This week In ’80s Throwback’ 01/52
Neneh Cherry, R.E.M., The Allman Brothers Band, Crosby Stills and Nash, U2 . The Pretenders, The Cult, Prince, Gary Moore . Phil Lynott, George Benson, Eurythmics, Sonic Youth
They are the ’80s Throwback’ artists selected among the 185 Posts we publish this week.
Here, they are reunited in one glorious playlist. Enjoy!
R.E.M.’s “Radio Free Europe,” released as their debut single on July 8, 1981, through Hib-Tone Records, was later re-recorded for their first full-length album, “Murmur,” which came out on April 12, 1983.
Considered a standout track, the song became one of the defining pieces of the early alternative rock movement.
Upon its re-release, “Radio Free Europe” charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.78 in 1983, marking the band’s first entry into the charts.
The song’s recording and production for “Murmur” were helmed by producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, who played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s early sound.
The track earned critical acclaim and was later ranked No.389 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list in 2004.
“Radio Free Europe” also helped “Murmur” win the Rolling Stone Critics’ Poll Album of the Year in 1983, beating major mainstream artists of the time.
A music video for the song was directed by Arthur Pierson and received airplay on early MTV, contributing to the band’s growing visibility.
The band performed the track during their debut appearance on “Late Night with David Letterman” on October 6, 1983, further cementing its cultural significance.
The original 1981 single version was later reissued as part of the “And I Feel Fine…
The Best of the I.R.S.
Years 1982–1987″ compilation, giving fans access to this formative recording.
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Tracklist
1 . Neneh Cherry . Buffalo Stance“Buffalo Stance,” released in 1988, is a track by Neneh Cherry featured on her debut album “Raw Like Sushi.” The song reached #3 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1988 and climbed to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US in 1989. It also peaked at #1 on the US Dance Club Songs chart and ranked highly across several international charts, including #1 in Sweden. The track was co-written by Cherry alongside Cameron McVey (credited as Booga Bear), Jamie Morgan, and Phil Ramacon, with production by Tim Simenon and Mark Saunders. The song’s title refers to a pose or attitude connected to 1980s street culture, with lyrical themes revolving around self-confidence and independence. A music video directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino showcased Cherry’s vibrant personality and bold style, contributing to the song’s global appeal. Notably, “Buffalo Stance” originated from the song “Looking Good Diving” by Morgan-McVey, on which Cherry provided backing vocals before it was reworked into her hit. Neneh Cherry performed the track on high-profile TV shows like “Top of the Pops” in the UK and the “Arsenio Hall Show” in the US. The song received a silver certification in the UK, indicating over 200,000 sales. In 1990, it also earned a nomination for Best International Hit at the Ivor Novello Awards, cementing its presence as a significant release of the late 1980s pop landscape.
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2 . R.E.M. . Radio Free Europe
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3 . The Allman Brothers Band . Mystery WomanThe Allman Brothers Band’s “Mystery Woman” is a track from their 1979 album “Enlightened Rogues,” released on Capricorn Records. The album marked the band’s reunion following a two-year hiatus and was produced by Tom Dowd, known for his work with artists like Eric Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd. “Mystery Woman,” written by keyboardist and guitarist Johnny Neel and guitarist Dickey Betts, showcases Betts on lead vocals and incorporates a blend of rock and soft melodies. The album “Enlightened Rogues” reached No.9 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA in October 1979. During the era of this release, the band performed prominent shows, including festivals such as the July 1979 Miami Baseball Stadium concert, where this track was part of the setlist. Critics often noted the collaboration between longtime members and new recruits, including bassist David Goldflies and guitarist Dan Toler, who contributed to the song’s distinctive sound. While “Mystery Woman” was not released as a single, it remains a notable track in the Allman Brothers’ discography from a transitional period in their career. The song highlights the evolving lineup and songwriting dynamics within the group at the time.
