“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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“Rapture” (Blondie)

Rapture, Blondie

Your classic early MTV song of the day today is “Rapture” by Blondie. Like yesterday’s classic song, “Kid,” “Rapture” actually predates the launch of MTV. “Rapture” was included on the group’s 1980 album, Autoamerican, and released as a single in January of 1981. The song got a lot of radio play before the MTV channel launched in August of that…

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“Kid” (The Pretenders)

This week we’re taking a stroll through the early years of MTV and music videos. That means the early ’80s and we’re starting with “Kid” by the Pretenders. This track was released on the band’s self-titled 1979 debut album. It was not released as a single in the U.S. but it was in the UK, where it peaked at #33…

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“Sweet Baby James” (James Taylor)

Sweet Baby James, James Taylor

For the past few days we’ve focused on songs and performers coming out of the Laurel Canyon scene in the late ’60s/early ’70s—Crosby, Stills & Nash, Judy Collins, and Joni Mitchell, all of whom (as well as Carole King, Jackson Browne, Cass Elliott, Warren Zevon, Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, J.D. Souther, Harry Nilsson, and a handful of Monkees) had an…

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“Help Me” (Joni Mitchell)

Court and Spark, Joni Mitchell

Yesterday’s classic song of the day, “Both Sides Now,” was written by Joni Mitchell and a hit for Judy Collins, AKA Sweet Judy Blue Eyes. Today’s classic song of the day is pure Joni Mitchell through and through, her biggest hit ever. We’re talking “Help Me” from her classic Court and Spark album. This track, released as a single in…

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“Bette Davis Eyes” (Kim Carnes)

Bette Davis Eyes, Kim Carnes

Today’s classic song of the day is from 1981, the year that MTV launched. “Bette Davis Eyes,” as performed by Kim Carnes, hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of May 15 and stayed there for nine non-consecutive weeks. The track ended up being a #1 hit in 21 countries and was Billboard’s #1 song for the entire…

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