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

The Vibe’s Alive in 1990

Dave and Milt explore the top 10 Billboard hits of December 8, 1990. They critique and analyze tracks from icons like Madonna, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and more obscure artists like Stevie B. The duo also delve into music history, dissecting samples and the origins of notable tracks. The episode features a fun limerick quiz on songs with 'time' in the title and leads to surprising conclusions about the week's biggest hits. A particularly contentious discussion wraps up with Dave and Milt differing on the final rankings, culminating in an unexpected verdict for the week's music quality.
 
Topics
 
01:31 Listener Feedback and Shoutouts
12:28 Top 10 Songs of December 8th, 1990
19:52 Madonna's 'Justify My Love'
30:29 Suzanne Vega's 'Tom's Diner' Remix
39:10 UB40's 'The Way You Do the Things You Do'
42:23 Debating the Merits of Cover Songs
43:45 Rodent Troubles and Heroic Deeds
46:43 Nostalgia and Music Trivia
47:56 Wilson Phillips and Music Royalties
53:15 Groove is in the Heart: A Deep Dive
01:04:16 Mariah Carey's Ballads and Yacht Rock
01:20:19 A Heartfelt Tribute
01:21:29 The Ballad Rule
01:22:10 Karaoke and Iconic Songs
01:24:03 Tattoo Mishaps
01:26:19 Bette Midler's Ballads
01:32:23 Whitney Houston's Evolution
01:41:42 The Postman Song
01:44:24 Recap and Reflections
01:58:30 Final Thoughts and Fun
 

The 1986 Albums Draft

In this episode of Past Tens, hosts Dave and Milt are joined by guest Josh Gilette for a special draft of the best albums from 1986. The episode features a mix of analysis, humor, farts, and personal anecdotes as each participant selects their favorite records from the year, including hits from Run DMC, Bon Jovi, Prince, and farts. Highlights also include an unexpected first-round pick, reflections on classic live albums, and an in-depth look at some of the most iconic soundtracks and farts. The show concludes with a recap of everyone's picks and some final thoughts on the music that defined 1986.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:18 Whamageddon and Listener Engagement02:43 Introducing the ABCs of Rock Draft03:10 Guest Introduction and High School Memories04:32 Draft Rules and Year Selection13:04 First Round Picks Begin36:15 The Origin of 'Life's Rich Pageant'36:39 R.E.M.'s Musical Journey37:29 Superman: A Cover and Its Controversy38:07 Stalking Songs Hall of Fame39:16 The Milt Show: A Fraternity Tradition40:07 Beastie Boys' Breakthrough with 'Licensed to Ill'44:34 Prince's Underrated Album: 'Parade'47:57 Boston's Long-Awaited 'Third Stage'53:59 Paul Simon's 'Graceland': A Genre-Bending Masterpiece01:00:20 Janet Jackson's 'Control': A Groundbreaking Album01:14:03 Milt's Fourth Pick: Robert Cray's Strong Persuader01:16:14 Concert Memories and Live Performances01:17:40 Milt's Fifth Pick: Madonna's True Blue01:21:45 Josh's Fifth Pick: The Housemartins' London 0 Hull 401:24:31 Dave's Fifth Pick: Huey Lewis and the News' Fore!01:27:26 Sabrina's Final Pick: Top Gun Soundtrack01:34:31 Josh's Final Pick: Pretty in Pink Soundtrack01:37:21 Milt's Final Pick: The Bangles' Different Light01:44:21 Undrafted Albums and Final Thoughts

