New Wave

[Kevin]

I’ve always considered myself a fan of New Wave. I was just old enough to catch the tail end of the craze and because of that plenty of stuff from childhood had a new wave and new wave influenced pop soundtrack.

How can you not like the Thompson Twins?
https://youtu.be/2YTF-35T3FA?si=5M41oemLkc7LmRfR

Do you have any favorites? How about some deep cuts?

[gildaradner]

Ah, the Thompson Twins. I'm conflicted on them, because they surely could write quality pop hooks, but I find the instrumentation in their music to be a bit sparse and lacking. That's not to say that I think their music is bad per se, just not quite something I enjoy greatly.

I think as far as new wave goes, I find myself listening to early new wave the most—before synthesizers entered the equation. I probably like the more synth-heavy new wave just as much, but I listen to the earlier stuff more. Think Pylon: https://youtu.be/8haFFLL0GS8

[Kevin]

I can understand that.

I actually haven't heard of Pylon! But I do like the earlier New Wave too, still has more of the post-punk influence.

[burgergamer]

what are some good bands to get a general feel for new wave? I've heard of it but don't really know what the genre is.

[gildaradner]

New wave is a bit of a tricky thing to put your finger on what it is, so I can't fault you there. It's basically the catchier side of what emerged after punk rock, the alternative being the less commercial sound, termed post-punk. For new wave bands, you can think of acts like the Cars, Blondie, the Talking Heads, Devo; bands like that.

[Kevin]

Agreed, it’s a hard genre to pin down. Especially because so much of that 80s sound just swam around with the same ideas. The Cure aren’t necessarily New Wave but they sure fit comfortably in it.

The pop side of post punk is a good short description. It’s still a simple rock structure but a little more avant, a little more experimental with instrumentation and electronics. But it is all about the hooks and being radio friendly. It was also the second “British Invasion” for US popular music.

Duran Duran
The Vapors
The Go Gos
Wang Chung
Dead or Alive
Fine Young Cannibals
Fun Boys Three
Tears For Fear

[gildaradner]

I almost forgot about Men Without Hats! Great band that's very underrated; people only seem to remember one of their hits—i. e., "The Safety Dance"—but I think "Pop Goes the World" was really good too.