Life in plastic. It's fantastic.

Do you know who these guys are?



Does this help?



Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. Here's their brand new single, "Back To The 80s (Those Were The Days)".



A quirky, little ditty about the 80s released in 2009 by a group from the 90s. It's the first single from Aqua's forthcoming, greatest hits album. 

I know, I know... They really only had one giant hit. But outside the US they actually had a handful of hits like "Turn Back Time" which was #1 single in the UK in 1998.



I seem to remember hearing this song on the soundtrack to the Gwyneth Paltrow movie, "Sliding Doors".

Welcome back, Aqua! Um... They're a bit of an acquired taste. Kind of like okra or salted licorice.

the return of Maxwell

Some artists are taking their sweet time to release new material. It has been eight years since Maxwell, released his last album, "Now". And let's face it, R&B music has been a wasteland without him. The neo-soul singer will reveal "BLACKsummer's night", his fourth studio album, shortly.

The first single, "Pretty Wings", is already in heavy rotation on The Rewind victrola. It could very well be the slow jam of the summer for us. We've been playing it over and over. It's music to soothe the savage beast. Maxwell certainly out croons even the most soulful vocalists.

Let's look and listen.

Now THAT is buttery smooth.

Maxwell must mean business. He cut off his trademark locks. He looks a bit like a cross between Al Green and Marvin Gaye.

Ten years ago he had his biggest hit, "Fortunate", which featured on the soundtrack to the movie, "Life", staring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. The song peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Who could forget his unbelievable cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work"? It stopped my heart the very first time I heard it. I could picture Prince's jaw hitting the floor when he heard Maxwell's tender delivery and his amazing falsetto. Stunning!

That still sends shivers down my spine. I gotta dig out his "MTV Unplugged" CD this weekend. 

It sure does put me in the mood for some tasty jams from Jill Scott and D'Angelo, a couple of Maxwell's contemporaries. That's real good company on a rainy afternoon.

sprout spoutting

Thanks to the magic of the RSS feed, we just found out about the first, new Prefab Sprout album in eight, long years. It's called "Let's Change The World With Music" and it will hit the shops (whatever is left of them) and all fine, online retailers on September 7.

Here are two of my favorite songs from main Prefab man, Paddy McAloon, and his Sproutly crew:

"Nightingales" 

"If You Don't Love Me"

Goosebumps!

The new album ought to be sprout-tacular! If you want to discover an incredibly underrated band, I suggest picking up "A Life Of Surprises: The Best Of Prefab Sprout". Prepare to be enchanted!

Summer of love

Strap yourselves in for this entry, folks. This one has been percolating for some time and it has finally been brewed to perfection. Put on your best disco shoes and get ready to boogie.

In October 1974, Billboard magazine published the very first chart based on the biggest disco hits played in dance clubs, then known as discotheques, across the United States. 

The very first #1 single on that chart was "Never Can Say Goodbye" by Gloria Gaynor and thus the disco era was born. The sound of pulsating drums began to sweep the nation.

As times changed and disco waned, the chart became known as a "dance" chart which still ranked the most popular records played in clubs around the country. 

The artist with the most #1 dance hits is Madonna with a staggering 39 singles that reached the top of the chart.

But there's only one artist that has appeared on the Billboard dance charts in every decade since the chart's inception. With 15 #1 hits, it's hats off to the Queen Of Disco, Donna Summer. Her first single reached #1 only one year after Billboard launched their disco chart. With its suggestive whispers and moans, Donna Summer's star went into ascendancy almost immediately.

Love To Love You Baby (1975)

Together with Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, her regular, early collaborators, Donna Summer not only defined the disco genre, she also consistently delivered groundbreaking records that pushed the boundaries of dance music. 

1975's "I Feel Love" is a landmark record due to the song's use of electronic sounds. It was a revolutionary recording and led to the the use of synthesizers across many genres including dance, pop, rock, and the burgeoning new wave movement.

I Feel Love (1977)

By 1979, Donna scored no less than nine #1 dance hits and ten top 10 pop hits. In fact, it was 30 years ago this week that "Bad Girls", a not-too-thinly veiled ode to ladies of the evening, went to #1 on the pop chart.

"Bad Girls" (1979)

With "Bad Girls", "Hot Stuff" and "On The Radio", Donna started to lean in a different direction which incorporated more rock and new wave elements but managed to deftly sprinkle in some disco influences. With this she ushered in a new sound and moved to a new label shortly after the single's success.

