Happy Father's Day

In honor of all our 80's dads out there:

Covered in '80s

In this ongoing series, we highlight 80’s cover tunes or ‘80s songs that have been covered by other artists. Sometimes it’s a win-win: an 80’s song covered by another 80’s artist! Which version is your favorite?

"Wicked Game" is the song that put Chris Isaak on the map. First appearing in 1989, it rocketed to popularity thanks to an appearance in the 1990 movie, "Wild at Heart". Oh, and that sizzling video with the topless Helena Christensen probably had a little something to do with its popularity as well.

The song has been covered a number of times by a group of very diverse artists. One of the more recent versions is this acoustic rendition by 11th American Idol winner Phillip Phillips.



A powerful acoustic cover of this song was also done by hard rocking outfit Stone Sour in 2006.



Had enough slow, acoustic stuff? Then check out this rousing rocking version by HIM, from his 2003 album, "Razorblade Romance".

One hit wonders: When In Rome "The Promise"

In 1988, a new wave group from England called When in Rome burned up the airwaves with their one and only hit single, "The Promise", from their one and only album. "The Promise" just missed the Top Ten charts, peaking at #11. But in 2004, moviegoers watching "Napoleon Dynamite" were reminded of this song.

Covered in ‘80s

In this ongoing series, we highlight 80’s cover tunes or ‘80s songs that have been covered by other artists. Sometimes it’s a win-win: an 80’s song covered by another 80’s artist! Which version is your favorite? 

Charlie Sexton is a guitarist and songwriter who has served in Bob Dylan's band and the rock band Arc Angels. But back in the 80s he cut his teeth releasing a string of solo records that have become classics among AOR fans. The closing song on his 1985 album, “Pictures for Pleasure” was called “Space”. While it didn't raise any eyebrows at radio then, the boys in Cheap Trick knew a great song when they heard it. Cheap Trick covered "Space" just a few years later on their megahit album “Lap of Luxury”.

Safe Sax in the ‘80s

There was no other decade that loved on the saxophone than the ‘80s! In this series, we present the evidence…

 

Deniece Williams is best known for her perky contribution to the iconic '80s movie "Footloose" ("Let's Hear It For The Boy"). But she continued to release more perky pop tunes throughout the decade, including this underrated sax-laden ditty, "I Can't Wait". "I Can't Wait" was written by Skylark and appeared on her 1988 effort, "As Good As It Gets".

Jacko power

The Billboard Rock Tracks chart began in 1981 and tracked the top 60 rock songs, according to airplay on AOR stations across the US. Normally, traditional "black" artists were pretty much ignored, until 1983. Such was the power of Michael Jackson, that it helped to propel many "black" artists on to the rock charts. With help from Eddie Van Halen, this one peaked at #14 in 1983.

 

 This song continued the trend, featuring Toto as his backing band. It would peak at #42 in 1984.

 

 Rockwell would take a little nepotism and some help with Michael himself up to #31 in 1984.

 

 Just denting the chart at #49 in 1984, the solo was recorded by Toto's Steve Lukather and Richard Marx provided background vocals.

 

 I cannot imagine any rock station playing this, but enough did that Shalamar took this to #41 in 1984.

 

 Not all "black" artists played dance and soul. Jon Butcher and his band played a more straight ahead AOR and would peak at #7 in 1983 with this hit.

 

 Of course there was Prince, who charted regularly on the rock charts between 1983 and 1985, but good luck finding any videos online.

Then and Now: National Lampoon's Vacation

Everyone's favorite family road trip movie remains one of the funniest films of the '80s. Follow this link to check out what the characters looked like then (1983) and what they look like now (and what they've been up to!).