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Say you've got about 2,500 bucks, and you want to blow it all on CDs.
The following alphabetical list contains what I feel to be some of the
finest or most defining moments of the late 70's-80's Punk and New Wave scene.
I chose the albums I did for three reasons:
1. I feel each of these albums are very "listenable," with no bad tracks.
2. Most of these are still in print, and all were put on CD.
3. The albums on this list offer a good representation of the Punk/New Wave scene.
There's nothing on here that is so obscure, only 6 people ever bought the album.
For the really obscure stuff, go here:obscure.htm.
I also did not include any "greatest hits" collections. I decided to put only regular issues
by the bands, because frequently the albums as a whole, work better than a collection of
isolated singles, especially during repeated listenings. Perhaps at some point, I'll put
up a list of good "greatest hits" collections and/or compilations. Let me know if this is something
you would like to see. Also, maybe I'll put up a "worst albums" list. Believe me,
there are plenty!
I've also included a few albums that really aren't Punk or New Wave in
the strictest sense of the word, but they do kind of belong on this list.
For a list of some good Non-New Wave 80's albums, go here: nonnw80s.htm
If you click on any of the letters below, it'll take you to entries by groups
whose name begins with that letter.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
#
Select the first letter of the band or
artist name from the list above to jump to appropriate section. If
the band you are looking for starts with a digit or symbol,
choose the '#' link.
ABC-"The Lexicon of Love" This album had so many hit singles in the UK, cynics said that the album
should have been renamed "ABC's Greatest Hits." This album is a fine example of slickly produced British pop. The hits,
"Poison Arrow," "The Look of Love," "All of My Heart," and "Tears Are Not Enough," are all on this album, along with the
other fine songs on this collection. Although ABC would put out one other good album, "How to be a Zillionaire," this one
still remains their finest moment.
Adam and the Ants- "Kings of the Wild Frontier" With his war-painted face and his British Hussar's
jacket, Adam Ant (real name Stuart Leslie Goddard) burst onto the scene fronting this Malcolm Mc Laren project. Songs like
"Antmusic" and "Dog Eat Dog" will make you dance, and "Killer in the Home" will weird you out. The best thing Mr. Ant
ever did.
Agent Orange-"Living In Darkness" California surf-influenced punk rock at its best. This trio shows
their heavy Dick Dale/early-60's influences by covering such classics as "Pipeline" by the Chantays, and "Misirlu" by Mr.
Dale himself. Some amazing originals, "Everything Turns Grey" and "Bloodstains" round out the album, and make it a wonderful
piece of summer fun and memories of skateboarding in empty swimming pools.
Alarm-"Strength" These 4 guys from Wales sort of jumped on the U2 bandwagon with their "big" sound, but
on this, their 2nd album, everything worked. The title track, "68 Guns," and "Knife Edge," and "Absolute Reality" really show
how they found their own sound, and showcased it wonderfully.
Alphaville- "Forever Young" A great many of you who went to high school in the
early to mid 80's had the title track from this album played at your prom. Regretfully, it's
also the only track by these German kings of synth-pop that ever gets played on the radio. This,
the group's first release in the US, offers many good tracks of sinister synthesizers playing
midtempo melodrama. Some good tracks on this album include "Big in Japan," "The Jet Set," and
"Sounds Like a Melody."
Aztec Camera- "High Land, Hard Rain" Even if the amazing "Oblivious" was the only track on here worth a
darn, this would still be worth buying. Fortunately, however, the whole rest of the album is equally amazing.
B-52's-"B-52's" With influences ranging from campy 60's pop to John Waters movies to 50's B-movies,
this Athens, Georgia quintet burst onto the scene with this album and its unique sound. One of the ultimate party albums
ever, with tracks such as "52 Girls," "Planet Claire," and "Rock Lobster." This is one album that dares you to dance!
The Bangles- "Different Light" This was their second full length album, and the one where everything
came together the best. The big hits, "Walk Like an Egyptian," and "Manic Monday (written by Prince)" are on here, but so are
the title track, and their cover of Marshall Crenshaw's "If She Knew What She Wants," and many other fine tracks round out
a great album.
Bauhaus- "In the Flat Field" When this album came out, the word "goth" had yet to be coined. This
collection of swirling, etherial dirges caught everyone's attention. The group would break up later, but, at least here,
the sound is strong.
