New Wave - A Disguise for Chaos:
Oh, what a chaotic time it was in America as the '70s limped to a close. Fuel and hostage crises, Cold War anxiety and recession had combined to give us an uneasy feeling. So even as punk rock tried to express and interpret this frustration, it was up to the '80s to figure out a way to sell it in a more compartmentalized, less threatening way. So some folks commercially minded in the music biz decided to file down punk's rough edges, throw in some Top 40 hooks and glitz, and a pinch of disco.
Oh, what a chaotic time it was in America as the '70s limped to a close. Fuel and hostage crises, Cold War anxiety and recession had combined to give us an uneasy feeling. So even as punk rock tried to express and interpret this frustration, it was up to the '80s to figure out a way to sell it in a more compartmentalized, less threatening way. So some folks commercially minded in the music biz decided to file down punk's rough edges, throw in some Top 40 hooks and glitz, and a pinch of disco.
Quality Shines Through:
Despite a somewhat inauthentic catalyst, the advent of new wave most certainly brought a significant amount of quality music. Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Blondie, Duran Duran and the Police all fell under the new wave umbrella at some point in the early '80s, but they managed to create independent and creative music for the most part. Even lesser lights and somewhat passing fads like A Flock of Seagulls were not without charms, helping this pre-fab form not always feel so forced.
Despite a somewhat inauthentic catalyst, the advent of new wave most certainly brought a significant amount of quality music. Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Blondie, Duran Duran and the Police all fell under the new wave umbrella at some point in the early '80s, but they managed to create independent and creative music for the most part. Even lesser lights and somewhat passing fads like A Flock of Seagulls were not without charms, helping this pre-fab form not always feel so forced.
MTV - the Beginning of the End:
While the video age initially proved favorable for new wave acts, it ultimately led to their demise. Many of these artists were photogenic and therefore thrived, but an emphasis on visuals almost always brings about an immediate outcry for the Next Big Thing. As the makeup- and costume-heavy synth pop began to replace guitar-based new wave, the form began to show a serious shelf life. After all, Spandau Ballet and the Human League could only hold on so long in the face of hard rock's new image.
While the video age initially proved favorable for new wave acts, it ultimately led to their demise. Many of these artists were photogenic and therefore thrived, but an emphasis on visuals almost always brings about an immediate outcry for the Next Big Thing. As the makeup- and costume-heavy synth pop began to replace guitar-based new wave, the form began to show a serious shelf life. After all, Spandau Ballet and the Human League could only hold on so long in the face of hard rock's new image.
Key Artists:
- Blondie
- The Cars
- Elvis Costello
- Duran Duran
- The Human League
- The Police
- The Pretenders
- Talking Heads
- Devo
- Joe Jackson
