x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

I Completed 80s Music

The 80s Mixtaper

In 2016 I started listening to every single UK chart entry from January 1st 1980 to December 31st 1989. This is the story of that journey, the bands, the music and how 80s music unfolded through lots of lovely playlists. If you’re new to 80s music, consider this a great entry point. If you’re here for nostalgia, you’re in for a treat! Wham! Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Bros, The Smiths - you name it, I have you covered. As midlife crises go, it could be worse! Cover art by Florian Schmetz. Go check

music music history

All Episodes

42:07

Ep 30 Oct 81Police, Billy Squier, Elvis Costello,...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/11/11

Eclectic Much?Yup playlist 30 continues to demonstrate that even towards the end of 1981, the new decade is still embryonic in it's flavours. We kick off with The Police pivoting away from the reggae punk style as they focus on their next album Ghost in the Machine and break out the single Invisible Sun. Next we don our stripper heels and swing on the pole to Billy Squier's Stroke Me, which actually is a song more aligned with greasy politicians and magnates! Elvis Costello goes country with Good

en

43:15

Ep29.5 Sept 81 Dave Stewart, Japan, Depeche Mode, Bad...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/11/03

It's my podcast and I'll cough if I want to! Actually, I manage to hold it together for this entire episode despite the Autumn sniffles as we dive into Autumn 1981. We kick things off with Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin's synthy rework of "It's My Party" before questioning whether Japan's "Quiet Life" may have been the inspiration for a lot of the new romantic sounds. "Just Can't Get Enough" is both the next song and an apt description of how the single kicked off Depeche Mode's meteoric rise. To

en

51:32

Ep 29 Sept 81Joan Armatrading, Tubes, Godley and...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/10/24

Dont you ever, dont you ever, stop listening to this podcast! Yes folks, we're back after a short holiday and we're into the early offings of Autumn 1981 as we break into the first half of Playlist 29. We kick off with Joan Armatrading evolving her sound with "I'm Lucky", before meeting San Francisco rockers The Tubes. We then explore Godley and Creme's significant impact on the pop culture media of the decade and their song "Under Your Thumb".Then, the moment we've all been waiting for (well, 5 of

en

42:09

Ep 28.5 Aug 81 Ottawan, OMD, Rolling Stones, Cliff...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/10/10

We rejoin the 80s Mixtaper as summer comes to an end in 1981. As we hit the back six of playlist 28 we start with school disco classic, Hands Up by Ottawan before slipping into something more comfortable with the deeply introspective Souvenir by OMD. We then discuss whether Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones was their large great song, before strapping on our roller skates for a tour round Milton Keynes and Cliff Richard for Wired for Sound. We then capture the end of Linx's hit run with So This Is

en

95:24

I Completed 80s Music Special: Interview with Justin...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/10/02

Justin Lewis discusses his new book, Into the Groove, a month-by-month exploration of 1980s music that blends major events with overlooked moments.They cover his record-shop roots, influences like Annie Nightingale and Janice Long, the rise of video and hip-hop, Live Aid and the decade’s lasting impact on modern pop. This one's a cracker! Enjoy.

en

51:06

Ep 28 Aug 81 Human League, Modern Romance, Dollar,...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/09/29

Join The 80s Mixtaper as he walks through Playlist 28 of his decade-long mission, spotlighting seven key 1981 tracks from bands — Human League, Modern Romance, Dollar, Simple Minds, Stevie Nicks, The Pointer Sisters and Genesis — with background stories, chart context and an extra guest interview coming about 80s music history. Links to Playlist 28: Spotify Apple Music In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on your podcast platform of choice, the songs are: 1. The Human League - Love Action 2

en

35:14

Ep 27.5 Aug 81 Kim Wilde, Randy Crawford, Classix...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/09/19

