EP 84. Relax, Don't Do It!

In Episode 84 of The New Dad Rock, Steve and Keith dive into the eclectic musical landscape of 1984, a year that saw the rise of both heavy metal and synth-pop, along with the emergence of future indie rock legends. They kick things off with a discussion about the latest music from bands like 21 Pilots, Imagine Dragons, Arab Strap, Oranssi Pazuzu, Haunted Plasma, Hawkwind, and Idaho, showcasing the diverse range of contemporary sounds that continue to evolve the rock genre.

The hosts take a nostalgic trip back to 1984, revisiting the influential albums of the time. They discuss the impact of Iron Maiden's "Powerslave," Van Halen's "1984," and Dio's "The Last in Line," albums that cemented the dominance of heavy metal. Steve reminisces about buying "Powerslave" and "The Last in Line" on the same day. They also highlight Weird Al's "In 3-D," a comedic masterpiece that provided a lighter, satirical take on the year's musical trends. 

1984 was a year marked by iconic releases and significant cultural shifts. The episode covers the rise of new wave and synth-pop, with The Smiths' self-titled debut album, The Replacements' "Let It Be," and The Fall's "The Wonderful and Frightening World Of..." making waves in the alternative scene. They also discuss the ambitious punk double albums "Double Nickels on the Dime" by Minutemen and Hüsker Dü's "Zen Arcade," which pushed the boundaries of the genre. The episode touches on mainstream hits like Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." and Prince's "Purple Rain," highlighting their enduring legacy.

The hosts reflect on their personal connections to the music of 1984, from Steve's memories of playing Van Halen on his first tape deck to Keith's recollections of the songs that defined his childhood. They discuss the lasting influence of albums like "Powerslave," which featured Iron Maiden's pioneering efforts as the first Western band to play behind the Iron Curtain. With anecdotes about Keith's fourth-grade Weird Al karoake performance and the debut of Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?," Episode 84 of The New Dad Rock offers a rich, nostalgic look at a pivotal year in music history.