October 3, 2024 • 21 mins
"Get ready for a synth-tastic ride on this week’s Back to the 80s Radio! Toscano is flying solo while Chang sips tea and crumpets with The Smiths and Robert Smith of The Cure in London.
Dive into the iconic synthwave sounds that defined a generation as Toscano spins the tracks that electrified the '80s. It's all about the pulse-pounding beats, neon vibes, and unforgettable melodies. Tune in and let the synth take you back to the decade of pure magic!"
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/back-to-the-80s-radio--5883226/support.
Dive into the iconic synthwave sounds that defined a generation as Toscano spins the tracks that electrified the '80s. It's all about the pulse-pounding beats, neon vibes, and unforgettable melodies. Tune in and let the synth take you back to the decade of pure magic!"
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/back-to-the-80s-radio--5883226/support.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm shadowing Stevens and you must listen
to Back to the Eighties Radio. It's the law.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Hey, what's up everybody? This is the one and only
Back to the Eighties Radio show. I'm Toscano from Tuscano
and Chang. Yep, it's me, just you and me this
time again. We are waiting on the Chang to get
his act together and come out and come on over
from London. He loved it so much. He's been talking
(00:58):
with Robert Smith. He's been going to all the places
where Duran Duran hits up late at night. And you
know what, now we can't drag him out, but he
said he's going to be back to where Bigfoot lives shortly,
so stay tuned with that. But yeah, no Chang this time.
But trust me, I've got something special lined up for you.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
For me.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
That's what's gonna make this show just as fun, if
not even more.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Come on, don't bush it, mate.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Not really, not without the Chang. But here's what we're
talking about today, the rise of synthwave. It's a sound
that defined the nineteen eighties. I know you heard those
distinct synth sounds that made the eighties so unique. I mean,
you cannot hear something with synth music from the eighties
and go wow, Now that is the eighties sound if
(01:50):
I ever heard. It didn't matter what genre you were into,
either rock, pop, even new wave, all of them at
some point were touched by synth. Let me think about it.
The moment you hear those first few notes of take
On Me or Don't You Want Me, you're instantly transported
(02:22):
back to a time of oh man, big hair arcades,
you know, checking out your girlfriends or boyfriends at the mall.
And it was a time of freedom and fun and
experience everything that made the eighties unforgettable. All right, But
here's the thing, because it's not just about nostalgia today.
(02:43):
The synth revolution, it actually did do something to the
music industry. It changed it, and it opened the door
for new genres as well, and it gave artists a
whole new way to express themselves and in some cases,
it even became the signature sound for an entire band.
So over the next thirty minutes, we're gonna be talking
(03:03):
about some of the biggest synth hits. Ever, how this
electronic wave started and why it's still so important today.
But I'm not gonna be talking your ear off. We're
gonna hear these tracks in all their synth glory.
Speaker 4 (03:19):
All right.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Now, before we get into it, I do want to
remind you guys to head on over to FM Eighties
dot com FM eighties dot Com. That's where you're gonna
hit us up, share your favorite eighties memories, and let
us know what songs you want to hear on the show. Plus,
if you're a true back to the Eighties radio fan
and you want to support us, please do so on
(03:41):
Patreon at back to the Eighties Radio. Other than that,
just remember when you go there, we've got some sweet
perks for our patrons, so don't miss out. All right,
without further ado, let's kick this show off and start
with one of the most iconicsynth songs of the nineteen eighties,
one that when you hear it today, you say that
(04:05):
was the nineteen eighties. This is Take on Me by Aha.
I'm the one and only back to the Eighties.
Speaker 5 (04:10):
Race talking away, So I don't know what to say.
Speaker 6 (04:36):
You say anything, today's on my face to find shine.
Speaker 7 (04:45):
I'm the killing love of.
Speaker 8 (04:49):
Go.
Speaker 9 (05:10):
Certainly, let's to say outset it.
Speaker 6 (05:15):
Suppose don't we little thing still? Then find okay, say
up to me?
Speaker 5 (05:25):
Let's the better to save the time.
Speaker 9 (05:29):
God, things that you say, yes, things a lot will
(06:34):
be disturbain of.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
Feezel you all things I've got to remember shine eye.
Speaker 7 (06:44):
Long becoming my eyes.
Speaker 10 (06:48):
Gone?
Speaker 11 (07:35):
Where are you holding my hand?
Speaker 12 (07:39):
There's your other hand between two pillows.
Speaker 7 (07:44):
Those aren't pillows.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
You're listening to.
Speaker 11 (07:55):
Back to the eighties.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
You have caught us talking about the synth and synth
wave music and everything in all of its glory. So
let's talk about it for a second, because I know
we've heard it a million times, but if you've ever
thought about what makes talking about this song so special?
I mean, that's synthrift. It's simple, but that's the beauty
(08:19):
of it. It's catchy, its upbeat. I mean, as a
matter of fact, have you seen the video? The videos
high tech even for today, And the second you hear it,
no matter where you hear it, you know exactly what
song you're about to get into. And that's the power
of good synth because those notes just stick with you.
(08:41):
Now this case take on me was I mean, it's
a global hit, right and aha, who came from Norway?
Suddenly becomes a household name because of this one song. Yes,
they have more songs and more hits, but this is
their most recognizable song and the video. What are you
(09:01):
going to say? It was magical, It was groundbreaking. It
was a mix of animation live action, and that at
the time was revolutionary. I mean, do you remember the
first time you saw it. I mean, somebody at a diner,
this girl at a diner then looks at this comic
book type of magazine and the music's going on in
the background and the main singer drags her in there.
(09:26):
I mean, it was groundbreaking, and the mix of animation
live action was revolutionary. Of course, I'm still it's one
of the most memorable videos of that MTV era. But
you know what I think is really cool about the
song how it blends a kind of a kind of
(09:47):
futuristic electronics sound with pure pop energy. And that's why
it's still the test of time. That's why it's still
just as good today as.
Speaker 7 (09:56):
It was then.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
And whether you're an eighties kid hearing it for the
first time today, it's a song that instantly lifts your mood.
