Celebrate Your Independence From the Billboard Charts & Unworthy No. 1 Hits of the '80s
Wednesday July 4, 2007
On this Independence Day, it occurs to me that there are very few things as uniquely American - and uniquely flawed - than the Billboard Top 40. For years the chart has served as a record of the most popular songs in the U.S., at some times more than others also functioning as a reasonably accurate indicator of the best, most interesting and most groundbreaking music of any particular era. Unfortunately, the '80s Top 40 yielded disappointingly mixed results in this area, alternately reflecting some of the period's finest and most representative tunes while also acting as a sinister hiding place for the decade's most vapid and useless musical impulses.
Maybe it's my own cynicism that leads me to start in the latter category to examine the couple-hundred No. 1 pop tunes of the '80s in some detail, or perhaps it's just steely realism. Nonetheless, check out my list of the Top 10 Least Worthy No. 1 Hits of the '80s and let me know if I'm on the money or if I offend you by insulting your favorite song. I'd love to hear about the endless differences music lovers can have. Meanwhile, enjoy your fireworks or whatever manner in which you may celebrate.
Comments
You know, there’s that famous (and I’m assuming real) audio footage of Casey Kasem flipping out about some sappy dedication letter he was going to have to read for his top 40 show. I would love to hear more footage of his opinions on the many craptastic songs he had to introduce and play. I’m sure he went off on songs like those on this list from time to time.
Being reminded of these songs gave me a similar feeling of disgust as I had watching highlights of that hot dog eating contest yesterday.
You know, there’s that famous (and I’m assuming real) audio footage of Casey Kasem flipping out about some sappy dedication letter he was going to have to read for his top 40 show. I would love to hear more footage of his opinions on the many craptastic songs he had to introduce and play. I’m sure he went off on songs like those on this list from time to time.
Being reminded of these songs gave me a similar feeling of disgust as I had watching highlights of that hot dog eating contest yesterday.