This week In ’80s Throwback’ 48/52

How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.

The subjects du jour are : Michael Jackson, Midnight Oil, George Harrison, Peter Tosh, Tina Turner, ABBA, Bette Midler, The Cult, Randy Newman, The Jam, Cowboy Junkies, Dead Can Dance

They are the ’80s Throwback’ artists selected among the 369 Posts we publish this week.

QUIZ QUESTIONS
QUIZ QUESTIONS

1. Who directed the music video for Michael Jackson's "Beat It"?

  • A Steven Spielberg
  • B Bob Giraldi
  • C Martin Scorsese

2. Which historical event is referenced in Midnight Oil's "Power and the Passion"?

  • A The dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam
  • B The Eureka Stockade
  • C Australia's federation

3. What unusual feature is seen in the second version of George Harrison's "Got My Mind Set on You" music video?

  • A Dancing animals
  • B Moving room objects
  • C Floating instruments

4. At which festival did Peter Tosh famously perform his song "Bush Doctor"?

  • A Woodstock
  • B Jamaican World Music Festival
  • C Reggae Sunsplash

5. What genre fusion is notable in Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with It"?

  • A Pop and jazz
  • B Pop rock and soul
  • C Rock and blues

6. "When All Is Said And Done" by ABBA reflects which personal event in its lyrics?

  • A Agnetha's departure from Sweden
  • B Anni-Frid's divorce from Benny
  • C Björn's new relationship

7. Bette Midler's version of "Under the Boardwalk" is closely tied to which film?

  • A The Rose
  • B Beaches
  • C Hocus Pocus

8. On which British TV show did The Cult perform "Revolution" in 1985?

  • A Top of the Pops
  • B The Tube
  • C Later... with Jools Holland

9. What iconic location is featured in the music video for Randy Newman's "I Love L.A."?

  • A Hollywood Boulevard
  • B Santa Monica Pier
  • C A red 1955 Buick Super convertible

10. Who wrote "Pretty Green," the opening track of The Jam's album *Sound Affects*?

  • A Bruce Foxton
  • B Paul Weller
  • C Rick Buckler

11. "Misguided Angel" by Cowboy Junkies was recorded using what technique?

  • A Overdubbing
  • B Multi-track recording
  • C Single microphone

12. Which themes are explored in Dead Can Dance's "Severance"?

  • A Joy and triumph
  • B Sorrow and loss
  • C Love and friendship

WATCH IN FULL
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Tracklist

1 . Michael Jackson . Beat It

Lifted from : Michael Jackson releases his sixth album . 'Thriller' featuring 'The Girl Is Mine,' 'Billie Jean,' 'Beat It,' 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin',' 'Human Nature' and 'Thriller' (1982)

2 . Midnight Oil . Power And The Passion

Lifted from : Midnight Oil play at home (1982)

3 . George Harrison . Got My Mind Set On You

Lifted from : We remember George Harrison. 'George The Fab'

4 . Peter Tosh . Bush Doctor

Lifted from : Peter Tosh performs at home (1982)

5 . Tina Turner . What's Love Got to Do with It

Lifted from : Happy Birthday Tina Turner. 'Head Turner'

6 . ABBA . When All Is Said And Done

Lifted from : ABBA release their eighth album . 'The Visitors' featuring 'One of Us' (1981)

7 . Bette Midler . Under the Boardwalk

Lifted from : Happy Birthday Bette Midler

8 . The Cult . Revolution

Lifted from : On English TV today, The Cult at 'The Tube' (1985)

9 . Randy Newman . I Love L.A.

Lifted from : Happy Birthday Randy Newman. 'Randy, Your Life Is Good!'

10 . The Jam . Pretty Green

Lifted from : Polydor publish The Jam's fifth album . 'Sound Affects' featuring 'Start!' (1980)

11 . Cowboy Junkies . Misguided Angel

Lifted from : Cowboy Junkies record their second album 'The Trinity Session' at . Church in Toronto (1987)

12 . Dead Can Dance . Severance

Lifted from : On Dutch TV, Dead Can Dance at 'Kippevel' (1988)

And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:

1. Bob Giraldi directed the "Beat It" music video, bringing together rival gangs and showcasing Michael Jackson's choreography skills. The video became iconic for its message of nonviolence.

2. "Power and the Passion" references the dismissal of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Midnight Oil uses historical events to underline its political messages.

3. The second version of Harrison's video features objects moving to the beat. This creative choice added whimsy to an otherwise straightforward performance piece.

4. Peter Tosh headlined at the Jamaican World Music Festival, performing "Bush Doctor". His sunrise set left a lasting impression, capturing both his musical talent and advocacy.

5. Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with It" fuses pop rock and soul. Despite initial reservations, the song became pivotal in her solo career, earning multiple Grammy Awards.

6. "When All Is Said And Done" reflects Anni-Frid Lyngstad's divorce from Benny Andersson. The personal lyrics underscore ABBA's ability to blend real life with music.

7. Midler's "Under the Boardwalk" ties to the film *Beaches*, where it plays during a key opening scene. The cover revived interest in the song's timeless theme.

8. The Cult performed "Revolution" on The Tube in 1985. This televised performance remains notable for its energy and connection to fans.

9. The "I Love L.A." video takes viewers through Los Angeles in a red 1955 Buick, blending iconic locations into Newman’s musical homage to the city.

10. Paul Weller wrote "Pretty Green," showcasing his talent within The Jam. This track remains influential in the British rock landscape.

11. Cowboy Junkies recorded "Misguided Angel" with a single microphone. This minimalist approach captures the song's raw, intimate sound.

12. "Severance" by Dead Can Dance delves into sorrow, loss, and existential themes. Gerrard and Perry's atmospheric style enriches these universal emotional explorations.

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(*) According to our own statistics, updated on January 18, 2026