Week Nineteen: Empire Records - The Buggles - "Video Killed the Radio Star" - Empire Records Soundtrack

+++++++Spoiler Alert+++++++

I will be revealing what happens throughout the course of the film as I am simultaneously speaking about the soundtrack; so you might want to go watch it before reading these posts...

++++++++++++++++++

Anyone who knows anything about the history of MTV knows that this was the very first video aired on the station at 12:01 am on August 1, 1981.

In the film, however, it is the track that is played as the store staff is preparing for Rex Manning, "a legendary actor/singer", to make an appearance and sign autographs.  They are seen hanging signs and carrying cardboard cutouts of Mr. Manning, as well as placing TVs, that are playing his video, around the table where he will be seated. 

Meanwhile, Lucas, who took the previous night's earning and gambled them in Atlantic City, has been told by Joe not to leave the couch.  So he takes a cushion with him as he exits the employee area, prompting the employees to point out that he didn't "leave the whole/entire couch"...

While all of this is taking place, Warren, a customer who will pop up again and again throughout the film, is seen de-magnetizing CDs and placing them in his coat.

Fortunately, youtube offers a clip of the above scene, so you can watch this all play out while listening to the song; however, if you are also interested in watching the official video, since it does have historical significance, I have included it below the lyrics...



I heard you on the wireless back in Fifty Two
Lying awake intent at tuning in on you.
If I was young it didn't stop you coming through.

Oh-a oh

They took the credit for your second symphony.
Rewritten by machine and new technology,
and now I understand the problems you can see.

Oh-a oh

I met your children
Oh-a oh

What did you tell them?
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.

Pictures came and broke your heart.
Oh-a-a-a oh

And now we meet in an abandoned studio.
We hear the playback and it seems so long ago.
And you remember the jingles used to go.

Oh-a oh

You were the first one.
Oh-a oh

You were the last one.

Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone to far
Oh-a-aho oh,
Oh-a-aho oh

Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.

In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone to far.
Pictures came and broke your heart, put the blame on VTR.

You are a radio star.
You are a radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.

Video killed the radio star. (You are a radio star.)