80s Metal Mixtape Vol. 1
Revisiting Iconic Anthems and Overlooked Tracks from Our First 10 Podcast Episodes
We’re starting to turn the corner on the first season of Dig Me Out: 80s Metal. Revisiting these albums has been such a fun trip! From the unforgettable anthems that dominated the decade to the hidden gems that deserve their moment, we’ve put together our first collection of tracks that sparked some of our favorite conversations—like Tesla’s raw power or Hanoi Rocks’ punk-meets-glam sound. We’re excited to share them with you. Whether you’re rediscovering these songs or hearing them for the first time, turn it up, enjoy the journey, and keep digging into the music with us!
Side A
1. Tesla – “Rock Me to the Top” 🎧
We kicked off this whole thing with Tesla, and “Rock Me to the Top” was the perfect opener. You know the feeling—cranking up a song that just makes you want to move. This track is exactly that. It’s raw, loud, and a reminder of why Tesla deserves way more credit than they get. Talking about this one was all about energy, just like the song itself.
2. Yngwie Malmsteen – “You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget” 🎧
Okay, we all know Yngwie can shred like no other, but this song? It’s got hooks. It’s the kind of track that stays with you after one listen. Plus, it’s fun to go back and realize Yngwie could write a damn catchy tune, not just melt faces with solos. If you’re into melodies that stick, this one’s for you. We couldn’t stop talking about it, and you won’t stop listening.
3. Bang Tango – “Breaking Up a Heart of Stone” 🎧
This was one of those moments where we all went, “Wait, why didn’t more people get into this?” Bang Tango mixed funk and hard rock in a way that just worked. The groove on this one is undeniable, and it’s the kind of track that makes you want to dive back into their catalog. We loved rediscovering this band, and trust us, you will too.
4. Salty Dog – “Where the Sun Don’t Shine” 🎧
A little bluesy, a little gritty, and a whole lot of cool. Salty Dog brought something different with “Where the Sun Don’t Shine,” and that banjo twist? Yeah, we didn’t see it coming either, but it works. It’s the kind of song that feels lived in, like it’s been around forever but somehow still feels fresh. This was a standout from our episode, and it deserves a spot on your playlist.
Side B:
5. Hanoi Rocks – “Sweet Home Suburbia” 🎧
If you’ve ever wondered what Guns N’ Roses might have sounded like if they grew up in London instead of LA, Hanoi Rocks is the answer. “Sweet Home Suburbia” blends punk’s rawness with glam’s flashy side—think New York Dolls meets early Motley Crue. This song has that street-smart, rebellious feel that defined the early 80s, before glam rock went full neon.
6. Faster Pussycat – “Babylon” 🎧
“Babylon” has a punk energy that makes it feel raw and immediate, like The Ramones covering a hard rock track. Faster Pussycat has always been about attitude more than polish, and this track is the perfect example of that. It’s got a sleazy, dirty vibe, like you’re hearing it live at a grimy LA club. If you dig bands like The Stooges or New York Dolls, this song is a must.
Badlands really hit us hard. “High Wire” showed off the band’s mix of blues and metal, and it made us all wonder why these guys didn’t blow up bigger. Ray Gillen’s vocals are insane, and Jake E. Lee’s guitar work is killer. This track was a huge highlight in the episode, and it’s a reminder of just how good Badlands was. Trust us, you’ll be hitting repeat on this one.
8. King’s X – “Over My Head” 🎧
This one hits deep. King’s X always brought something unique to the table, and “Over My Head” is a perfect example. It’s got layers, it’s got soul, and it’s just flat-out powerful. Talking about this track was a reminder of why King’s X deserves way more attention than they ever got. If you want something that makes you think and feel at the same time, this is your jam.
9. Malice – “Stellar Master” 🎧
Sometimes you just need to turn it up and rock out, and that’s where Malice comes in. “Stellar Master” is pure metal fun—fast, loud, and packed with killer riffs. It’s the kind of track that brings you back to those days of head-banging with your friends, and we loved revisiting this one. It’s a must for any metal playlist.
10. Bulletboys – “For the Love of Money” 🎧
This isn’t your typical rock cover. Bulletboys took the classic O’Jays funk anthem “For the Love of Money” and turned it into a hard-hitting rock track, without losing the original groove. The bassline is still the star, but with the added crunch of guitars, it becomes something heavier, something dirtier. If you like your rock with a bit of funk swagger and attitude, this one’s going to grab you.
Great list.