Top 5 80's Albums....

[progman1975]

Yes - Drama
Jethro Tull - A
Rush - Permanent Waves
Hawkwind - Levitation
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell

[zravkapt]

Univers Zero - Heatwave
Art Zoyd - Phase IV
Kultivator - Barndomens Stigar
Voivod - Nothingface
Eskaton - Fiction

[NogbadTheBad]

Univers Zero - Ceux Du Dehors
Zamla Mammaz Manna - Familjesprickor
Thinking Plague - In This Life
Cardiacs - A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window
Shub Niggurath - Les Morts Vont Vite

[Morpheus]

This Heat- Deceit
Thinking Plague- In This Life
Cardiacs- On Land and In the Sea
Present- Le Poison Qui Rend Fou
Massacre- Killing Time

[Guess Who]

In alphabetical order:

Asia - self/titled
Genesis - Duke
Marillion - Misplaced Childhood
Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime
Yes - 90125

[klothos]

I cant do lists like this because I usually wind up editing it 1000 times :D but, for right now (in alphabetical order)

ABC - The Lexicon of Love
Duran Duran - Rio
Front 242 - Front By Front
Rush - Moving Pictures
Yes - Drama

[Sunlight Caller]

Not really much of a prog decade for me, so probably alone in these choices, though some of these have influence and appeal to a few round here:

David Sylvian - Secrets Of The Beehive (could just have easily have picked Gone To Earth)
Talk Talk - Spirit Of Eden
Simple Minds - Sons & Fascination / Sister Feelings Call
Talking Heads - Remain In Light
The Go-Betweens - 16 Lovers Lane

[PeterG]

Kate Bush - Never for Ever (80)
Cardiacs - The Seaside (84)
Lene Lovich - Flex (80)
The Sisters of Mercy - First & Last & Always (84)
Squeeze - Argybargy (80)

[PeterG]

Rush - Permanent Waves
Hawkwind - Levitation
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell

"cos 3 out of 5 ain't bad" ;)

[PeterG]

Voivod - Nothingface


XLNT lp & with the best ever pf cover.

[Facelift]

Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
Talking Heads - Remain in Light
Univers Zero – Ceux Du Dehors
NWA - Straight Outta Compton
REM - Murmur

[PeterG]

Cardiacs - A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window


Absolutely. In fact all their classic albums & their first 2 live lps came out in the 80s. Here's the full list of Cardiacs' studio & live albums for the 80s in chronological order:

Toy World (81)
The Seaside (84)
Mr And Mrs Smith and Mr Drake (84)
Rude Bootleg (Reading Festival 86)
A Little Man And A House And The Whole World Window (88)
Cardiacs Live (Paradiso Club, Amsterdam 88)
On Land And In The Sea (88)

[PeterG]

ABC - The Lexicon of Love
Duran Duran - Rio
Front 242 - Front By Front
Rush - Moving Pictures


I've got 4 out of 5, excellent list! ABC have always been an excellent yet underrated band in my opinion, especially alongside DD, OMD, Spandau B, H League, Ultravox. Another band of that ilk that often gets overlooked is Icehouse.

[PeterG]

REM - Murmur

plus Fables of the Reconstruction are the only 2 REM lps I like.

[ashratom]

Eskaton - 4 Visions Fra 1980
Kultivator - Barndomens Stigar Swe 1981
Dun - Eros Fra 1981
Revolutionary Army of the Infant Jesus - The Gift of Tears Eng 1987
Eider Stellaire - Eider Stellaire Fra 1981

[NogbadTheBad]

Present- Le Poison Qui Rend Fou



Eskaton - 4 Visions Fra 1980
Kultivator - Barndomens Stigar Swe 1981
Dun - Eros Fra 1981
Eider Stellaire - Eider Stellaire Fra 1981

These were all on my first attempt at a list and are equally worthy of top 5

[arabicadabra]

Agree big time with Genesis - Duke.

To which I might add:
UK - UK
King Crimson - Discipline
Peter Gabriel - (3rd one)
Steve Morse Band - The Introduction
Allan Holdsworth - Metal Fatigue

[JJ88]

For me:

Peter Gabriel- III
King Crimson- Discipline
Peter Hammill- Sitting Targets
Marillion- Clutching At Straws
Genesis- Duke

With 'The Wake' and 'Moving Pictures' coming close. Not a shining decade for the music though IMHO.

[Facelift]

If I was to just rate my favorite proggier releases, it would be:

Univers Zero – Ceux Du Dehors
Rush - Moving Pictures
Sonny Sharrock - Seize the Rainbow
Eno/Byrne - My Life in the Bush of Ghosts
Present - Triskaidékaphobie

[markinottawa]

Mick Karn - Dreams of Reason Produce Monsters
David Torn - Cloud About Mercury
Present - Le Poison Qui Rend Fou
Univers Zero - Ceux Du Dehors
Eskaton - 4 Visions

[GuitarGeek]

One possible answer:

Freur: Doot Doot
Thompson Twins: Quick Step And Side Kick
ELO: Time
Zebra: No Tellin' Lies
Henry Kaiser: It's A Wonderful Life

Ask me again tomorrow, and I'll probably give you a totally different answer.

[emperorken]

Marillion- Script
IQ- The Wake
Solaris- The Martian Chronicles
Blind Owl- Debut at Dusk
Amenophis- s/t

[progmatist]

Kerry Livgren: Seeds of Change
Emerson, Lake & Powell
Jon & Vangelis: Private Collection
The Enid: Something This Way Wicked Comes
Kansas: Power

[tormato]

Metallica- Master of Puppets
Rush- Moving Pictures
Paul Simon- Graceland
The Cult- Love
Trevor Rabin- Can't Look Away

[Yves]

A list based on albums I can still listen to today and spanning the different genres I was into at the time. In random order:

Rush- Permanent Waves
Trouble- The Skull
Mary My Hope- Museum
Midnight Oil- Diesel & Dust
New Model Army- Thunder & Consolation

[Musitron]

Most of the U2 and REM. But I don't like U2 anymore. Some of The Cult and Peter Gabriel as well. 80's was the worst decade of all time for music.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

Talking Heads - Remain in Light
Bad Brains - I Against I
Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime
U2 - The Joshua Tree
The Clash - Sandinista

I loved the 80s

or were you specifically meaning Symph Rock albums?

[nosebone]

Univers Zero -UZED
King Crimson - Discipline
Prefab Sprout - Two Wheels Good
Allan Holdsworth - Road Games
Metheny, Pat & Lyle Mays - As Falls Wichita So Falls Wichita Falls

[Calabasas_Trafalgar]

Top 5
Eduard Artimiev-Warmth of Earth
Formas-Largos Suenos
Kennedy-Twinkling NASA
Liettya Project-Sturm
Medina Azahara-La Esquina del Viento

honorable mention:
Arthur Brown-Requiem
Diethelm/Famulari-s/t
Human-Un Certain Pays
Scapa Flow-Uuteen Aikaan
Sicher-s/t

[BobM]

I agree - not a big Prog decade for me, but of thoise mentioned by others I would have to agree with the following in the decade (the one's I actually bought when they came out in the 80's are marked with a *** (the others I found later):

UK - UK ***
David Torn - Cloud About Mercury
Peter Gabriel - III ***
King Crimson - Discipline
Genesis - Duke ***

[Calabasas_Trafalgar]

80's was the worst decade of all time for music.

Only if you limit yourself to your 70s favorites and you restrict yourself to the UK and USA. If you look beyond those parameters, there was plenty of good music in the 80s - admittedly not as much as the 70s, but still a lot.

[Musitron]

Only if you limit yourself to your 70s favorites and you restrict yourself to the UK and USA. If you look beyond those parameters, there was plenty of good music in the 80s - admittedly not as much as the 70s, but still a lot.

Considering that popular music started in 30 or 40, what would be the worst decade for you?

[Galactic Bulldozer]

Shouldn't lists be in the other OT forum?? ;)

I'll stick to new artists not heard in the 70's by me

Wall of Voodoo - Call of the West
Wall Of Voodoo - Dark Continent
Stan Ridgway - The Big Sleep
Pretenders - The Pretenders
Cult - Electric

[No Pride]

Dixie Dregs - Dregs of the Earth
Nik Kershaw - The Riddle
Tribal Tech - Spears
XTC - Oranges and Lemons
Allan Holdsworth - Metal Fatigue

[grego]

Brian Eno On Land
David Sylvian Secrets of the Beehive
Peter Hammill And Close As This
Robert Fripp Let the Power Fall
Budd/Eno Pearl

[llanwydd]

In descending order:

1. Life's Rich Pageant - R.E.M.
2. Discipline - King Crimson
3. Document - R.E.M.
4. Duke - Genesis
5. Under a Blood Red Sky - U2

It's painful not to be able to put any Yes albums in a top 5 list but they came close.

[Yves]

The diversity of bands and styles being listed so far should be enough to convince the snobs and naysayers that the 80s did in fact have some quality music to offer... I'm sick of hearing about how the 80s sucked musically. If you knew where to look or were willing to explore new musical territory, you could find plenty to enjoy. Yes, there was a lot of cheese, and the 80s production may not have aged well, but there was still some good stuff happening.

[klothos]

The diversity of bands and styles being listed so far should be enough to convince the snobs and naysayers that the 80s did in fact have some quality music to offer... I'm sick of hearing about how the 80s sucked musically. If you knew where to look or were willing to explore new musical territory, you could find plenty to enjoy. Yes, there was a lot of cheese, and the 80s production may not have aged well, but there was still some good stuff happening.

Every decade has cheese. So many people put the 70s on such a high pedestal but forget that it was also the same decade that brought The Bay City Rollers, Nick Gilder, Pink Lady, etc (shall I continue?)

[WytchCrypt]

OK, my top 5 in order of their release year...

Steve Hackett - Defector '80
Twelfth Night - Live and Let Live '83
The Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime '84
Sad Lovers and Giants - The Mirror Test '87
Marillion - The Thieving Magpie '88

And 5 that just missed...
IQ - Tales from the Lush Attic '83
Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age of Wireless '83
Asia Minor - Between Flesh and Divine '80
REM - Chronic Town '81
Zappa - Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch '82

[Bake 1]

As with a lot of us, list could be different tomorrow or even in ten minutes:
Jean Paul Prat / Masal
Dun / Eros
Captain Beefheart / Doc At The Radar Station
Massacre / Killing Time
Fred Frith / Gravity

[Facelift]

The diversity of bands and styles being listed so far should be enough to convince the snobs and naysayers that the 80s did in fact have some quality music to offer

I haven't heard anybody say that the '80s didn't have any quality music to offer. I've heard that it was the worst decade for popular music, and I wholeheartedly agree. Comparatively the decade often sucked IMO.

[Yves]

Bashing the 80s is as old as PE itself. I think it's the first patch you earn in the Prog Snob Scouts. ;)

[klothos]

I haven't heard anybody say that the '80s didn't have any quality music to offer. I've heard that it was the worst decade for popular music, and I wholeheartedly agree. Comparatively the decade often sucked IMO.

I think it was one of the best periods of popular music IMHO...I guess thats the beauty of opinions: We may as well debate if chocolate ice cream tastes better than vanilla ice cream :D

[No Pride]

I think it was one of the best periods of popular music IMHO
I do too. Playing in pop/rock cover bands in the '80s was a whole lot more fun than it is now. For one thing, I used to get guitar solos; imagine that!

[GuitarGeek]

I certainly enjoyed the 80's a lot more than the 90's. The 90's had good music too, but the mainstream got hijacked by a bunch of...undesirables (well, for me they were mostly undesirable), plus we lost Freddie, Jerry and Frank.

[polmico]

This Heat- Deceit



Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation



King Crimson - Discipline


Throw in Beat and Wire's A Bell Is a Cup.

[bill g]

Genesis - Duke
Prefab Sprout - Two Wheels Good
Kate Bush - The Sensual World
Univers Zero - Ceux Du Dehors
XTC - Skylarking

[simon moon]

These sound like reasonable choices for now -

Zamla Mammaz Manna – Familjesprickor
UK – UK
Univers Zero – Ceux Du Dehors
Eskaton - 4 Visions
Allan Holdsworth - Metal Fatigue

It's pretty difficult leaving Present, Picchio Dal Pozzo, Abus Dangereux, Zappa, Kenso, Art Ensemble of Chicago and many others off my list.

[Digital_Man]

YES-big generator
Rush-Permanent waves
Marillion-clutching at straws
YES-drama
King Crimson-Three of a perfect pair(this is an album I didn't care for much at all initially but it grew on me a lot over time; the same thing could be said about clutching at straws).

[Digital_Man]

I haven't heard anybody say that the '80s didn't have any quality music to offer. I've heard that it was the worst decade for popular music, and I wholeheartedly agree. Comparatively the decade often sucked IMO.

For prog it sucked(that is from the commercial or big five bands anyway). However, for pop music I think it was pretty good(at least as far as pop music goes). I think it was a fun decade just not so much for prog. ;)

[flowerking]

In order of releases:
Yes - Drama
Saga - Worlds Apart
Camel - Pressure Points
IQ - The Wake
Phish - Junta

I'd put Zappa Stage II here except that it was recorded in 74 and released in the late 80s so I guess it doesn't count.

[Magic Mountain]

In no particular order:

The Cure - Disintegration
King Crimson - Discipline
Marillion - Script For A Jester's Tear
Rush - Permanent Waves
Savatage - Hall of the Mountain King

[Prognic]

Rush Permanent Waves
King Crimson Discipline
Uk Uk
Use noisy nights
Saga Worlds apart

And...

Duran Duran Rio
the Police Ghost of a machine
Kraftwerk Computer world
Tears for fears Songs from big chair
Level 42 Running in family

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

The Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime '84
whoa... didn't see that comin! I thought I would be the lone wolf with that opinion :up


Bashing the 80s is as old as PE itself. I think it's the first patch you earn in the Prog Snob Scouts. ;):lol QFT


I certainly enjoyed the 80's a lot more than the 90's. The 90's had good music too, but the mainstream got hijacked by a bunch of...undesirables (well, for me they were mostly undesirable), plus we lost Freddie, Jerry and Frank.I would rate the 80s better than the 90s as well, even though we had Anglagard, Djam Karet and Ozrix carrying the 90s


For prog it sucked(that is from the commercial or big five bands anyway). However, for pop music I think it was pretty good(at least as far as pop music goes). I think it was a fun decade just not so much for prog. ;)definitely! Some of the very best Pop style Rock music EVER came out of the 80s

[presdoug]

Passport-Earthborn
Accept-Restless and Wild
Atomic Rooster-End Of The Day
Eddy Marron-Por Marco
Atomic Rooster-Atomic Rooster '80

[Shadow]

There was music in the 80's?

[FrippWire]

Being a Zappa freak I would include any and all Frank Zappa releases in the 80's, outside of Zappa my Top 5 would include (in no particular order):

Yes / Drama
XTC / Black Sea
King Crimson / Discipline
Talking Heads / Remain In Light
David Sylvian / Gone To Earth

I originally had UK's debut album on my list but since someone so astutely pointed out it was released in the 70's, I removed UK and replaced it with XTC / Black Sea.

[nosebone]

The biggest problem I have with most 80s music are the awful productions.

Early digital equipment was in its infancy and all that cocaine didn't help matters either.

[elliottnow]

Yes - Drama
Iron Maiden - Killers
Rush - Permanent Waves
Slayer - Reign In Blood
Black Sabbath - Born Again

[polmico]

UK's self titled album was released in 78, right?

