A look at the charts from the end of 1974, including discussions of hits by Bobby Vinton, Showaddywaddy, John Lennon, the Pointer Sisters, Chilliwack, Barry Manilow, Paul Anka and more. See and hear it all on YouTube here, and support the show on Patreon if you'd like here. This episode is a newie but a Goodie.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Sunday, December 26, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episodes 88 & 89: Busted Bubbles of 1977 and December 2, 1995
A show about the not quite hits of 1977, followed by a set of mid-90s charts. There's Frank Zappa, Jerry Reed, Teddy Pendergrass, Green Day, Garbage, Tom Cochrane, Mariah Carey and more. The YouTube playlists are here and here, and you can support the show on Patreon here. Don't run away from these episodes.
Saturday, December 4, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #87: November 21, 1982
The latest episode talks about the hits of 39 years ago, including songs by Simple Minds, Linda Ronstadt, Laura Branigan, America, Wham!, Stray Cats, Toni Basil and more. Check out the YouTube playlist here, and consider supporting the show on Patreon here. Save a little of your love for this episode.
Saturday, November 27, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episodes 85 & 86: October 17, 1998 and November 7, 1970
Saturday, October 30, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #84: The Second Annual Halloween Special Featuring Turn On Tune In Rock Out #10 - Quincy M.E. "Next Stop Nowhere" and ABC Afterschool Special The Day My Kid Went Punk
Episode #84
The second OMYAM Halloween Special covers two attempts by 80s TV to figure out the whole punk rock thing. In 1982, TV coroner Jack Klugman tried to figure out why these kids were dressing up like Halloween every day and doing the slam dancing when they could just put on some Glenn Miller and be normal. Oh, and solve a murder. Then that staple of issue based entertainment, the ABC Afterschool Special, has the doctor from The Love Boat trying to deal with his nice violin-playing son turning into a nice makeup-and-spiked-hair wearing son. You can watch both on YouTube here. And if you go on my Patreon and subscribe on any tier here, you can hear about the Halloween John Belushi's punk friends trashed SNL. This episode is a must for fans of Ziggy Ziggy Sputnik.
Sunday, October 10, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #83: Turn On, Tune In, Rock Out #9 - NBC's Le Disco Special from 1978
This time Roger has a look at a show about the music and lifestyle craze that had become a dominant force in the culture. Watch beautiful people boogie in an converted LA soundstage while magicians, trapeze artists and The Village People perform. There's also a fashion show and a dance contest. And lots of retro commercials. Follow along on YouTube here, and consider supporting the show on Patreon here. And stay tuned at the end to find out about a bonus episode available to anyone who joins the Patreon. I'm leaving the exclusivity to Studio 54.
Sunday, October 3, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episodes #81 and #82: September 23, 1978 and October 3, 1981
The two latest episodes cover the hits of the years I started Grades 2 and 5, respectively. You'll hear about hits from Cheryl Ladd, The Cars, Rick James, Boston, Kenny Loggins, Blue Oyster Cult, Triumph, UB40, Martha and the Muffins, Lulu, Juice Newton and more. See the YouTube playlists here and here, and consider supporting the show on Patreon here. If you listen to these episodes, I will call you friend.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
The OMUTURE: Round 3, Part 2
THE SECURITY AT HOME OR ON THE ROAD BOWL
"Cars," Gary Numan, 1980
vs. "Somebody's Watching Me," Rockwell, 1983
Final Score: Watching 42, Cars 10. The Rockwell team continued their pattern of playing like someone was after them, while the Numen weren't feeling it on this day and just wanted to get back on their bus where they felt safest. But as usual, the Somebodys left the stadium without showering or changing, because no one could convince them that there weren't hidden cameras in the locker room.
THE STOP BANGING ON THE DOOR, I CAN'T HEAR WHAT THE CAT IS SAYING BOWL
"Wasn't That a Party," The Rovers, 1981
vs. "Love Shack," The B-52s, 1989
Final Score: Party 34. Shack 17. Once again, binging on alcohol before the game unleashed the wild energy of the Rovers, and they coasted over their much mellower opponents, who piled into their whale-sized team Cadillac and kept celebrating in spite of the loss. The Party continues, but when will the hangover kick in?
THE SAILING ALONG WITHOUT A CARE IN THE WORLD BOWL
"Don't Worry Be Happy," Bobby McFerrin, 1988
vs. "Orinoco Flow," Enya, 1989
Final Score: Worry 34, Flow 28. It was McFerrin's carefree philosophy versus Enya's polished yet free-flowing style, but in the end, the Happy side's extraordinary talented individuals gave them a hard-fought victory. The Orinocos departed for whatever their next adventure may be, with team captain Rob Dickins at the wheel of their team yacht.
