This episode is up early Wednesday. You have until Monday at midnight EST to vote, then we will take a snapshot of the results and finish Side A, posting the final episode on Tuesday of next week.
I think the sound that most typifies the early 80s (side A) and therefore most 80s-est is what is most representative of the second British wave (still think Sweet Dreams should be in the finals 😁) but Modern English has that perfectly balanced sound - and all the 80s feels. I would venture to bet if you surveyed a larger portion of the population (not just us 80s music geeks) you might find that I Melt With You resonates with more people. The song, while not as popular at the time, had a really unique sticking power in pop music that lasted beyond the MTV era flashy videos. Both fantastic songs but in my head voting for the song (not the video - and yes, I think it is fair to divorce the two and focus on the music) that not only captures the sound of the era but was impactful enough that other generations also think of it as a key tune has the slight edge.
Well done Joe and Keith! I never listened to podcasts until this one - and what a fun ride! Looking forward to side B and the legends. 🤟
Thank you, Dr. Janet, for listening all the way through with us. While "Sweet Dreams" fell just short, it had a great run! I definitely can see a convincing argument for either of these songs, but thanks for sharing your perspective on it! I agree with your point that you don't necessarily need a video to decide these things, but for some folks, their experience may be such that the video may be inextricably linked to their definition of what the 80s is.
We are honored to be your first podcast! And we are happy to have you with us for when we flip to Side B!
I can't believe it took a coin flip for I Melt With You to beat Sunglasses. Good god, what is with your listeners.
Keith pretty much articulated all my previous arguments for I Melt With You. I would only add that the reason I think it is the best representation of the 80s is - along with the danceable beat, bass line, 80s drums, and a synth sound that remarkably doesn't overdo it - that it also has a dark undertone that lived in a lot of the best 80s songs. I LOVE A-ha, but they just didn't have that in Take on Me.
Tight matchup - so close that my tipping point is actually *not* related to the music itself, but it *is* inextricably linked to the song: It's the video. Peak artistry crafted during MTV's most important and musically influential decade. (This was almost - ALMOST - counteracted by Modern English's utterly vital 1980s British New Wave Invasion sound, but not quite.) Well done, guys.
It's such an difficult choice--thanks for showing your work!
Excited to have you along for Side B...who will Joe's Side B nemesis be? Any guesses? I'm not nominating another Jets song, so someone else will have to pick up the mantle!
Thanks, John, for sticking with the show despite our missing so many good songs to nominate, and despite my voting record!🤣 We always love your comments, and hope you keep them coming for Side B!
We've come a long way from episde one! These two friends from rural Ohio have become podcast personalities, building a loyal audience in the process. Can´t wait for side B!
As for side A, my vote goes for A-Ha, mostly out of respect for Keith going for the high note! Well done, my friend! I hadn't heard "I melt with you" before this podcast, and I have learned to like it. I guess that being able to pull off the line "making love to you was never second best" shows a lot of confidence!
The bronze medal goes to Simple Minds, of course!
Thank you guys for a very enjoyable first season. See you next week!
One of the great unexpected joys of this season has been reconnecting with you over some great music. You are just as kind and light-hearted and fun as I remember you from Boston in the 1990s. It's also been great listening to your music and getting your perspective from Argentina! Perhaps we can get you on the air for Side B?
Thank you for listening and we look forward to more of the fun on Side B!
Hi guys, I've been quietly voting away recently. Very busy back at work and kid back at school - I haven't had much head space to reach out. I've gone Don't You for third place, and... (drum roll) I Melt With You, mainly because the idea behind the track is the most 80s thing I can imagine, although Take On Me is possibly the most 80s sounding, and will be a worthy winner if it wins.
Anyways, congrats again on the show guys, it's been a total success.
This episode is up early Wednesday. You have until Monday at midnight EST to vote, then we will take a snapshot of the results and finish Side A, posting the final episode on Tuesday of next week.
Side B will then begin after that!
--Keith (& Joe)
I think the sound that most typifies the early 80s (side A) and therefore most 80s-est is what is most representative of the second British wave (still think Sweet Dreams should be in the finals 😁) but Modern English has that perfectly balanced sound - and all the 80s feels. I would venture to bet if you surveyed a larger portion of the population (not just us 80s music geeks) you might find that I Melt With You resonates with more people. The song, while not as popular at the time, had a really unique sticking power in pop music that lasted beyond the MTV era flashy videos. Both fantastic songs but in my head voting for the song (not the video - and yes, I think it is fair to divorce the two and focus on the music) that not only captures the sound of the era but was impactful enough that other generations also think of it as a key tune has the slight edge.
