BATMAN RETURNS (1992) Is A Christmas Movie

Reminder: BATMAN RETURNS (1992) is not only a Christmas movie, it also "digs into seasonal depression."

Read the AV Club post from December 4, 2013: https://www.avclub.com/batman-returns-digs-into-seasonal-depression-1798242284 

Friday 80s Flashback for October 31, 2025

[Halloween!] -- Though not as rare as a full moon on Halloween, this year the spooky holiday falls on a Friday. That means it's time for a very special Halloween edition of the Friday 80s Flashback. Now, I'm sure you've all been good little ghouls and ghosts and goblins and whatever. So, to ensure you get the most 80s goodness possible, and that you receive it in a timely manner, I'm revisiting the mega-Flashback I originally posted for Halloween 2011. All embedded videos and text links have been thoroughly checked, and updated if necessary. And, just like in 2011 (and a few other years), you can check out all the tunes featured in this week's flashback as a single video playlist! And it's six tracks, twice the content of my previous standard of three themed weekly offerings! Of course, you can still check out the songs one at a time, the option which includes my comments and recollections. But either way, you're getting great 80s music for the Halloween weekend!

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Flashback #1: "I don't want to live my life again."

In 1989, we were presented with yet another film adaptation of a Stephen King novel. This time around, it was the bestselling Pet Semetary (Side note #1: it is redundant to include "bestselling" when introducing a Stephen King novel? I mean, aren't they all bestsellers? I'll Google that later). (Side note #2: Pet Semetary received another film adaptation in 2019). Pet Semetary won the 1984 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. The movie adaptation, however, fared less well as it has about a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (and the reboot's rating currently hovers around 58%). Dale Midkiff, who plays the head of the tragic Creed family in the film, later went on to do many forgettable TV movies. But I'll always remember him for Elvis and Me (1988) and Time Trax (1993-1994). Anyway, back to Pet Semetary, there were two truly great treasures to come out of that movie. (1) Herman Munster -- er, Fred Gwynne -- as the homespun neighbor who knows way too much about the local burial grounds, and (2) The Ramones performing the movie's theme song.

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Flashback #2: "Freaks come in all shapes, sizes and colors."

I never heard of our second flashback artist until my college roommate played their 1984 album, Escape, in our dorm room. I guess he was familiar with hip-hop and rap because he grew up outside of Philadelphia, whereas I grew up ... well, I grew up in the middle of nowhere. Pittsburgh was the closest city to my hometown, and it was still several hours away. And it was not exactly a hot bed for hip hop (as far as I can recall). Anyway, our second flashback isn't technically a Halloween song, but with its chorus of "The freaks come out at night," it certainly fits with the general theme. And 30+ years ago, Whodini's Escape was considered a groundbreaking hip-hop album, with each song telling a specific story from a decidedly urban perspective. It was certified platinum, and it sold over one million copies on its release. So, get dressed up in your best leather jacket, chains and spikes, and get ready to party after midnight with Whodini and "The Freaks Come Out at Night."

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Flashback #3: "I'm your DJ now, Princey!"

In 1996, Kevin Williamson turned the horror genre on its ear with the slasher film, Scream. About eight years before that, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince turned their rap skills on the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, delighting the ears and funny bones of the music-buying public. Showcasing the charm and savvy that would later serve him well on his own TV series, the Fresh Prince (whom we now all know as mega-movie star Will Smith) tells the story of "A Nightmare on My Street" in which he has a terrifying encounter with Fred. Fred is obviously Freddy Kruger from the Nightmare films, but the song is not an official part of the series' soundtracks. It was considered for inclusion in A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, but was (ahem) slashed from the playlist. Subsequently, some original pressings of of He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper (1988) included a disclaimer sticker stating that the song had zero affiliation with the films. But, even without the licensing or approval of Freddy and the gang, "A Nightmare on My Street" reached #15 on Billboard Charts and He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper was eventually certified triple platinum.

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Flashback #4: "I'm gonna get you, get you after midnight."