Pat Benatar- "In the Heat of the Night" Although her next album, "Crimes of Passion," would be her
breakthrough release, this first album is really something special. Using her tremendous vocal talents to great effect
(she was operatically trained), Benatar whips through some greats like "We Live for Love," the sexy title track, the poignant
"If You Think You Know How to Love Me," the funny "My Clone Sleeps Alone,"
the blistering "Heartbreaker," and her take on John Cougar's "I Need a Lover." This is a fun, cohesive album!
Big Black- "Songs About F***ing" All I can say is wow! The superb "Kerosene" is reason alone to
get this one. A buzzsaw of an album!
Black Flag- "Damaged" Fronted by then new vocalist Henry Rollins (now a GM trucks spokesman), this great
punk album broke all kinds of new ground. Tracks like "Rise Above," "Spray Paint the Walls," "Six Pack" and "TV Party"
have all become Punk anthems. You can't go wrong on this great album.
Blondie- "Parallel Lines" The only one of their "regular" albums still in print in the US, this remains
their best album, from their cover of "Hanging on the Telephone" to "Just Go Away," there just isn't any fluff at all on this,
Blondie's 3rd album. "Heart of Glass," "One Way or Another," and "Sunday Girl" were all singles, and the other tracks, "11:59,"
"Pretty Baby," and "Fade Away and Radiate" (featuring King Crimson's Robert Fripp on Guitar) round out this album.
The Bongos- "Drums Along the Hudson" This Hoboken, NJ based quartet featured the one-two punch of
singers/songwriters Richard Barone and James Mastro. Every track, from "Numbers With Wings" to "Bulrushes," this haunting
album bristles with great 60's-inspired power pop.
Bow Wow Wow- "I Want Candy" If you haven't heard the title track by now (a remake of the 1961 hit
by the Strangeloves), I don't know what to tell you! This whole album is a great collection of their "Burundi-beat" sound,
with the then 14 year old Anabella Lwin fronting ex-Adam and the Ants members. The album oozes with fun and pure danceability.
David Bowie- "Scary Monsters" Okay. I know "Let's Dance" was a bigger album, but this final RCA album
by Bowie was his last "artistic" effort, and his first 80's album. The title track, the harrowing "Ashes to Ashes," the
hypnotic "Fashion," and the experimental "Up the Hill Backwards" all showcase the Thin White Duke's best talents. It is a very
worthy successor to the "Low-Heroes-Lodger" trilogy.
Billy Bragg -"Back to Basics" This singer/songwriter got his big break by strapping a battery-powered
amp on his back, strumming his electric guitar and singing his songs while walking around an English new music seminar.
This 2-record set (1 CD) collects his first singles and EPs. The songs, all sung by Billy in his working class Cockney
accent, are marvelous vignettes, love songs, and slice-of-life pieces. His signature tune "A New England" is on here too.
a great collection of songs, with only one electric guitar to get in the way!
Bronski Beat- "Age of Consent" When this mid-80's album came out, it generated quite a stir, because
of the group's very blatant pro-Gay stance. The songs concerned male to male love, and during the conservative Reagan
era, such openness about Gay sexuality simply would not do. All of that aside, this is a great dance-pop record. Jimmy
Sommerville's angelic falsetto vocals soar over great 4/4 beat dance songs. "Why," "Smalltown Boy," and a great cover of
Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" are only three of the great tracks on this album. The CD adds 12" extended versions of
"Why" and "Smalltown Boy."
The Buggles- "The Age of Plastic" Their "Video Killed the Radio Star" (the first video shown on MTV) is here,
but so is "Clean Clean," and a host of other great tracks! Fun,fun, fun New Wave!
Kate Bush- "The Dreaming" She's talented, she's quirky, she's beautiful, and boy can she write songs!
This album features a fully matured Kate, singing songs such as "Suspended in Gaffa," "Babooshka," the eerie title track, and
"Here Comes a Tenner." The album is interesting, standing up to repeated listenings.
Buzzcocks- "Singles Going Steady" This gem of an album is arguably one of the finest Punk performances
ever put on record. Great musicianship and dazzling 4-part harmonies keep this from being just another run-of-the-mill effort.
Terrific songs, such as "What Do I Get?" and "Ever Fallen in Love" and many others make this a truly defining album.
The Cars- "Candy-O" I was in a real quandary about this one. Which is a better album, "Candy-O" or "The Cars?"
I was almost ready to flip a coin to decide! "Candy-O" won, not because of its great Antonio Vargas cover art, but because this
record really displays the full abilities of the band. "Let's Go," "I've Got a Lot on My Head," and the album's closer,
"Dangerous Type" are all superb songs. Great!
