Great song.Road to Nowhere - Talking Heads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQiOA7euaYA
Even greater song!Leave It - Yes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-hJFoSgXfM
Great stuff. Terribly underrated band. I like Don’t Tell MeBlancmange is a favorite of mine from this era that doesn't get played much anymore.
My top tunes from them are Game Above My Head (this is the 12" version, which I prefer, but here's the radio edit if you don't have time to listen to the longer version), and Living On The Ceiling, I like the video too because belly dancers.
Lots of other good tunes too. They really made good use of synths IMO.
I don’t remember posting it eitherYou brought them up already - sorry I didn't follow on then.
Whole of The Moon is an all time favorite (any era). Brings tears to my eyes good.Totally agree. Waterboys too.
Another band I’ve never been able to see live. Some of My Best Friends Are TrainsWhole of The Moon is an all time favorite (any era). Brings tears to my eyes good.
Great network, spend quality time on it.Osaurus said:
Nouvelle Vague does really interesting covers and arrangements. I love their cover of The Guns Of Brixton.Not sure if anyone here is a fan of Nouvelle Vague, but they’ve done great covers of lots of 80s songs.
I liked this one as a kid...the day before you came ...went on all the mixed tapes to gfs that era.You brought them up already - sorry I didn't follow on thenBlancmange Don’t Tell Me
I remember when Yes released a bunch of different versions of the video and MTV played them all. That was weird.Snoopy said:Leave It - Yes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-hJFoSgXfM
I feel like I heard a lifetime full of "Roundabout" in one summer thanks to a local classic rock station.Yes to me fell off the face of the earth. They were played a ton on AOR stations in the 70’s and early 80’s. Then 90125 was released and they got twice as popular. AOR stations played them more and they crossed over to the pop stations.Things lasted that way for almost 10 years and then they quickly faded to almost obscurity. The only song I ever hear by them on the radio anymore is Owner of a Lonely Heart. It’s like they are remembered as a one hit wonder.
That seems odd, as I know that Roundabout is still a major classic rock biggie, and I’ve Seen All Good People and Long Distance Runaround still get many plays as well. Heck, my 59-year old cousin just last night was telling me he talked his daughter (who’s early 20’s) into going to see the Yes featuring ARW show a few years ago and when it was over she commented on how she was surprised that she recognized so many songs.Yes to me fell off the face of the earth. They were played a ton on AOR stations in the 70’s and early 80’s. Then 90125 was released and they got twice as popular. AOR stations played them more and they crossed over to the pop stations.Things lasted that way for almost 10 years and then they quickly faded to almost obscurity. The only song I ever hear by them on the radio anymore is Owner of a Lonely Heart. It’s like they are remembered as a one hit wonder.
Where I live (Northern New England), I hear Owner Of A Lonely Heart several times a week on the radio. That's it for anything in regular rotation. Their other songs (including Roundabout), not so much . . . maybe about once or twice a year. And it's not like I am not paying attention or would miss one of their songs. I am a fan and would certainly listen to whatever came on. Back when I was a kid, they had tons of songs I heard all the time on the radio. They were almost in the LZ, PF, RS, Who category. Back when places did "rock blocks," you would get several Yes songs in a row. It was awesome. I predominantly live in the same area as where I grew up, and their radio exposure has probably dropped 95%. But Owner Of A Lonely Heart seems to make EVERY 80's revisited show.That seems odd, as I know that Roundabout is still a major classic rock biggie, and I’ve Seen All Good People and Long Distance Runaround still get many plays as well. Heck, my 59-year old cousin just last night was telling me he talked his daughter (who’s early 20’s) into going to see the Yes featuring ARW show a few years ago and when it was over she commented on how she was surprised that she recognized so many songs.
If it's just an 80's station, I could see Owner of a Lonely Heart getting played a lot and being the only Yes song played (even though they had other hits that decade).Where I live (Northern New England), I hear Owner Of A Lonely Heart several times a week on the radio. That's it for anything in regular rotation. Their other songs (including Roundabout), not so much . . . maybe about once or twice a year. And it's not like I am not paying attention or would miss one of their songs. I am a fan and would certainly listen to whatever came on. Back when I was a kid, they had tons of songs I heard all the time on the radio. They were almost in the LZ, PF, RS, Who category. Back when places did "rock blocks," you would get several Yes songs in a row. It was awesome. I predominantly live in the same area as where I grew up, and their radio exposure has probably dropped 95%. But Owner Of A Lonely Heart seems to make EVERY 80's revisited show.
Totally forgot about love and rockets. Listened to them in college, pulling all nighters. Another band, Jesus and Mary chain.- the forgotten, obscure, neglected
Sorry if any of these are Hondas butI used to be a 'jock' (disc jockey) at the World's Only Wind Powered Radio Station KFMU. A P3 AOR station up in the Yampa Valley of Colorado but in the day. Just a small sample of the obscure/forgotten/neglected.