[Digital_Man]

UK's self titled album was released in 78, right?

Yeah, weird that three people mentioned UK's debut which was from 78. Maybe they were thinking of Asia's debut. :lol

[Gerhard]

A few more favorites I don't think were mentioned yet:

Bruce Cockburn - Humans, Inner City Front, Stealing Fire and World of Wonders
Richard and Linda Thompson - Shoot out the Lights
Richard Thompson - Amnesia (several others, too)
Los Lobos - By the Light of the Moon
Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind and Powerslave
Scorpions - Blackout and Love at First Sting
10,000 Maniacs - In My Tribe
Big Country - The Crossing
Robert Cray - Strong Persuader (and others)
Dire Straits - Love Over Gold
Donald Fagen - The Nightfly (of course!)

The more I think about it, there were a ton of great albums in the 80's, many I haven't heard in ages, and should revisit some time soon.

Some of my most listened to "mainstream" albums during the 80's:

Peter Gabriel - So
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms
U2 - The Unforgettable Fire
REM - Life's Rich Pageant
Rush - Signals
Genesis - Genesis (Mama...)

[Calabasas_Trafalgar]

Considering that popular music started in 30 or 40, what would be the worst decade for you?

30s & 40s

[Soc Prof]

A few that haven't been mentioned:

Alan Parsons--Eye in the Sky
Rousseau--Retreat
David Gilmour--About Face
Jeff Beck--Guitar Shop
Al Di Meola--Soaring through a Dream
Jean Pascal Boffo--Carillons (the 90s remix was a lot better)

[Paulrus]

I certainly enjoyed the 80's a lot more than the 90's. The 90's had good music too, but the mainstream got hijacked by a bunch of...undesirables (well, for me they were mostly undesirable), plus we lost Freddie, Jerry and Frank.

And it just gets worse from there. Compared to the past 20 years the 80s were a fucking Golden Age. But since the OP is obviously obsessed with lists -- or just bored -- here's my contribution (and I'm going to further constrain myself by not considering anything from the years 1980 and 1990 since arguments could be made that neither are part of the 80s.)

There's probably other albums more deserving to be on this list. I just haven't heard them yet. :)

Rush: Moving Pictures ('81)
King Crimson: Discipline ('81)
Donald Fagen: The Nightfly ('82)
Pat Metheny Group: Offramp ('82)
Peter Gabriel: Security ('82)

Yes, I also noticed that my picks are all from the first couple years of the decade. Even most of the 10-15 other albums that didn't make the final cut (ooo, a pun) were from the early 80s, plus there were some from the very late 80s. I thus posit that the real suck time in that decade happened right in the middle and that's why we consider it so crappy.

[emperorken]

I guess it says a lot about the 80's that so many people are picking a Yes album.:O

[Wah3]

King Crimson - Discipline
Talking Heads - Remain in Light
Marillion - The Thieving Magpie
Genesis - Duke
Peter Gabriel - Security

Honorable mention
Rush - Moving Pictures
The Police - Ghost in the Machine
The Tubes - The Completion Backwards Principle
Robert Plant - The Principle of Moments
Dire Straits - Love over Gold
Santana - Zebop
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Texas Flood
Camel - Nude
Kit Watkins - Labyrinth
Jeff Beck - There and Back
Steve Hackett - Defector
Kate Bush - Hounds of Love
Emerson Lake & Powell - s/t
David Gilmour - About Face
Pete Townshend - White City
Mike Rutherford - Smallcreeps Day
Supertramp - Brother Where You Bound
Alan Parsons Project - The Turn of a Friendly Card
Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age of Wireless
Iron Maiden - Powerslave
Judas Priest - British Steel
Kings X - Gretchen Goes to Nebraska
Yes - Drama
Jethro Tull - Broadsword
Dixie Dregs - Dregs of the Earth
Allan Holdsworth - Metal Fatigue
The Chick Corea Elektric Band - s/t
Pat Metheny - As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls
John McLaughlin Trio - Live at the Royal Festival Hall
Tribal Tech - Dr. Hee

Most of these artists started in the 70's but there's a dozen or so who either started or hit their peak in the 80's. Think my biggest problem with the 80's is over production, which may have been inevitable given new technologies. Hey let's overdub here, how about a horn flourish or some digital drums there, etc. etc

[Nov]

Donald Fagen - The Nightfly

Talk Talk - The Colour of Spring

The Blue Nile - A Walk Across the Rooftops

Camel - Nude

Sting - Nothing Like The Sun


Yes, I listened to and saw many of the 80s neo-prog bands and it's great that they kept the prog flag flying but ultimately they just fell a bit short for me musically.

[PeterG]

I guess it says a lot about the 80's that so many people are picking a Yes album.:O

No it doesn't, not at all. It simply says that members here that are Yes fans, wanting to create a prog list of 5 albums, clearly want to have a Yes album on their list.
I for example listed five of my favourite albums of the 80s not my 5 fav prog albums of the 80s, as the thread title just says 80s, not 80s prog.
The 80s was for me the best musical decade, followed by the 70s.
Very little in the 90s, 00s and 10s has appealed to me.

Were I to list my 5 fav PROG albums of the 80s it would be these:

Marillion - Script
Marillion - Misplaced Childhood
Mike Oldfield - Crises
Jethro Tull - Rock Island
IQ - The Wake

[revporl]

This is hard! These are ones that I loved back in the day

This Mortal Coil-Filligree and Shadow
Talk Talk-Spirit of Eden
The Enid-In The Region Of The Summer Stars '84 (which was a complete re-recording that I've always preferred to the original)
Pink Floyd-The Final Cut
The The-Infected

Now, I never listed to 80's Genesis in the 80's because when was getting into prog I had the PG era albums which I loved and No Jacket Required hung everywhere like a monsterous pall and therefore declared myself tribally in that teenagerly way AGAINST PHIL COLLINS.
In my relative maturity (!) I now know this was stupid and retrospectively, although I only heard it about 3 years ago for the first time, I'd say Duke is my favourite 80's album.

[Facelift]

30s & 40s

No, dude - if you REALLY took the time to look, you'd find that the 30s and 40s had just as much great material as any other decade. You just have to get out of whatever big-band cliche-ridden rut you've cornered yourself into expand your mind... :P

The '80s sucked. :)

[klothos]

I think it was one of the best periods of popular music IMHO...


I do too. Playing in pop/rock cover bands in the '80s was a whole lot more fun than it is now. For one thing, I used to get guitar solos; imagine that!


Same thing playing bass - Besides playing songs full of fun slap bass parts, being able to play fretless bass (popular back then) on a bunch of songs was also great.

[Scrotum Scissor]

Progressive rock releases from the 80s that stand up to or often bring to shame much of what came earlier:

Picchio dal Pozzo - Abbiamo Tutti...
Dün - Eros
MCH Band - Jsme Zdravi...
Eider Stellaire - (s/t)
Octopus - Thaerje Wiighen
Dull Schicksal - They Saved Hitler's Brain
Modry Efekt - 33
Univers Zero - Ceux du Dehors
Spinetta Jade - Alma de Diamante
Eskaton - 4 Visions
Plastic People of the Universe - Pulnocni Mys
Nimal - (s/t)
Stromboli - (s/t)
Cardiacs - (several titles)
Art Zoyd - Symphonie Pour le Jour...
Rainy Season/Sezon Dozhdei - Nostalgija
Prazsky Vyber - Vyber
Present - Le Poison Qui Rend Fou
East - Huseg
Thinking Plague - Moonsongs and In This Life
Kerrs Pink - Mellom Oss
Zamla Mammaz Manna - Familjesprickor
Pablo El Enterrador - (s/t)
Lord Flimnap - (s/t)
Albert Marcoeur - Celui ou y'a Joseph
Horizont/Gorizont - (both albums)
Debile Menthol - (both albums)
Art Bears - The World As it Is Today
Hellebore - Il y a des Jours

...and so many, many more.

[Zeuhlmate]

I dont think the 80'ties were that bad. Its correct that a lot of the genres booming in the 70'ties suffered from severe fatigue, but new ideas came up
RIO were 'flowering'.
This Heat: Deceit
Aksak Mabouls second album
KC- Discipline
Holdsworth
And lots of others already mentioned.

[Scrotum Scissor]

This Heat: Deceit
Aksak Mabouls second album
KC- Discipline

Deceit and the second Maboul are amazingly brilliant (although Bandits was released in '79 I believe), but 80s KC sounds bland, dull and not very engaging to my ears.

[Jimmy Giant]

Michael Rutherford - Smallcreeps Day
Peter Gabriel - 3
Marillion - Script For A Jester's Tear
Robert Plant - The Principle of Moments
Sabbath / Purple - Heaven & Hell / Perfect Strangers

[Musitron]

I prefer the 90's over the 80's because of the Grunge (Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains...) and the revival of Prog Music like porcupine tree and many others.

[Facelift]

I prefer the 90's over the 80's because of the Grunge (Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains...) and the revival of Prog Music like porcupine tree and many others.

Myself as well. I think the '90s were excellent and much better than the '80s.

[Zeuhlmate]

I really like the 80'ties KC :) Interlocking guitars, polyrythmics and odd meters like never before in rock !

Bandits is from 80, Danzes from 77 if Wiki got it right.
But a sharp threshold 79-80 is not meaningfull, some have also put UK-UK in the 80'ties, but its 79, and the RIO 'movement', Grunge etc. started perhaps lurking allready in 77.

[Trane]

Choose five from those bolded out


12 Art Zoyd Generation Sans Futur Fra 1980
12 Eskaton 4 Visions Fra 1980
12 Harmonium En Tournee Can 1980
12 Marino, Frank & Mahogany Rush What's Next Can 1980
12 Dun Eros Fra 1981
12 Itoiz Alkolea Bsq 1981
12 Dire Straits Love Over Gold Eng 1982
12 Bacamarte Depois Do Fim Bra 1983
12 Marillion Script For a Jester's Tear Eng 1983
12 Violent Femmes Violent Femmes USA 1983
13 Univers Zero UZED Bel 1984
12 Los Jaivas Obras De Violeta Parra Chl 1984
12 Supertramp Brother Where You Bound Eng 1985

Notice there are none after 85

[No Pride]

I prefer the 90's over the 80's because of the Grunge (Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains...) and the revival of Prog Music like porcupine tree and many others.


Myself as well. I think the '90s were excellent and much better than the '80s.
Different strokes. I didn't care much for the grunge/alternative thing at all. Perhaps they eschewed some of the pretentiousness of hair metal, but they also did away with some of the more desirable aspects of it; muddy fuzztones replaced Marshall stacks, virtuoso guitar solos were frowned upon, strong vocals were not held in esteem, nor were catchy melodies. I was never exactly a hair metal fan, but for me at least, it was more listenable than grunge (I guess it's possible that it has something to do with my age demographic). And it didn't help that The Industry was relentlessly shoving it down the public's throat. Towards the end of the '90s, people were finally getting burned out by it, sales were dropping and the labels had to concede that the fad had run it's course. I'll admit, I'd rather have that stuff around than the current "rock is dead" esthetic of today's mainstream music though. From my perspective, popular music gets worse with each passing decade. The '60s and '70s were my favorite era for top 40, but comparatively speaking, I'll take the '80s over what was to follow. And I'll add the obligatory "ymmv." :)

[Bungalow Bill]

I had to look at a list of 80s releases, which probably says it all for me. But, the five albums I enjoyed then and would still spin are

XTC - Skylarking
John Lennon/Yoko Ono - Double Fantasy
The Kinks - Give the People What They Want
The Who - Faces Dances
Yes - Drama

I could probably squeeze out another dozen but I mostly went back to stuff from the 60s and 70s during the 80s.

[Bungalow Bill]

A qualifier: I definitely enjoyed a lot of music that came out in the 80s. I've outgrown some of it but it's hard to say that albums like The Joshua Tree, REM's debut, and Synchronicity aren't r 'n' r classics. They are.

For me, the problem is/was the recording values of the time. I don't like the overall recorded sound of many of the albums, even if I enjoy the playing and songwriting.

IMO, it's kind of naive to say that the 80s were somehow the worst period in rock music. All periods have stellar contributions and utter shite. Many fine albums were made between 80 and 89. As an example, I'd offer Springsteen's Tunnel of Love. That is a gem that gets very little true recognition.

[klothos]

Different strokes. I didn't care much for the grunge/alternative thing at all. Perhaps they eschewed some of the pretentiousness of hair metal,

The thing about 90s rock music that many people don't realize is that it was one of the most formulaic, yet heavily-disguised as such, forms of rock music (formulaic-ally on par with 80s hair bands)

[No Pride]

The thing about 90s rock music that many people don't realize is that it was one of the most formulaic, yet heavily-disguised as such, forms of rock music (formulaic-ally on par with 80s hair bands)
Agreed; in either case, you had to adhere to a set of rules to be allowed membership of "the club."

What always struck me as ironic was that a type of music that had dominated the mainstream was called "alternative."

[klothos]

What always struck me as ironic was that a type of music that had dominated the mainstream was called "alternative."

I can't even tell you how many times I have said the same thing :D

[willyswing]

Stevie Ray Vaughan-Texas Flood
The Smithereens-Especially For You
Rockpile-Seconds of Pleasure
Rush-Moving Pictures
Chris Isaak-Chris Isaak

[Musitron]

The '60s and '70s were my favorite era for top 40, but comparatively speaking, I'll take the '80s over what was to follow. And I'll add the obligatory "ymmv." :)

To me the Rock died after 40 years. From the middle of 50s to middle of 90s the rock was up front. After that, it's 'has been' music. Like the Jazz, Blues, Folk etc.

[chalkpie]

You Are What You Is (1981)
Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar (1981; let's count this as one)
Ship Arriving Too Late To Save a Drowning Witch (1982)
You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore Vol. 2 (1988)
The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life (1989)

Guess the artist? Jazz Noise would be in there but FZ was lazy and didn't release it until '91 ;)

Special Note to all of you who bitch about 80's production (and I do too, even within FZ's catalog) - these are all stellar sounding products with (mainly) analog gear - save for some synths Bobby Martin played during the '88 band.

It's a crime not include others like the Recommended Records Sampler, but those records above are part of my DNA at this point.

[walt]

Talk Talk-The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk-Spirit Of Eden
Butthole Surfers-Locust Abortion Technician
Rene Lussier-Le Tresor De La Langue
Manuel Gottsching-E2-E4

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

Different strokes. I didn't care much for the grunge/alternative thing at all. Perhaps they eschewed some of the pretentiousness of hair metal, but they also did away with some of the more desirable aspects of it; muddy fuzztones replaced Marshall stacks, virtuoso guitar solos were frowned upon, strong vocals were not held in esteem, nor were catchy melodies. I was never exactly a hair metal fan, but for me at least, it was more listenable than grunge (I guess it's possible that it has something to do with my age demographic). And it didn't help that The Industry was relentlessly shoving it down the public's throat. Towards the end of the '90s, people were finally getting burned out by it, sales were dropping and the labels had to concede that the fad had run it's course. I'll admit, I'd rather have that stuff around than the current "rock is dead" esthetic of today's mainstream music though. From my perspective, popular music gets worse with each passing decade. The '60s and '70s were my favorite era for top 40, but comparatively speaking, I'll take the '80s over what was to follow. And I'll add the obligatory "ymmv." :)Husker Du produced 8 albums from 1980 to 1987 and they were the entire inspiration for the "grunge" thing. Grunge was a sorry, poor mans Husker Du

[Scrotum Scissor]

Husker Du produced 8 albums from 1980 to 1987 and they were the entire inspiration for the "grunge" thing. Grunge was a sorry, poor mans Husker Du

You could add The Replacements, NoMeansNo, Circle Jerks or Flipper to that. There were a handful of refreshing grunge artists, but I agree that the phenomenon as such was musically and artistically overrated. The 90s were about far more than just grunge, though.