In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music" we explore the back six tracks of Playlist 27 as we step into August 1981.Host The 80s Mixtaper revisits Kim Wilde's "Water on Glass," Randy Crawford's take on "Rainy Night in Georgia," Classixs Nouveaux's "Inside Outside," the controversial one-hit wonder "Japanese Boy," UB40's protest anthem "One in 10," and U2's early single "Fire," tracing their chart runs and cultural context. Links to Playlist 27 Spotify Apple Music In case the playlist hyperlinks

en

36:56

Ep 27 Jul 81 Bill Wyman, Squeeze, Duran Duran, Shakin...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/09/12

Join The 80s Mixtaper as he dives into Playlist 27 (mid‑July 1981), unpacking seven landmark tracks — from Bill Wyman's franglais oddity and Squeeze's soul‑tinged 'Tempted' to Duran Duran's provocative 'Girls on Film', Shakin' Stevens' chart‑topping 'Green Door', Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday' campaign anthem, Soft Cell's synth‑pop smash 'Tainted Love', and Siouxsie and the Banshees' haunting 'Arabian Nights'. Hear the stories, chart tales, and cultural moments behind each song.Links to Playlist

en

28:35

Ep 26.5 Jul 81, Kate Bush, Candido, Carl Carlton,...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/09/05

In this episode of "I Completed 80s Music" we dive into the second half of Playlist 26 (mid‑July 1981), spotlighting tracks from Kate Bush, Candido, Carl Carlton, Spandau Ballet, ABBA and Paul Gardiner, and exploring how these songs shaped the club and pop scenes of 1981.Find Spotify and Apple Music playlists and the full track listing in the episode description, and join us next week for more 80s favourites. Links to Playlist 26 Spotify Apple Music In case the playlist hyperlinks don't work on

en

38:33

Ep26 Jul 81Specials, REO Speedwagon, Sheena Easton,...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/08/25

Playlist 26 takes us through July 1981, unpacking the music and stories behind seven standout tracks. Highlights include The Specials' Ghost Town and its link to Britain’s social unrest, REO Speedwagon's arena-rock hit Take It On The Run, Sheena Easton’s Bond theme For Your Eyes Only, the Psychedelic Furs’ Pretty in Pink and its later film legacy, Bad Manners’ ska romp Can Can, a nostalgia-fuelled Beach Boys medley from Gideon Park, and Kraftwerk’s influential synth-pop classic The Model.The

en

17:03

A Rewind South 2025 Special: Triumph and Bitterweet...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/08/19

A stream-of-consciousness recap of Rewind South 2025: a sun-baked, neon-filled weekend where fans of all ages sing along to 80s classics, dress up, and celebrate the music that shaped them.The episode mixes joyful scene-setting and standout performances (Roachford, Heaven 17, Holly Johnson, Blue and more) with a bittersweet reflection on aging artists, cancelled tours, and how the festival might evolve by adding newer acts to keep the nostalgia alive. Ultimately it’s a loving, personal take on why

en

31:27

Ep 25.5 Jun 81Kid Creole, Depeche Mode, Linx, Grace...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/08/18

In the second half of Playlist 25 we dive back into June 1981, spotlighting breakthrough moments from Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Depeche Mode, Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club and more. We break down the songs, stories, and studio tales behind a packed final half of the playlist.Expect a mix of Latin-funk, early synth-pop, post-punk swagger and dancefloor classics, with context on charts, recording sessions and the cultural pulse of 1981. Links to Playlist 25 Spotify Apple Music In case the playlist

en

37:01

Ep 25 Jun 81 Siouxie, Elaine Paige, Barbra Streisand,...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/08/11

In this episode of I Completed 80s Music, we dive into Playlist 25, journeying into the musical tapestry of June 1981. Kicking off with Siouxie and the Banshees, we unravel the hypnotic allure of their track Spellbound from their iconic album Juju. As we navigate through this vibrant decade, we delve into the intricate worlds of the New Romantics and explore Siouxie's lyrical enigma that combines love, horror, and religious undertones. Breaking conventions, we orchestrate a musical duel between

en

31:55

Ep 24.5 May 1981 Split Enz, George Harrison, Hazel...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/08/04

