Playing Back the 80s: A Decade of Unstoppable Hits

(Hardback)

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Description

The music of the 1980s left an indelible mark on pop culture. Thanks to the dawn of MTV and the increasing affordability of synthesizers, a generation of innovative artists took the world by storm to create one of the last great glory eras of pop music. To get to the heart of what made this decade so special, music journalist Jim Beviglia weaves a narrative of the stories behind the pop music phenomenon. Playing Back the 80s: A Decade of Unstoppable Hits features original interviews with more than sixty artists, producers, session players, writers, and others who were directly involved with the most memorable songs of the decade. Among those who appear in Playing Back the 80s are iconic artists like Huey Lewis, Rick Springfield, Kim Carnes, Vernon Reid, Dennis DeYoung, Colin Hay, and Eddie Money telling the stories of how they created, often against imposing odds and in the midst of bizarre circumstances, the unstoppable hits and unheralded gems that still enchant so many fans today. Playing Back the 80s will have music fans pulling their old cassettes out of storage and remembering when and where they heard the songs first. For those who didnt grow up in the 80s, this endlessly fun book will show them what the fuss was all about and maybe reveal a few surprises along the way.

Reviews

Beviglia brings a critic and fans perspective to his examination of 65 of the finest songs of the 1980s in this impressive selection. He includes classics such as the Polices Every Breath You Take, one-hit wonders such as Falcos Rock Me Amadeus, and psychedelic new wave sounds such as the Churchs Under the Milky Way. Beviglia interviewed the songwriter or producer for each song, and their input is fun and insightful. About Sunglasses at Night, Corey Hart says, Lyrically, I was trying to capture the cool rebellious spirit la James Dean. Modern English singer Robbie Grey admits to writing I Melt With You in about three minutes sitting on the floor stoned in my house in Shepards Bush, London. Andy McCluskey of Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark recalled the inspiration for their song If You Leave: Pretty in Pink filmmaker John Hughes said to them, So can you write a song that is... 120 beats per minute With only three only pages on each song, the coverage can feel light, but for those looking for a glimpse into what made the music of the 80s a genre that still resonates today, Beviglia has created an excellent time capsule. * Publishers Weekly *
Playing Back the 80s by Jim Beviglia just might be the perfect gift for that hard-to-please music lover on your shopping list. Music journalist Beviglia knows that era well. A thorough researcher, his back stories are especially fascinating. * Focus Daily News *
I love the back stories of these songs and you will too. Beviglias passion for these tunes is contagious. -- Dennis DeYoung, Styx founding member
A song always has more of a story to tell than what we can glean from listening to it. This book aptly explores the deeper meanings and motivations behind the creation of some of the songs we have come to love. Bravo. -- Gregory Abbott, Singer, Songwriter, Platinum Recording Artist
Too many interviewers don't bother to do their research, but Jim Beviglia is different. He digs deeper and asks more insightful questions. This book is well worth your time. Pick it up. -- Billy Vera, writer and performer of the #1 hit "At This Moment"
With the focus of an exacting critic and the enthusiasm of a true fan, Beviglia situates the artists and their songs firmly in the foreground. He finds fresh insights into familiar tunes and makes deeper cuts sound like old favorites, which means Playing Back the 80s is an entertaining as well as edifying read. -- Stephen Deusner, Pitchfork, Uncut, Stereogum
If you love the music of the 1980s, you will definitely love Playing Back The 80s: A Decade Of Unstoppable Hits by Jim Beviglia. Music journalist Beviglia interviews more than sixty famous artists, producers, session musicians and writers who had a hand in some of the most recognizable ear worms of the 1980s. I enjoyed reading how artists including Sting, Phil Collins, John Lennon, Gary Numan, Journey, Richard Marx and Tom Petty were inspired to record the hits we all know and love to sing along to. As I read the each chapter title, the tunes automatically began stirring memories and playing in my head. * Gay Travelers Magazine *

Author Bio

Jim Beviglia is the author of Counting Down Bob Dylan: His 100 Finest Songs; Counting Down Bruce Springsteen: His 100 Finest Songs; Counting Down The Rolling Stones: Their 100 Finest Songs; and Counting Down The Beatles: Their 100 Finest Songs, all published by Rowman & Littlefield. In addition, Jim is the featured writer at American Songwriter magazine, where he writes features and reviews on new and classic artists for the print and online editions. He also hosts his own blog at countdownkid.wordpress.com., where he focuses on the back catalogues of some of rock and pops greatest artists and songwriters.