Totally 80s and 90s Recall
Join two Gen X dudes as they take a nostalgic look at all things 80s and 90s. From music and movies to television and pop culture, these friends of 35 years will take you on a trip back in time to review two of the most influential and awesome decades. Join them each week as they rewind back to the era of cassette tapes, big hair and Super Nintendo. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
1988 vs 1998 Billboard Breakdown; Who Was the Best?
In this week’s episode, Dave and Rob keep the decade-long rivalry alive as they face off over two landmark years in pop culture: 1988 and 1998. The guys open the debate by examining the Billboard Year-End Top 5 for both years. From 1988's juggernaut chart toppers—led by George Michael's massive crossover success, INXS, and hair-metal powerhouses like Guns N' Roses and Def Leppard—to 1998's dominant mix of R&B blockbusters like Next's "Too Close," soundtrack hits from Aerosmith, and classic pop hooks, we analyze which lineup holds up best today.
Beyond the official numbers, Dave and Rob step u...
Halloween Mix Tape; 80s and 90s Style
Welcome to a special Halloween bonus episode of the show! In this exclusive Saturday drop, Rob and Dave step away from their regular Tuesday routine to deliver a spooktacular 15-track mixtape featuring the absolute best eerie, haunting, and party-ready tracks from the 1980s and 1990s. Whether you are hosting a costume party, handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, or just cruising around getting into the scary season spirit, this carefully curated playlist blends darkwave synths, classic horror themes, and heavy '90s alt-rock grooves guaranteed to set the perfect mood.
Join the guys as they break down each...
Scream (1996); What's Your Favorite Scary Movie?
In this 30th-anniversary retrospective, Dave, Rob, and Kurt slice through the legacy of Wes Craven’s 1996 slasher phenomenon, Scream. The guys re-examine how Kevin Williamson’s sharp, sub-genre-aware screenplay injected fresh blood into an exhausted 1990s horror landscape by weaponizing the rules of cinema against its own characters. From Drew Barrymore’s legendary opening sequence—which set a new standard for suspense and misdirection—to the killer casting of Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and Matthew Lillard, the team breaks down what made Woodsboro's original nightmare an instant pop-culture juggernaut.
Beyond the body count, the hosts dissect Scream's enduring i...
Late 90s MTV! The Rise of TRL in Times Square
Fire up the dial-up internet and dust off your CD collection—we’re throwing it back to the late 90s for a full tribute to MTV's TRL! Hosts Rob and Dave welcome Kurt along with pop-culture connoisseurs Alix and Allyson from Nostalgia Nerds to talk about the golden age of afternoon music television. We revisit the electric energy of the Times Square studio, unpacking why this daily countdown captured the hearts of teenagers across the country and reshaped the entire music industry landscape.
The gang breaks down the anatomy of the iconic top 10 daily videos, reflecting on how...
Silence of The Lambs (1991); Quid Pro Quo Clarice!
35 years after its release in 1991, The Silence of the Lambs remains a towering benchmark in psychological thriller history. This week, Dave, Rob, and Kurt take a deep dive into Jonathan Demme’s masterpiece to examine how it swept the "Big Five" Academy Awards and redefined the modern cinematic villain. From the iconic, spine-chilling dynamic between Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins’ Dr. Hannibal Lecter to the eerie procedural tension that drives the plot, the trio unpacks why this horror-thriller hybrid continues to captivate and unsettle audiences decades later.
Beyond the unforgettable performances, the crew explores the te...
1987 vs 1997; A Retro Music Rumble
In this week's episode, Dave and Rob step into the ring for another classic decade duel, breaking down two defining years in music history: 1987 and 1997. The guys kick off the debate by dissecting the Billboard Year-End Top 5 for each era. From 1987’s pop-rock peaks—featuring hits like The Bangles’ "Walk Like an Egyptian" and Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"—to 1997’s massive cultural shifts dominated by Elton John’s record-breaking tribute, Puff Daddy, and Jewel, we analyze which year brought the stronger chart toppers to the table.
Beyond the charts, Dave and Rob each pitch their pe...
