80s Archives - Vinyl Stories

Kenny Rogers – They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To (1986)

August 24, 2023

Outlaw or cornball? That time that Prince gave Kenny Rogers a song and nobody paid attention. The story of “You’re My Love,” the fall of Kenny Rogers, and a defense of why he deserves to be rediscovered.

Various Artists – Lambada (1989)

August 21, 2023

Journey back to 1989 when an international dance craze was started via French-Brazillian band Kaoma’s hit “Lambada” and the shocking crime which ended lead singer Loalwa Braz’s life. Extra: Just who wrote “Lambada” anyway, and how Kaoma’s success spawned Roberta and Chico – the 1980’s most uncomfortable kid’s act.

John Barry – Somewhere in Time Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1980)

August 17, 2023

If this was the day thet I was going to die, than John Barry’s score to “Somewhere in Time” was good enough to be the final music I ever heard. You don’t need a coin to travel back in time. All it takes is a song. A personal memory from one of Sam Tweedle’s Hollywood adventures, and a tribute to his late friend Aron Kincaid. Extra: Come lunch with us at Musso and Frank Grill!

Frank Sinatra – Trilogy: Past Present Future (1980)

July 28, 2023

In 1980, to celebrate his 40th Anniversary, Frank Sinatra blasted off into outer space for a kooky intergalactic song cycle called “The Future” on his album “Trilogy: Past Present Future.” A divisive recording amongst critics and fans, it’d be the biggest recording session of Sinatra’s career. A look at this bizarre entry into the Sinatra songbook. Extra: The release of “New York, New York” and how it recentered Sinatra’s legacy.

Roy Orbison – Crying (1962) and Roy Orbison – Mystery Girl (1989)

July 21, 2023

Nobody sang a sad song like Roy Orbison, but few performers knew true suffering and loss than The Big O, giving a haunting reality to his ballads. From the height of his popularity in the 1960’s until his triumphant comeback in the 1980’s, tragedy seemed to follow Roy Orbison at every fatal turn.

Bruce Springsteen – Born in the USA (1984)

July 3, 2023

When Bruce Springsteen released “Born in the USA” he went from struggling singer/songwriter to a rock n’ roll icon. But when President Ronald Regan name dropped The Boss, perhaps he should have listened to Springsteen’s lyrics first. A look at “Born in the USA” and the history of Republican politicians who have foolishly tried to use it. Extra: How Bruce Springsteen keeps Sam Tweedle’s spouse up at night.

Night Ranger – Midnight Madness (1983)

May 22, 2023

“You’re motorin’.” The story behind Night Ranger’s 1983 power ballad “Sister Christian” – a brother’s coming of age advice to his little sister.

Tommy Page – Tommy Page (1988) and Tommy Page – Paintings in My Mind (1990)

May 10, 2023

A deep dive into the career of often overlooked 90’s teen idol Tommy Page. Was he ahead of his time, and did his association with the New Kids on the Block help or hinder him? Extra: Was Tommy sending us a musical cry for help before his 2017 suicide?

John Lennon and Yoko Ono – Double Fantasy (1980)

February 16, 2023

Happy 90th Birthday Yoko Ono! A deep dive into the world’s most famous unknown artist, and why she deserves more love.

Burt Bacharach – Greatest Hits (1974)

February 9, 2023

Sam Tweedle celebrates the decade spanning career of America’s greatest pop music composer Burt Bacharach through the impossible task of choosing his top 11 Bacharach songs.

Robby Krieger – Versions (1982)

January 18, 2023

Celebrating the song writing legacy of The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, and the story of how he wrote “Light My Fire.”

Kate Bush – The Sensual World (1989)

August 30, 2022

In 2022 Kate Bush hit the mainstream for the first time when a new generation discovered her via the hit Netflix seriesd “Stranger Things.” Sam Tweedle travels back to 1989 when he disocvered Kate Bush at age fifteen with her album “The Sensual World” and how it changed the way he listened to music forever.

Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra – Xanadu (1980)

August 8, 2022

In memory of Olivia Newton-John. That time Sam Tweedle caught “Xanadu Fever,” affecting the peace and tranquility of his home. Just how many times can a man listen to the Xanadu soundtrack?