Eating up the eighties

Sometime in the early 80s I first ran into MTV and I became fascinated by the videos. Here are some key moments of the era.

Styx - Too Much Time on My Hands. I believe this is the first video I saw on MTV. I like the excessive gesturing and facial expressions.

Cheap Trick - She's Tight. At age 12 or so, I thought this was unbelievably dirty. Little did I know we were only a few years from the 2 Live Crew.

Billy Squier - The Stroke. At the time, I assumed this about some vile act beyond my ken. I still don't know what it is about.

Joan Jett - Do You Wanna Touch. Young teen Tripp enjoyed the unambiguous nature of this anthem.

Michael Nesmith - Cruisin. Awesome doesn't suffice in describing this one. It's a long way from Daydream Believer.

David Bowie - Ashes to Ashes. So my favorite Bowie song. Soaring music, articulate and evocative lyrics and a super arty video.

Devo - Whip It. This anti-establishment rock has held up much better than hardcore.

J Geils - Centerfold. This song and video were unavoidable and planted the notion that someone you know might end up in a"girlie" magazine. 80s scholars are in agreement that Love Stinks is the superior song. The Adam Sandler version is funny.

Police - Don't Stand So Close to Me. Before Sting turned into a Very Important Artist, he had a good sense of humor as seen here.

The Producers - What's He Got. Most notable for the neck-strap keyboard and odd opener.