Category Archives: 80′s

Released on Welcome to the Pleaseuredome in 1984.

I don’t know what I love more – this song, or the hilarious T-shirt that goes with it:

I needed to hear this song today. It helped me to get out of my own head, even if only for a few minutes.  Thank you to Brian for making me sit and listen to Relax in its entirety.  :)

What song does the world need to hear?   Suggest a Song!

Released on Tim in 1985

I just realized that last weekend, Now Hear This Chicago turned 1 year old! Happy birthday to my little website and all of my fellow music lovers who make it possible.

So as a little birthday present from me to the website, I’m posting my favorite Replacements song – Swingin Party.  For no other reason except that it’s an awesome song and the world should be reminded of its existence.   Thank you again for your support, and here’s to another year of great music!

What song does the world need to hear?   Suggest a Song!

Released on Peepshow in 1988.

This song…. aside from rocking my socks off,  is one of the earliest examples of sampling in alternative music.  Or any genre, for that matter.   Siouxsie Sioux rocks harder than any other female singer I can think of –  so it’s no surprise that singers like Lady GaGa, Shirley Manson, and Karen O list her as an influence.

If you’re trying to kick your caffeine habit like I am, just play this song as you roll out of bed in the morning – it’s the musical equivalent of a Starbucks Red Eye.

What song does the world need to hear?   Suggest a Song!

Released on The Principle of Moments in 1983.

Despite the constant references to highways/roads/miles/etc, I’m going to guess that this song has nothing to with driving.    It has to be an extended metaphor of some sort – maybe for lost or unrequited love.  The emotional equivalent of road fatigue, if you will.

Bonus:  You’ll never guess who plays drums on this song (and most of the album, actually).   Phil Collins!  In Plant’s early solo career, Phil Collins seemed to be his go-to drummer.  

What song does the world need to hear?   Suggest a Song!

Released on Lifes Rich Pageant in 1986.    In honor of the 31 years of music that R.E.M. has given us,  I thought I’d share my favorite REM song with you guys.  

 It’s so bizarre to think that R.E.M. is no longer together.  (Although some people say that the band died in 1997, when Bill Berry left).   I have to confess that I didn’t listen to much of REM’s releases after Monster.  But I will always remember their great music, and of course, their awesome appearance on Sesame Street.

But for now, let’s take a trip back to the late 80′s with Fall on Me.  (Note: this song sounds better on a good stereo system)

Released on Nothing Like the Sun, in 1987.

This song was released 14 years before 9/11 happened, but the lyrics are are eerily prophetic.  Everyone mourns 9/11 in their own way.  But for me, it’s another reminder of how fragile human life is.

What song does the world need to hear? Suggest a Song!