I'm taking a little step back to think through some musical memories from the 80s-early 90s. This will really be part one because I have many mini phases during those years. But here are a few songs I'd recommend you listen to.
I went to Catholic school so dances had pretty much been outlawed...until I was in 8th grade. Of course the girls and the guys couldn't decide on the same theme so we had to blend them. The theme turned out to be 1984-Thriller (Van Halen-Michael Jackson.) There were a few too many single gloved hands, fake leather jackets and acid washed denim. But the music was really good. MJ has been gone a few years now and it's sad that we didn't have more. Take a listen to PYT, Can't Stop Until You Get Enough, and Smooth Criminal. My favorite VH songs are "Right Now" and "Jump."
I entered into my imported British music phase soon thereafter and fell in love with Scritti Politti. I think I watched the video for "Perfect Way" over and over. Something to be said for those beloved pop songs. When in Rome's "The Promise" along with songs like "Blister in the Sun," "How Soon is Now," "Obsession," "Keep Feeling Fascination," "Just Can't Get Enough" and "Rock Lobster."
These songs were not really played on the radio unless you had access to an "alternative" or new wave station. Now it seems like everything is accessible which is both good and too easy. Sometimes you have to really work to find great stuff. I am sure that my friends who went dancing with me in those days probably have big CD or digital music collections like me. Great stuff there.
Today I listened to a lot of The Cure. Lots of remixes and live versions are now available which I love. I did have some albums--12" imports-- but no real way to listen to them. At least now you can access nearly all digitally which is great when I need to have a little fix...like "Close to Me," "In Between Days," and "Let's Go to Bed."
And Bands...so many great bands! B-52s, New Order (God I love the song "Temptation"), The Smiths, REM, Talking Heads, PIL, INXS and so many more. Food for thought...
