Lost & Found Sounds: My K-Tel "Let's Beat It" Adventure

Hey everyone! So, picture this: it's the mid-80s and I'm a kid totally consumed by music. Living in my own little world filled with the constant static of my overactive brain, music was my escape, my constant companion. I'd spend hours lost in melodies, and let me tell you, my collection of cassette tapes (and later, CDs) was legendary, even if it was full of hidden gems and tunes that had slipped off the mainstream radar. Early on, K-Tel compilations became my absolute obsession. You know those albums that packed in as many hits as humanly possible, even if they did sometimes fade them out a bit early? Yeah, those. They were my gateway to a world of diverse music, all neatly compiled onto one record.

One day, while we were at Kmart on 9 Mile Road in Pensacola—during one of the rare excursions my mom made into the record department—she surprised me by actually buying me a record I was looking at. It was K-Tel's "Let's Beat It," released in 1984. Sure, the songs were a bit older by late '85 standards, but to me, they were pure gold. I didn't have any of them on 45s or the original albums and there were three tracks in particular that I NEEDED: Olivia Newton-John's "Twist of Fate," Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," and Dan Fogelberg's "The Language Of Love"—which I'd fallen in love with listening to WABB just before we moved to Florida. Honestly, that K-Tel collection was tight! It was a total mix of pop, rock, what they called "soul and funk" back then and a bit of that awesome synth-pop.

Fast forward a bit, and my friend Charlie and I started our own little pirate radio station, "WJL2," with our show, "Weekends With Chuck & Myk." I'd transferred "Let's Beat It" onto cassette, and some of those tunes became staples of our broadcast. I distinctly remember one time during a pizza run to Crusty's Pizza; we just let the whole tape play while we biked to the pizza place hoping our order would be done by the time we got up there, each holding a precious pizza box while we pedelled our bikes back to his house, praying the tape wouldn't quit and leave us with dead air. Talk about high stakes!

Sadly, my original copy of "Let's Beat It" got lost somewhere along the way—probably in the storage unit my parents rented after the split up after one of them forgot to make a payment. But you know me, with my borderline obsessive music collection habit, I have every single song on their original albums, in their full-length glory. Still, if I ever stumble across a copy of that "Let's Beat It" album on vinyl, in decent shape? It's coming home with me, no questions asked.

Okay, okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty, the tunes themselves! Because, really, what’s a K-Tel album without a good deep dive into each track? Right?

Paul McCartney And Michael Jackson – "Say Say Say": Oh man, I loved this one! I actually remember thinking, as a kid, that it was from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album. Can you imagine my disappointment when I finally got "Thriller" and...no "Say Say Say"? Haha! Still, "Thriller" was, of course, a masterpiece, so all was not lost.

Cyndi Lauper – "Girls Just Want to Have Fun": This? This was the whole reason I had to get "Let's Beat It." Seriously, this song ignited my whole Cyndi Lauper obsession! It was way before I even knew about "She's So Unusual." This track just grabbed me and never let go.

The Cars – "You Might Think": Ah, The Cars! I was a huge fan from the get-go. "You Might Think," along with "Magic," just cemented it for me. I still listen to them from time to time. That keyboard sound...just perfect.

Olivia Newton-John – "Twist of Fate": This track? Peak '80s, if you ask me. So dramatic, so catchy, so...Olivia! Still one of my favorites, no question. It just puts me right back in that era.

Journey – "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)": Oh, come on! Steve Perry's voice and those synths? It's just epic! I mean, seriously epic. Just like "Don't Stop Believin'" when that song comes on, you just have to sing along. It's the law!

Asia – "Heat of the Moment": You know what? This is the Asia song for me. I know they have other stuff, but "Heat of the Moment"? That’s it. That's the one. I adore it.

Quiet Riot – "Cum On Feel The Noize": Okay, so I'm a Quiet Riot fan, full disclosure. But I have to admit, the whole "Metal Health" video scared me a little as a kid, haha! I actually prefer the Slade version of this song, but Quiet Riot's take has its own...thing going on, you know?

Michael Jackson – "Human Nature": A good track, no doubt about it. But if I'm being brutally honest, it was never my favorite off of "Thriller." It's kind of just...okay. Compared to the other stuff on that album, it just didn't hit the same for me, same here.

Billy Joel – "Tell Her About It": Billy Joel from this era? Absolutely! Sign me up! There was just something so energetic and fun about his music back then. Always a good time.

Men At Work – "Down Under": Classic, right? Quirky and totally unforgettable. It always makes me picture Australia, even though I've never been! Music can do that, take you places in your mind.

The Police – "Every Breath You Take": Sting's voice? That's it. That’s all I need to say. It's everything. Period. No debate. End of story.

