Nena - Nena

Today (January 14th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-titled debut album Nena. The German rock band featured Gabriele Kerner on lead vocals, Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen on keyboards, Carlo Karges on guitar, Jürgen Dehmel on bass and Rolf Brendel on drums.

Reviewing this 1983 album would have proven to be a challenge in the pre-Internet days as I do not speak German, the native language that Nena performs in. Luckily, there are websites that translate the titles and lyrics, making it a bit easier to enjoy this new-wave release.

Howard the Duck (soundtrack)

Welcome to another edition of Soundtrack Sunday.

On August 1st, 1986, I was attended a summer session in college. Still, I took the time away from academics to hit the movies to see the big budget theatrical release Howard the Duck. The film was produced by George Lucas, and starred Lea Thompson (as Beverly), Tim Robbins, Jeffrey Jones, Holly Robinson, Liz Sagal, and Chip Zien (the voice of Howard). The science fiction comedy was based upon the Marvel comic book of the same title. The musical score was done by Academy Award winner John Barry and also featured songs by Thomas Dolby.

With all those talents connected to the project, you would have expected this film to be a major hit, right? Sadly, the box office did not get it. I have more thoughts on the film after we talk about the music.

The Police - Reggatta de Blanc

Welcome to another edition of Seventies Saturday.

After a strong debut record the year prior (click here for that review), the Police was back on October 5th, 1979, with their second album Regatta de Blanc. Like its predecessor, it too went Platinum. Chart-wise, it hit number 25 on the US Billboard Album chart, number 21 in Sweden, number 16 in Germany, number 4 in New Zealand, number 3 in Canada, and number 1 in Australia, the Netherlands and the band’s native UK.

The Weather Girls - Success

R&B singers Martha Walsh and Izora Armstead started out as backup singers for disco performers like Sylvester before breaking out on their own. They first recorded under the name of Two Tons o' Fun in the early 80's, having a number of Billboard Dance hits.

In late 1982, they hit number 1 on that chart with their signature single. Around the same time, they changed their name to the Weather Girls and recorded the album Success. Paul Jabara, who co-produced the record, also had his hand in writing most of the tracks. Also noted for working on it were Paul Shaffer (on keyboards) and Patti Austin and Deniece Williams (on backing vocals).

Today we will look at this 1983 release to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary.

Dire Straits - ExtendedancEPlay

Today (January 10th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Extendedanc
EPlay, the first extended play from the British rock band Dire Straits. In some markets it was known by the title of the first track - Twisting By the Pool. The UK version featured three tracks totals. The US version, which went to number 53 on the Billboard Hot 200, featured four tracks. It was the first record with drummer Terry Williams joining the group; he replaced the departed Pick Withers.

Smokey Robinson - Touch the Sky

In January of 1983, Motown legend Smokey Robinson released Touch the Sky, his twelfth solo studio album. It charted at number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 200 and number 8 on the US Billboard R&B charts. Today, we will look at this one to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary.

Toni Basil - Toni Basil

On the heels of her Gold selling debut Word of Mouth (click here for that review), Toni Basil released her self-titled second album a year later in January of 1983. Unlike her debut, which was fueled by the number 1 hit "Mickey", this one failed to make any major chart impacts? Today, for its thirtieth anniversary we will give Toni Basil a listen.