90s Billboard Rock Hits; Vol. 2
On this week's episode, Dave takes the wheel and curates a nostalgia-fueled tracklist straight from the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks charts. To keep things interesting, Rob is stepping into the booth completely blind—hearing Dave’s selections for the very first time. The challenge is simple: Dave picks one Top 10 chart-topper from the week of September 29th for every single year of the 1990s, forcing Rob to react in real-time, guess the tracks, and break down the distinct production trends, riffs, and cultural shifts defining each specific year.
As the duo spins through the ten-track playlist, the epis...
You're So Money! Swingers (1996)
This week, Dave, Rob, and Kurt fire up the time machine and head back to 1996 to re-examine Doug Liman and Jon Favreau’s indie break-out hit, Swingers. The guys dive deep into the movie that catapulted Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn into stardom, breaking down its sharp, fast-talking script, memorable LA lounge aesthetic, and surprisingly enduring heart. From the agonizing cringe of Mike’s answering machine meltdown to the slick confidence of Trent’s infamous pep talks, the hosts dissect how the film captured a very specific mid-90s cultural moment and the anxieties of twenty-something ambition.
Beyond...
1990 Billboard #1 Hits Draft
1990 was a massive transition year in music. The hair metal and synth-pop of the late 80s were handing the mic over to new jack swing, dance-pop, hip-hop, and big movie power ballads. With 26 distinct #1 hits throughout the year, the competition was fierce.
This week, we welcomed special guests Brad & Giff (Pop Culture Yearbook) and Jim (Children of the 80s) for a 5-round fantasy music draft. We each select 5 songs to build the best mini-tracklist of 1990, debating which tracks are timeless masterpieces and which ones should have stayed in 1990.
Chapters
00:00...
1986 vs 1996: Ultimate 80s vs 90s Music Showdown!
The Battle of the Decades reaches a critical turning point as Rob and Dave cross into the back half of the 80s and 90s to go head-to-head over 1986 versus 1996. The year 1986 saw synth-pop, big hair rock, and iconic duets reign supreme on the Billboard charts—with heavy hitters like Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, and Prince dominating the airwaves. A decade later, 1996 completely flipped the script with massive R&B powerhouses, alt-rock breakthroughs, hip-hop classics, and runaway dance crazes led by Mariah Carey, 2Pac, Alanis Morissette, and Los del RĂo. Grab your headphones, cast your vote, and join the deb...
Back To School (1986); Say It! Say It!
In this episode, Rob, Dave and Kurt dive headfirst into the peak-80s absurdity of Back to School, exploring how Rodney Dangerfield seamlessly translated his legendary stand-up persona into one of the biggest box office hits of 1986. They break down the film’s iconic comedic set pieces, Sam Kinison’s unhinged screen time as an intense history professor, and the surprising heart buried beneath the non-stop one-liners. They also take a look at the impressive supporting cast—including a young Robert Downey Jr. in all his quirky, eccentric glory—and discuss how the movie fits into the golden era of 1980s...
Top 80s Hair Metal Songs; Side B
Break out the hairspray and crank the gain to ten—Rob and Dave are back in the studio for Volume 2 of our deep dive into 80s Hair Metal! This time, we’re counting down ten of our absolute favorite tracks from the golden era of big hair, leather pants, and face-melting guitar solos. Whether you’re here for the iconic arena anthems that defined the decade or the power ballads that ruled late-night MTV, this volume picks up right where we left off.
Throughout the episode, Rob and Dave break down what made each song an instant classi...
The Ultimate Movies of the 1980s
This week, Dave, Rob, and Kurt take on the ultimate pop-culture challenge: building a 45-movie master list that captures the pure magic of the 1980s. With each host bringing just 15 personal favorites to the table, the stage is set for a high-stakes tour through one of cinema's most iconic decades. Expect a fast-paced blend of nostalgia, passionate defenses, and plenty of laughs as the guys break down what makes these picks so timeless—from massive summer blockbusters to under-the-radar cult favorites that defined a generation
Chapters
00:00 - Opening of show
...
