Redartz: Hello,fellow temporal travelers! Time again for another excursion back , back, back aboard the Retro Metro. Today we revisit the illustrious 80's, specifically Feb. 17, 1982. As always, there is tumult in the world, especially in Poland, where turmoil reigns under the imposition of martial law. Sadly, we read of the death of Jazz genius Thelonius Monk. On the positive note, gas prices seem to be coming down...
While fuel may be dropping, the J. Geils Band is rising to the top of the US Billboard Pop Chart with this week's number one, "Centerfold"
And rounding out the top five:
2. Daryl Hall and John Oates, "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)"
3. Quarterflash, "Harden My Heart"
4. Journey, "Open Arms"
5. The Cars, "Shake it Up"
Enjoying a lot of the current music these days, Hall and Oates are great, as are the Cars. But as is usually the case, many of the most interesting songs lie further down the chart. Among them,the Rolling Stones, "Waiting on a Friend"- a nice song off their latest album "Tattoo You". The Police, "Spirits in the Material World", Go-Go's, "We Got the Beat": love both these songs and both of these groups. So much so, in fact, that a bunch of us from art school just got back from a trip to Cleveland Ohio to see them both in concert . A great time was had, except for the ice storm on the road home, but that's another story. Oh, and another fun tune: Buckner and Garcia, "Pac Man Fever". A tribute to the immense popularity of video games and arcades these days. I admittedly have spent more than a few quarters on that little yellow guy and his ever-pursuing ghosts...
Tops in the UK: The Jam, "Town Called Malice"
Man, those Go-Go's are dynamite (and although Belinda Carlisle gets a lot of the attention, I rather admire Jane Weidlin). But enough musical musings, what about the action on the small screen today? Let's see...
US Television Schedule:
ABC: The Greatest American Hero, The Fall Guy, Dynasty
I still catch "G A H" from time to time, and occasionally catch Lee Majors as the Fall Guy. Playing a stunt man/bounty hunter, Majors gives us another action-packed show (perhaps he's helped out by the cybernetics from his previous role as the Six Million Dollar Man).
CBS: Herbie the Love Bug, WKRP in Cincinnati, Baker's Dozen, Shannon
Another show I'm still enjoying is WKRP. Great cast, and how can you not like a comedy about a rock radio station? On the other hand, I'm surprised to find a show featuring "Herbie the Love Bug" on prime time.
NBC: Real People, The Facts of Life, Love Sidney, Quincy M.E.
Real People is one of those shows I'll watch if the mood hits, and Quincy is cool- Jack Klugman is always enjoyable. But "Facts of Life" has sort of hooked me. Another show with a pretty good cast, led by the engaging Charlotte Rae as Mrs. Garrett.
BBC1: Rolf Harris Cartoon Time, The Wednesday Film: The Last Hunt, Sportsnight, Parkinson
BBC2: The Water Margin, The Making of Mankind, The Master Game, Chronicle, M*A*S*H, Nancy Astor, Out of Court
Rolf Harris Cartoon Time? Is that the Rolf Harris of "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" fame? I'd watch that every time...
Oh, hey; it's Wednesday, which means new comic day! While we're here, let's check out the neighborhood spinner rack (or the fine display at the local comic shop, as is becoming more frequently the case:
That Silver Surfer book is a definite must. John Byrne and Tom Palmer on the Surfer? Take my money now. And while you're at it, pass me that Teen Titans issue, Wolfman and Perez are still rocking it. I'm getting that Spectacular Spider-man issue just for the cover, but the book is really solid these days anyway. And speaking of solid, how about Byrne's fantastic Fantastic Fours? The book hasn't been this good in years. And this week we have a double treat, "Fantastic Four Roast" by Fred Hembeck- a truly comical comic. Can't wait to read that one. Oh, and check out that Hulk issue; whats's with the raccoon? Kind of an oddly obscure character, bet he'll fade into obscurity...
Although we aren't fading into obscurity, we do have to fade back to the present. Hope we've triggered a few memories for you, and that you'll share your tales of '82. Until next time, be well and save me a token for the arcade...
