In this video for “Dare To Be Stupid,” released in 1985, Weird Al parodies Devo. Whether you’re a long-time Devo fan who can spot the references, someone who liked this song as a kid, or a person looking for a three-minute distraction, you’ll appreciate this visual feast.
A Noteworthy Memphis-Milano Collection
After last week’s post on the Memphis-Milano movement (aka Memphis Group), collector Dennis Zanone posted a link to the Flickr photos of his amazing Memphis pieces. In a display nothing short of museum quality, Zanone has showcased the best of Memphis-Milano design in a space that seems tailor-made to spotlight the features of the movement (note the flooring–pale wood, blue carpet and black and white checks, the perfect compliments to the bold colors and standout geometry of the furniture and objects).
Friday Video Pick: “Crush on You” by The Jets
When gushing about this video, it’s hard to know where to start. Could it be the classic ’80s set with its grid and neon lights? Or maybe it’s the candy-colored clothing in every hue of the rainbow? The synced-up dance moves of band members?…
The Memphis Group
When you first get a glimpse of ’80s pieces by the Milan-based Memphis Group, you can’t help but have a “Eureka!” moment–countless clothing and dishware patterns took their inspiration from this collective of furniture and product designers, not to mention the graphic design motifs that popped up throughout the 1980s. In fact, many a watered down version of Memphis Group design infiltrated ’80s pop culture. Try watching the opening credits of Saved by the Bell reruns and spot the Memphis motifs…
Friday Video Pick: “Last Christmas” by Wham!
Well all you ski bunnies–it seems the Holidays are upon us! Let’s rewind to 1984, when Wham! filmed this video for their Holiday hit, “Last Christmas.” Drama ensues when George Michael’s character embarks on a ski vacation, and among the trendy friends sharing his rental is the girl who dumped him last Christmas. And she’s now with Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley’s character…
Mirror80 Wishes You a Happy Thanksgiving!
And now for a little flashback to the Cabbage Patch Kids float of the 1984 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And who better to convey the complex emotions involved in this meaningful holiday than little dolls that supposedly sprouted from the ground?
Friday Video Pick: “Our House” by Madness
In November of 1982, British ska-revival/pop band Madness released “Our House,” a bouncy tune that gained huge popularity in the US.
’80s Saxophone Solos
Oh, how we love those ’80s saxophone solos! Music from this decade made great use of them, and music videos played up the sax-y drama with visuals like the “city at night” setting, as shown in Wham’s “Careless Whisper” or Glenn Frey’s “You Belong to the City.”
Friday Video Pick: “The Way You Are” by Tears for Fears
In 1983, British band Tears for Fears released the single The Way You Are to bridge the gap between their first and second albums. More experimental than their other hits, the song has been mentioned by Tears for Fears members Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal as far from their favorite and a marker of their need to change direction.
’80s Southwestern Style
Stair-step and diamond motifs. Teal, mauve, peach, purple and turquoise. When it comes to interior design, many of us may have assumed these ’80s living room patterns and hues were a trend of the past. But on a weekend shopping trip to Urban Outfitters, I learned that the colors and patterns of ’80s Southwestern style may be finding their way back into the mainstream via the fashion realm. Check out the hand tattoos above…
