♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: A HORSE WITH NO NAME by America (Folk Rock)

Remember this one – A HORSE WITH NO NAME by the band, America? Sure you do!

The song was covered by a band in the bar Robin Williams’ character hangs out at in the 1987 movie Good Morning, Vietnam and is also featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the fictional classic rock radio station K-DST – just to name a few places in pop culture where it was used.

I’ve read numerous times about the oddly-written lyrics of this song but you’d think the title itself would be some indication of what’s to come. Besides, does it really matter? I think not.

The lyrics may be trite but it only adds more to the effectiveness of this almost melancholy-type tune which also evocatively describes what this song is all about – being in the desert, which is often dry and nonsensical.

Even though the song was released in late 1971 in Europe, it was released in the USA in early 1972.

♫ Remembering the 80s ♫ : NOTHING'S GONNA STOP US NOW by Starship (Rock)

Remember this one - NOTHING'S GONNA STOP US NOW by Starship?

Some may link this song to the movie, Mannequin, a 1987 romantic comedy fantasy film about a chronically underemployed artist (actor Andrew McCarthy) who gets a job as a department-store window dresser and falls in love with a mannequin (played by Kim Cattrall), who comes to life on occasion, but only for him. Contrary to popular belief, this was not the theme song of the movie. In fact, the song was only played during the ending credits of the movie.
Either way, I remembered it as another great classic song of the 1980s...

♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: POPCORN by Hot Butter (SynthPop/Instrumental)

Remember this one?

“Popcorn” is an early synthpop instrumental, composed by Gershon Kingsley in 1969 and first appearing on his album Music to Moog By.
However, in 1972, instrumental cover band, Hot Butter, did their version of the song and the track became an international hit, selling a million copies in France, 250,000 in the United Kingdom, and over two million globally.

The title may refer to the short staccato or sharp "popping" sound used, or to pop music and its being 'corny', i.e., kitschy. The title is generally written as one word, although some single sleeves (such as the one illustrated) present it as two words, "Pop Corn".

♫ Remembering the 80s ♫: LOVE THEME FROM ST. ELMO'S FIRE (Instrumental) by David Foster

Remember that movie - St. Elmo's Fire - from the 'Brat Pack' genre? Yes?
Then you'll definitely remember the "Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire" (the instrumental theme to the movie by Canadian composer/producer David Foster).
The song, which was released in 1986, hit No. 15 on the US pop charts.

♫ Remembering the 70s ♫: DO IT AGAIN by Steely Dan (Jazz-Rock)

“Do It Again” is a tune composed by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, performed by American jazz-rock group Steely Dan, which was released as a single from their 1972 debut album Can’t Buy a Thrill. The single version differed from the album version, shortening the intro, outro and two instrumental sections of the song.

The lyrics are sung to a man who is addicted to nightlife. His addictions include sex and gambling. The narrator describes the realities of the man’s addictions and the consequences of his actions, but emphasizes that he goes “back, Jack, do it again”, implying that it is an addiction.