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds- "Kicking Against the Pricks" This one is an
all-covers album, showcasing ex-Birthday Party's Nick Cave's impressive vocal talents and skill at deconstruction and
interpretation. He runs the gamut from gospel to blues to "classic rock (excellent covers of
Hendrix's "Hey Joe" and Velvet Underground's "All Tomorrow's Parties")."
The Church- "Heyday" Their excellent "Starfish" album is what put these Aussies on the map in the US, but
this 1985 release is gorgeous! Rich, textured well produced songs ("Tantalized" is a real standout) are the hallmarks of this
great LP.
The Clash- "London Calling" This extraordinary 1979 2-LP set blasted aside the distinctions between musical
genres. The band experiments with ska, dub, reggae, and punk on songs like "Rudie Can't Fail," "Death or Glory," and "Clampdown."
Their first "hit," the top-40 "Train in Vain," is on here, too, as a hidden track. Twenty
years later, the album is still refreshing!
Elvis Costello- "This Year's Model" One of the most consistent and prolific
songwriters of the New Wave (along with Nick Lowe), this 1978 album bristles with energy.
The songs are excellent: "Pump it Up," "Lipstick Vogue," "Lip Service," and "Radio Radio" are
only 4 of the 11 tracks on this great record. A must-have!
The Cramps- "Songs the Lord Taught Us" The Cramps are often lumped in the category of "rockabilly," but that
musical style only serves as the jumping-off point. On this album by the kings of horror-rock, there's no bass guitar, bad drumming, and Lux Interior's monotone
singing, but it all seems to swirl together, like a mantra. Covers of "Strychnine" and "Tear it Up" are instant classics,
and the amazing originals "TV Set" and "The Mad Daddy" will take you to this weird 1950's B-movie drive in restaurant, where all
the waitresses on roller skates are zombies.
Marshall Crenshaw- "Marshall Crenshaw" On this, his debut album, extremely talented Detroit native Crenshaw
shows his 50's-60's pop influences. Great pop gems like "Someday Someway" (covered by rockabilly god Robert Gordon), "Cynical Girl,"
and "She Can't Dance" sound as fresh today as they did in 1982. A timeless record!
The Cult- "Love" With their name shortened from "The Southern Death Cult,"
The Cult gave their listeners a seeming contradiction: heavy metal that's hip! Vocalist Ian Astbury
admittedly sometimes sounds like he is trying entirely too hard, but this album rocks anyway!
Tracks such as "Rain," "Big Neon Glitter," "Nirvana," and their best song, "She Sells Sanctuary,"
are all on this record.
The Cure-"Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me" A hard choice, this one. The Cure has a number
of very fine albums, such as "Three Imaginary Boys/Boys Don't Cry," "Faith," "Disintegration," and
so on, but "Kiss Me..." remains their most ambitious effort. Filled with a variety of songs, from
the angry "How Beautiful You Are" to the happy "The Perfect Girl" to the depressing "If Only Tonight
We Could Sleep," this double LP really delivers! The Cure's big hits, "Why Can't I Be You," "Hot
Hot Hot" and "Just Like Heaven" are on here, too. Interestingly, one track, "Hey You" is deleted from the CD version
of the album. It's worth finding the album on vinyl to hear it.
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The Damned "Machine Gun Etiquette" Although not as groundbreaking as
their first effort, "Damned Damned Damned," this one remanis their most accessible, with
songs like "Love Song" and "I Just Can't Be Happy Today," which were both UK hits. Some other
outstanding tracks, such as "Melody Lee" and the anthemic "Smash it Up" are on here, too.
The CD adds a bunch of bonus tracks, including covers of "Ballroom Blitz" and "White Rabbit."
A really fun record.
Dead Kennedys- "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" If you have never heard of
one of the most outrageous punk bands ever, this should help to fill you in: when this San-Francisco
based band first released this album in 1980, lead singer Jello Biafra ran for mayor of 'Frisco and
came in fourth out of ten candidates! He said "a candidate is only as good as his record." If only
they all put out records as good as this! This politically charged broadside starts off with
a sort of modest proposal, the sarcastic "Kill the Poor," and goes on to decry pollution ("Chemical
Warfare"), an imaginary Presidential run by Jerry Brown ("California Uber Alles"), lock-step pop-culture mentality
("Your Emotions" and "Drug Me"), and on and on. Almost no one is left unscathed by this band's wit.
Absolutely essential.
