We had to give this video a guitar just for the dog wearing sunglasses alone! Throw in Valerie Day (who we here at Pound Note had a major crush on in the 80’s) as well as some cool special effects and you have one of the better videos of the 80’s.  The song itself hit #3 in the U.S. in June of 1986. The following year they were nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Artist Catagory (they lost to Bruce Hornsby).

WATN? After 2 albums Nu Shooz took a long hiatus. Happily, they are back as the Nu Shooz Orchestra. They’ve remade their early music with horns, strings, etc.  Look for a new disc soon.

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Living on a Prayer was voted best song of the 80’s in an online poll by VH1.  The 2nd single from Slippery When Wet, it was released in late 1986. The song hit #1 on the U.S. charts in February of ‘87 and stayed there for 4 weeks.  The album spent 94 weeks on the Billboard album chart, including 8 weeks at #1.

Looking back, the video isn’t that remarkable. But, it’s a great look back at the hair band era from one of the few acts to actually survive and thrive post 80’s.  And yes, I did see this tour. Twice. Feels good getting that off my chest. Seriously though, Bon Jovi was a great show for the money (and probably still is) and that’s what Rock N Roll is all about.

WATN? Still making records and touring. They released Lost Highway last year.

Trivia: Jon Bon Jovi is co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League.

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Which all female group has the most chart entries in history? It’s not Destiny’s Child or The Go-Go’s. And, it’s not the Supremes, Spice Girls, or Pussycat Dolls.  Believe it or not, it’s these three ladies from Bristol, England.

Bananarama hit # 1 in both the U.S. and U.K. with this video. I can’t say I know why, but it has enough creepy elements to helps us coundown to Halloween. There are devils, coffins, and of course the performers themselves, who are pretty easy on the eyes.

WATN? Bananarama is working on a new album of Disco cover tunes.

TRIVIA: Victoria Beckham recorded a version of the song for her demo tape when auditioning for the Spice Girls.

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This video looks like it was shot in a smoke filled club for about $10 -which was probably what it cost to see the BoDeans in 1986. However, it was one of our first glimpses of the group that would be named Best New American Band by a Rolling Stone Reader Poll in January 1987.  The BoDeans videos, much like their shows, never included a lot of special effects or frills, just straight forward Americana rock.

WATN? The BoDeans released Still earlier this year and continue to tour. Update: The BoDeans released Live Acoustic in October. It is available exclusively through their website.

Trivia: The album title Love, Hope, Sex & Dreams comes from the Rolling Stones song Shattered.

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