'80S Episodes
Vienna (w Billy Currie of Ultravox)
April 21, 2021
It's the #1 #2 UK hit of All Time, a synth-pop classic, and a darn catchy masterpiece, and many of our US listeners will say, "I've never heard this." Well you can thank JP for expanding your minds this week, and you can tha…
King's X Ultimate Playlist w/dUg Pinnick of King's X - 150th Episode, Episode 709
April 7, 2021
“King’s X invented grunge.” “King’s X invented Drop D tuning.” “The greatest ever cult band.” Buckle in, everybody! Our biggest episode EVER is our gift to...well, ourselves , for our 150th episode. We're turning over every …
Waiting for a Star to Fall (w/Boy Meets Girl) - Episode 702
Feb. 17, 2021
One of the all-time most magical '80s tracks, full of so much magical '80s magic, is our delightful track this week. Did we say it's magical? George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, aka Boy Meets Girl, join us to chat about thei…
Last Christmas (Wham!) w/ Dave Barnes - Episode 619
Dec. 23, 2020
Uncle Dave, aka heartthrob and songster Dave Barnes, returns as special guest cohost as we get in the celebration mode for the holidays! Wham!'s "Last Christmas" has joined Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" as…
Dirty Dancing Double Feature: "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" + "Hungry Eyes" w/Franke Previte Interview - Episode 609
Oct. 14, 2020
Our first-ever Double Feature! This week we're covering two songs, both featured on the same movie soundtrack, and both co-written by the same guy, Franke Previte! In this XL episode we'll talk about: - Weird stuff in popcor…
Escape (The Piña Colada Song) + Rupert Holmes Interview - Episode 606
Sept. 23, 2020
This week we're talking about the catchiest little ditty about cheating on your spouse you ever did hear, and we are joined by the brilliant and funny Rupert Holmes to tell the tale. An instant Mount Rushmore interview with …
I'll Still Be Loving You (w Larry Stewart of Restless Heart) - Episode 603
Sept. 2, 2020
Restless Heart was a country music sensation, but they weren't always beloved by the powers-that-be. We'll talk about it with frontman Larry Stewart in a very fun interview episode centered around their beautiful, classic lo…
Everybody Wants to Rule the World (w/ Dave Barnes) - Episode 512
April 22, 2020
Very special guest Dave Barnes returns to co-host this episode on one of the all-time greats from the 1980’s, Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World!” Also in this episode: - Roland Orzabal is not who you think …
Photograph (Nickelback) - Episode 509
April 1, 2020
Canada’s greatest export Nickelback is the topic today, and we can’t wait to talk about the fresh maple syrup that is their legendary track, “Photograph.” In this episode: - Chad Kroeger, the original Tiger King? The lead si…
White Wedding (Billy Idol) w/ Phil Feit- Episode 506
March 11, 2020
It's a nice day to start again! This week we talk about Billy Idol's hit "White Wedding," its roots and origin, and overall awesomeness. Plus a special guest interview with Billy's bassist Phil Feit! Also in this episode: - …
Let's Dance (David Bowie) - Episode 503
Feb. 21, 2020
The pop hit that made David Bowie a mainstream star and introduced Stevie Ray Vaughan to the world is our topic this week, and we've put on our red shoes, which are obviously a metaphor for...systemic racism? Oh, wait. I mea…
Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne) - Halloween, Episode 416
Oct. 31, 2019
It's frickin' bats! The Prince of Darkness graces the pod ever-so-serendipitously on this Halloween edition, and we get into the heavy rock greatness that is "Crazy Train." Also in this episode: - Why Ozzy keeps getting sued…
Smooth Operator (Sade) - Episode 415
Oct. 25, 2019
Officially our smoothest episode ever, we dare you not to walk away singing this one for a few days. Sade brings the cool as season 4 rolls on! In this episode: - The sound and story of "Quiet Storm" - Rob flies his dork fl…
Islands in the Stream (Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers) - Episode 414
Oct. 18, 2019
It's our 2 year anniversary, and what better song to celebrate our love for each other and for you than the stylings of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, written by everyone's favorite BeeGee, Barry Gibb! Come join us in a warm…
Forever Young (Rod Stewart) - Episode 407
Aug. 30, 2019
That instantly recognizable voice. That beautifully leathery face. That mole nobody really talks about. It’s Rod Stewart, blessing the show and the world with his classic hit “Forever Young.” Also in this episode: - How does…