And the notion that there "wasn't any prog to speak of" during the 80s is a relative myth, although "sympho-lympho" was gone and not revived until someone came up with the concept of claiming this to be synonymous with progressive rock music at large. Go check the "Epic prog run its course? Huh?" thread for some variations and limitations on the latter idea.

Meanwhile, back at the house:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogHIUNfu2vY

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

"sympho-lympho" was gone and not revived until someone came up with the concept of claiming this to be synonymous with progressive rock music at large.now *there's* a sigworthy quote if I ever saw one! :lol I am in complete agreement

As for my top 12 Prog albums of the 80s (since, with my first list I figured the OP was asking about regular Rock music)

Boffo, Jean Pascal - Rituel
Edhels - Still Dream
Eskaton - 4 Visions
Gamalon - Gamalon
Iman Califato Independiente - Camino del Aguila
Isildurs Bane Cheval - Volonte de Rocher
Kenso - II
King Crimson - Discipline
Lockwood, Top, Vander, Widemann - Fusion
Nuova Era - Dopo l'Infinito
L. Subramaniam - Spanish Wave
Terpandre

[Facelift]

Different strokes. I didn't care much for the grunge/alternative thing at all. Perhaps they eschewed some of the pretentiousness of hair metal, but they also did away with some of the more desirable aspects of it; muddy fuzztones replaced Marshall stacks, virtuoso guitar solos were frowned upon, strong vocals were not held in esteem, nor were catchy melodies. I was never exactly a hair metal fan, but for me at least, it was more listenable than grunge (I guess it's possible that it has something to do with my age demographic). And it didn't help that The Industry was relentlessly shoving it down the public's throat. Towards the end of the '90s, people were finally getting burned out by it, sales were dropping and the labels had to concede that the fad had run it's course. I'll admit, I'd rather have that stuff around than the current "rock is dead" esthetic of today's mainstream music though. From my perspective, popular music gets worse with each passing decade. The '60s and '70s were my favorite era for top 40, but comparatively speaking, I'll take the '80s over what was to follow. And I'll add the obligatory "ymmv." :)

My love for the '90s has little to do with grunge, although I find that stuff to be significantly preferable to hair metal. For one, the '90s was the golden age of hip-hop. The '90s was to hip hop what the '70s was to prog.

The '90s was a golden era for metal. Once hair metal was wiped aside, the stage was cleared for the inheritors of thrash and other players of more extreme metal to branch out and progress. There are lots of albums considered metal classics that didn't appear until the 2000s, but it's hard to argue that they represented advances that weren't already made by the more pioneering bands in the '90s.

The '90s also represetned the explosion of independent record labels. True, that was all starting in the '80s, but grunge/alternative turned the industry on its head for awhile and suddenly made almost everything viable. From '93-'99, you had economic prosperity, plus it was essentially all still pre-illegal-download (Napster emerged at the end, but it was barely making a dent). These elements helped make the '90s the golden age of the independent record store. Also, everything old was getting re-released on CDs. There was a big '70s revival that cut through the decade, so there was a rediscovery of all sorts of '70s music, as well as new bands in various genres that were making their mark on sounds and styles that hadn't been utilized for awhile.

The internet was mostly a tool for music fans to learn about bands to buy albums/attend shows/otherwise support, rather than a place to obtain something for free that they already knew they wanted. What would Anglagard be without internet word-of-mouth? I can't speak for others but I can tell you that, as a young dude living in the US in my 20s, there's no freaking way that I ever learn about a band like Anglagard without the internet, and even if I did, there would be no feasible way for me to obtain their albums.

I like '90s production. The sounds were often very organic and the technological advancements allowed bands without big production budgets to sound good. But they were still prodominantly professinally-produced products, not people screwing around with laptops. Compression wasn't as much of an issue with '90s recordings.

And I haven't even yet mentioned the prog revival that occurred in the '90s. I can't argue with the great and original music made by the RIO bands in the early '80s, but there's not a lot of progressive rock from the '80s that I think is very good other than that, IMO. IMO prog either got neutered (neo-prog) or was otherwise forced to conform with the trends of the day. Many exceptions exist, of course, but I'm comparing to the other decades when there was simply much more to choose from in terms of good progressivly-oriented music.

"Grunge/alternative/electronic/rap-metal" is one way looking at the decade, I guess, but I never had any trouble being exposed to all kinds of great stuff in all kinds of styles and genres, and not just obscure things, but semi-popular and even reasonably popular, as well.

[kayfabe58]

I'm surprised that Japan's Tin Drum hasn't been mentioned...
I'll also include Ultravox : Vienna
Gary Numan : Telekon
Discipline and PG 3
Sort of the gateway year or so...From 70's artists...
For the Rest of the Decade:
The Smiths :The Queen is Dead (the epitome of what was great about them)
David Sylvian:Secrets of the Beehive (just a magnificent album)
Tom Waits : Swordfishtrombones( an education in deconstruction)
Nick Cave: The Good Son (not well received, but the first time his songwriting remained consistant)
Echo and the Bunnymen : Ocean Rain (great songwriting, strong arrangements, and a Doors vibe circa Soft Parade)

[guyfromscene24]

In alphabetical order:

Asia - self/titled
Genesis - Duke
Marillion - Misplaced Childhood
Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime
Yes - 90125

Nice list! Although I like Asia, for me it would get bumped by Any of the Rush albums of the 80s (especially Permanent, Moving, or Grace Under Pressure).

[klothos]

The '90s also represetned the explosion of independent record labels. True, that was all starting in the '80s, but grunge/alternative turned the industry on its head for awhile and suddenly made almost everything viable.


Yes, there were many successful indie labels ( Fat Wreckchords, Victory, etc) and moreso than the 80s, but I found out in my own research that it wasn't near as many as it seemed. A great number of them were just subsidiaries of major labels disguised as indies.

Even the label I was signed to - Cleopatra Records - that was said to be one of the largest indie labels at the time was actually owned by Warner Brothers

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

yeah, basically the big record companies trying to cash in on the music built by the 80s labels like
SST
Dischord
4AD
Cherry Red

[Rufus]

Yes-Drama
Yes-90125
Jon Anderson-Song of 7
Tears for Fears-The Hurting
Talk Talk-Colour of Spring

[Zeuhlmate]

8kayfabe58 @ yes Japan's Tin Drum was something too + YMO Technodelic 1981

JeanPaul Prat, Masal 1982
Terje Rypdal Descendre 1980
John Abercrombie Night 1984

[Kavus Torabi]

Sorry, but I just cannot get on board with this whole 'the 80's were shit' thing. The 80's may very well have been bad for artists that were good in the 70's (Neil Young, Yes, Black Sabbath etc) but for genuinely progressive music (as in terrific, creative, imaginative music that didn't sound like stuff from the old days) it was an exciting time. I give you, off the top of my head, Cardiacs, Talk Talk, Sonic Youth, Slayer, Public Enemy, Voivod, XTC, Madness, Celtic Frost, Big Black, King Crimson, Talking Heads, John Zorn, Metallica, Swans, Dog Faced Hermans, Kate Bush, Killing Joke, Foetus, The Smiths, Carcass etc etc.
In my experience there is always brilliant, inventive and unique music being made. It's just not always by the same people who made it when you were a teenager and devouring the stuff before life got in the way.

[Scrotum Scissor]

Dog Faced Hermans [...] inventive and unique.

Indeed; great band.

[spacefreak]

Just out of my head...

Joy Division -Closer
Art Bears -The World as It is Today
Crass -Penis Envy
Operating Theatre -Rapid Eye Movements
Throbbing Gristle -Journey Through a Body
Ghedalia Tazartes -Transports
Art Zoyd -Phase IV
Venom -Black Metal
This Heat -Deceit
Dün -Eros
Mecano -Autoportrait
Hellhammer -Apocalyptic Raids
17 Pygmies -Jedda by the Sea
Flipper -Gone Fishin'
Amebix -Arise!
Biota -Rackabones
Ensemble Ex Improviso -Musique En Tete
Nurse With Wound -Spiral Insana
Slayer -Reign In Blood
Camberwell Now -The Ghost Trade
Napalm Death -Scum
Hafler Trio -A Thirsty Fish
Zoviet France -Eostre
Bevis Frond -Inner Marshland
Doubling Riders -Doublings & Silences Vol. II
Masstishaddhu -Shekinah
Steve Moore -A Quiet Gathering
The Ex -Joggers & Smoggers
En Plo -En Plo
Psychic TV -Kondole
A-Soma / Eve Libertine -Last One Out Turns Off the Lights
Meredith Monk -Dolmen Music

[Trane]

The diversity of bands and styles being listed so far should be enough to convince the snobs and naysayers that the 80s did in fact have some quality music to offer... I'm sick of hearing about how the 80s sucked musically. If you knew where to look or were willing to explore new musical territory, you could find plenty to enjoy. Yes, there was a lot of cheese, and the 80s production may not have aged well, but there was still some good stuff happening.

Well, in most cases, it's not just the crappy music (I mean bad songwriting) alone, but the way it was produced... Some albums were not that bad in itself, but the synths, drum programming and others twists of the era ruined it.


Bashing the 80s is as old as PE itself. I think it's the first patch you earn in the Prog Snob Scouts. ;)

That's why we're all here, right??? ;)



I think it was one of the best periods of popular music IMHO...

Nope, pop was better in the 60's and 70's... even the horrendously cheesy stuff


There was music in the 80's?

It's all about how loose you're with semantics :lol


I dont think the 80'ties were that bad. Its correct that a lot of the genres booming in the 70'ties suffered from severe fatigue, but new ideas came up
RIO were 'flowering'.
This Heat: Deceit
Aksak Mabouls second album
KC- Discipline
Holdsworth
And lots of others already mentioned.

Yup, I'd say that RIO saved it for prog in the 80's.... But then again, how many of us heard of those back then (outside the ones that approached the hardcore industrial music)...

[yesstiles]

Kate Bush - "The Dreaming"
Rush - "Permanent Waves"
Oingo Boingo - "Nothing To Fear"
Jon Anderson - "Song of Seven" (for Side 2)
Bacamarte - "Depois Do Fim"

[Trane]

Ok, it certainly appears that the 80's were the decade where you actually had to really dig out for the gems. In the 60's and 70's, most of the best albums naturally floated to the top, like the whipped cream floated on top of the coffee. This didn't mean that there were not gems left uncovered...

But in the 80's (and in a lesser manner the 90's), what WE, adventurous progheads call the best albums were smothered under a much bigger pile of turd, much helped by MTV, who literally brain-fed the masses with a few champions, but left the rest (and sometimes best) generally in the dark room. This is even more obvious as the 80's advance through time.... There are late 80's years where I can't find an album that would enter my top 25000 (not that I would have one, anyway)...
As it turns out, most of my nowadays preferred albums 80's list (on page three or four), I never heard of half of them until most of the 90's were well under the belt. But I'm rather sure that today's list is quite different to my then-list, which would been very empty, or including stuff I regard as just above average (and a poor average at that)
I spent most of the 80's investigating the 60's and the jazz scene, and although I kept an eye until 83 or 85 on the "mainstream"... Actually, I never really lost sight of the "pop-rock" stuff, but had lost interest for a few years (until 91/3), and it definitely looks like I haven't lost much either....
But just to show you that I was paying somewhat attention:
who ever heard of this great 89 album??
http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/eat/sell_me_a_god/
and who can actually say they boughtb RHCP's Mother's Milk et release time (not that I liked it much until their next one, though)



I'd say that where the 90's differ from the 80's, is that the "scene" is definitely more fragmented into small currents and indie dependant labels (though that existed already in the 60's), the alternative distribution channels dramatically increased, and there was not one, but a few more dominant voices to dictate the masses what to buy.

[Forester1]

Kate Bush - Hounds of Love
Solaris - Martian Chronicles
Leonard Cohen - I'm Your Man
JT - Broadsword & Beast
Mike Oldfield - 5 Miles Out

[Bungalow Bill]

[QUOTE=Trane;212680]Ok, it certainly appears that the 80's were the decade where you actually had to really dig out for the gems. In the 60's and 70's, most of the best albums naturally floated to the top, like the whipped cream floated on top of the coffee. This didn't mean that there were not gems left uncovered...[QUOTE]

This is just so naive.

As a subjective preference, I get it. But there's absolutely no objective way to say that decades other than the 80s were qualitatively better. There was a lot of shite in the 60s and 70s and the 90s were very formulaic.

Often, our preference for musical eras is based on nostalgia. "That was my period, so it was the best period." It's bollocks.

Now, this is only my opinion, but no one can ever convince me that an album like The Joshua Tree doesn't have the aesthetic and qualitative merit of the best albums of the 60s and 70s. You might not like U2 or that particular album but there's no way to say, from any sort of objective stance, that it's a "bad" album. (To be fair: there's no objective stance for saying it's a "good" album, either.)

It's all about opinion and personal perspective. If you hate the 80s, OK. I don't really like a lot of the music from the 80s. But I could never defend the argument that there was some sort of global quality dip in the music released between 1980 and 1989. It's a silly claim.

[Bungalow Bill]

I didn't use the quote function correctly. :( Sorry.

[Facelift]

[QUOTE=Trane;212680]Ok, it certainly appears that the 80's were the decade where you actually had to really dig out for the gems. In the 60's and 70's, most of the best albums naturally floated to the top, like the whipped cream floated on top of the coffee. This didn't mean that there were not gems left uncovered...[QUOTE]

This is just so naive.

As a subjective preference, I get it. But there's absolutely no objective way to say that decades other than the 80s were qualitatively better. There was a lot of shite in the 60s and 70s and the 90s were very formulaic.

Often, our preference for musical eras is based on nostalgia. "That was my period, so it was the best period." It's bollocks.

Now, this is only my opinion, but no one can ever convince me that an album like The Joshua Tree doesn't have the aesthetic and qualitative merit of the best albums of the 60s and 70s. You might not like U2 or that particular album but there's no way to say, from any sort of objective stance, that it's a "bad" album. (To be fair: there's no objective stance for saying it's a "good" album, either.)

It's all about opinion and personal perspective. If you hate the 80s, OK. I don't really like a lot of the music from the 80s. But I could never defend the argument that there was some sort of global quality dip in the music released between 1980 and 1989. It's a silly claim.

I don't think it's silly at all - it's quite defensible, and others have ably done so.

I grew up in the '80s and I can still see that it sucked. It's *my* music (shudders) and feel like I got gypped out of quality nostalgia.

It's not about one album or ten albums or 100 albums. It's about it simply being lesser than the other decades.

[No Pride]

I don't recall any decade where I had trouble finding music that I liked. Granted, it was harder to find new prog in the '80s (and I didn't even know about the resurgence until 2000, when I got my first computer), but there was plenty of jazz and fusion, some great pop/rock (of the more sophisticated variety), Brazilian records (one of my musical passions), heavyish rock and blues, etc. There's so much great music out there that even when there was a deficit of new releases with one or two of your favorite genres, there was always tons of stuff to mine from the past, especially in the vast worlds of jazz and classical. I don't know, I just never felt deprived of having new stuff to explore, at least music that was new to me.

[Musitron]

I don't recall any decade where I had trouble finding music that I liked.

