In Billboard’s Hot 100: (1) "Sexy Back" – Justin Timberlake, (2) "Money Maker" – Ludacris featuring Pharrell, (3) "Lips Of An Angel" – Hinder, (4) "How To Save A Life" – The Fray, (5) "Chasing Cars" – Snow Patrol, (6) "London Bridge" – Fergie, (7) "Smack That" – Akon featuring Eminem, (8) "Chain Hang Low" – Jibbs, (9) "Far Away" – Nickelback, and (10) "Pullin Me Back" – Chingy featuring Tyrese.

Sound proof:

Time just flew when we had lunch with DJs Jon Tupas and Luis T. a couple of days ago. Though we had just met, we instantly bonded when conversation turned to iconic songs and party anthems of the 80’s and 70’s. Music from these decades the two will relive on turn tables at Hard Rock Café on Oct. 11 and 25 (Wednesday, 9:30 p.m.) via the Magic 89.9 retro disco event, "Another Lost Decade."

According to Jon and Luis there’s sort of a science when it comes to choosing retro songs that work on the dance floor. We say sort of science as the only defined rule is to play those that are instantly recognizable, yet not too popular to have sunk into cheesiness.

"When you’re out there, you read the crowd," says Jon. "This interaction is important because one mistake in choosing songs could send people back to their seats or looking at each other and rolling their eyes back to the school. Songs like ‘Tarzan Boy’ by Baltimora or ‘Self Control’ by Laura Branigan ---- these just won’t do. Masyadong malapot, masyadong baduy."

And "baduy" does not necessarily equate to "masa." "Just Got Lucky" by Jo & The Boxers, "Telephone" by Sheena Easton, "Head Over Heels" by The Go Go’s, "Rhythm Of The Night" by El Debarge -----these were all over the place in the 80’s yet are deemed today as ones coming from the school of cool.

"I guess no DJ would have a pulse on the ok retro songs unless he lived in and genuinely liked the era," says DJ. "When you’re from the 80’s, no explanation is needed as to why this song swims while the other sinks. You just know because you were there."

Baduy is not even artist-based. DJ Jon and Tupas do not have qualms playing Gloria Estefan’s "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" or "1-2-3," but would surely hesitate filling the air with "Conga" by the same artist. Like we said, there’s sort of a science to it that only DJs understand.

To ensure that they are ready for any type of crowd, Jon and Luis bring about 300 LP (Long Playing) albums archived from a collection of 3,000. This way, when people request for certain songs, the two can deliver.

"That’s where difference between a DJ and a band lies," says Luis. "When bands go onstage, they have a sequenced repertoire. With DJs, anything goes."

And, yes, albums, not CDs.

"It’s about being genuine," they say. "CDs only became popular format in Manila in the 90’s. In the 80’s, dance disciples’ best friends here were vinyl and turn tables."

So that people don’t tire of songs, each is played four minutes, max. Sometimes, intro of a song alone will do!

"Intros should never be underestimated," says Jon. "Some intros are so distinct that they’re enough to bring back memories. Who wouldn’t recognize the programmed drum intro of ‘Rico Mambo? Or the piano intro in ‘Head Over Heels?’"

The revived interest in 80’s music is simultaneous with goings-on in fashion and the movies. Top of our head, we recall flicks like "13 Going 30," "Just My Luck," "50 First Dates," "Romeo and Michelle’s High School Reunion" and "Sky High" using music from that circa of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Boy George, Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, Menudo, etc.

What makes 80’s music special?

"Aside from the mostly electronic instrumentation of songs, 80’s music has more genres than any other decade. The 80’s had punk, New Wave, dance, pop, rock, electronic. People had real choices then," says Jon.

The two is confident that "Another Decade" will be, at the very least, well-attended. As present climes go, 80’s music is the rage when it comes to fiestas, alumni homecomings and even debuts and weddings.

"It has something to do with who has spending power now," says the two. "Those who could afford entertainment are in their 30’s up; the very same people who grew up to 80’s music. Naturally, when they want to go on a trip back in time, the 80’s is first choice of destination."

On our part, we want a break from the usual and so we’ll be in "Another Lost Decade." We can’t remember the last time we spent the night away dancing. Nor the last time we shook our shimmy to the music versus using it as background while feeling bored in checking out what strangers are wearing or texting imaginary friends from a no-signal spot.

Time, as the Swing Sisters puts it, to "Breakout…"

(Other performers and events at Hard Rock Café this month are S’ Empire on Sundays; 7th Soul, Tuesdays; Mocha, Thursdays and Fridays; A.R.T., Saturdays; MCA Universal "Ultimate R&B" launch party, Oct. 13; NU 107 bar tour, Oct. 19 and; "Mask and Movie Magic" Halloween masquerade ball on Oct. 31.