#53 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown!: "The KKK Took My Baby Away" by The Ramones (1981)

Well now, its been a bit too long this time hasn't it? I have been away at weddings and DJ gigs and what not, but I am back here today to present #53 of the countdown! And the song is....The KKK Took My Baby Away by the legendary American punk-rock band The Ramones. The Ramones are one of those staple punk-bands of all time, and they will always be out there in the spot light, at least they will be if I have anything to say about it. The Ramones originated in Forest Hills, in the burrow of Queens, New York, and they were active as a band from 1974-1996. They had a major influence on punk rock music in the USA and in the UK. All of the band members adopted the surname of Ramone, despite the fact that not of them were actually related. According to wikipedia The Ramones toured almost non-stop for more than 22 years and that they performed at 2,263 concerts during that time, and in 1996 they disbanded following one final show at the 1996 'Lollapalooza.' By 2004, the 3 lead members of the band had all died, inlcuding lead singer Joey Ramone, guitarist Johnny Ramone, and bassist Dee Dee Ramone. In 2002 The Ramones were inducted into the 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The KKK Took My Baby Away appeared on their 6th studio release album which was titled Pleasant Dreams and was released in July of 1981, and it was written by Joey Ramone. Well there it is in all its glory, now what could #52 be?? I reckon I should do that one sooner innit?

#55 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown!: "The Reflex" by Duran Duran (1983)

Welcome back to the Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown! Today is Friday, September 17th, 2010 and we are at #55, and the song is....The Reflex, by the all-to-famous, (and not to mention my favourite band of all time) English synth-pop-rock band Duran Duran. The Reflex appeared on their Novemeber of 1983 release album Seven and the Ragged Tiger, it was their 3rd full length release studio album. A direct quote from wikipedia states the following:

"Simon Le Bon said the album "is an adventure story about a little commando team. 'The Seven' is for us — the five band members and the two managers — and 'the Ragged Tiger' is success. Seven people running after success. It's ambition. That's what it's about."

The Reflex was later released as a remixed single in April of 1984, and it would become Duran Duran's most successful single, which I find surprising as they had so many other songs I would have guessed to have been bigger hits. In fact, it would prove to be their last UK #1 hit, and it was their first single to peak at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. All of that said, this has been the second Duran Duran song to appear on this countdown and be forewarned, there will be more to come....Don't miss them live if you get the chance to see them whilst on tour.

#80 of VJ Samsonite's Top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown!

Welcome back to VJ Samsonite's top 100 80's Dance Hits Countdown! Today we are presenting #80 of the top 100 countdown, and starting to really get into it! And the song is...Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' by the King of Pop himself Michael Jackson. Now if you don't know who Michael Jackson (R.I.P.) is than I can't help you out. For those of you who don't know much MJ-trivia, he was born in Gary, Indiana in 1958, and he was 50 years old when he passed away just last year on June 25th (almost a frickin year already!!) in Los Angeles California. You might find it interesting to know that Madonna and Prince both also turned 50 years old last year, officially being the Queen and Prince of Pop during the 80's with recently deceased King M.J.. Now I know that there has been speculation about who will be the next, but as far as I am concerned no one currently can sit in the throne, so its empty until someone who really "has it" comes along. I have heard people say they think that Lady Gaga is making her way as the next Queen of Pop, however I remain skeptical on that one as I reckon you have to be extremely prolific and consistent with pop-hits over an extended period of time to take the throne, not that Lady Gaga isn't capable of this, but it remains to be seen. This discussion has me on a bit of tangent so back to the topic at hand. Wanna Be Startin Somethin, was the first track of Jackson's epic Thriller album which won Jackson a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984, including Album of the Year, and numbers are uncertain but it has been estimated as having sold approximately 78-110 million copies worldwide as of 2009. Shockingly enough youtube actually allows posting of the actual music video, so enjoy.