Depeche Mode- "Speak and Spell" Taking their band's name from a French slang term meaning
"fast fashion," these four young brits (none had yet turned 20) put synth-pop on the pop map with
their first album. Original member Vince Clarke would later leave to form Yaz and then Erasure, but on
this album, at least, the four original members were cohesive. "Dreaming of Me," "Just Can't Get Enough,"
and "Photographic" are only three of the fine songs on this release.
Devo- "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo" This remains one of the most innovative
albums ever released. This Church of the Sub Genius-inspired quintet from Ohio virtually created a genre of music.
What is truly incredible is that over 20 years later, the album still holds up. Devo combines the
basic instruments of rock in a way that sounds as if aliens who have taken human form have taught themselves how
to play. "Jocko Homo," "Mongoloid" and many more gems from the Bizarro World fill this wonderful album!
Dramarama- "Cinema Verite" This debut LP from north Jersey based Dramarama is superb, not the
least reason that one of the greatest modern rock songs of all time, "Anything Anything" is on here,
but also because the whole album is terrific! Some great covers ("Femme Fatale" by the Velvet
Underground and "Candidate" by Bowie) and awesome originals "Scenario," "Questions" and "Emerald
City" showcase some great songwriting and playing.
Duran Duran- "Rio" These megastars of the 80's were unjustly placed into the same "Bad Haircut"
group as Kajagoogoo, but they could really churn out songs with killer pop hooks. This, their second
album, was the one that put them on the charts in the US, but despite the million-selling pop singles, "Rio,"
"Hungry Like the Wolf," and "Save a Prayer," there's some authentically innovative stuff on here, too.
"The Chauffeur" is a very eerie closer to the album, and some great pop non-hits, "Last Chance on the
Stairway," "New Religion" and my favorite, "Hold Back the Rain," round out a really terrific album.
So, come out of that closet, Duran lovers! Don't feel guilty about liking them!
PS-The new reissue of the "Rio" CD is mixed differently than the original album, and not as well.
Try to find the vinyl or an earlier CD pressing.
Echo and the Bunnymen- "Ocean Rain" This 1984 release is simply a beautiful album,
showcasing superb singing and songwriting. "Silver" and "Seven Seas" are excellent, and one of
the most dramatic songs of the New Wave is on this record, "The Killing Moon."
Dave Edmunds- "Repeat When Necessary" This 1979 effort by amazing Welsh rocker
Edmunds is possibly his best. Combining country twang, rockabilly, and great guitar playing, he really
delivers, especially on this album. Real standouts are a cover of Elvis Costello's "Girl's Talk"
(covered laughably badly by Linda Ronstadt on her "Mad Love" album) and "Queen of Hearts," which would
later be a crossover megahit for country star Juice Newton.
English Beat- "I Just Can't Stop It!" Although more correctly called simply
The Beat (they can't use that name in the US because of the Paul Collins fronted The Beat), this
ska-based UK band put out this amazing debut album in 1980. They were lumped in with the "two-tone"
British ska revival along with Madness, the Specials, the Selecter, et. al., but they proved
to be even more versatile than these great bands. A great ska cover of "Tears of a Clown" is on here, as is awesome originals
like "Rough Rider," "Click Click," "Two Swords," and the great "Twist and Crawl." They would put out
two other good albums in the 80's, "Wha'ppen," and "Special Beat Service," but the raw energy captured
on this debut makes it something very special indeed.
Erasure- "Wonderland" After Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode, he recruited
Alison Moyet and formed Yaz (More on that later), but after two LPs, they split up, and now,
"what's a boy in love supposed to do?" Get another singer, that's what! Vince got hold
of Andy Bell, and Erasure was born. This debut from Erasure is melodic and danceable, even though
Bell sounds disconcertingly like Moyet. The songs are all fairly melodramatic, but you'll
like them anyway. "Heavenly Action" and "Oh, l'Amour!" are two of the fun tracks on this album.
The CD adds two bonus songs.
Eurythmics-"Touch" This album followed on the heels of their hugely succesful
"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," but it's much better. On the "Touch" album, Annie Lennox and Dave
Stewart showed that they had a lot more up their sleeve than the repetetive "Sweet Dreams." Great
tracks like the pretty "Here Comes the Rain Again" and "Who's That Girl" are balanced by songs
like "Right by Your Side" and "The First Cut."
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The Fall- "The Wonderful and Frightening World of the Fall" The Fall, a
Manchester, England based group (with vocalist/songwriter Mark E. Smith as the only continuous
member) is one of the few groups that have never compromised their principles, always making
music, seemingly, on their own terms. This 1984 album marked The Fall's 14th release since 1977!