Well done Joe and Keith! I never listened to podcasts until this one - and what a fun ride! Looking forward to side B and the legends. 🤟
Thank you, Dr. Janet, for listening all the way through with us. While "Sweet Dreams" fell just short, it had a great run! I definitely can see a convincing argument for either of these songs, but thanks for sharing your perspective on it! I agree with your point that you don't necessarily need a video to decide these things, but for some folks, their experience may be such that the video may be inextricably linked to their definition of what the 80s is.
We are honored to be your first podcast! And we are happy to have you with us for when we flip to Side B!
Thanks for all your contributions to the show!
Keith
WE’LL DO IT LIVE, FUCK IT! WE’LL DO IT LIVE!
https://youtu.be/vu2NK5REvWM?si=cQEPFdexT5Q7FgPH
We did it live, Rush!! Thanks for listening to EVERY. SINGLE. EPISODE! --K
Gentlemen, it has been an honor and a privilege.
I can't believe it took a coin flip for I Melt With You to beat Sunglasses. Good god, what is with your listeners.
Keith pretty much articulated all my previous arguments for I Melt With You. I would only add that the reason I think it is the best representation of the 80s is - along with the danceable beat, bass line, 80s drums, and a synth sound that remarkably doesn't overdo it - that it also has a dark undertone that lived in a lot of the best 80s songs. I LOVE A-ha, but they just didn't have that in Take on Me.
hahaha Deni bringing great takes all the way to the Finals--love it!
That darkness that you mention has also been mentioned to me by listener/friend John Booth, so it's definitely a thing.
Deni, you definitely add a lot to our comment section, and we hope you will continue on to Side B with us!
Thanks for being an 80s-est listener before it was cool!
--Keith
Tight matchup - so close that my tipping point is actually *not* related to the music itself, but it *is* inextricably linked to the song: It's the video. Peak artistry crafted during MTV's most important and musically influential decade. (This was almost - ALMOST - counteracted by Modern English's utterly vital 1980s British New Wave Invasion sound, but not quite.) Well done, guys.
It's such an difficult choice--thanks for showing your work!
Excited to have you along for Side B...who will Joe's Side B nemesis be? Any guesses? I'm not nominating another Jets song, so someone else will have to pick up the mantle!
Thanks, John, for sticking with the show despite our missing so many good songs to nominate, and despite my voting record!🤣 We always love your comments, and hope you keep them coming for Side B!
--Keith
We've come a long way from episde one! These two friends from rural Ohio have become podcast personalities, building a loyal audience in the process. Can´t wait for side B!
As for side A, my vote goes for A-Ha, mostly out of respect for Keith going for the high note! Well done, my friend! I hadn't heard "I melt with you" before this podcast, and I have learned to like it. I guess that being able to pull off the line "making love to you was never second best" shows a lot of confidence!
The bronze medal goes to Simple Minds, of course!
Thank you guys for a very enjoyable first season. See you next week!
Alejandro,
One of the great unexpected joys of this season has been reconnecting with you over some great music. You are just as kind and light-hearted and fun as I remember you from Boston in the 1990s. It's also been great listening to your music and getting your perspective from Argentina! Perhaps we can get you on the air for Side B?
Thank you for listening and we look forward to more of the fun on Side B!
--Keith
Count me in for side B, Keith!
Hi guys, I've been quietly voting away recently. Very busy back at work and kid back at school - I haven't had much head space to reach out. I've gone Don't You for third place, and... (drum roll) I Melt With You, mainly because the idea behind the track is the most 80s thing I can imagine, although Take On Me is possibly the most 80s sounding, and will be a worthy winner if it wins.
Anyways, congrats again on the show guys, it's been a total success.
Wax x
Many thanks for allowing us into your head for the past 4+ months! And I appreciate your insights along the way and your reasons for voting today!
We will continue to try to improve the show for Side B (1986-1989) coming SOON! We hope you stay with us for another glorious run!
--Keith
Man, I am so down for side B, can't wait!