THE EATING AND WORKING BOWL
"Eat It," Weird Al Yankovic, 1984
vs. "Money for Nothing," Dire Straits, 1985
Final Score: Eat 38, Money 13. Both teams were well-conditioned, with the Eaters being very particular about what they put in their bodies and the Straits keeping fit while doing their quite physical day jobs. But the turning point in the game was the halftime show, during which a famous rock band performed. For some reason the Money boys decided to stay and watch instead of going to their locker room, and they were so distracted by their jealousy of the band's wealth and lifestyle that they allowed Al's team to dominate the last two quarters.
THE SOME STRANGE CREATURES ATR SCARIER THAN OTHERS BOWL
"Heartlight," Neil Diamond, 1982
vs. "Thriller," Michael Jackson, 1984
Final Score: Heartlight 27, Thriller 23. There was concern before the game that the naive, innocent Diamond players would crumble before the frightening abilities of the Thrillers. But this was a case of a team not being intimidated because they didn't know they should be, and they pulled out the win with a miraculous looking aerial play that Jackson's aggressive but slow-moving defense could not contain.
THE CAUSING AND RELIEVING PAIN BOWL
"General Hospi-Tale," The Afternoon Delights, 1981
vs. "Burning Heart," Survivor, 1986
Final Score: General 38, Heart 7. The loveable palookas of the Survivor squad brought their usual intensity, but the shocking and dramatic twists and turns of the Delights' strategy had them so compelled that they just wanted to watch and see what would happen next. What Ivan Drago couldn't do, Luke and Laura could.
THE CRIMEFIGHTERS VS. SLIMEFIGHTERS BOWL
"Ghostbusters," Ray Parker Jr., 1984
vs. "Batdance," Prince, 1989
Final Score: Batdance 41, Ghostbusters 21. Both teams had cool uniforms and a lot of gadget plays, but the Prince team were able to vary the tempo of the game and confuse the Busters to the point where they sometimes seemed like they were trying to tackle invisible spirits. The Bat-winners move on to the next round, while the losers have already scheduled a new opponent, a team called the Zuul Gatekeepers.
THE ATTACHMENTS BOWL
"Theme from New York, New York," Frank Sinatra, 1980
vs. "Velcro Fly," ZZ Top, 1986
Final Score: Velcro 31, New York 17. The Velcros continued to lean on their sticky-handed receivers and tenaciously clinging defense, and they were able to stop the New Yorkers from making it to the next round. Losing coach Sinatra was not happy, and he berated his players after the game for hours, into the wee small hours of the morning.
THE SWEET TRANSFORMATION BOWL
"Turning Japanese," The Vapors, 1980
vs. "Sugar Walls," Sheena Easton, 1985
Final Score: Japanese 49, Walls 6. The Vapors knew their opponents inside and out, and they used that knowledge to repeatedly penetrate the barriers the Sugar squad put up. The losing team now faces a government investigation into their alleged dirty play, spearheaded by a Mrs. T. Gore.
THE SHOOT YOUR SHOT BOWL
"U Got the Look," Prince and Sheena Easton, 1987
vs. "Bust a Move," Young MC, 1989
Final Score: Bust 31, Look 17. Both teams came in known for their innovative strategies for picking up points, but the Young side had more of them. Prince and Sheena folded up their peach and black uniforms, turned off the ugly lights in their dressing room, and moved on to their next competition, The World Series of Love. Unlike this tournament, the Lookers are heavily favored to go all the way in that one.
THE TAME YOURSELF BOWL
"Keep Your Hands to Yourself," The Georgia Satellites, 1987
vs "Wild Thing," Tone Loc, 1989
Final Score: Hands 17, Wild 10. The persistence of the Loc team was unable to score much against the staunch defense of the Georgia boys, who shut down the Wild ones time after time. Even worse for Tone, he was under the impression that his players were playing for him pro bono, and was surprised to learn after they were eliminated that they expected to be paid. His response was "Hasta la vista, baby," and he immediately fled the stadium.
THE SMARTS AND SADISM BOWL
"Whip It," Devo, 1980
vs. "Genius of Love," Tom Tom Club, 1982
Final Score: Whip 30, Genius 14. The Tom Toms used all of the legendary names on their roster, from Bohannon to Marley to Robinson to Brown, but they couldn't escape the lash of Devo's crack offense. There were several bounces that didn't go their way, which some blame on the Clubbers not paying attention to the damaged floor of their dressing room.
