Sunday, October 31, 2010

DJ Topcat Mashup: "Folsom Prison Gangstaz" with Eazy E & Johnny Cash

Brief Movie Review for "Me and You and Everyone We Know" (2004)

 3/5 Stars ***
Definitely not a formula movie, and reminds me a bit of the same kind of awkward tension and humor that was in Napolean Dynamite, but quite a bit less comedic. The people are definitely not glamorous personas, but more like true-to-life awkward and lonely people. I wouldn't watch it again but it may be worth checking out if you are into the indie-genre.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Song for October 30th, 2010: "Punching In a Dream" by The Naked and Famous

The song is...Punching In a Dream by 5-piece Kiwi-indie-rock band The Naked and Famous. The Naked and Famous has been around on the music scene since 2008, originates out of New Zealand, and it consists of members David Beadle, Thom Powers, Aaron Short, Jesse Wood, and Alisa Xayalith. They released their first album titled Passive Me, Agressive You on September 6th, 2010 and this song can be found their as track 2. Their second single release from the album proved to be a #1 hit on the RIANZ New Zealand Singles Chart, and this song peaked at #11 on that same chart. I personally don't understand how this song didn't get press in the USA and UK, but it didn't, I suppose that in the end its all about record contracts and copyrights etc, which is why you still can't find the entire new album on itunes, but you can at least find the single Young Blood there (which was the #1 in NZ) and you can buy the album as an import on Amazon.com. If I were to describe their sound or compare it, I would compare it to MGMT's Oracular Spectacular album (and not their rather anti-climactic new one). Anyways, check it out and hear for yourself.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Song for October 29th, 2010: "She And I" by Bird and Prey

The song for today is...She and I, by Australian punk-rock band Bird and Prey. Bird and Prey originate out of Brisbane, Australia (in sunny Queensland) and consists of members Josh Aubry (Vocals),  Jahman Davine (Guitar), Angus Durham (Guitar/keys), Beau Jenkins (Drums), and Chris de Wet (Bass Guitar). Now, this song is not yet available on youtube, as far as I can tell, so you can listen to it on their myspace page here, or you can listen/download a free mp3 of it on their triple j unearthed site here. Boo!

#45 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown!: "If You Leave" by OMD (1986)

Ahoy! We are at #45 of the Countdown! And the song is...If You Leave, by 80's English synth-pop group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). Also commonly abbreviated and known as OMD, this group originated out of the Wirral Peninsula in Merseyside, England back in 1978, which presently consists of members Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Malcolm Holmes, and Martin Cooper. McCluskey and Humphreys were the founding members of the band and are considered the 'core members' to this very day. If You Leave was a single recorded specifically for the John Hughes classic 80's film soundtrack to his film Pretty in Pink, and it was used mainly for the final scene of the movie. It would be OMD's biggest hit in the USA, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that year, at the same time it would only reach #46 on the UK Singles Chart. I don't really have a whole heap more of information on OMD, although I do remember that they did some more soundtrack work for some other 80's John Hughes movies including the iconic Weird Science, and I haven't yet quite decided if I will feature more of their hits on this countdown, maybe, but maybe not, we shall see....

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Song for October 28th, 2010: "Mr Keeperman" by Buchanan

Today's song is....Mr Keeperman by Australian indie-rock-pop band Buchanan (pronounced bew-cannon). Buchanan originates out of Melbourne, Victoria in Australia and consists of members Josh Simons (vocals), Jon Bara (guitar), and Sanjay Schuback (drums). Buchanan has just recently released a new EP titled The Safety Beach in May 2010. This song can be found on that EP, which is available on Itunes, or you can still go to Triple J Unearthed and download a lower quality free mp3 version of the song here. Also be sure to check out their myspace page for more band info here.

