it is well-deserved.

In the ‘80s, Christian hair-metal band, Stryper, became the punchline of many jokes both because of their ridiculously pompous lyrics, and their big hair and hideous yellow and black spandex outfits. (check out the “Calling on You” Video)

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Of course, there is no defending Stryper, they’re just hilariously awful.

However, it would be narrow-minded to disregard an entire genre of music simply because of its silly outfits and religious slant (afterall, Metallica isn’t exactly a fashion icon).

So, today we’re going to take a look at a few of today’s more popular Christian music artists and try to answer the question:

Does Christian Music Suck?

Relient K.
Specializing in pop-punk, this band is frequently compared to acts such as Blink 182
“Be My Escape” made waves on alt-rock radio. The music is light and fun, but the snotty vocals wear thin. But, it’s not really any worse than any of the other stuff this genre has to offer.

Switchfoot
Easily one of the most popular Christian rock bands around, Switchfoot have crossed over to mainstream radio and MTV so well that many fans don’t even realize it’s a Christian band. The group’s slightly grungy Hoobastank-style rock songs like “Dare You to Move” aren’t innovative by any means, but they’re a hell of a lot less annoying than popular mainstream bands like Seether.

MercyMe—God With Us
Ahh…here it is. Bands like this are the reason mainstream radio doesn’t quite accept Christian music. Considered songs of praise, this style of music beats listeners over the head with shiny happy lyrics and bible verses. Probably more popular with housewives than punks. Certainly something your mom might like if she’s kinda lame…or maybe your grandma.

Newsboys—In Wonder
This outfit is the blandest pop this side of Matchbox 20. They seem to mimic whatever musical trend is popular at the moment (apparently watered down Duran Duran at present), but fail to make any sort of lasting impression other than a yawn and some eye-roll inducing lyrics.

Casting Crowns—East to West
This is a terrible band name, that always makes us think of Counting Crows. The good news is, they don’t sound like Counting Crows. The bad news is, Casting Crowns are better. Songs like “East to West” will go over with fans of Evanescence and Five for Fighting.

So, it seems that while all Christian music probably doesn’t suck, a lot of it does. But the problem isn’t always the message, it’s that the bands aren’t being adventurous enough with their music.

Do you think Christian music, gospel songs, CCM and songs of praise rock or not?
Leave a comment and let us know!

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Love Songs for Valentine’s Power Ballads

Published January 29th, 2008 by Karen

Want to impress that special someone for Valentine’s Day?

If you have a pulse, odds are you’re at least mildly addicted to Guitar Hero, so why not use those shredding skills for something sweet by learning how to play a nice love song to make your sweetie swoon?

Yeah, that’s lame.

Instead, you should play a rockin’ power-ballad with a wild guitar solo in the middle!

Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” like a cheesy monster ballad, so check out these classics and pick one to share with that special metalhead in your life.

Top Love Songs for Power Ballad Fans

10. Cinderella—Don’t Know What You’ve Got (Till It’s Gone)(Video)
It’s no surprise that these fellas were pals of Bon Jovi, but with more of an Aerosmith/Rolling Stones vibe. Bonus points for the video featuring frontman Tom Keifer playing piano…at the beach…in a red sequined jacket. Fancy.

9. Skid Row—I Remember You
You remember Sebastian Bach, right? After his career with Skid Row, he turned to Broadway (Jesus Christ Superstar, in the title role) and television (playing a rockstar wannabe on Gilmore Girls).

8. Motley Crue—Home Sweet Home (Video)
Before Tommy Lee was Pamela Anderson’s ex-husband and the star of an infamous video and a boring reality show, he was writing heartrending ballads like this for Motley Crue. Yeah, we were surprised, too.

7. Extreme—More Than Words (Video)
Yes, this lovely acoustic guitar song is undeniably wuss-tacular, sensitive ponytails and all. But, you know all the words already, even if you don’t want to admit it. The best part of this video is that during the performance, the drummer is reading a magazine in the background because he’s so bored. Meanwhile, the bassist is petting a dog.

