Even though it was released in June 1981 Indiana Jones was STILL dominating at the box office in "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Remember the days when a Movie would still occupy over 1000 screens 6 months after it was released? At this point the movie had grossed over $200,000,000 and Hollywood would make us wait until December 1st 1983 before we could stand in line at Blockbuster only to discover it was gone and we were left with "Arthur" or "TAPS" instead of 'snakes'.

Musically the airwaves of the Miighty 690 were on fire with hits that are still spinning on our stream and KBUU 99.1 HD2 Malibu/Los Angeles today. Let's dig in to some of the more notable songs from this month and year.

1. "Centerfold" - The J. Geils Band:

Released as a single from their album "Freeze Frame," "Centerfold" by The J. Geils Band became a massive hit. Its catchy chorus and infectious energy made it a staple on The Mighty 690 and dance floors across SoCal. Fun fact: J. Geils was the guitar player (passed in 2017). Peter Wolf sang vocals and produced the moves that caught eyes on the MTV.

2. "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" - Hall & Oates:

Hall & Oates continued their chart success with this smooth and soulful track. "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" showcased the duo's ability to seamlessly blend pop, R&B, and soul influences, earning them widespread acclaim. Ahhh. 1982. Before before court filings and depositions. 

3. "Physical" - Olivia Newton-John:

Olivia's passing was a hard one for all of us. "Physical" became a cultural phenomenon in February 1982. The upbeat and flirtatious pop anthem topped the charts....and the video was one of a kind. 

4. "Open Arms" - Journey:

This was the couples skate song of the year. Journey's power ballad "Open Arms" struck a chord with audiences and became a romantic anthem and cemented Steve Perry as a rock heart throb. 

5. "Shake It Up" - The Cars:

The Cars brought their signature new wave sound to the forefront with "Shake It Up." We all wanted the cassette in our Sony walkman and Ric Ocasek's hair and shades by Saturday night. 

7. "Tainted Love" - Soft Cell:

A synth-pop classic, "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell was a cover of a '60s soul song that took on new life in the '80s. Its pulsating electronic beats and Marc Almond's distinctive vocals made it an anthem for the new wave and synth-pop movement.

8. "I Love Rock 'n Roll" - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts:

Originally recorded by The Arrows, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' version of "I Love Rock 'n Roll" became a massive hit in February 1982 and it was in power rotation on The Mighty 690. Its gritty sound and rebellious attitude made it an anthem for rock enthusiasts and put Joan's time with "The Runaways" behind her.

9. "Waiting for a Girl Like You" - Foreigner:

POWER BALLAD ALERT! Foreigner's "Waiting for a Girl Like You" captured the hearts of the Mighty 690 listeners with its emotional intensity and romantic theme. The song's crossover success demonstrated the band's ability to connect with a broad audience and was a staple on mix tapes going forward.

These songs, each with its unique style and sound, collectively contributed to the vibrant and dynamic pop music scene of February 1982 and were staples of the Mighty 690 sound. They continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and serve as a testament to the rich musical heritage of the early '80s.

Thanks for listening!

Chris