The tournament continues. From Bob and Doug and the Beastie Boys to Zappa and Zadora, more aspirants to the title of Ultimate Uneasy Rider of the 80s battle it out in the bubble of my imagination. Listen to the contenders here. This episode is many things, but illin' isn't one of them.
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
The OMUTURE: Round 2, Part One
The summaries of the matchups described in Episode 32.
"Still in Saigon," The Charlie Daniels Band, 1982
vs. "19," Paul Hardcastle, 1985
Final Score: Nineteen 44, Saigon 6. Hardcastle's squad overwhelmed the Daniels team, who seemed to be rattled every time the 19ers quarterback went to the line and called out "Saigon! Saigon! S-S-S-S-Saigon!" But in spite of a relatively easy victory, the game took its toll on the winners, which casts some doubt on their ability to live up to their supporters' high expectations.
THE DON’T PUSH THE BUTTON BOWL
"99 Luftballons," Nena, 1984
vs. "Russians," Sting, 1986
Final Score: Luftballons 45, Russians 7. Nena's team dominated because of their commitment to the air attack, especially the long bomb. Sting's side played scared, like they just wanted to get the game overnight and go home to their kids. Will the Luftballons be willing to do what it takes to end up on top, no matter the cost? We'll see.
THE INHOSPITABL, The Fast team. The E ENVIRONMENTS BOWL
"Undercover of the Night," The Rolling Stones, 1984
vs. "Look Out Any Window," Bruce Hornsby and the Range, 1988
Final Score: Night 45, Window 3. Intimidation tactics were key to the Stones' blowout win. Whether the blue face paint and lace-and-rubber uniforms they wore were part of that intimidation is unclear, but the Range seemed to breathe easier knowing their tournament was over.
THE SLOW DOWN AND READ BOWL
"Sign o' The Times," Prince, 1987
vs. "Fast Car," Tracy Chapman, 1988
Final Score: Sign 24, Car 14. Prince’s team played recklessly and explosively. The Fast players hung in for three quarters, but the stress of the relentless pressure finally got to them. Signs point to the Times being a tough out.
THE HOLD MY BREATH AS I WISH FOR A BETTER COUNTRY BOWL
"For America," Jackson Browne, 1986
vs. "One," Metallica, 1989
Final Score: One 59, America 3. Once again, the Metallica team's willingness to sacrifice life and limb for victory led to domination. All the hope and prayer in the world couldn't change that. Strangely, the One players to a man couldn't remember anything about the game immediately afterward.
THE NARCOTICS SUPPLY CHAIN BOWL
"Smuggler's Blues," Glenn Frey, 1985
vs, "Dr. Feelgood," Motley Crue, 1989
Final Score: Feelgood 30, Smugglers 27 (OT). This was a tough battle between two teams that know how to move the ball efficiently and get away with breaking rules. The Feelgoods squeaked out the overtime win thanks to a timely and questionable penalty, leading to speculation that the Crue made the referees a slightly better bribery offer than Frey before the extra period. Well, someone had to lose.
THE WELL, MAYBE RICKY COULD HAVE USED SOME EDUCATION BOWL
"Another Brick in the Wall Part 2," Pink Floyd, 1980
vs. "18 and Life," Skid Row, 1989
Final Score: Brick 38, Life 10. The Floyd side had youth and enthusiasm on their side, and also clearer heads, whereas the Skids were impaired and fuelled by indiscriminate rage. How much can the Bricks build on this win?
THE JOEL BOWL
"You're Only Human (Second Wind)," Billy Joel, 1985
vs. "We Didn't Start the Fire," Billy Joel, 1989
Final Score: Fire 42, Wind 7. The Fire fighters blazed down the field using their extensive playbook, causing the Human players to make mistakes. They did have a burst of energy at the end, but all it did was avoid a shutout. But the losing team took it in stride, knowing it's not the end of the world.
THE TALK VERSUS ACTION BOWL
"Coward of the County," Kenny Rogers, 1980
vs, "Papa Don’t Preach," Madonna, 1986
Final Score: Coward 23, Papa 19. Madonna’s team were bolder in the first half, taking a big lead while Kenny's crew seemed to put up little resistance. But an injury to the County's most beloved player early in the third quarter lit a fire under them, and a furious comeback allowed them to steal the win. But the Preachers vow to continue playing, no matter what anyone else says.
