Obscure 80's

Information Society
"I Want to Know (Pure Energy)"
In my opinion, this is the greatest piece of electropop ever committed to... well in 1988 it was kinda in the transition from tape to compact disc, but suffice it to say that this one is good. Bonus points for the Leonard Nimoy sample. 

Peter Schilling
"Major Tom (Coming Home)"
This guy channels Bowie for his fellow krauts. At times, it's robotic with all the space oddity, sci-fi bleep-bloop you'd expect. But then it shifts (with a "4...3...2...1") into a zero-g lullabye. Weird! European!

The Plimsouls
"A Million Miles Away"
The Plimsoul's only hit proved that power pop in the 80s could be edgy, but still be melodic. Rooted firmly in the classic rock tradition, this song defies classification as punk or new wave, and begs to be called, simply, good rock and roll. Sure it's dated, but it's dated in a good way. Put on that Le Tigre jacket and let's go pick up a McDLT.

The Waitresses
"I Know What Boys Like"
The Waitresses are probably best known for recording the theme song to the t.v. show "Square Pegs," but this song was pretty huge back in the day too. I remember it particularly for being featured in an awkwar sex scene in "The Last American Virgin," but I digress. Dig the lazy, snotty vocals.

Men Without Hats
"Pop Goes the World"
Now hear this! These guys did have another top forty hit after, "Safety Dance." Now, that doesn't mean that this one is better than "Safety Dance." It doesn't even mean that it's as good. Oh, come on... it's... adequate.

Crowded House
"Something So Strong"
Crowded House had this one and "Don't Dream (It's Over)," and on the basis of those two songs, they  permenantly cemented their status as the reigning kings of the eighties' clean-cut alterna sound. They followed it up with the pablum that was "Chocolate Cake," and promptly flushed it all down the dookie hatch.

Kid Creole and the Coconuts
"Endicott"
For some reason, when I was in the fifth grade VH1 would play the EXACT same videos every weekday morning while I was getting ready for school. First was Suzanne Vega's "Luca" follwed immediately by Kid Creole and the Coconuts' "Endicott." That's pretty jarring. It's like washing down "Schindler's List" with a shot of "Pootie Tang." As for the song, I have no idea what it's supposed to mean... and by no means am I saying that this is a good song. It's just one of the ultra obscure tunes that I think about  from time to time.

Men at Work
"Be Good Johnny"
More proof that Men at Work was an excellent band that unjustifiably got set out with the rest of the trash during the great eighties yard sale. "Business As Usual" and "Cargo" are both works of pop genius. Get 'em.

Trio
"Da Da Da"
Okay, I'll admit that this one is just a discount version of Yello's "Oh Yeah." But you gotta admit that it's infinitely mor European and, as a result, a lot more goofy.

Josie Cotton
"Johnny Are You Queer?"
Sounds familiar and I'm sure that she'd look familiar to you too. Josie Cotton was featured in the prom scene of "Valley Girl" (remember the guacamole assult?) playing just about every minor hit that she had.

About the Artwork:
"I've got Pac-Man fever. It's driving me crazy."