Brief Movie Review for "On the Beach" (1959)

4/5 Stars ****
The message here is "There is still Time." One of those movies that makes you think a little bit and put things in perspective. Also, was filmed and set mostly in Melbourne, lots of shots from a truly great city. The threat of nuclear war seems less, but now we have climate change and drowning in our own other various poisonous substances in our food, water, air, and soil...fun stuff to think about aye! Definitely not an upper movie, and don't watch if you don't like marinating in that forboding sense of inevitable doom for 2 hours, but that said its probably one of those movies everyone should have to watch in school.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Song for October 27th, 2010: "The Eagle" by Grafton Primary

The song for today is....The Eagle, by Australian electro-noir band Grafton Primary. Grafton Primary are an electro-duo  consisting of brothers Benjamin Garden (keyboards/synth) and Joshua Garden (vocals) along with an occasional drummer or bass-guitarist for live shows only. They come out of Sydney, Australia and they have been active on the music scene since 2006. They have released one full length studio albums in the past and The Eagle is a single to come off of their upcoming new 2011 studio release album titled Sophmore. Now the youtube video below is a remix version of the original, but it is the only version available on youtube, and their videos are the most-postable (if thats a word) so that is what I have posted below. You can still find a free mp3 download of the original song here.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

#46 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown! Robert Palmer: Addicted to Love (1986)

At #46 we have....Addicted to Love by English Grammy Award winning singer/song-writer Robert Palmer. Robert Palmer was born on January 19th, 1949 in Batley, Yorkshire, England. Palmer was well-known for his solo-work and music videos (such as for this song) and another for the song Simply Irresistable, both of which feature identically dressed models with pale faces, dark eye, makeup and bright red lipstick, which was meant as a sort of tribute to the women in the art of artist Patrick Nagel, who was quite big in the 1980's as well. He was also well-known, at that time, for being the lead singer of 80's super-group 'Power Station,' which generated 2 Top 10 US Singles in 1985. Addicted to Love was released in 1986 on Palmer's Riptide album and it peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. According to wikipedia, this song was originally intended to be a duet between Palmer and Chaka Khan, but Chaka Khan's record label wouldn't give her permission to work on Palmer's record label, and thus it became a solo-song, but still good all the same. The images this song brings back is that scene from the classic 1988 movie Cocktail where Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown are blasting this song in the crowded bar whilst flare bar-tending, was totally rad!

Song for October 26th, 2010: "Bad Guys" by Bleeding Knees Club

And the song for today is....Bad Guys, by Australian indie-punk duo Bleeding Knees Club. Bleeding Knees Club originate out of the Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia, and consists of members Alex Wall (Drums/vocals) and Jordan Malane (Guitar). Bad Guys comes off of their debut Virginity album, which is due out for release on November 2nd, 2010. There is not a heap of more bio-information por internet so go check out their myspace page here or check out their unearthed page here. Booyakasha!Virginity

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Brief Movie Review for "The 7th Victim" (1943)

3/5 Stars ***
Another interesting Robson/Lewton flick from the 1940's. I must say that I wasn't as impressed with this one as his others, although it is really the settings, and scenes (the mise en scene) that makes his movies unique, but it really wasn't all that much of a horror flick or really any bit spooky, even by 1940's standards, but still interesting if you are into old movies. 

Song for October 24th, 2010: "Skin of Your Teeth" by The Words

The song is...Skin of Your Teeth, by Australian indie-rock band The Words. The Words come out of Bunbury, in Western Australia, and consists of members Ben Macri (Lead Vocals, Guitars),  Clint Macri (Guitars, Backing Vocals), Dylan Macri (Guitars), and Ryan Mcdonnell (Drums, Percussion). Now, naturally this song isn't on youtube, as youtube appears to be going 'down the tubes' as of late in terms of the richness and diversity of content they once upon a time offered, and I can see the lawyers flying lazy circles, but who knows perhaps radio stations such as Triple J and sites like their triplejunearthed website, which features free mp3 downloads, info and previews of upcoming Australian artists, and if anyone knows of the British and American equivalents of this site I would be stoked! That said, go to their myspace page here or to the triplejunearthed page here for the free mp3 listen/download of this song amongst a few others by the same band. And don't forget to enjoy yo'self! 