THE I GOT AROUND BOWL
"I've Never Been to Me," Charlene, 1982
vs. "To All the Girls I've Loved Before," Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias, 1984
Final Score: Never 31, Girls 17. Both teams are known for their scoring proficiency, but it was Charlene's team's second half defense that made the difference. The Loved ones couldn't penetrate it, because they had already blown their l...er, their stamina had run out.
THE KEEP CALM AND DON’T TOUCH THE STUDENTS BOWL
"Don’t Stand So Close to Me," The Police, 1981
vs. "Relax," Frankie Goes to Hollywood, 1985
Final Score: Relax 35, Stand 12. The Frankie offense wasn't very explosive, but their long, methodical drives always ended up going all the way, giving them a comfortable win over the Police squad, who, in spite of the game being played in the controlled environment of the OMUTURE bubble, seemed to be committed to socially distancing from the opposing end zone.
THE NEWS ON THE STREET BOWL
"Dirty Laundry," Don Henley, 1983
vs. "Electric Avenue," Eddy Grant, 1983
Final Score: Laundry 34, Avenue 13. Don's team won with questionable tactics and by sowing dissent among the Electric players by telling them uncorroborated negative stories about their teammates, coaches and fans. After the game, losing coach Grant calleeir d for an extensive inquiry into the defeat, hoping to determine who is to blame in what country.
THE HIPPIES AND HOODLUMS BOWL
"The First Day of Summer," Tony Carey, 1984
vs. "Touch of Grey," The Grateful Dead, 1987
Final Score: Grey 3, Summer 0 (forfeit). The star of Carey's team, The Kid, was never located after stealing the team bus and all their equipment after their first round win, so they could not get to the bubble to continue. A break for the aging Dead. But how will they get by when they actually have to play to keep going.
THE ENDING RACISM ONE SONG AT A TIME BOWL
"Ebony and Ivory," Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, 1986
vs. "Sun City," Artists United Against Apartheid, 1986.
Final Score: City 44, Ebony 6. The Sun squad had superior starpower and greater commitment to moving forward, so they dominated Paul and Stevie's boys, who seemed to think a positive attitude and a simplistic approach were enough. As a side note, the Artists had a big impact on the choice of the location of the OMUTURE bubble, as they made it clear there were places they would not play.
THE DUSTY RHODES MEMORIAL BOWL
"Allentown," Billy Joel, 1983
vs. "Rain on the Scarecrow," John Cougar Mellencamp, 1986.
Final Score: Scarecrow 31, Allentown 20. In a battle of desperate teams, Cougar's boys won with their farm-honed strength and stamina. The defeated Allentown squad return to Pennsylvania and an uncertain future.
THE FIRST WORLD VERSUS THE THIRD WORLD BOWL
"We Are the World," USA for Africa, 1985
vs. "Living in America," James Brown, 1986
Final Score: World 55, America 10. It was another case of a loaded team beating up on a side with just one star. But they may be on a collision course with another lineup full of heavy hitters. If they clash, who will survive, and what will the winner have left for the rest of the tournament?
Stay tuned for the next second round podcast later today.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #35: September 28, 1986
https://anchor.fm/oldmanyellsatmusic/episodes/Episode-35-September-28--1986-ek16f3
This one's got a little Meat on it. There's a bit of religion, plenty of nostalgia, some class, some sass, and a couple come-ons. And an actor tries to be a pop star, which always turns out well. Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm6xNhwK5x50rNI7_lcGGul You'll be happy that you stuck with this episode.
This one's got a little Meat on it. There's a bit of religion, plenty of nostalgia, some class, some sass, and a couple come-ons. And an actor tries to be a pop star, which always turns out well. Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQm6xNhwK5x50rNI7_lcGGul You'll be happy that you stuck with this episode.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #34: Tune In, Turn On, Rock Out #2 - The 1st Annual Rock n’Roll Sports Classic
https://anchor.fm/oldmanyellsatmusic/episodes/Episode-34-Tune-In--Turn-On--Rock-Out-2---The-1st-Annual-Rock-nRoll-Sports-Classic-ejm93c
This time we go back to 1978 to look at pop stars running and jumping and kicking and riding bicycles and pulling ropes. And these are pretty big stars. Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight, Rod Stewart, Anne Murray, Leif Garrett! And Helen Schneider! Yes, the Helen Schneider! Watch along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlSnE6UY1fbNkeC87tKMCbe Have a listen. Don't make me sic Sha Na Na on you.
