This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gary Myrick & the Figures' "She Talks in Stereo"

One of the greatest things about early-'80s new wave was its inclusiveness, a surprising trait that of course had a very short shelf life once pop music mavens realized there was great profit to be squeezed from the new genre. Still, during the first couple of years of the new decade, it was not only possible but rather likely to find a wide array of artists dabbling in punk-influenced, guitar-based roots rock and getting some decent airplay for their trouble. Myrick is a signature example of the treasures that emerged from this small window of opportunity.

As a quintessential journeyman, Myrick already had the experience and independence to deliver a tune this organic and immediate into a marketplace yearning for such artistry. Down the road, Myrick would work as a session musician for John Waite's 1984 solo success and then turn around and collaborate with the Clash's Paul Simonon in the eclectic Havana 3AM during the early '90s. Even if "She Talks in Stereo" forever remains Myrick's biggest claim to fame as a performer, at least he can rest easy knowing that his primary reputation rests in a time capsule of genuine quality that did just fine without the "benefit" of record executive focus group interference. At least one can only assume that last part.