PAST 10s: A Top 10 Time Machine - Music of the 70s, 80s and More

PETER WOLF!

DREAMS COME TRUE. Milt (and especially) Dave experience a rock n roll fantasy come true as they (alongside special guest Cha-Chi LoPrete) talk with legendary J. Geils Band front man and best-selling author Peter Wolf. He’s the author of 'Waiting on the Moon.' Mysteries are unraveled including the legend of Raputa the Beauta and Peter’s favorite J Geils album. They also discuss memorable moments from Peter's career, including his stories about Muddy Waters, Alfred Hitchcock, and Aretha Franklin, and insight into his new book. The episode highlights Peter's knack for storytelling, his views on relationships in the music industry, and his experiences meeting other iconic figures. The conversation also covers Peter's approach to writing his book, his narration of the audiobook, and entertaining anecdotes from his illustrious career.
 
Topics
03:16 The Story Behind the Book
07:34 Writing Process and Inspirations
14:09 Peter Wolf's Literary Journey
22:37 Cha-Chi's Connection with Peter 
26:31 Memories of George Harrison
26:53 Favorite Beatles Discussion
28:07 Peter's Magnetic Personality
29:42 Meeting Music Legends by Chance
37:38 The Challenge of Narrating an Audiobook
42:27 John Lee Hooker and the Blues

1975: Rock Meets Roll & German Techno. Achtung & Gesundheit!

In dieser epische Musikzeitreise episode of Past Tens: The Top 10 Zeitmaschine, your trusty hosts — Herr Doktor Dave and Der Wilden Miltmeister — strap on their sonic lederhosen and dive kopfüber into the Billboard Top 10 Albums for the Woche ending April 12, 1975 — ja wohl!
With all the precision of a Bavarian clockmaker and the subtlety of a bratwurst cannon, they analyze und rocken diskutieren legendary platten from musikalische titans like Led Zeppelin (or as they say in Munich, Blei Zeppelin), David Bowie (Der Dünne Weirdo), John Lennon (Der Friedensbringer mit der Brille), and Earth, Wind & Fire (Erde, Wind und Feuerkraft!).
This episode is vollgepackt with music history, lustige Anekdoten, and enough nostalgia to fill a beer stein the size of Düsseldorf. Dave und Milt pay tribute to the unterschätzte Helden — unsung heroes like Minnie Riperton (Die Göttin der Hohen Töne) and Robin Trower (Der Gitarren-Zauberer von Essex).
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Past Tens episode without their patented spielfreudige Segmente like The Play Date (Das Spielzeit-Quiz!), where they test each other’s Rock und Roll Gehirn on song trivia — and The Substitution (Der Platten-Tausch!), where they boot an album off the list like a rude tourist from Oktoberfest and replace it with a beloved verlorene Klassiker.
This episode is ein absoluter Ohrenschmaus for music lovers who appreciate both the Mega-Hits and Tiefe Schnittwunden (deep cuts) from the golden, shag-carpeted glory of the Mid-70er Jahre.
Mach schnell! Put on your headphones, grab a frothy beverage, and crank up Past Tens: The Top 10 Zeitmaschine! Jawohl, baby!
Topics
00:49 April Fools Episode Setup
01:16 Fake Top 10 Countdown Begins
01:41 Revealing the Fake Songs
09:04 Listener Reactions and Emails
13:33 Transition to Regular Podcast
14:29 Top 10 Albums Countdown
14:54 This Week in History: 1975
38:52 A Weird Experience with Kraftwerk
41:11 Kraftwerk's Influence on Music
42:57 Kraftwerk's Unique Sound and Legacy
49:28 John Lennon's Rock and Roll Album
52:35 Phil Spector's Chaotic Production
01:07:35 Minnie Riperton's Musical Journey
01:13:50 Rediscovering Robin Trower
01:18:19 Discussing Robin's Timeless Sound
01:19:55 Bob Dylan's Shelter From the Storm
01:22:54 Weird Al's Bob Dylan Parody
01:29:58 John Denver's Country Charm
01:37:56 Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti

1985: Rock, Funk and Techno. Oh My!

