Sound and the Fury: New Wave Faves, US Edition...

 

Redartz:  A couple of years ago we did a post in which we discussed our favorite  New Wave acts from the UK. We concluded with a promise to look at the US contingent. Never let it be said that we don't follow up on things, even if it takes us awhile!  

The late 70's and early 80's were rich times musically, with the surging presence of new sounds from new performers; a wide variety of approaches all encompassed beneath the umbrella term of
"New Wave". Much of that arose from the wondrous environs of the UK. But the USA
 was not to be left out, as these bands (and the others which you all will be naming) can attest . This discussion isn't really about the 'best', as obviously that is a relative and subjective judgement. This post we're dealing with our favorites; and here are three of mine.

 

Talking Heads

Probably the first 'New Wave' band I came to enjoy was Talking Heads. I was at first slow to jump on the bandwagon, still hanging on to my standard pop tastes. But the persuasive efforts of some art school friends, and this song, broke the ice for me. Shortly I was incurably hooked, hunting for any 'alternative' act I could find. And one of the first was the album from which this song came, "More Songs About Buildings and Food". I loved that lp, and every subsequent offering from David Byrne and Co. And that includes the excellent "Tom Tom Club". But anyway, here's the tune that started it all for me.

"Take Me to the River"

Devo

Next on my personal list of US New Wave faves is Devo. At first, I found their offerings to be rather weird. Too weird for my tastes. However, once my eyes (and more specifically, ears) were opened a bit, the Spudboys' brand of strangeness was irresistable. Although I didn't purchase any Devo records until "Whip It" hit big, I then made up for lost time. Within a short time I picked up all their previous lps, and was sure to grab the new ones that followed. Here's one great track from "Oh No! It's Devo!"

"Explosions"

The Go-Go's

Much as I loved the above two groups, I never had the pleasure of seeing them live. On the other hand, I had the pleasure of seeing these girls live not once, not twice but three times! Once at a small club in Indianapolis. Once as the opening act for the Police. And once as headliners themselves (at Purdue University, I believe our friend Charlie Horse 47 was there too). 

The Go-Go's output may have been smaller than many other acts, but the sheer fun they exuded made up for that. One great aspect of the 'New Wave' was a return to 'fun'. And that perfectly describes this group's music. And what's more fun than this cut from the group's second album?

"Vacation"

Okay, there's my three picks. There were many many others, but these three acts had a place close to my heart and mind. What acts from the American New Wave set your blood to pumping?

 

 

Rank and File: New Wave Acts, UK edition

Redartz: Greetings all! For today's discussion, we tackle the first part of a planned two-part subject: New Wave music! And to honor the integral role UK acts had in originating and popularizing the trend, we will give them the first shot. Soon to follow: New Wave, US edition; so you can start formulating your lists.

And as to those lists: the term "best" is so subjective, and dependent upon many variables. So to keep it simpler, we will list our "favorite" acts. So if your favorite was Wham!, no further explanation is necessary.

My Fave Five, in random order :

1.  Depeche Mode- producers of some of the most intense, dynamic, powerful synth music ever. The mind reels back and forth between their lyrical and melodic wonders. They bring to my mind the 'wall of sound' made famous by Phil Spector in the 60's. And the Mode can truly put on a SHOW. Saw them in Chicago; best concert I've ever seen. Phenomenal. Here: "Everything Counts"

2. The Police- One of the earliest tastes I had of the 'new music', when the meaning of "Regatta de Blanc" was a mystery. Sting was incredible; some of the most literate songwriting you can find. Loved the hints of World music in their repertoire. And they scored infinite points in my book with the lyrics to "King of Pain"; great imagery: "There's a fossil that's trapped in a high cliff wall". Ok, it appealed to the paleontologist within me. Here they are sending you a "Message in a Bottle":

3. ABC-  The "New Romantic" appellation is most apt here. Their "Lexicon of Love" was a lush, sophisticated, heavy brew of musical richness. Martin Fry felt those emotions. No, he ached those emotions. That debut album will be on frequent rotation in my head forever. Check out "Poison Arrow"...

4. Thomas Dolby- Thomas Dolby might have made my list solely on the strength of his hit single "She Blinded Me With Science". I was hooked on the song from the first time I heard it. Buying the 45 wasn't enough, I picked up the lp "The Golden Age of Wireless" and heard many more reasons to love Mr. D. Imaginative , technological lyrics, very catchy tunes, great synth work, the album offered so much. And his follow up "The Flat Earth" was equally solid, from the manic "Hyperactive" to the picturesque, haunting "Mulu the Rain Forest". For your musical enjoyment: "Windpower"...

5. Duran Duran-  They found great popular success in the USA. And deservedly so, imho. First encountered them on video screens at a new wave club in Indianapolis (they showed videos on Friday nights, still several years before MTV). Seeing "Girls on Film" and "Planet Earth" got me interested. By the time of "Rio", they were my favorite band. Pop music at its' best. And like Depeche Mode, they have shown some staying power, keeping active well into the 21st. Century. Here they are with "Save a Prayer", my favorite cut from "Rio".

Honorable Mention: Ultravox, Human League, Thompson Twins


Now the stage is yours- which acts were the 'top of the pops' for you?

Chew the Fat: Pinback buttons, or Wearing your Heart on your, er, Lapel

Redartz:  Hello folks, and welcome to another opportunity to 'chew the fat'. Today we will be

'chewing over' a popular fashion accessory during the Bronze age: pinback buttons. You know, the little discs that had a (rather sharp) stickpin on the back, used to fasten said pinback to your lapel, chest, back, or whatever. Pinbacks have been around for years and years: political campaigns have used them prominently for many decades. In the 60's, young people wore pinbacks reading "Make Love Not War" or perhaps sporting a "Peace" sign. 

Over the years, pinbacks could be found with just about any imagery imaginable: politics, pop culture (Little Orphan Annie, Beatles, Alfred E Neuman), advertisements, you name it. But the little round 'billboards' seemed to explode in popularity during the first half of the 80's. New wave fashion often made use of the pins, and in the process gave us some very cool graphics. Bands were a frequent sight on pins. And the pins were a frequent sight on the fans. Some kids had jackets covered with so many pins they looked like chain mail armor. I wore quite a few, but not so many as to clank as I walked...

And now, a plethora of pinback pictures from my personal pile for you to ponder and peruse...

On the left, some advertising-themed buttons.  Before you ask, I have no idea what Tony's "Astronaut Breakfast Game" was. On the right, some miscellaneous ones:

 




















   Here we have a selection of musically themed buttons. Note the preponderance of 80's New wave here...

 




















 As comic fans, how could we not include some appropriately comic buttons?  Note the "Shmoo" pin on the right: wonderful creatures from Al Capp's "Lil' Abner" strip. And yes, I was one who ordered a Howard the Duck presidential pin from Steve Gerber in '76 (the fact that I was too young to vote was irrelevant).

 



















   And here is a special collector's set of Batman pins, released coincidentally with the 1989 movie. These have art by some familiar names, and the artists are profiled on the back...

So, any pinback collectors among us? Did you wear a few, many, or none? Any memories of particular pins? Or memories of painful pinpricks? Pop on a few and express yourself!