The first album by the group, "Live at the Witch Trials," is an excellent record, as are the majority
of other releases by the band. However, I am choosing this particular LP because it is a very musically
accessible record. The tracks, "C-R-E-E-P" and "Elves" are incredible.
Fear "The Record" This Los Angeles-based punk band has the distinction of
being the most obnoxious band ever to play on NBC-TV's Saturday Night Live! (John Belushi got them
the gig) "The Record" is the band's first album, and it is incredibly vicious and mean-spirited,
so much so that it becomes an incredibly funny record! Songs such as "New York's Alright if You Like
Saxaphones" is a huge put-down of the Big Apple, and "I Don't Care About You" flips the bird to
nearly everyone else. The lyrics are so Beavis and Butthead-esque, you'll find youself laughing,
even as you feel guilty about it.
The Feelies- "Crazy Rhythms" This New Jersey-based quartet put out this album
in 1980, it went out of print, and was reissued in 1990 on CD with a bonus track, a great cover
of "Paint it Black." The album features dense, blurry vocals and good guitar interplay. If you like
the Velvet Underground, this album will grab you!
Fishbone- Fishbone EP" Although the group put out a great album, 1991's "The reality of My Surroundings,"
this 1985 debut EP really cooks! The six songs all are great, and the fun dance singles "Ugly" and "Party at Ground Zero" are
on this one.
Flipper- "Album: Generic Flipper" Many critics of the day branded this album as either the best or worst thing to come out in 1982,
but you decide for yourself. This album features murky punk songs slowed down to half speed. Vocalist
Will Shatter (who, sadly, is no longer with us) screeches and mutters his way through songs like
"That's the Way of the World" and the classic "Sex Bomb Baby." This album broke a lot of new ground when
it came out, and is well worth a listen.
Flock of Seagulls- "A Flock of Seagulls" Before I get started on this one, I know the name of the band is really
A Flock of Seagulls, but every record store to which I have gone files it under "F." So there!
Anyway, this is the liverpool group's debut album, featuring the big hit single, "I Ran." By the way, the album version is the best of the
takes the band did on that song. It is just a great album of dancy synthpop. Try "Telecommunication,"
"Modern Love is Automatic" and "You Can Run." Never mind, just listen to the whole thing! You'll like it!
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Peter Gabriel- "So" It must first be noted that this ex-lead singer of Genesis
wanted to title this album as he did all his previous ones, "Peter Gabriel." That would have really confused
things! His previous records are excellent, but "So" is the one that brought him to the attention
of the mainstream with the huge hit (with equally amazing video) "Sledgehammer." Other great songs,
such as "Big Time," "Red Rain," "Don't Give Up (with Kate Bush)," and the big theme from the
Say Anything movie, "In Your Eyes." The CD includes a duet with Laurie Anderson, "Excellent Birds."
Gang of Four- "Entertainment" This bit of British vitriol was dished out in 1979, and is every bit as important
and influential as the first releases by the Sex Pistols, Ramones, and the Clash. Hugely influential, this great album bristles with excellent
political and social commentary, with songs such as "Damged Goods," "I Found that Essence Rare," "Ether," and many others. A rarity
among early punk albums, this LP features some great musicianship as well.
General Public- "All the Rage" After the breakup of the English Beat, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger
continued on as General Public. "All the Rage" continued the tradition of excellence that marked
the three English Beat albums. "Tenderness," "Never You Done That," and "So Hot You're Cool" are only
the singles released from this terrific album, and the rest of the LP/CD holds up to multiple listenings.
Generation X- "Generation X" This 1978 debut album by this group heralded the pop-punk
craze that was to be popular in the US in the late 80's. Fronted by Billy Idol, Generation X was criticized by other
punk bands of the day because they took no anitcommercial stance, as the rest of them seemed to.
The US version of this album is the superior version, with not one bad track. Great punk anthems
like "Ready Steady Go," "Wild Youth," and "Your Generation" make a great album for angry young people.
The Germs- "(GI)" At first glance, this group seems like another punk
band with a self-destructive lead singer, because The Germs' frontman Darby Crash overdosed and died in
1980, alledgedly as a sort of bizarre "tribute" to Sid Vicious, who had done the same thing in
February of 1979. All of that aside, "(GI)" is a great, seminal early West-Coast punk album,
featuring the amazing "Lexicon Devil" and a host of other songs all bawled out by Darby Crash, who
sounds like a petulant 12-year-old. Perhaps the lead vocalist for Rage Against the Machine was
influenced by Darby's angry vocal stylings. Who knows?