If you like 80s you'll enjoy these and may have even heard of one or two.
Forgotten >> Joan Armatrading-Drop The Pilot
Obscure >> Julian Cope - Trampolene
Obscure (the entire Jumpin Jive album is pure gold) >> Is you is or is you ain't my baby- Joe Jackson version >> Forgotten/Neglected >> Joe Jackson - Another World (+LYRICS)
Neglected/Forgotten >> Ry Cooder - "Why Don't You Try Me Tonight"
Obscure >> DOUG & THE SLUGS - Makin' It Work
Obscure >> I wanna be like you - LOS LOBOS
Neglected/Forgotten >> Love And Rockets - "No New Tale To Tell" >> Love And Rockets - Welcome Tomorrow
So many lost/forgotten/obscure/neglected songs of the 80s.
Good kick. Completely forgot this tune was on our playlist.I'll leave one more here for tonight.
Bed Of Lies, The Cruzados (1987?)
A bit of blues adjacent rock from L.A. I've always dug the vocals on this one.
The lyric "So I finished my drink, and I got back in bed." - so good.
I think I'll go through the entire list and make one post of 80s tunes...Guadalcanal Diary-Litany https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfmGajfyv5A
Dude. I have been looking for this tune since last August after hearing it on a road trip out west. We were passing through SW Wyoming and were barely picking up a Utah station that was doing an 80s weekend. I was driving and my nephew wouldn't write down the name of the tune.The Call - Everywhere I Go
Everywhere I Go is a good tune, and I would also recommend Let the Day Begin and I Don't Wanna, two other minor hits they had that kick ###.Dude. I have been looking for this tune since last August after hearing it on a road trip out west. We were passing through SW Wyoming and were barely picking up a Utah station that was doing an 80s weekend. I was driving and my nephew wouldn't write down the name of the tune.
Worth the effort of going through this entire post tune-by-tune just to find this song.
Knew this was gonna be Pylon. Love them.I'm sure I linked this Athens GA band before, but always one of my favorites (as was with their more famous compatriots).
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c_owGMZC768
I believe there are two versions of Yes right now. ARW=Anderson/Rabin/Wakeman and the other is Howe/Downes/White.Heck, my 59-year old cousin just last night was telling me he talked his daughter (who’s early 20’s) into going to see the Yes featuring ARW show a few years ago and when it was over she commented on how she was surprised that she recognized so many songs.
Jon Anderson by his own admission is difficult to deal with as well, although probably not as bad as Howe. I think Anderson was fine with not rocking the boat for a while, but once Chris Squire died, he was like to hell with it, I have as much right as anyone to the Yes name, and thus we now have the ARW factions as well (which may or may not do anything else in the future).I believe there are two versions of Yes right now. ARW=Anderson/Rabin/Wakeman and the other is Howe/Downes/White.
It is confusing. I have tried to read through what exactly the issue is, but there isn't one to pinpoint, other than Steve Howe being a thoroughly unpleasant person to deal with.
Bonus points for any mention of Tom Waits. Jockey Full Of Bourbon >>
I wasn't a fan but my dorm mate in college loved em. The very-famliar guitar riff is catchy and distinct but the 80s made me despise that electric drum soundNew Order - Age of Consent
Fantastic tune by Roxy. Forgotten Men At Work at least by me.Roxy Music - Oh Yeah! - Men at Work - Overkill -
The Bodeans were AWESOME. >> BoDeans - Dreams >> BoDeans - The Ballad of Jenny Rae >> BoDeans Good Things >> EDIT: (forgot this one) >> BoDeans - Only LoveThe BoDeans Fadeaway. Milwaukee’s own and I’ve seen them at Summerfest more than a few times. Most remember them by the Party of Five theme song Closer to Free
I knew Sammy’s brother. He worked with a friend of mine.The Bodeans were AWESOME. >> BoDeans - Dreams >> BoDeans - The Ballad of Jenny Rae >> BoDeans Good Things
Donald Fagan IGY is almost cheating since it is like Steely Dan where their isn't a song on that album that is bad. Song about the end of the world >> Donald Fagen - New Frontier >> Went out with a girl named Ruby in the 90s but she had no clue about this song >> Ruby BabyThe 1980's had a number of lead singers of top groups release songs as solo artists. Sting and Peter Cetera got most of the attention, but there were other good solo songs.
Donald Fagen IGY (What A Beautiful World): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueivjr3f8xg
Furs.
Level 42 was definitely 80s. Good tune not forgotten. See - Till Tuesday.Level 42 - Something About You (This may count as more 90s, but I like the acoustic version better)
'Til Tuesday - Voices Carry
Cheat because so popular but Call me Al, classic with lines like: ('Rolly-polly little bat faced girl') - Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al (Official Video)More known for his 60s and 70s output, Paul Simon still found a way to keep it going.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H9M4XJXnCcw
Obviously love the original Lou Reed version but they did it justice.Sweet Jane - Cowboy Junkies
Nat was awesome. Like the weather my fav.I haven't seen 10,000 Manics listed yet. Does that make them obscure or just bad?
