EP 83. Bang Your Head

In Episode 83 of The New Dad Rock, Keith and Steve transport listeners back to the dynamic musical landscape of 1983, a year that saw the rise of metal, the advent of iconic pop, and the beginnings of alternative rock. They dive into the headbanging world of Iron Maiden's "Piece of Mind" and Quiet Riot's chart-topping "Metal Health," which drove metal into mainstream consciousness. The conversation meanders through the eerie tones of Bauhaus and the experimental sounds of Swans, exploring the diverse soundscape of the early 80s.

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.

Keith and Steve delve into the major releases and cultural shifts of 1983. David Bowie’s transformative "Let's Dance" album, U2’s politically charged "War," and the genre-defining "Synchronicity" by The Police are just a few of the highlights. They explore the rise of hair metal with bands like Quiet Riot and the significant shift in music video production brought on by MTV. The impact of Prince's "1999," released in late 1982 but hugely influential in 1983, and Madonna's debut album are discussed, marking the year as a turning point in pop music.

Closing the episode, they reminisce about the music they still listen to from 1983. Albums like R.E.M.'s "Murmur," Violent Femmes' self-titled debut, and Tom Waits' "Swordfishtrombones" are celebrated for their lasting influence. The hosts reflect on how these albums, initially discovered years later, became staples in their music collections. 

Tune in to Episode 83 of The New Dad Rock for a deep dive into a pivotal year in music history, filled with personal anecdotes, iconic albums, and the beginnings of genres that continue to shape music today.