Go Go's- "Beauty and the Beat" This California quintet of adorable and talented young women
had to work very hard to be taken seriously. They paid their dues in CA clubs like the Whisky-A-Go-Go,
and this great debut album is the result. It features a bunch of punk-tinged pop tunes, including
"Our Lips Are Sealed (written by the Specials' and Fun Boy Three's Terry Hall)," "We Got the Beat,"
"Skidmarks on My Heart," "Lust to Love," "Tonight," and "How Much More." There is not a single throwaway
song on the album. "Beauty and the Beat" is what is best in rock: the three-minute pop song, and fun,
fun, fun! A great album to bring to the beach.
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Nena Hagen- "Nunsexmonkrock" This all-English album by the German Hagen is simply
amazing. Her vocal range simply must be heard to be believed. The only comparison would be the
Late 50's exotica singer Yma Sumac. On this LP, Hagen sings songs about drugs, sex, and whatever
else seems to strike her fancy. "Smack Jack" is the real standout. A groundbreaking record.
Haircut One Hundred- "Pelican West" This megahit British band drifted across the
Atlantic around the same time as ABC, bringing a similar funk sound with them. Vocalist Nick
Heyward sings his way dramatically and smoothly through such big singles as "Love Plus One," "Favourite Shirts (Boy
Meets Girl)," and "Fantastic Day." "Pelican West" is a very engaging listening experience, one that is very hard to dislike.
Heaven 17- "Penthouse and Pavement(UK)/Heaven 17 (US)" This album by three ex-Human Legue members
is available in two different versions. The US version of the album, "Heaven 17" is probably the better of the two, featuring as it does the stellar
"Let Me Go!" The album is an almost flawless blend of synthesizers with funk, best exemplified
by "We Don't Need this Fascist Groove Thang" and "Penthouse and Pavement." Other great tracks,
such as "Play to Win," "At the Height of the Fighting," "We're Going to Live for a Very Long Time,"
"Geisha Boys and Temple Girls" and others round out an excellent album.
Richard Hell and the Voidoids- "Blank Generation" Richard Hell is considered to
be the founder of punk rock. He gave the style of music he made the name of "punk rock," and he was
the first to create the look that Malcolm Mc Laren would later copy for the Sex Pistols.
When he released the 1977 LP "Blank Generation" on the brand new Sire Records label, he was
almost an elder statesman of the "new wave." He was a founder, along with Tom Verlaine of the
group that would later become the amazing Television, and he also helped to found The Heartbreakers
with ex-New York Dolls member Johnny Thunders. This, the first full-length album by the Voidoids,
features a re-working of his first single, "Blank Generation." This single alone is such a
masterpiece of punk angst that it should be heard by everyone. The album as a whole, however,
features one of the very best punk rock performances ever put on record. An absolute "must have"
for everyone's collection.
Housemartins- "London 0 Hull 4" This album by the Hull, England quartet
contains 12 flawless pop gems. The group's signature tune, "Happy Hour" is on here, as is
"Sheep," "Flag Day," and "Lean on Me." The lyrics are great, and the musicianship is excellent.
By the way, the lead vocalist of the Housemartins went on to form The Beautiful South,
and the group's bass player went on to huge fame as Fat Boy Slim.
The Human League- "Dare" It took the breakup of the band's initial lineup to
provide the impetus to put out this great synthpop record. After several members left to form the British Electric Foundation/Heaven 17,
vocalist Phil Oakey recruited some new bandmates, and this album was the result.
This record is a good example of everything being in the right place at the right time.
Martin Rushent's production skills complemented the band perfectly, even compensating for
Phil Oakey's occasional over-the-top crooning. The group's megahit, "Don't You Want Me" is on here,
as is "Love Action," "Get Carter," "These are the Things That Dreams are Made of," and one of the
group's best songs ever, the Kennedy assassination-inspired "Seconds." This album is well
worth buying, and not just for its pop singles, either.
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Icehouse- "Great Southern Land" This 1989 LP is a reissue of some previously
issued material from the Aussie group's earlier import-only releases. The title track was
featured in the Yahoo Serious vehicle Young Einstein, and the American powers-that-be
perhaps thought to cash in on this momentary (very momentary!) fame.
Not really a "greatest hits" collection, the album nonetheless features some early Icehouse,
before vocalist Iva Davies decided that he was going to try to sound like a cross between
Brian Ferry and David Bowie. Singles like "We Can Get Together" and "Hey, Little
Girl" are a lot of fun, and the album is worth a spin or two.