Oh yes you are right. But in 80s we had to search deeper for good music and Internet wasn't there yet. I remember I was trying to find my way in New-Age music.

[Bungalow Bill]

[QUOTE=Bungalow Bill;212749][QUOTE=Trane;212680]Ok, it certainly appears that the 80's were the decade where you actually had to really dig out for the gems. In the 60's and 70's, most of the best albums naturally floated to the top, like the whipped cream floated on top of the coffee. This didn't mean that there were not gems left uncovered...

I don't think it's silly at all - it's quite defensible, and others have ably done so.

I grew up in the '80s and I can still see that it sucked. It's *my* music (shudders) and feel like I got gypped out of quality nostalgia.

It's not about one album or ten albums or 100 albums. It's about it simply being lesser than the other decades.


No, it's only defensible from YOUR perspective, whether or not you argue "ably".

The thing about art is that there is no aesthetic, objective scale by which you can measure the quality of the art.

Majority consensus means nothing. Unit sales mean nothing. Critic consensus means nothing.

It's quite simple. If Person A loves the 80s and thinks the quality of music was high, and Person B hates the 80s and thinks the music sucked, there is no objective norm to sort out who is "right". That norm doesn't exist...which is what makes a forum like PE interesting.

I'll put you on the spot: prove to me that the 80s sucked without any reference to your subjective opinion. I'm able to cite maybe 50 albums from the 80s that I feel are among the top rock albums ever released. How can you disprove my opinion? We're not talking about mathematical proofs or symbolic logic, which do have some measure of objective solidity. We're talking about art and the appreciation of art is always, exclusively subjective. If you think the Mona Lisa is a masterpiece that can't be topped, and I think it's derivative and technically flawed, neither perspective can be proved "right" or valid in the sense of a Platonic ideal. I love Charles Dickens and dislike William Faulkner: Does that mean Dickens is great and Faulkner sucks? Well, maybe for me...but only for me...

So...I hold to my point. This: "It's about it simply being lesser than the other decades." is feeble because it can't ever be defended successfully.

[Facelift]

[QUOTE=Facelift;212766][QUOTE=Bungalow Bill;212749]


No, it's only defensible from YOUR perspective, whether or not you argue "ably".

The thing about art is that there is no aesthetic, objective scale by which you can measure the quality of the art.

Majority consensus means nothing. Unit sales mean nothing. Critic consensus means nothing.

It's quite simple. If Person A loves the 80s and thinks the quality of music was high, and Person B hates the 80s and thinks the music sucked, there is no objective norm to sort out who is "right". That norm doesn't exist...which is what makes a forum like PE interesting.

I'll put you on the spot: prove to me that the 80s sucked without any reference to your subjective opinion. I'm able to cite maybe 50 albums from the 80s that I feel are among the top rock albums ever released. How can you disprove my opinion? We're not talking about mathematical proofs or symbolic logic, which do have some measure of objective solidity. We're talking about art and the appreciation of art is always, exclusively subjective. If you think the Mona Lisa is a masterpiece that can't be topped, and I think it's derivative and technically flawed, neither perspective can be proved "right" or valid in the sense of a Platonic ideal. I love Charles Dickens and dislike William Faulkner: Does that mean Dickens is great and Faulkner sucks? Well, maybe for me...but only for me...

So...I hold to my point. This: "It's about it simply being lesser than the other decades." is feeble because it can't ever be defended successfully.

It's already been defended successfully.

If you love the music of the '80s, that's fine. It probably just means that you aren't as familiar with the music of the decade as you might be.

[Bungalow Bill]

[QUOTE=Bungalow Bill;212789][QUOTE=Facelift;212766]

It's already been defended successfully.

If you love the music of the '80s, that's fine. It probably just means that you aren't as familiar with the music of the decade as you might be.

Very arrogant and pompous. You've defended nothing except your own feeling about the music of a particular era. I'd offer the entire 80s output of XTC as an example of just how much high-caliber music there was in the 80s. But, again, it's always only opinion.

[PeterG]

Sorry, but I just cannot get on board with this whole 'the 80's were shit' thing. The 80's may very well have been bad for artists that were good in the 70's (Neil Young, Yes, Black Sabbath etc) but for genuinely progressive music (as in terrific, creative, imaginative music that didn't sound like stuff from the old days) it was an exciting time. I give you, off the top of my head, Cardiacs, Talk Talk, Sonic Youth, Slayer, Public Enemy, Voivod, XTC, Madness, Celtic Frost, Big Black, King Crimson, Talking Heads, John Zorn, Metallica, Swans, Dog Faced Hermans, Kate Bush, Killing Joke, Foetus, The Smiths, Carcass etc etc.
In my experience there is always brilliant, inventive and unique music being made. It's just not always by the same people who made it when you were a teenager and devouring the stuff before life got in the way.

Well said Kavus, a man after my own heart. The 80s were my musical discovery decade, and you listed loads of my favourites. And I'd like to add a few more Stump, Squeeze, Magazine, The Cure, Sisters of Mercy and so on.

[PeterG]

Saying that good stuff was rare in the 80s is an empty, unsupportable and totally incorrect piece of crap! And is as stupid as saying it about the 70s. The 60s on the other hand, held very little of interest until about 1965 when the Kinks started getting heavy and pop started getting spacey and acidy!


If like me you were inundated with great music in the 80s, you'll know what I mean.

[Wounded Land]

One thing about the '80s is that digital keyboard sounds have not aged very well in my book. That to me is such a big part of the decade that it can be hard to distinguish the music itself from how it sounds. But there's tons of good music from that decade. You have a string of great Rush albums, the beginnings of Marillion, you have metal really taking off...all good from my perspective.

With regard to the current discussion, I must say that I instinctively recoil from the proposition that music is either all subjective or all objective. On the one hand there doesn't seem to be a way to adjudicate between the quality of, say, Permanent Waves vs. Signals, but neither does it seem right that if I fart into a microphone it has the same artistic validity of Wagner's Ring cycle. I'll leave the answer to this dilemma to the philosophers; I have a stack of new CDs and records at home that are waiting for me to get to know them.

NP: Sylvan Sceneries

[Musitron]

Of course there is very good stuff in 80s. I could easy find 10 great albums. But the decades of 30s to 70s have there own GREAT period where the music had a really big influence and even change something in live. In 90s maybe we had the grunge for a short period. But what did we get in 80s and in Y2K? Nothing big. If the 80s is not the worst decade, which one is it?

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

the only music that sucked in the 80s was Symph, and even then there was the odd Solaris that was pretty good. Most Symph was a redundant, clone-band nostalgiafest all trying to copy the sound of Genesis and Yes... garbage.

All other styles of Rock in the 80s were great.

[Trane]

This is just so naive.

As a subjective preference, I get it. But there's absolutely no objective way to say that decades other than the 80s were qualitatively better. There was a lot of shite in the 60s and 70s and the 90s were very formulaic.

Often, our preference for musical eras is based on nostalgia. "That was my period, so it was the best period." It's bollocks.

Now, this is only my opinion, but no one can ever convince me that an album like The Joshua Tree doesn't have the aesthetic and qualitative merit of the best albums of the 60s and 70s. You might not like U2 or that particular album but there's no way to say, from any sort of objective stance, that it's a "bad" album. (To be fair: there's no objective stance for saying it's a "good" album, either.)

It's all about opinion and personal perspective. If you hate the 80s, OK. I don't really like a lot of the music from the 80s. But I could never defend the argument that there was some sort of global quality dip in the music released between 1980 and 1989. It's a silly claim.

Just to be complete, I was 17 in 1980, so theoretically the 80's should've vbeen MY decade... and yet, I hated mainstream... Thankfully, I was not a loser or a loner, but musically I hit a wall of incomprehension with guys & glas my age... I got around a far bit, but only spoke about music to a chosen few
i've always defended myself from blatant nostalgia , though Isupposed I am unable to escape some of it... but not about 80's music. ;)


[QUOTE=Bungalow Bill;212749]
I don't think it's silly at all - it's quite defensible, and others have ably done so.

I grew up in the '80s and I can still see that it sucked. It's *my* music (shudders) and feel like I got gypped out of quality nostalgia.

It's not about one album or ten albums or 100 albums. It's about it simply being lesser than the other decades.

Yup, I know why I headed for the 60's during the 80's... Nothing passeist about it... just a drought of good stuff that lasted for about a decade ...



No, it's only defensible from YOUR perspective, whether or not you argue "ably".

The thing about art is that there is no aesthetic, objective scale by which you can measure the quality of the art.

Majority consensus means nothing. Unit sales mean nothing. Critic consensus means nothing.

So...I hold to my point. This: "It's about it simply being lesser than the other decades." is feeble because it can't ever be defended successfully.

MMmhhh!!!... you guys are playing/screwing around with quotes that are now not correctly attributed.

And yet, critic concensus generally hail the 80's as a good decade, which goes to show you

======================

BTW, I happen to feel that Josha Tree is a great U2 album ... it's to one that got me to listen i,n a different manner the band... Until Fire, I'd not really caufght on with their stuff... and yet, TJT is probably not in my top 50 of the 80's.

[Facelift]

[QUOTE=Facelift;212796][QUOTE=Bungalow Bill;212789]

Very arrogant and pompous. You've defended nothing except your own feeling about the music of a particular era. I'd offer the entire 80s output of XTC as an example of just how much high-caliber music there was in the 80s. But, again, it's always only opinion.

Then you'd have to admit that my opinion that the '80s objectively was worse has the same validity as yours that it's all subjective.

:)

Anyway, the fans of progressive music fans have definitely spoken. On Gnosis, among the top 500 highest rated albums (rated by 15 people or more), there are a grand total of 28 albums of original music released the 80s on that list. A whopping four of those were from 85-89.

By comparison, the '80s are very underrepresented when compared against the '60s/'70s/'90s and '00s. The decade is consistently recognized as being weaker. That doesn't mean there weren't lots of excellent albums. There were just fewer of them.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

only counting Symph style Rock though (well, perhaps not Jazz style Rock either)

as I stated, the 80s were great for all other styles of Rock

[NogbadTheBad]

only counting Symph style Rock though (well, perhaps not Jazz style Rock either)

as I stated, the 80s were great for all other styles of Rock

Dunno, the UK was fully of people wearing pixie boots, scarves and mascara & that was the blokes. Way to much ABC, Duran Duran, Human League, etc.

[NogbadTheBad]

According to RYM the top 5 albums of the 80's were

Pixies - Doolittle
Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
Talking Heads - Remain In Light
Joy Division - Closer
Sonic youth - Daydream Nation

I'd be happy with those.

[klothos]

Nope, pop was better in the 60's and 70's... even the horrendously cheesy stuff

Totally subjective

[Scrotum Scissor]

According to RYM the top 5 albums of the 80's were

Pixies - Doolittle
Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
Talking Heads - Remain In Light
Joy Division - Closer
Sonic youth - Daydream Nation

I'd be happy with those.

They are actually very good albums - all of them. Although I'm no longer much of a Smiths fan and never truly appreciated Pixies in the "right way", the two titles mentioned are classics of 80s pop/rock music. As are Jesus & the Mary Chain's Psychocandy and countless releases by "critically acclaimed" acts such as Magazine, Costello, Psychedelic Furs, Prefab Sprout, Cocteau Twins and on and on and...

[klothos]

If you hate the 80s, OK. I don't really like a lot of the music from the 80s. But I could never defend the argument that there was some sort of global quality dip in the music released between 1980 and 1989. It's a silly claim.



I don't think it's silly at all - it's quite defensible, and others have ably done so.

<----makes popcorn and puts on 3D glasses

[Wah3]

[QUOTE=Bungalow Bill;212800][QUOTE=Facelift;212796]



On Gnosis, among the top 500 highest rated albums (rated by 15 people or more), there are a grand total of 28 albums of original music released the 80s on that list. A whopping four of those were from 85-89.


And those 28 are...?

[Bungalow Bill]

Of course there is very good stuff in 80s. I could easy find 10 great albums. But the decades of 30s to 70s have there own GREAT period where the music had a really big influence and even change something in live. In 90s maybe we had the grunge for a short period. But what did we get in 80s and in Y2K? Nothing big. If the 80s is not the worst decade, which one is it?

There is no worst decade...except the one you think is worst...but that's only valid for you.

[klothos]

On Gnosis, among the top 500 highest rated albums (rated by 15 people or more), there are a grand total of 28 albums of original music released the 80s on that list. A whopping four of those were from 85-89.

and I should presume that Gnosis is the "know all/end all" of what is "good" or "bad"?

[Scrotum Scissor]

and I should presume that Gnosis is the "know all/end all" of what is "good" or "bad"?

Well, at least they mostly practice a code of eclecticism as one of their main criteria for contribution in that place, which is more than one can say about 3/4 of other "prog" review/rating sites. If nothing else, this implies some level of actual perspective on the music that's up for presentation.

[Facelift]

and I should presume that Gnosis is the "know all/end all" of what is "good" or "bad"?

No, I'm just citing the consensus of very knowledgable and experienced music fans.

Incidentally, over on Rate Your Music, whatever algorithm they use produeces 24 '80s albums in the top-rated 200 albums on the site.

Once again, the decade is very underrepresented compared to the others, and the contributors are from quite a different pool of people than the gnosis reviews (the respective top 200s have few albums in common)

There seems to be a very broad consensus among rock/pop/prog fans that the '80s produced fewer great albums than the surrounding decades - especially against the '60s and '70s.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

and I should presume that Gnosis is the "know all/end all" of what is "good" or "bad"?for Symph, Avant, Zuehl and Canterbury I would have to say it is an excellent resource. Obviously, 80s Pop/Rock would not be within their realm of expertise...

and they need more Prog Fusion enthusiasts IMO :D

[NogbadTheBad]

for Symph, Avant, Zuehl and Canterbury I would have to say it is an excellent resource. Obviously, 80s Pop/Rock would not be within their realm of expertise...

and they need more Prog Fusion enthusiasts IMO :D

This pretty much nails the place, I use it all the time for my stuff but I wouldn't go there for a blues reco

[gojikranz]

i love a lot of 80's music but i suppose if i had to do 5 in no particular order

Todd Rungren: Healing
XTC: Skylarking
King Crimson: 3 of a perfect Pair
Yes: Drama
frankie goes to hollywood: welcome to the pleasuredome

[spacefreak]

But what did we get in 80s ?

Apart from the mainstream:

post punk
avant wave
the expansion of RIO
the festival spacerock scene
industrial/power electronics
thrash/death metal
minimal synth
no wave
paisley underground
neo garage explosion
dark wave / gothic
shoegaze
2nd wave of punk / hardcore
the peak of NWoBHM

Ain't that enough?

[NogbadTheBad]

The aquaducts?

[snowsnow]

Hounds of love - Kate Bush
Moving Pictures - Rush
Spirit of Eden - Talk Talk
Misplaced Childhood - Marillion
The Joshua Tree - U2

[JAMOOL]

5. Haruomi Hosono - Nokto de la Galaskia Fervojo
4. They Might be Giants, s/t
3. Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age of Wireless
2. XTC - Skylarking
1. Yellow Magic Orchestra - BGM

Guess not a lot of proggy stuff on there at all!

[Musitron]

Nothing really strong but
U2 – The Joshua Tree
REM – Document
Peter Gabriel – So
Talk Talk – The Colour of Spring
The Cult - Electric

[Mythos]

The Chameleons: Script of the Bridge
The Cure: 17 Seconds
New Order: Movement
Stranglers: Feline
Simple Minds: New Gold Dream

[spacefreak]

The Chameleons: Script of the Bridge


Yes!

