In this episode of The New Dad Rock, we dive into the electrifying year of 1988, where the worlds of metal, rock, and synth-pop collided in unexpected ways. We explore the rise of concept albums like Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime and King Diamond’s Them, which pushed the boundaries of storytelling in metal.

The Big Four of thrash metal—Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax—dominated with releases like ...And Justice for All, South of Heaven, So Far, So Good... So What!, and State of Euphoria. Meanwhile, the second tier of thrash, including bands like Testament, Overkill, and Death Angel, delivered powerful albums that kept the genre’s momentum going.

Synths still reigned supreme in the pop world with bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and Yaz. At the same time, they began to influence industrial music, leading to groundbreaking releases from Ministry and Skinny Puppy. We also revisit R.E.M.’s Green, which marked a shift in the band’s sound and solidified their place in the alt-rock pantheon.

From the massive success of Def Leppard’s Hysteria to the Monsters of Rock Tour, 1988 was a year where genres collided, new sounds emerged, and nothing was shocking, though Donnie Darko and Fishbone were certainly a bit out there.

Join us as we reminisce about the music that defined 1988 and still resonates with us today.

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Join us as we delve into the transformative year of 1987 in this episode of The New Dad Rock. We'll explore the iconic albums and unforgettable moments that defined the music scene. From U2’s monumental The Joshua Tree to INXS’s Kick and The Cure’s Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, this year was a watershed moment for rock and pop.

We'll reminisce about why Steve spent an entire month listening to just one album—King Diamond’s Abigail—and relive the wild Motley Crue Girls, Girls, Girls tour. We'll also cover the release of Document by R.E.M. and the psychedelic sounds of Echo & the Bunnymen. And we can’t forget Pink Floyd’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason, their first album led by David Gilmour.

We’ll highlight the new music from HARDY and Beak>, with their eclectic, genre-blending sounds. Keith will share memories of truckloads of porta potties heading to Telluride for a Grateful Dead concert and the influence of television shows on music tastes, like the classic "Paint It Black" from Tour of Duty.

Tune in to hear Keith read song titles from our playlist in the outro and play along with Steve in our music trivia game. This episode is a celebration of a pivotal year in music, full of personal anecdotes and musical milestones.

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In a nostalgic twist, we recount the story of Jasper introducing a song in the car, which turned out to be "Your Love" by The Outfield, reflecting on how musical tastes and influences come full circle. We'll also reflect on major global events like the first meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva and how they influenced songs like Genesis's "Land of Confusion".

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In this nostalgic dive into 1985, we are joined by special guest Brian Reiss, who you might remember from Episode 14, Van Halen vs. Van Hagar. Together, we explore a year where movie soundtracks spawned hits, metal got more extreme, thrash took over, and flea markets took over rollerskating rinks. Singles and solo artists dominated the airwaves, with new bands hitting the top spot on the charts seemingly every week. Meanwhile, concerned moms finally did something about those explicit pop songs, and alternative rock and college radio began to bubble under, with The Cure hitting their stride.

In this episode, we delve into the themes that defined 1985. New Wave had taken over from rock on the pop airwaves, and rock, via hair metal, leaned into pop in an attempt to fight for their place on the charts. This push toward the bifurcation of genres—guitar-based vs. electronic-based—is something we still see today, but back then, the lines were more blurred. We share what we were listening to in 1985, from A-ha's "Take On Me" to Dio's Sacred Heart, and reminisce about buying albums like Theatre of Pain and World Wide Live on the same day.

We also take a look at what was popular in 1985, from the inaugural WrestleMania and and the debut of Calvin and Hobbes and the release of New Coke. We discuss significant events like the Live Aid benefit concerts, which raised over £50 million for famine relief in Ethiopia, and the disastrous Led Zeppelin reunion with Phil Collins on drums. Lastly, we talk about the old guard artists like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Tina Turner, who continued to make waves in the music scene, and solo acts from earlier bands like Mick Jagger, Glenn Frey, and Phil Collins.

Amidst all this, Tom Waits' Rain Dogs stood alone as a beacon of obfuscation against a sea of mediocrity. Join us as we take a trip back to 1985, a year of musical evolution and unforgettable memories.

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In Episode 84 of The New Dad Rock, Steve and Keith dive into the eclectic musical landscape of 1984, a year that saw the rise of both heavy metal and synth-pop, along with the emergence of future indie rock legends. They kick things off with a discussion about the latest music from bands like 21 Pilots, Imagine Dragons, Arab Strap, Oranssi Pazuzu, Haunted Plasma, Hawkwind, and Idaho, showcasing the diverse range of contemporary sounds that continue to evolve the rock genre.

The hosts take a nostalgic trip back to 1984, revisiting the influential albums of the time. They discuss the impact of Iron Maiden's "Powerslave," Van Halen's "1984," and Dio's "The Last in Line," albums that cemented the dominance of heavy metal. Steve reminisces about buying "Powerslave" and "The Last in Line" on the same day. They also highlight Weird Al's "In 3-D," a comedic masterpiece that provided a lighter, satirical take on the year's musical trends.

