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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.

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The episode kicks off with Steve’s review of a recent Swans concert he attended and a quick primer on the Michale Gira-led ensemble. Next is a serendipitous Wikipedia rabbit hole that led Keith to American Music Club, a band that formed in 1983 but didn’t release an album until 1985. They reminisce about the iconic debut of the music video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller." They also reflect on personal memories from 1983, like Keith's paper route days soundtracked by Huey Lewis and The News' "Sports" and the excitement of early music video experiences.

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In this thrilling episode of The New Dad Rock, Keith and Steve travel back to 1982, a year marked by eclectic musical milestones and cultural shifts. The iconic musical "Cats" begins its 18-year run on Broadway, becoming a defining cultural moment of the decade. Meanwhile, the end of the 70s is marked by ABBA's final original single "Under Attack," closing the chapter on the most successful group of the 1970s.

Themes of 1982 span from the domination of soft electronic pop and new wave to the brewing undercurrent of heavier metal and satanic themes in music. The episode touches on the tragic loss of comedian and musician John Belushi, the revolutionary debut of compact discs in Japanese music stores, and Keith's personal memory of the "Pac-Man Fever" craze. Steve recalls Ozzy Osbourne's wild year, from bat-biting incidents and arrests to the tragic death of his guitarist Randy Rhoads. They also reminisce about the catchy tune "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats and its iconic music video.

1982 was a year of significant releases that have stood the test of time. Michael Jackson's game-changing album "Thriller" released in November and became the best-selling album of all time. Duran Duran's "Rio" peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and remains a staple in new wave music. The year also saw classic hits from Scorpions’ "Black Out," Asia’s self-titled album, Flock of Seagulls, Steve Miller’s "Abracadabra," Culture Club, and Led Zeppelin’s posthumous "Coda." Keith and Steve explore how these albums and singles made waves in 1982 and left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Wrapping up, Keith and Steve discuss the albums from 1982 that they still listen to today. These include R.E.M.'s "Chronic Town," Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast," Bauhaus, Violent Femmes, and The Cure’s "Pornography." The episode is a nostalgic trip that highlights the transformative moments and lasting legacies of the music we love, capturing the vibrant and varied musical landscape of 1982. Tune in to Episode 82 of The New Dad Rock for an immersive journey through a year that defined an era.

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Did you know that The New Dad Rock has swag? Coffee mugs, pillow and t-shirts in a multitude of colors and arm lengths.