In keeping with the spirit of this week’s Afropop theme, we direct you to the music video (that might as well be a comedy bit) for “You Can Call Me All,” a hit song from Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland. Much of the album was recorded in South Africa and featured South African musicians. However, the album was a melding of styles, including pop and rock, and its unique sound earned it the 1986 Grammy for Album of the Year.
The Return of ’80s Afropop
This week Mirror80 spotlights ’80s music that was influenced and inspired by African rhythms. When listening to bands like Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Bow Wow Wow and Oingo Boingo, or to musicians like Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel, it’s hard not to notice certain connections, especially of the percussive nature.
“Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles: Friday Video Pick
Our ’80s Egyptian Revival week wraps up with a video it would’ve been crazy NOT to feature! That’s right–it’s the Bangles, with a song they included on their 1986 album Different Light.
1980s Egyptian Revival Style
When King Tut’s tomb was discovered in 1922, Egyptian motifs were all the rage. Pyramids, hieroglyphics, and sun rays appeared in the realms of fashion and interior design. Though not the first time Egyptian-inspired design had emerged, the timing of this resurgence perfectly melded with the Art Deco movement, and geometric depictions of Egyptian flair […]
“Planet Earth” by Duran Duran: Friday Video Pick
Greetings from Austin, Texas, where the South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Conferences and Festivals are well underway. Two nights ago, Duran Duran headlined at Stubb’s. I was happily immersed in the Film Festival while they performed, but my brother Andy was at the show and said the band delivered a good mix of songs. Crowd-pleaser “The Chauffeur” was awesome. Furthermore, the band opened with “A View to a Kill” (how wonderfully unexpected)!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Mirror80!
Mirror80 wishes you a festive March 17th! And what better way to celebrate than by showcasing some of our favorite finds in today’s verdant color of choice?! Let’s start with the vibrant green fabric above. I’ve plugged it before, and I’ll plug it again–Marnie Fogg’s 1980s Fashion Print (available at amazon.com) is packed with enough textile design to appease the “material girl” in you. And this fabric celebrates a playful take on classical motifs.
Red Decor in the ’80s Office
Mirror80 wraps up our week-long focus on the ’80s office by spotlighting red accents, from chairs to desk lamps. Let’s start with a still from the 1987 film Campus Man, in which a college student (John Dye) attempts to raise much-needed tuition money by featuring athletic male students in a campus calendar. In this scene he disappoints businesswoman Katherine Van Buren (Morgan Fairchild), but on the bright side, his office has never looked better! A spherical floor lamp, red desk trim and a bright office chair unify the space:
“Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson: Friday Video Pick
For this week’s Friday Video Pick, we can’t help but select a video that captures the glitz and glam of a night out on the town. And because of our earlier post on ’80s nightlife for the working professional (and the New York City setting of many of the ’80s films that feature fast-track yuppies), this gem of a video seemed perfect! Filmed in NYC at the St. Regis, it combines signature ’80s fashion touches with a sophisticated sound and a nod to ’30s glamour.
’80s Nightlife: When Work Is Done…
This week Mirror80 spotlights the ’80s office, from its decor to its culture. We start with another post in our new series entitled “’80s Nightlife.” And who needs a break at night more than your yuppie high-powered executive?! We look to the films of our favorite decade for some guidance…
Friday Video Picks: “Destination Unknown” by Missing Persons and “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper
Mirror80 concludes My Little Pony Week with music videos from two Eighties ladies with hair to rival the most elaborate of My Little Pony manes. When it came to selecting music videos with the allure and vibrancy of one of our favorite 1980s toys, we couldn’t help but “highlight” the hair of Missing Persons’ Dale Bozzio in “Destination Unknown” and Cyndi Lauper in “True Colors.”
