Friday 80s Flashback for August 26, 2011

[Cruising with Donnie Iris] -- Due to an incident or two on the PA Turnpike, I was forced to use one of my alternate routes for my evening commute the other night. On one hand, even this was an unfortunate choice. Traffic was slow going, but at least it wasn't the standstill that would have greeted me at the Mid-County exchange. On the other hand, this was the most wonderful drive of the week. Although the pace was slower than I might prefer, it made for a nice pairing with the cooler evening air that graced us that night. I drove with my windows down and my stereo volume up. Way up. My iPod happened upon a tune by one of my fave 80s tunesmiths, and I immediately dialed in a full block of his work. The chunky guitar work, measured use of synths, driving percussion, and clever lyrics entertained me the entire ride home.

"I have to dedicate a full Flashback to this guy!" I said to myself. And, yes, before you ask, I did say that out loud.

Now, this artist is no stranger to the Friday 80s Flashback. He led off the Hi-Tech Living and Loving Flashback earlier this year. He might, however, be a stranger to many 80s-philes outside of the Three Rivers Area of Pittsburgh, PA. Today's flashback artist was born in Elmwood City, PA, in 1943 and he grew up to become a Pittsburgh rock icon as well as a nerd rock success story. As I mentioned in the January 28, 2011 flashback, he had three things going for him: "the nerd appeal of a Buddy Holly or Elvis Costello, a great sense of humor, and one of the most melodic screams in rock & roll." By now, if you've picked up the hints I've been dropping, you know I'm talking about the one and only Donnie Iris. Oh, what's that? You though he was merely a one-hit wonder? Not so. He has multiple hits (two of them coming from one-hit wonder bands that he was part of in the 70s). Wondering what I've chosen from Donnie Iris' career for this week's flashback? Read and hear more after the break.

Friday 80s Flashback (for August 12, 2011) on Saturday!

[Summer] -- I heard a back-to-school radio ad the other day. You know what my first thought was? No, it wasn't that I needed school supplies, or that I dread the return of school buses on my morning commute. No, it was that the school season is just around the corner and I've yet to post a summer-themed flashback! So I'm going to remedy that error right now. Back in the 80s, summer was always a great time for music. And there are far too many great summer classics to fit in one flashback, but I'll do my best to share some of my favorites. What hot tunes made the cut this week? Read and hear more after the break.

Friday 80s Flashback for August 5, 2011

[Under-Appreciated Movie Theme Songs] -- For every brilliant film/soundtrack combo, there are dozens that are ... well, not regarded quite as highly by either the general public or the critical media. But I love 80s movies and I love their soundtracks. And I think there are some real soundtrack gems that have gone ignored. So this week's Flashback playlist focuses on those poor, under-appreciated, tunes. What movie soundtrack selections made the cut? Read and hear more after the break.