Welcome back to 'I Completed 80s Music' where your musical librarian, the 80s Mixtaper, guides you through an eclectic mix of songs from the vibrant late May 1981 era. It's the second half of playlist 24. Dive into the sounds of George Harrison's heartfelt homage to John Lennon and discover the intricate journey of Split Enz with Neil Finn's introspective lyrics. This episode features a rich tapestry of musical talent, including highlights from Hazel O'Connor, Randy Crawford, and Odyssey. You'll

en

43:51

Ep 24 May 81 Kim Carnes, Kim Wilde, Adam & The Ants,...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/07/28

Welcome to this week's episode of "I Completed 80s Music," where we journey back to May 1981, uncovering the sounds and stories behind some of the decade's most beloved tracks. Join the 80s Mixtaper as we start with Kim Carnes' timeless hit "Bette Davis Eyes," exploring its production, legacy, and chart-topping success. We also dive into Kim Wilde's energetic "Checkered Love" and Adam Ant's iconic "Stand and Deliver," examining how each song captured the spirit of the era. Groove with Grover

en

36:50

Ep23.5 May 81 Teardrop Explodes, Human League, Shakin...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/07/21

Strap in for a totally tubular trip to April 1981 on "I Completed 80s Music"! This week, we’re ripping apart the psychedelic frenzy of The Teardrop Explodes’ Treason, vibing to the synth-pop swagger of The Human League’s Sound of the Crowd, and jiving with Shakin’ Stevens’ electrifying You Drive Me Crazy. We’ll melt into the silky smoothness of Champaign’s How ’Bout Us, swoon over Smokey Robinson’s soulful Being With You, and race to the epic beats of Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire. From band implosions

en

42:26

Ep 23 Apr 81 Echo & The Bunnymen, Tenpole Tudor,...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/07/14

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music! In this episode, we dive into Playlist 23, exploring the best and most intriguing tracks from April 1981. As we inch forward in time, we revisit a landscape where various musical style vie for attention in a fluid chart early in the decade. This week, we shine a spotlight on Echo and the Bunnymen, The Clash, and Madness, exploring their creative journeys and influence. Dive into the rockabilly revival with the Stray Cats and revel in the unique energy of Ten

en

35:19

Ep 22.5 Apr 81 Girlschool, Barry Manilow, Ennio...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/07/07

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, hosted by the 80s Mixtaper. In today's episode, we explore the back half Playlist 22, April 1981, featuring tracks 8 to 13. This playlist encapsulates the unpredictable musical year of 1981, where genres collided and experimentation flourished. Bands like Girlschool and Bauhaus pushed boundaries, while timeless artists such as Barry Manilow took bold new directions. Join us as we dive into the stories behind these tracks and celebrate the unique musical

en

44:13

Ep 22 Apr 81 Buck Fizz, Dept S, Keith Marshall, The...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/07/03

In this episode of "I Complete Your 80s Music," the 80s mixtaper takes you on a musical journey through the unforgettable hits and unique stories from 1981. Dive into the heart of Eurovision excitement with Bucks Fizz's electrifying performance that captured the UK's fourth win, and relish the long ride with REO Speedwagon's iconic power ballad, "Keep On Loving You." Explore the lesser-sung tracks that also defined the era, including Department S's "Is Vic There?" and Keith Marshall’s touching "Only

en

33:23

Episode 21.5 March 1981 Lynott Writes An Iconic Theme...

I Completed 80s Music ·

2025/06/25

Welcome back to I Completed 80s Music, the podcast where we traverse the vibrant, eclectic world of 1980s pop. I'm your host, the 80s Mixtaper, and today we dive into the second half of Playlist 21.5, filled with synth-pop, reggae, and ska tunes.We embark on this journey with Heaven 17's politically charged anthem, "We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang," a protest wrapped in infectious synth beats. Step into Sheffield's industrial atmosphere of 1981 as we unravel the protest anthem that dared to

en

61 results

Similar Podcasts

Pasquale Maassen Soundcloud

Pasquale Maassen

Marian Klose

Marian Klose

sevenism

sevenism

Dean Delray"s LET THERE BE TALK

Cactus Radio Network

Word In Your Ear

Mark Ellen, David Hepworth and Alex Gold