Pat Benatar – "Love Is A Battlefield": This song and the video? Woah! Mind blown! I remember my next door neighbor Angie and I trying to recreate the video in her living room with bedsheets wrapped around us like dresses. Somehow, Angie always played the part of the creepy pimp guy that gets the drink thrown in his face, the reason Cheri had a red Kool-Aid stain in her living room carpet and corner of her couch. Talk about a core childhood memory, right there.

Daryl Hall & John Oates – "Maneater": Loved, loved, loved the video for this one. And yeah, I'll admit it: I had a huge crush on Daryl Hall. There, I said it! Haha!

Dan Fogelberg – "The Language Of Love": I fell for this song hard before we moved. Just totally swept me away. And you know what? It still does. It’s one of those songs that just stands the test of time for me.

Man, just writing about this album has been such a trip down memory lane. It's amazing how a single record can bring back so many feelings and stories. It makes you think about how music shapes our lives, right? I'd love to hear about the albums that have special meaning to you! What records take you back? Drop a comment below and share your own musical memories! By the way, if you happen to stumble upon any cool vintage vinyl in your travels (especially K-Tel gems!), you know where to find me! Just saying! Also, if you love the articles I am posting and want to support what I do, you know, your support in any way is always appreciated!

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/adrianduarte
https://bsky.app/profile/adriansknitwits.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/adriansknitwits
https://www.threads.net/adriansknitwits

On Their Own! The Tour Band Behind KISS Legends Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley, Rock City Machine Co Album Review

RCMC Rock City Machine Co Front Cover

Released 2023 on the Lindsley Records Label

Rock City Machine Company's self-titled debut album is a pure rock and roll blast from start to finish. The band, featuring Ryan Spencer Cook on lead vocals and guitar, Jeremy Asbrock on guitar, and Philip Shouse on bass, brings a fresh yet familiar sound with modern elements to the rock scene. These guys are no strangers to rock royalty—they've toured with both Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley from KISS, which definitely shows in their tight musicianship and stage presence. The album kicks off with the high-energy track "Can't Stop the Train," which sets the tone for the rest of the record with its driving beat and catchy hooks. Each song delivers that classic rock vibe, with powerful riffs and infectious melodies that will have you rocking out in no time.

The standout tracks include "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" and "All Aboard the Rock Train," which showcases the band's impressive chops and Cook's dynamic vocal range. The songs are packed with gritty guitar solos, pounding drums, and anthemic choruses that are sure to get stuck in your head. The production, handled by Marti Frederiksen, adds a polished yet raw edge to the music, making it sound both modern and timeless.

These guys know how to put on a show, thanks to their experience with rock legends. Whether you're a long-time rock fan or just getting into the genre, this album is worth checking out for its pure, unadulterated rock and roll energy.

Rock City Machine Co Back Cover

Buy & Save on this and other great used & NEW records, tapes and CDs on eBay.

Record Stores a re-worked memory

Years ago, I posted a blog regarding my love for record stores. I revisited it and while I feel it's still relevant to my life, I figured I would write a new post about the subject from a fresh perspective.

Sam Goody Store "Goody Got It"

Oh, the golden age of record stores! 🎵 I would do anything to return to the hallowed aisles filled with music—where vinyl sat in upright shelves waiting for someone to flip through, cassette tapes lining the walls and CD long boxes that stood on it's own enticing music lovers to upgrade their collections from analog to digital. Tower Records, Record Bar, Turtles, Coconuts and Peaches—they were more than stores; they were portals to sonic wonderlands.

My memories of the limited-time being able to visit a record store during my mom's infrequent pilgrimages to the mall resonate with me deeply. If I was given a chance to pick out something, the clock ticking, the pressure to choose wisely—it was like a musical scavenger hunt. My sister’s lightning-fast genre coverage is legendary! Metal, rap (or '80s rap, as it was known), pop/rock, she was a musical connoisseur on a mission. And there I was, eyeing the “M” section, hoping for a new gem by Madonna. 🎤💫

Typical Set Up of a 1980's Record Store

The decline of vinyl hit hard, but oh, that snap, crackle, and pop—it was part of the experience. My Emerson dual cassette boombox I received in the 7th grade and Emerson stereo with a turntable and single cassette player I got for Christmas in the 5th grade may have mangled my tunes, but they couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm for music, or creativity and ingenuity when it came to tape splicing and repair 

And let’s talk about the evolution of record stores. From a team of knowledgeable staff to today’s sparse crew, it’s a different landscape. By gone are the days when you could walk into a store and say you are looking for a song that goes something like....blah blah blah...and the sales person knows exactly what you are asking for. Now you have to be specific and even still they will ask “Who’s it by?”—ouch! But fear not, because old-timers like myself and possibly you as well as vinyl freaks can find solace in used record stores, like Fantasyland Records or Media Mania if you happen live in the Atlanta area. 🌟

