Features

The Era of Consumption: 3 80's Films Set In Shopping Malls

Amazon might have mortally wounded the local shopping mall, but those of a certain age doubtless remember the important role malls played in American life, particularly during the ‘80s. Malls weren’t just enclosed spots to get your shopping done; they were meeting places, concert and fashion show venues, restaurants and movie houses, and the place where budding relationships could … well, bud, away from the watching eyes of parents.

 

Frank & Moon Zappa's "Valley Girl" Turns 40

 

Frank Zappa was many things – musician, composer, cultural commenter, businessman (though in a Zappa-esque way), husband, and father. Perhaps above all else, he was a workaholic. And when Zappa was at work – usually writing and/or recording music in his home studio, at all hours of the day and night – his family knew he was not to be disturbed.

 

The Great Underrated: Lionel Richie’s ‘Outrageous’ ‘80s

For a time in the ‘80s, it seemed like the most popular songs in the U.S. were being made by perhaps five people: Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Lionel Richie. Richie’s success was of particular interest considering where he’d come from – he’d gone from playing tremendous funk music with the Commodores, to plying audiences with soft balladry and mid-tempo pop songs, both in his latter days with his former band, and as a solo artist.

8 Great Talking Heads Songs from the ‘80s

This month marks the 45th anniversary of Talking Heads’ debut album, Talking Heads ’77. To commemorate the occasion, we’re taking a stroll through the band’s ‘80s discography and selecting 8 of the best songs released by David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Chris Franz and Tina Weymouth during that particular decade. Suffice it to say that you’ll already know most of the songs, but that doesn’t make them any less outstanding.

 

8 Great B-52’s Songs from the ‘80s

With the announcement that this latest tour by the B-52’s is destined to be their last time out on the road, it’s a perfect time to take a look at the back catalog of the iconic band from Athens, Georgia. In particular, we’re dancing our way through 8 of the best songs from their ‘80s output, and while it’s tough to pare things down to that few tunes, we’re happy with the list we’ve curated.