The 80s are riddled with horror films with brilliant soundtracks. But not all of them can be considered rock horror films. Trick or Treat (1986) is a classic example of a rock horror movie ... at least a hard rock/heavy metal horror movie. With a dead rock star as the villain, cameos by Gene Simmons (as local radio DJ "Nuke") and Ozzy Osbourne (as a televangelist!), and Skippy from Family Ties as the main protagonist, Trick or Treat had all the ingredients ... for cult movie fandom! That's a shame, really, but if you look back on it as a product of the times, you can appreciate its stand against the assertion that rock music had backwards Satanic messages hidden in them. But this flashback is about music, and the Trick or Treat soundtrack, completely written and performed by glam metal band Fastway, was probably more successful than the movie. And if you're a fan of 80s metal, the soundtrack has aged much better than the movie, too. Check out "After Midnight" from the soundtrack. And remember, 80s rocker is always an acceptable Halloween costume.  

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Flashback #5: "Lock your doors and windows tight | Soon you'll all believe I'm right."

One of my favorite horror flicks from the 80s was Fright Night (1985). You might recognize the name because it recently got the full remake treatment (Colin Farrell! Toni Collette! David Tennant! Vampires in 3D!). While we have yet to see if the remake will reach the same merchandising heights as the original (comics, video games, etc.), but it did receive three stars from Roger Ebert. Still, at the time the 2011 reboot was coming out, we already know its soundtrack suffered from a severe lack of of 80s panache. For example, the title track for the original film is performed by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees, the J. Geils Band. Now, you might not recognize them from this song because it was recorded after long time lead vocalist Peter Wolf left the band. But it is a solid tune and its lyrics actually provide a synopsis of the movie's plot from the protagonist's point of view! It was also the band's swan song as they broke up shortly after contributing to the Fright Night soundtrack. The music video combines movie scenes and band performances in that montage format that was popular in that decade. (Our more sensitive 80s-philes might have a difficult time watching this music video). 

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Flashback #6: "It's close to midnight and something's evil lurking in the dark."

In 2010, I thought this song was too obvious a choice for the Halloween flashback. Plus, it was only a year after King Michael's death. And after another year passed, the Jackson estate was embroiled in a trial over the cause of his death. So, in 2011 and now, I think Halloween is indeed time to break out "Michael Jackson's Thriller." This 14-minute music video for "Thriller," the title track of Michael Jackson's masterpiece 1982 album, has won a host of awards and it was the first music video to be selected for the National Film Registry. It is considered a watershed moment for the music industry due to its groundbreaking use of filmmaking techniques and music. It continues to be highly influential (just do a search on "Michael Jackson Thriller Flashmob" to see what I mean). But the true secret to the enduring legacy of "Thriller" has nothing to do with MJ or the video: I'm convinced all the success is due to Vincent Price reciting the closing lyrics, punctuating the song with his trademark laugh.

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Remember, you can enjoy this week's flashback as a single video playlist.

That's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

The Man Who Didn't Know Halloween

Over on my Facebook page, I have been sharing, more or less annually, a holiday post on the night before Halloween – the eve of All Hallows Eve, if you will. I made the first such post on October 24, 2016. Why that date? Well, it was the day after the death of the one and only Jack T. Chick (April 13, 1924 – October 23, 2016). He was the guy who created all those nifty "Chick tracts." 

You do remember those illustrated religious tracts, those little evangelizing booklets, don't you? I sure do!

I love how misinformed and over-the-top they were. But, as a comic book fan, I will admit that Chick's drawing style was very accessible, and it definitely lent itself to storytelling – even if that storytelling was uneven and laughable. Perhaps it was the former aspect, the accessible one, that compelled so many Protestant churches to display Chick tracts in their narthices. At least, I certainly recall seeing them in churches during the 1980s. 

On one hand, Chick might very well have been "the most widely read theologians in human history" – according to Daniel Raeburn, who said that of Chick in his 1998 booklet, The Imp number two (The Holy War of Jack T Chick). On the other hand, Chick was strongly anti-Catholic, hyper-critical of other faiths, and allegedly running an active hate group (i.e. Chick Publications is categorized under "General Hate" by the SPLC). 

Funny that Chick passed in October 2016; I wonder if ol' Jack would have been pleased that he passed so close to his beloved – er, bedeviled – Halloween. He certainly had a thing for the holiday ... and anything he could associate with it.

If you have never read a Chick tract, or if you just want to be reminded of them, jump on over to Paste's "8 Halloween-Themed Chick Tracts to 'Chick Out' This Halloweekend!" (dated October 28, 2016). "Boo!" is #4 on Paste's list. The cover of "Boo!" is this post's lead-in image, and Pages 16-18 of that tract are featured below. And you can read "Boo!" in its entirety at the Chick Publications site, which is *still* very much up and running! 

