'80s Background & Culture (6)
As much as many of us may wish it did sometimes, music does not exist in a vacuum. It is inspired, created, damaged, cheapened and even made permanent as a result of the political and social climate that surrounds it. The '80s was a vibrant, eclectic period that crackled and hummed as it carved out its path.
Interviews/Artist Insight (6)
In many cases, we can best understand the aims, goals and philosophies of artists by hearing straight from them what they intended with their music, what they gained from their careers and just what their experiences in the '80s were like. Look here for interviews, quotes and other forms of insight directly from the minds of '80s icons.
'80s Nostalgia (5)
Even before the '90s really got started, '80s nostalgia had emerged as a full-blown phenomenon, with "'80s Night" at dance clubs and retro radio shows already popping up all over. Perhaps more than any other decade, the '80s felt like a self-contained era to those who lived it, and music has always been at the center of that impulse to look back.
Record Labels (5)
Though the commercial side of music can be frustrating for fans and artists alike, there's no denying the power record labels have over what gets heard. The '80s were no exception to this, as several labels rose to prominence in either mainstream or indie circles. Some labels today continue to release music from '80s artists alive and kicking.
Lyrics, Chords & Tabs (5)
When all is said and done, the best way to handle virtual time travel back to the '80s is to learn to reproduce the tunes we loved back then, with our own voices and our own instruments. The Internet is a haven for such things, with lyrics to even the most obscure '80s songs and instructions on how to play them yourself, if you're so inclined.