1> ABC – The Look of Love Pt 1. This band had the new Romantic vibe in spades. Lush sophisticated orchestrated disco pop songs performed urgently and earnestly. The album “Lexicon of Love” simply pure pop candy.
2> Thompson Twins – Love Lies Bleeding. Before they become popular and began to take themselves to seriously, they were a delightful and charming new wave dance band outfit, that occasionally provided a little edge to provide a bit of drama. This song finds them at delivering the catchest and most memorable performance. One of several great cuts off their best album, “Side-Kicks…”
3> Tears for Fears – Pale Shelter. Another contenders for top 80’s bands, TfF were the whining man’s signature band. Always on the verge of complete mental collapse due to the slightest whiff of rejection, these boys harnessed all of their ill feelings into their classic album “The Hurting”. Success made them happy, but unfortunately, boring. “Pale Shelter” is the most deliciously angst driven piece of pop you’ll ever hear.
4> Aztec Camera – Oblivious. The single most under-rated and under appreciated album from the early 80’s, Aztec Camera “High Land, Hard Rain”, is a masterfully crafted acoustic guitar driven Brit-Pop album, lead by mastermind, Roddy Frame. A virtuoso guitarist, as well as an expressive and at times melancholy vocalist, Roddy Frame had the type of talent that the like of Elvis Costello were envious of. “Oblivious” was the best song on the amazing album.
5>Echo and The Bunnymen – Never Stop. Really, this could have been one of a dozen of Bunnymen songs, including “Do It Clean”, “Villiers Terrace”, “A Promise”, “Killing Moon” and many others. This was one band that was tight, dark and edgy.