"On The Radio" (1979)

"On The Radio" was the final hit for Donna Summer during her tenure with the legendary Casablanca label following a dispute with the company's executives. The end of that chapter of her already stellar career was summed up nicely with "On The Radio: Greatest Hits 1 & 2", a collection which chronicled her successful rise from underground disco ingenue to worldwide pop superstar. 

After her split with Casablanca, Donna negotiated a very lucrative deal as the first artist to sign with Geffen Records. She continued to work with Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte who had produced the vast majority of her hits. However, disco began to experience a backlash. 

Always an artist trying to stretch the scope of her work, maintain her credibility and keep a successful chart profile, Donna and her team incorporated more rock elements into her music. This started with Summer's 1979, international, best-selling album,"Bad Girls" which had seen rock and several other styles of music merged with some of the signature sounds associated with disco. Summer's first album for Geffen, "The Wanderer", however, was a fully-fledged new wave flavored affair.

The first single from "The Wanderer" was another gigantic, pop hit for Donna, peaking at #3. But it wasn't until her self-titled, second album for Geffen, that she would have another smash on the dance charts. Produced by Quincy Jones, who helmed Michael Jackson's blockbuster albums, "Off The Wall" and "Thriller", "Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)" shot Donna Summer back into the top end of the dance chart. It's a funky number co-written with Heatwave member, Rod Temperton, which gave the track a sound reminiscent of Quincy's work with Michael. And it happens to be one of my all-time favorite Donna Summer tracks.

"Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)" (1982)

However, Donna was not happy with some of the problems that developed during her time with Geffen including the shelving of the album, "I'm A Rainbow", which was scheduled as her second longplayer for the label. Unfortunately, the same situation arose when work had been completed on the album, "She Works Hard For The Money". 

You'll need a road map for this next part, my friends. Geffen refused to release "She Works Hard For The Money" and, in an attempt to satisfy the outstanding dispute that occurred when she left Casablanca in 1980, Donna took the album to PolyGram which had taken over Casablanca. The dispute was resolved when Summer gave PolyGram the album which Geffen rejected. Then PolyGram agreed to release the album on their Mercury label. 

Donna was handsomely rewarded when the title track from the album became one of the biggest hits of the 80s and another in a long line of signature songs. "She Works Hard For The Money" peaked at #3 on the both the pop and dance charts. The song became an anthem for female empowerment and still resonates with the same, strong message today. 

"She Works Hard For The Money" (1983)

Returning to Geffen Records after the success of "She Works Hard For The Money", didn't do any favors for Donna. Two subsequent albums, "Cats Without Claws" and "All Systems Go", failed to ignite the charts. She departed from the label at the end of 1988 when, once again, Geffen decided not to release her next album.

Donna began work on her 15th album in 1988 with hot, UK production team, Stock Aitken Waterman who had monumental, worldwide success with Rick Astley, Bananarama, Dead Or Alive and Kylie Minogue. The album, "Another Place And Time", had all the trademark SAW sounds and lifted Donna Summer back into the dance charts with the first single, "This Time I Know It's For Real".

"This Time I Know It's For Real" (1989)

Unfortunately, a second album for Atlantic, "Mistaken Identity", had an all too prophetic title and the album sank without a trace. The first single from it, "When Love Cries", was a lumpy, tuneless effort which clearly aped the sound of Madonna's recent smash, "Justify My Love".

In 1994, it was time for a more complete greatest hits collection and therefore, "Endless Summer: Greatest Hits" was released. It contained the versions of the songs that were used upon their release as a single. However, the version sold in the UK which included "I Don't Wanna Get Hurt" used the album version of the track from "Another Place and Time", not the more club-oriented mix released as a 7" single in that country.

The collection also featured two new tracks, the first of which, "Melody of Love (Wanna Be Loved)", became a moderate hit when issued as a single. Summer wrote the song with Robert Clivilles and David Cole of C&C Music Factory. Once again, Donna found herself at the very top of the dance charts. 

"Melody Of Love (Wanna Be Loved) (1994)

After a few years out of the limelight, Donna emerged in 1999 on Epic Records with "Live & More Encore", her second live album, the title of which is a throwback to her first live album, "Live And More", which was released in 1978.

The first single, another #1 on the dance chart, was "I Will Go With You (Con Te Partirò)" which was one of two new studio recordings included on the live album. The song was originally made famous in Europe in 1995 by opera singer Andrea Boccelli under its Italian title "Con Te Partirò". Two years later the song was re-recorded as an English language duet with British singer Sarah Brightman titled "Time To Say Goobye", and then became a worldwide hit single.