This time we go back to 1978 to look at pop stars running and jumping and kicking and riding bicycles and pulling ropes. And these are pretty big stars. Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight, Rod Stewart, Anne Murray, Leif Garrett! And Helen Schneider! Yes, the Helen Schneider! Watch along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQlSnE6UY1fbNkeC87tKMCbe Have a listen. Don't make me sic Sha Na Na on you.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #33: September 14, 1974
https://anchor.fm/oldmanyellsatmusic/episodes/Episode-33-September-14--1974-ejb3v4
The new episode has glam both real and fake, a song about silly love songs (not that one), and a tribute to a raspy radio man. The YouTube playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmiRIGgegbOMBj08T2QIlck I cover these songs and more with expert timing.
The new episode has glam both real and fake, a song about silly love songs (not that one), and a tribute to a raspy radio man. The YouTube playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQmiRIGgegbOMBj08T2QIlck I cover these songs and more with expert timing.
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
The OMYAM Podcast Episode #32: The Old Man's Ultimate Tournament of Uneasy Riders of the 80s - Round 2, Part 1
https://anchor.fm/oldmanyellsatmusic/episodes/Episode-32-The-Old-Mans-Ultimate-Tournament-of-Uneasy-Riders-of-the-Eighties---Round-2--Part-1-eivsrh
The new episode begins the second round of the Uneasy Rider. There are two Eagles, three Billy Joel songs, and one song that contains the word "whoring." And lots more. Check out the songs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQku206PzO_mdlEzm6fWrqNP Have a listen. I promise not to preach to you.
The new episode begins the second round of the Uneasy Rider. There are two Eagles, three Billy Joel songs, and one song that contains the word "whoring." And lots more. Check out the songs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDWLXjsOJPQku206PzO_mdlEzm6fWrqNP Have a listen. I promise not to preach to you.
Monday, August 31, 2020
The OMUTURE: Round 1, Part 8
Finally, the last bracket.
THE RACE IS ON BOWL
"Run for the Roses," Dan Fogelberg, 1982
vs. "Runner," Manfred Mann's Earth Band, 1984
Final Score: Roses 49, Runner 7. The Fogelberg squad had the horses to run free up and down the field. The Mann team hit a wall early, and limped to the finish. No roses for Dan's thoroughbreds yet, but they've come flying out of the gate.
THE QUIET BEATLE SPEAKS BOWL
"All Those Years Ago," George Harrison, 1981
vs. "When We was Fab," George Harrison, 1988
Final Score: Fab 20, Years 17. Both teams' playbooks contained a lot of formations that worked in the past, but the Fab lads used them a little more effectively, which literally gave them the extra kick at the end to win the game. But it was a friendly encounter, and both teams left the field together singing and talking of past glories.
THE DON'T TURN AROUND ANNIE BOWL
"Der Komissar," After the Fire, 1983
vs. "Smooth Criminal," Michael Jackson, 1989
Final Score: Criminal 28, Komissar 14. The Fire brigade came in with the challenge of having to interpret their playbook from the original German, and then they had to deal with the freak winter storm that hit just as the game kicked off. Both teams were slipping on the same snow, but the Criminals had better footwork than Jill, Joe, and the rest of the Komissars. There was some concern after the game when bloodstains were found on the carpet of the locker room Jackson's team were using, but as far as we know, they'll be okay to play their next game.
THE PLACES TO LIE DOWN BOWL
"Sleeping Bag," ZZ Top, 1985
vs. "Beds are Burning," Midnight Oil, 1988
Final Score: Burning 31, Sleeping 21. The Aussies were used to a different kind of football than the one they had to play against their Texan opponents, but they learned how to apply their physicality quickly, and were able to claim more overall territory and get the win. The losing Top team decided not to leave town that day, opting instead to camp on the field and sleep under the stars.
THE BETTY AND AL, ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOWL
"Lawyers in Love," Jackson Browne, 1983
vs. "You Can Call Me Al," Paul Simon, 1987
Final Score: Al 24, Lawyers 23. Both teams came in with a lot of questions? Were Simon's team too soft in the middle, and would their short attention spans be a factor? Would the Lawyers decision to wear tight, expensive denim uniforms and watch reruns of a 70s sitcom in lieu of film of their opponents pay off? The game was close until the end, when Browne's team was betrayed by their nature, arguing every call on the Als' final drive and making unfounded allegations that led to delay of game and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that helped Simon's men walk in for the winning touchdown, to cries of "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" from their fans.