THE HORSES DON'T SURF BOWL
"Run for the Roses," Dan Fogelberg, 1982
vs. "Wipe Out," The Fat Boys and the Beach Boys, 1987
Final Score: Roses 37, Wipe 7. The wave that the Boys had ridden through the first two rounds crashed in this game. Fogelberg had the horses to run all over their opponents, taking advantage of the less-conditioned players on the Out squad. The Roses are running strong as they approach the midway point of their race.
THE TIME HAS COME TO GIVE THE BOAT CAPTAIN HIS MONEY BOWL
"Don't Pay the Ferryman," Chris De Burgh, 1983
vs. "Beds are Burning," Midnight Oil, 1988
Final Score: Beds 24, Ferryman 14. The diesel-powered Oils were committed to their cause, and they were able to stay ahead of the Ferrymen throughout the game. And once again, money became an issue, as De Burgh's starting quarterback, though uninjured, remained in the locker room after halftime as a result of a pay dispute.
THE WHAT'S MY NAME BOWL
"Bruce," Rick Springfield, 1984
vs. "You Can Call Me Al," Paul Simon, 1987
Final Score: Bruce 27, Al 16. In spite of their success, both teams came into this game with identity crises. But Springfield's side seemed to let that frustration motivate them to conquer, while Paul's players seemed to come to some clarity about who they were sometime during the second half, and while this brought them contentment, it seemed to make them less focused on winning the game. Congratulations to the Als on their self-actualization, but even more congratulations to the Bruces on moving on to round 4.
THE TACO OR TCHAIKOVSKY BOWL
"Hooked on Classics," The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 1981
vs. "Puttin' on the Ritz," Taco, 1983
Final Score: Ritz 23, Classics 20 (OT). A close battle between two old school teams could not be settled in 60 minutes. It was the Taco team's fancy footwork that provided the difference in overtime. It goes to show that even having one of the greatest playbooks ever doesn't guarantee success.
Saturday, September 18, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #80: The Old Man's Ultimate Tournament of Uneasy Riders of the 80s: Quarterfinals
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Episode #79: Tales From the Bargain Bin #9 - Toy Matinee
This episode covers the only album by a band led by a Madonna collaborator and a prog rock revivalist. And it was actually purchased by your host for 99 cents many, many years ago. Find out more about it here, and consider supporting the show on Patreon here. You can have this episode and listen to it, too.
Friday, September 3, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #78: September 5, 1992
This edition of the show covers the hits of an early 90s early fall. Songs discussed include hits by Belinda Carlisle, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arrested Development, House of Pain, Genesis, The Cure, Bobby Brown and more. Follow along on YouTube here, and if you'd like to support the show on Patreon, you can do so here. Ebeneezer Goode recommends this episode.
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #77: August 19, 1989
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #76: Busted Bubbles of 1976
This episode looks at songs that didn't quite make the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976, including not-quite-hits by Little Richard, Iron Butterfly, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Goldsboro and more. Follow along on YouTube here, and consider supporting the show on Patreon here. This episode will fill you up...with obscure musical trivia.
Monday, August 9, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #75: August 7, 1971
This episode looks at the CanUKUS (trademark pending) charts of 50 years ago. Featuring songs by Cat Stevens, Freda Payne, Bob Dylan, Davy Jones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, New World, The Raiders and more. Follow along on YouTube here, and consider supporting the show on Patreon here. Listen with underwear or without, it's none of my business.
Thursday, July 29, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #74: July 19, 1997
This episode covers the charts of midsummer '97, discussing hits by Master P, Bran Van 3000, Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli, LeAnn Rimes, The Verve, Shawn Colvin, Third Eye Blind and more. Follow along on YouTube here, and support the show if you wish on Patreon here. How will you live without listening to this episode?
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast: Episodes 72 & 73: July 5, 1985 and Turn On Tune In Rock Out #8 - MTV 10
Thursday, July 1, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episodes #70 and #71: Tales from the Bargain Bin #8 - Kristy and Jimmy McNichol, and The Old Man's Ultimate 80s Uneasy Rider Tournament: Round 5
The OMUTURE: Round 3, Part 1
THE AS THE WORLD TURNS BOWL
"Sign O' the Times," Prince, 1987
vs. "We Didn't Start the Fire," Billy Joel, 1987
Final Score: Fire 34, Sign 21. Both teams showed a lot of aggression, but it was the Joel side's more varied attack that won the day. The Times team's title dreams are dead, but some say that because of this, they're now truly happy.
THE IF THOSE KIDS DON’T NEED EDUCATION, SEND THEM OFF TO WAR BOWL
"Another Brick in the Wall Part 2," Pink Floyd, 1980
vs. "19," Paul Hardcastle, 1985
Final Score: Nineteen 44, Brick 10. Floyd's rebellious youth were overwhelmed by the stark reality of what the 19 team were willing and able to do to them. After the loss, they were so depressed that they wouldn't eat their post-game meal, which of course meant they couldn't have dessert either.