Christmas Movies 2023 Part 2

The Hogfather

When Death and his granddaughter are the most normal part of the show, you know your in for something waaay off the beaten path.

Brainwise was very excited to watch this three episode miniseries on Amazon Prime. I had zero idea what to expect and even now that it’s finished I’m not sure I still know what I watched. But it was good. Not sure how I know this but I believe it to be true. The less you know, the better it will be for your viewing :)

3 paws

Candy Cane Lane

What an incredibly fun romp of a movie. Eddie Murphy and Traci Ellen Ross were perfection together. This was a great family show and I laughed so much. Very clever and different. Definitely would watch this again. 

3 paws 

Best Christmas Ever

While there is definitely some questionable humor in this movie, I ended up crying in the end. It was a lovely story about friendship and belief in magic. Brandy was lovely in her role and I’m glad they included her singing. I liked the story and it came with some twists and turns too. 

2 paws

Christmas Movies 2023 Part 1

Dashing Through The Snow - Disney +

Ludacris in a Christmas movie?? Yes, please. He is a joy in this role. I absolutely loved everything about what he brought to this role. He was a great Dad, wonderful social worker, and hilarious all around.

Madison Skye Validum, as the daughter Charlotte, was splendid and radiant. She just oozed happy and I would love to spend a day with her just to feel her joyous personality. She is an excellent actress too and brought everything needed to make her role believable and enjoyable.

Lil Red Howery was the incredible Nick, whose wardrobe was incredible. He was perfection in this role and think he got completely lost in the role as I had a hard time deciphering/rectifying who he was under the gorgeous robe.

I highly recommend this joyful movie that helps us all believe just little more in the goodness of this world and the magic we can find if we just look.

3 paws

Family Switch - Netflix

Jennifer Gardner and Ed Helms were hilarious and perfect in this movie. Emma Myers and Brady Noon were wonderful as their children in this movie. Except for one too over the top scene (and many might say there is more than just one), I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

Light and heavy all at once. A clever switcheroo that seriously looked so much fun to film. I can't imagine how much laughing there must have been on the set.

And even though you can figure the story out, it doesn't detract from the fun and the laughter that will be found during the movie. There is also an excellent rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town!!

3 paws

Merry Little Batman - Amazon Prime

Cute, funny, clever, fun and perfect for any DC or Batman fan.

I especially loved the change in animation for part of the story. It was perfect for conveying what was happening and definitely made me watch even more intently. 

There are a few scenes that could have been shorter but overall it was a fun and very different Christmas show. 

2 paws

America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree

 Yes, the title is true and it is spectacular.

And these are all high school students from Mona Shores High School in Michigan. 

I first heard about it a few years ago on TV and put in the list of things I wanted to do. Then two years ago a comic con friend of ours posted about it and I had to know how she knew about. Crazily enough they live in the area and her husband works at the school. I told her that we wanted to visit to see the tree. 

Fast forward to earlier this year and we find out both her children would be part of the orchestra for the Tree. Right then and there we started making plans to visit and see the show. 

We arrived Thursday in Grand Rapids Michigan and then drove to Muskegon Michigan to check in across the street from the theater. 

Saturday we went to the 3pm show and had seats in the lower balcony. There are no words to describe how incredible the show is. They played and sang so many of my favorite songs and the ones I didn’t know are now favorites too. The kids put everything in to the show and we loved it so much we bought tickets to the 7pm show too. The seats this time were not together and we had a person in the last row of each section so now I want to see it from the orchestra seats I might have to go back for the 40th anniversary!!

They live streamed the 7pm show and we are told it might replay at Christmas. I hope so because I would love to see it again. 

If you ever find yourself in Muskegon Michigan the first weekend of December I highly recommend this show. 

4 paws and a tail with a jingle bell collar 

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

 Dangrdafne review 

This book was recommended in a tweet by a good friend I trust with book recommendations. I immediately ordered it through my local bookstore "The Next Chapter" but when it finally came in, I was in the throws of Christmas and didn't pick it up. Then a few more book purchases covered it up in my to be read pile. Finally this weekend, I dumped checking social media and set out to read the book.