Dare To Be Stupid; Why We Love Weird Al
From MTV’s golden age to the peak of grunge, "Weird Al" Yankovic didn't just parody pop culture—he defined it. In this episode, Dave and Rob dive deep into the accordion-fueled genius of Weird Al’s prime decades: the 1980s and 1990s
They break down their top 10 favorite tracks across both decades, examine how Al got the stamp of approval from legends like Michael Jackson and Kurt Cobain, and discuss why his satirical legacy remains totally unshakeable
Chapters
00:00 - Opening of show
Playlists
Spot...
Best of the 90s; Top 10 Movie Soundtracks
Dust off your CD jewel cases and fire up the portable discman, because this week Dave and Rob are diving headfirst into nineties nostalgia with their top 10 favorite '90s movie soundtracks! The 1990s was the undisputed golden age of cinematic compilations—an era when a movie's tracklist could become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. While the guys are keeping their final rankings strictly under wraps until recording, expect a wild ride through the decade's absolute juggernauts: think the world-conquering pop dominance of The Bodyguard and Titanic, the cool-as-ice cool of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, and the...
Twister (1996); We're Heading to the Suck Zone!
Grab your pagers and strap on your safety harnesses, because Dave, Rob, and Kurt are teaming up with Jason to head straight into "the Suck Zone!" This week on the podcast, the guys are chasing down Jan de Bont’s 1996 disaster masterpiece, Twister. From the iconic, physics-defying flying cow to the relentless rivalry between Helen Hunt's ragtag group of storm-chasing geniuses and Cary Elwes’ corporate-funded "nightmares," the crew breaks down why this movie took the summer box office by storm. They'll debate whether the ground-breaking CGI still holds up, share some legendary behind-the-scenes chaos, and ask the ultimate question: woul...
Bon Jovi’s 'Slippery When Wet' (1986): The Hits, The Hair, & The History
Grab your hairspray and your jean jacket, because this week Dave and Rob are turning the clock back to 1986 to tackle one of the biggest rock albums of all time: Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet. With over 28 million copies sold worldwide, this powerhouse record gave us legendary anthems like "Livin' on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive." But forty years after its release, we have to ask the ultimate question: does it still hold up as a masterpiece, or has it lost its edge?
To help us settle the de...
1985 vs. 1995: Let’s Go Go get a Kiss From a Rose
What happens when you pit the neon-soaked, high-energy pop of the mid-80s against the smooth R&B and heavy hip-hop beats of the mid-90s? In this episode, Dave and Rob go head-to-head in the ultimate musical time-travel debate: 1985 vs. 1995. By pulling up the data and looking at the official top 5 year-end hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 for each year, the guys break down how a single decade completely transformed the landscape of popular music.
We’re matching up the smooth saxophone of Wham!’s "Careless Whisper" and Madonna’s untouchable "Like a Virgin" against the ge...
Independence Day (1996); Times Up!
Fire up the F-18s and grab your ThinkPads, because we have officially reached the third and final movie in our Summer Blockbuster series! To close things out with a bang, we are covering the definitive 90s disaster masterpiece: Independence Day (1996). We dive deep into the glorious spectacle of Roland Emmerich's alien invasion, tracking everything from Will Smith's legendary one-liners to the chaotic brilliance of Jeff Goldblum's hand gestures. Whether you're here for the pure action-movie nostalgia or President Whitmore's iconic pre-flight speech, we are breaking down the categories that make this flick an undisputed classic.
In...
Terminator 2 Judgment Day (1991): "Hasta La Vista, Baby"
“I’ll be back.” Jump into this deep-dive on Terminator 2: Judgment Day as we unpack the groundbreaking effects, unforgettable one-liners, and behind-the-scenes secrets that made this 90s sci-fi classic one of the greatest sequels ever made. From the iconic canal chase to the explosive finale and the chilling T-1000, we break down why T2 still hits hard today—and why Arnold’s legendary performance helped turn it into a pop culture phenomenon.
Chapters
00:00 - Welcome to T2
4:50 - Behind the Scenes: Budget, Cast, and Plot
8:11 - First Impressions and Pop Cultur...