THE NOT THE BEST MEDICAL CARE BOWL
"One," Metallica, 1989
vs. "Dr. Feelgood," Motley Crue, 1989
Final Score: One 38, Feelgood 14. Whatever was powering the Crue to their first two victories seemed to have worn off today, and the crash was not pretty. But neither was the grim determination of their opponents, who still seem almost horrified that they remain alive in the tournament.
THE BLUE PAINT AND RED PLASTIC BOWL
"Undercover of the Night," The Rolling Stones, 1983
vs. "99 Luftballons," Nena, 1984
Final Score: Luftballons 35, Undercover 7. Nena's army dominated the Stones side with their deceptively harmless-seeming air attack. The Undercover team hasn't been seen since the loss.
THE REALLY GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT BOWL
"Coward of the County," Kenny Rogers, 1980
vs. "Dirty Laundry," Don Henley, 1983
Final Score: Laundry 31, County 24. The Laundry men were well ahead for most of the game thanks to their deceptive and distracting tactics. The County side made a brave late comeback, but their opponents' relentless tackling eventually wore them out. Afterward, Kenny's team's greatest concern was whether or not their parents were proud of their efforts.
THE VASTLY DIFFERENT REASONS NOT TO DO IT BOWL
"I've Never Been to Me," Charlene, 1982
vs. "Relax," Frankie Goes to Hollywood, 1985
Final Score: Never 24, Relax 10. Charlene's charges were extremely active in the first have, running plays that, if not against the rules, certainly were on the edge of morality. They settled down in the second half, but their opponents were so committed to saving their big play until the end that they left it too late. Their moment, and their time in the tournament, had passed.
THE THESE OLD MEN HAD A FARM, EMPHASIS ON HAD BOWL
"Rain on the Scarecrow," John Mellencamp, 1986
vs. "Touch of Grey," The Grateful Dead, 1987
Final Score: Rain 31, Grey 17. Farm boy strength and resilience prevailed over veteran savvy. The winners fight on in spite of the financial worries hanging over them. The losers seem pretty mellow, and their large and loyal fanbase was seen following the Dead's bus to wherever their next game may be.
THE CHECK YOUR EGOS AT THE DOOR BOWL
"We are the World," USA for Africa, 1985
vs. "Sun City," Artists United Against Apartheid, 1986
Final Score: City 34, World 28. Both teams were loaded with stars, and there were a lot of flashy individual plays. In the end, the City team came out on top due to their more combative approach. They will move to the next round, unless for some reason they do not approve of the venue chosen for the game.
THE ATARI VS. MARCONI BOWL
"Pac-Man Fever," Buckner and Garcia, 1982
vs. "Radio Ga-Ga," Queen, 1984
Final Score: Fever 44, Radio 7. It was a dominant performance by the Pac-Men, who were so quick and elusive that they made the Radio players seem stuck in the past. But the losing side's fans cheered them off the field, making sure they knew someone still loves them.
THE MODREN SOUNDS IN POP MUSIC BOWL
"Mr. Roboto," Styx, 1983
vs. "Pump Up the Volume," M/A/R/R/S, 1988
Final Score: Roboto 31, Pump 19. The Styx team's mechanical precision won the day over the all-over-the-place M/A/A/R/S squad. The Pump boys are gone, but they made a lot of noise before they went.
THE, LIKE, IS THAT A REAL GUY, OR SOME, LIKE, WEIRD COMPUTER THING BOWL
"Valley Girl," Frank and Moon Zappa, 1982
vs. "Paranoimia," The Art of Noise featuring Max Headroom, 1986
Final Score: Valley 37, Paranoimia 17. The Valley team continued calling their plays in indecipherable code, and they were able to confuse and demoralize the Headroom team, who by the end seemed to want nothing more than to go to sleep.
THE SIGHT AND SOUND BOWL
"She Blinded Me with Science," Thomas Dolby, 1983
vs. "Silent Running," Mike + The Mechanics, 1986
Final Score: Science 24, Running 16. The Mechanics had gotten this far with their stealthy ground game, but with a well thought out defensive strategy, Dolby's team made them look like they were stumbling around with no idea where they were going. By comparison, the Science club's experimental offense looked like poetry in motion.
THE BLUE PORK AND PURPLE BANANAS BOWL
"Let's Go Crazy," Prince, 1984
vs. "Walk the Dinosaur," Was (Not Was), 1989
Final Score: Dinosaur 42, Crazy 24. Both teams produced some innovative play calling, but it was the Was team's superior size that proved decisive. It's unclear how the Crazy side took the loss, because reporters outside their locker room after the game said that "Aaah! Aaah!" was all they heard.