Everybody knows this song, even gen Zers. Yeah, I know,
kind of unbelievable, but it's true. Now here's something to
think about. The eighties weren't just about happy, upbeat songs.
The synth sound was versatile and it could be haunting
(10:21):
at times, emotional or even a bit dark. And that
is where our next track comes from. Nineteen eighty one.
This is back to the eighties radio. You're going to
be listening to the Human League. Don't you want me?
Speaker 3 (10:38):
Baby?
Speaker 7 (11:00):
I tell you to turn you into someone you.
Speaker 13 (11:06):
Now? Five men later on.
Speaker 4 (11:07):
You've got the world that's beat successful and so easy
for you.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
But don't forget that it's me who put you.
Speaker 14 (11:18):
And I can put you back.
Speaker 7 (11:22):
Don't don't you want me? You know I can't believe it.
I mean that you won't see me. Don't don't you
want me? You know I don't believe you.
Speaker 13 (11:36):
And you say that you don't believe what you let bid?
Speaker 7 (11:40):
Anything you change your mind, you better change it.
Speaker 10 (11:44):
Back on me?
Speaker 7 (11:44):
Will love me? Sorry now.
Speaker 13 (11:51):
Not to have me.
Speaker 15 (11:55):
To do me.
Speaker 7 (12:03):
I was working as a waitress in a hotel.
Speaker 16 (12:08):
That much is true.
Speaker 17 (12:11):
But even then, and you I find a much better
place either. It's a way, aren't you The fame is
you've had things such good at times I still love you,
but now I think it's time I live my life
on my own.
Speaker 7 (12:31):
I guess it's just what I must. You don't don't
you want me? You know I can't believe it that you.
Speaker 13 (12:42):
Don't see me.
Speaker 7 (12:44):
No, don't you want me? You know I don't believe
you when you say that you don't make me.
Speaker 6 (12:52):
Let you think you've changed your mind, you better change
it back on me.
Speaker 10 (12:58):
W so read out to.
Speaker 13 (13:05):
Us to.
Speaker 11 (13:46):
To to.
Speaker 2 (14:17):
All Right, that was Don't You Want Me? By the
Human League.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
What a song. I mean, it gives you the eighties
chills when you hear that synth pop classic. It came
out of the UK, but it really took over the
charts in eighty one here in the US. It exploded.
Now for a second, let's talk about what made this
song so special, because it was one of the first
(14:44):
times people really heard a synth driven track and it
had well, it was pretty emotional, pretty deep, and you've
got these robotic synth lines that just looped through the
whole song. But what's layered on top of that, Well,
it's a relationship falling apart story and it's a real contrast. Right,
(15:06):
The mechanical music and the human emotion. The mix of
cold electronics and real life drama is what gave this
song that edge. And when the Human League first started out,
they were actually more experimental and underground, but Don't You
Want Me push them into mainstream and suddenly this wasn't
(15:28):
just fringe alternative thing. It was the top of the
charts and everybody was listening, and I mean everybody. The
eighties were all about blending genres and this is a
perfect example of how electronic music crossed over into the mainstream.
It's also worth mentioning, of course, that the influence this
(15:50):
song had on pop culture was incredible. When you think
about the eighties nightlife, the clubs, and even the fashion,
Don't You Want Me was well, it was the soundtrack
to a generation embracing the future. I mean, it wasn't
just a song, It was sort of like a movement.
Well all right, so speaking of movements, speaking of movements,
(16:13):
I want to take a quick moment to shout out
to all of our listeners in Spanish speaking nations. That's right,
because Spanish speaking nations got all the music that everybody
else did and they loved it. Whether you're from Spain,
from Mexico, from Central America and South America, any country
(16:33):
you're from. I mean that music, everybody's music. Eighties music
hit the radio waves and they soaked it up. They
loved it. So I want to speak to Spanish speaking nations.
If you're from a Spanish speaking nation, all right, I've
got a little question for you. How would you like
(16:56):
to hear this particular show Back to the Eighties radio
in Spanish?
Speaker 11 (17:01):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Yeah, that's right, you heard me right. The thing is,
I kind of want to do an experiment because I
kind of want to make Back to the Eighties radio
accessible to all listeners around the world. At least, you know,
we've got English. Majority of the world does speak English,
but there's another side that's a huge, huge portion of
the world as well. Let's speak Spanish, and I wanted
(17:24):
to make this back to the Eighties idea accessible to
everybody around the world. So if that's something you'd be into,
and you know you'd like that, head on over to
FM eighties dot com and write to us. You'll find
there and a button to go ahead and to let
us know that you'd like to hear this show in Spanish.
(17:46):
We'll see, we'll see where it goes right, we'll see
where it goes all right. Now, let's switch gears a bit,
but stick with that synth energy, because next up we've
got something that combines electronic music with rock and roll.
Back to the eighties radio.
Speaker 12 (18:04):
In nineteen sixty seven, Oliver Stone was a soldier in Vietnam.
Ten years later, his screenplay for Midnight Express won the
Academy Award. Stone has come a long way from Vietnam,
but he is not left it behind. Tom Beringer, Willem Dafoe,
Charlie Sheen. The first casualty of war is Innocence. The
(18:25):
first real movie about the war in Vietnam is Platoon.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
If you can't wear a spandex jumpsuit, what can you do?
Speaker 11 (18:33):
Now?
Speaker 7 (18:33):
This is cack to the eighties.
Speaker 13 (19:03):
I get up.
Speaker 18 (19:07):
And we're notvera get me down.
Speaker 13 (19:11):
You gotta talk.
Speaker 16 (19:14):
I see the top so loud, and I know.
Speaker 13 (19:21):
Maybe just how you feel.
Speaker 7 (19:26):
You got to b in the budgets and get to
water for you.
Speaker 19 (19:33):
I can't just see this handy here, nobody intent machine.
Speaker 7 (19:40):
I ain't the worst that you see.
Speaker 10 (19:43):
I can't you see what I mean?
Speaker 3 (19:50):
I tellow jump.
