«« Mini-Rewind ««

• Eddie Murphy’s stand-up comedy special “Delirious” was released on VHS (August 30, 1983).

• Canada’s answer to MTV, “Much Music” the 24-hour music channel launched August 31, 1984. The first video played was by Canadian legends Rush, “The Enemy Within.”

• Dr. Feelgood, the 5th studio album by Motley Crue was released September 1, 1989). The album features the singles Dr. Feelgood, Kickstart My Heart and Without You.

• Hall & Oates released their album “Private Eyes (September 1, 1981). The includes two #1 hit singles “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)”.

• The baseball film Eight Men Out was released in theaters (September 2, 1988). The film is a dramatization of the 1919 “Black Sox Scandal”.

• That talking bear we all loved, Teddy Ruxpin hit store shelves September 3, 1985. It would become the best selling toy of 1985.

• The Super Mario Bros show debuted on tv September 4, 1989.

• Culture Club released one of their biggest hits, “Karma Chameleon” September 5, 1983. The single would eventually hit #1 on the charts.

• Paul Simon released his hit single “You Can Call Me Al” on September 5, 1986 from his album Graceland.

• A-ha were the big winners at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards picking up six awards out of eight nominations!

• September 5, 1989, rapper Young MC released his album Stone Cold Rhymin’ which gave us his biggest hit, “Bust a Move.”

You know, when Michael Jackson dropped Bad in 1987, it wasn’t just another album release - like all Michael Jackson albums/singles, it was an event. People had been waiting years since Thriller, which, let’s face it, is basically impossible to top. But Michael didn’t come out timid. He came out swinging with leather jackets, buckles, and that confident stare that said, “Yeah, I’m the King of Pop.”

The album itself was packed with hits. “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Man in the Mirror,” “The Way You Make Me Feel” - it’s like a greatest hits collection disguised as a studio album. Every track had its own vibe, from dance floor anthems to heartfelt ballads, and Michael made sure each came with visuals that pushed boundaries. Remember the “Smooth Criminal” lean? Or the epic short film directed by Martin Scorsese for the title track? That was innovation before the internet could make something go viral.

What’s wild is that Bad became the first album to score five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Michael wasn’t just following up Thriller - he was setting another record. Fans didn’t just listen; they lived this album. Even today, when those opening notes hit, you instantly feel that late-’80s magic all over again.

So, here’s the funny thing about Super Mario Bros. 2 - it wasn’t originally supposed to be a Mario game at all. Back in 1988, Nintendo needed a follow-up to the smash hit Super Mario Bros., but the version they first cooked up was way too tough for casual players. So instead, they took a Japanese game called Doki Doki Panic and swapped in Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad. And just like that, we got this totally different kind of Mario adventure.

The game felt strange at first. You didn’t stomp Goombas or kick Koopas down pipes. Instead, you were plucking vegetables out of the ground and hurling them at enemies. Each character played differently, too - Luigi had that wild flutter jump, Peach could float in midair, Toad was speedy, and Mario… well, he was balanced, as always.

And then there were the bosses. Instead of Bowser, you were facing off against Wart, this giant frog king who absolutely hated vegetables - ironically, the very things you were throwing at him.

Looking back, Super Mario Bros. 2 was weird, but in the best way. It gave us new gameplay, unforgettable music, and some quirky characters like Shy Guys and Birdo that stuck around for decades.

If you grew up in the ’80s, chances are you remember racing to the TV for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. It was one of those shows that felt larger than life. The premise was simple but epic: Prince Adam, this kind of laid-back royal with a bowl haircut, would raise his magical sword, shout “By the power of Grayskull!” and transform into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. Suddenly, the timid prince became this muscle-bound hero ready to defend Eternia.

Of course, every hero needs a villain, and Skeletor filled that role perfectly. With his blue body, hood, and skull face, he was menacing but also hilariously over-the-top. He’d come up with wild schemes, laugh that unforgettable cackle, and somehow always end up foiled by He-Man and his friends - like Teela, Man-At-Arms, and Orko.

What made the show unique wasn’t just the battles and colorful characters, but those little moral lessons tacked on at the end. He-Man or one of his friends would pop in to remind kids about honesty, safety, or standing up for yourself. Looking back, it was campy and cheesy, sure - but it also carried a surprising amount of heart. He-Man wasn’t just a cartoon; it was pure ’80s magic…and an amazing toy line.

🎧 Retro Picks of the Week

📺 T.V. Show: Newhart was an ‘80s sitcom starring Bob Newhart as Dick Loudon, a Vermont innkeeper who found himself surrounded by quirky townsfolk and hilarious misadventures. Known for its dry wit and unforgettable finale, the show became a classic blend of small-town charm and sharp comedy.

📼 Movie: One Crazy Summer (1986) is a comedy starring John Cusack as an aspiring cartoonist who spends the summer on Nantucket with eccentric friends, competing in outrageous antics and schemes. The film blends offbeat humor, romance, and wild ’80s energy, making it a cult favorite. 

🎵 Song: “Tarzan Boy” (1985) by Baltimora, is a high-energy Italo-disco track famous for its jungle-inspired “oh-oh-oh-oh” chorus and catchy beat. With its playful vibe and unforgettable hook, it became an international hit and a defining anthem of ’80s dance music. To this date it is a definite ear worm once it comes on the radio.

🕹️ Video Game: Chopper Command, released by Activision in 1982 for the Atari 2600, puts players in control of an armed helicopter protecting a convoy of trucks from enemy aircraft and choppers. Often described as a desert-themed take on Defender, it combined fast-paced shooting with high-score chasing, making it a favorite among early arcade-style gamers.

👾 Cartoon: Jem and the Holograms was a colorful 1980s animated series about Jerrica Benton, a music company owner who transforms into rock star Jem with the help of a holographic computer named Synergy. Mixing pop concerts, wild fashion, and rival band drama, the show became a cult favorite blending music, adventure, and ’80s glam style. It also gave us one of the catchiest cartoon intro’s of the decade!