AWmusic

Previous Chapters: One + Two

1983-1986 was a time where at least my older sisters were born and my parents had moved into Canada (‘84). They did listen to a lot of pop music at that time but a lot of the music I recall didn’t have that much to do with this list, perhaps you’ll find the occasional Madonna, Prince or MJ on their tapes but it definitely lacked rock when it comes to their collection. A lot of my experience with this era, while limited has to do with music reading (reading doesn’t necessarily translate into more listening though) and listening to archives covering influential from rock radio.
The Smiths appear in this era 3 times with: How Soon Is Now? This Charming Man and There Is A Light That Never Goes Out. I used to like the Smiths quite a bit but I never divulged much into their discography as much as knowing about their break up (which involved a legal battle – nasty), Morisseys asexuality or reading about his boycott of Canada (because while there is sadly Seal torture in our country, he forgets this one big fucking place). Anyway I’m still unsure about my likeness for the Smiths, How Soon Is Now? is by far my favorite track but otherwise I don’t like many of their songs or cared enough to pursue more then a casual likeness for them. Still whether I like them or not, their greatness is still recognized.
How Soon Is Now? By The Smiths

The Replacements I hear about more often then not. They have 2 tracks featured in this era and I think the point of looking at the Pitchfork 500 is just as much about discovering older gems then looking at songs you already know (at least for me, being still young…I’ve got a ton to learn). I figured that it was about to check out some songs already and Bastards of Young was the anti-music video of a video they have up on YouTube. Anyway Bastards of Young has been on repeat for the last little bit and I can easily see it being it an anthem then and easily one now without being cheesy like the modern “punk” bands these day (fuck you Green Day).
Bastards of Young by The Replacements

Run DMC… what else can I say else by Rev Run, Jam Master Jay and Darryl McDaniels. They are my favorite rap group of all time (I guess there’s no one to compare except for the Beastie Boys) and from a rap perspective, their greatest hits collection is a must pick up and while they don’t have the longevity the Beastie Boys have, a lot of their tracks have more meaning and more of a place in the “best of” lists.
It’s Like That by Run DMC

U2 is not considered a “cool” band to like. They’ve had a long career, sold a ton of records and annoyed the crap out of us (well specifically Bono). Sure he helps donate a ton of money for a “good” cause, couldn’t he do that from a more behind the scenes basis? Anyway the general sentiment with U2 is that their newer material blows compared to their previous stuff. I think while I agree to some extent, their newer stuff isn’t that bad just not spectacularly great. U2 have gone through quite a few different sounds over the years but a lot of great songs and a massive collection to boot. Sunday Bloody Sunday off “War” is probably more of a famous track but this one is hard to deny both on a literal and musical level.
New Years Day by U2

After using Soft Cell’s Tainted Love;a video filled with homoeroticism (ish – the times were different), to a risque song that the members happened to be all gay. While this song is not gay in any way (well… guys talking about ejaculating during intercourse can be very straight) it’s usually synonymous in that regard. Check it out:

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