1984 was a year marked by iconic releases and significant cultural shifts. The episode covers the rise of new wave and synth-pop, with The Smiths' self-titled debut album, The Replacements' "Let It Be," and The Fall's "The Wonderful and Frightening World Of..." making waves in the alternative scene. They also discuss the ambitious punk double albums "Double Nickels on the Dime" by Minutemen and Hüsker Dü's "Zen Arcade," which pushed the boundaries of the genre. The episode touches on mainstream hits like Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." and Prince's "Purple Rain," highlighting their enduring legacy.

The hosts reflect on their personal connections to the music of 1984, from Steve's memories of playing Van Halen on his first tape deck to Keith's recollections of the songs that defined his childhood. They discuss the lasting influence of albums like "Powerslave," which featured Iron Maiden's pioneering efforts as the first Western band to play behind the Iron Curtain. With anecdotes about Keith's fourth-grade Weird Al karoake performance and the debut of Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?," Episode 84 of The New Dad Rock offers a rich, nostalgic look at a pivotal year in music history.

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The episode kicks off with Steve’s review of a recent Swans concert he attended and a quick primer on the Michale Gira-led ensemble. Next is a serendipitous Wikipedia rabbit hole that led Keith to American Music Club, a band that formed in 1983 but didn’t release an album until 1985. They reminisce about the iconic debut of the music video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller." They also reflect on personal memories from 1983, like Keith's paper route days soundtracked by Huey Lewis and The News' "Sports" and the excitement of early music video experiences.

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In this thrilling episode of The New Dad Rock, Keith and Steve travel back to 1982, a year marked by eclectic musical milestones and cultural shifts. The iconic musical "Cats" begins its 18-year run on Broadway, becoming a defining cultural moment of the decade. Meanwhile, the end of the 70s is marked by ABBA's final original single "Under Attack," closing the chapter on the most successful group of the 1970s.

Themes of 1982 span from the domination of soft electronic pop and new wave to the brewing undercurrent of heavier metal and satanic themes in music. The episode touches on the tragic loss of comedian and musician John Belushi, the revolutionary debut of compact discs in Japanese music stores, and Keith's personal memory of the "Pac-Man Fever" craze. Steve recalls Ozzy Osbourne's wild year, from bat-biting incidents and arrests to the tragic death of his guitarist Randy Rhoads. They also reminisce about the catchy tune "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats and its iconic music video.

1982 was a year of significant releases that have stood the test of time. Michael Jackson's game-changing album "Thriller" released in November and became the best-selling album of all time. Duran Duran's "Rio" peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and remains a staple in new wave music. The year also saw classic hits from Scorpions’ "Black Out," Asia’s self-titled album, Flock of Seagulls, Steve Miller’s "Abracadabra," Culture Club, and Led Zeppelin’s posthumous "Coda." Keith and Steve explore how these albums and singles made waves in 1982 and left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Wrapping up, Keith and Steve discuss the albums from 1982 that they still listen to today. These include R.E.M.'s "Chronic Town," Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast," Bauhaus, Violent Femmes, and The Cure’s "Pornography." The episode is a nostalgic trip that highlights the transformative moments and lasting legacies of the music we love, capturing the vibrant and varied musical landscape of 1982. Tune in to Episode 82 of The New Dad Rock for an immersive journey through a year that defined an era.

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1981 - A Year of Musical Transformations

Join Keith and Steve in this electrifying episode of The New Dad Rock as they travel back to 1981, a year that saw monumental shifts and unforgettable moments in the music world. Here’s what’s in store:

• Petitioning for Justice: The hosts kick off the episode with a heartfelt petition to restore the Tony Award to its rightful name, honoring Antoinette Perry and giving her the recognition she deserves.
• Solo Ventures: Classic rock artists took bold steps into solo careers in '81. Keith and Steve explore these new paths and how these artists carved out their own identities.
• Punk Goes Pop: Witness the transformation of punk rock as it blends with pop, bringing a fresh and catchy twist to the rebellious genre.
• Legend Lost: 1981 was a year of significant loss in the music world. The dads pay tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley and, more recently, influential music figure Steve Albini.
• New Order and Duran Duran: Rising from the ashes of Joy Division, New Order brought a new wave of electronic music that defined the decade. Meanwhile, Duran Duran burst onto the scene with their infectious pop hits.
• The Shards Soundtrack: Bret Easton Ellis' novel "The Shards" boasts a soundtrack that perfectly captures the era's vibe. The hosts discuss how these tracks enhance the narrative and evoke the spirit of '81.
• Rock's Darker Side: Rock returned with more speed and a touch of Satan. Keith and Steve explore the bands that embraced faster tempos and darker themes, adding a new dimension to the rock landscape.

Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, punk, new wave, or reggae, Episode 81 of The New Dad Rock has something for everyone. Tune in to relive the music and moments that made 1981 an unforgettable year in music history.

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