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This episode of Bandsplain explores the cult 1980 film Times Square and its eclectic double-album soundtrack, featuring guest Patrik Sandberg. The host and the guest discuss how the film, directed by Alan Moyle, centers on two runaway teenage girls in grimy New York City and became a touchstone for underground post-punk and new wave music despite its choppy editing and commercial failure. They also dive deep into the machinations of producer Robert Stigwood, the soundtrack's bizarre mix of punk acts like The Ramones alongside mainstream pop artists, and the lasting legacy of the movie on alternative culture.
The episode opens with a series of commercial spots and a brief introduction to the show’s host and format.
Yasi Salek announces the focus on the 1980 film "Times Square" and introduces guest Patrick Sandberg.
Discussion of the film’s plot, characters, and the cultural context of early 1980s New York.
Exploration of producer Robert Stigwood’s role, his business empire, and how he shaped the movie’s musical direction.
Analysis of the soundtrack’s mix of new wave, post-punk, disco, and mainstream hits, and how it reflected the era’s musical landscape.
Final thoughts on the film’s artistic value, the soundtrack’s cultural significance, and a wrap‑up of the episode’s key points.
How the soundtrack introduced many listeners to underground music and influenced future film soundtracks.
The hosts argue whether the Bee Gees track fits the film’s punk‑new wave vibe.
Discussion of how eclectic tracks from various genres are justified in the soundtrack.
Analysis of how diegetic songs enhance specific movie moments, like Nikki’s boombox scene.
Exploration of Curry’s performance and the missed opportunity for a connecting voiceover.
Talk about the need for a 4K restoration and soundtrack re‑issue.
Uncovering the obscure artist’s involvement and the challenges of licensing his music.
Final thoughts on the soundtrack’s legacy and its impact on the film’s cult status.
Soundtrack Primary, Film Secondaryinsight
The discussion highlights how the film Times Square feels secondary to its massive, commercially packaged record, acting almost as a supplemental marketing tool for the music.
Finding a Real Diarystory
The co-writer Leanne Ungar found a diary written by a disturbed young woman in a secondhand couch, which served as the original inspiration for the film's plot.
Robert Stigwood controlled immense power in the entertainment industry as part of the Velvet Mafia, managing massive acts and distributing his own films and records.
Record-Breaking Label Lawsuitdata
In 1980, the Bee Gees sued Robert Stigwood for two hundred million dollars over mismanagement, marking the largest legal victory by a band against their label.
XTC Made Song Exclusivelystory
The band XTC made the song Take This Town exclusively for the soundtrack, only to be heartbroken when it played quietly on a transistor radio in the film.
Desmond Child Hit Legacyinsight
Songwriter Desmond Child, who has a track on the Times Square soundtrack, went on to co-write massive hits for Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Kiss, and Ricky Martin.
“The soundtrack was primary and the film was secondary.”
“And they really push it. When Robin Gibb's voice comes in on that song, it is heaven.”
“Really a ska song, but it's Pretty Boys by Joe Jackson.”
“Why would she be playing a boombox so that everyone knows where she is and can come grab her?”
“Rock Hard Suzy Quatro, also what I thought was really funny and very like, there's a fairy tale quality to this movie a little bit”
“I was obsessed with Patti Smith in high school.”
“The best sequence in the movie, you could argue, the smashing TV sequence.”
“I think the movie begins with Roxy Music saying, um, nothing lasts forever?”
Yasi is joined by returning guest Patrik Sandberg to revisit the soundtrack to 1980 cult film ‘Times Square.’ They cover the scrapped love story between its two leads, the producer’s efforts to turn the project into the next ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ and the decision to market its sprawling punk and new wave soundtrack ahead of the movie itself. Plus: Patrik’s mini deep dive on legendary producer Robert Stigwood and why the greatest influence 'Times Square’ had might be on the generation that followed it. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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