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4 . Crosby Stills and Nash . Southern Cross“Southern Cross,” a song by Crosby, Stills, and Nash, was released as part of their 1982 album “Daylight Again.” Written by Stephen Stills, Richard Curtis, and Michael Curtis, the track draws inspiration from Stills’ sailing experiences and references celestial navigation using the Southern Cross constellation. The single reached No.18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for nine weeks, and served as a significant hit during the band’s 1980s resurgence. The recording features Stills on lead vocals and guitar, with supporting harmonies from Graham Nash and David Crosby. Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles contributed uncredited background vocals to the track, adding richness to its layered harmonies. The song holds a prominent place in Crosby, Stills, and Nash’s live performances, including its inclusion in their setlist during the celebrated 1983 US Festival. While no official music video was created, live footage of the band performing “Southern Cross” has been widely circulated. The song has since appeared on multiple greatest hits compilations, such as “Replay” (1980) and “CSN” (1991). It has also gained cultural relevance through frequent radio airplay and its use in various sailing and travel documentaries.
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5 . U2 . Bad“Bad” is a track by U2 from their 1984 album “The Unforgettable Fire,” produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. It was never released as a single, yet it became a defining song in their live performances, often extending to include snippets of other tracks. A notable performance occurred during their set at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, at Wembley Stadium, where Bono’s extended interaction with the crowd caused the band to shorten their set but made the performance one of the event’s most memorable moments, widely broadcast globally. The song addresses heroin addiction, a significant issue in Dublin at the time of its writing. The album “The Unforgettable Fire” reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart and No.12 on the Billboard 200. Although “Bad” did not chart individually, “The Unforgettable Fire” produced hits like “Pride (In the Name of Love).” It has been performed in over 500 live concerts, often as an emotional high point. While no music video or single chart position exists for “Bad,” its widespread acclaim and resonance are tied to iconic showcases like Live Aid and U2’s reputation for meaningful live sequences.
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6 . The Pretenders – Private Life“Private Life” is a track by The Pretenders from their self-titled debut album released in 1979. Written by Chrissie Hynde, the song features a reggae-influenced rhythm, a distinctive element that separated it from other rock tracks of its time. The album “Pretenders” reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart in 1980 and was later certified Platinum by the BPI. The song did not release as a stand-alone single by the band but gained further attention when Grace Jones covered it for her 1980 album “Warm Leatherette.” Jones’ version charted in several countries, including a peak at No.17 on the Belgian charts. “Private Life” has been performed live during notable Pretenders concerts and featured in their setlist for decades. In interviews, Hynde mentioned her interest in reggae music, which influenced the track’s composition. Critics highlighted the song’s basslines and rhythms, which aligned with the era’s growing interest in reggae crossover. The entire “Pretenders” album, including “Private Life,” was ranked at No.155 on Rolling Stone’s 2003 list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and remains a recurring highlight in retrospectives of late-1970s rock music.
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7 . The Cult . Hollow ManReleased in 1985 as part of The Cult’s second studio album, “Love,” the song “Hollow Man” exemplifies the band’s transition into a more polished, post-punk-infused rock sound. “Love” peaked at No.4 on the UK Albums Chart and became one of their most commercially successful releases, achieving Gold certification in the UK. Though not released as a single, “Hollow Man,” alongside other tracks from “Love,” contributed to the success of the album, which helped launch The Cult into mainstream success during the mid-1980s. The song was recorded at Jacobs Studios in Farnham and produced by Steve Brown, who had also worked with the band on earlier projects. The album as a whole, including “Hollow Man,” was pivotal in securing The Cult’s participation in high-profile concerts, such as their supporting role during tours with bands like Aerosmith, and appearances in venues like Wembley Arena. “Hollow Man” features the lineup of Ian Astbury on vocals, Billy Duffy on guitar, Jamie Stewart on bass, and Mark Brzezicki on drums, with Brzezicki acting as a session drummer during the album’s recording. Although the song itself did not chart, tracks like “She Sells Sanctuary” from the same album reached No.15 on the UK Singles Chart, drawing attention to other album cuts such as “Hollow Man.” The extended guitar-driven style and atmospheric production of “Love” have led to its inclusion in anniversary reissues and special-edition releases—ensuring tracks like “Hollow Man” remain accessible to fans.
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8 . Prince . Computer Blue/Darling Nikki“Purple Rain,” the title track from Prince and the Revolution’s 1984 album, is a power ballad that blends rock, pop, and gospel elements. The song was released on June 25, 1984, and is 8 minutes and 41 seconds long in its album version, though a shortened 4-minute edit was created for radio airplay. It reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for two weeks behind Wham!’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” The song is part of the soundtrack for the film “Purple Rain,” in which Prince starred, and was recorded live on August 3, 1983, at the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis during a benefit concert, with later overdubs added in the studio. Wendy Melvoin’s debut guitar performance with the Revolution is featured prominently in the song. “Purple Rain” was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1984 and later achieved Platinum status in 2018. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1985 and was also nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars the same year. Prince performed the track during several iconic events, including the Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show in 2007, where his performance in the rain was widely praised. As of 2023, the song remains one of his most enduring works, often featured on “greatest songs” lists and selling over 1 million copies in the U.S. alone by the time of its original release.