Billy Idol- "Billy Idol" Former Generation X frontman Idol (aka William Broud)
put out this huge debut album in 1982, launching a string of pop successes that caused him to dominate the decade.
Although his sneer and trademark fist-in-the-air would later grow tiresome, when the album first
came out, it shocked Middle America the same way bland pseudo-Goth Marilyn Manson does today.
The album features the big hits "White Wedding" and "Dancing With Myself," and memorable songs
like "Hot in the City" and "Love Calling."
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Joe Jackson- "Look Sharp" Along with Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe, Joe Jackson
was one of the strongest singer/songwriters of the New Wave movement in England. This debut album is also
arguably one of his best, beginning with the angry "One More Time," a great uptempo number where
the singer expresses his angry disbelief that his relationship is over. The top-10 hit, "Is
She Really Going Out With Him?" is on this album, as is the great album closer, "Got the Time,"
which was covered by Anthrax. The album's songs are all so well written, you'll enjoy listening
to it again and again.
The Jam- "Sound Affects" Although their career only lasted six years (and 7 albums and 4 EPs),
almost all of this Mod influenced trio's output is superb. Vocalist/Guitarist Paul Weller, Bassist/Vocalist
Bruce Foxton, and Drummer Rick Buckler combined to make one of the greatest trios ever in rock. Only
the Police exceed them. Angry, bitter, passionate and danceable, "Sound Affects" remains a great introduction
to this great band. "That's Entertainment" alone is reason to buy this one. After you get this one,
try their other great albums "In the City," "This is the Modern World," "All Mod Cons," "Setting Sons,"
and "The Gift." The Jam was truly one of the most consistent New Wave acts ever.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts- "Bad Reputation" After she left the near-great girl group
the Runaways, Joan Jett p[ut this album out on her own label, Blackheart Records, allegedly because
no one would sign her. That story is told rather hilariously in the video for the title track.
The album is a great collection of barroom rockers, with ex-Sex Postols' guitarist Steve Jones
helping out on several of the tracks. She does some covers on this album, including a great one of Gary Glitter's
"Do Ya Wanna Touch Me." Her next album, "I Love Rock and Roll" was much bigger, but this one is a lot more fun.
Joy Division- "Unknown Pleasures" This 1979 debut album by this Manchester-based
quartet is a masterpiece. Years ahead of its time, anticipating the Goth movement by several years and hugely
influential even today. The brilliant "She's Lost Control" is an hypnotic ode to a woman, who, like
lead singer Ian Curtis, suffering from epileptic seizures. The whole album is remarkable, and
absolutely essential.
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Killing Joke- "Night Time" Originally the first band to use the choppy
metallic guitar riff co-opted by Metallica and others, this 1985 album marked quite a stylistic departure
for this UK band. Great anthems like "Eighties" and "Europe" are balanced by tracks like the
swirling, Gothic "Love Like Blood." A great record, perfect for driving at night.
Kraftwerk- "The Man-Machine" Talk about a group ahead of their time! As
early as 1971(!), this German synth quartet were exploring the boundaries of Industrial music.
Some of their songs sound like they just were released, instead of 20 years ago! "The Man-Machine"
came out in 1978, and is still a remarkably groundbreaking album. The title track, "We are the Robots,"
and "The Model" are simply incredible.
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Cyndi Lauper "She's So Unusual" Perhaps one of the most successful debut albums
in pop history, this album took quite a while to catch on. Huge hits are on this one, such
as Robert Hazard-written "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," "Money Changes Everything," and one of
THE great anthems of self-pleasure, "She Bop." This remains Ms. Lauper's very finest moment.
Living Colour- "Vivid" This 1988 debut, featuring guitar virtuoso Vernon Reid and
remarkable lead singer Corey Glover, woke up nearly everyone who heard it. However, the group
faced a problem of acceptance: "weren't African Americans supposed to be R&B artists?" Regardless of
their detractors, this is a great hard rock album featuring "Open Letter to a Landlord," "Funny Vibe"
and the anthem "Cult of Personality."
Love and Rockets- "Express" After Bauhaus broke up, three of the members
(Daniel Ash, Kevin Hastings, and David J.) formed Love and Rockets. "Express was the band's second album.
It features some etherial melodies, notably "Love Me" and the acoustic version of "All In My Mind," and
danceable stuff, too, like the electric "All in My Mind (yes, they did it twice)," "Yin and Yang and the
Flowerpot Man," "It Could Be Sunshine," and a great cover of the Temptations' "Ball of Confusion."