VJ Brewksi Mash - Nelly Furtado vs. Michael Jackson (Party Ben mashup)

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Song of the day for October 23rd, 2010: "Rappers in Wonderland" by Mind Over Matter

The song for today is...Rappers in Wonderland, by Australian hip-hop outfit Mind Over Matter. Mind Over Matter come out of Sydney, Australia, has been active in the music biz since 2004, and consists of MCs Willow (Rowan Lockyer) and Smiles Again (Martin Brown). Rappers in Wonderland is a more recent single release from 2010, and is available on Itunes in full. If you are interested in the artist or want the free download of this single check out their website here. Enjoy!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Song for October 22nd, 2010: "Balloons" by Foals (2007)

And the song for today is...Balloons by English indie-rock group Foals. Foals are a 5-piece indie rock band from Oxford, England, which has been active since 2005 and consists of members Yannis Philippakis (Vocals, Guitar, Percussion), Jack Bevan (Drums), Jimmy Smith (Guitar), Edwin Congreave (Keyboard, Backing Vocals), and Walter Gervers (Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals). Balloons is not a new song, as it appeared in their 2007 release debut studio album titled Antitodes. I mostly try to post newish stuff on this vlog/blog, that is stuff usually from within a year or two of release, but if I stumble across something I've missed I figure that its my party and I'll cry if I want to. The Foals have a newer album titled Total Life Forever which was released this year, so I will perhaps try posting a single or two on here at some point. Enjoy!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Poetry Inspirations: "Come to the Edge" by Christopher Logue

Come To The Edge: by English Poet Chrisopher Logue

"Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And they came
And he pushed
And they flew."

                                       

Brief Movie Review for "Bright Star" (2009)

4/5 Stars ****
Great movie, fictional story about one of the great Romantic Poets of history, John Keats, and his romance and early death at the age of 25 from tuberculosis. Well done, Australian made film, and interesting to see a little piece of his life.

#47 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown! Madonna: Open Your Heart (1986)

#47 of the Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown is....Open Your Heart by none other than the undisputed Queen of Pop Madonna. Now, this is the second single by Madonna to yet appear on this countdown, and be forewarned, there may be more to come. Madonna was born on August 16, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan, and it was back in 1977 when she moved to the Big Apple to pursue a career in modern dance, which inevitably led her to the music business and the amazingly prolific success she has had there over the past 31 years or so. Word on the street is that Lady Gaga is looking to usurp the throne, which I wouldn't say is impossible, however to even contend with Madonna, Gaga would have to put out a minimum of 5 more top 10 albums (over the course of the next 3 decades), star in movies and perhaps win an Oscar or two, and that would be just to come even close to matching the Queen of Pop's prowess. Here is a directly quoted paragraph from wikipedia:

"Madonna has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and is recognized as the world's top-selling female recording artist of all time by the Guinness World Records. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), she is the best-selling female rock artist of the 20th century and the second top-selling female artist in the United States, behind Barbra Streisand, with 64 million certified albums. In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked Madonna at number two, behind only The Beatles, on the Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists, making her the most successful solo artist in the history of the chart. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the same year. Considered to be one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, Madonna is known for continuously reinventing both her music and image, and for retaining a standard of autonomy within the recording industry. She is recognized as an inspiration among numerous music artists." (from Madonna's wikipedia page)

Open Your Heart was the 4th single release from her 1986 album release (which was her 3rd studio album) titled True Blue. It was Madonna's 5th #1 'Billboard Hot 100' hit! One other interesting fact before we move onwards is that Open Your Heart was originally written as a rock 'n roll song titled Follow Your Heart and the song-writers (Gardner Cole and Peter Rafelson) had intended it for Cyndi Lauper despite the fact that it was never introduced to her in the end. Well, onwards to #46!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Song of the Day for October 20th, 2010: "Lions In Cages" by Wolf Gang