Raiders of the Lost Ark: Why Indiana Jones Still Rules the 80s
Do you like archaeology? What about Nazis? If you said yes to one or both of these choices, join Rob, Dave and Kurt this week as they take a look back at the action classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark. The crew uncovers the secrets behind Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’s legendary collaboration, tracking Harrison Ford's definitive leap from smuggler to the world's favorite whip-cracking professor. From the iconic, heart-pounding boulder run to the terrifyingly satisfying, face-melting climax, the guys break down why Indy’s first outing remains the gold standard for big-screen adventure.
Chapters<...
The 80s TV Commercials That Made Our Childhood
This week we are breaking down our absolute favorite ads from a decade where marketing wasn't just about selling a product—it was about embedding catchy jingles and unforgettable catchphrases directly into pop culture. From fast-food face-offs that asked the ultimate questions to hyperactive toy commercials that defined our childhood wishlists, we are looking back at the clever, quirky, and downright bizarre marketing magic that ruled the airwaves
We’ll explore why these brief television spots left such a massive, lasting imprint on our collective memory and trace how the art of the commercial evolved during the deca...
Summer Hits of 1996; Tupac, Mariah and The Macarena
Dust off your pagers and grab a Surge soda! This week, Dave and Rob are hopping into the time machine and dialing the coordinates to June 9th, 1996. The box office was dominated by Mission: Impossible, the Macarena was slowly taking over the planet, and the Billboard Hot 100 was a wild mix of legendary hip-hop, R&B royalty, alt-rock, and powerhouse vocalists
What makes this specific week so legendary is the sheer, whiplash-inducing sonic contrast sharing real estate on the charts. It was a bizarre and beautiful era where the mournful, rapid-fire hip-hop harmonies of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and 2...
Top Gun (1986)...I Feel The Need, The Need For Speed!!
This week, Dave, Rob, and Kurt are strapping into the cockpit to tackle Tony Scott’s 1986 pop-culture juggernaut, Top Gun. Listeners can expect the trio to break down how this high-octane blend of aerial choreography, synthesizers, and pure machismo defined an era of Hollywood filmmaking. Dave will likely dive deep into the movie’s legendary soundtrack—debating whether "Danger Zone" or "Take My Breath Away" reigns supreme—while Rob will undoubtedly analyze the sheer kinetic energy of the dogfights and the film's lasting impact on action cinema
Meanwhile, Kurt is sure to bring his trademark humor to the tabl...
1984 vs. 1994: Which Year Ruled the Billboard Hot 100?
This week, Rob and Dave are stepping into the musical time machine for the ultimate clash of titans. We are pitting the absolute best of the Billboard Hot 100 from 1984 against the heavy hitters of 1994. The guys break down the Year-End Top 5 for each era, look at the cultural shifts that defined music as a whole, and make the impossible final call: Which year actually reigned supreme?
To keep things fair, the guys are looking directly at the official Billboard Year-End charts. The matchups are absolutely wild. Prince vs Ace of Base, Kenny Loggins vs Boyz II Men...
Fear (1996): Why This 90s Thriller Scares Us 4 Eva
Grab your frosted tips and your most questionable life choices, because this week Rob, Dave, and Kurt are stepping onto the roller coaster of madness that is Fear (1996)
Is it a gritty psychological thriller about a father protecting his daughter? Or is it an accidental comedic masterpiece where a future Oscar nominee carves "Nicole" into his chest and declares war on a German Shepherd? We’re leaning heavily toward the latter
Join the guys as they break down:
The Dirk Diggler Defense: Would Mr. Walker have been more chill if he knew Marky Mark wa...80s Horsepower: A Look at the Decades Most Famous Rides
We're revving up some 80s Horsepower!Â
In this week's special nostalgia-packed episode, your favorite trio—Rob, Dave, and Kurt—are taking a deep dive into the most iconic, radical, and unforgettable vehicles that defined our childhoods. We aren't just talking about cars; we're covering everything with wheels (or hyperdrives!) that made us want to jump into the driver's seat and go on an adventure. From the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy to the ultimate paranormal-busting Cadillac, this week's episode explores the rides that ruled our imaginations and drove us wild in the 1980s.