Dave & Milt take listeners on a hilarious and nostalgic journey back to April 1st, 1985. They explore the Billboard Top 10 hits of that week, analyzing and critiquing songs that have either stood the test of time or faded into obscurity. Songs covered include lost classics like 'Magical' by John Parr and novelty hits such as 'The Mustard Dance' by DJ Crouton. The episode is filled with fun segments, listener emails, and even playful banter about music, pets, and pop culture from the 80s.
 
Topics
06:56 John Parr and Meatloaf Collaboration
11:38 Boy Meets Girl and Their Hits
15:53 Jesse Johnson's Review and Prince Connection
20:30 WülfCry and Glam Rock Memories
25:43 Static Hearts and Velcro Girl
29:53 The Influence of Static Hearts on Human League
30:49 Charity Songs of the 80s: Glory of the Geese
35:43 DJ Crouton's Mustard Dance
42:10 Chris Vee's Pager Code Song
46:56 Joshua C. Schick's Debt Anthem
52:45 Screech Symphony: The Aqua Core Movement

1989 Hits: A Medina Pour & a Pet Dinosaur

Dave and Milt take listeners back to the week ending April 8, 1989, dissecting the Billboard Top 10 hits from that time. They provide insights, critiques, and contextual tidbits about each song, including highlights like 'Funky Cold Medina' by Tone Loc, 'Stand' by R.E.M., 'Like a Prayer' by Madonna, and 'The Look' by Roxette. Throughout the episode, they reminisce about personal and pop culture moments, celebrate special episodes, and interact with listener mail. The episode wraps up with the infamous Play Date quiz focusing on songs about insanity, and the hosts' substitution segment where they replace one song from the Top 10 with an underappreciated track from the same week. A fun exploration of 1989's music landscape combined with engaging anecdotes and listener interaction.
 
Topics
00:37 Back Pain and Injuries
02:39 Listener Mail and Shoutouts
05:53 1989 Time Machine: Music and Memories
14:25 Tone Loc's Funky Cold Medina
28:17 Was (Not Was) and Walk the Dinosaur
39:10 Vanessa Williams' Musical Journey
39:55 The Scandal and Comeback
41:31 Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
42:31 Bands with Punctuation Marks
45:53 Rod Stewart's Career Resurgence
52:44 REM's Fun Departure with 'Stand'
01:00:44 Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' Controversy
01:11:48 Fine Young Cannibals' Unique Sound
01:17:49 Songs About Insanity Quiz
01:19:16 Starting with a Musical Challenge
01:19:41 Crazy Songs Quiz
01:20:11 More Crazy Songs
01:20:47 Wrapping Up the Quiz
01:23:41 Discussing Suicidal Tendencies
01:26:44 Milli Vanilli Controversy
01:32:45 The Bangles' Eternal Flame
01:39:53 Roxette's Breakthrough Hit
01:45:06 Recap and Reflections

The 1980 Albums Draft

Dave and Milt are joined by special guests Jamie Joffe and Laura De Veau for the 1980 Albums Fantasy Draft. The panelists draft six selections each, including one movie soundtrack, focusing on the top albums released in 1980. Notable picks include Billy Joel’s 'Glass Houses', U2's 'Boy', Steely Dan's 'Gaucho', AC/DC’s 'Back in Black', and the soundtrack from 'The Blues Brothers'. The discussion features stories, trivia, and the guests’ personal connections to the music, making it an engaging trip down memory lane.