The song is....Lions In Cages by English musician Wolf Gang. Wolf Gang is the stage name for musician Max McElligott from London, UK. He is the son of a historian and violinist, as well as having graduated from the London School of Economics. Wolf Gang, as you may have noticed also adds a unique artistic twist to his music videos and to his stage persona, and he hasn't received much play in the USA as far as I can tell, but he definitely has some great talent and melodies, and that is sort of the purpose of this website after all, to put some new refreshing energy out there for people to have access to (stuff one might not hear, or perhaps will hear, on the top 50 radio stations in their particular locale). For more info on Wolf Gang check out his website here, or his myspace page here.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Song of the Day for October 19th 2010: "Rock It" by Little Red

And the song is...Rock It, by Australian rock and roll band Little Red. Little Red comes out of Melbourne, Australia, has been active on the music scene since 2005, and consists of band members Adrian Beltrame (guitar/vocals), Dominic Byrne (guitar/vocals), Quang Dinh (bass guitar/ vocals), Tom Hartney (vocals/percussion) and Taka Honda (drums). Rock It comes off of their 2nd studio album release titled Midnight Remember which was just released in stores in September of 2010. This song was their 3rd single release, and it reached #19 on ARIA music charts in Australia upon its release, making it their best known single thus far. Note that this song and album can now be purchased on itunes or amazon. Enjoy!Midnight Remember

Monday, October 18, 2010

Song of the Day for October 18th, 2010: "Foliage" by The Honey Month

The song of the day is Foliage, by Australian indie-rock band The Honey Month. The Honey Month formed out of Brisbane, Australia in 2003 and it consists of members Tom Kulich, Hamish Orr, Liam Eaton, David Leonardi, Jonothan Steedman, and Kirby Elmsly. This song appears on their EP of the same name, which was released on September 24th, 2010. Their songs feature lots of different musical instruments including the ukelele, accordion, kalimba, and mandolin. Look here to see their myspace page and for more info on the band. And look here to actually hear the song, which incidentally is available as a free mp3 download at that same link. Foliage

Friday, October 15, 2010

#48 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown! Beastie Boys: Fight For Your Right (1986)

Hello again, straight to it, #48 is...."Fight For Your Right" by American hip-hop group Beastie Boys. It would be surprising if you didn't know who the Beastie Boys are, they have practically become a household name over the years, and have produced prolific and solid repertoire. They came out of Brooklyn, New York in 1979 and comprised of members Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "MCA" Yauch, and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz. You might not know this (I didn't before doing a little research for this) but they started out as a hardcore punk group, and didn't make the full transition to hip-hop until 1984. They are said to be one of the longest living hip-hop acts in the world and continue to enjoy success 20 years onwards. According to wikipedia they have been nominated for induction into the 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.' "Fight For Your Right" was the first single release from their major breakthrough album "Licensed to Ill" which was released in 1986. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was also named as one of 'The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.' Well, there is #48, on to 47!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Song of the Day for October 14th, 2010: "You and I" by Young Revelry

And the song is...You and I, by Australian indie-rock band Young Revelry. Young Revelry are a 4-piece band from Perth, in Western Australia consisting of members Sebastian Astone (Vocals/Guitar), Peter Leveson-Gower (Guitar/Vocals), Tom King (Bass Guitar), and Alex Board (Drums). You and I comes off of their debut 7-track and recently released EP of the same name. This song has an undertone to it that I find delightful, and which also reminds me of times past, as though its very notes ring through to another era. Enjoy!You & I

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Brief Movie Review for "Everlasting Moments" (2009)

Everlasting Moments (2009) - 5/5 Stars *****
Everlasting Moments (2009) is an excellent movie, and I would say this one deserves awards. I suppose that I have grown to accustomed to the formulaic/unrealistic hollywood stories and movies, and that movies like this one bring one back down to Earth to remember that life is really a bittersweet experience, some pleasant, some not so pleasant, and everything in between, whatever you decide to label it at any given moment I suppose. This story is about a Swedish family in the early 1900's, living in the times before labour revolutions in Europe, and when people lived a pretty meager existence, had many of the same struggles we still have today with a lot less material wealth, but still enjoyed themselves and lived interesting lives all the same. Check this one out, its not really for entertainment, but its a good one.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Song of the Day for October 12th, 2010: "Your Thing" by Urthboy