When Donna Summer recorded her dance version of the track, she wrote new English lyrics, re-titling the song "I Will Go With You", a direct translation of the original Italian title. She also recorded a version entirely sung in Italian.

"I Will Go With You (Con Te Partirò)" (1999)

Last year, Donna returned with "Crayons", her first album of all new material in 17 years. The lead single, "I'm A Fire", is a nod to her early disco days.

"I'm A Fire" (2008)

And now, celebrating the 35th anniversary of her first album, Donna Summer has claimed her 15th #1 dance single with "Fame (The Game)", the third single from "Crayons".

"Fame (The Game)" (2009)

Quite an amazing career. And we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that Donna Summer is one of the artists most represented across numerous Time Life collections which is a testament to her enduring success as an iconic figure in the pop music landscape.  Plus the folks a TL HQ would take away our red stapler if we didn't give them a little plug from time to time. 

You can check out many of her biggest hits on "Disco Fever" and "Billboard #1 Hits Of The 70s", two mammoth box sets that feature the biggest hits of their representative eras.

we've still got our "Hair" at 40

It's hard to believe, but this year marks the 41st anniversary of "Hair" the musical. Actually, it's the 42nd anniversary if you count the original off-Broadway run in 1967. But let's not split hairs. Did you see what I just did there?! Oh, the rich sense of humor we have at The Rewind!

All jokes aside, "Hair" has returned to Broadway in a not too dissimilar world. In 1968, in the middle of the Summer Of Love, the stage production, subtitled "The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical", was considered part of the counterculture movement at the time. Even now the subtext is still very much important and relevant to these turbulent, uncertain times. By the way, this is the second, Broadway revival of "Hair" with the first one having had a successful run in 1977.

In 1969, The Cowsills, the all-singing family which formed the basis of, and was the inspiration for, "The Partridge Family", recorded the theme song for "Hair". It was 40 years ago this month that two songs from the musical occupied spots in the Top 10 of the Billboard singles chart. "Hair" by The Cowsills peaked at #2 while the medley with the unwieldily title of "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)" by The 5th Dimension went all the way to pole position. This unusual feat for the music from a Broadway show reflected the incredible social impact "Hair" had on American society and culture.

And continuing with the theme of free love, The Cowsills recorded the opening theme to the first season "Love American Style". The show ran on ABC from 1969 to 1974. This truly was the music of the Love Generation! An it happens to be one of my all-time favorite television theme songs.

Come to think of it, I don't have the theme from "Love American Style" on CD. I really must track it down. However, I know if have "Hair" and "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)" because they are conveniently featured on the 10 CD "Flower Power" collection.

all is fair in love and war

Surely, I can't be the only one who sees the irony of the top two products on the Time Life homepage?

I'll take one of each, please.

second coming

The always fantastic, sometimes dramatic Pet Shop Boys have revealed the video for the second single from their tenth album, "Yes", a pop masterpiece. "Did You See Me Coming?" is the follow up to "Love Etc.".



Is it me or do the chord progressions in the chorus sound reminiscent of "Viva La Vida" from Coldplay? You decide?

Debbie does Hollywood

"Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus". Does a title get any better than that?

It's a star-studded, disaster movie of epic proportions! Lorenzo Lamas AND Deborah Gibson? It trumps "Snakes On A Plane" by a mile! I can't decide if it's brilliant or an abomination. Either way, the trailer is amazing!



This is not the first time Ms. Gibson has flexed her acting chops. She starred as Rizzo in the West End production of "Grease" a few years ago in London.



And, of course, Deborah hosted the Time Life infomercial for "Dick Clark's American Bandstand 50th Anniversary Collection" with the legendary, Frankie Avalon.



Debbie is a mighty versatile actress. But has it really been 22 years since she captured our hearts with her debut single, "Only In My Dreams"? Where's my wrinkle cream?

The Killers' third thriller

The Killers come up with single number three from their fantastic album, "Day & Age". "The World We Live In" follows previous singles, "Human" and "Spaceman".



Is it me or does Brandon Flowers sound quite a bit like Robert Smith from The Cure on this one?

mistakes and outtakes

We're a little sneaky at The Rewind. Here's the scoop.