THE RAPPIN' TO THE OLDIES BOWL
"Wipe Out," The Fat Boys featuring The Beach Boys, 1987
vs, "The Twist (Yo Twist)," The Fat Boys featuring Chubby Checker, 1988
Final Score: Wipe 48, Twist 31. Both teams used playbooks borrowed from successful teams of the past, but the Wipe Out squad added some new wrinkles and brought in some veterans to run a West Coast offense that, by the end of the game, left their opponents twisting in the wind. The Large and the Sandy ride a wave to the second round.
THE REACH OUT AND CALL HIS NAME BOWL
"Yah Mo B There," James Ingram and Michael McDonald, 1984
vs. "Kyrie," Mr. Mister, 1986
Final Score: Yah 34, Kyrie 3. In a contest of faith, the Ingram/McDonald combination seemed much more blessed on this day. After the game, there was speculation that the Misters were playing with a lot of injuries of the upper body variety, as their players were overheard talking about "broken wings" as they left the field.
THE ALL THE ORIGINAL HITS, NONE OF THE ORIGINAL STARS BOWL
"Medley," Stars on 45, 1981
vs. "Stars on 45 III: Stars on Stevie," Stars on 45, 1982
Final Score: Medley 45, Stevie 21. In another battle of teams using time tested playbooks, the Medley team prevailed by diversifying with pages from other teams. Also, the Stevie team were reportedly very superstitious, and came into the game uptight, which limited their ability to sign, seal, and deliver a victory.
THE BOATS AND BULLETS BOWL
"Twilight Zone," Golden Earring, 1983
vs. "Don't Pay the Ferryman," Chris De Burgh, 1983
Final Score: Ferryman 30, Twilight 17. As agreed upon by both teams, the game was played at 2 am. The Ferrymen won by taking more risks, even when voices in the crowd told them not to. The Twilight coaches grew tired of taking chances, and there's talk that the whole team will be dismissed with "extreme prejudice," whatever that means.
THE IN ANOTHER MAN'S SHADOW BOWL
"Leader of the Band," Dan Fogelberg, 1982
vs. "Bruce," Rick Springfield, 1984
Final Score: Bruce 35, Band 10. Rick's team took years of misidentification frustration out on the Leaders, who never believed they could play as well as their fathers did. The only hiccup on a successful night came when winning Coach Springfield walked out on the postgame press conference after the first question, "Bruce, your team just proved it all night. Will their hungry hearts be enough to lead them to more glory days?"
THE WHAT'S THAT OLD LADY'S STORY BOWL
"Veronica," Elvis Costello, 1989
vs. "Another Day in Paradise," Phil Collins, 1989
Final Score: Veronica 42, Paradise 13. The Veronica team prevailed with their carefree attitude, which they had in large part because their needs were well taken care of. The Paradise squad could not say the same, and it is feared that their players might be put back out on the street. Will Coach Collins do something about it, or just talk about how sad it is?
THE ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVERS ON THE CHART BOWL
"Hooked on Classics," The Royal Philharmonic, 1982
vs. "Hooked on Swing," Larry Elgart and His Manhattan Swing Orchestra, 1982
Final Score: Classics 48, Swing 20. The team from London got the best of their New York rivals with a deeper, more experienced roster and a more modern and uptempo approach to the game. By the 4th quarter, Elgart's side was no longer in the mood to put up much opposition.
THE BROADWAY BABIES BOWL
"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," Jennifer Holliday, 1982
vs. "Memory," Barry Manilow, 1983
Final Score: Telling 55, Memory 14. The Holliday team's determination to stay in the tournament overwhelmed Manilow's veteran club, who just didn't have the cat-like reflexes they used to. Apparently there is a film of the Memory team's practices leading up to the game, but it has been enhanced with ridiculous-looking CGI effects that make it disturbing to watch.
THE TIN PAN ALLEY BOWL
"I Don't Want to Walk Without You," Barry Manilow, 1980
vs. "Puttin' On the Ritz," Taco, 1983
Final Score: Ritz 42, Walk 0. It was definitely a Taco night, as the Ritz boys dominated with their snappy uniforms and fancy footwork. After back to back losses, Barry must make the lonely stroll home.