THE WHY SLAP ONE HAND WHEN YOU'VE GOT TWO FACES RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU BOWL
"The Clapping Song," Pia Zadora, 1983
vs. "The Curly Shuffle," Jump N' The Saddle, 1984
Final Score: Curly 49, Clapping 17. The Saddle team jumped all over the Clappers, who were often too busy dodging pies thrown by fans to execute their intricate plays. Immediately afterward, Coach Zadora's husband and team owner fired all the the players and pledged to buy her new ones. The dismissed losers were then piled into a little rowboat, destination unknown.
THE CHECKMATE, EH? BOWL
"Take Off," Bob and Doug McKenzie, 1982
vs. "One Night in Bangkok," Murray Head, 1985
Final Score: Night 33, Off 11. The boys from Bangkok prevailed with superior strategy, which baffled the McKenzies, who were suffering a hangover from their previous two victories. At least that's what they said. Losing coach Bob said that despite the loss, it was a "beauty way to go," and his assistant coach Doug added "Coo loo coo coo coo coo coo coo."
THE HOTEL, MOTEL, THEATER AUF DER WEIDEN BOWL
"Rapper's Delight," The Sugarhill Gang, 1980
vs. "Rock Me Amadeus," Falco, 1986
Final Score: Amadeus 42, Delight 14. The Falco team once again had an easy time of it thanks to the genius plays composed by their prodigious offensive coordinator. The boys from Sugarhill were not helped by their unappetizing pregame meal that included odd tasting chicken and something that looked like cheese. Because of this, the drink table on their sideline was filled not with Gatorade, but Kaopectate.
Thursday, June 17, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #69: June 19, 1976
Thursday, June 10, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episodes #67 & 68: June 4, 1994 and Busted Bubbles of 1975
Thursday, May 27, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #66: Turn On, Tune In, Rock Out #7: Mission: Magic starring Rick Springfield
Roger's latest look at a pop-related TV show is a recap of the first episode of a trippy kids' cartoon featuring the voice and music of an up-and-coming Australian singer years before he met Jessie’s girl. You can watch along on YouTube here. And if you'd like, you can support the show on Patreon here. Follow me through a magic door in a blackboard on the most magical mission of all: listening to this episode.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast: Episodes 63, 64 and 65
The three latest episodes. #63 and #65 look at the charts of May '73 and '83. In between, it's Round 4 of the 80s Uneasy Rider Tournament, where we end up with the final 16 songs. The YouTube playlists are here, here, and here. And you can support the show on Patreon here. Get a triple shot of pure, unfiltered OMYAM. No side effects except increased knowledge of obscure pop music factoids.
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
The OMUTURE: Round 2, Part 4
THE WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THERE? BOWL
"Turning Japanese," The Vapors, 1980
vs, "Centerfold," The J. Geils Band, 1982
Final Score: Japanese 41, Centerfold 17. The Vapors had their opponents turning up, down, in, and around, looking for ways to get over the initial shock of their offensive display in the first half. The Geils side ended up not being able to deny their defeat, and also their desire to purchase tickets for the Japanese's next game.
THE FRONT TO BACK BOWL
"Sugar Walls," Sheena Easton, 1985
vs. "Da Butt," E.U., 1988
Final Score: Walls 31, Butt 27. It was another impressive performance b6 the E.U. backfield, but Sheena was able to turn up the heat and close the gap until her opponents surrendered.
THE YOU DON’T NEED A BIG VENUE FOR THIS WORLD SERIES BOWL
"U Got the Look," Prince and Sheena Easton, 1987
vs. "Love in an Elevator," Aerosmith, 1989
Final Score: Look 35, Elevator 34. In a close contest, the Lookers were able to wake up at the very end and send Aerosmith back down to the ground floor. How long can they keep cooking?
THE GOOD AND GOOD FOR YOU BOWL
"Sexual Healing," Marvin Gaye, 1983
vs. "Wild Thing," Tone Loc, 1989
Final Score: Wild 49, Sexual 10. Loc's side contined to demonstrate their ability to score at will, leaving Marvin's team in need of special medical attention. Call it a triumph of youth over experience.
THE DON'T JUST STAND THERE, SHE'S PAYING YOU BOWL
"Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody," David Lee Roth, 1984
vs. "Bust a Move," Young MC, 1989
Final Score: Move 45, Gigolo 14. The Young boys' fancy footwork and mission-oriented approach easily overcame Diamond Dave's strategy of waiting for the right opportunities. The Gigolos fans would be disappointed, if they had any.