Speaker 7 (19:51):
Jop my twelve jump.
Speaker 10 (19:57):
For Jop.
Speaker 9 (20:02):
Jo oh, who said that maybe have you been.
Speaker 7 (20:12):
You say you don't know, you won't know into you
to see the same, Sha.
Speaker 14 (20:26):
I ain't.
Speaker 7 (20:27):
Once we can see, I can't just see what I.
Speaker 5 (20:35):
Wow?
Speaker 7 (20:36):
My twel jump jo.
Speaker 14 (20:43):
My twelve jump down.
Speaker 13 (20:51):
Job.
Speaker 10 (21:02):
We streams.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
All right back to the eighties radio. If you heard
Jump by Van Halen, man was that a track? At
least in nineteen eighty three, this was one of the
biggest hits on everywhere, I mean on the radio and
on MTV. You remember when this song came out. The
only thing I remember is David Lee Roth doing the
high jump splits in the air. The cool thing is
(22:42):
that van Halen, who is known for Eddie's amazing guitar skills,
totally surprised people by leading this song with a synth.
And now, grant it. I know that if you're a
hardcore what is it, a enthusiast of rock or a
purist as some would call that, you probably didn't like
(23:06):
that van Halen started using synth and well, what are
you gonna do? But that's why Jump was so revolutionary,
because Eddie van Halen didn't just play the synth, he
embraced it and brought it and created something entirely brand new.
Yeah that if you're off the old van Halen sure did.
But that synth riff is one of the most recognizable
(23:29):
riffs in all of rock history music. Now, what's interesting
is that a lot of die hard rock fans at first,
like I mentioned, they didn't like it. A lot of them,
well still don't like it.
Speaker 11 (23:45):
You know.
Speaker 2 (23:45):
I can think of at least one hardcore rock fan
that I'm not gonna mention his name because he's not
on the show today. He's up there, you know, playing
the Smith's records and about you know, when he comes
back on the air on the show with us, you'll
know who I'm talking about. I mean, this was This
(24:07):
was Van Halen, a band known for shredding guitars or
wild solos, you know, Eddie van Halen smoking a cigarette
and putting it on his guitar while he played eruption.
But he wasn't always pushing boundaries. And this track took
them to a whole new level because Jump became their
most successful single, topping the Charge and solidifying Van Halen's
(24:29):
place as official rock legends. Now you might say, well,
they were rock legends before. I agree personally, I'm with you,
but for the rest of the world, the ones who
weren't purest or hard rock fans. This was a moment
that Van Halen crossed over into the synth world as well.
(24:54):
And this is where you see the crossover of sins
into all genres because the eighties were all about remember, experimentation,
and the synth gave artists the freedom to explore new sounds. Now,
whether it was pop rock or new wave. The synthesizer
was the tool that brought them all together. And have
you said that. Now, let's go straight into a different
(25:15):
direction because this next track is a bit darker, but
it's got one of the most iconic synth rifts of
all times. This is back to the eighties radio. This
is the rhythmics, and this is Sweet Dreams.
Speaker 7 (25:31):
Sweet Dams are Madeath.
Speaker 4 (25:35):
And m desord I travel the world and the Seven Seeds.
Everybody is looking for something. Some of them wants to
use you, some of them want to get used by,
some of them want to abuse you.
Speaker 7 (25:57):
Some of them wants to be up bos.
Speaker 4 (26:13):
Sweet Dreams, Almada things who are my to Dicidge to
travel the world and the Seven seas.
Speaker 7 (26:24):
Everybody is looking for something.
Speaker 19 (26:39):
Camel headen cab ahead Ahead.
Speaker 13 (26:45):
Cad gar.
Speaker 7 (27:10):
Some of them want to use you.
Speaker 4 (27:14):
Some of them want to get used. Some of them
want to use you. Some of them want to be abused.
(27:37):
Sweet Jeems are made of things could have mind due
to Saragy and travel the world and seven seeds of
everybody just looking for something.
Speaker 20 (27:53):
Sweet Jeeves are made of things You have my to
to Sarbary travel the world and seven seas.
Speaker 7 (28:04):
Everybody is looking for something.
Speaker 4 (28:08):
Sweet dreams Hobyies.
Speaker 7 (28:13):
Decided travel.
Speaker 4 (28:17):
Seven seas, everybody looking for something sweet Geams.
Speaker 7 (28:24):
Hoby Sweet descid travel seven seeds.
Speaker 15 (28:35):
Funy so give for something Sweet dreams Onysel Design Travel.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Sweet dreams are made of this by the Rhythmics. I'm
back to the eighties radio. I know what you're saying,
isn't it? Sweet dreams are made of these. That's what
I used to think of, probably the whole world. But
it's a apparently sweet dreams are made of this. It's
one of those songs that I mean, it grabs you
from the very first note. It's so simple, but it's powerful.
(29:10):
It's even haunting. It almost feels like you're being pulled
into a dream. And this particular song from nineteen eighty
three was a game changer because Annie Lennox voice is
so sharp and strong, and it contrasts perfectly with that hypnotic,
almost eerie synth beat. It's one of those tracks that
(29:31):
makes you feel ah, like you want to stop whatever
you're doing and just listen. Now, here's what I love
about Sweet Dreams, the entire song, the melody, how versatile
the synthesizer could be. That's what was so great about
eighties artists. It was an incredible track. The synth could
create something darker, more emotional, and still be incredibly catchy.
(29:57):
Like I said, that's just pure magic of the eighties,
a time when artists weren't afraid to push the envelope
and the boundaries and try new things. And speaking of
new things, Chang Dave Gone from a Depeche Mode called
and he says he wants his vest back, the one
that he wore without a shirt. Yeah, he said he'd
(30:18):
let you borrow it because you felt closer to his
heart that way.
Speaker 16 (30:22):
Anyway.