[chalkpie]

Tightest band of the 80's? Might be.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQDTXF63vug

[Zeuhlmate]

I never cared too much for Zappas band efforts in the 80'ties (compared to those earlier), but:

Zappa: Jazz from hell & Boulez conducts

[DrGoon]

Filigree and Shadow - This Mortal Coil
Tin Drum - Japan
English Settlement - XTC
Atomizer - Big Black
Zero Set - Moebius Plank Neumeier

[chalkpie]

I never cared too much for Zappas band efforts in the 80'ties (compared to those earlier), but:

Zappa: Jazz from hell & Boulez conducts

Did you watch the entire show up above? There are moments of unbelievable beauty and ferocity. FZ is on FIRE playing wise, and the band is as tight as you get. And Chad's drums were not infected with the electronic virus yet.

[snowsnow]

New Order: Movement

Intrigued by this selection! I remember playing this album on its release and thinking they sounded like a poor man's Joy Division - despite the excellent, vibrant opener Dreams Never End. Obviously you saw their potential - as they recorded some excellent stuff later on - Low-Life etc. Always wondered how far Joy Division would have gone if Curtis was alive today...

[Vic2012]

Every decade has cheese. So many people put the 70s on such a high pedestal but forget that it was also the same decade that brought The Bay City Rollers, Nick Gilder, Pink Lady, etc (shall I continue?)

You forgot The Partridge Family ;).

[Vic2012]

Top 5 80s albums, eh?

Heck if I know. I was a 70s snob for many years.

In no particular order:

Rush - Moving Pictures
AC/DC - For Those About To Rock
Fair Warning - Van Halen
Master Of Puppets - Metallica
Powerslave - Iron Maiden

[nosebone]

Here's a good one from 1988 that didn't succumb to horrible production.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQyvB505LT4

[Bake 1]

[QUOTE=nosebone;213925]Here's a good one from 1988 that didn't succumb to horrible production.



Yup, CMP releases like this one and Marty Fogel Many Heads Bobbing At Last are damn good in any decade.

[Trane]

I never cared too much for Zappas band efforts in the 80'ties (compared to those earlier), but:

Zappa: Jazz from hell & Boulez conducts

Yeah, I must say that while Zappa survived the 80's much betterthan most other "pro" icons, I'm definitely less interested in his 80's stuff (though his Orchestral Favorites are always interersting)


Did you watch the entire show up above? There are moments of unbelievable beauty and ferocity. FZ is on FIRE playing wise, and the band is as tight as you get. And Chad's drums were not infected with the electronic virus yet.


and I should presume that Gnosis is the "know all/end all" of what is "good" or "bad"?Well, it is some kind of ultimate reference to many inside the project, and to some others on this site




Every decade has cheese. So many people put the 70s on such a high pedestal but forget that it was also the same decade that brought The Bay City Rollers, Nick Gilder, Pink Lady, etc (shall I continue?)

You may even mention ABBA, Village People or even Claude François... Nope, I don't forget how kitsch the 70's were (prog capes, Liberace, etc...), but from the 80's, does it get worse than:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P_5EWjVNr4

or


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7Mi77iqMjA

Shall I go on?? ;)

[PeterG]

the only music that sucked in the 80s was prog

Fixed that for ya ;)

[klothos]

You may even mention ABBA, Village People or even Claude François... Nope, I don't forget how kitsch the 70's were (prog capes, Liberace, etc...), but does it gart worse than:

Shall I go on?? ;)

No, please don't :lol but you are only reinforcing my post: every decade has cheese.......and I think Gnosis (a site I like to visit, by the way) is a very biased control group --- using Gnosis to substantiate an opinion is like saying Ford cars are the worst vehicles and substantiating that claim with Chevy car salesmen.

[walt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcGTIiSf6FQ

This is one clip from Rene Lussier's record "Le Tresor de la Langue"(1989).I put this record in my list of top 5 80's albums.

[markinottawa]

[QUOTE=Trane;214252] but from the 80's, does it get worse than:

QUOTE]

yes


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki3TpFZY7cU

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

Fixed that for ya ;)
Symph and Fusion were very weak, but Avant and Zuehl seemed to have some very strong showings

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

Meanwhile, back at the house:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogHIUNfu2vY


what an unbridled, kick in the nads that song is! ... LOVE IT

[expresso]

From the top of my head... i could't just pick only 5.

Genesis - Duke
Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time, Powerlave, Piece of Mind
Steve Hackett - Cured
Asia - Asia
Queensryche - Warning, Operation Mindcrime, Rage for Order
Y.J Malmsteen - Rising Force, Trilogy
Chick Corea's Elektric Band - Eye of the Beholder
Dimeola -Mclaughlin-De lucia - Friday Night in San Francisco
Paco De Lucia - Entre Dos Aguas
Yes - Drama
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
Univers Zero - Ceux du Dehors
Ozzy - Diary of a Madman, Blizzard of Ozz
Fates Warning - The Spectre Within, Awaken the Guardian, Perfect Symmetry
Rush - Moving Pictures
Marillion - Misplaced Childhood,Clutching at Straws
Uli Jon Roth - Beyond Astral Skies

[Trane]

yes


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki3TpFZY7cU

You asked for it!!! :D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2EDkv_dyeI

[schlongasaurus]

The 80's were by far the best decade for Metal, underground or mainstream. My 5 favs from 80's heavy music are:
Mercyful Fate-Melissa
Fates Warning- The Spectre Within
Celtic Frost- Into the Pandemonium
Exodus- Bonded by Blood
Trouble-s/t

[tormato]

[QUOTE=Trane;214252] but from the 80's, does it get worse than:

QUOTE]

yes


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki3TpFZY7cU

Yes it does, from the same band:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyxLGSMtqtM&feature=kp

[the winter tree]

1) David Sylvian "Gone To Earth" or "Secrets of the Beehive"
2) Shreikback "Oil and Gold"
3) Talk Talk "Spirit of Eden"
4) The Waterboys "This Is the Sea" or "Fisherman's Blues"
5) Peter Gabriel Security

Kate Bush "Hounds of Love"
The Fixx "Reach the Beach" "Phantoms"
Howard Jones "Dream Into Action"
Duran Duran "Rio"
Scott Walker "Climate of Hunter"
Todd Rundgren "Healing"
Marrilion "Misplaced Childhood"
Peter Gabriel "Melting Face"
King Crimson "Discipline"
YES "90125"
SAGA "Heads of Tales"
the Police "Ghost ion the Machine" "Syncronicity"

[the winter tree]

Prefab Sprout - Two Wheels Good


Forgot that one^...

XTC "Balck Sea" "Skylarking" "English Settlement" "Oranges and Lemons"
Thomas Dolby "Golden Age of Wireless", "Flat Earth"
Arcadia "So Red tyhe Rose"
Jon Hassel "Dreamtime..."
Cure "Head on the Door"
Clannad "Magical Ring"
World Party "debut" "Good-Bye Jumbo"

and so on...


People are always exclaiming the 80s to be such a dire decade for music, but I strongly disagree.

[simon moon]

Fixed that for ya ;)

You didn't 'fix' anything.

As others have pointed out and listed, avant-prog and RIO were very strong in the 80's.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

You didn't 'fix' anything.

As others have pointed out and listed, avant-prog and RIO were very strong in the 80's.perhaps he was trying to infer that *only Symph* is "Prog" since my comment was that Symph was the only music that sucked in the 80s... who knows what he meant by "fixed that"

[Trane]

You didn't 'fix' anything.

As others have pointed out and listed, avant-prog and RIO were very strong in the 80's.

But I think that 80% of us weren't aware of that back tyhen.... had to wait until the mid-90's to start discovering "that scene" - it was certainly my case, anyway

[spacefreak]

But I think that 80% of us weren't aware of that back tyhen.... had to wait until the mid-90's to start discovering "that scene" - it was certainly my case, anyway

One had to keep an eye with the post punk / avant wave / industrial-power electronics scenes to be aware of avant-prog and RIO bands during the 80s. They usually shared the same venues for gigs and often they were on the same concert bill. Fortunately, I had my back turned on the sympho/neo prog at the times...

The metal scene had also a golden age back then, seeing a multitude of innovative styles all around the globe. Seems that only classic straightforward rock and sympho prog sucked in the 80s.

[Trane]

One had to keep an eye with the post punk / avant wave / industrial-power electronics scenes to be aware of avant-prog and RIO bands during the 80s. They usually shared the same venues for gigs and often they were on the same concert bill. Fortunately, I had my back turned on the sympho/neo prog at the times...

The metal scene had also a golden age back then, seeing a multitude of innovative styles all around the globe. Seems that only classic straightforward rock and sympho prog sucked in the 80s.

Mmmhhh!!!. I must say that I was maybe a bit too young and musically ready to handle Cabaret Voltaire, Killing Joke or Throbbing Gristle, so I certainly didn't venture even more left field than that (ie: avant-prog and post RIO)... and I don't think many of us did either.



I got turned off by the NWOBHMB in the early 80's, because it was all riffs endlessly repeated, so by the time Slayer and Metallica came out, I WTFed :O ...

Fortunately jazz and JR/F had millions of prior things to offer (didn't like their 80's forms either, with them Synclavier and 80's drumming)... Soooo, looking at and searching the 60's and 70's kept me busy during that decade... thankfully

[Scrotum Scissor]

One had to keep an eye with the post punk / avant wave / industrial-power electronics scenes to be aware of avant-prog and RIO bands during the 80s. They usually shared the same venues for gigs and often they were on the same concert bill. Fortunately, I had my back turned on the sympho/neo prog at the times...

Seems that only classic straightforward rock and sympho prog sucked in the 80s.

The fact that many RIO/post-RIO artists indeed did play alongside names from the art-punk scene (The Ex, Nits, Dog Faced Hermans and more) is probably one of the reasons why most "trad-prog" conservatives don't "get" the connection (or even continuum) as to how such bands followed on the main principles of earlier progressive rock/pop. It's rarely about understanding or taking in the music itself, only its cultural framework and aesthetic "appearance". To have a bunch of "prog" fans nag about the 80s "not having much prog except Yes' Drama, Asia and some Rush and then Saga and Marillion" in regard to a decade which essentially spawned wildly progressive acts like Etron Fou Leloublan, Debile Menthol, Orthotonics, However, HET, Motor Totemist Guild, The Work, Cheer-Accident and innumerable others - is and remains a quite pitiful condition.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC1UnXVG-Do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzrbV5-Pu2M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rq2PYJuCo0

[jcleary]

Juluka "Scatterlings"
The Cure "The Head on the Door"
Ambrosia "Road Island"
Peter Gabriel "III"
Marillion "Misplaced Childhood"

[timehat]

I'll give this a try, and likely regret some terrible omission later:

Kate Bush - Never Forever
Voivod - Nothingface
Japan - Tin Drum
Stormy Six - Al Volo
Akiko Yano - Ai Ga Nakucha Ne

Really, some of these are total favorites, and I don't feel limited to slim pickings at all by the "80s" tag. I used to think dismissively of the eighties, and I think a lot of that had to do with artistic changes among some of my favorite 70s icons, and I still haven't really warmed up to the 80's output of Yes and Genesis, for example, but even some of those bands managed to do interesting things in the 80s, King Crimson being the most notable and obvious example. I think a lot of people coming into a peak in the 80s with fresh ideas did a lot of really great things, and I've also come to really enjoy a lot of the production and synth elements of the decade, which can be wonderfully unnatural and hyperreal in the right hands. I also have a fond spot for some of the more "organic" productions of the 70s, but a lot of 70s sometimes bands had shitty production and synth/sound design (Genesis, I'm looking at you).

[progeezer's ghost]

Off the top of my head (order depends on mood):
Queensryche- Operation: Mindcrime
Pink Floyd- A Momentary Lapse of Reason
Marillion- Script for a Jester's Tear
IQ- The Wake
King 's X- Gretchen Goes to Nebraska

[bob_32_116]

I can never be bothered with pruning these lists to the required number of entries, so off the top of my head these are the ones that come to mind:

Dire Straits - Love Over Gold
Midnight Oil - Diesel and Dust*
Red Box - The Circle and the Square
Goanna - Spirit of Place*
Icehouse - Measure For Measure*
Mike and the Mechanics - The Living Years
Pink Floyd - A Momentary Lapse of Reason
Tony Banks - A Curious Feeling
Anthony Phillips - 1984
Propaganda - A Secret Wish

* = Australian

The 1980s were not my favourite period in music, but it was a great time for Australian bands, who seemed to finally break out of wanting to sound like clones of English or American acts. It was so refreshing to hear rock songs that actually mentioned Sydney or Melbourne, rather than New York City, Chicago or London.

[GuitarGeek]

Another five:

Duran Duran: Rio
Thompson Twins: Quick Step And Side Kick
Black Sabbath: Born Again
Marillion: Misplaced Childhood
Iron Maiden: Somewhere In Time

[gearHed289]

OK, what the hell. Without thinking too hard, and in no particular order:

YES - Drama
Rush - Moving Pictures
the FIXX - Phantoms
the Police - Synchronicity
King Crimson - Discipline

[MJBrady]

1980 for now:
Bill Bruford Gradually Going Tornado
Dixie Dregs Dregs of the Earth
Jethro Tull A
David Sancious Just as I thought
Zamla mammaz manna Familjesprickor
Rush - Permanent Waves
Seru Giran Bicicleta

[Progbear]

Albums no one but me will list:

Горизонт: Летний город
Pekka Pohjola: Space Waltz
Todd Rundgren: Nearly Human
Stern Meissen: Reise zum Mittelpunkt des Menschen
Tonic: This Way

[progeezer's ghost]

5. King's X- Gretchen Goes to Nebraska
4. IQ- Tales from the Lush Attic/The Wake (tie)
3. Marillion- Clutching at Straws/Script for a Jester's Tear (tie)
2. Floyd- A Momentary Lapse of Reason
1. Queensryche- Operation: Mindcrime

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

Albums no one but me will list:

Pekka Pohjola: Space Waltz
that's a great album... and I should have listed it too

[PeterG]

Another five:

Duran Duran: Rio
Thompson Twins: Quick Step And Side Kick
Black Sabbath: Born Again
Marillion: Misplaced Childhood
Iron Maiden: Somewhere In Time

Indeed! That's an excellent list.

[simon moon]

These sound like reasonable choices for now -

Zamla Mammaz Manna – Familjesprickor
UK – UK
Univers Zero – Ceux Du Dehors
Eskaton - 4 Visions
Allan Holdsworth - Metal Fatigue

It's pretty difficult leaving Present, Picchio Dal Pozzo, Abus Dangereux, Zappa, Kenso, Art Ensemble of Chicago and many others off my list.

So...

I meant to correct his months ago, but UK should obviously not be on the list.

Replace it with Art Zoyd.

[jupiter0rjapan]

1. Devo- New Traditionalists
2. The Fixx- Reach the Beach
3. Slayer- Reign in Blood
4. Rush- Grace Under Pressure
5. Iron Maiden- Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

[PeterG]

1. Devo- New Traditionalists
2. The Fixx- Reach the Beach
3. Slayer- Reign in Blood
4. Rush- Grace Under Pressure
5. Iron Maiden- Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

Another great list!

[Tom]

King Crimson - Discipline
Djam Karet - The Ritual Continues
Peter Gabriel - Security
Talking Heads - Remain in Light

Those are the essential ones. There's some other good stuff, but I can't find anything else that belongs on the list.

