New Wave (1)
After the coma of the 1970’s, it seemed like popular music roared back to life around 1980. Punk rock spawned an explosion of new acts that pushed the boundaries in all directions. Groups experimenting with mashups of punk, funk, and electronic synth created something that became New Wave. To me the most compelling thing about is was the juxtaposition of up-tempo and irresistibly danceable music with dark and brooding lyrics.
Gary Numan: Cars
Gary Numan spent the late 1970’s leading an experimental rock band that featured synthesizers instead of guitars. In a way, he helped found the whole synth-rock movement, and anticipated electronica by more than a decade. Numan called it “machine music” yet you could dance to it. This is his breakout song from 1979. It became a staple at our parties, along with Rock Lobster and In The Navy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99fRdfVIOr4
Rock Lobster
I couldn’t find a clip of the B-52s’ 1980 appearance on Saturday Night Live, but I will never forget the shiver of excitement many of us felt who were lucky enough to see it. It felt as momentous as The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Here is a clip from an appearance shortly after that. The song, “Rock Lobster”, is on my list of the Ten Best Things Ever Recorded. As a friend of mine once said to me, “The B-52s can do no wrong.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VCCiY17hKw
She came from Planet Claire
Planet Claire has pink air. All the trees are red.
No one ever dies there. No one has a head.
Tell me this is not genius.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOjAzI5zALo
I might like you better…
Ok, this is probably not the right theme for these viral days, but hey. 1981 classic from Romeo Void, and a big influence on punk and new wave that came after. The lead singer is the first Native American rock star I know of. She’s now an artist and teacher in the Central Valley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x0fPZrPV3M
Have you even heard of Gloria Jones?
Some things become so much a part of the fabric of your environment you don't think about them. “Tainted Love” was a huge dance hit in the 80’s and is still a staple on radio and in dance clubs—probably the longest-lasting one-hit wonder from that era. We all knew it was a cover, but I only recently looked into its history. Here is the original 1964 recording by Gloria Jones. She wrote songs for various Motown groups including the Supremes, but never broke out as a performer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJKe2j9Wjh4
Tainted Love
Here is Soft Cell's version of “Tainted Love” which segues into their take on the Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go?" Why not?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGXpDhNAO1Y
Gang of Four
Here’s another favorite. They never became quite as big, but this song was a campus dance hit. Nerd notes: Bassist Sara Lee was one of the few female rock instrumentalists of that or any era. She later played with Robert Fripp, the B-52s, the Indigo Girls and a lot of other major New Wave acts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHVI5fAzWq0
Depeche Mode: Dreaming of Me
First single from one of the groups that defined the 80’s. It would be one of their most upbeat songs. Like much of the post-punk movement, they became darker and more ironic over time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlNSZLG2mBc
Yazoo: Only You
After leaving Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke teamed up with Alison Moyet, and they released two albums together, mixing up blues and funk with spare, new-wave synthesizer-based instrumentation. The heart of their sound is Moyet’s unique, soulfully melancholy voice. This is a 1999 remix of their first hit, originally released in 1982.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsMcT03cSvs
Blasphemous Rumours
Another from Depeche Mode. After Vince Clarke left, they headed in a darker direction. The Church tried to prevent this from being released, but it became a hit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3EAzf5fDpY
Who Needs Love (like that)
In 1985, Vince Clarke recruited Andy Bell, who was already a fan of his work, and formed Erasure. While Clarke himself is not gay, he worked mostly with gay singers and clearly fed off the energy of gay liberation, which was just hitting its stride. I think that energy was a big reason popular music came out of its 70’s coma, and Erasure was an important player. This is their first hit. I think Bell’s is one of the best male voices ever in pop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX0VJhrw01w
Erasure: Sometimes
Another from Erasure, 1986. Andy Bell was really coming into his own here, giving them an amazing and unique sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1a8QABKNo0
Oh l’Amour
My favorite from Erasure. There are a dozen versions on youtube. I picked this one.
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