I did NOT read the blurb on the back and dove in. Imaging my surprise when I realized this book was not set in reality. LOL! I did wonder how my friend loved the book so much but I also knew she would never recommend something that wasn't good. So while this non-reality definitely threw me for a loop and I found it a little hard to get into the book, once I finally let it all go and read all the hilarious current people, places and events in the book and how many of them are related to what my family  and I like ... and dislike, I was in 100%.

What a wonderful read. Well rounded characters with a great story and so much laughter and wonderful holiday cheer. I think I am glad I read this after the Christmas season, as it is keeping the spirit of the season going for me now. 

 

One thing I really loved was how important each word was. You should not speed read this book as every word matters and means something to the story. There are many names and you have to read each to enjoy the hilarity that Sarah puts into the book. The play on words too just enhances each chapter.

 

I can't wait to give this book to my Mom to read. I know she will wonder why in the beginning chapters but as she goes along she will completely understand and agree with me that this is very funny and good story. I can say without a doubt, I have never read anything like it before ... and that is a good thing.

4 paws

This is the back of the book blurb that I didn't read and in the end, I am glad I didn't :)

Spirited

 Dangrdafne review: 

When I first saw a teaser for this, I thought it looked interesting. But I admit, I was not sure I was going to like the humor. Then I saw some friends who raved about it and again their humor is not the same as mine for liking things. So I was pretty sure I wouldn't watch it but here it was Christmas Day and I thought we should check it out.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I am soooooo glad I didn't listen to myself. This movie was incredible! 

It is another take on A Christmas Carol but "modern" and filled with incredible music and dancing. Simply put, this will be added to our annual list of movies to watch. My feet are still tapping 24 hours later. This movie really sticks with you but in the best ways.

While there were still some cringing moments of humor, it just wasn't enough to warrant me to not like the movie and to not highly recommend it. 

The cast was absolutely incredible: Octavia Spencer was splendid, Ryan Reynolds was perfect and Will Ferrell was fantastic. All supporting cast were wonderful and the singers and dancers were spectacular. There were so many references to other movies and the songs and script was so clever and well written. 

I actually want to watch it again already just to see all that I might have missed the first time and to listen to all the music again ;)

4 paws

Friday 80s Flashback for December 23, 2022

[You're Getting Reggae for Christmas] -- Per my recent research, 1982 saw more than a few releases of Christmas material. Everything from singles (such as David Bowie & Bing Crosby's release of "Peace on Earth - Little Drummer Boy"), to EPs (such as Christmas in B'Dilli Bay by Kid Creole & The Coconuts), to full LPs in jazz, country, and other genres. Last weekend, I featured George Winston's December. But this weekend, with much of the US experiencing a winter storm, I'm opting for a warmer release. 

Forty years ago, The Joe Gibbs Family Of Artists released Reggae Christmas on, appropriately enough, the Joe Gibbs Music label. For the LP release, side A is a nearly 12-minute medley of 14 songs, with some of the songs represented by only a few bars. Side B has five complete Christmas classics. Although Joe Gibbs (October 14, 1942 – February 22, 2008) was largely a producer, specifically one of Jamaica's top record producers in the 1970's, the primary artist on this record is listed as Joe Gibbs & The Professionals. The record also features performances by Cornell Campbell, Culture, Dennis Brown, Enos McLeod, George Nooks, Jacob Miller, Joe Gibbs, June Lodge, Marcia Aitken, Sly & Robbie, The Mighty Diamonds, and Trinity (4) -- all of whom, I'm assuming, were staples of Joe Gibbs' arsenal (the so-called "Family of Artists"). 

Here's the breakdown of the tracks on Reggae Christmas:

A Reggae Christmas Medley (11:28)

   a  Joy To The World

   b Deck The Halls

   c Christmas Is Coming

   d O Come Let Us Adore Him

   e O Come All Ye Faithful

   f Jingle Bells

   g Hark The Herald Angels Sing

   h Santa Claus is Coming To Town

   i I'm Dreaming Of A Black Christmas

   j Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

   k Christmas Breeze

   l The First Noel

   m Joy To The World

   n We Wish You A Merry Christmas

B1 On The Twelve Day Of Ismas (6:15)

B2 We Three Kings (3:54)

B3 Deck The Halls (2:11)

B4 Winter Wonderland (3:28)

B5 Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem (3:36)

Flashback: Reggae Christmas (1982)

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That's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

 Dangrdafne review 

Hmmm I liked it but it wasn’t amazing or anything. In fact I really want to watch it again already to see what it was about it that was just ok or if it can be elevated.