Personally, I really like Natalie Merchant.
10,000 Manics:
Like the Weather
Nick Heyward, yeah Haircut 100 hasn't been mentioned up to this point in the thread. >> Haircut 100 - Love Plus One >> Haircut 100 - Fantastic Day (Official Video)Pretty sure we're all familiar with Haircut 100, but maybe less known is their lead singer's (Nick Heyward) solo album that he also put out in the 80's. There are several songs on it that I like, but I'll post just 2:
Whistle Down the Wind appears twice in the movie 16 Candles, but in small snippets.
Had no idea Fems started in the 80s. Add it up. More like crank it up. (playlist in my mind pairs this with 'Keep Em Separated by the Offspring but that came out in 94 so it doesn't qualify)Another band that I have not seen mentioned yet is Violent Femmes. I am no where near a fan of them as Natalie, but these songs sure got played a lot in my college frat.
Violent Femmes
Add it Up
I love the video for You Can Call Me Al. Paul Simon and Chevy Chase played off each other so well.Cheat because so popular but Call me Al, classic with lines like: ('Rolly-polly little bat faced girl') - Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al (Official Video)
much bigger fan of the Howe/Downes/White version ...much more old Yes-like vs Asia ...blech.Jon Anderson by his own admission is difficult to deal with as well, although probably not as bad as Howe. I think Anderson was fine with not rocking the boat for a while, but once Chris Squire died, he was like to hell with it, I have as much right as anyone to the Yes name, and thus we now have the ARW factions as well (which may or may not do anything else in the future).
Speaking of various versions, even when bassist Squire "owned the brand", the other 4 put out an album with just their names as the band title .much bigger fan of the Howe/Downes/White version ...much more old Yes-like vs Asia ...blech.
I like it all. I love 70's Yes; I love 80's Yes; and I love that early Asia material.much bigger fan of the Howe/Downes/White version ...much more old Yes-like vs Asia ...blech.
That is a good record. Sure, it is missing the monster bass of Squire, but the songs are still there.Speaking of various versions, even when bassist Squire "owned the brand", the other 4 put out an album with just their names as the band title .
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Bruford_Wakeman_Howe
Not sure how old you are Joe but anyone coming into age during the 80s was born in the 60s and was at the tail end of the baby boom meaning the majority of young-adult influencers were a bit older and they grew up with classic rockers. The 70s began with the Beatles breaking up while CSNY was arriving and they still had the huge 60s groups who were hitting stride like the Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Eagles, etc, et, el...Curious. When i read our title of "80s music, it didn't all suck", I assume you mean most of it sucked. Is that correct?
Do you think 80s music sucked more than the music of the 90s, 00's or this decade?
In the late 70's, a lot of the young brothers in my junior high were listening to Parliament, E.U. Freeze, et.al, and would hold marathon impromptu 'jam sessions' when their only instruments were their notebooks and assorted other non-musical items they could bang on. It seemed mostly like just noise at the time, and TBH, I was also a little intimidated as that 'scene' was somewhat removed from my own. Kinda wish I had given it more of a chance back then.El Floppo said:
The 80's got a bad rap in the 90's when grunge and alt rock were all the rave, but 80's music as a whole has aged extremely well, while a lot of the 90's music has not, which I consider poetic justice.Not sure how old you are Joe but anyone coming into age during the 80s was born in the 60s and was at the tail end of the baby boom meaning the majority of young-adult influencers were a bit older and they grew up with classic rockers. The 70s began with the Beatles breaking up while CSNY was arriving and they still had the huge 60s groups who were hitting stride like the Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Eagles, etc, et, el...
Look at this thread and you will see TONS and TONS and TONS of great music but it is in one lump decades later from all over the map. Its impressive all at once.
Living through the 80s it came in dribbles and drabs and some of the 80s music I love now, I hated when it first came out because it lacked that classic hard driving 70s guitar sound. They had Whole Lotta Love and we had Blinded Me With Science. We had remnants and carry-overs from the 70s who went super star like Michael Jackson but the best home grown talent from the 80s was Madonna.
The spirit of the age, the Zeitgeist was one of hoping for a Beatlesque super group that everyone could revolve around but when a Pretenders would bust out people would die, the sound would get watered down so onto the next group. Young people follow, great eras have great leaders.
Looking back, we had a lot but it was spread all over like the fragmented Internet society but it looks like enough here can share so its all good.
troof up in there ^Ghost Rider said:The 80's got a bad rap in the 90's when grunge and alt rock were all the rave, but 80's music as a whole has aged extremely well, while a lot of the 90's music has not, which I consider poetic justice.