🎧 Downbeat.fm Vol. 4 Track 7
It's too damn hot for this...
Today MTV launched in 1981. I talked about MTV briefly in Vol. 2 Track 8 of this newsletter back in August of 2021.
MTV launched 8 days before I was born. A few years later, it was something that was on the TV when I was a toddler, and I remember several videos that I loved through the years.
All Night Long by Lionel Richie - 1983
The colors, the dancing, this was an attention grabber for me as a kid. It’s probably my favorite Lionel Richie song to this day.
What’s Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner - 1984
I don’t know what it was about this video that I loved as a kid, but seeing it (many times) is one of the few memories I have of the first house I lived in growing up.
I think it may have been her hair.
You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon - 1986
I know why I loved this video. Chevy Chase was hilarious. My mind was later blown when my parents told me that the other dude was the real singer.
Got My Mind Set On You by George Harrison - 1987
George Harrison, the best Beatle.
I loved all the stuff in the background moving around. Especially the dancing bird.
What were some of your favorite videos as a young kid? Drop them in the comments.
July’s Playlist
This month’s playlist features Haley Heynderickx, Sincere Engineer, Adult Mom, Gaslight Anthem, Current Joys, Soccer Mommy, and more.
Listen to this month’s playlist on
Quick Listening and Other Links
It’s been a while since I've had some links to share, but thankfully I have some this month!
This is a stunning visual website that dives into the gender makeup of songwriters, and how underrepresented women are in the songwriting process. This likely isn’t a shock to most of you. Women rock, and are the lifeblood of modern rock and roll. Don’t sleep on my Grrrl playlist featuring only female, transfeminine, non-binary, and queer vocalists. The playlist is available on Apple Music and Spotify.
I don’t know where this Instagram Reel came from, but it's hilarious. Ignore the weird dude in the corner.
