My Defining Decade
I was 11 years old when the 1980's began. By the end of the decade I had moved from childhood to adulthood, fallen in love for the first time, had my heart broken for the first time, had my first beer, got my first job, drove my first car and many other firsts that I couldn't possible mention here.
Yes the 1980's was my defining decade and as I approach the big 40 at an alarming rate I would like to use this lense as a personal trip down memory lane. I also want to give my two sons a glimpse into their dad's past. I am certain they will find the 1980's a strange and unrecognisable place, but I hope to show them that it was also a wonderful place at the time.
Whether the 1980's was your decade or not please feel free to contribute to and comment upon this nostalgic work in progress.
Yes the 1980's was my defining decade and as I approach the big 40 at an alarming rate I would like to use this lense as a personal trip down memory lane. I also want to give my two sons a glimpse into their dad's past. I am certain they will find the 1980's a strange and unrecognisable place, but I hope to show them that it was also a wonderful place at the time.
Whether the 1980's was your decade or not please feel free to contribute to and comment upon this nostalgic work in progress.
Televison In The 1980's
Quality Not Quantity
It's hard to imagine these days but when the 1980's began we only had 3 television channels to choose from in the UK, we did get one more channel in 1982 but that was it for the rest of the decade.
It was certainly a case of quality not quantity and during this time I watched a number of TV programmes that will remain very close to my heart.
The Dukes Of Hazard
This was the only TV programme that I would stop playing football (soccer) in the street for. My mum used to call me in 5 minutes before it started to make sure I didn't miss a second. I'm sure Catherine Bach had a lot to do with this.
Miami Vice
How cool was Miami Vice? I remember going to a party sporting the Don Johnson look complete with my suit jacket (2 sizes too big) with the sleeves rolled up. Unfortunately I had just grown my first moustache and had really bad skin so I looked more like Lt. Martin Castillo.
Dallas
Dallas was responsible for my one and only attempt at poetry. When who shot JR fever was sweeping the country our main news programme at the time 'Nationwide' ran a who shot JR poetry competition. I did write several verses but the only bits I can remember are the first verse and the last line.
We all love JR in Dallas city,
and if he dies oh what a pity.
He starts all the trouble on the show,
what he'll do next nobody knows.
But the one who really pulled the trigger was the ghost of poor old Digger.
I know it's hard to believe but I didn't win
Great Intro's & Clips From 1980's TV
Please feel free to add other great YouTube 1980's TV intro's & clips to this list. Each video can be voted up or down the list using the arrows next to the video number.
My choice for number 1 in the list would be the Cosby show clip - absolute classic.
1980's Fashion
Looking Good
According To Wikipedia the 1980's is often referred to as "the decade that taste (or style) forgot" due to questionable fashions, hairstyles and music. How dare they!
Where is the proof to back up such an outrageous claim? Well it's here actually, check out 1980's icon Mr T Talking about and showcasing the latest fashions.
Where is the proof to back up such an outrageous claim? Well it's here actually, check out 1980's icon Mr T Talking about and showcasing the latest fashions.
My Top 3 Movies From The 1980's
An Almost Impossible Choice
There were so many great films released throughout the 1980's picking out a top 3 is almost an impossible task.
There are 80's films like Blade Runner and Blue Velvet that I love now and probably appreciate more because I am older. The three films I've chosen on the other hand were my absolute favourites at the time.
1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
2. Revenge Of The Nerds
3. The Breakfast Club
Great Movie Clips & Trailers From The 1980's
They Don't Make Them Like This Anymore
Please feel free to add other great YouTube 1980's movie clips to this list. Each clip can be voted up or down the list using the arrows next to the clip number.
Watch Great 1980's Movies On DVD
Netflix Over 70,000 Movies (Free Delivery, No Late Fees)
Some of the latest releases are listed below. This list updates every day.
- Border Town
- Bedtime with Elmo
- Jungle Book: Rikki-Tikki-Tavi to the Rescue / Alice in Wonderland: What's the Matter with Hatter? / Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves: The Lost Scimitar of Arabia
- Power Rangers: RPM: Vol. 1: Start Your Engines
- Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
- Try Netflix free for 14 days
Breakdance
Hey You
One of my first ambitions in life was to be in the Rock Steady Crew. Living in England and only being able to do a forward roll meant that this ambition was never likely to be realised. Still, we can all dream, can't we?
White Hot 1980's Technology
A Brave New World
Forget your iPod's and your Xbox 360's, these were among the must have hi-tech accessories of the 1980's.
The VHS videocassette recorder: So sleek, so slender
The Sony Walkman: Perfect for all your compilation tapes
The Mobile Phone: Great for weight training too.
Sinclair ZX Spectrum: Jet Set Willy, Manic Miner, Football Manager. Enough said.
Check out those mind blowing graphics
The C5: Oops, next please!
The VHS videocassette recorder: So sleek, so slender
The Sony Walkman: Perfect for all your compilation tapes
The Mobile Phone: Great for weight training too.
Sinclair ZX Spectrum: Jet Set Willy, Manic Miner, Football Manager. Enough said.
Check out those mind blowing graphics
The C5: Oops, next please!
My Top 3 Songs of The 1980's
Another Ridiculously Difficult Choice
As with films, choosing my top 3 songs of the 1980's was an incredibly difficult task, but as with my film choices, I've gone for songs that meant a great deal at the time.
1. Depeche Mode: People Are People
Another first for me in the 1980's was my first live music concert. The band we went to see was the one and only Depeche Mode. Simply awesome.
2. Human League: Don't You Want Me Baby
I was a New Romantic for about a week in the 1980's until I was beaten up at school by some older kids who were trying to keep the spirit of punk alive.
3. The Fine Young Cannibals: She Drives Me Crazy
This song appears on the album The Raw and The Cooked, one of my all time favourite albums.
Depeche Mode: People Are People
Human League: Don't You Want Me Baby
Human League - "Don't You Want Me" ..Baby?
The Fine Young Cannibals: She Drives Me Crazy
Great Music Videos From The 1980's
You Just Had To Be There
Please feel free to add other great YouTube 1980's music videos to this list. Each music video can be voted up or down the list using the arrows next to the video number.
Brilliant Family Guy A-Team Spoof
Wonderful 1980's Pictures On Flickr
Each picture can be voted up or down the list using the arrows next to the picture number. Please feel free to add other great Flickr pictures from the 1980's to this list.
Many thanks to the people who uploaded the pictures to Flickr in the first place.
Have Your Say
Please Add A 'Blurb' To My Guestbook
Any feedback from fellow fans of the 1980's would be much appreciated.
If have any content ideas please let me know and I'll add them to the page.
Keep checking back for updates.
All the very best
Dave Webb
Uncle-Jessie wrote...
Nice looking lens. I love the 80's. Why not drop by my Dukes lens at http://www.squidoo.com/The-Dukes-Of-Hazzard
Posted June 16, 2007
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Until 2003 David Webb was a Psychology Lecturer in the UK. He now lives and works in Spain as a distance learning tutor. He has built 2 websites based...
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