THE THROWING A WRENCH IN THE STARMAKER MACHINERY BOWL
"Watching the Wheels," John Lennon, 1981
vs. "Pop Singer," John Mellencamp, 1989
Final Score: Pop 3, Wheels 0 (forfeit). The Wheels decided at the last minute to refuse the invitation to play. They said the didn't feel the need to get back in the spotlight and in front of a crowd, preferring calm domesticity instead. The Pop squad didn't seem enthusiastic about playing either, but they did show up, which on this day was enough.
THE GAME RECOGNIZING GAME BOWL
"Master Blaster (Jammin')," Stevie Wonder, 1980
vs. "Nightshift," The Commodores, 1985
Final Score: Blaster 17, Nightshift 10. In another battle of borrowed playbooks, the Wonder boys prevailed with better execution and a more positive attitude. The Commodores were able to sail away from the tournament singing proud.
So Round 1 is done. Watch this space for the podcast that kicks off round 2.
THE RACE IS ON BOWL
"Run for the Roses," Dan Fogelberg, 1982
vs. "Runner," Manfred Mann's Earth Band, 1984
Final Score: Roses 49, Runner 7. The Fogelberg squad had the horses to run free up and down the field. The Mann team hit a wall early, and limped to the finish. No roses for Dan's thoroughbreds yet, but they've come flying out of the gate.
THE QUIET BEATLE SPEAKS BOWL
"All Those Years Ago," George Harrison, 1981
vs. "When We was Fab," George Harrison, 1988
Final Score: Fab 20, Years 17. Both teams' playbooks contained a lot of formations that worked in the past, but the Fab lads used them a little more effectively, which literally gave them the extra kick at the end to win the game. But it was a friendly encounter, and both teams left the field together singing and talking of past glories.
THE DON'T TURN AROUND ANNIE BOWL
"Der Komissar," After the Fire, 1983
vs. "Smooth Criminal," Michael Jackson, 1989
Final Score: Criminal 28, Komissar 14. The Fire brigade came in with the challenge of having to interpret their playbook from the original German, and then they had to deal with the freak winter storm that hit just as the game kicked off. Both teams were slipping on the same snow, but the Criminals had better footwork than Jill, Joe, and the rest of the Komissars. There was some concern after the game when bloodstains were found on the carpet of the locker room Jackson's team were using, but as far as we know, they'll be okay to play their next game.
THE PLACES TO LIE DOWN BOWL
"Sleeping Bag," ZZ Top, 1985
vs. "Beds are Burning," Midnight Oil, 1988
Final Score: Burning 31, Sleeping 21. The Aussies were used to a different kind of football than the one they had to play against their Texan opponents, but they learned how to apply their physicality quickly, and were able to claim more overall territory and get the win. The losing Top team decided not to leave town that day, opting instead to camp on the field and sleep under the stars.
THE BETTY AND AL, ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOWL
"Lawyers in Love," Jackson Browne, 1983
vs. "You Can Call Me Al," Paul Simon, 1987
Final Score: Al 24, Lawyers 23. Both teams came in with a lot of questions? Were Simon's team too soft in the middle, and would their short attention spans be a factor? Would the Lawyers decision to wear tight, expensive denim uniforms and watch reruns of a 70s sitcom in lieu of film of their opponents pay off? The game was close until the end, when Browne's team was betrayed by their nature, arguing every call on the Als' final drive and making unfounded allegations that led to delay of game and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that helped Simon's men walk in for the winning touchdown, to cries of "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" from their fans.
THE RAPPIN' TO THE OLDIES BOWL
"Wipe Out," The Fat Boys featuring The Beach Boys, 1987
vs, "The Twist (Yo Twist)," The Fat Boys featuring Chubby Checker, 1988
Final Score: Wipe 48, Twist 31. Both teams used playbooks borrowed from successful teams of the past, but the Wipe Out squad added some new wrinkles and brought in some veterans to run a West Coast offense that, by the end of the game, left their opponents twisting in the wind. The Large and the Sandy ride a wave to the second round.
THE REACH OUT AND CALL HIS NAME BOWL
"Yah Mo B There," James Ingram and Michael McDonald, 1984
vs. "Kyrie," Mr. Mister, 1986
Final Score: Yah 34, Kyrie 3. In a contest of faith, the Ingram/McDonald combination seemed much more blessed on this day. After the game, there was speculation that the Misters were playing with a lot of injuries of the upper body variety, as their players were overheard talking about "broken wings" as they left the field.