Lena Lovich- "Stateless" This 1979 album from Detroit native Lovich first
appeared on the Stiff Records label, the one that carried Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Madness, and many
others. The album contains a great many good synth and guitar numbers, and features Lovich's
saxophone playing. Standouts include "Home," "Say When," and "Lucky Number."
Nick Lowe- "Jesus of Cool(UK)/Pure Pop for Now People(US)" Nick Lowe is
one of the most prolific and talented singer/songwriters around, crafting perfect melodies and
lyrics. This is his debut album. Incredibly varied, it features the classic "Cruel to Be Kind"
and host of other pop greats.
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Madness- "Absolutley" This was another hard choice, because "One Step Beyond"
and "7" are just as good. Still, this British Two-Tone band put out a great ska album with
"Absolutely." It features "Baggy Trousers," "Embarrassment," and "Return of the Las Palmas 7."
A great ska record, from one of the best ska bands ever.
Magazine- "The Correct Use of Soap" When Howard De Voto left the then brand-new
Buzzcocks, he formed Magazine almost immediately. The group caught the attention of the music press almost immediately,
but the group's first two efforts, "Real Life" and "Secondhand Daylight" weren't as cohesive as
their 1980 third album. De Voto really came into his own on this one, with finely crafted songs
like "The Light Pours Out of Me (covered by Peter Murphy), "Sweetheart Contract," and "Song From Under
the Floorboards."
Men Without Hats- "Rhythm of Youth" Yes, it's the band that gave us "The Safety Dance."
However, there is much more to this band than that one song. This debut Lp features the classic 80's synth-pop sound,
with bouncy, poppy melodies like "Ideas For Walls" and "Living in China," which should have been a single.
By no means is this the best album ever, but it stands as an outstanding, if dated, example of the 80's pop sound.
Missing Persons- "Spring Session M" This debut full length album by Los Angeles-based
Missing Persons (the title is a scrambling of the group's name) remains a shining example of the West-Coast new wave sound. With gorgeous Dale Bozzio
on vocals, Patrick O'Hearn on keyboards, and Dale's older brother Terry on drums, this album features a great deal
of fun. The only other album to get from these guys is "The Best of," because it features the awesome "Mental Hopscotch" which first
appeared on their first EP. Dale went on to a solo career, Patrick O'Hearn went on to become a top-selling
New Age musician, and Terry Bozzio, who had drummed for Frank Zappa's Mothers of invention, became a very
in-demand drummer.
Modern English- "After the Snow" Wrongly classified as "One hit wonders" because of the single from this album,
"Melt With You," (which WASN'T a his when first released in 1982) this English group succeeds in putting out an album of swirling, dark melodies. The album
was originally released on 4AD records, the same label as Xymox, the Cocteau Twins, Bauhaus, the Pixies, and many others.
There are many great songs on here, such as "Face of Wood," "Life in the Gladhouse" and the album's closer, "Tables Turning." In 1983,
vocalist Robbie Grey lent his talents on the first This Mortal Coil album (1983), "It'll End in Tears." A great album of superb musicianship and songwriting.
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New Order- "LOw Life" This 1985 release from the three remaining members of Joy Division (plus drummer Steven Morriss's girlfriend
Gillian gilbert on keyboards) got the band labeled "the new Pink Floyd" by critics. Two of the band's biggest hits, "Sub-culture" and
"The Perfect Kiss" are on here, as is the canon-like instrumental, "Elegia," and the anti-war "Love Vigilantes." Non-singles, like "This Time of Night," "Sooner
Than you Think," and "Face-Up" round out a fine album, arguably the most cohesive, until 1994's "Republic." An absolute must-have!
Nitzer Ebb- "Produkt 1987" Wow! This duo may not have invented industrial/EBM music, but when listening
to this album, you might think they did. There is not one dud on the album. The LP moves relentlessly through its musical
darkness, with driving numbers like "Violent Playground," "Murderous," "Warsaw Ghetto," "Let Your Body Learn," and the vicious
"Join in the Chant." It's probably not a good idea to listen to this while driving.
Gary Numan- "The Pleasure Principle" Although there were other synth-driven albums out in 1979, this album
seems to hold up the best. From his biggest hit "Cars" to the sinister "Metal," to the amusing "Films," the synthesizer set should find plenty to keep themselves occupied.
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Last Revised: January 12, 2003
July 10, 2000
Sources: Yours truly's record collection.
©1999 Save-The-Wave. All trademarks or product names mentioned
herein are the property of their respective owners.
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