Speaker 2 (30:23):
If you've been enjoying today's episode, make sure to check
out our Patreon it Back to the Eighties Radio. It's
a great way to support the show. And we've got
some exclusive content and perks for all of our patrons. Plus,
if you head on over to FM eighties dot com,
you can leave us a message and tell us what
songs you'd love to hear on future shows or what
(30:43):
topic you know, whatever it is. Go on over FM
eighties dot com. All right, we are almost at the
end of today's journey short show. Yeah, I know, I'm
kind of running in the test here to see if
you guys would like this type of music show as
well in looting, of course the ones that we do
with Chang, but as a side if you want to
(31:04):
hear something different, How do you feel about this show
with music short? Would you like it short or longer?
Just let us know. Go on over to fmads dot
com just let us know. All right, one more classic
lined up for you. This one is one of my
favorites because it's by Tears for Fears and this is
back to the eighties radio and everybody wants to rule
(31:26):
the world.
Speaker 16 (31:51):
Well well saying we will bust you.
Speaker 14 (32:06):
Say your best.
Speaker 7 (32:10):
It's a.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
Cost, it's my.
Speaker 10 (32:34):
It's my only Help me to the side, help me
make my side.
Speaker 14 (32:45):
Read last start time.
Speaker 16 (33:10):
So loudly.
Speaker 14 (33:13):
Made so sound too mad and.
Speaker 19 (33:21):
Was saying that chill I never never when chos.
Speaker 7 (35:23):
Until oback off me.
Speaker 11 (35:26):
I love love.
Speaker 2 (35:29):
Hey, thanks for sticking around with back to the eighties radio.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears.
What a band, what a song. I mean, it couldn't
be more apropos than for Today, where everybody wants to
rule the stinking world? And what a way to close
out the show because this song is one of those
timeless eighties anthems that juts keeps getting better with age.
(35:54):
And what's not to love about this song? It's got
incredible mix of of hope and its lyrics melancholy, and
the synth in this track gives that expansive, kind of
a cinematic feel, if you will, like you're watching the
world unfold in front of you. That's right, Tears for Fears.
(36:17):
I think they really nailed it with that balance between
their lyrics the melody, and it becomes what one of
the most iconic songs of the decade as well, I mean,
what song of the eighties is one of the most
iconic songs of the eighties. They all were, at least
that's what it feels like. Anyway, that's going to be
doing it for today. So I hope you've enjoyed your
(36:38):
time and our dive into the rise of synth wave
tune in next week because we may have a different
genre involved. And it's the incredible to see how this
one instrument, like the synth of Snycher was change music
forever and still of course keeps influencing so many artists today.
Before I'll go, I want to remind you again to
(36:58):
keep the chain your prayers as he comes back from London,
England after having spent there almost one month. That's right
standing outside the gates just to see the King. Unfortunately
they didn't let him in and they did have him arrested,
(37:20):
but that's okay, that's okay. He made it and a
good steady diet with the wonderful English breakfast kept him
alive and we got noticed that he's going to be
back soon with us to share some of his wacky stories.
But in the meantime, don't forget to check out our
Patreon Back to the Eighties Radio for exclusive perts, and
if you're listening on a podcast platform something that's not
(37:43):
iHeart or Odyssey or anything like that, take a moment
wherever you listen to us on. Okay, take a moment, please,
it really helps, and let us know how we're doing. Okay,
leave us a review, give us five stars, and thank
you are taking the time to tune into Back to
the Eighties radio. This is Toscana with Tuscano and Chang
(38:05):
and I'm gonna catch you guys next time. And until then,
keep that eighties spirit alive and let's continue the synth
wave masterpieces. This is men without Hats. We can dance
Back to the eighties Radio. See you next week.
Speaker 7 (38:25):
We can dance. We can leave rone because the friends
don't dance.
Speaker 18 (38:31):
And if they don't dance, no browns a mine say
a week ago and we want to they lay.
Speaker 7 (38:39):
And we gonna well.
Speaker 18 (38:54):
A week ago and we want to know nine young
cats Ali and we can gospild from my hands with
a big tender.
Speaker 7 (39:01):
Prison with a picture. Guy say, we can act if
we want to.
Speaker 18 (39:05):
If we don't know, abody will and you can act
build mood and go live mood.
Speaker 7 (39:10):
And I can act a gun and so.
Speaker 18 (39:12):
I say a wee can dance, but we can dance
everything so it control, but we can dance, but we
can dance to do more.
Speaker 14 (39:23):
But we can dance. We can dance.
Speaker 7 (39:25):
Everybody look at your hands, but we can ask.
Speaker 10 (39:29):
A wee can answer.
Speaker 7 (39:30):
Everybody takes the job.
Speaker 3 (39:34):
Save the dance.
Speaker 7 (39:36):
Who want to save the dance? And save the dance?
Speaker 14 (39:52):
We can dance.
Speaker 7 (39:52):
We want We've got all your life to mine.
Speaker 18 (39:56):
As long as we have unsetting them, are gonna sat
everything out.
Speaker 7 (40:00):
Right, assiety, we can dance one. We can leave it
on fans behind. Because your friends don't dance, and if
they don't dance.
Speaker 1 (40:08):
Well out no friends of mine.
Speaker 3 (40:10):
I see.
Speaker 7 (40:11):
We can dance. We can dance. Everything's out of control.
The wee can dance. We can dance. The don bold
a wee can dance. We can dance. Everybody, look at
your hands. The weekend dance. We can dance.
Speaker 3 (40:27):
Everybody's taking a chance.
Speaker 20 (40:31):
We will save the dance.
Speaker 7 (40:33):
I haven't saved the dance. Who will save the dance?
Speaker 3 (40:38):
Who will save the dance?
Speaker 16 (40:40):
They saved the dance, Save dance the.
Speaker 7 (40:46):
Dance, Safety dance. Let's see the dance. Let's safety dance.
Speaker 3 (40:55):
Save the dance.
Speaker 11 (41:00):
The Eighties Official Movie is a groundbreaking musical documentary that
tells the story of the decade that made us like
you've never experienced it before.
Speaker 7 (41:13):
We're gonna make it or break it.
