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«« Mini-Rewind ««

• February 14, 1983 Michael Jackson released his hit single "Beat It", the 3rd single from the album Thriller.

  • The song also features a famous guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen.

• Wildcats starring Goldie Hawn, Wesley Snipes & Woody Harrelson debuted in theaters February 14, 1986.

• Vision Quest was released in theatres February 15, 1985.

• Elle MacPherson graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition for the 3rd straight year in 1988.

• The ‘80s classic Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon debuted in theaters February 17, 1984.

• The Brady Bunch Movie starring Shelley Long and Gary Cole was released in theaters February 17, 1995.

• Aerosmith appeared on the February 17, 1990, episode of Saturday Night Live, featuring in a classic "Wayne’s World" sketch alongside host Tom Hanks.

• Blue Chips starring Nick Nolte, Mary McDonnell, Ed O’Neill and Shaquille O’Neal debuted in theaters February 18, 1994.

• Tommy Page released his hit single “I’ll Be Your Everything” February 19, 1990.

• Laura Branigan appeared on an episode of CHips (February 20, 1983).

Before it became a blockbuster movie, Wayne’s World started as a fan-favorite sketch on Saturday Night Live, introducing audiences to the lovable basement broadcasters Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar, played by Mike Myers and Dana Carvey.

Set in a suburban public-access studio, the sketch perfectly captured late-’80s youth culture—big hair, metal music, and awkward enthusiasm included. Wayne and Garth hosted their low-budget show with homemade graphics, couch interviews, and catchphrases that instantly stuck. From shouting “Party on!” to bowing before rock legends, the duo felt like every garage-band kid’s dream brought to life.

What made Wayne’s World special was its mix of goofy innocence and sharp satire. It poked fun at TV clichés while celebrating friendship, fandom, and unapologetic nerdiness. Myers’ confident cool balanced perfectly with Carvey’s sweet, socially awkward Garth, creating a comedy chemistry that audiences couldn’t get enough of.

The sketch became so popular it spun off into the 1992 feature film, launching one of the most memorable comedy franchises of the decade. More than three decades later, Wayne’s World remains a time capsule of ’80s attitude—and proof that sometimes the biggest ideas really do start in a basement.

In the early 1980s, Laura Branigan burst onto the pop scene with a powerhouse voice that felt impossible to ignore. Her breakthrough hit “Gloria” filled dance floors, car radios, and roller rinks, instantly making her one of the decade’s most recognizable voices.

Branigan had a rare gift: she could belt emotional ballads just as effortlessly as she could deliver high-energy pop anthems. Songs like “Self Control” and “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” showed her dramatic range, blending heartbreak with stadium-sized vocals that defined ’80s adult pop. Whether blasting through speakers at malls or playing softly during late-night drives, her music became part of everyday life.

What made Laura special wasn’t just her vocal power—it was her sincerity. Every song felt personal, like she was sharing a piece of her own story. At a time when synths ruled the charts, she brought raw emotion that connected deeply with listeners.

Though her career was tragically cut short, Laura Branigan’s music continues to live on through radio playlists, movie soundtracks, and nostalgia lovers everywhere. She remains a true symbol of ’80s pop—bold, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

When Contra blasted onto arcades and home consoles in 1987, it instantly became a rite of passage for gamers everywhere. Developed by Konami, the side-scrolling shooter threw players into nonstop action, armed with rapid-fire weapons and facing wave after wave of alien enemies.

You didn’t ease into Contra — you were dropped straight into chaos. Jungle levels, military bases, and eerie organic landscapes flew by as explosions filled the screen. Every jump had to be perfect, every power-up mattered, and one wrong move could send you back to the start.

Of course, Contra is forever linked to gaming’s most famous cheat code. Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start became legendary, giving players 30 lives and a fighting chance against its brutal difficulty. Kids shared it on playgrounds like a sacred secret.

What made Contra unforgettable wasn’t just its challenge — it was the adrenaline. Playing side-by-side with a friend in co-op mode felt heroic, like starring in your own action movie.

Decades later, Contra remains a symbol of classic gaming: tough, loud, and endlessly replayable — a true ’80s arcade icon.

🎧 Retro Picks of the Week

📺 T.V. Show: Perfect Strangers follows uptight Chicago native Mark Linn-Baker and his overly enthusiastic cousin Balki, played by Bronson Pinchot, as they learn to live together. The sitcom became an ’80s favorite thanks to its fish-out-of-water humor, physical comedy, and Balki’s unforgettable “Dance of Joy.”

📼 Movie: The Silence of the Lambs (1991) stars Jodie Foster as FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who seeks help from imprisoned genius killer Hannibal Lecter—played memorably by Anthony Hopkins—while hunting another murderer. The film became a cultural phenomenon and swept the “Big Five” Oscars, cementing its place as one of the greatest thrillers of all time.

🎵 Song: “Seasons Change” by Exposé became the group’s biggest hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. The emotional ballad marked a new era for Exposé, introducing lead singer Jeanette Jurado and showcasing a softer, more mature sound.

🕹️ Video Game: The Goonies dropped in 1986 and let players relive the movie adventure with Mikey and the gang, navigating traps, caves, and the Fratelli hideout. Developed by Konami, it became a cult favorite among retro gamers—especially for its catchy chiptune soundtrack and puzzle-heavy gameplay.

👾 Cartoon: The Get Along Gang aired in the mid-1980s and followed a group of animal friends who solved problems in their town while learning lessons about friendship, teamwork, and kindness. The show became a beloved part of ’80s Saturday morning cartoons, remembered for its catchy theme song and wholesome adventures.