The Top 10 ’Na Na Na’ Songs

In this special Thanksgiving episode of 'Past Tens: A Top 10 Time Machine,' hosts Dave and Milt take listeners on a nostalgic journey through the best uses of 'Na Na Na' in rock and roll history. From iconic tracks like The Beatles' 'Hey Jude' to Wilson Pickett's 'Land of 1,000 Dances,' they countdown the top ten tunes featuring this catchy vocal motif. Along the way, they discuss memorable guest appearances, concert experiences, and personal anecdotes, making for a fun and engaging romp through music history.Topics03:21 Defining the 'Na Na' Phenomenon07:59 Top 10 'Na Na' Songs Countdown Begins08:29 Number 10: One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful09:57 Number 9: Pink - So What13:15 Number 8: Deep Purple - Hush15:32 Number 7: Michael Jackson - PYT (Pretty Young Thing)21:05 Number 6: Roxette - The Look24:03 Number 5: J. Geils Band - Centerfold29:11 Number 4: Steam - Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye31:29 Couch Potato TV and Squid Game32:02 The Song Nobody Remembers33:30 Journey's Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'35:32 Yacht Rock Gold Concert Experience38:16 The Viral Stadium Chants39:17 Ranking the Top Na Na Songs43:24 Honorable Mentions and Also-Rans54:15 The Beatles' Hey Jude59:27 Thanksgiving and WhamageddonOde to the 'Na Na Na'(A Tribute to Past Tens’ Thanksgiving Jam)'Twas the day before turkey, and all through the pod,Dave and Milt were debating (their taste? Kind of odd).Their quest? To rank the best "Na Na Na" sounds,From Beatles to Pickett, those sweet vocal rounds.“Hey Jude,” they agreed, had a 'Na' that won hearts,But Wilson Pickett’s groove? It tears dance floors apart.A sprinkle of na-na, a dash of hoo-haa,Add Springsteen or glam rock, now we’ve got a hurrah!Dave chimed in, “Remember that gig in ‘85?When the crowd chanted 'Na Na Na,' feeling so alive?”Milt laughed, “Oh sure, but you missed my surprise,A drunk dude sang all the na’s — and we nearly died!”Each track got a story, a chuckle, a thought,Like finding gold coins in a musical pot.They dissected each na with scholastic precision,While still poking fun with sarcastic derision.“Was there ever a bad na?” Milt queried aloud,Dave smirked, “Remember that band who played too proud?Their ‘Na Na Na’ bombed—it was pure rock disgrace,They made Nickelback sound like a Grammy showcase!”As the countdown continued, nostalgia ran wild,“Remember that na? Oh, it’s so juvenile!”But that’s the magic of this syllabic delight,It’s a chorus for rebels, for love, for the night.So cheers to Past Tens, for their list and their lore,For honoring 'Na Na Na' — and the bands we adore.May their Thanksgiving pod forever replay,With “Na Na Na” laughter to brighten the day.

Drafting The Epic Albums of 1971

In this episode of Past Tens: A Top 10 Time Machine, hosts Dave and Milt, alongside special guest Alan Frost, conduct a time-traveling draft to select the best albums of 1971. The draft features iconic records from The Who, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Carole King, and more. AI assistant Sabrina also participates, contributing to the eclectic and spirited musical debate. The episode highlights personal stories, historical significance, and classic tracks from a formative year in rock and roll history.Topics01:06 Listener Mail and Record Store Memories03:58 Drafting the Best Albums of 197105:42 Introducing the Teams and Draft Order13:24 First Round Picks: The Who and Led Zeppelin25:03 Second Round Picks: Rolling Stones and The Doors33:36 Sabrina and Alan's Picks: Marvin Gaye and Yes39:53 The Peak of Classic Rock41:01 Progressive Rock and Its Pioneers42:49 Rod Stewart's Signature Album47:17 Elton John's Madman Across the Water50:58 The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East55:44 Carole King's Tapestry58:14 David Bowie's Hunky Dory01:10:20 John Lennon's Imagine01:14:24 Isaac Hayes' Shaft Soundtrack01:16:41 Wawa Guitar and Wawa Watson01:16:58 Podcast Banter and Quotes01:17:41 New Rochelle High School Alumni01:18:33 Simpsons Voice Actor Retires01:20:00 Funkadelic's Maggot Brain01:22:53 Sly and the Family Stone's Classic01:25:33 Billy Joel's Cold Spring Harbor01:30:04 Don McLean's American Pie01:33:04 Soul Train Theme Song01:35:36 All in the Family Theme Song01:39:38 Draft Recap and Final Thoughts