Grab...
Aliens (1986): "Game Over, Man!" – Is this Rambo in Space?
Strap in, gear up, and prepare for a bug hunt. This week, Rob and Dave are joined by Kurt to dive into James Cameron’s 1986 powerhouse, Aliens—the sequel that traded a haunted house in space for a full-scale intergalactic war.
The sequel cranked the volume to eleven, trading shadows for pulse rifles and introducing us to the most terrifying matriarch in cinema history. Whether you’re a die-hard Colonial Marine enthusiast or just here for the "Game over, man!" quotes, this episode is a deep dive into why Aliens remains the gold standard for sequel...
1996 Alt Rock Rewind: Is Grunge Dead?
1996 Alt Rock Rewind: Is Grunge Dead?
Travel back to the peak of the 90s with Rob and Dave as they countdown the best Alternative songs of 1996. From the rise of Britpop and the explosion of Pop-Punk to the moody evolution of Post-Grunge, 1996 was a defining year for the airwaves.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the cultural shifts that happened when "Alternative" officially became the mainstream. Whether you were rocking out to No Doubt, Beck, Oasis, or The Smashing Pumpkins, we explore the tracks that provided the ultimate soundtrack to the mid-90s...
Phil Collins vs. Genesis: The Ultimate 80s Pop War
Phil Collins vs. Genesis: Who truly ruled the 80s?
This week on Totally 80s and 90s Recall, Rob and Dave tackle the ultimate pop-rock showdown: Phil Collins versus his own band, Genesis. In an era where Phil seemed to be everywhere at once, we break down the friendly—and highly lucrative—rivalry that defined the 80s and early 90s.
We’re weighing massive solo hits like "In the Air Tonight" and "Sussudio" against the experimental stadium anthems of Genesis like "Mama" and "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight." Join us as we curate the "essential" playlist and de...
Point Break: 100% Pure Adrenaline & 90s Perfection
"I am a F.B.I. Agent!" This week, we’re paddling out into the 50-year storm to revisit the 1991 adrenaline-fueled masterpiece, Point Break. It’s a film that shouldn’t work on paper—a Zen-philosophical surfing heist movie—yet it somehow redefined the action genre. From the high-stakes "Ex-Presidents" bank robberies to Gary Busey’s unhinged energy, we’re breaking down why this Kathryn Bigelow classic remains the ultimate high-octane trip through early 90s cinema.
The Movie Hound joins Dave and Rob to dive into the wild casting rumors, the "less than nothing" philosophy of the script, and th...
80s Movie Songs: Our Top 10 Underrated Gems (No Danger Zone!)
Forget "Footloose" and "Danger Zone"—Dave and Rob are digging into the 80s movie deep cuts you forgot you loved. This isn't your average Top 10; it’s a high-octane countdown of the best "non-mainstream" tracks to ever grace the silver screen.
In this episode, the guys bypass the obvious radio hits like "Ghostbusters" and "The Power of Love" to celebrate the under-the-radar anthems and moody synth masterpieces that defined 80s cinema. From cult classic montages to the songs that gave indie sleepers their soul, Dave and Rob debate which tracks truly captured the era's magic without leaning on t...
1983 vs. 1993: Who Won the Billboard Hot 100? (Michael Jackson vs. Whitney Houston)
Is 1983 the greatest year in music history, or does 1993 take the crown? In this episode, we dive deep into the sonic rivalry between the neon-soaked 80s New Wave and the raw, rebellious 90s Alternative era.
From the global takeover of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and the synth-pop hooks of The Police, to the distorted guitars of Nirvana and the West Coast grooves of Dr. Dre, we’re breaking down the charts, the culture, and the gear that defined two legendary generations. Whether you’re a fan of MTV’s golden age or the Lollapalooza revolution, this episode is your...
Big Trouble in Little China: Cult Classic or Disaster?
