EP 86. Looking For a Heartbeat

Join us on this musical journey back to 1986, where the year in music was as diverse and dynamic as ever. From Don Johnson's surprising foray into music with his album Heartbeat to the rising star of Shaboozey, and the electrifying sounds of Mdou Moctar, we've got it all covered.

We delve into the era when metal got a major overhaul with iconic albums like Master of Puppets by Metallica and Reign in Blood by Slayer supplanting older favorites like Somewhere in Time and Turbo. We discuss the disbanding of The Smiths following the release of The Queen is Dead and the tragic death of Cliff Burton. We'll also touch on Peter Gabriel's So and the release of The Police's singles compilation.

In a nostalgic twist, we recount the story of Jasper introducing a song in the car, which turned out to be "Your Love" by The Outfield, reflecting on how musical tastes and influences come full circle. We'll also reflect on major global events like the first meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva and how they influenced songs like Genesis's "Land of Confusion".

Our discussion themes include the failed attempts of older metal bands to incorporate synths, as evidenced by albums like Turbo and Somewhere in Time. We’ll also cover the first induction ceremony of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and what we were listening to in 1986, from Metallica’s Master of Puppets to Megadeth’s Peace Sells…But Who's Buying?. We also talk about the popular sounds of the year, from the Beastie Boys' Licensed to Ill to Paul Simon's Graceland.

Join us as we reminisce about the albums that still resonate today, like Depeche Mode’s Black Celebration and R.E.M.’s Life’s Rich Pageant. Tune in for a deep dive into 1986, a year that shaped our musical tastes and left an indelible mark on the rock and pop landscapes.