Sammy Hagar: Heavy Metal (1981)

"Heavy Metal" is one of Sammy Hagar's best works. It appeared in the movie of the same name and on the classic 1981 album Standing Hampton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQE1Q1NILfQ

Tom Petty: The Waiting (1981)

One of the best song's of 1981. It later appeared on a Simpson's episode accentuating Homer's impatience with the five day waiting period to purchase a fire arm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMyCa35_mOg

The Who: You Better You Bet (1981)

This was The Who's last hit in the U.S (#18). and U.K (#9). Pete wrote the song for his then girlfriend. The song bares a resemblance to Townshend's 1980 solo hit "Let My Love Open the Door." The video became the first one to appear on MTV more than once.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXMWNhCmLUg

Unchained by Van Halen (1981)

I wonder if Ted Templeman just had enough of David Lee Roth or if the "Come on, Dave, gimme a break!" was planned. Awesome song notable for the MXR M-117 flanger...check it out online.


Live:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Qatc4K85A



　

Studio:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx86CxKYtg0

Rush: Limelight (1981)

Neil Peart did not feel comfortable with fan adulation. So, he wrote "Limelight" to convey his unease. Lack of privacy, autographs, gossip columns, journalists, etc all invaded his space. He borrowed from Shakespeare as well as his own feelings for the song. "All the world's a stage" is Shakespeare "and we are merely players" is Peart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKpn0esJ73w

The Police: Invisible Sun (1981)

"Invisible Sun" is dark and haunting. Sting examines third world poverty and life in war torn proto-nations. He wonders where people find the will to continue, but takes an understated optimistic tone. The video contained clips from Northern Ireland, which led the BBC to ban it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIylUcGDi-Y

Duran Duran: Planet Earth (1981)

Duran Duran helped signal the end of the 1970s when they scored an immediate hit with “Planet Earth.” Electronic beat, synthesizer, and the New Romantic fashion style left disco in the dust. New Wave had arrived. The song hit #12 in Britain, #8 in Australia, and opened the door to America. In a year or so, Duran Duran would be one of the biggest bands in the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NF6Qa84mno

The Go-Gos: Our Lips Are Sealed (1981)

The Go-Gos emerged from the New York punk scene. When the public tired of the movement, the record industry repackaged artists like the Go-Gos into New Wave.  Despite the wholesome good girls image, the band could party like any other rock band. "Our Lips Are Sealed" was written by Jane Wiedlin  and The Specials' Terry Hall, who were in a relationship. However, Hall also had a girlfriend in England that he considered marrying making Wiedlin the "other woman."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3kQlzOi27M

George Harrison: All Those Years Ago (1981)

Remember The Beatles? The greatest musical act since Mozart? Well George Harrison, the quiet Beatle, paid homage to his mates in 1981. The video is great nostalgia for people of a certain age and history for the rest of us.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Smw33PKJA

R.E.M.: Radio Free Europe (1981)

"Radio Free Europe" created "college" and "alternative" music. According to the Library of Congress, it set "the pattern for later indie rock releases by breaking through on college radio in the face of mainstream radio's general indifference." The song was originally released in 1981, but was re-recorded for their first album, Murmur in 1983. A decade later, the band's "Losing My Religion" made alternative the most popular music genre in the country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac0oaXhz1u8&ob=av3e

John Lennon: Woman (1981)

John Lennon considered "Woman" a "grown-up version" of the Beatles' "Girl." The song begins with Lennon whispering "For the other half of the sky..." which is attributed to Chairman Mao. Interestingly, Lennon quipped "If you go around carrying pictures of Chairman Mao, you ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow" in "Revolution." The song debuted at #2 in the U.S., but Blondie's "Rapture" blocked it from moving to #1.

Woman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-x1FsvOAz4

Girl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZshCZndWmco

813. The KKK Took My Baby Away by the Ramones (1981)

The Ramones did not release another single until 1989's "Pet Cemetary." They did continue to record and release albums.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI7JjiZuiVc

818. Guitar Man by Elvis Presley (1968, 1981)

Jerry Reed scored a modest hit with "Guitar Man" in 1967. The following year, Elvis covered the song in his comeback special. In 1981, a remixed Elvis version hit #1 on the country charts and hit #28 on the pop charts.

Elvis '68:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3gkBMuyq8U

Remix:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC_n9e4VOPI

Jerry Reed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNaN4aZJiZU

Talkin' Baseball by Terry Cashman (1981)

For Duke Snider...


http://uk.video.yahoo.com/watch/456784/2533611

952. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police (1981)

Sting wrote an early version of "Every Little Thing" in 1976. The Police released it in 1981 and it hit #3 in America. The Police dusted off the song and included some of the lyrics on "Oh My God" from the Synchronicity album. Sting used the lyrics again on the "Seven Days" track off Ten Summoner's Tales. It's also a great concert song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aENX1Sf3fgQ&ob=av3n

996. Juke Box Hero by Foreigner (1981)

Thirty years ago, Foreigner was huge. I was in elementary school. I no longer listen to Foreigner, but I do still like this one. Here's an ode to the early 80s...

Best Line: Thought he passed his own shadow, by the backstage door

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5_qhnWByA4