6. Mr. Big—To Be With You
See the explanation above, minus the dog.

5. Poison—Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Back in the ‘80s, Poison won all the girls’ hearts with their big hair. In 2007, formerly dreamy frontman Bret Michaels stars on his own reality/dating show, Rock of Love, featuring a horde of skanky girls trying to win his heart (and figure out whether he’s wearing a wig under his bandana).

4. Night Ranger—Sister Christian
Does this need an explanation? Didn’t think so.

3. Led Zeppelin—Stairway to Heaven
Maybe this isn’t really a power ballad? We’re not sure. But we are sure you’ve been dying to find an excuse to play this famous riff.

2. Bon Jovi—I’ll Be There For You
Seriously, you could use pretty much any song this New Jersey hair-metal group ever recorded. There’s no use trying to resist, these dopey songs are really, really catchy.

1. Damn Yankees—High Enough (Video)
Featuring members of Styx and Night Ranger, the true star of this unlikely super-group is the Motor City Madman himself, guitarist/hunter Ted Nugent. Ted’s known for his wild guitar solos and ruthless slaughter of furry little animals, but try to imagine this nutty bow-hunter as your own personal Cupid.

Did we forget to add your favorite Monster Ballad to our list? Leave a comment and let us know what song you’ll play for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day!

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Top 80s Music Mixtape Fun for the Gym

Published January 17th, 2008 by Karen

It’s been 2008 for almost a month already—can you believe it? Crazy how time flies!

Of course, every New Year’s Eve many of us make New Year’s resolutions to make positive changes in the new year, by doing things such as stopping smoking or starting to exercise more.

We’re not sure we can give you any musical inspiration to make you stop smoking, but we can definitely help you put together a playlist of songs that will help inspire you as you’re toiling away on the ol’ treadmill!

So, break out some silly 80s clothes, yeah, legwarmers and spandex, and get ready to work out—and rock out—with some awesome 80s music, 80s videos and free mp3 music downloads.

Top 80s Songs for the Gym

“Eye of the Tiger”(Theme from Rocky III)—Survivor
If you remember the 80s, you surely remember this cheese-rock classic. But, if it was good enough for Rocky, it’s good enough for you.

“Mickey”—Toni Basil
Sometimes you need a cheerleader to give you some encouragement. Basil was old and wearing too much make-up in this video, but it’s a catchy tune anyway (and likely the unwitting trailblazer for “Hollaback Girl”).

“Another One Bites the Dust”—Queen
Picking a Queen song is tough, tracks like “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” were tempting, and at the last minute we decided “Fat Bottomed Girls” might be offensive…too bad.

“Jump”—Van Halen
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Don’t forget your air guitar!

“Footloose”(Footloose Soundtrack)—Kenny Loggins
It’s ok. Kenny Loggins is NOT cool. We know. But, we also know that this song will get stuck in your head like Bubbleyum in your hair. PS. Kevin Bacon.

“Physical”—Olivia Newton John
Here it is—the epitome of geeky workout chic! It’s impossible to see someone doing aerobics without thinking of this 80s fashion disaster. As a special treat, here’s the video.
It’s funny, but it just might be the worst video ever made.

What songs inspire you while you’re staying fit? Leave a comment and let us know who’s on your list!

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Best 80s Music to Cure the Winter Blues

Published January 10th, 2008 by Karen

The holidays are over and everyone’s back at work and school and feeling those winter blues.

Much of the country is buried under snow, and we’re all eager for summer to return.

Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather, but how about some fun 80s music to heat things up?

Check out today’s Favorite Five playlist of hot 80s songs and free music downloads sure to put you in a brighter mood:

Top 5 80s Songs About Summer

5. “California Girls”—David Lee Roth
Everyone’s favorite Van Halen frontman takes a shot at the Beach Boys classic.