THE NO HUGGY NO KISSY IF YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR LIKE CHUCK WOOLERY BOWL
"Keep Your Hands to Yourself," The Georgia Satellites, 1986
vs. "Hey Ladies," Beastie Boys, 1989
Final Score: Hands 20, Ladies 10. The Satellites stifling defense prevailed yet again, as the Beasties took more hits than a famous Japanese slugger. Will the Hands team's patient approach get them to their ultimate goal, or could frustration get the best of them at some point.
THE THINKING OR DRINKING BOWL
"Genius of Love," Tom Tom Club, 1982
vs. "Funky Cold Medina," Tone Loc, 1989
Final Score: Genius 33, Medina 28. In a tough battle, wit and knowledge prevailed over substance enhanced performance when Tone's team proved unwilling to commit to the long haul, However, the Geniuses have been rumored to have used drugs in the past themselves, and it has not helped their play in the least. Can they stay out of figurative or literal jail long enough to keep having natural fun?
THE DON'T STEP ON A CRACK WHEN YOU'RE STEPPING OUT BOWL
"Whip It," Devo, 1980
vs. "The Rain," Oran "Juice" Jones, 1986
Final Score: Whip 55, Rain 3. There was just too much dissension in the Juice team, to the point where half of them were fired before the end of the game. Devo and their unusual helmets go forward and move ahead.
THE THOROUGHBREDS AND NATTY DREADS BOWL
"Master Blaster (Jammin'), Stevie Wonder, 1980
vs. "Run for The Roses," Dan Fogelberg, 1982
Final Score: Roses 51, Blaster 0. Quite simply, Stevie didn't have the horses to compete with the Fogelberg running game. His team practically seems bred to win.
THE YOU'RE DEFINITELY NOT CROSSING THE MERSEY BOWL
"Don't Pay the Ferryman," Chris de Burgh, 1983
vs. "When We was Fab," George Harrison, 1988
Final Score: Ferryman 34, Fab 9. De Burgh's bunch had the determination to cruise past the Fabs, who couldn't rely on past glories. But will they be willing to pay the price to go all the way?
THE AL WASN'T THE ONE WHO NEEDED A BODYGUARD BOWL
"You Can Call Me Al," Paul Simon, 1987
vs. "Smooth Criminal," Michael Jackson, 1989
Final Score: Al 23, Criminal 21. Jackson's squad were in charge for most of the game, with their slick moves befuddling the already bewildered Simon team. But they embraced their desperation in the fourth quarter, and managed to win on a Hail Mary, stealing one from the Criminals.
THE THESE INJUSTICES AREN'T QUITE COMPARABLE BOWL
"Beds are Burning," Midnight Oil, 1988
vs. "Pop Singer," John Mellencamp, 1989
Final Score: Beds 37, Pop 10. The Aussies were dedicated to their cause, and they played with a fiery intensity, while Mellencamp's team seemed glad to get off the field and out of the spotlight.
THE DREAM BOYS AND DREAMGIRLS BOWL
"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," Jennifer Holiday, 1982
vs. "Wipe Out," The Fat Boys and the Beach Boys, 1987
Final Score: Wipe 45, Going 14. The Boys continue to ride a wave, and their system of calling plays via beatboxing continues to be effective. Holliday and company are out in spite of their insistence otherwise, but we still love them.
THE WHO'S THE BOSS BOWL
"Yah Mo B There," James Ingram and Michael McDonald,1984
vs. "Bruce," Rick Springfield, 1984
Final Score: Bruce 35, Yah 11. Springfield’s finest were able to overcome Jimmy and Mike's divine inspiration by channeling their misidentification frustration. They left the field chanting "What’s our name?" The socially distanced crowd booed this. Or maybe they were saying something else.
THE WHY COVER JUST ONE SONG? BOWL
"Medley," Stars on 45, 1981
vs. "Hooked on Classics," The Royal Philharmonic, 1982
Final Score: Classics 35, Medley 28. The Classics' more varied playbook prevailed over the Stars' more limited repertoire. The losing coach was asked about the game afterward, but he had no reply.
THE WAY BACK WHEN BOWL
"Puttin' on the Ritz," Taco, 1983
vs. "Veronica," Elvis Costello, 1989
Final Score: Ritz 56, Veronica 17. Taco's side were better dressed, better prepared, and has better moves. There were moments when the Veronica team were dazzling, but those were few and far between.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Episodes #61 and #62: Tales from the Bargain Bin #7- Boris Grebenshcikov's Radio Silence and April 21, 1990
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Episode #60: April 4, 1987
The new episode looks at charts from the spring of '87, featuring Night Ranger, Level 42, The Robert Cray Band, Gino Vannelli, Lou Gramm, Aretha Franklin and more. Check out the songs and more here. And consider supporting the show on Patreon here. Have a listen, if you've got nothing better to do at this moment.
