TapeHeads: 80's Music and Beyond

Mar 01 2025 57 ep. 37 mins

TapeHeads: 80's Music and Beyond Podcast artwork

Welcome to TapeHeads, a fun retrospective series of conversations about 80's music and movies that we love, love to hate, and sometimes even those with which we were previously unfamiliar. We occasionally discuss music theory and recording techniques, as well as popular culture of the time. We love talking about it and we think you'll have fun too. New episodes drop on the 1st and the 15th of every month.

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56: Synclavier vs. Fairlight CMI

Mar 01 2025 26 mins

There were two musical synthesizers that revolutionized the way music was made in the late 1970's and all through the 80's, the Synclavier and the Fairlight. The least expensive model cost the equivalent of a small house, and the most expensive model was the equivalent of a smallish mansion. More similar than they were different, they would help some of the greatest musicia

55: Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Feb 15 2025 27 mins

Bobby McFerrin is one of the most famous musicians on the planet. He's been a singer, a conductor, a music ambassador, and even a pop star. But he's also written one of the most polarizing one-hit wonder songs of all time, which was both recognized by the Library of Congress and ridiculed by Public Enemy. Lots to explore in this episode about an incredible and venerable musician.Co

54: 10 80's Songs That Couldn't Be Released Today

Feb 01 2025 23 mins

In this episode, Blaine guides us through 10 hit songs with controverisal or problematic subject matter that wouldn't be released today. This list came from one of his infamous trips down the proverbial rabbit hole.Connect with us at tapeheadspod.comRELATED LINKS:Our 10 Songs That Couldn't Be Released Today playlist, on Spotify10 Songs From the 80's That Could Not Be Released Today

53: Animotion, "Obsession"

Jan 15 2025 21 mins

Formed in Los Angeles in 1983 and currently based in Portland, Animotion have one of the best one-hit wonder songs of the 80's, and are still around performing and releasing new albums to this day. We're here to tell the story of the song, "Obsession." Conn eat with us at tapeheadspod.com RELATED LINKS: Animotion, on Spotify Animotion, "Obsession" official video, on YouTube "A Nig

52: Billy Joel - Four By a Master

Jan 01 2025 32 mins

In this very special episode, Blaine explores a few songs by Billy Joel that he feels best show Billy's masterful songwriting. We think you'll enjoy it. RELATED LINKS: Our short but sweet Billy Joel playlist, on Spotify Billy Joel, on Spotify Lords of 57th Street (Liberty playing drums), on YouTube

51: Duran Duran / Power Station / Robert Palmer / Arcadia - 2nd ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Dec 15 2024 44 mins

Duran Duran are one of the biggest and best bands of the 80's, and we thought they would be perfect subjects for continuing our second anniversary celebration. We invited our friend Russ to help and add insight, as we delved into Duran and their offshoot bands The Power Station, Arcadia, and Robert Palmer as well. Super interesting and fun story. We did experience some unfortunate

50: TapeHeads. . .The Movie? - 2nd ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Nov 30 2024 37 mins

Can you believe it's our second anniversary episode? And our fiftieth? We're celebrating both, and we have a very special guest who makes an appearance. We're discussing our namesake movie, TapeHeads, a fairly obscure 1988 cult classic film starring John Cusack and Tim Robbins as two guys who want to get into the business of making rock music videos. It also stars Sam Moore and Jun

49: Suzanne Vega, "Luka" | Willow

Nov 15 2024 42 mins

Suzanne Vega is someone you should know about, if you aren't aware of her already. We explore her musical connections and collaborators, including the illustrious Mitchell Froom and inimitable Tchad Blake. We also discuss the process of learning production and recording. Willow is a 1988 fantasy movie starring Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer. Created by George Lucas and directed by R

48: Worst #1 Songs of the 80's

Nov 01 2024 32 mins

In this very special episode, we discuss a list of the ten worst #1 songs of the 80's, which Blaine found thought it would be fun to do. He was not wrong. Connect with us at tapeheadspod.com. RELATED LINKS: The infamous list can be found here. Our undoubtedly terrible but hopefully still fun Worst #1 Songs of the 80's playlist, on Spotify

47: A Flock of Seagulls, "I Ran (So Far Away)" - BY REQUEST | Tron

Oct 15 2024 45 mins

The Liverpool band A Flock of Seagulls had one of the biggest hit songs (and weirdest haircuts) of 1982, which puts them up against some serious competition. Quite an interesting band and story. This one was by request. Also from 1982, the Disney movie "Tron" is probably more well-loved now than when it originally came out, and we quite happily delve into it. RELATED LINKS: Our "