Category 1980s

“Manic Monday” (The Bangles)

Manic Monday, the Bangles

Today’s classic song of the day for this crazy Monday morning is “Manic Monday” by the Bangles. Released in January of 1986, this was the group’s first big hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was a Top Five hit all around the world, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, West Germany,…

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“People Get Ready” (The Impressions/Jeff Beck & Rod Stewart/The Blind Boys of Alabama)

People Get Ready, the Impressions

Today’s classic soul song of the day is “People Get Ready,” written by the great Curtis Mayfield. It’s a song that’s been covered dozens if not hundreds of times, which makes it a true classic. “People Get Ready” is a popular song with gospel roots. The lyrics use the spiritual to inform the material, in particular the struggle of Black…

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“Vacation” (The Go-Go’s)

Vacation, the Go-Go's

Today’s classic early MTV song of the day is “Vacation” by the Go-Go’s. This single, the title track and first single from the group’s second album, Vacation, was released in July of 1982, the middle of summer, and it peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the Cash Box Top 100. “Vacation” was written by Go-Go’s’…

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“Mickey” (Toni Basil)

Mickey, Toni Basil

Today’s classic early MTV song of the day is “Mickey” by Toni Basil, the one with the sing-song cheerleader chant “Oh Mickey you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey!” “Mickey” was released as a single in January of 1982, just a few months after the August 1981 launch of the MTV channel, and the accompanying…

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“Centerfold” (J. Geils Band)

Centerfold, J. Geils Band

Today’s classic early MTV song of the day is “Centerfold” by the J. Geils Band. The single was released a month after the launch of MTV, in September of 1981. Propelled by its video filled with sexy schoolgirls, “Centerfold” went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February of the following year. “Centerfold” is another perfect…

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