Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast

Surely You Can't Be Serious PC
  • 4.9 (151)
  • FILM HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The pinnacle of infotainment! Crazy stuff you didn’t know about the greatest movies and music of the 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. Hilarity ensues as a research professor and a pop culture savant are pitted against each other in a debate to determine what entertainment icons of film, music, and games are the best of the best of Generation X. https://www.thesurelypodcast.com/

  1. Van Halen "1984" (1984): Track by Track!

    21H AGO

    Van Halen "1984" (1984): Track by Track!

    This week on the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee plug into one of the biggest albums of the decade — 1984 by Van Halen. From the opening synth blast to the final notes, the guys break down every track and every iconic MTV video — unpacking the stories behind “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot for Teacher,” and the deep cuts that made this record more than just a hit factory. They dive into the bold decision to lean into keyboards, the risks that paid off, and how Eddie’s newly built home studio, 5150, gave him the creative freedom to reshape the band’s sound. But this isn’t just the story of a blockbuster album. It’s also the story of a band at a crossroads. As 1984 climbed the charts, tensions inside the group were rising — creative differences, control issues, and big personalities pulling in different directions. Jason and Dee explore how the very freedom that fueled the album may have also widened the cracks that would soon lead to a seismic lineup change. And the debate doesn’t end here. Next week, the guys will square off 1984 against the first album with new frontman Sammy Hagar, 5150, in what promises to be one of their biggest matchups yet. Was 1984 the band’s creative peak? Or was the next era just getting started? Listen in and get ready for the showdown. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/surelypodcast Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcast Check out our new merch store: https://surely-you-cant-be-serious-merch.myshopify.com/

    1h 11m
  2. Top 5 Songs of 1986

    MAR 17

    Top 5 Songs of 1986

    Jason and Dee take on what should be a simple task: ranking their Top 5 songs of 1986. Of course, there’s a twist. Thanks to past episodes and the upcoming podcast calendar, huge chunks of the year are completely off-limits—no cuts from albums they’ve already covered, and nothing from what’s coming next. That means saying goodbye to obvious giants and digging deep into the bench to find songs that still define the year without breaking the rules. The result? A list that’s surprising, debatable, and very on-brand for the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast. Along the way, the guys trade memories of what 1986 felt like in real time—what was on TV, what was in theaters, and what they were doing when these songs were soundtracking everyday life. They also toss in two honorable mentions that narrowly missed the cut, because some tracks are just too good to ignore. No repeats. No previews. Just a creative, constraint-heavy love letter to one of the most loaded years in pop culture—and a ranking guaranteed to spark arguments. 🎧📻

    1h 6m
  3. Rush "Moving Pictures" (1981): Track by Track!

    MAR 10

    Rush "Moving Pictures" (1981): Track by Track!

    Jason and Dee roll out the red carpet for one of the most important rock albums of all time as they’re joined by Rush super fans Brad Moore and Tim Epp to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Moving Pictures. Together, they dive deep into the stories behind every classic track—from radio staples to prog-rock masterpieces—breaking down the lyrics, musicianship, and moments that helped propel Rush from cult heroes to arena-filling legends. Along the way, the conversation traces the band’s unlikely rise, creative risks, and why this album became the perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. And then comes the big moment: after weeks of discussion, Jason and Dee finally render their final judgment in the ultimate showdown—Moving Pictures vs. REO Speedwagon’s Hi Infidelity. Prog precision or heartland hooks? The verdict is in. 🎸🎧 Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/surelypodcast

    59 min
  4. REO Speedwagon "Hi Infidelity" (1980): Track by Track!

    MAR 3

    REO Speedwagon "Hi Infidelity" (1980): Track by Track!

    Jason and Dee fire up the jukebox for one of the biggest albums of the MTV era as they welcome special guest Doug Gray, noted REO Speedwagon expert, to break down 1981’s chart-dominating blockbuster Hi Infidelity. Track by track, the trio digs into the stories behind every song—from the heartbreak anthems to the arena-ready rockers—while tracing REO Speedwagon’s long road from Midwest bar band to overnight superstars. Along the way, they unpack band history, lineup changes, behind-the-scenes studio moments, and why this album connected with everyone at exactly the right time. But this episode is only half the battle: Hi Infidelity now heads into a heavyweight showdown against Rush’s Moving Pictures. Jason and Dee will render their final judgment next week—so consider this the evidence phase before the verdict drops. 🎸📀 Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/surelypodcast

    55 min
  5. Behind the scenes with the Surely Podcast

    FEB 24

    Behind the scenes with the Surely Podcast

    What really goes on behind the microphone? In this special crossover episode, Jeff Johnson steps in from the A Film Bypodcast to turn the tables on Jason and Dee, asking the questions listeners have always wondered about. How did the show first get started? Have they ever regretted a final matchup decision? Which episode result surprised them the most — and which one truly “moved the needle” for the podcast? Jeff digs even deeper, challenging each host to reveal the secret dream matchup they still hope to bring to the show someday. It’s a relaxed, funny, and revealing conversation as Jeff, Jason, and Dee pull back the curtain and share stories, debates, and a few behind-the-scenes moments you’ve never heard before. If you’ve ever wondered how the magic happens, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

    58 min
  6. Level 5: Defender! (1981) - The Game That Flipped Space Invaders Upside Down

    FEB 17

    Level 5: Defender! (1981) - The Game That Flipped Space Invaders Upside Down

    Defender! revolutionized arcade gaming in 1981 with its sideways-scrolling chaos and button-overload controls. In our series finale, we rank all five legendary 1981 games and reveal how we'd spend our last five quarters: Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Frogger, or Defender? The ultimate showdown of the greatest arcade year ever!

    21 min
  7. Level 4: Ms. Pac-Man (1981) - College Kids vs. Gaming Giants

    FEB 10

    Level 4: Ms. Pac-Man (1981) - College Kids vs. Gaming Giants

    College students took on a video game empire—and won. Then they did the impossible: they improved the greatest game ever made. Hear how Ms. Pac-Man became the queen of 1981 arcades, outsmarted the ghost AI, and still looks amazing over 40 years later. The untold story of the rebellion that created gaming's most beloved female icon.

    17 min
  8. Level 3: Frogger (1981) - The Untold Story Behind the Arcade Classic

    FEB 3

    Level 3: Frogger (1981) - The Untold Story Behind the Arcade Classic

    One young woman's courage changed video game history forever. Discover the secret origin of Frogger, explore every way to die (there are many!), hear the iconic music's story, and learn about a record-breaking high score that still amazes. This 1981 arcade legend has more surprises than you think. Why did the frog cross the road? Find out!

    21 min
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4.9
out of 5
151 Ratings

About

The pinnacle of infotainment! Crazy stuff you didn’t know about the greatest movies and music of the 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. Hilarity ensues as a research professor and a pop culture savant are pitted against each other in a debate to determine what entertainment icons of film, music, and games are the best of the best of Generation X. https://www.thesurelypodcast.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Surely You Can't Be Serious PC
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    394
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Surely You Can't Be Serious PC
  • Show Website
    Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast

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