The Rock of 1988

Dave and Milt delve into the week of March 12, 1988, examining the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. They analyze songs from artists like Mike Oldfield, George Thorogood, and INXS, and critique what has aged well and what hasn't. Highlights include discussions on Aerosmith's 'Angel,' John Cougar Mellencamp's 'Check It Out,' and David Lee Roth's 'Damn Good.' They also explore notable tracks that didn't make the top 10, with a focus on the three-name artists in their 'Playdate' segment. 
Topics
01:29 Listener Reactions and Feedback
07:32 Time Machine: March 12th, 1988
08:40 Mainstream Rock Chart: 1988
40:24 Controversial Jokes and Boundaries
40:45 Discussing Michael Hutchence and Family Guy
41:36 Rock Countdown and In Excess
42:44 Kingdom Come and Led Zeppelin Comparisons
50:44 Sting's Solo Career and Grammy Nominations
59:25 David Lee Roth's Solo Hits and Career
01:08:48 Play Date: Artists with Three Names
01:21:30 Debating Song Titles and Expressions
01:21:32 The Beastie Boys and Clarifications
01:22:15 Colloquial Expressions and Ivy League
01:22:53 At the End of the Day: A New Expression
01:23:24 Comedy and Self-Deprecation
01:24:15 John Cougar Mellencamp and Brad Pitt
01:28:07 Aerosmith's Ballads and Comebacks
01:34:45 Guitar Hero and Aerosmith's Success
01:40:28 Robert Plant's Solo Career
01:45:00 Recap and Reflections

Top 10 Movie Soundtracks of All Time

A special countdown of the greatest movie soundtracks ever. From 'The Blues Brothers' to 'Saturday Night Fever,' they discuss iconic songs and how they seamlessly blend with their respective films. Milt and Dave also share personal anecdotes, debate the importance of original music versus curated tracks, and reminisce about how these soundtracks have influenced their love for music and movies. Along the way, they touch on notable soundtracks that didn't make their top ten and explore changes they wish to see in the Academy Awards' music categories.
 
Topics
00:48 Oscar Talk and Family Traditions
01:37 The Decline of the Oscars
03:57 Movie Soundtracks: An Introduction
04:14 Top 10 Movie Soundtracks: Starting the Countdown
09:00 Blues Brothers: Number 10
13:53 Goodfellas: Number 9
22:08 The Graduate: Number 8
27:31 Grease: Number 7
33:28 This is Spinal Tap: Number 6
38:52 Boogie Nights: Number 5
43:11 Iconic Movie Soundtracks: Boogie Nights and Beyond
43:58 Debating Original Music vs. Compilation Albums
44:57 Movie Lines Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
50:34 Purple Rain: A Musical and Cinematic Masterpiece
54:59 Pulp Fiction: Tarantino's Musical Genius
01:02:57 The Big Chill: A Soundtrack That Defined a Generation
01:13:09 Saturday Night Fever: The Ultimate Disco Soundtrack
01:19:23 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts

Back in the Love Machine: Hits of 1976

Dave and Milt jump back to February 21, 1976, to explore the Billboard Top 10 hits. The duo analyzes songs ranging from ELO's 'Evil Woman' and the Eagles' 'Take It to the Limit' to disco classics like Donna Summer's 'Love to Love You Baby' and Hot Chocolate's 'You Sexy Thing.' They introduce a playful segment featuring AI-generated Milt as a quizmaster. Songs are substituted, moments from TV and film are highlighted, and nostalgic stories are shared, all culminating in Paul Simon's classic '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' being crowned the top hit of the week.
 
Topics
 
01:14 Listener Shoutouts and Feedback
06:48 Spotify Troubles and Legal Issues
08:33 Time Travel to February 21st, 1976
21:08 Top 10 Songs Countdown Begins
41:51 Neil Sedaka's Unique Chart History
42:55 Debating the Song's Intro
43:19 Neil Sedaka's Career Resurgence
44:29 Exploring Other Chart Oddities
45:07 Nirvana's Unplugged and Other Remakes
47:03 Neil Sedaka's Kids Songs
48:10 Parody Songs and Phone Industry
50:50 Eric Carmen's All By Myself
58:26 Barry Manilow's I Write the Songs
01:04:53 AI and Music Trivia Challenge
01:16:07 The Miracles' Disco Hit
01:22:46 The Groove and Horniness Vibes Continue
01:23:34 Germany and TV Show Recommendations
01:24:29 Donna Summer's Breakthrough
01:24:59 The Extended Dance Remix Revolution
01:25:38 The Controversy and Impact of 'Love to Love You Baby'
01:31:35 Hot Chocolate's 'You Sexy Thing'
01:38:38 Rhythm Heritage and TV Theme Songs
01:44:00 Paul Simon's '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover'
01:53:07 Recap and Reflections

The 1984 Albums Draft

Dave and Milt, alongside special guests Anton and  Joy, dive into the 1984 music scene by conducting a fantasy draft of the best albums from that year. The lively discussion highlights major albums like Prince's 'Purple Rain', Van Halen's '1984', Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA', and Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. The guests add their unique picks including Bryan Adams' 'Reckless', Talking Heads' 'Stop Making Sense', and Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'Couldn't Stand the Weather'. This engaging episode revisits iconic music and memories from a landmark year in music history.
 