Speaker 11 (41:14):
If you want to be part of this unique project
and learn more the now work, please visit the Vintage
Tribute channel on YouTube and the Eighties Official movie on Kickstarter.
You support the campaign and bring this groundbreaking project to life.
Speaker 2 (41:29):
I mean, you're only on this planet for so long.
Speaker 10 (41:32):
Go for it.
Speaker 11 (41:32):
Now The Eighties a pop culture special movie
Speaker 13 (42:00):
Larea
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm shadowing Stevens and you must listen
to Back to the Eighties Radio. It's the law.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Hey, what's up everybody? This is the one and only
Back to the Eighties Radio show. I'm Toscano from Tuscano
and Chang. Yep, it's me, just you and me this
time again. We are waiting on the Chang to get
his act together and come out and come on over
from London. He loved it so much. He's been talking
(00:58):
with Robert Smith. He's been going to all the places
where Duran Duran hits up late at night. And you
know what, now we can't drag him out, but he
said he's going to be back to where Bigfoot lives shortly,
so stay tuned with that. But yeah, no Chang this time.
But trust me, I've got something special lined up for you.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
For me.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
That's what's gonna make this show just as fun, if
not even more.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Come on, don't bush it, mate.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Not really, not without the Chang. But here's what we're
talking about today, the rise of synthwave. It's a sound
that defined the nineteen eighties. I know you heard those
distinct synth sounds that made the eighties so unique. I mean,
you cannot hear something with synth music from the eighties
and go wow, Now that is the eighties sound if
(01:50):
I ever heard. It didn't matter what genre you were into,
either rock, pop, even new wave, all of them at
some point were touched by synth. Let me think about it.
The moment you hear those first few notes of take
On Me or Don't You Want Me, you're instantly transported
(02:22):
back to a time of oh man, big hair arcades,
you know, checking out your girlfriends or boyfriends at the mall.
And it was a time of freedom and fun and
experience everything that made the eighties unforgettable. All right, But
here's the thing, because it's not just about nostalgia today.
(02:43):
The synth revolution, it actually did do something to the
music industry. It changed it, and it opened the door
for new genres as well, and it gave artists a
whole new way to express themselves and in some cases,
it even became the signature sound for an entire band.
So over the next thirty minutes, we're gonna be talking
(03:03):
about some of the biggest synth hits. Ever, how this
electronic wave started and why it's still so important today.
But I'm not gonna be talking your ear off. We're
gonna hear these tracks in all their synth glory.
Speaker 4 (03:19):
All right.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Now, before we get into it, I do want to
remind you guys to head on over to FM Eighties
dot com FM eighties dot Com. That's where you're gonna
hit us up, share your favorite eighties memories, and let
us know what songs you want to hear on the show. Plus,
if you're a true back to the Eighties radio fan
and you want to support us, please do so on
(03:41):
Patreon at back to the Eighties Radio. Other than that,
just remember when you go there, we've got some sweet
perks for our patrons, so don't miss out. All right,
without further ado, let's kick this show off and start
with one of the most iconicsynth songs of the nineteen eighties,
one that when you hear it today, you say that
(04:05):
was the nineteen eighties. This is Take on Me by Aha.
I'm the one and only back to the Eighties.
Speaker 5 (04:10):
Race talking away, So I don't know what to say.
Speaker 6 (04:36):
You say anything, today's on my face to find shine.
Speaker 7 (04:45):
I'm the killing love of.
Speaker 8 (04:49):
Go.
Speaker 9 (05:10):
Certainly, let's to say outset it.
Speaker 6 (05:15):
Suppose don't we little thing still? Then find okay, say
up to me?
Speaker 5 (05:25):
Let's the better to save the time.
Speaker 9 (05:29):
God, things that you say, yes, things a lot will
(06:34):
be disturbain of.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
Feezel you all things I've got to remember shine eye.
Speaker 7 (06:44):
Long becoming my eyes.
Speaker 10 (06:48):
Gone?
Speaker 11 (07:35):
Where are you holding my hand?
Speaker 12 (07:39):
There's your other hand between two pillows.
Speaker 7 (07:44):
Those aren't pillows.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
You're listening to.
Speaker 11 (07:55):
Back to the eighties.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
You have caught us talking about the synth and synth
wave music and everything in all of its glory. So
let's talk about it for a second, because I know
we've heard it a million times, but if you've ever
thought about what makes talking about this song so special?
I mean, that's synthrift. It's simple, but that's the beauty
(08:19):
of it. It's catchy, its upbeat. I mean, as a
matter of fact, have you seen the video? The videos
high tech even for today, And the second you hear it,
no matter where you hear it, you know exactly what
song you're about to get into. And that's the power
of good synth because those notes just stick with you.
(08:41):
Now this case take on me was I mean, it's
a global hit, right and aha, who came from Norway?
Suddenly becomes a household name because of this one song. Yes,
they have more songs and more hits, but this is
their most recognizable song and the video. What are you
(09:01):
going to say? It was magical, It was groundbreaking. It
was a mix of animation live action, and that at
the time was revolutionary. I mean, do you remember the
first time you saw it. I mean, somebody at a diner,
this girl at a diner then looks at this comic
book type of magazine and the music's going on in
the background and the main singer drags her in there.
(09:26):
I mean, it was groundbreaking, and the mix of animation
live action was revolutionary. Of course, I'm still it's one
of the most memorable videos of that MTV era. But
you know what I think is really cool about the
song how it blends a kind of a kind of
(09:47):
futuristic electronics sound with pure pop energy. And that's why
it's still the test of time. That's why it's still
just as good today as.
Speaker 7 (09:56):
It was then.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
And whether you're an eighties kid hearing it for the
first time today, it's a song that instantly lifts your mood.
Everybody knows this song, even gen Zers. Yeah, I know,
kind of unbelievable, but it's true. Now here's something to
think about. The eighties weren't just about happy, upbeat songs.
The synth sound was versatile and it could be haunting
(10:21):
at times, emotional or even a bit dark. And that
is where our next track comes from. Nineteen eighty one.
This is back to the eighties radio. You're going to
be listening to the Human League. Don't you want me?
