From its beginnings in the late 1970’s, The Dream Academy strove for a different sound from the average pop band. Implementing heavier instrumentals in the form of strings and woodwinds, they rose to popularity in 1986 with this hit, Life in a Northern Town.

 

The Bangles formed when Susanna Hoffs joined forces with her sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson in 1980, later to be joined by Anette Zilinskas and Michael Steele.  They’re still at it today, and if you’d like to visit and see what they’re up to, try The Bangles’ official website.

Formed stateside in 1974, Talking Heads enjoyed almost 20 years together before calling it quits in 1991.  They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.  Four of their albums were listed in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003).

Joe Jackson, British singer-songwriter, released this song Breaking Us in Two in 1982 as part of his album Night and Day.  Night and day was actually a tribute to musician Cole Porter, and was his only album to reach the Top Ten.

Jackson authored a book in 1999 entitled “A Cure for Gravity” which he claims is a “book about music, thinly disguised as a memoir”.  Jackson currently lives in Berlin. 

Check out Joe Jackson’s official website.

Born in 1954, Elvis Costello wasn’t exactly born Elvis Costello.  He was actually Declan Patrick MacManus–not exactly the perfect name for his eventual punk rock and New Wave stage time.  This song, Everyday I Write the Book, came to fame in 1984.  By then, Elvis had found his own unique sound.  He’s still going strong, as I can personally attest, having had the great pleasure of recently seeing him in concert.  

If you can’t get enough of him after one measly video, you can hop over to the official Elvis Costello website.  A great place to bop around.

I had the great pleasure recently of seeing Elvis Costello sing “Everyday I Write the Book” live.

The band Chicago was formed in 1967, but they maintained their popularity throughout the 80s and still enjoy a following today.  You’re the Inspiration was a 1984 hit, part of the album Chicago 17.  This album was Chicago’s biggest selling album in the band’s history.  

For a real blast from the past, visit Chicago’s official website. Love it!

Need a little colorful graffiti to brighten your day?  This Information Society video should certainly give it to you.  Also known as InSoc, this band originated in Minnesota.  What’s on Your Mind, coming out in 1988, brought the band its first taste of notoriety.  Any trekkies out there will recognize the voice of Mr. Spock saying “Pure Energy”.

1987.  If you were in high school then, you probably remember In My Dreams playing at the school dance.  You can thank REO Speedwagon for the good memories.  

REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 in Illinois, starting out as a college band.  Their popularity peaked in the 1980s after giving us some successful power ballads such as this one.

Berlin’s hit “Metro” made waves during the early days of MTV as the band’s first video hit.  This combination of the Punk and New Wave sounds served the band well, as their first album (Pleasure Victim) released three successful singles.

Missing Persons was formed in 1980 in Los Angeles.  This New Wave group was formed by Dale Bozzio (vocalist), Terry Bozzio (drummer), and Warren Cuccurullo (guitars).  It later included Patrick O’Hearn (bassist) and keyboardist Chuck Wild.

Kids these days–they think they thought up pink hair!