I’ve been rocking a lot of 80’s music as of late and this weeks edition of the FNS is going to follow suit.  However, were going to focus on some of my favorite tracks from the year 1981. Just a heads up…..this weeks list is a little more laid back than usual, but still grooves in it’s own special way.

1 – Rick James – Give It To Me Baby

Through and through, Rick James was a funk master.  This song has a fantastic groove and the sing-along-ability is top notch.  How tough is it to remember “…give it to me baby…”.  On a comedic note, this video is 80’s fantastic and I can’t help but think of the Rick James Chappelle skit.

2 – Squeeze – Tempted

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t-PYCWMlBY

Such a chilled out jam.  Absolutely love this track.

3 – Stray Cats – Stray Cat Strut

Another very groove filled track on this list.  Upon first listen you can’t help but be taken by the smoothness this band plays this song.  It’s like the three coolest guys in the neighbourhood learned how to play instruments and were able to carry the coolness over into their music.  Brian Setzer is one of the best kept secrets in the land of guitars.  People don’t usually mention him when talking about great guitarists, but throw on one of his tracks and see everyone listen in awe.

4 – Tom Petty/Stevie Nicks – Stop Draggin My Heart Around

One is known for having a fantastic voice, the other not so much but put them together and it just works.  There are some combinations that just seem to beat all odds to make it work and this is one of them.  This is one of those songs where that you listen to in the dark, with a glass of whisky in one hand and a cigarette burning in the other.

5 – Queen/David Bowie – Under Pressure

What happens when you place, arguably, two of the greatest musical acts of all time, together in a room.  I call it pure magic, but they decided to go with Under Pressure.  Recognized for its simple, yet devastating bass riff, and those finger snaps, this tune is the perfect example of the range the late Freddie Mercury had.  If your going to listen to this one, do yourself a favour and turn those speakers up.  As a little bonus, you should swing on over and check out this version performed by Annie Lennox and David Bowie.