The Mild Mannered Army Episode 26 - Tracks of our Years with Hadley Freeman

Episode: Hadley Freeman – A Journey Through the Music of 1989

In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, host Paul Laird is joined by acclaimed author and journalist Hadley Freeman for a long-form conversation about the music that defined 1989. Known for her witty insights and deep cultural commentary, Hadley takes us on a nostalgic journey through the songs that shaped her world during that transformative year.

From Madonna’s iconic Like a Prayer to Prince’s eccentric Batdance, from the infectious pop of Boy Meets Girl and Milli Vanilli to the rebellious edge of Guns N’ Roses and Neneh Cherry, this episode revisits the eclectic soundtrack of a year that bridged the '80s and '90s. Together, we explore the stories behind these songs, their cultural significance, and the personal connections that make them timeless.

Tracks Discussed:

• Like a Prayer – Madonna
• Waiting for a Star to Fall – Boy Meets Girl
• Girl You Know It's True – Milli Vanilli
• Batdance – Prince
• You Got It – New Kids on the Block
• Patience – Guns N’ Roses
• Buffalo Stance – Neneh Cherry
• Pictures of You – The Cure
• We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel
• Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson
• Stand – REM

Links:

• Hadley Freeman’s books:
  • House of Glass: The Story and Secrets of a Twentieth-Century Jewish Family
  • Life Moves Pretty Fast: The Lessons We Learned from Eighties Movies
  • The Meaning of Sunglasses: And a Guide to Almost All Things Fashionable
• Paul Laird’s book: The Birth and Impact of Britpop

Fair Use Statement:

This episode features brief audio clips from songs discussed for the purposes of commentary and critique. All music clips are used under fair use for educational and discussion purposes.

Join us for this vibrant trip down memory lane, celebrating the music of 1989 with one of the sharpest cultural commentators of our time.