1979 Hits: Disco, Divas and Tusk

In this lively episode of 'Top 10 Time Machine', hosts Dave and Milt travel back to November 24, 1979, to review and analyze the top 10 songs on the Billboard charts from that week. The episode features hits from Fleetwood Mac, Donna Summer, Eagles, and more. Dave reveals his love for the unconventional 'Tusk', while Milt highlights the chart-topping collaboration between Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. They also explore lesser-known gems and debate their favorite tracks. With listener shoutouts, quirky banter, and a playdate segment, this episode blends nostalgia with lively discussion.Topics01:19 Special Guest and Listener Reviews04:53 Celebrity Mentions and Coincidences07:05 Time Travel to 197924:09 Fleetwood Mac's Experimental Hit35:53 Stevie Wonder's Unusual Project41:07 Kenny Rogers' Ballad Phase46:41 Casey and the Sunshine Band's Ballad Departure51:00 RKC's Ballads and Journey's Soulful Hits52:20 Eagles' Heartache Tonight: A Deep Dive58:40 Donna Summer's Record-Breaking Note00:15 Lionel Richie's Still and Relationship Reflections01:08:18 Styx's Babe and Band Dynamics01:14:35 Playdate: Songs with 'Babe' or 'Baby'01:21:33 Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer's Iconic Duet01:34:57 Substitution Segment: Rewriting the Musical History

The 1983 Music Draft? Let’s Dance!

Dave and Milt, alongside guest David Kaufer, draft their favorite albums, movie soundtracks, and TV theme songs from the year 1983. The episode includes discussions on iconic albums like The Police's 'Synchronicity,' David Bowie's 'Let's Dance,' and Cyndi Lauper's 'She's So Unusual.' The team also covers memorable soundtracks such as 'The Big Chill' and 'Flashdance,' as well as TV themes like the 'A-Team' and 'Fraggle Rock.' With humorous and personal anecdotes, the draft offers a nostalgic trip through one of music's most eclectic years.Topics01:58 Special Guest Introduction04:00 Drafting the Top Albums of 198305:46 Draft Rules and Team Names11:17 First Round Picks17:43 Second Round Picks32:32 Third Round Picks48:30 Bryan Adams49:42 Billy Joel's 'An Innocent Man' Album Deep Dive52:34 The Big Chill Soundtrack: A Game Changer56:43 Valley Girl Soundtrack: A Nostalgic Trip01:01:54 ZZ Top's 'Eliminator' and More Picks01:14:24 Cyndi Lauper and TV Theme Picks01:20:12 Final Picks and Wrap-Up

1981: Ghosts, Attics, Tattoos & French Fries

Dave and Milt take a trip back to October 1981, analyzing the Billboard Top 10 albums of that week. They critique and celebrate albums from legendary artists like Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, The Police, Rolling Stones, and more. The duo also shares personal stories, including a car breakdown adventure that tests their friendship! Oh the drama! Just listen. Throw us a bone. Milt is still bitter about the Yankees. Now get out there and vote for Frank Stallone. Your country needs you.Topics01:27 Listener Feedback and Shoutouts02:53 Car Troubles. Fries for Milt. Mmmm.12:32 Exploring the Top 10 Albums of October 198117:12 Hall & Oates: Private Eyes23:57 Pat Benatar: Precious Time31:39 Billy Joel: Songs in the Attic41:43 The Police: Ghost in the Machine50:35 The Playdate. Milt sweats.51:00 Bruce Springsteen and John Steinbeck?51:25 Fleetwood Mac's Ghostly Figures51:58 Jim Croce's Ghostly Lover. Um what?52:29 Pearl Jam's Ghostly Mediocrity54:08 Dan Fogelberg's Run for the Roses. Dave gags.01:00:22 Stevie Nicks' Edge of Seventeen01:09:44 Foreigner's Jukebox Hero01:15:28 Bob Seger's Live Album01:20:25 Journey's Escape01:26:33 Rolling Stones' Tattoo You01:30:46 You don't have to go home but you can't stay here.

The 1988 Albums Draft

Dave and Milt, along with guest Mike O'Neill, embark on a nostalgic journey through a rock and roll draft of the top albums of 1988. The draft order reveals the teams, including a unique AI participant named Sabrina. The hosts passionately discuss iconic albums such as Public Enemy's 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back,' U2's 'Rattle and Hum,' N.W.A.'s 'Straight Outta Compton,' and Tracy Chapman's impactful debut. Additional discussions feature notable picks like Metallica’s '...And Justice for All,' Living Colour's 'Vivid,' Bobby Brown's 'Don't Be Cruel,' and more. The episode is filled with anecdotes, lively banter, and deep dives into the songs and albums that defined the year. The final round concludes with surprising picks and overlooked gems, leaving listeners eager to join future drafts and become part of the community.Topics02:27 Remembering Judy03:53 ABC's of Rock: Drafting Top Albums of 198804:27 Guest Introduction: Mikey O'Neal08:01 Draft Order and Team Names12:34 First Round Picks20:52 Second Round Picks28:27 Third Round Picks45:04 Nostalgic Camp Memories45:40 Hair Bands and Heavy Metal48:45 Living Color's Impact51:45 Metallica's Iconic Album54:41 Prince's Playful Genius58:44 Bobby Brown's New Jack Swing01:01:09 Rod Stewart's Return01:04:36 Paula Abdul's Pop Hits01:08:09 Salt-N-Pepa's Dance Anthems01:10:41 EPMD's Hip Hop Debut01:14:19 Run DMC's Tougher Than Leather01:18:15 Queensrÿche's Progressive Metal01:20:44 Draft Recap and Final Thoughts

