The Talking Heads were one of the biggest and most influential musical groups from the late 1970s to the late 1980s, essentially a decade of mostly innovating and provocative music. Once again, we get into labeling issues because this band mixed several genres and infused their own style. Post-punk, New Wave, indie, world music – … More Talking Heads, Chris Frantz’s book and the New Wave era
The Police had a great, but relatively short commercial period of success. Here is a look back at their music. The first Police album came out in November 1978. Labeled as “New Wave,” The Police were a punk rock offshoot, contemporaries of Elvis Costello, U2 and The Jam. High energy, short and concise songs, minimalist … More The Police: A Look Back
True confession: It has been years since I seriously listened to R.E.M., beyond just a song or two. In the 1980s, this was one of my favorite bands, before they took the big record company money and tried to appeal to the stadium audience. Their sound was fresh, jangly and succinct. R.E.M. was not a … More R.E.M. – Looking Back at Their Studio Albums
If you have read my other Neil Young blogs, you might surmise that the 1970s was my favorite decade for his music. The 1980s was a very uneven one for Young, his musical styles were all over the place and the quality of his efforts was mixed as well. By the end of the 1970s, … More Neil Young in the 1980s
No, this isn’t about erectile dysfunction. The other day I posted a blog about songs over 10 minutes in length. A colleague humorously suggested compiling a list of songs that are shorter than two minutes. Okay, let’s do it! I’m placing a caveat that these have to be post- 1960, as in the old days, … More Two Minutes or Less
I love to be surprised by music I didn’t know about or was convinced I would not like. As I get older, I have to fight harder to move out of my comfort zone of musical tastes. Retracing my steps over many decades, there are some game-changers. Although I will not likely be shouting the … More Musical Surprises
Autobiographies by musicians are usually filled with partying, conquests and namedropping. I’ve read a ton of them and most I’ve forgotten before turning the final page. They are usually quick reads on a weekend, cotton candy for the brain. Even though most are mediocre, that does not stop me from reading them. Here are five … More Top Five Music Memoirs
After my first blog on this subject, I received a few comments about omissions. Admittedly, the list left out some really fine artists. Here are some more. The Payolas – Led by Paul Hyde and Bob Rock, this Canadian band blended new wave, power-pop and rock into a few hits like “Eyes of a Stranger” … More More Hidden Treasures: 1980s Music
The 1980s was not my favorite decade, especially for music, but there are some hidden treasures. I’ve bypassed the more famous bands and artists in favor of ones that may be a mystery to you. Incredibly, the majority of these artists are still performing today. The 1980s was a strange decade for music. Radio format … More Music: Hidden Treasures of the 1980s
The debut album by the Cars is their best. Heartbeat City (1984) is a close second, it had as many singles and rose higher on the charts than their debut, but hasn’t sold as many copies. Heartbeat City is a very 1980s album, full of synthesizers, programmed beats and processed vocals. The difference between the … More The Cars (1978): Let the Good Times Roll
Ticket 2 Ride 
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