Top 5: Underrated 80s Bands

The 1980s were a time of paradise (or hell, depending on your point of view) for one-hit-wonder bands. Due to the rise of MTV and VH1, bands that previously had no hope for international fame were suddenly finding audiences. The result was that the 1980s had a much broader range of music for the populous to listen to. But a lot of great bands ended up either being "one-hit-wonders," or being completely washed away. Therefore, I would like to present a non-definitive list of five 80s bands that I don't believe got (or get) enough attention.

#5 Bow Wow Wow

Bow Wow Wow were created to advertise a New Romantic clothing line by Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood. Bow Wow Wow are generally considered to be a one-hit-wonder with "I Want Candy," an updated cover of a 60s song, but much of their album work is incredible, and has been an influence on bands like Red Hot Chilli Peppers and No Doubt.

You May Know:

"I Want Candy "

You Should Hear:

"Aphrodisiac "
"C30, C60, C90 Go"
"Do You Wanna Hold Me?"

#4 Siouxsie and the Banshees

Although they kick-started Robert Smith's career, most people today don't really know who Siouxsie and the Banshees are (a customer at the thrift store where I worked decided to buy a best of CD one time, even though he really only listened to rap and soul. I tried to explain the mistake to him, but he had to learn for himself). Nowadays, along with the previous band, Siouxsie and the Banshees seem to have found their home on the Marie Antoinette soundtrack, so perhaps there is still hope.

You May Know:

"Hong Kong Garden"

You Should Hear:

"Kiss Them For Me"
"Spellbound"
"The Passenger"

#3 Split Enz

Split Enz saw many changes in both their lineup and sound before they split up and Neil Finn formed Crowded House, but they never quite got the attention that their music deserved. While I'm not as familiar with all of their material as I'd like to be, they are a splendid group of talented musicians.

You May Know:

"I Got You"

You Should Hear:

"Hard Act To Follow"
"Message To My Girl"
"Bold As Brass"

#2 Squeeze

Although Squeeze got their start in the late 70s and are still active, they produced a lot of great work during the 1980s, and they are underrated. Glenn Tilbrook has a voice rarely duplicated, which adds plenty of personality to their songs.

You May Know:

"Hourglass"

"Tempted"

You Should Hear:

"Points Of View"

"Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)"

"In Quintessence"

 

 #1 Talk Talk

While Talk Talk do have a lot of respect in the modern indie music community (as proven by the well-received release of this year's Spirit of Talk Talk), they never quite gained the clout that their music deserved. Talk Talk began as an incredibly good, but fairly angsty New Wave/New Romantic band, but managed to break free from the oppressions of their record label and produce a type of music that could not be categorized properly, but which had elements of jazz and classical music, and an overall ambient feel. As a fan of both eras of Talk Talk, I can't help but feel that they are one of the most under-rated acts of all time, and certainly during the 80s.

You May Know:

"It's My Life"

You Should Hear:
"Living In Another World"
"New Grass"
"Does Caroline Know"