The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball

Episode 246: Obscure Soundtrack Songs. Joe and Kari asked for suggestions on the FB page (follow it, if you aren't already!) They got some great recommendations from Bill G., David N. and Kindra K., including songs from Streets of Fire, Pretty in Pink and The Lost Boys, which actually has a ton of great songs! You'll hear about contributions from Suzanne Vega, Fire, Inc., and Lou Gramm. You'll also hear the next round of the ongoing QUIZ series between Joe and Kari. Find out who comes out on top!

Episode 245: Grab your party hats and noisemakers, it's time to celebrate some birthdays for some of your favorite musicians of the 80's! Cindy Wilson of the B-52s, Neal Schon of Journey (and numerous other bands), Robyn Hitchcock, and Tone Loc are all Pisces. Find out more about these acts and others in this week's episode of HRT80s

Episode 244: It's time to consult The 80's Music Compendium for another list of songs with the longest piano solos. It's not that surprising to find songs from Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Carole King. But Sheena Easton and Heart, what are you doing here? Segment two is another round of the ongoing quiz series, with accompaniment by a special guest! Find out if Joe is ever going to take the lead away from Kari!

Episode 243: Lots of Odds and Ends to discuss this week, so we've got a super-sized Tidbit section for you all! Even though Kari did her best to ignore it, the Rock Hall nominees for 2024 need to be discussed. Who got snubbed? Who was deserving? More tidbits come courtesy of Michael H. and Blair (thanks for the suggestions). You'll hear discussions about Guns N' Roses, Bruce Hornsby, and Rick Astley. 

Just a Bit Outside: Songs that didn't hit the top 40 from Leif Garrett and Steve Forbert. Guess which artist Joe and Kari DON'T like?

Finally, more of the ongoing quiz series. Find out if Joe will ever catch up to Kari!!

Episode 242: So many tidbits! You won't even believe it, and Joe and Kari left out a big one (to be discussed at a later date, maybe!!). Main topic: R&B Superstars, including some musicians with a ton of R&B hits (and not just in the 80's), like Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight and the Pips. You'll also hear about Evelyn "Champagne" King and Cheryl Lynn (who is currently enjoying a resurgence on the charts). Plus, find out the history behind "My Toot Toot"

Episode 241: This segment idea comes courtesy of friend of the podcast, Dom. Way back in episode 5, we discussed some actors who were "moonlighting" as pop singers, so why not focus on some actresses who tried it as well? We start off with some actors associated with the classic show The Facts of Life: Lisa Welchel, Kim Fields and Gloria Loring, who sang the famous theme song (talk about "you take the good, you take the bad..."). You'll also hear about songs from Audrey Landers, Princess Stephanie, and Alyssa Milano (she's big in Japan). 

Episode 240: Time for part two of our series highlighting the Best Pop Songs NEVER to Hit the Hot 100, according to Billboard Magazine. Why did great songs from Change, Tears for Fears, Womack and Womack, Bruce Springsteen and others NOT hit the Hot 100? Billboard has their reasons, which are myriad (Heathers reference, nailed it). Then it's time for the next part of the ongoing QUIZ series, find out if Joe finally catches up to Kari!

Episode 239: Order in the court! HRT80s Court is in session, and Joe and Kari object... to artists ripping off other artists. Of course, they try to be fair and hear both sides, so you can also decide if the audio evidence is enough to convict. This week's docket includes Kid Creole and the Coconuts v. Bananarama, and Ollie & Jerry v. Dan Hartman. There's a third case as well, but that's a secret!! 

O' Canada: more songs from the CBC's list of the 50 Best Canadian Songs of the 80's, including a tune by Images in Vogue, and one that was perhaps made more famous by Mr. Eddie Vedder.

Episode 238: It's time to go "Just a Bit Outside" to check out some singles that hit the Hot 100 but DIDN'T make the Top 40. This week, we'll hear singles from Neil Diamond and Jennifer Warnes, and a couple from the Great White North from Red Rider and Anne Murray. It's not all Adult Contemporary, though! The singles from 1989 are from acts like Love and Rockets and Debbie Gibson. 

Buckle up, there's a new Quiz in town! Find out if Joe can pull off another upset in this new series of quizzes. 

Episode 237: Happy New Year, folks! Joe and Kari are starting off 2024 with a bang! They've chosen their Top Five Number One singles of the 80's and discuss each one's merits. They also discuss live versions, demos, or remixes. Get ready for chatter about Genesis, Janet Jackson, Bruce Hornsby & The Range, Cyndi Lauper, and more! Find out if any of your faves made this totally subjective list!