[Scrotum Scissor]

I can't find anything else that belongs on the list.

Luckily there's mention of approx. 200 other titles right here in this thread.

The 80s were a great, great decade for rock, including 'progressive' variations on it.

[nosebone]

King Crimson ~ Discipline
Univers Zero ~ UZED
Prefab Sprout ~ Two Wheels Good
Allan Holdsworth ~ Metal Fatigue
Tears For Fears ~ Songs From The Big Chair

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

Luckily there's mention of approx. 200 other titles right here in this thread.

The 80s were a great, great decade for rock, including 'progressive' variations on it.

yup...

I'm sure that XTC - English Settlement has been mentioned

[yesstiles]

Kate Bush - "The Dreaming"
Jukka Gustavson - "Toden Toistoa"
Rush - "Moving Pictures"
Phil Keaggy - "Town To Town"
David Bowie - "Scary Monsters"

....I would have picked "Permanent Waves" but it was completely written, recorded and pressed to vinyl in 1979.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

dunno if these have *all* been mentioned, but these are my 'perfect and near perfect albums of the 80s'

Talking Heads Remain In Light
U2 The Joshua Tree
Bad Brains I Against I
Boffo, Jean Pascal Rituel
Clash, The Sandinista
Edhels Still Dream
Eskaton 4 Visions
Gamalon Gamalon
Iman Califato Independiente Camino del Aguila
Isildurs Bane Cheval - Volonte de Rocher
Kenso II
King Crimson Discipline
Nuova Era Dopo l'Infinito
Subramaniam, L. Spanish Wave
Terpandre Terpandre

[moecurlythanu]

LP, no Myth of the Chrysavides on your list? ?!!!

[dropforge]

dunno if these have *all* been mentioned, but these are my 'perfect and near perfect albums of the 80s'

Talking Heads Remain In Light
U2 The Joshua Tree
Bad Brains I Against I
Boffo, Jean Pascal Rituel
Clash, The Sandinista
Edhels Still Dream
Eskaton 4 Visions
Faster Pussycat Faster Pussycat
Gamalon Gamalon
Iman Califato Independiente Camino del Aguila
Isildurs Bane Cheval - Volonte de Rocher
Kenso II
King Crimson Discipline
Nuova Era Dopo l'Infinito
Subramaniam, L. Spanish Wave
Terpandre Terpandre

Still Dream! Nice! :up

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

LP, no Myth of the Chrysavides on your list? ?!!!

it's got a good beat...

I give it an 11

[3LockBox]

I've decided to Leaf through this thread just to see what I might have posted that long ago when I realized that I had never posted in the thread. I found it kind of surprising since I would have had an opinion on the subject and then at once I felt bad for the OP and how unrequited he must have felt at my overlooking this thread. So here it goes. These are albums that I actually owned in the 80s and nothing is hindsight. These are not necessarily albums I'd pick from my current perspective but albums that I loved back when.

#5) YES: 90125 - this was the first Yes album I purchased that wasn't a compilation (I owned Classic Yes before this came out).

#4) Genesis: ABACAB - My first Genesis album was a gift to me. Still brings back good memories even it's no longer a favorite.

#3) Rush: Moving Pictures - I knew of Rush through a friend of mine who was a big fan of theirs prior to moving pictures. He was a tad bit put off by the sound direction Rush had taken. I loved it.

#2) Robert Plant: Principal of Moments - My older brother was a huge Led Zeppelin fan and I grew up hearing to their albums. I grew to love this album through the videos that were being played and bought the album. Oh where did you go Robbie Blunt?

#1) Donald Fagen: The Nightfly - easily my gateway into jazz. I knew of Steely Dan of course, but something just clicked right away with this album and it made curious about looking into jazz.

[JKL2000]

Kind of off the top of my head - only the KC and Eno/Byrne ones are certain. I'm not good at doing these lists either. And I'm leaving out Marillion because I could fill the whole list.:

King Crimson - Discipline
Rush - Signals
Kate Bush - Hounds of Love
Brian Eno/David Byrne - My Life in the Bush of Ghosts
Talking Heads - Remain in Light

[the winter tree]

David Sylvan, "Gone To Earth"
Howard Jones, "Dream Into Action"
The Fixx, "Reach the Beach"
Shriekback, "Oil and Gold"
Jon Hassell , "Dream Theory In Malaysia"

[JKL2000]

David Sylvan, "Gone To Earth"
Howard Jones, "Dream Into Action"
The Fixx, "Reach the Beach"
Shriekback, "Oil and Gold"
Jon Hassell , "Dream Theory In Malaysia"

I had Oil and Gold on my list but took it off at the last moment. But I'd easily have that and Jam Science on my list!

[yamishogun]

This another impossible thread but here it goes:

Rush - Moving Pictures
Rush - Power Windows
Yes 90125 - (hadn't heard Drama until the 90s but equal quality to me)
Tears For Fears - Sowing the Seeds of Love
Peter Gabriel - Shaking the Tree (yeah, a cheat but what a collection of 16 songs!)

[Scrotum Scissor]

This another impossible thread but

Yep, if anything could be summed up from this thread, it's surely that the 80s were dry and dire and didn't have much to show for. Anyone with basic reading abilities could tell that. :up

[Trane]

I guess I still stand by my last of 3.5 years ago.
Not that I haven't discovered good 80's albums since, but none that could justifiably join this list


Choose five from those bolded out


12 Art Zoyd Generation Sans Futur Fra 1980
12 Eskaton 4 Visions Fra 1980
12 Harmonium En Tournee Can 1980
12 Marino, Frank & Mahogany Rush What's Next Can 1980
12 Dun Eros Fra 1981
12 Itoiz Alkolea Bsq 1981
12 Dire Straits Love Over Gold Eng 1982
12 Bacamarte Depois Do Fim Bra 1983
12 Marillion Script For a Jester's Tear Eng 1983
12 Violent Femmes Violent Femmes USA 1983
13 Univers Zero UZED Bel 1984
12 Los Jaivas Obras De Violeta Parra Chl 1984
12 Supertramp Brother Where You Bound Eng 1985

Notice there are none after 85

Ok, albums by Present, News From Babel, Nimal, Kravitz' debut and such are bubbling under.



Luckily there's mention of approx. 200 other titles right here in this thread.

The 80s were a OK decade for rock, including 'progressive' variations on it.

Corrected... as such, it's not as bad as I might've made it sound , but compared to any other decade, it's definitely a pale one.

If I could set up a list of 200 albums /per decade, I wouldn't have any problems with the 60's and 70's.
I probably wouldn't have a problem listing 100 from the 90's , 00's and the 10's, but I'd have a difficult time finding 50 albums from the 80's.
And it would be mission impossible if you were to withdraw the year 1980 from the exercise.

[Levgan]

I'd have a difficult time finding 50 albums from the 80's.
To each his own of course, but I find it really weird. I went through this old thread to find out if I ever contributed a top-5 list and, predictably, I did not, because for me even 20 or 30 would be merely scratching the surface, and limiting it to 5 is nigh on impossible. For me, 80s were perhaps the MOST intriguing decade musically, even outsing 60s and 70s in terms of sheer unpredictability and diversity of its creative output – from the relatively mainstream sounds to the farthest recesses of the underground, something strange and interesting was happening. Mind you, I have my share of favorite music from the 70s, but that decade was relatively tame compared to the 80s when it came to experiments: most of what was good about it seemed an extension of the late 60s ideas. Late 70s and 80s, on the other hands, is when everything went bananas, what with slick, overproduced sounds of the mainstream rock music AND hissy cassette underground music coexisting at the same time, what with home taping and home recording challenging big professional studios (and the very notion of professional music per se), what with electronics becoming a musical tool for everyone rather than for the chosen few, what with echoes of sounds past being mixed into a Molotov cocktail of creativity and inspiration. I'm not world's biggest "Live is Life" fan (give me Laibach reworking any day!), but I wouldn't trade my 80s for any other decade for sure.

[Scrotum Scissor]

To each his own of course, but I find it really weird. I went through this old thread to find out if I ever contributed a top-5 list and, predictably, I did not, because for me even 20 or 30 would be merely scratching the surface, and limiting it to 5 is nigh on impossible. For me, 80s were perhaps the MOST intriguing decade musically, even outsing 60s and 70s in terms of sheer unpredictability and diversity of its creative output – from the relatively mainstream sounds to the farthest recesses of the underground, something strange and interesting was happening.

That's because you actually know that decade and its music. Awareness always helps.

I agree with you 100%.

[Trane]

To each his own of course, but I find it really weird. I went through this old thread to find out if I ever contributed a top-5 list and, predictably, I did not, because for me even 20 or 30 would be merely scratching the surface, and limiting it to 5 is nigh on impossible. For me, 80s were perhaps the MOST intriguing decade musically, even outsing 60s and 70s in terms of sheer unpredictability and diversity of its creative output – from the relatively mainstream sounds to the farthest recesses of the underground, something strange and interesting was happening. Mind you, I have my share of favorite music from the 70s, but that decade was relatively tame compared to the 80s when it came to experiments: most of what was good about it seemed an extension of the late 60s ideas. Late 70s and 80s, on the other hands, is when everything went bananas, what with slick, overproduced sounds of the mainstream rock music AND hissy cassette underground music coexisting at the same time, what with home taping and home recording challenging big professional studios (and the very notion of professional music per se), what with electronics becoming a musical tool for everyone rather than for the chosen few, what with echoes of sounds past being mixed into a Molotov cocktail of creativity and inspiration. I'm not world's biggest "Live is Life" fan (give me Laibach reworking any day!), but I wouldn't trade my 80s for any other decade for sure.

OK, I said a Top 50 (that means masterpieces or chef d'oeuvres), though I didn't really specify (but it seemed obvious since the thread title is there to do so)....
Soooo, sure I can list 50 albums from the 80's that I own (I probably own more) and even like (or else they wouldn't be at home anymore) , but do I want to list all of them?
Of course not.

for ex: I love Joshua Tree, but wouldn't place it in my top whatever list.

otherwise, I agree with some of your post, but if it applies for the 80's , it also applies for all of them from the 50's onwards.


That's because you actually know that decade and its music. Awareness always helps.

that indeed always helps, and in my top 80's list posted above, I was aware of 4 of them (out of 13 listed)

I discovered most/all of the others in the 90's (at best) or the 00's.

[Scrotum Scissor]

in my top 80's list posted above, I was aware of 4 of them (out of 13 listed)

Well, y'know - I was rather young in the 70s and didn't actually find out about Genesis, Yes, ELP, Tull, KC, GGiant, Camel, Soft Machine, The Osmonds and the lot until I got a bit older.

[Trane]

Well, y'know - I was rather young in the 70s and didn't actually find out about Genesis, Yes, ELP, Tull, KC, GGiant, Camel, Soft Machine, The Osmonds and the lot until I got a bit older.

I'm sure that if I was your age (and most likely Lev's) I'd be singing a different tune about the 80's. ;)
But I'm not sure I would've discovered UZ, and News From Babel, until the 90's & 00's. Just like I didn't discover many of these early 70's proto-prog gems until Repertoire reissued them on CD.
Because you really had to dig deep during the 80's to find good stuff, whereas in the 60's & 70's, you didn't.

I used the 80's to discover 60's jazz and 70's JR/F, but only scratched the surface to find great stuff...
Didn't need to start digging the grounds to find good stuff I wasn't aware of until the 90's & 00's.

[Scrotum Scissor]

I'm not sure I would've discovered UZ, and News From Babel, until the 90's & 00's. [...] Because you really had to dig deep during the 80's to find good stuff, whereas in the 60's & 70's, you didn't.

This is the main credo in regard to 70s contrasting the 80s, one in which I find it somewhat hard to believe. The market logistic of popular music had taken on completely other shapes by the 80s, much due to the post-punk ethos of DIY recording and distribution and communication techniques. Experimental or "good" rock (both of which encompassed the endeavour of 'progressive') was primarily an underground or alternative/independent enterprise, not an asset of Big Corpo and the mainstream media. And things hadn't changed that much by the 90s; small grade and private record labels, fanzines, niche radio - these were the channels in question. In other words, it wasn't harder to cough up solid rock music in the 90s than in the previous decade, and it was there in spades. All you actually had to do was find out about it - an undertaking which basically merely rests on the willingness of enlightenment and hunger for the new. Thereby, yes - awareness is the key.

[NogbadTheBad]

That I agree with, in the 80's I was reading Sounds & NME as my primary sources of information and I had no idea all this other 'stuff' was out there. I only really knew the mainstream rock & pop. It took the arrival of the internet and some friends to recommend I check a couple of sites before I had even an inkling about Univers Zero, Henry Cow, Magma or the like.

[Trane]

That I agree with, in the 80's I was reading Sounds & NME as my primary sources of information and I had no idea all this other 'stuff' was out there. I only really knew the mainstream rock & pop. It took the arrival of the internet and some friends to recommend I check a couple of sites before I had even an inkling about Univers Zero, Henry Cow, Magma or the like.

NME was particularly biased and odious in the infos they shared and the tone it was written was quite partisan (yes, with a Z, as it was pure propaganda for their "sweeties"... whether in the 60's, 70's or 80's.
Even in the Logan & McDonald days (+/- terminated in 77, I think), it wasn't very permeable, I think. Opiniated (and opiated) Glam cunts like Nick Kunt always anti-prog.

We used to get all three weeklies (MM was the third one) in Toronto (albeit three weeks late) and they were lying around in certain record shops for all to peruse ...
And Sounds was always the one I preferred... Too bad they died first.

[moecurlythanu]

NME was particularly biased and odious in the infos they shared and the tone it was written was quite partisan

It wasn't for nothing that some bands referred to the NME as The Enemy. For instance, City Boy, in the song "Goodbye Blue Monday."

[Scrotum Scissor]

It wasn't for nothing that some bands referred to the NME as The Enemy.

They were also pivotal in establishing as standard that you shouldn't have to actually know the substance of what you're addressing, whether it's the music itself, an artist's background or intentions or motives, traditions etc. "Journalism" on part of the NME put the notion of a relativist opinionated stance as its basic axiom. By doing so, and effectively then attempting to bring about a sense of paradigm shift, they ruined pretty much of the concept concerning both integrity and reliability in relation to the arts and impact. This intentional damage is still felt in certain squares of music journalism across the map, for instance with some writers at Pitchfork, in Jockey Slut, The Wire and Mojo magazines.

[Trane]

They were also pivotal in establishing as standard that you shouldn't have to actually know the substance of what you're addressing, whether it's the music itself, an artist's background or intentions or motives, traditions etc. "Journalism" on part of the NME put the notion of a relativist opinionated stance as its basic axiom. By doing so, and effectively then attempting to bring about a sense of paradigm shift, they ruined pretty much of the concept concerning both integrity and reliability in relation to the arts and impact. This intentional damage is still felt in certain squares of music journalism across the map, for instance with some writers at Pitchfork, in Jockey Slut, The Wire and Mojo magazines.

I always found dubious (outside trade union issues) that rock writers were called "journalists".

These guys at NME incensed the groups THEY seemed worthy of elevation, and the lower-class rebels (beit from Detroit in the late 60's or London in the mid-70's) won the favours of the NME writers , dismissing the middle-classers who were more competent at their instruments as suspects of recuperating the kids for "the system".

In short: if you were too good at your instrument (musical studies for ex) you were not fit to be a "rock rebel", because your spontaneity was shot. As if being a dilettante at your music made you a rebel

[Liquid Tension]

I certainly was old enough in the 80s to know that the music went to shit..
Thankfully the thrash/death era started to save it a little...

