Some songs were never meant to be taken seriously. That didn’t stop them from becoming some of the most memorable records of the 1980s.
This week, Steve and Chuck dive into the wonderfully weird world of novelty songs, revisiting the comedy records, movie parodies and oddball hits that somehow found their way onto radio stations, MTV and our mixtapes.
Among the songs they revisit:
- “Star Trekkin'” by The Firm, the sci-fi spoof that boldly went all the way to No. 1 in the U.K.
- “You Look Marvelous” by Billy Crystal, spun off from his unforgettable Saturday Night Live character Fernando.
- “Rappin’ Rodney” by Rodney Dangerfield, proof that even the king of “no respect” couldn’t resist the rap craze.
- “Bomb Iran” by Vince Vance & the Valiants, one of the decade’s most talked-about political parody records.
Along the way, the guys celebrate the influence of Dr. Demento, remember the explosion of comedy records during the MTV era, revisit some gloriously low-budget music videos and ask why these goofy songs have stuck with us for more than 40 years.
Were novelty songs a uniquely ’80s phenomenon? Could anything this strange become a mainstream hit today? Steve and Chuck have opinions.
This episode is sponsored by The 80s Cruise. Join your favorite artists, fellow fans and the Stuck in the ’80s crew aboard the ultimate floating celebration of the decade. Use promo code STUCK when booking to receive a $250 cabin credit.
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If you ever listened to Dr. Demento, stayed up late watching MTV, quoted Saturday Night Live catchphrases or found yourself singing a ridiculous novelty song for days afterward… this episode was made for you.
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