Friday, April 2, 2021
Episode #59: Busted Bubbles of 1974
This episode talks about songs that looked like they were bound for the Billboard Hot 100, but their bubbles were burst. It can happen to superstars and legends just as easily as to up and comers and never-weres. Listen to the songs on YouTube here. And you can support the show on Patreon here. Have a listen. Old timey facial hair is optional.
Episode #58: March 17, 1979
Monday, March 15, 2021
Episode #57: Turn On, Tune In, Rock Out #6 - Stars in Their Eyes, Series 1, Episodes 1 & 2
This episode covers the first shows of a long running British series that let ordinary people dress up as and sing like their favorite stars. Have you always wanted to see an insurance salesman dress up like Chrs DeBurgh and sing Lady in Red? Your dream has come true. Watch the shows on YouTube here. And if you want to be like Mike Birmingham, you can support the show on Patreon here. Disclaimer: The Old Man Yells at Music podcast cannot be held responsible for a sudden desire to dress like Roger Whittaker.
Episode #56: The Old Man's Ultimate 80s Uneasy Rider Tournament - Round 3, Part 2
Episode #56
The third round of the tournament concludes.
Follow on YouTube here.
Support the show on Patreon here.
Sunday, February 28, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #55: February 27, 1993
Sunday, February 21, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #54: Tales from the Bargain Bin #6 - Aerosmith’s Rock in a Hard Place
The latest episode goes back to the Bargain Bin to look at an album that saw one of the big names in 70s hard rock struggling to keep going despite the loss of key personnel and the effect of years of excessive partying. Follow on YouTube here, and consider supporting the show on Patreon here. Have a listen, and watch out for trippy butterflies.
Saturday, February 13, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #53: February 11, 1984
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #52: January 22, 1972
The new episode talks about what was on TV on the night of this chart, how Chuck Berry feels about Keith Richards, and hits by Tony Christie, Bullet, Three Dog Night, Chilliwack, Badfinger, Sly and the Family Stone, and more. Follow with the YouTube playlist here, and support the show and get bonus content here. Drive your Chevy to the levee, then park and have a listen.
Friday, January 22, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #51: The Old Man's Ultimate 80s Uneasy Rider Tournament - Round 3, Part 1
The OMUTURE: Round 2, Part 3
THE CAN THEY EVEN SEE ME BOWL
"Somebody's Watching Me," Rockwell, 1983
vs. "Manic Monday," The Bangles, 1986
Final Score: Watching 58, Monday 0. The ever vigilant Rockwell team hid their plays very well, and the not-very-well-rested Bangles squad could not do much on this Monday night. The winners changed quickly, not even washing their hair before taking a roundabout, hard-to-follow route to their next game.
THE THAT'S NO PARTICULAR SIGN AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BOWL
"Kiss," The Art of Noise featuring Tom Jones, 1989
vs. "Love Shack," The B-52s, 1989
Final Score: Shack 31, Kiss 24. This was a close game all the way through, but the B-52s won it by bang, bang, banging on the door of the Noise end zone before shimmying in on a fourth and goal with just seconds remaining. The Jones team just wanted some extra time to try and tie the game, but they were given a kiss-off by the refs.
THE HOW CRAZY WOULD IT HAVE BEEN IF JOHN F. KENNEDY AND THE BEATLES HAD BEEN AT THAT PARTY BOWL
"Wasn't That a Party," The Rovers, 1981
vs. "Life in a Northern Town," The Dream Academy, 1986
Final Score: Party 40, Town 0. The Rovers were guided to an easy victory by their coach, a cat who seemed to know as much about football as he does about hockey. And let's be clear, I'm talking about an actual cat. The Academy team is now leaving the area by train. Bye bye.
THE A POET, A PRIEST AND A POLITICIAN ARE ON A BOAT BOWL
"De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da," The Police, 1980
vs. "Orinoco Flow," Enya, 1989
Final Score: Flow 38, Do 7. Cop logic could not contain or violate Enya's side, who reached and beached into the red zone several times and seemed to run like water into the end zone. Coach Sting was asked to explain the loss after the game, but his answer didn't make any sense.
THE HOT AND COLD RUNNING ENGINES BOWL
"Cars," Gary Numan, 1980
vs."Little Red Corvette," Prince, 1983
Final Score: Cars 28, Corvette 17. As usual, Prince was extremely aggressive in his attempts to score. But Numan's side were able to lock him down sufficiently to safely drive to the next round. But the Prince team left the stadium in limousines, so they surely enjoyed a smooth ride home.
