TMN take on Wilde '80s playlist

03 May 2010

by TMN Opinion

As Richard 'Wilde' Wilkins unleashed his dubious list of '80s classics this morning, via his 39 (?) song compilation, we had a quick look over the tracklisting (especially track 39) and decided that he perhaps wasn't the best person to create the definitive '80s compilation.

So we went through our iTunes playlists and our collective memories, and made an alternative list of 39 songs that we feel really sum up the era. We kept it quite commercial (No Jesus and Mary Chain B-sides or early My Bloody Valentine tracks) but have also thrown in a few songs that are perhaps...well, cooler than the obvious collection Richard went with.

So enjoy our playlist, crank it in your office and enjoy. And as for I Want You Back by Bananarama - well, it's just a kicking tune!

Welcome to the Jungle – G’N’R (1987)
I Want A New Drug – Huey Lewis (1984)
Hey Ladies – Beastie Boys (1989)
Pull up to the Bumper – Grace Jones (1981)
Unguarded Moment – The Church (1981)
Get on your Feet – Gloria Estefan (1989)
Africa – Toto (1982)
P.Y.T – Michael Jackson (1983)
Electric Blue - Icehouse (1987)
Edge Of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks (1982)
Blue Monday – New Order (1983)
Town Called Malice – The Jam (1982)
Straight Outta Compton – NWA (1988)
Who’s That Girl – Eurythmics (1983)
Once In A Lifetime – Talking Heads (1980)
Buffalo Soldier – Bob Marley (1983)
Teen Age Riot – Sonic Youth (1988)
I Can’t Go For That – Hall & Oats (1981)
The Stroke – Billy Squire (1981)
Shake Your Thang – Salt n Pepa (1988)

I Would Die For You – Prince (1984)
This Is Not A Love Song – Public Image Limited (1983)
Canary in a Coal Mine – The Police (1980)
The Look - Roxette (1988)
Dr Feelgood – Motley Crue (1989)
Bring The Noise – Public Enemy (1987)
This Charming Man – The Smiths (1983)
Fools Gold – Stone Roses (1989)
The Killing Moon – Echo & the Bunnymen (1984)
I Want You Back – Bananarama (1988)
Dancing On The Ceiling – Lionel Ritchie (1986)
Let’s Dance – David Bowie (1983)
Pictures Of You – The Cure (1989)
Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen (1984)
I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross (1980)
Handle With Care – The Travelling Wilburys (1988)
To Hell With Poverty – Gang Of Four (1982)
Time After Time – Cindy Lauper (1984)
Personal Jesus – Depeche Mode (1989)
Hey You – The Rock Steady Crew (1983)