Too many of the great bands from the 70s started playing with "casio" keyboards and made their sound less desirable...

[dropforge]

Too many of the great bands from the 70s started playing with "casio" keyboards and made their sound less desirable...

True. The Yamaha DX7 II, the Roland D-50, and the Korg M1 were everywhere. And I mean everywhere.

[3LockBox]

80's Were OK

[Phlakaton]

This Heat- Deceit
Thinking Plague- In This Life
Cardiacs- On Land and In the Sea
Present- Le Poison Qui Rend Fou
Massacre- Killing Time

This could easily be my list too. :)

[grego]

Unable to reduce my choices to 5...
Robert Fripp Let The Power Fall
King Crimson Beat
Robert Fripp/Andy Summers I Advance Masked
Brian Eno On Land
Harold Budd/Brian Eno Pearl
Peter Hammil Love Songs
Peter Hammil Sitting Targets
Laura Anderson Big Science
David Sylvian Secrets of the Beehive
Yes Drama
Robert Plant Pictures At Eleven
Jethro Tull - Broadsword & The Beast, A
ELPowell
Black Sabbath Mob Rules
Dio Last in Line
Deep Purple Perfect Strangers
French Frith Kaiser Thompson Live Love Larf & Loaf
Fred Frith Speechless
Art Bears Winter Songs
Bob Dylan Oh Mercy
Bob Dylan Real Live
Marillion Script
Rush Permanent Waves, Signals, Moving Pictures
Mark Isham Castalia
Frank Zappa Perfect Stranger
Frank Zappa You Are What You Is
Jethro Tull Rock Island
Keith Emerson Inferno, Nighthawks
King Crimson Three Of A Perfect Pair
Lindsay Cooper Rags
John Greaves Accident
Peter Hammil Enter K

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

I posted the 'perfect and near perfect' before, but there are *so* many more excellent albums from the 80s!

here are the 'not perfect but very good to excellent'

so... unless you limit your world of musical appreciation to one single style within the world of progressive Rock music, the 80s were GREAT!

Ade, King Sunny Juju Music
Apprentice Rough Draft
Araujo, Marco Antonio Influencias
Asturias Circle in the Forest
Bacamarte Depois Do Fim
Bush, Kate Never for Ever
Bush, Kate Hounds of Love
Bush, Kate The Sensual World
Byrne, David & Brian Eno My Life in the Bush of Ghosts
Defunkt Thermonuclear Sweat
Dün Eros
Edhels Oriental Christmas
Eider Stellaire Eider Stellaire (K001)
Fear The Record
fIREHOSE Ragin', Full-On
Firyuza Firyuza
Flying Lizards, The Fourth Wall
Fripp, Robert and Andy Summers I Advance Masked
Fusion (Lockwood, Top, Vander, Widemann) Fusion
Gong, Pierre Moerlen's Leave it Open
Gowen, Miller, Sinclair, Tomkins Before a Word is Said
Hüsker Dü Zen Arcade
Iconoclasta Iconoclasta
Iconoclasta Reminiscencias
Isildurs Bane Sagan om Ringen
Jaivas, Los Alturas de Machu Picchu
Lee, John / Gerry Brown / E. Albers / D. Thompson Brothers
Livgren, Kerry One of Several Possible Musiks
Living Colour Vivid
Low Flying Aircraft Low Flying Aircraft
Minutemen Double Nickels on the Dime
Minutemen Three Way Tie (for Last)
Pohjola, Pekka Kätkävaaran Lohikäärme
Santana, Devadip Carlos The Swing of Delight
Satriani, Joe Surfing with the Alien
Solaris Marsbeli Kronikak
Subramaniam, L. Blossom
Subramaniam, L. Indian Express
Subramaniam, L. Mani & Co.
Subramaniam, L. / Stephane Grappelli Conversations
Tribu Cuauhtemoc Agulia Solar
Tribute New Views
Tribute Breaking Barriers
U2 Unforgettable Fire
Univers Zero UZED
Univers Zero Heatwave
Watanabe, Kazumi Spice of Life
Watanabe, Kazumi Spice of Life Too
Watkins, Kit Azure
XTC English Settlement
XTC Mummer
Ade, King Sunny Aura
Air Craft So Near, So Far
Araujo, Marco Antonio Quando a Sorte Te Solta Um Cisne Na Noite
Araujo, Marco Antonio Lucas
Banda Elastica Banda Elastica
Boffo, Jean Pascal Carillons
Camel Nude
Cartoon Cartoon
Coleman, Steve Sine Die (aka Death to Crack Dealers)
Connors, Bill Double Up
Copious Neo-Fusion
Cross, David Memos from Purgatory
Cure, The Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
Dark Tamna Voda
Davis, Miles The Man with the Horn
Davis, Miles We Want Miles
Defunkt Defunkt
Defunkt In America
Den Za Den Den Za Den
Dixie Dregs Dregs of the Earth
Djam Karet The Ritual Continues
Eskaton Ardeur
Eskaton Fiction
Gabriel, Peter So
Gauthier, Patrick Bebe Godzilla
Gorizont (aka Horizont) Leto v Gorode (Summer in Town)
Gorizont (aka Horizont) Portret Malchika (The Portrait of a Boy)
Gunesh Ensemble Gunesh
Gunesh Ensemble Looking at the Earth
Hüsker Dü Metal Circus
Iconoclasta Soliloquio
Iconoclasta Suite Mexicana (EP)
Iconoclasta Adoloscencia Cronica
Isildurs Bane Sagan om den Irländska Älgen
Isildurs Bane Sea Reflections
Isildurs Bane Eight Moments of Eternity
Jackson, Ronald Shannon / The Decoding Society Barbeque Dog
Kenso Kenso (aka III)
King Crimson Beat
Kitajima, Osamu Masterless Samurai
Last Exit Iron Path
Maneige Montreal 6AM
Massacre Killing Time
Minimum Vital Envol Triangles
Minimum Vital Les Saison Marines
Mink, Ben Foreign Exchange
Minutemen Buzz or Howl Under the Influence of Heat
Nazca Nazca
Nazca Estacion De Sombra
Nobilis Factum Nobilis Factum
Nuova Era L'Ultimo Viaggio
Ozric Tentacles Pungent Effulgent
Peet, Wayne / Doppler Funk Blasto!
Pohjola, Pekka Urban Tango
Pohjola, Pekka Everyman / Jokamies
Pohjola, Pekka Space Waltz
Pohjola, Pekka Flight of the Angel
Police, The Zenyatta Mondatta
Police, The Ghost in the Machine
Puzzle Puzzle
Quantum Quantum
Ragnarök Fjärilar I Magen
Rahmann Rahmann
Ramm, Ken Dragon
Red Red
Rypdal / Vitous / DeJohnette To Be Continued
Rypdal, Terje Chaser
Rypdal, Terje The Singles Collection
Rypdal, Terje and the Chasers Blue
Sakhile Sakhile
Santana Blues For Salvador
Scofield, John Blue Matter
Scofield, John Loud Jazz
Scream Banging The Drum
Sharrock, Sonny Seize the Rainbow
Sky Sky II
Speer, Paul Collection 983 - Spectral Voyages
Stretch Stretch
Subramaniam, L. Fantasy Without Limits
Temiz, Okay Drummer of Two Worlds
U2 War
United Jazz + Rock Ensemble The Break Even Point
Vollenweider, Andreas Dancing with the Lion
Von Zamla Zamlaranamma
Watkins, Kit Labyrinth
Wurtemberg Rock Fantasia Opus 9
Zamla Mammaz Manna Familjesprickor

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

3PM Better Late Than Never
Abus Dangereux Le Quatrieme Mouvement
Ade, King Sunny Synchro System
Ade, King Sunny and His African Beats Live Live Juju
Affirmation Lost Angeles
Akkerman, Jan It Could Happen to You (aka Complete Guitarist)
Alomar, Carlos Dream Generator
Anamorphose Palimpseste
Ancient Future Dreamchaser
Anima Kilgore
Araujo, Marco Antonio Entre Um Silencio E Outro
Arsenal Scorched by Time I (Arsenal + unreleased material)(aka A Dangerous Game)
Arsenal Scorched by Time II (Created With Their Own Hands + unreleased material)
Arsenal Svaimi Rukami (aka Created By Their Own Hands)
Arsenal Sport & Music / Pulse 3 (Scorched by Time III)
Arsenal Scorched by Time IV
Asia Minor Between Flesh and Divine
Bad Brains Bad Brains
Baker, Ginger Horses And Trees
Bandhada Bandhada
Bartz, Jim Pictures of Earth + Space
Bellaphon Firefly
Bloque El Hijo del Alba
Blue Motion Blue Motion
Boffo, Jean Pascal Jeux De Nains
Bourelly, Jean-Paul Jungle Cowboy
Bowie, David Scary Monsters
Boyd, Liona Persona
Boyle, Gary Step Out
Bruford, Bill Gradually Going Tornado
Bush, Kate The Dreaming
Cartoon Music From Left Field
Catherine, Philip Babel
Cheiro de Vida Cheiro de Vida
Cobham's Glass Menagerie, Billy Smokin'
Cobham, Billy Flight Time (Live)
Coleman, Steve / Five Elements On The Edge Of Tomorrow
Coleman, Steve / Five Elements World Expansion
Connors, Bill Step It
Connors, Bill Assembler
Cosmic Debris 3.7 K
Coven, Randy Funk Me Tender
Craft Craft
Crossfire East of Where
Cybotron Implosion
Davis, Miles Star People
Davis, Miles Decoy
Davis, Miles Tutu
Davis, Miles Amandla
Davis, Miles Aura
Delirium Delirium (aka Primer Dialogo)
Di Meola, Al Splendido Hotel
Dixie Dregs Unsung Heroes
Djam Karet Kafka's Breakfast (MC)
Djam Karet Reflections From the Firepool
Dobson, Daryll The Mind Electric
Drama Drama
Dugrenot, Joel Boomerang
Dugrenot, Joel Mosaiques
East Jatekok
East Az Aldozat (Szodoma)
Electric Tigers Here to Stay
Eloy Colours
Eloy Planets
Expresso First Cup
Fents, The First Offense
Fents, The The Other Side
Fire Merchants Fire Merchants
First Light How the Land Lies
Fishbone Truth And Soul
Fixx, The Shuttered Room
Flying Lizards, The The Flying Lizards
Fripp, Robert and Andy Summers Bewitched
Fusion (Lockwood, Top, Vander, Widemann) Paris 80
Gabriel, Peter Security
Gang of Four Solid Gold
Gang of Four Another Day, Another Dollar (EP)
Gang of Four Songs of the Free
Garshnek, Igor & Nevil Blumberg Synopsis
Gilmour, David About Face
Glatter Wahnsinn Glatter Wahnsinn
Gong, Pierre Moerlen's Second Wind
Goodman, Jerry On The Future of Aviation
Goodman, Jerry Ariel
Guadalcanal Diary 2x4
Hamm, Stu Kings of Sleep
Hellborg, Jonas Axis
Hellborg, Jonas Adfa
Helmerson, Anders End of Illusion
Holding Pattern Majestic
Hopper, Hugh & Alan Gowen Two Rainbows Daily
Howe, Greg Greg Howe
Hüsker Dü Everything Falls Apart
Hüsker Dü Flip Your Wig
Hüsker Dü New Day Rising
Iconoclasta En Busca de Sentido
Ito, Akira Mugenko
Jackson, Ronald Shannon / The Decoding Society Eye on You
Jackson, Ronald Shannon / The Decoding Society Decode Yourself
Jaivas, Los Aconcagua
Kaseke Sonum (EP)
Kaseke Poletus
Kenso Kenso
Kenso In Concert (Music from Five Unknown Musicians)
Kenso Sparta
King Crimson Three of a Perfect Pair
Kitaro Silk Road
Kotzen, Richie Richie Kotzen
Krieger, Robbie No Habla
Kultivator Barndomens Stigar
Lanz, David Cristofori's Dream
Lanz, David & Paul Speer Natural States
Lanz, David & Paul Speer Desert Vision
Leb I Sol Akusticna Trauma
Lockwood Group, Didier Didier Lockwood Group
Lockwood, Didier Fasten Seat Belts
Lockwood, Didier Out Of The Blue
Lockwood, Francis Debbi
Macalpine, Tony Maximum Security
Mahavishnu Mahavishnu
Mahavishnu Adventures in Radioland
Marley, Bob / The Wailers Uprising
Masuo, Yoshiaki / Jan Hammer Finger Dancing
Material Seven Souls
McLaughlin, John / Al Di Meola / Paco De Lucia Friday Night in San Francisco
Middle Earth Band, The The Thoughtful Bride
Moira Moira (aka Reise Nach Ixtlan)
Montrose, Ronnie Speed of Sound
Moraz - Bruford Music for Piano and Drums
Moraz - Bruford Flags
Morse, Steve High Tension Wires
National Health D.S. Al Coda
Nelson, Bill The Love that Whirls (The Diary of a Thinking Man)
Nilsson, Stefan Music for Music Lovers
Nucleus Awakening
Pere Ubu Song Of The Bailing Man
Pinhas, Richard L'Ethique
Ponty, Jean-Luc Civilized Evil
Ponty, Jean-Luc Mystical Adventures
Powell, Cozy Octopuss
Ragnarök Fata Morgana
Rebekka Phoenix
Red Hot Chili Peppers Freaky Styley
Red Hot Chili Peppers The Uplift Mofo Party Plan
Red Hot Chili Peppers Mother's Milk
REM Document
REM Green
Rochette, Alain Modulation
Rush Permanent Waves
Rypdal, Terje Descendre
Saino Saino
Scofield, John Still Warm
Scream This Side Up
Scream No More Censorship
Second Vision First Steps
Serry, John Jazziz
Shadowfax Shadowfax
Shadowfax Shadow Dance
Shadowfax The Dreams of Children
Shadowfax Too Far To Whisper
Shadowfax Folk Songs for a Nuclear Village
Sky Sky 3
Startled Insects Curse of The Pheromones
Stearns, Michael Planetary Unfolding
Talking Heads Stop Making Sense
Tibbetts, Steve Yr
Tiemko Espace Fini
Torn, David Cloud About Mercury
Triangulus And Björn J:son Lindh
Tribute The Melody, The Beat, The Heart
Tyner, McCoy Looking Out
U2 Boy
U2 October
U2 Under a Blood Red Sky
Univers Zero Ceux Du Dehors
Univers Zero Crawling Wind (EP)
Uzeb Between the Lines
Vangelis Antarctica
Velvet Universe Voyager
Vollenweider, Andreas Behind the Garden, Behind the Wall, Under the Tree
Vollenweider, Andreas Caverna Magica (...Under the Tree - In the Cave...)
Vollenweider, Andreas White Winds
Vollenweider, Andreas Down to the Moon
Watanabe, Kazumi Kilowatt
Watkins, Kit & Coco Roussel In Time
Winston, George Autumn
Wishbone Ash Nouveau Calls
XTC Black Sea
XTC The Big Express

[dropforge]

so... unless you limit your world of musical appreciation to one single style within the world of progressive Rock music, the 80s were GREAT!

You got that right, buddy! :up

But...you forgot Tangerine Dream (a slew of great studios, live and soundtracks), and Kit's Azure...great electronic music.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

Kit's Azure...great electronic music.

I was sure that's in there???

[dropforge]

I was sure that's in there???

I see Labyrinth. Kit released Azure in '89.