And the song is...Your Thing by Australian hip/hop MC and producer Urthboy. Tim Levinson (aka Urthboy) originates out of Sydney, Australia and he has been active in the music industry since 1998. He is best known for his involvement as a member of Australian hip-hop group The Herd. Urthboy has released 3 studio albums, the latest is titled Spitshine. Your Thing is a single release, which came out in September of 2010. In fact it is still available as a free mp3 download here, through the Horroshow facebook page.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Song of the Day for October 11th, 2010: "Damn Defensive" by The Boat People

And the song is....Damn Defensive, by Australian 4-piece indie-pop band The Boat People. The Boat People come out of Brisbane, Australia, it formed in 2000, and it  consists of members James O'Brien, Robin Waters, Charles Dugan and Tony Garret. Damn Defensive comes off of their latest album release titled Dear Darkly, which was released in stores in June 2010. For more info on the band check out their website here or their myspace page here.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Brief Movie Review for "Woman in the Window" (1944)

4/5 Stars ****
Another oldie, yes? Well, this Fritz Lang movie is another classic for sure (from 1944)! It is one of those murder-dilemma movies that will keep you interested in watching it just to see what decisions the characters will make and how they will ultimately play out. I liked this one, and would maybe watch it again sometime down the road. A professor of psychology ends up killing an assailant with a pair of scissors after meeting up with a strange and attractive single woman when his wife and children leave town, so watch to find out what happens next.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

#49 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown! Pet Shop Boys: Always On My Mind (1987)

Here it is, the first of the final 49...and so here at #49 of the Countdown is Always On My Mind by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. It all started for Neil Tennant (lead vocals/keyboards/guitar) and Chris Lowe (keyboards) in 1981 in London, England. Pet Shop Boys are still active to this day and they have sold somewhere around 100 million records worldwide, and are listed as The Most Successful Duo in UK Music History by the Guinness Book of World Records. They are also 3 time BRIT Award winners and 6 time Grammy Nominees, and since 1986 they have produced 42 Top 30 Singles and 22 Top 10 Hits on the UK Singles Charts. Always On My Mind appeared on their 1987 release album titled Introspective which was their 4th studio album. It was their 2nd best selling album and sold around 4.5 million copies globally. Always On My Mind was actually a synth-pop cover version of an American country song originally performed by Brenda Lee. This cover version was performed by the Pet Shop Boys on a Television special commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the death of former King of Pop Elvis Presley. This covered version was so well received that they decided to record it and release it as a single which would end up becoming the UK's #1 Christmas Single that year, beating out Fairytale of New York by the Pogues and topping the charts for 4 weeks. A good song it is, and a good dance song at that, so I am happy to have it set at #49, it gets even better folks, so stay tuned! (click here for the full Top 100 Countdown)

Song of the Day for October 9th, 2010: "Wait Up (Boots of Danger)" by Tokyo Police Club

And the song is...Wait Up (Boots of Danger) by Canadian indie-rock band Tokyo Police Club.  Tokyo Police Club formed in 2005, comes out of Newmarket, Ontario in Canada, and consists of members Dave Monks (vocals and bass guitar), Graham Wright (keyboards), Josh Hook (guitar), and Greg Alsop (drums). Wait Up (Boots of Danger) comes off of their June 2010 release album, which is their second studio-album. Check out their wikipedia page for more info on the band and enjoy today's song of the day!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Song of the day for October 8th, 2010: "Don't Lock Your Elbows" by Crash the Curb