THE CHICKS ARE FREE, BUT MAYBE NOT FOR FREE BOWL
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," Cyndi Lauper
vs. "Money for Nothing," Dire Straits, 1985
Final Score: Money 35, Girls 14. The difference in this game was the teams' approach. Lauper's ladies were content to just enjoy the experience, while the Straits side took a workmanlike approach and did the heavy lifting necessary to advance. What will the Girls' do with their lives now?
THE IT'S OK, JOHNNY RAY BOWL
"Come on Eileen," Dexy's Midnight Runners, 1983
vs. "Don’t Worry, Be Happy," Bobby McFerrin, 1988
Final Score: Happy 51, Eileen 3. The Runners had a lot of energy and enthusiasm, but at this moment, it meant nothing. McFerrin played in a carefree manner, and it seemed like he could do anything. By the end, Dexy's seemed more about unseemly matters than the game.
THE LET’S ORDER OUT BOWL
"867-5309 (Jenny)," Tommy Tutone, 1982
vs. "Eat It," "Weird" Al Yankovic, 1984
Final Score: Eat 49, Jenny 0. Al's team was much hungrier than the Tutones, eating up yardage like they'd been guilted into it. After the loss, Tommy broke the news of the loss to his friend Jennifer, who immediately hung up on him.
THE REMEMBER MOVIE THEATERS? BOWL
"Pop Goes the Movies," Meco, 1982
vs. "Thriller," Michael Jackson, 1984
Final Score: Thriller 66, Pop 0. A monster win for Jackson's squad. The Force was no longer with Meco, who found that the King of Pop's empire was one he could not strike.
THE SPACE TRAVELERS TRYING TO GET BACK WHERE THEY CAME FROM BOWL
"Heartlight," Neil Diamond, 1982
vs. "Major Tom (Coming Home)," Peter Schilling, 1983
Final Score: Heartlight 37, Tom 21. At the beginning, it was Schilling's side for whom everything was going right, while the Heartlight team looked lost. But then the Diamond boys seemed to have a fire lit in their hearts, while the Majors seemed to lose their ability to communicate with each other. And since the loss, no one has seen Tom or any of his teammates.
THE STARS OF THE BIG AND SMALL SCREENS BOWL
"Bette Davis Eyes," Kim Carnes, 1981
vs. "General Hospi-Tale," The Afternoon Delights, 1981
, the
Final Score: Hospi-Tale 38, Eyes 6. Though known for off-field drama, the Delights followed a successful script that was riveting to watch. The Davis team knew they were in for a bumpy night, and some suspected they had spied on their opponents' practices to get an advantage. Well, if they did, it clearly didn't work.
THE PUNCH DRUNK VS DRUNK DRUNK BOWL
"Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)," Christopher Cross, 1981
vs. "Burning Heart, " Survivor, 1986
Final Score: Heart 34, Arthur 10. The Survivors' fighting spirit easily overcame the careless, disorganized play of Arthur and company. But despite the loss, the champagne flowed in the losing locker room.
THE SQUEALS ON WHEELS BOWL
"Xanadu," Olivia Newton-John and the Electric Light Orchestra, 1980
vs. "Ghostbusters," Ray Parker Jr., 1984
Final Score: Ghostbusters 41, Xanadu 17. The fearless 'Busters had no trouble dealing with some of the otherworldly Xanadu players, leaving the rest of the team uninspired. It's Ray's team that rolls on.
THE DARK KNIGHT ON THE BEACH BOWL
"Wind Beneath My Wings," Bette Midler, 1989
vs. "Batdance," Prince, 1989
Final Score: Batdance 70, Wings 0. The Wind team were blown away by their Bat-opponents, who played with such determination you'd think they were avenging the death of their parents or something. Losing coach Midler still felt grateful for getting as far as she did, and she was heard telling Prince "Did you ever know that you're my hero?"
THE BIG APPLE AND LITTLE SHORTS BOWL
"Theme from New York, New York," Frank Sinatra, 1980
vs. "Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard," Waylon Jennings, 1980
Final Score: New York 27, Hazzard 16. Well, them Duke boys finally met their match in this city slicker in the fancy duds. They were so wowed by his description of urban life that they sold the General Lee and are now the fastest cabbies in all of Manhattan. And Daisy followed them to the Big Apple, and her trademark cutoff britches made her the toast of the fashion world. Boss Hogg tried to get in on the action by opening a new Boar's Nest in Times Square, but it closed after a month.
THE SQUISH IT! BOWL
"Centipede," Rebbie Jackson, 1984
vs. "Velcro Fly," ZZ Top, 1986
Final Score: Fly 35, Centipede 10. The Top team secured most of the possession and were able to snatch a few turnovers. Jackson's team just didn't have the legs to keep up.
Thursday, January 14, 2021
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #50: January 9, 1990
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