All the actors were great and overall the story was interesting. The cinematography of course was incredible. I was worried about the horror aspects but I think watching it on our TV and not a huge movie screen help temper the scenes for me. It is definitely violent and there is definitely horror aspects throughout, it is Sam Raimi after all. But I had no issue overall.

I did feel like I was thrown into the middle of the story when the movie started and I don’t mean because this is the middle movie. I mean it felt like I was missing information to start the movie. But apparently it didn’t matter overall as I managed to figure it all out and watch the movie.

I am sad that Scarlet Witch was a villain but it is important to distinguish the difference between Scarlet Witch and Wanda in this case. I’m curious where we go from here and I will definitely stick around to find out.

3 paws

Firefly Holiday Special (Comic One Shot)

Firefly Holiday Special (One Shot) -- I picked this comic up before Christmas, but I didn't read it until today (1/3/2022). Not sure whether that was my means of extending the holiday season, or just a bit of forgetfulness on my part. More likely it's due to me having quite the backlog of reading. Whatever the case, this one shot was a rather nice treat on a Monday morning. Now, I'm not up on all that has happened in the extended narratives of the Serenity crew in comics, but I knew (or recalled) enough Firefly lore that I could appreciate this Dickensian twist on some of my favorite characters. 

Plus, I love that opening splash page showing the ship decked out in holiday lights. 

Brainwise rates this comic ... Four paws and a tail! 

Details:

Publisher: Boom Studios

Release Date: 12/15/2021

Creative Team:

• Script: Jeff Jensen (HBO's "Watchmen," "Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure").
• Pencils: Vincenzo Federici ("Go-Go Power Rangers"), Jordi Pérez ("Firefly"), and Fabiana Mascolo ("Firefly: Brand New 'Verse"). 
• Colors: Francesco Segala, Gloria Martinelli, and Lucia Di Giammarino.
• Letters: Jim Campbell. 

Sample Pages:

  

  

Friday 80s Flashback for December 31, 2021

[New Year, Old Songs] -- And so we have arrived at the final Friday of 2021. This weekend we'll launch into 2022 (and hope it's not "2020, too," right?). As I have spent many of my 2021 posts celebrating the 40th anniversary of songs and albums from 1981, why not go into 2022 by revisiting what topped the charts the week of January 2, 1982. As 1981 turned to 1982, New Year's Eve fell to Thursday, 12/31/1981, and the first two days of 1982 were a Friday and Saturday. Therefore, the Billboard Hot 100 for that week's most popular songs fell on Saturday, 1/2/1982. And the song topping the chart that week was merely in the middle of its 10-week run in the #1 spot! But what other songs were getting the most airplay as 1981 faded into memory? Well, in the spirit of counting down to a new year and all that, I've made a YouTube playlist with the top ten tracks of 1/2/1982 in reverse order:

10. “Trouble” – Lindsey Buckingham

9. “Don't Stop Believin'” – Journey

8. “Leather And Lace” – Stevie Nicks With Don Henley

7. “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” – Diana Ross

6. “Harden My Heart” – Quarterflash

5. “Young Turks” – Rod Stewart

4. “I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)” – Daryl Hall John Oates

3. “Let's Groove” – Earth, Wind & Fire

2 . “Waiting For A Girl Like You” – Foreigner

1 . “Physical” – Olivia Newton-John

Flashback: New Year 1982 Playlist for New Year 2022! 

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If you want to see more of the Billboard Hot 100 from 40 years ago this week, here is the full list. 

Otherwise, that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

Friday 80s Flashback for December 24, 2021

[A Very Elfman Christmas] -- I previously wrote a Flashback about the 1989 release of the Scrooged original soundtrack. But today, Christmas Eve day, seems a great time to address Danny Elfman's original film score. The 1988 holiday movie, Scrooged was Elfman's first big-budget Hollywood score, and he really took to this chance to compose and perform music for a modern, comedic adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Elfman's music in the film is a full of holiday spirit, jovial and slightly otherworldly. Yet for the longest time, fans could enjoy the score only as part of the movie. A separate recording of this Original Motion Picture Score wasn't released until 2011 and 2019, each time being a limited run (although there were several variations released in 2019). Fortunately, those of us who missed out on the limited edition vinyl releases can turn to YouTube for our Christmas Elfman fix. And it's the perfect soundtrack for your holiday activities, whether those activities include wrapping presents, baking up a storm, or even just sitting quietly for a spell. 