4. “The Heat is On”—Glen Frey
Yeah, the song from Beverly Hills Cop. You might not like it, but it will be stuck in your head later.

3. “Summer of ’69”—Bryan Adams
In 1969, Adams was only 10 years old. But this is still a fun ‘80s anthem.

2. “Boys of Summer”—Don Henley
The Ataris offered an emo version of this song a few years back, but this is the original.

1. “Hot, hot, hot”—Buster Poindexter/David Johansen
Before he was known as kitschy lounger singer Buster Poindexter, David Johansen was the singer for legendary glam rock/punk outfit, the New York Dolls. Funny how things change.

What hot 80s songs keep you warm during the cold winter months? Leave a comment and let us know who’s on your Fave Five list!

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Dead Rock Stars: Kevin DuBrow, Casey Calvert.

Published November 27th, 2007 by Karen

Grim as it is, the music buzz this morning has been all about dead rock stars.

Earlier this week Kevin DuBrow, lead singer of ‘70s/’80s rock band Quiet Riot was found dead in his Las Vegas, NV home. The fun-loving heavy metal band was best known for songs such as “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” and a cover of Slade’s “Cum On Feel The Noize.” An early line-up of the band also featured legendary guitarist Randy Rhodes, later of Ozzy Osbourne fame.

On November 23, 25-year-old guitarist Casey Calvert of Hawthorne Heights was found dead on the band’s tour bus in Washington, D.C. The emo-core band hailed from Dayton, OH and had recently been making headlines due to contract disputes with its record label, Victory Records. The group was best known for songs such as “Ohio is for Lovers.”

They say deaths come in groups of three, but let’s hope that isn’t the case.

However, we have lost many other notable musicians in 2007, so let’s take a minute to remember a few of them now.

1. Lee Hazelwood—August 4 at age 78. Known for making Nancy Sinatra a star with songs such as “These Boots Were Made for Walking,” and the psychedelic masterpiece, “Some Velvet Morning,” the reclusive singer’s eerie drawl and innovative songwriting skills made him an enduring cult classic.

2. Max Roach—August 15 at age 83. Innovative Jazz percussionist known for his work with Duke Ellington, Anthony Braxton and Dizzy Gillespie.

3. Frankie Laine—February 6 at age 93. Pop singer of the 1950s known for swinging pop songs such as “Jezebel” and “That’s My Desire.”

4. Joe Hunter—February 2 at age 79. Hunter was the bandleader/pianist of the Funk Brothers, the house band of Motown Records, home to artists such as the Temptations, the Supremes and Marvin Gaye.

5. Hilly Krystal—August 28 at age 75. Helped the New York punk scene and bands like the Ramones, Talking Heads and Blondie flourish in the ‘70s thanks to his music venue, CBGB’s.

6. “Sneaky” Pete Kleinow—January 6 at age 72. Famed pedal steel guitarist for pioneering country-rock band, the Flying Burrito Brothers (featuring members of the Byrds). Kleinow also contributed to recordings by John Lennon, Stevie Wonder and Frank Zappa, among others.

7. Denny Doherty—January 19 at age 66. Doherty was a member of the ‘60s group, the Mamas and the Papas, famous for songs such as “California Dreaming” and “Monday Monday.”

8. Alice Coltrane—January 12 at age 69. In addition to being an accomplished pianist, Coltrane was the widow of legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane.

9. Tony Wilson—August 10 at age 57. Legendary UK music producer and promoter behind Factory Records and notable groups such as New Order, Joy Division and Happy Mondays.

10. Porter Wagoner—October 28 at age 80. Member of the Grand Ole Opry beloved for his rhinestone-adorned western outfits and memorable duets with with Dolly Parton. Wagoner recently launched a successful comeback, winning over young fans and playing Madison Square Garden with garage-rock duo, the White Stripes.