Ah, the 1980s, a music decade of questionable taste and decency. Some of it was awful, but some of it was utterly fantastic. Unfortunately, when record companies, clubs, radio stations and TV channels compile their “Best of the 80s” playlist, they always churn out the same tired old staples that we’ve all heard a hundred times before. My best of the 1980s playlist is obviously going to be better than the usual shit. No more “Sweet Child of Mine”. Get lost, “Take My Breath Away”. Fuck you, “Livin’ on a Prayer”. Here’s some wide-awake, awesomely deep, adventurously eon-spanning tunes:
1. “Go Wild in the Country” – Bow Wow Wow
Bow Wow Wow were very 1980s new wave hip, and whilst their music is well-known by indie types, you hardly ever hear their stuff played these days. This track is beyond up beat and very fun. People under the age of 25 may remember it being used as the theme for the TV Cavegirl, but don’t let that put you off – as if it would.
2. “Borderline” – Madonna
This was one of Madonna’s first singles, and as such has a quaintly naïve and unassuming quality that is so unlike most of Madge’s work. The synth tag line is sooo 80s, but very catchy.
3. “Cool for Cats” – Squeeze
Another dirty little gem from squeeze, with a nice, fast pace and c-c-c-c-catchy lines.
4. “Shoot to Thrill” – AC/DC
From the biggest and bestest AC/DC album, Black in Black, “Shoot to Thrill” is fast paced, with a typical AC/DC content and vibe. Not as renowned as it should be.
5. “A Forest” – The Cure
Ah the Cure – how I love thee. The Cure have a great many wonderful tracks, but “The Forest” is a cracking example of their beautiful song writing. Not as ubiquitous as “Friday I’m in Love”, nor as depressing as “Cut Here”, “The Forest” is dark, deep and enchanting.
6. “Eye Know” – De La Soul
Gentle, happy and mellow, this is a typical De La Soul song, seamlessly mixed.
7. “Ghosts” – The Jam
The Jam have a number of good but over-used tracks. “Ghosts” is beautiful, yet rarely heard outside of a Best of… collection. It is a delicate and haunting track with a beautiful guitar part.
8. “On My Radio” – The Selecter
A great example of the excellent ska music that was produced by the UK in the early 1980s. With a buoyant vibe, peppy female vocals and an excellent organ timbre, this is a great track.
9. “Turning Japanese” – The Vapours
This track only ever seems to be used when something is set in Japan, but it is a great song in its only right. With very interesting vocal delivery and a nicely punky vibe, this is often neglected goodness just waiting to be over-used.
10. “Genius of Love” – Tom Tom Club
The music in this track is really interesting, quirky and draws on a lot influences. Very very funky, and sampled an awful lot, this is a forgotten treasure.
11. “Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osborne
Arguably the only good song Ozzy did outside of Black Sabbath, “Crazy Train” is very accessible and renown the world over as the theme to The Osbornes. Why don’t you ever hear it at a cheese night? Who knows.
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