Have Your Claws at the Ready: Feast on My Top 10 English Artists of the '80s
Monday October 23, 2006
Just to show that I'm not afraid to mix my metaphors, get your darts out and get ready to throw as I unveil my infallible, comprehensive, and absolute top 10 list of the '80s finest artists from the fertile musical land of England. Actually, though, I'm perfectly willing to entertain a Volume II and beyond for this particularly difficult selection process, but that all depends on you out there, the folks kind and curious enough to peruse this site.
Bearing that in mind, I welcome slings and arrows (though I prefer courteous suggestions) for where I've gone astray on this list and, perhaps, a few affirmations of places where I've wildly succeeded. Per capita, the relatively tiny 50,000 square mile region of England must boast the highest number of quality bands and musicians on this planet, at least during the rock era. This fact automatically means this particular Top 10 is one of the most challenging and juicy imaginable. Having said that, I'll only roll out Volume II if I receive worthy suggestions (just click on the "Comments" link below) from my legions of readers to fill in any gaps I might have missed. And yes, that is both a bribe and a threat.
Comments
I agree that The Cure were the ones. I think Depeche Mode rocks (are they australia? and were they really better in 1990…our TCR graduation year) Hope all is well. I am enjoying your intelligent words my friend.
Excellent list, but, and there’s always a but…New Order??
uh, new order,echo & the bunnymen,joy division,THE SMITHS!!! i can’t believe you picked phil collins over the smiths! also siouxsie & the banshees,aztec camera,psychedelic furs,the clash,woodentops,james,stone roses,jesus & marychain.
Comments about the fixx ‘hits’ are wrong. Secret Separation peaked at #19, and Deeper and Deeper went to #1 on the dance chart in Billboard, so they are not lesser hits than the #20 Saved by zero, and the #4 one thing leads to another. They also had The sign of fire #32, How much is enough #35, are we ourselves? #14, built for the future, #2 on the dance chart, I think, it’s been a while
and driven out #52, their final appearance on the hot 100. Some other stuff appeard on the bottom of the hot 100, but I can’t remember the positions for less cities, more moving people, about #90, etc.
Have stumbled across your blog and enjoyed much of it but your top 10 80s acts from the uk list is surely a cunning ruse to generate outrage and comment (its worked!). To omit Depeche Mode, New Order, The Smiths and The Stone Roses is frankly embarrassing! Please try harder in the future