1996: Ride the Train, No Diggity

In this episode of 'Past Tens,' hosts Dave and Milt take a heartfelt journey back to October 1996, expressing gratitude to listeners and paying tribute to a beloved fan, Tom Carey. The episode blends nostalgia with significant events such as the Dow Jones hitting a record high and the Yankees vs. Braves World Series. Then the duo tackles the elusive question of whether it’s better to bathe in chocolate milk, cheese wiz or tapioca pudding. They delve into music from 1996, covering hits like Toni Braxton's 'You're Makin' Me High,' Quad City DJ's 'Come On and Ride It (The Train),' and Blackstreet’s 'No Diggity.' The hosts reflect on pop culture, discussing movies, TV shows, and the impactful 'Macarena' phenomenon. With a mix of humor, personal stories, and musical insights, they conclude by rating songs from the week and inviting listener engagement.Topics01:12 Listener Appreciation and Milestones02:09 A Heartfelt Tribute to Tom Carrey07:11 Back to the Time Machine: October 199616:28 Top 10 Songs of October 199640:42 Alexa and Eric Clapton's 'Change the World'41:25 Eric Clapton's Last Top 10 Hit41:52 The Production and Lyrics of 'Change the World'43:20 The Phenomenon Soundtrack and Lyrics Debate44:09 Winona Judd's Version of 'Change the World'45:31 Captain EO and Disney Memories48:41 Keith Sweat's Career and 'Twisted'53:11 No Mercy's 'Where Do You Go' and Similarities to 'What is Love'58:37 Blackstreet's 'No Diggity' and Its Cultural Impact01:10:27 Trivia Time: Songs with 'No' in the Title01:17:51 Technical Difficulties and AI Music01:18:23 Nostalgia and Inside Jokes01:19:36 Celine Dion and Meatloaf Connection01:25:27 Ariana Grande's Impressions01:28:32 Shame Songs and Donna Lewis01:32:30 Macarena Mania01:42:30 Recap and Reflections01:46:17 Substitution and Garbage01:52:38 Rating the Week01:56:49 Closing Remarks and Farewell

The 1970 Albums Draft

In this lively episode of 'Top 10 Time Machines,' the hosts, alongside fan-favorite Lisa and AI Sabrina, embark on a musical journey as they draft iconic albums from 1970. After paying homage to Dave's late cousin and fellow music lover, Scott, they explore legendary records by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and more, recounting personal anecdotes like Milt's humorous Grateful Dead concert story. The discussion, enriched by personal reflections and banter around albums like Jackson 5's ABC and Let It Be, brings nostalgia and spirited debate over the decade's top albums. The episode concludes with insights into potential future collaborations and an invitation for further audience engagement.00:00 Introduction and Draft Teaser01:26 Personal Story: Remembering Scott04:47 Listener Guest Introduction06:00 Drafting the Best Albums of 197013:23 Sabrina's Picks: Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath15:26 Dave's Picks: The Beatles and The Rolling Stones18:45 Milt's Picks: Simon & Garfunkel and CCR32:07 Lisa's Picks: Grateful Dead and George Harrison43:31 Drafting Woodstock: A Legendary Live Album47:56 Neil Young's After the Gold Rush51:11 The Who's Live at Leeds57:00 Bitches Brew by Miles Davis01:00:22 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Deja Vu01:02:24 Bobby Sherman: A Personal Choice01:05:54 Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens01:08:19 James Brown's Sex Machine01:11:23 Jackson 5's ABC01:13:16 Recap and Final Thoughts