Music of the 80’s – UK Club Edition

In my continuing series of 80’s music (re)collection, I’m listing a few more that were stuck in my mind.  During my teenage years, I went clubbing quite a bit.  When I was a DJ, I played them a lot, too.   These songs were popular in Europe, but in North America¹ they were obscure – at least initially.   They were played often in alternative radio and clubs.  Now, they’re well known and have huge influences on new bands everywhere.

New Order – Blue Monday (1983)

I’m a huge fan of New Order.  They started off in the 70’s as Joy Division. Since the lead singer died, they moved on to form the new band.  They began with the same depressing music style of Joy Division, but later changed to a more upbeat “clubby” songs which got the attention of the masses.  They finally broke up a couple of years ago.  It’s too bad, most new alternative bands now want to sound like them – and usually succeed.

Pet Shop Boys – Opportunity (Let’s Make Lots of Money) (1985)

[Original Video Link]

In a Roling Stone magazine, a critic wrote PSBs were “Britain’s Dopiest Duo”.  When a friend introduced me to the Please album, I dismissed that critical review.   They produced some of the catchiest melody, with smart lyrics.  They also made several remixes – labeled them as “dance” tracks.  So it was no surprise their songs made it to clubs.  This song reminded me of my clubbing days. The PSBs are still together making new albums.  I haven’t listened to them lately.  They’ve lost their unique sound.

Depeche Mode – Strange Love (1987)

[Original Video Link]

I went to see these guys at the CNE Grandstand in 1987 when they were promoting Music For the Masses album.  The appeal of this band was it never went mainstream, yet popular enough in the clubs.  I just like them because they always reinvent themselves.

ABC – The Look of Love (1982)

[Original Video Link]

This group is one of those bands that made me look back and ask, “Where are they now?” Apparently, they were still busy touring in 2009!  They were so good back in the 80’s, with their pop dance tunes, but somehow I lost track of them after their album Alphabet City.  Anyway, this song was part of the classy album Lexicon of Love, which has wonderful strings orchestra for a pop song.  Very catchy. Very dance-able.

Human League – Don’t You Want Me (1981)

[Original Video Link]

This is a classic 80’s dance tune.  Always a floor filler whenever I played this song in parties.  I just read the Human League story on Wikipedia, and they seem to have a rough past – but strangely enough the lead singer, Phil Oakey, is still recording, and touring!  I’ll bet people will go see them just to hear this song again.

Duran Duran – The Reflex (1983)

[Original Video Link]

Finally, the 80’s dance scene is not complete without these guys.  They were the poster children of MTV.  Girls loved them.  DJs loved to play their songs.  However, my personal favorite is “Come Undone“, from their self-titled album in 1993.  Since this is about the 80’s, I chose The Reflex because it was their final shining world Pop Music glory.

1. Canadians had a tendency to like European music. [↩]

Tags: 80s, europe, music, UK