When we're on the set of a Time Life infomercial, inevitably, mistakes are made on camera. Who doesn't love to see bloopers and outtakes? It makes for a very entertaining experience, especially when the source of the mistake makes fun of themselves and has a good laugh at their own expense.

When John Michael Montgomery met us at the shoot for "Country Music Explosion", he made sure to tell us that we should expect numerous flubbed lines. However, JMM is a great guy and true professional. He didn't make that many mistakes. The ones that did happen were quite funny. Since we had the cameras rolling, we made sure we caught whatever missteps occurred. Here are the results. You won't find them anywhere else.

John Michael Montgomery speaks and swears

Recently, we met up with Country superstar, John Michael Montgomery. He has released eleven albums and has racked up seven #1 singles on the Country chart over the last 17 years. Time sure does fly.

While JMM had some downtime during the taping for "Country Music Explosion", one of Time Life's infomercials, we snuck in the side stage door at the Opry in Nashville and cornered him for an exclusive interview. We grilled him with the tough questions.

The first thing that struck me about JMM is that he is a BIG DUDE! He's gotta be like 6' 4'' or more! At that height, he's a little intimidating. But once you get to talk to him you realize he's a giant pussycat. A very warm, charming, affable guy.

Plus, he talks a lot about Journey and Lionel Richie. So you gotta just love him for that! We like someone who embraces the beauty of a timeless melody.

John Michael Montgomery had a very interesting start to his career. His first #1 hit, "I Swear", was covered by All-4-One, a vocal group signed to the same label. Their recording of the song spent a near-record-breaking, 11 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994.

Let's compare and contrast...

In a neat instance of pop symmetry, in 1995, All-4-One had a #5 hit with "I Can Love You Like That" which was covered by John Michael Montgomery, who had a #1 hit with the song on the Country chart in the same year.

sweet soul music

Ladies and gentlemen. Cuba Gooding, Sr., the lead singer of The Main Ingredient, is ready for his close-up.



Cuba is the host of "Sweet Soul Of The 70s", one of Time Life's forthcoming infomercials. This one features the biggest, best and smoothest hits of the decade from legendary soul artists like Barry White, Spinners, The O'Jays, The Chi-Lites and many others. All artists that gave you a reason to get your groove on.

We managed to record an exclusive interview with Cuba about his history, the success of "Everybody Plays The Fool", his tenure at Motown as a solo artist, and an interesting story on how The Main Ingredient arrived at the group's name. As always, stay tuned to The Rewind for the inside scoop.

the main ingredient

This is Cuba Gooding, Sr.



Not only is he the father of Oscar award winning actor, Cuba Gooding, Jr., he was also the lead singer of the group, The Main Ingredient.



Their biggest hit was "Everybody Plays The Fool" which peaked at #3 on the US singles chart in 1972.



That jam reminds me of drinking a Coca-Cola Slurpee with my dad in his gold, '72 Buick.

Watch this space for more news about Cuba Gooding, Sr. The Rewind has something special brewing!

the one

Pint sized, Aussie, pop rocket Kylie Minouge is tour the US for the very first time this fall. She'll be doing a short, six city tour with shows in LA, Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York. The Rewind will be there!

Here's one of my favorites from her most recent album, "X". It's called, "The One".



Has it really been 22 years since her debut single, "I Should Be So Lucky"?



Dig that hair! I best she cringes when she sees that video.

one toxic asset you'll want to own

The original cast recording of "The Toxic Avenger" musical is released today! You can purchase it at any one of the few handful of stores that still sell CDs or simply go to your favorite online retailer. It's one toxic asset you'll want to own!

Ever wonder what it's like behind the scenes at a musical? Watch as David Bryan, keyboard player with Bon Jovi, and his toxic cohort, producer Joe DiPietro, give you an exclusive, backstage tour of "The Toxic Avenger".

an a-ha moment

I get so excited when one of my favorite groups decides to release some new material. A-ha, who are wrongly tagged with the one hit wonder moniker, have been making incredible, melancholy slices of pop for nearly 25 years. 

Now they are back with a new single next month called "Foot Of The Mountain".

Listen to it now before this link gets yanked.

Morten Harket's voice still sound simultaneously heartbreaking and joyous. Coldplay are very big fans of a-ha. No wonder! You can hear where Coldplay get their soaring melodies and haunting arrangements.

Did you know that "Take On Me" was originally a flop when it was first released as a single? It's true, fact fans! Here's the first version and its accompanying video.



And the hit version after a bit of a nip and a tuck, a little airbrushing and some 80s animation.