There’s something irreplaceable about the feel and sound of vinyl. The warmth, the crackle, the tangible connection—it rocks worlds and spins memories. So here’s to the vinyl groove, the hidden gems, and the joy of discovering music in its physical form. 🎶✨

By the way, have you stumbled upon any rare vinyl finds lately? Or perhaps there’s a specific album that still eludes you? Let’s keep the musical conversation going! 🎧😊

KLF - The White Room North American Release Review March 1991

The KLF - The White Room North American Edition

Since it's release on Arista Records back in 1991, The White Room has been in consistent rotation in my CD collection. After success with their 1988 single "Doctorin' the Tardis" better known as the theme from Dr. Who, Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty had money to employ talented musicians such as P.P. Arnold and Maxine Harvey instead of sampling other people's music as heard on their previous albums. 

The White Room has been released in different countries with various configurations of the musical numbers, some featuring different mixes as heard on the North American edition. I have most of the international releases and in spite of it being a heavily edited version of the other recordings, find myself listening to the North American edition mostly because I associate it with my teen years. 

I first heard 3 AM Eternal on WABB during an evening segment they called "Make It Or Break It?" and as much as I loved it, it unfortunately it was not as well loved by the listening audience of the Mobile and Pensacola area as a majority of callers opted to "Break It" and it was rarely played on the station in spite of it's position in the top 40 charts. To this day, I consider it one of the best club tunes from the early 1990's.

The White Room is an album bursting with hit singles that flow almost seamlessly with the tracks that didn't quite make it to radio or their own single release. Often overlooked as a classic from the acid house era, tunes from The White Room seems to hold up well on the dancefloor.

After charting with What Time Is Love, 3 AM Eternal and Last Train From Trancentral, The KLF had another trick up their sleeve. Nine months after The White Room was released in the US, a second edition was released as a 2 CD, featuring the original CD release as well as well as the Maxi-Single of the newly reimagined version of Justified & Ancient featuring country legend Tammy Wynette on lead vocals.

Back Cover of the North American Edition The White Room

Download The White Room album *Not My Link*

Download the Justified & Ancient single *Not My Link*

Remembering Record Stores

Remember the concept of record stores? It seems most people have forgotten what it's like to flip through vinyl records or stare at walls of cassette tapes and browsing the CD long boxes during the time they were placed near the registers due to their higher value. I love a good record shop...before digital downloads, FYE, amazon and B&N overthrew the market we had Record Bar, Turtles, Peaches, Coconuts and the Mecca...TOWER RECORDS. 

During my younger years, my sister and I were only exposed to the latest hits via WABB 97.5 or a vinyl 45 from TG&Y or K-Mart. Our full length albums were usually whatever was on clearance or those wonderful K-Tel collections jam packed with the shorter than edited radio versions. Once in a while, my mom would drive my sister and I to the mall but our mall visit came with strings attached...LIMITED TIME. My sister would cover the metal and rap (or what they called rap back in the 80s), pop/rock and new releases quicker than anyone I'd ever met. Even before she had an actual job, my sister also always managed to have a little cash to buy a tape. I went for the 12" singles and the M (for Madonna) section of pop/rock and hope my mom would buy something for me before she dragged us down to JC Penny's if we were at University Mall or Montgomery Wards if we were fortunate enough to be at Cordova Mall. Vinyl became obsolete toward the end of my elementary school years but I preferred snap crackle pop over the cheap tape decks and players we had eating or mangling my favorite tunes.

Record stores have definitely changed over the years for sure. There was a time went you walked in and the staff consisted of 5 highly knowledgeable sales people and 2 managers that were just as knowledgeable at any given time, now you are lucky to find 2 sales people anytime and most of the knowledge is of current top 40 or whatever they are performing on American Idol. I walked into FYE a few weeks ago and a generic rap track was blasting from the speakers, I asked the sales guy if they had "Love Never Dies" on CD and he asked "Who it by?" assuming it was just a song. When I worked in music stores I knew what all the new releases were several weeks before their release dates and would've known that it was not a group but a cast recording. Fortunately, there are a few old timers that know they have a corner in the market for vinyl freaks like me. Here in Atlanta, we have Fantasyland Records, the only store that I make sure I'm wearing comfortable shoes to shop. The selection rivals 4 record superstores in the space equal to a mall store. My days are Fantasyland are usually all day affairs. Breakfast at Einstein Brothers, flipping through vinyl, lunch at McDonalds, flipping through more vinyl...Then off to meet Terry and we're on our way home. There really is something special about the feel and sound of vinyl that totally rocks my world and no matter how many CDs I collect, I usually end up with the vinyl version spinning on my turntable if by any chance I can get my hands on it.