Speaker 3 (10:38):
Baby?
Speaker 7 (11:00):
I tell you to turn you into someone you.
Speaker 13 (11:06):
Now? Five men later on.
Speaker 4 (11:07):
You've got the world that's beat successful and so easy
for you.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
But don't forget that it's me who put you.
Speaker 14 (11:18):
And I can put you back.
Speaker 7 (11:22):
Don't don't you want me? You know I can't believe it.
I mean that you won't see me. Don't don't you
want me? You know I don't believe you.
Speaker 13 (11:36):
And you say that you don't believe what you let bid?
Speaker 7 (11:40):
Anything you change your mind, you better change it.
Speaker 10 (11:44):
Back on me?
Speaker 7 (11:44):
Will love me? Sorry now.
Speaker 13 (11:51):
Not to have me.
Speaker 15 (11:55):
To do me.
Speaker 7 (12:03):
I was working as a waitress in a hotel.
Speaker 16 (12:08):
That much is true.
Speaker 17 (12:11):
But even then, and you I find a much better
place either. It's a way, aren't you The fame is
you've had things such good at times I still love you,
but now I think it's time I live my life
on my own.
Speaker 7 (12:31):
I guess it's just what I must. You don't don't
you want me? You know I can't believe it that you.
Speaker 13 (12:42):
Don't see me.
Speaker 7 (12:44):
No, don't you want me? You know I don't believe
you when you say that you don't make me.
Speaker 6 (12:52):
Let you think you've changed your mind, you better change
it back on me.
Speaker 10 (12:58):
W so read out to.
Speaker 13 (13:05):
Us to.
Speaker 11 (13:46):
To to.
Speaker 2 (14:17):
All Right, that was Don't You Want Me? By the
Human League.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
What a song. I mean, it gives you the eighties
chills when you hear that synth pop classic. It came
out of the UK, but it really took over the
charts in eighty one here in the US. It exploded.
Now for a second, let's talk about what made this
song so special, because it was one of the first
(14:44):
times people really heard a synth driven track and it
had well, it was pretty emotional, pretty deep, and you've
got these robotic synth lines that just looped through the
whole song. But what's layered on top of that, Well,
it's a relationship falling apart story and it's a real contrast. Right,
(15:06):
The mechanical music and the human emotion. The mix of
cold electronics and real life drama is what gave this
song that edge. And when the Human League first started out,
they were actually more experimental and underground, but Don't You
Want Me push them into mainstream and suddenly this wasn't
(15:28):
just fringe alternative thing. It was the top of the
charts and everybody was listening, and I mean everybody. The
eighties were all about blending genres and this is a
perfect example of how electronic music crossed over into the mainstream.
It's also worth mentioning, of course, that the influence this
(15:50):
song had on pop culture was incredible. When you think
about the eighties nightlife, the clubs, and even the fashion,
Don't You Want Me was well, it was the soundtrack
to a generation embracing the future. I mean, it wasn't
just a song, It was sort of like a movement.
Well all right, so speaking of movements, speaking of movements,
(16:13):
I want to take a quick moment to shout out
to all of our listeners in Spanish speaking nations. That's right,
because Spanish speaking nations got all the music that everybody
else did and they loved it. Whether you're from Spain,
from Mexico, from Central America and South America, any country
(16:33):
you're from. I mean that music, everybody's music. Eighties music
hit the radio waves and they soaked it up. They
loved it. So I want to speak to Spanish speaking nations.
If you're from a Spanish speaking nation, all right, I've
got a little question for you. How would you like
(16:56):
to hear this particular show Back to the Eighties radio
in Spanish?
Speaker 11 (17:01):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Yeah, that's right, you heard me right. The thing is,
I kind of want to do an experiment because I
kind of want to make Back to the Eighties radio
accessible to all listeners around the world. At least, you know,
we've got English. Majority of the world does speak English,
but there's another side that's a huge, huge portion of
the world as well. Let's speak Spanish, and I wanted
(17:24):
to make this back to the Eighties idea accessible to
everybody around the world. So if that's something you'd be into,
and you know you'd like that, head on over to
FM eighties dot com and write to us. You'll find
there and a button to go ahead and to let
us know that you'd like to hear this show in Spanish.
(17:46):
We'll see, we'll see where it goes right, we'll see
where it goes all right. Now, let's switch gears a bit,
but stick with that synth energy, because next up we've
got something that combines electronic music with rock and roll.
Back to the eighties radio.
Speaker 12 (18:04):
In nineteen sixty seven, Oliver Stone was a soldier in Vietnam.
Ten years later, his screenplay for Midnight Express won the
Academy Award. Stone has come a long way from Vietnam,
but he is not left it behind. Tom Beringer, Willem Dafoe,
Charlie Sheen. The first casualty of war is Innocence. The
(18:25):
first real movie about the war in Vietnam is Platoon.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
If you can't wear a spandex jumpsuit, what can you do?
Speaker 11 (18:33):
Now?
Speaker 7 (18:33):
This is cack to the eighties.
Speaker 13 (19:03):
I get up.
Speaker 18 (19:07):
And we're notvera get me down.
Speaker 13 (19:11):
You gotta talk.
Speaker 16 (19:14):
I see the top so loud, and I know.
Speaker 13 (19:21):
Maybe just how you feel.
Speaker 7 (19:26):
You got to b in the budgets and get to
water for you.
Speaker 19 (19:33):
I can't just see this handy here, nobody intent machine.
Speaker 7 (19:40):
I ain't the worst that you see.
Speaker 10 (19:43):
I can't you see what I mean?
Speaker 3 (19:50):
I tellow jump.
Speaker 7 (19:51):
Jop my twelve jump.
Speaker 10 (19:57):
For Jop.
Speaker 9 (20:02):
Jo oh, who said that maybe have you been.
Speaker 7 (20:12):
You say you don't know, you won't know into you
to see the same, Sha.
Speaker 14 (20:26):
I ain't.
Speaker 7 (20:27):
Once we can see, I can't just see what I.