Flashback: Scrooged (2011 OST for 1988 film)

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That's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

A Boy Called Christmas - Netflix

 Dangrdafne review 

I had seen that there was a new Holiday movie on Netflix but didn't run right off to see it. Then a friend of ours saw it and couldn't say enough good things about it, so I put it on the front burner. Last night we watched it.

What a glorious movie. The story telling is wonderful, the cinematography entrancing and the cast is impeccable. Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, Stephen Merchant, Toby Jones, Sally Hawkins and the glorious actor, portraying the Boy, Henry Lawfull. Even all the supporting cast is incredible. The are all perfect for their roles and honestly, for me, the movie is 4 paws just for having Maggie Smith in it. Luckily the whole movie supports the paw rating outside of Maggie Smith too.

The story overall is the history of Christmas and it is told in such a clever way. It is also about loss and we did indeed cry as the story hits home and doesn't let go. There were so many other stories this reminded me of and they are all other stories I love so it was very comforting and warm to watch.

I highly recommend adding this movie to your holiday watch list. When it ended Brainwise had already added it to the annual viewings, a list that includes: White Christmas, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Elf, Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim and a few other classics. So this is quite the company for this new movie to be added to and it is well deserved in our household.

Go and lose yourself in this world, enjoy a "history" lesson and in the end, a kindness lesson too. 

 Happy Holidays to you and yours.

4 paws

Friday 80s Flashback for November 26, 2021

[Christmas with Boney M.] -- Forty years ago this week, R&B and Euro-Caribbean vocal group Boney M. released Christmas Album, their sixth studio album. Anchored by "Mary's Boy Child – Oh My Lord," Boney M.'s 1978 #1 Christmas single in the UK, this collection featured a mix of holiday favorites and newer pieces, such as the instrumental, "Winter Fairy-Tale." In some areas, Christmas Album had the alternate title of Christmas with Boney M., which can get confusing as there was a 1984 compilation with that same title. I have vague recollections of hearing Boney M.'s version of "Little Drummer Boy" on the radio, but I'm not certain if it was during Christmas Eves of my youth or during my early 1990s drives across PA to visit my family for the holidays. I am certain, however, that those radio broadcasts did not pair "Little Drummer Boy" with "Jingle Bells" as this YouTube playlist does. 

Flashback: Boney M. -- Christmas Album (November 1981)

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And that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

Friday 80s Flashback for May 28, 2021

[Memorial Top Ten] -- Monday, 5/31/2021, is the last Monday in May and is therefore the date on which we observe Memorial Day here in the States. So, as of today, many are in Memorial Day Weekend mode. Looking at the weather, there might be fewer cookouts in this particular area, but grilling isn't the primary function of this holiday weekend. Of course, remembering 1980s tunes isn't the primary, or even the tertiary, function of the holiday either, but we on the Bookended crew have to work with what we've got. 

Anyway, back in 1981, Memorial Day was Monday, May 25. So, that year, the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend was Friday, May 22. And while I could have looked to see what records were released just before the holiday weekend, I figured it might be more of a treat to see what was aleady topping the charts as of the end of that week: Saturday, May 23. These would, of course, be the songs blaring from many a radio at more than one point that weekend. Fortunately, I was able to get the top ten list from both Billboard and Top 40 Weekly. And I compiled them into a YouTube playlist! 

Do you know what song topped the Billboard Hot 100 this holiday weekend in 1981? Maybe even more important, do you know which of these tracks still rank highly in my list of all-time favorites? 

Flashback: Billboard Hot 100, Top 10 for May 23, 1981 

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Counting down from #10 to #1, here are the songs that are embedded in the video playlist:

10. “Watching The Wheels” — John Lennon

9. “Too Much Time On My Hands” — Styx

8. “Sukiyaki” — A Taste Of Honey

7. “Living Inside Myself” — Gino Vannelli

6. “Take It On The Run” — REO Speedwagon

5. “Medley” — Stars On 45

4. “Angel Of The Morning” — Juice Newton

3. “Just The Two Of Us” — Grover Washington, Jr.

2. “Being With You” — Smokey Robinson

1. “Bette Davis Eyes” — Kim Carnes

And that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

Note: Image of the 5/23/1981 Billboard Magazine is from WorthPoint.

