Tis' The Season

It's that time of the year that everyone loves... IT'S CHRISTMAS!

As is the tradition for this time of year, many pop stars (old & new) fight for the honour of having the Christmas Number 1 Single. Some have been successful, whilst others have failed.

There have been some memorable songs released over the years and the 80s were filled with them. However some artists were robbed of the chance of becoming the year's number 1 whilst other songs hit the top spot (and we still ask ourselves - why?). However we won't go into that argument :)

Whatever your musical taste I'm sure you all enjoyed the songs that were released during the Christmas period of the 80s. Some still make you smile and take you back to your favorite Christmas, especially if you have been waiting all year for the must have present (rubix cube, Cabbage Patch Doll, etc, etc)?

What songs from below do you remember, surprised at being at number 1 and the ones you wished were never released?

The UK Christmas Number 1 Singles

MERRY CHRISTMAS Everyone and we'll see you in the new year!

Duran Duran Pop's Best Band Of The 80s?

For this week's blog I had another topic already worked out and ready to edit. However, I came across this web page. Although Duran Duran were going to be a future topic (and I may do another piece on them) I thought this page was rather good and therefore decided to re-post the URL for you to view.

I will also add that Duran Duran were (and still are) a great band, who took advantage of the 80s, MTV and the marketing of the time. This proved to be a great success for the band who went on to sell millions and also gain a few die hard fans.

The band are still going strong and are probably one of the best bands I've seen live (saw them around 2004 and they blew me away!!!).

So here's the link and a little video for your viewing pleasure :)

21 Signs You Spent The 80s Worshipping Duran Duran

http://www.duranduran.com/

A flop, that's become a cult classic... The Sinclair C5

What should have been a milestone in the evolution of modern technology, design and transportation, came the poorly conceived Sinclair C5.

Introduced to the general public in 1985, Sir Clive Sinclair's C5 was to be the leading example of electric powered mobility. A battery powered "tri-cycle", that reach a maximum speed of 15mph, it become a safety concern with under powering and a major flaw in it's image.

It was ridiculed by the media and the public which led to it being a commercial flop (it only sold around 17,000 units), however Sir Sinclair claimed it was the "best selling electric vehicle" until as late as 2010.

Now seen as a iconic cult "toy", it probably wasn't the best idea to come out of the 1980s... Or was it?

What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?

OK, so it started in the late 70s, but it was very popular in the 80s before it got cancelled in 1986.

This was a favourite sitcom in my house. With my parents enjoying it as much as I did. I also had my first true crush with Dana Plato.

Although I have very fond memories of the show, I still decided to do some research into the program. Although I knew about the child stars lives after the show I was still shocked and saddened to read about what happened... The price of fame, huh?!?!

Diff'rent Strokes was an American television sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1986. The series stars Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges as Arnold and Willis Jackson, two African American boys from Harlem who are taken in by a rich white Park Avenue businessman named Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain) and his daughter Kimberly (Dana Plato), for whom their deceased mother previously worked.[2][3] During the first season and first half of the second season, Charlotte Rae also starred as the Drummonds' housekeeper, Mrs. Garrett (who ultimately spun-off into her own successful show, The Facts of Life).

The series made stars out of child actors Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato, and became known for the "very special episodes" in which serious issues such as racism, illegal drug use, and child sexual abuse were dramatically explored. 

There were three maids during the show's run: Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae), Adelaide Brubaker (Nedra Volz), and Pearl Gallagher (Mary Jo Catlett). They lived in the Penthouse Suite at 697 Park Avenue in New York City. 

As Arnold, Coleman popularized the catchphrase "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" The ending often varied, depending on whom he was addressing.

The lives of these stars were later plagued by legal troubles and drug addiction, as the stardom and success they achieved while on the show eluded them after the series was cancelled, with both Plato and Coleman having early deaths.

At The Movies

The 80s produced some of the most memorable films that helped to change the way of the film making industry.

This was an era that was embracing new technology and producing some great results on the big screen. Another factor for the 80s and it's movies was the new hardware that was being produced - VHS, Laser Disc with better quality Television sets.

It was also the decade that produce many genres; from romance, thriller, horror, sci-fi, comedy to name a few.

Big blockbusters produced big budgets, stars and more importantly big earnings at the box office.

To be honest, if I was to sit down and name my favourite movie from the 80s... Well I don't think I can as there were so many that I could choose from, but still find another that was as equal or better.

From the Back To The Future franchise, to the brat pack collection and back to the Nightmare On Elm Street films, this was a defining and special time for Movie lovers.

Look at the reboots that are coming out today. The majority are based on the originals that were filmed in the 80s (but with not the same passion and excitement that the originals had). In addition, the franchise chain is making the follow ups to these 80s classics and the results are in the box office takings.

There is no doubt, the 80s were a special time to us all, but it was also an excellent time for those who visited the cinemas on a regular basis.

Over the next few weeks (and beyond) we will explorer the movies that help shape the 80s...

What would you like to see?

MTV

There was a time when MTV was actually a music channel and not a reality channel. 

How times have changed... 

Introduced in the 1980s (Saturday 1st August 1981 at 12:01am), it helped to promote a number of bands and artists, who used the format to promote their new singles and albums with the use of modern videos.

And it all started with this video.

80s Daze?

Not another blog dedicated to the 1980s you scream, please no!

However we are know that the 80s was the best decade ever. The fashion, the music, the films, the technology and much more.

This blog will be another space on the internet to celebrate all things the 80s. So keep your eyes peeled from some fun posts to take you back to the 80s!