Speaker 5 (20:35):
Wow?
Speaker 7 (20:36):
My twel jump jo.
Speaker 14 (20:43):
My twelve jump down.
Speaker 13 (20:51):
Job.
Speaker 10 (21:02):
We streams.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
All right back to the eighties radio. If you heard
Jump by Van Halen, man was that a track? At
least in nineteen eighty three, this was one of the
biggest hits on everywhere, I mean on the radio and
on MTV. You remember when this song came out. The
only thing I remember is David Lee Roth doing the
high jump splits in the air. The cool thing is
(22:42):
that van Halen, who is known for Eddie's amazing guitar skills,
totally surprised people by leading this song with a synth.
And now, grant it. I know that if you're a
hardcore what is it, a enthusiast of rock or a
purist as some would call that, you probably didn't like
(23:06):
that van Halen started using synth and well, what are
you gonna do? But that's why Jump was so revolutionary,
because Eddie van Halen didn't just play the synth, he
embraced it and brought it and created something entirely brand new.
Yeah that if you're off the old van Halen sure did.
But that synth riff is one of the most recognizable
(23:29):
riffs in all of rock history music. Now, what's interesting
is that a lot of die hard rock fans at first,
like I mentioned, they didn't like it. A lot of them,
well still don't like it.
Speaker 11 (23:45):
You know.
Speaker 2 (23:45):
I can think of at least one hardcore rock fan
that I'm not gonna mention his name because he's not
on the show today. He's up there, you know, playing
the Smith's records and about you know, when he comes
back on the air on the show with us, you'll
know who I'm talking about. I mean, this was This
(24:07):
was Van Halen, a band known for shredding guitars or
wild solos, you know, Eddie van Halen smoking a cigarette
and putting it on his guitar while he played eruption.
But he wasn't always pushing boundaries. And this track took
them to a whole new level because Jump became their
most successful single, topping the Charge and solidifying Van Halen's
(24:29):
place as official rock legends. Now you might say, well,
they were rock legends before. I agree personally, I'm with you,
but for the rest of the world, the ones who
weren't purest or hard rock fans. This was a moment
that Van Halen crossed over into the synth world as well.
(24:54):
And this is where you see the crossover of sins
into all genres because the eighties were all about remember, experimentation,
and the synth gave artists the freedom to explore new sounds. Now,
whether it was pop rock or new wave. The synthesizer
was the tool that brought them all together. And have
you said that. Now, let's go straight into a different
(25:15):
direction because this next track is a bit darker, but
it's got one of the most iconic synth rifts of
all times. This is back to the eighties radio. This
is the rhythmics, and this is Sweet Dreams.
Speaker 7 (25:31):
Sweet Dams are Madeath.
Speaker 4 (25:35):
And m desord I travel the world and the Seven Seeds.
Everybody is looking for something. Some of them wants to
use you, some of them want to get used by,
some of them want to abuse you.
Speaker 7 (25:57):
Some of them wants to be up bos.
Speaker 4 (26:13):
Sweet Dreams, Almada things who are my to Dicidge to
travel the world and the Seven seas.
Speaker 7 (26:24):
Everybody is looking for something.
Speaker 19 (26:39):
Camel headen cab ahead Ahead.
Speaker 13 (26:45):
Cad gar.
Speaker 7 (27:10):
Some of them want to use you.
Speaker 4 (27:14):
Some of them want to get used. Some of them
want to use you. Some of them want to be abused.
(27:37):
Sweet Jeems are made of things could have mind due
to Saragy and travel the world and seven seeds of
everybody just looking for something.
Speaker 20 (27:53):
Sweet Jeeves are made of things You have my to
to Sarbary travel the world and seven seas.
Speaker 7 (28:04):
Everybody is looking for something.
Speaker 4 (28:08):
Sweet dreams Hobyies.
Speaker 7 (28:13):
Decided travel.
Speaker 4 (28:17):
Seven seas, everybody looking for something sweet Geams.
Speaker 7 (28:24):
Hoby Sweet descid travel seven seeds.
Speaker 15 (28:35):
Funy so give for something Sweet dreams Onysel Design Travel.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Sweet dreams are made of this by the Rhythmics. I'm
back to the eighties radio. I know what you're saying,
isn't it? Sweet dreams are made of these. That's what
I used to think of, probably the whole world. But
it's a apparently sweet dreams are made of this. It's
one of those songs that I mean, it grabs you
from the very first note. It's so simple, but it's powerful.
(29:10):
It's even haunting. It almost feels like you're being pulled
into a dream. And this particular song from nineteen eighty
three was a game changer because Annie Lennox voice is
so sharp and strong, and it contrasts perfectly with that hypnotic,
almost eerie synth beat. It's one of those tracks that
(29:31):
makes you feel ah, like you want to stop whatever
you're doing and just listen. Now, here's what I love
about Sweet Dreams, the entire song, the melody, how versatile
the synthesizer could be. That's what was so great about
eighties artists. It was an incredible track. The synth could
create something darker, more emotional, and still be incredibly catchy.
(29:57):
Like I said, that's just pure magic of the eighties,
a time when artists weren't afraid to push the envelope
and the boundaries and try new things. And speaking of
new things, Chang Dave Gone from a Depeche Mode called
and he says he wants his vest back, the one
that he wore without a shirt. Yeah, he said he'd
(30:18):
let you borrow it because you felt closer to his
heart that way.
Speaker 16 (30:22):
Anyway.
Speaker 2 (30:23):
If you've been enjoying today's episode, make sure to check
out our Patreon it Back to the Eighties Radio. It's
a great way to support the show. And we've got
some exclusive content and perks for all of our patrons. Plus,
if you head on over to FM eighties dot com,
you can leave us a message and tell us what
songs you'd love to hear on future shows or what
(30:43):
topic you know, whatever it is. Go on over FM
eighties dot com. All right, we are almost at the
end of today's journey short show. Yeah, I know, I'm
kind of running in the test here to see if
you guys would like this type of music show as
well in looting, of course the ones that we do
with Chang, but as a side if you want to
(31:04):
hear something different, How do you feel about this show
with music short? Would you like it short or longer?