And the song of the day is...Don't Lock Your Elbows, by Australian punk-pop band Crash the Curb. Crash the Curb is a punk-duo that comes out of Canberra, ACT in Australia, and consists of members Grace on drums/vocals and Adam on guitar/lead vocals. They are soon to bring out their first EP, and I can only assume that this song among the others featured on their myspace page will appear and that debut EP. Also, be sure to note that a studio-recorded version of the song, and 2 others of theirs are still available as free MP3 downloads at this link. Enjoy!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Song of the Day for October 7th, 2010: "Donkey Kong Suicide" by the Melodics

And the song of the day is....Donkey Kong Suicide by Australian indie-electro-rock band The Melodics. The Melodics originate out of Melbourne, Victoria in Australia and consists of members Oceans Baroque on Keyboards/Vocals, Jeremedy on Vocals,  James Tudball on Drums, Jamie Barlow on Bass, and Tarko (aka Fantastic Mr Fox) on Saxophone and synthesizers. The Melodics released their debut album, titled 4d in 2009 and it involved collaboration with over 20 other artists in its making. If you would like to find more info on the band check out their website here or if you like this song it is available as a free mp3 download with more information on the band here. 

#50 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown! "Your Love" by The Outfield (1985)

Well well well, we are there already, half way folks, half-bloody-way! At #50 of the Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown we have....Your Love by British power-pop-rock band The Outfield.The Outfield originated out of London, England back in 1984, and they currently consist of members Tony Lewis, John Spinks, and Alan Jackman. The Outfield are one of the English rock bands from the 80's that never really gained much acclaim in their home country, but did achieve some moderate success in the US music market. Your Love was released on their first studio album titled Play Deep in 1985, and the song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #7 on the US Mainstream Rock Chart. In fact, Your Love would later prove to become the band's signature song (or one-hit-wonder), and according to Wikipedia this song been covered or remixed over 1,000 times by other artists over the years. As for their 1985 album Play Deep, it would reach #9 on the US Album Chart that year. Well that is it for trivia, and now we are over the hill, we hath finally reached the final 49 songs of the Countdown, or should I add a track "0" or "0.5???"

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Song of the Day for October 6th, 2010: "Soldier" by Elke (2010)

And the song of the day is....Soldier, by Australian 5-piece indie-electro-rock band Elke. This song is about Australian soldiers in present day Afghanistan conflict. Elke formed back in 2007 as a weekend recording band in the sunny city of Brisbane, Queensland (aka Bris-Vegas).  I don't have too much more information about the song or the band other than what I was able to find at this page (note that this song a and a few other Elke songs are available for free download here as well). Alas, youtube doesn't have this song posted quite yet, so if you wish to hear it go to the link in the previous sentence or check out some of their other songs and info at their myspace page here. The video was made by someone personally showing some imagery of war and some not so serious imagery as well, and occasional shots of the band.

Brief Movie Review for "Bigger Than Life" (1956)

4/5 Stars **** 
So I suppose that the moral of the story is "don't do drugs," or maybe "don't take more than you are prescribed by your physician." A bit of a crazy James Mason movie, but also very interesting and entertaining too. Its about a school-teacher who develops a rare vascular disease requiring that he take prescription cortisone which incidentally causes manic episodes in this particular case, in fact so extreme that at one point the school teacher decides he wants to kill his son and his wife and himself with a pair of scissors...exciting stuff. Probably would not watch again, but decent flick overall.

VJ Samsonite's Top 15 80's Songs for Your Halloween Party! : 80's Halloween Songs (must plays for your Halloween Party!)

Oi! We will get back down to the Top 100 Countdown shortly, but first I have had a few people as me about what music they might play at their upcoming Halloween Parties, and I have also been working on a lengthy play-list of mine own which consists of music from many decades and genres (not just 80's). But seeing that this is 'Your 80's Music Authority' I had felt it my duty to enlist a Top 15 80's Halloween Songs To Play at Your Party in list format. And so, Without any further ado.....