Was Big Trouble in Little China the greatest cult classic of the 80s, or just a misunderstood martial arts masterpiece? In 1986, John Carpenter and Kurt Russell teamed up to create a genre-bending adventure that defied every box Hollywood tried to put it in. Join Rob, Kurt and Dave as they dive into the wild world of Jack Burton, the Lo Pan sorcery, and the neon-soaked underground of San Francisco’s Chinatown. We’re breaking down why this film went from box-office disappointment to a legendary status that still holds up today
(Listen to our breakdown of this clas...
Metallica: The Black Album - Genius Move or Ultimate Sell-Out?
Was Metallica’s The Black Album the moment they traded their souls, or the moment they became legends? In 1991, four guys from San Francisco changed the course of rock history forever. Join Rob and Dave as they crack open the CD binder to dissect Metallica’s self-titled masterpiece and explore how the band transitioned from heavy metal underground dominance to a global 90s rock phenomenon.
Metallica Segments
0:00 - Sellout or Masterpiece?
0:52 - Setting the Stage
2:56 - Our first listen to the Black Album
7:59 - Bob Rock infusion
14:27 - Na...
Top 10 Albums That Defined 90s Music
From the Seattle rain to the L.A. sunshine, today we are counting down the 10 albums that defined the 90s. Rob and Dave crack open the CD binder to dive headfirst into the 90s music landscape, revealing our personal top-ranked albums of the decade.
(Listen to our breakdowns of these iconic records)
0:00 - Relax and Rewind: Welcome to 80s and 90s Recall
2:19 - The impossible mission: Crafting our definitive 90s album list
11:38 - Big Heat Todd & The Monsters: A Deep Cut from the 90s
21:53 - Maturing tastes: Rob's #9 pick...
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991): Was it Actually Good? | Totally 80s & 90s Recall
This week we're reviewing the 1991 Kevin Costner classic Robin Hood; Prince of Thieves. We'll travel back to 1194 to frantically help Costner look for his English accent. This high action darker take on Robin Hood was a global financial success earning over $390 million worldwide. Although Costner's hair and flaming arrow may have gotten you to the theater, it's Alan Rickman who steals the show as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Rickman delivers and steals every scene he's in, making you laugh the whole time. Does this movie hold up? Is Bryan Adams evil with that song? Why is the score so...
Why 80s Country Was the Best Kept Secret in Music
Dust off the rhinestones and fire up the jukebox, because 1980s country was where neon lights met steel guitars. The decade kicked off with outlaw grit still echoing from the 70s, but soon the airwaves filled with the polished swagger of artists like George Strait and Reba McEntire, who balanced tradition with arena-sized confidence. Bands like Alabama turned country into a crossover powerhouse, stacking harmonies as tall as their tour buses, while storytellers such as Randy Travis steered the genre back toward its roots with rich baritone ballads that felt carved from oak
At the same time...
Wayne's World (1992): Is It Still The Ultimate 90s Comedy?
Dave, Rob, and Kurt are plugging in their guitars and cranking the volume to eleven as they drop the needle on 1992’s Wayne’s World, the movie that turned public access TV into a rock-and-roll religion. From the opening Bohemian Rhapsody headbang to the immortal cry of “Party on,” this episode dives straight into the movie’s glorious chaos. They’ll revisit the birth of Wayne and Garth as big-screen icons, the perfectly dumb brilliance of the sketch-to-film jump, and how Mike Myers and Dana Carvey somehow made basement slacker energy feel heroic. Expect love for the cameos, the needle drops...
80s Heartbreak: The Ultimate Power Ballad & Breakup Anthems
Valentine’s Day is usually a parade of roses and power ballads, but Dave and Rob are taking a scenic detour through the heartbreak aisle. The 80s had a special talent for turning breakups into epic events, complete with echoing drums, pleading vocals, and choruses that felt designed for late night staring contests with the ceiling. These songs did not whisper their sadness. They announced it with synthesizers, lighters held high, and enough emotional reverb to fill an arena. Whether you were dumped, doing the dumping, or just dramatically sighing for effect, the decade made sure you had the pe...