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9 . Gary Moore & Phil Lynott . Out In The Fields“Out in the Fields,” released in 1985, is a collaboration between guitarist Gary Moore and Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott, appearing on Moore’s album “Run for Cover.” The song addresses the topic of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland, making it unique among Moore’s catalog. The single was a commercial success, reaching No.5 on the UK Singles Chart and No.3 in Ireland, marking one of Moore’s highest-charting tracks. It also charted in several European countries, including Germany and Sweden. This track showcased the complementary dynamic between Moore’s guitar virtuosity and Lynott’s distinct vocal delivery. The accompanying music video received significant airplay on MTV, while the song itself became a staple of Moore’s live performances. “Out in the Fields” stands out as one of their final collaborations before Lynott’s death in January 1986. The track was later featured on Moore’s compilation albums, including “Ballads & Blues 1982–1994” and “The Platinum Collection.” A music clip of the track has been prominently shared on platforms like YouTube, further cementing its enduring presence.
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10 . George Benson . Nothing’s Gonna ChangeGeorge Benson’s “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” is a track from his 1985 album “20/20,” though it gained wider recognition after being covered by Hawaiian singer Glenn Medeiros in 1987. Written by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin, it was released as a single by Benson with moderate radio play, but did not chart as prominently at the time as Medeiros’ version, which became a global hit. Benson’s recording featured his signature vocal style and intricate guitar work, aligning with the smooth jazz and R&B sounds he cultivated throughout his career. “20/20” itself reached No.45 on the Billboard 200 chart and No.8 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, marking a commercially successful period for the artist. The song has since become emblematic of Benson’s ability to blend lyrical sincerity with sophisticated instrumentation. Though not his highest-charting single, Benson performed it in several notable live concerts, solidifying its presence in his repertoire of love ballads that emphasize his dual talents as a singer and guitarist.
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11 . Eurythmics . The WalkReleased in May 1982 as part of Eurythmics’ second studio album “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” “The Walk” is a synth-pop track written and produced by the duo Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. While not released as a standalone single in all markets, it showcases the experimental soundscapes characteristic of their early 1980s work, blending electronic instrumentation with Lennox’s dynamic vocals. The song reflects the band’s creative transition following the commercial struggles of their debut album, “In the Garden.” Although “The Walk” itself did not chart independently, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” reached No.3 on the UK Albums Chart and peaked at No.15 on the US Billboard 200, bolstered by the success of its title track and subsequent singles. Notably, the album featured collaborations with members of the German band Can, including Jaki Liebezeit and Holger Czukay, who contributed to the experimental production style. Eurythmics supported the release with a series of live performances, expanding their audience through appearances on influential programs like “Top of the Pops,” although “The Walk” was not specifically highlighted in those televised sessions.
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12 . Sonic Youth . I’m InsaneThe song “I’m Insane” by Sonic Youth appears on their fifth studio album, “Bad Moon Rising,” which was released on October 1985 through Homestead Records and Blast First in the UK. The album is acclaimed for its experimental approach, blending noise rock with post-punk influences and exploring dark themes inspired by the cultural landscape of the 1980s. “I’m Insane” features Thurston Moore on vocals and guitar and reflects the band’s characteristic use of alternate tunings and dissonance. The album was recorded at Eldorado Recording Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Sonic Youth alongside Martin Bisi, who had also worked with bands such as Swans and John Zorn. Although “Bad Moon Rising” did not chart on major lists, it garnered attention in underground music circles and led the band to sign with SST Records shortly thereafter. Sonic Youth performed tracks from the album during their live shows in 1985, including a notable appearance at the New Music America festival in Los Angeles. Clips of “I’m Insane” have surfaced from these performances, showcasing their raw, live aesthetic. The band later re-released the album in 1995 and 2005 under Geffen Records with remastered editions, including bonus tracks from the same recording sessions.
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