«« Mini-Rewind ««

• Aerosmith released their hit single “Love in an Elevator” on August 16, 1989. The rockin’ tune was the first off of their album Pump.

• Also on August 16 (1983) singer Paul Simon married Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher)

• August 17, 1982 the first compact discs rolled off the assembly line in Langenhagen, Germany. Remember your first CD?

• Teen pop star Debbie Gibson released her debut album “Out of the Blue” on August 18, 1987. The album went 3x platinum and featured some great tunes - Shake Your Love, Only in My Dreams, Out of the Blue.

• Before he was Batman, Michael Keaton starred alongside Teri Garr in the comedy “Mr. Mom”. (August 19, 1983). The movie was a hit at the box office pulling $64M on a budget of just $5M.

• Scandal released their debut album (August 21, 1984) Warrior ad featured their hit single of the same name.

• This movie kinda grossed me out as a kid, The Garbage Pail Kids hit the big screen August 21, 1987. Unfortunately, it was not as popular as the trading cards and has 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes - now that’s gross.

• From one movie that grossed me out, to one that scared the heck out of me, “An American Werewolf in London” frightened audiences August 21, 1981. The film won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.

Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet, released in 1986, is one of those albums that defined ’80s rock. It’s packed with arena anthems that are still impossible not to sing along to. The record launched Bon Jovi from a rising band into full-blown global superstars, thanks to massive hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Each track feels tailor-made for blasting on the radio or shouting with a crowd at a concert. All iconic rock anthems!

What makes Slippery When Wet stand out is its mix of catchy hooks, big choruses, and that polished yet still gritty sound that perfectly captured the glam rock vibe of the mid-’80s. It wasn’t just successful - it became the best-selling album of 1987 and one of the biggest rock albums ever. For fans, it’s pure nostalgia, but even for new listeners, it’s easy to hear why these songs became timeless.

Stand by Me (1986) is one of those movies that sticks with you long after you’ve seen it. Based on a Stephen King novella, it tells the story of four friends - Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern - who set out on a small-town adventure to find the body of a missing boy. On the surface, it’s a coming-of-age road trip, but it’s really about friendship, growing up, and those pivotal moments that shape who you become.

The film captures the magic and awkwardness of being twelve years old - when you’re caught between childhood innocence and the reality of the adult world creeping in. Along the way, the boys deal with personal struggles, share secrets, and face fears that are much bigger than the journey itself.

With standout performances (including a young River Phoenix) and a nostalgic ’50s soundtrack, Stand by Me is heartfelt, funny, and bittersweet—an unforgettable slice of growing up.

Eddie Murphy’s Delirious (1983) is one of those comedy specials that people still talk about decades later. Filmed when Murphy was just 22, it showcased his raw energy, sharp timing, and fearless sense of humor. Dressed in that now-iconic red leather suit, he delivered a set that was equal parts outrageous, edgy, and hilarious.

The material ranges from his take on childhood memories and family barbecues to celebrity impressions and the everyday quirks of relationships. What really made it stand out, though, was Murphy’s ability to command the stage - he moved, danced, and acted out bits in a way that felt larger than life. It wasn’t just jokes; it was a full performance.

The special captured Eddie Murphy at the peak of his early comedic power, right before he exploded into superstardom with movies like Beverly Hills Cop. Delirious is pure ’80s comedy gold. And if you’re offended by the occasional f-bomb…well cover your ears 230 times!

🎧 Retro Picks of the Week

📺 T.V. Show: Quantum Leap (‘89 - ’93) follows Dr. Sam Beckett, a scientist who becomes trapped in a time-travel experiment, “leaping” into different people’s lives to right historical wrongs. Guided by his holographic friend Al, Sam’s adventures blend sci-fi, drama, and heart, making it a cult classic of the late ’80s and early ’90s.

📼 Movie: Uncle Buck (1989) stars John Candy as the fun-loving but unconventional uncle who steps in to babysit his brother’s kids, leading to chaos and heartwarming moments. With its mix of slapstick comedy and genuine family charm, it became one of Candy’s most beloved roles. Anyone seen Buck Melanoma???

🎵 Song: “The Ballad of Jayne” - L.A. Guns (1989), is a power ballad that became the band’s biggest hit. With its melancholic lyrics and soaring melody, it stands out as one of the late ’80s glam metal era’s most memorable anthems…and to me super underrated.

🕹️ Video Game: One of the best to play with your friends at the arcade! Gauntlet (1985) was a groundbreaking arcade game that let up to four players team up as a warrior, wizard, valkyrie, or elf to battle through endless dungeons. With nonstop action, swarms of enemies, and the famous “Wizard needs food badly!” voice line, it became a co-op classic of the ’80s.

👾 Cartoon: Super Friends brought DC Comics’ biggest heroes - Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and more - together in a colorful Saturday morning cartoon. Packed with team-ups, moral lessons, and over-the-top villains, it became a staple of ’70s and ’80s kids’ TV.