1.) "Thriller" by Michael Jackson (1983) (note: This one is a must! Its a true 80's Halloween staple-song, and if your Halloween party doesn't play it, then it ain't a Halloween party at all!)
2.) "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell (1984)
3.) "Dead Man's Party" by Oingo Boingo (1985)
4.) "Peek-A-Boo" by Siouxsie & the Banshees (1988)
5.) "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr. (1984)
6.) "Dead Souls" by Joy Division (1980)
7.) "Weird Science" by Oingo Boingo (1985)
8.) "Lost in the Shadows" by Lou Gramm (1987)
9.) "Bad Ghostbusters" by Michael Jackson & Ray Parker Jr. (1987) (note: it seems arduous to locate a high quality version of this song?)
10.) "Sweet Dreams (Dance Remix or Original Mix)" by Eurythmics (1983)
11.) "I Got You" by Split Endz (1980)
12.) "Sex Dwarf" by Soft Cell (1981)
13.) "Living on a Video" by Trans X (1981)
14.) "Shout at the Devil" by Motley Crue (1983)
15.) "People are Strange" by Echo & The Bunnymen (1987)

Well that's a start anyways, I could keep going and going but I think I have given you all a good starter-list to warm up your Halloween Parties. Cheers everyone, I Hope this helps ring in All-Hallows Even 2010, and perhaps even some future ones too.

***I just want to note here that I will be posting a Top 20 (or so) 80's Christmas Songs in December, so stay tuned***

**This very same post and more 80's posts can be found at my other Vlog here**

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Song of the Day for October 5th, 2010: "Somebody to Love Me" by Mark Ronson & The Business Intl.

And the song of the day is....Somebody to Love Me, by British guitarist and music producer Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. This song is interesting as it features Boy George on vocals, and also includes  Andrew Wyatt (from The Bird and the Bee). It is a slower song, not like the first two singles Bang, Bang, Bang or The Bike Song, and it harkens back to some of Ronson's soul sounds, as are found more in his previous albums. Somebody to Love Me comes off of his latest album release titled Record Collection, which is now out in stores, as it was officially released in full on September 27th, 2010. Record Collection has already peaked at #1 on the UK Album Download Chart, and at #2 on the UK Albums Chart, so its out there in a big way already, and this is actually the 3rd track off of that album I have featured on this vlog, so enjoy and be sure to check out the album in its entirety.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Song of the Day for October 4th, 2010: "All The Things We Did" by Radio Star


And the song of the day is...All The Things We Did by Australian indie-rock-pop group Radio Star. Radio Star originate out of Melbourne, Australia's Upper East Side and consists of members Zack, Will, Patty and Jake. All The Things We Did comes off of their first EP release of the same name, it was released on August 31st, 2010 and its available on Itunes as of now. Also, if you are interested in more info on this band you can check out their myspace page here. 

Saturday, October 2, 2010

#51 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown! "Looks That Kill" (1983) by Mötley Crüe

Here's #51 of the Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown, and the song is....Looks That Kill, by American hard-rock band legends Mötley CrüeMötley Crüe is a well known hard rock band, obviously, they arose out of Los Angeles California back in 1981 and are still actively touring and doing shows to this day (in fact the ticket prices were over AUD$450.00 each at their concert in Sydney a few years back if I remember correctly). The band was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were soon joined by lead guiarist Mick Mars and of course lead singer Vince Neil. To date, Mötley Crüe have sold over 80 million albums worldwide and over 25 million in the USA. These four have also done their best to live up to the "rockstar persona" having histories full of drug-abuse, alcoholism, jail-time, celebrity, image alterations, and celebrity relationship/sex scandals, as well as their fair share of tats. They have definitely lived up to their name over the years. Looks That Kill first appeared on their second studio-album release (back in 1983), and was later released as a single in 1984 where it spent 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, peaking at #54. The main guitar riff in this song is considered to be Mick Mars best work, and it has been ranked as #41 on Guitar World's best riffs/solos. Books could be and have been written about this band, but for now we are finished with trivia, so stay tuned find out what #50 will be, and then we can get started on the final 49 80's dance hits, bloody half-way 'innit!