[Zeuhlmate]

YMO: Technodelic

[grego]

Jon Hassell Power Spot
Jan Garbarek/Eberhard Weber Chorus

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

I see Labyrinth. Kit released Azure in '89.

the lists are in alphabetical order according to rating; 13s, 12s and the 2nd page are 11s

Azure is a 13; between the Watanabe/Brufords and the XTCs

[Tom]

They were also pivotal in establishing as standard that you shouldn't have to actually know the substance of what you're addressing, whether it's the music itself, an artist's background or intentions or motives, traditions etc. "Journalism" on part of the NME put the notion of a relativist opinionated stance as its basic axiom. By doing so, and effectively then attempting to bring about a sense of paradigm shift, they ruined pretty much of the concept concerning both integrity and reliability in relation to the arts and impact. This intentional damage is still felt in certain squares of music journalism across the map, for instance with some writers at Pitchfork, in Jockey Slut, The Wire and Mojo magazines.

They were able to do harm because they had an information monopoly, in those days. They welcomed the power that monopoly gave them, while rejecting the responsibility to report honestly and suppress their personal biases.

The situation has basically corrected itself; everybody knows Pitchfork is just a group blog. And does Rolling Stone even try to write about music anymore?

[Scrotum Scissor]

The situation has basically corrected itself; everybody knows Pitchfork is just a group blog. And does Rolling Stone even try to write about music anymore?

Well, as concerns Pitchfork I find that it's very much a question of 'whom' - not 'what'. They have certainly had their share of fairly interesting writers through the years, a couple of whom have even been members in here (like Dominic Leone), prompting reappraisal of such stalwarts as Yes and Magma and semi-legendary underground acts like Shub-Niggurath. Still their main line is that of "opinionated subjectivity", which of course shouldn't aschew an attention to substance matter in the music at hand.

As for Rolling Stone, I dunno. I haven't been reading it since the early 90s. AFAIK, they present themselves as more of an allround 'pop-cultural discourse' journal, not least in the wake of rock's demise.

[Liquid Tension]

So... unless you limit your world of musical appreciation to one single style within the world of progressive Rock music, the 80s were GREAT!



Now that's funny...

Good one and I still think the 80s were the worse decade out of the past 4...

[Scrotum Scissor]

I still think the 80s were the worse decade out of the past 4...

Did you engulf yourself in all of that 80s music you previously didn't know about - and then somehow meticulously reasoned yourself onto that position? Or did you simply decide upon sticking to what you've already decided to think?

[jazz2896]

I certainly used to be in the "80's are bad" camp a couple years back, but the more you look into it, the more gems there are. I believe it's harder to find music you may enjoy in the 80's, for in the 70's, there were clear trends where a bunch of bands followed a similar path where if you liked one band, chances are there'd be another, likely on the same label, that you'd enjoy as well. In the 80's, from what I've seen (I didn't live through these decades, so correct me if I'm wrong), a lot of bands became much more idiosyncratic in their sound and composition, taking influences from the past, but combining them into something new where progressive rock, punk, the avant-garde, and anything else could be contained within a single album. This is a wonderful thing, but the pathways from one band to another become less clear. I'm a huge fan of XTC, Tears for Fears, Kate Bush, Talking Heads, Tom Waits, and many more which I think exemplify the musical blender that was the 80's, but I wouldn't say if you like one of those artists, you'd like another in the vein that you could say "you like Yes, so you'll probably dig Genesis."

[Liquid Tension]

Did you engulf yourself in all of that 80s music you previously didn't know about - and then somehow meticulously reasoned yourself onto that position? Or did you simply decide upon sticking to what you've already decided to think?

My list would include two discs that I've learned about this past year and a half...

I hope that answers your question about my ability to have an opinion of the music these past 5 decades...\M/

[Tom]

Did you engulf yourself in all of that 80s music you previously didn't know about - and then somehow meticulously reasoned yourself onto that position? Or did you simply decide upon sticking to what you've already decided to think?

That's kind of harsh. While we're at it, should we slag him off for not giving hip-hop a fair and thorough hearing before settling for prog?

[Scrotum Scissor]

While we're at it, should we slag him off for not giving hip-hop a fair and thorough hearing before settling for prog?

Are you saying that it's somehow 'extreme' to actually look into something before deciding on it being 'bad'? Like the maxim of "I don't know a thing about books from any other decade than the 30s, but that's OK 'cause they're all shit anyway"?

And one hardly settles for "prog" or "country" because they're "prog" or "country" - one does because there's something good discovered there. Emphasis on 'discover'.

[miamiscot]

I wanna play!!!

1. XTC Oranges And Lemons
2. Cardiacs On Land And In The Sea
3. Yes Drama
4. Univers Zero Ceux Du Dehors
5. Rush Moving Pictures
6. King Crimson Discipline
7. Minutemen Double Nickels On The Dime
8. Genesis Duke
9. Talk Talk Spirit Of Eden
10. Talking Heads Remain In Light

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

I certainly used to be in the "80's are bad" camp a couple years back, but the more you look into it, the more gems there are. I believe it's harder to find music you may enjoy in the 80's, for in the 70's, there were clear trends where a bunch of bands followed a similar path where if you liked one band, chances are there'd be another, likely on the same label, that you'd enjoy as well. In the 80's, from what I've seen (I didn't live through these decades, so correct me if I'm wrong), a lot of bands became much more idiosyncratic in their sound and composition, taking influences from the past, but combining them into something new where progressive rock, punk, the avant-garde, and anything else could be contained within a single album. This is a wonderful thing, but the pathways from one band to another become less clear. I'm a huge fan of XTC, Tears for Fears, Kate Bush, Talking Heads, Tom Waits, and many more which I think exemplify the musical blender that was the 80's, but I wouldn't say if you like one of those artists, you'd like another in the vein that you could say "you like Yes, so you'll probably dig Genesis."

eloquently stated :up

[Mythos]

The issue here is not whether 80's rock broke a few rules, which allowed men to take a few liberties with some female party guests...

But you can't hold the entire music industry responsible for the behavior of a few sick perverted 80's bands.

For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the music industry?

And if the whole music industry is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our musical tastes in general?

I put it to you prog-only fans:

Isn't this an indictment of our entire American society?

Well, you can say what you want about 80's music, but I'm not going to sit here and listen to you bad-mouth the United States of America!

Gentlemen!

[GuitarGeek]

Not sure if I particpiated in this thread previously, but what the frell, here's ten:

King Crimson: Three Of A Perfect Pair
Thompson Twins: Quick Step And Side Kick
Thin Lizzy: Chinatown
Night Ranger: 7 Wishes
Anthony Phillips: Private Parts And Pieces IV
Magma: Merci
Rainbow: Straight Between The Eyes
Kiss: Creatures Of The Night
Tangerine Dream: Logos
IQ: The Wake

[Scrotum Scissor]

The issue here is not whether 80's rock broke a few rules

*Good* 80s rock music moved forward precisely by breaking rules, including many rules emanating from the standards of the 70s. And yes, some of these 80s artists were undoubtedly even 'progressive', perhaps without sounding the slightest bit like any of the "big" names even though they might reflect a hidden influence.

[Progmatic]

*Good* 80s rock music moved forward precisely by breaking rules, including many rules emanating from the standards of the 70s. And yes, some of these 80s artists were undoubtedly even 'progressive', perhaps without sounding the slightest bit like any of the "big" names even though they might reflect a hidden influence.

Ok so the albums that do not sound like 70s prog bands (at least not big 5,6 or whatever)

Cardiacs - A Little Man....
Legendary Pink Dots - Asylum
This Heat - Deceit
John Zorn - Naked City
Thinking Plague - In This Life



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Liquid Tension]

That's kind of harsh. While we're at it, should we slag him off for not giving hip-hop a fair and thorough hearing before settling for prog?

I agree with you.

I see that you're new out here so welcome to the forum...

I would also recommend getting used to the elitist attitude that some of the posters have out here when your opinions doesn't agree with theirs..

[Scrotum Scissor]

I would also recommend getting used to the elitist attitude that some of the posters have out here when your opinions doesn't agree with theirs.

It wasn't "elitist". It was a question as to what you're basing your opinions and decisions on. Most people in here who diss the 80s do so by referring to how poor their fave 70s artists performed during that decade, when that's completely beside the point. Whether or not there was interesting music to be had in a given decade rests not primarily on subjective preference but on the insights supporting it.

[Liquid Tension]

It wasn't "elitist". It was a question as to what you're basing your opinions and decisions on. Most people in here who diss the 80s do so by referring to how poor their fave 70s artists performed during that decade, when that's completely beside the point. Whether or not there was interesting music to be had in a given decade rests not primarily on subjective preference but on the insights supporting it.

Perfect... Thanks for proving my point

Most people "diss" the 80s music because of the shitty stuff that was made...

Sorry that doesn't fall in line with your opinion...

[Trane]

I certainly used to be in the "80's are bad" camp a couple years back, but the more you look into it, the more gems there are. I believe it's harder to find music you may enjoy in the 80's, for in the 70's, there were clear trends where a bunch of bands followed a similar path where if you liked one band, chances are there'd be another, likely on the same label, that you'd enjoy as well.


Old habits die hard.

I'm reputed here as one that disses the 80's, but lately, I've taken on a slightly different stance that of what I knew of the 80's back then made me say that the 80's sucked.
35 years later, I've discovered more 80's albums than those I used to know and I have found some that can add up to that list of great 80's albums....
But whatever few albums that I have added to the whatever few I already had singled out a long while, it's still really a small amount compared to other decades (in other words: 1+1=2 or if you prefer 0+0=0 :p )

Of course I like some Talking Heads (RiL and SiT, mostly)... Are those TH albums essential of the 80's? well yes; but does it mean I want to include them as Top 80's great list? No.












Good one and I still think the 80s were the worse decade out of the past 4...Did you engulf yourself in all of that 80s music you previously didn't know about - and then somehow meticulously reasoned yourself onto that position? Or did you simply decide upon sticking to what you've already decided to think?That's kind of harsh. While we're at it, should we slag him off for not giving hip-hop a fair and thorough hearing before settling for prog?Are you saying that it's somehow 'extreme' to actually look into something before deciding on it being 'bad'? Like the maxim of "I don't know a thing about books from any other decade than the 30s, but that's OK 'cause they're all shit anyway"?

And one hardly settles for "prog" or "country" because they're "prog" or "country" - one does because there's something good discovered there. Emphasis on 'discover'.I agree with you.

I see that you're new out here so welcome to the forum...

I would also recommend getting used to the elitist attitude that some of the posters have out here when your opinions doesn't agree with theirs..


well, the popcorn is almost ready X)


Scrot, what it basically comes down to is colours and tastes... I can understand you (and Lev maybe as well) getting a little sick of seeing your decade of teendom/teenhood (whatever) described as "shit" or "garbage".
Nothing personal, but this view is based on a imperfect comparisons of people who have different experiences. Some here may put the 90's and the 00's below the 80's , but no matter how you put it on PE or PA, the viewpoint "70's > 80's" is the opinion of a fairly large majority, and trying to reverse will make you a more sympathic Cervantes hero than Don Q. But windmills were solid objects, while opinions are immaterial. Maybe viewing the opinions of another from the Pancho eyes will soften the hurt. ;) :beer

[Tom]

It wasn't "elitist". It was a question as to what you're basing your opinions and decisions on. Most people in here who diss the 80s do so by referring to how poor their fave 70s artists performed during that decade, when that's completely beside the point. Whether or not there was interesting music to be had in a given decade rests not primarily on subjective preference but on the insights supporting it.

I guess the more sound, less tendentious claim would be that the music of the '80s is a less promising population to explore. In any large sample there will be a lot of good music. But the effort of mining the slag heap for a few diamonds in the rough is a real cost. The poor showing of the '70s artists means there is no natural starting point.

Someone on this thread posted a long-ish list of 50-odd '80s prog albums. But the vast majority were, erm, of somewhat selective appeal? Any given listener might plausibly reject them.

[Tom]

I see that you're new out here so welcome to the forum...

Thanks. I have re-played the old Marillion and Spirit of Eden, and discovered It Bites through this forum, which is probably a good thing.

[Facelift]

Did you engulf yourself in all of that 80s music you previously didn't know about - and then somehow meticulously reasoned yourself onto that position? Or did you simply decide upon sticking to what you've already decided to think?

I'm aware of this music. Of course there was some excellent music made in the '80s. But - comparatively - it was quite notably weak.

[Progmatic]

Perfect... Thanks for proving my point

Most people "diss" the 80s music because of the shitty stuff that was made...

Sorry that doesn't fall in line with your opinion...

I do not think you exposed anything. Scissor is quite an opposite of the elitist in this case. He is willing to accommodate new influences and directions in music and gives them the merit for what they are. On your side you just appear not to be open minded about it. So who exposed whom?

[Scrotum Scissor]

Perfect... Thanks for proving my point

Most people "diss" the 80s music because of the shitty stuff that was made...

Sorry that doesn't fall in line with your opinion...

I'm afraid I didn't prove your point at all. You see, "shitty stuff" was made in all decades - as well as great stuff. However, it helps to a) know about it (by actually for instance searching out things that are new to yourself, and not merely within the confinements of what you already know or have decided upon liking or accepting), and b) define perimeters of what equals "good" music in extension of that expanded knowledge. Perhaps that's elitist. Just like the NME used to write off the 70s without ever bothering to elaborate just how come (in a manner which reflects some minimal Insight fo detail), seeing as simply resting or "deciding" upon it apparently was adequate. I mean, at least that position can't possibly be elitist.

[Scrotum Scissor]

I'm aware of this music. Of course there was some excellent music made in the '80s. But - comparatively - it was quite notably weak.

Yes, commercial (pop) music got way worse. IMO as well. But there was far more music being made than before, and - as already stated - with a completely different market logistic as foundation. Attending to outdated 70s names (or younger acts aping them) for reference of "proof" that 80s were bad - I'm afraid that just adds to misconception. Creative and/or 'progressive' rock/pop in the 80s had little next to nothing to do with earlier maps of the music business - culturally as well as in terms of organization. Punk Music brought about a paradigm shift in rock, and it was partly due to this that small labels and genres could reappear and develop further to thrive and blossom.

[Scrotum Scissor]

Scrot, what it basically comes down to is colours and tastes... I can understand you (and Lev maybe as well) getting a little sick of seeing your decade of teendom/teenhood (whatever) described as "shit" or "garbage".

Hugues, with all due respect - this has absolutely nothing to do with sensitivities towards some imaginary sanctity of the 80s. I *loathed* 80s music during my teens, and I wouldn't own a Thompson Twins or Bon Jovi or Bryan Adams or Def Leppard or Culture Club record for the sake of anything. And neither did I like 80s Genesis, 80s Yes or "neo". I detest modern mock-"prog" integrations of 80s AOR drivel (you know who they are), so that's not it. The horrors of 80s radio rock was the main reason why I sought out 60s and 70s rock.

However, if I'd known about all the fantastic things happening in independent/alternative/underground quarters during the 80s, I might not have resorted to such a stringent and in time stagnant view on the equally imaginary superiorities of the 70s. Artists who were really and truly progressive during the 80s made music those 70s heroes wouldn't even have known where to begin at - seeing as there had actually occurred a development and a progression of things; of merits, methods, techniques, technologies, strategies, ideas, you name them. My 70s heroes were so because they created anew and thus moved on from the past - most 80s names I admire did exactly that as well. Ths doesn't necessarily somehow imply that every decade is deemed to "progress" or get better; it's merely about the principle of creativity.