THE ALL THE ORIGINAL HITS, NONE OF THE ORIGINAL STARS BOWL
"Medley," Stars on 45, 1981
vs. "Stars on 45 III: Stars on Stevie," Stars on 45, 1982
Final Score: Medley 45, Stevie 21. In another battle of teams using time tested playbooks, the Medley team prevailed by diversifying with pages from other teams. Also, the Stevie team were reportedly very superstitious, and came into the game uptight, which limited their ability to sign, seal, and deliver a victory.
THE BOATS AND BULLETS BOWL
"Twilight Zone," Golden Earring, 1983
vs. "Don't Pay the Ferryman," Chris De Burgh, 1983
Final Score: Ferryman 30, Twilight 17. As agreed upon by both teams, the game was played at 2 am. The Ferrymen won by taking more risks, even when voices in the crowd told them not to. The Twilight coaches grew tired of taking chances, and there's talk that the whole team will be dismissed with "extreme prejudice," whatever that means.
THE IN ANOTHER MAN'S SHADOW BOWL
"Leader of the Band," Dan Fogelberg, 1982
vs. "Bruce," Rick Springfield, 1984
Final Score: Bruce 35, Band 10. Rick's team took years of misidentification frustration out on the Leaders, who never believed they could play as well as their fathers did. The only hiccup on a successful night came when winning Coach Springfield walked out on the postgame press conference after the first question, "Bruce, your team just proved it all night. Will their hungry hearts be enough to lead them to more glory days?"
THE WHAT'S THAT OLD LADY'S STORY BOWL
"Veronica," Elvis Costello, 1989
vs. "Another Day in Paradise," Phil Collins, 1989
Final Score: Veronica 42, Paradise 13. The Veronica team prevailed with their carefree attitude, which they had in large part because their needs were well taken care of. The Paradise squad could not say the same, and it is feared that their players might be put back out on the street. Will Coach Collins do something about it, or just talk about how sad it is?
THE ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVERS ON THE CHART BOWL
"Hooked on Classics," The Royal Philharmonic, 1982
vs. "Hooked on Swing," Larry Elgart and His Manhattan Swing Orchestra, 1982
Final Score: Classics 48, Swing 20. The team from London got the best of their New York rivals with a deeper, more experienced roster and a more modern and uptempo approach to the game. By the 4th quarter, Elgart's side was no longer in the mood to put up much opposition.
THE BROADWAY BABIES BOWL
"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," Jennifer Holliday, 1982
vs. "Memory," Barry Manilow, 1983
Final Score: Telling 55, Memory 14. The Holliday team's determination to stay in the tournament overwhelmed Manilow's veteran club, who just didn't have the cat-like reflexes they used to. Apparently there is a film of the Memory team's practices leading up to the game, but it has been enhanced with ridiculous-looking CGI effects that make it disturbing to watch.
THE TIN PAN ALLEY BOWL
"I Don't Want to Walk Without You," Barry Manilow, 1980
vs. "Puttin' On the Ritz," Taco, 1983
Final Score: Ritz 42, Walk 0. It was definitely a Taco night, as the Ritz boys dominated with their snappy uniforms and fancy footwork. After back to back losses, Barry must make the lonely stroll home.
THE THROWING A WRENCH IN THE STARMAKER MACHINERY BOWL
"Watching the Wheels," John Lennon, 1981
vs. "Pop Singer," John Mellencamp, 1989
Final Score: Pop 3, Wheels 0 (forfeit). The Wheels decided at the last minute to refuse the invitation to play. They said the didn't feel the need to get back in the spotlight and in front of a crowd, preferring calm domesticity instead. The Pop squad didn't seem enthusiastic about playing either, but they did show up, which on this day was enough.
THE GAME RECOGNIZING GAME BOWL
"Master Blaster (Jammin')," Stevie Wonder, 1980
vs. "Nightshift," The Commodores, 1985
Final Score: Blaster 17, Nightshift 10. In another battle of borrowed playbooks, the Wonder boys prevailed with better execution and a more positive attitude. The Commodores were able to sail away from the tournament singing proud.
So Round 1 is done. Watch this space for the podcast that kicks off round 2.
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