Topics
 
01:01 SNL Reunion and 80s Nostalgia
04:44 Rock Fantasy Draft 1984 Begins
06:05 Introducing the Guests
14:01 Drafting the Top Albums of 1984
49:14 Unexpected Choices and Musical Surprises
49:46 Teen Favorites and Canadian Rock
51:31 Concert Stories and Nostalgia
52:54 The Evolution of Music Listening
54:07 Talking Heads and Avant-Garde Music
58:36 The Pretenders and Rock Legends
01:02:30 Michael Jackson's Billie Jean revelation
01:03:50 Run DMC and the Birth of Hip Hop
01:08:47 Tina Turner's Iconic Comeback
01:11:02 Reflecting on 1984's Musical Titans
01:13:25 The Who's Last Live Album
01:16:51 The Cars' Heartbeat City
01:22:22 Spinal Tap's Parody Perfection
01:26:06 Footloose Soundtrack and 80s Dance
01:29:19 REM's College Rock Anthem
01:34:20 Queen's Comeback with 'The Works'
01:35:48 Live Aid and Queen's Iconic Performance
01:37:09 Round 5 Begins: High Fives and Music Trivia
01:38:41 Don Henley's 'Building the Perfect Beast'
01:43:17 The Smiths' Debut Album
01:46:07 Wham! and the Pop Sensation of 1984
01:50:21 Duran Duran's Live Album
01:53:23 Final Round: The Go-Go's and Chicago
02:00:08 Stevie Ray Vaughan and Morris Day
02:06:14 Draft Recap and Final Thoughts

1980: Yeah, I Actually Do Like Pina Coladas

Dave and Milt take a trip back to February 2nd, 1980, to review and critique the Billboard Top 10 hits of that week. They find Tom Petty's 'Don't Do Me Like That,' Rupert Holmes' 'Escape (The Pina Colada Song)', Kenny Rogers' 'Coward of the County,' and Michael Jackson's 'Rock With You,' among others. They also engage in playful banter and trivia about musical notes and historical facts, recap the top songs of the week, and make their substitutions for songs they feel deserve a spot in the top 10 but didn't quite make it.
 
Topics
 
00:43 Yoga and Sound Bathing Experiences
02:51 SNL 50th Anniversary Excitement
06:48 1980 Time Machine Journey Begins
18:52 Tom Petty's Musical Journey
38:01 The Eagles' Prophetic Concerns
38:59 Disco, Rap, and Musical Fads
40:34 Accusations of Plagiarism
43:30 Fleetwood Mac's 'Sarah' and Its Complex Backstory
53:08 The Pina Colada Song: A Deeper Dive
01:05:39 Jeopardy! Songs About Booze
01:14:39 Queen's Rockabilly Hit
01:17:23 Introduction to 'Cruisin' by Smokey Robinson
01:17:54 Smokey Robinson's Solo Career Struggles
01:18:37 The Inspiration Behind 'Cruisin'
01:19:05 Different Interpretations of 'Cruisin'
01:19:59 Cover Versions of 'Cruisin'
01:20:55 Gwyneth Paltrow's Surprising Singing Talent
01:22:05 Huey Lewis and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
01:22:28 Smokey Robinson's Latest Album 'GASMS'
01:24:35 Kenny Rogers' 'Coward of the County'
01:32:35 Captain and Tennille's 'Do That to Me One More Time'
01:38:18 Michael Jackson's 'Rock With You'
01:46:13 Recap and Reflections on the Top 10 Songs