Friday 80s Flashback for November 27, 2020

 

[Black Friday -- Redux 2] -- As I often do during a holiday, I'm re-using a previous Flashback post (with a few corrections/updates). This one was originally posted in November 2012 and then revamped for November 2018, but the tunes are just as fresh, and the topic just as relevant, today. Here we go!

It's the day after Thanksgiving, colloquially known as Black Friday here in the States. It's a special, special day when all those prices that have been steadily jacked up over the past few months are lowered (just a bit). Some folks could not even wait for this morning, and began shopping last night or at least camped out (2015 link | 2018 link | 2020 links) in the hope of nabbing huge deals. As the 80s are often considered the decade of materialism during which "shop till you drop" became a mantra, I thought I could find a few tunes to reflect the inanity of Black Friday. Read and hear more after the break.

Friday 80s Flashback for October 30, 2020

 

[Halloween!] -- Though not quite as rare as a full moon falling on Halloween, this year the spooky holiday also occurs very close to Friday. That means it's time for a very special Halloween edition of the Friday 80s Flashback. Now, I'm sure you've all been good little ghouls and ghosts. So, to ensure you get the most 80s goodness possible, and that you receive it in a timely manner, I'm revisiting the mega-Flashback I originally posted for Halloween 2011. I thoroughly checked it and updated any video or text links that were broken over the last several years. And, just like in 2011, you can check out all the tunes featured in this week's flashback as a single video playlist! And it's six tracks, twice the content of my usual weekly offerings! Of course, you can still check out the songs one at a time, the option which includes my comments and recollections. But either way, you're getting great 80s music for the Halloween weekend! So, if you are opting for your flashbacks one-at-a-time, you can read and hear more after the break.

Friday 80s Flashback for May 8, 2020

My own mother passed unexpectedly in October 2017. So, I'll take the money I would have spent on her Mother's Day cards and gifts, and I'll make a donation to A Woman's Place.  Also, in place of a new Flashback post, I am re-running my Mother's Day post from May 11, 2012. This post is largely, but not entirely, unchanged from its original incarnation.

[Word to the Mothers - Redux] -- This weekend we in the U.S. observe Mother's Day. I don't know if you've ever looked for "mother" songs before, but there are many, many songs with some variation of "mother" in the title or lyrics (mother, mama, mom, etc.). However, the subject matter of the vast majority of those tunes, particularly in the 80s, was not exactly fodder for Hallmark. And, on top of that challenge, two songs that I thought were perfect for the holiday were not recorded or released in the 80s. They both came out in 1991. So, I had to scramble a bit to fill out this week's playlist. I think I have successfully crafted a flashback set that honors mothers, recognizes folks who have less-than-perfect relationships with their mothers, and gives a nod to something that most mothers believe about their offspring at one time or another. So don't just sit there and wonder what three songs I have for you this week. Read and hear more after the break!

Friday 80s Flashback for February 14, 2020

[An Awkward KISS  - redux] -- In February of 2011, I made my one and only post reflecting on Valentines of the 80s. Sure, it was a mere nine years ago, but with Valentine's Day falling on a Friday this year, I figure now is as good a time as any to repeat it.

I spent the first half of the 80s in junior and senior high school, so most of those "celebrations" can be filed under the category of awkward. That's just the nature of the pre-teen and teenaged experience. Now, the members of KISS, who had been the object of many teenagers' hero worship through the 70s, probably were not awkward (or even necessarily honorable) in their dealings with members of the opposite sex , but the start of the 80s did find them at an awkward point in their career. They entered the decade strong: To their credit, they had a string of eight Platinum-selling albums, the last five of which included the interesting gimmick of their four "solo" albums -- all released on the same day in 1978 -- and the disco-influenced Dynasty of 1979. But they also greeted the new decade with internal tensions, Peter Kriss and Ace Frehley being particularly dissatisfied, and musical identity issues. Kriss and Frehley were therefore less-involved with the recordings of this period and they eventually left the band in 1980 and 1982 respectively. KISS eventually experienced something of a rebound in the late 80s, probably due to the convergence of glam/hair metal rising in popularity and an increase in KISS nostalgia. But 1980 - 1983 were pretty much a low point for the band. So, what could I possibly choose as showcase songs for today's Flashback set?

Read and hear more after the jump.