Just let us know. Go on over to fmads dot
com just let us know. All right, one more classic
lined up for you. This one is one of my
favorites because it's by Tears for Fears and this is
back to the eighties radio and everybody wants to rule
(31:26):
the world.
Speaker 16 (31:51):
Well well saying we will bust you.
Speaker 14 (32:06):
Say your best.
Speaker 7 (32:10):
It's a.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
Cost, it's my.
Speaker 10 (32:34):
It's my only Help me to the side, help me
make my side.
Speaker 14 (32:45):
Read last start time.
Speaker 16 (33:10):
So loudly.
Speaker 14 (33:13):
Made so sound too mad and.
Speaker 19 (33:21):
Was saying that chill I never never when chos.
Speaker 7 (35:23):
Until oback off me.
Speaker 11 (35:26):
I love love.
Speaker 2 (35:29):
Hey, thanks for sticking around with back to the eighties radio.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears.
What a band, what a song. I mean, it couldn't
be more apropos than for Today, where everybody wants to
rule the stinking world? And what a way to close
out the show because this song is one of those
timeless eighties anthems that juts keeps getting better with age.
(35:54):
And what's not to love about this song? It's got
incredible mix of of hope and its lyrics melancholy, and
the synth in this track gives that expansive, kind of
a cinematic feel, if you will, like you're watching the
world unfold in front of you. That's right, Tears for Fears.
(36:17):
I think they really nailed it with that balance between
their lyrics the melody, and it becomes what one of
the most iconic songs of the decade as well, I mean,
what song of the eighties is one of the most
iconic songs of the eighties. They all were, at least
that's what it feels like. Anyway, that's going to be
doing it for today. So I hope you've enjoyed your
(36:38):
time and our dive into the rise of synth wave
tune in next week because we may have a different
genre involved. And it's the incredible to see how this
one instrument, like the synth of Snycher was change music
forever and still of course keeps influencing so many artists today.
Before I'll go, I want to remind you again to
(36:58):
keep the chain your prayers as he comes back from London,
England after having spent there almost one month. That's right
standing outside the gates just to see the King. Unfortunately
they didn't let him in and they did have him arrested,
(37:20):
but that's okay, that's okay. He made it and a
good steady diet with the wonderful English breakfast kept him
alive and we got noticed that he's going to be
back soon with us to share some of his wacky stories.
But in the meantime, don't forget to check out our
Patreon Back to the Eighties Radio for exclusive perts, and
if you're listening on a podcast platform something that's not
(37:43):
iHeart or Odyssey or anything like that, take a moment
wherever you listen to us on. Okay, take a moment, please,
it really helps, and let us know how we're doing. Okay,
leave us a review, give us five stars, and thank
you are taking the time to tune into Back to
the Eighties radio. This is Toscana with Tuscano and Chang
(38:05):
and I'm gonna catch you guys next time. And until then,
keep that eighties spirit alive and let's continue the synth
wave masterpieces. This is men without Hats. We can dance
Back to the eighties Radio. See you next week.
Speaker 7 (38:25):
We can dance. We can leave rone because the friends
don't dance.
Speaker 18 (38:31):
And if they don't dance, no browns a mine say
a week ago and we want to they lay.
Speaker 7 (38:39):
And we gonna well.
Speaker 18 (38:54):
A week ago and we want to know nine young
cats Ali and we can gospild from my hands with
a big tender.
Speaker 7 (39:01):
Prison with a picture. Guy say, we can act if
we want to.
Speaker 18 (39:05):
If we don't know, abody will and you can act
build mood and go live mood.
Speaker 7 (39:10):
And I can act a gun and so.
Speaker 18 (39:12):
I say a wee can dance, but we can dance
everything so it control, but we can dance, but we
can dance to do more.
Speaker 14 (39:23):
But we can dance. We can dance.
Speaker 7 (39:25):
Everybody look at your hands, but we can ask.
Speaker 10 (39:29):
A wee can answer.
Speaker 7 (39:30):
Everybody takes the job.
Speaker 3 (39:34):
Save the dance.
Speaker 7 (39:36):
Who want to save the dance? And save the dance?
Speaker 14 (39:52):
We can dance.
Speaker 7 (39:52):
We want We've got all your life to mine.
Speaker 18 (39:56):
As long as we have unsetting them, are gonna sat
everything out.
Speaker 7 (40:00):
Right, assiety, we can dance one. We can leave it
on fans behind. Because your friends don't dance, and if
they don't dance.
Speaker 1 (40:08):
Well out no friends of mine.
Speaker 3 (40:10):
I see.
Speaker 7 (40:11):
We can dance. We can dance. Everything's out of control.
The wee can dance. We can dance. The don bold
a wee can dance. We can dance. Everybody, look at
your hands. The weekend dance. We can dance.
Speaker 3 (40:27):
Everybody's taking a chance.
Speaker 20 (40:31):
We will save the dance.
Speaker 7 (40:33):
I haven't saved the dance. Who will save the dance?
Speaker 3 (40:38):
Who will save the dance?
Speaker 16 (40:40):
They saved the dance, Save dance the.
Speaker 7 (40:46):
Dance, Safety dance. Let's see the dance. Let's safety dance.
Speaker 3 (40:55):
Save the dance.
Speaker 11 (41:00):
The Eighties Official Movie is a groundbreaking musical documentary that
tells the story of the decade that made us like
you've never experienced it before.
Speaker 7 (41:13):
We're gonna make it or break it.
Speaker 11 (41:14):
If you want to be part of this unique project
and learn more the now work, please visit the Vintage
Tribute channel on YouTube and the Eighties Official movie on Kickstarter.
You support the campaign and bring this groundbreaking project to life.
Speaker 2 (41:29):
I mean, you're only on this planet for so long.
Speaker 10 (41:32):
Go for it.
Speaker 11 (41:32):
Now The Eighties a pop culture special movie
Speaker 13 (42:00):
Larea
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