written by Charnelmind The Smart on 11/02/2005
Good Points
"Brilliant Mind" by Furniture
"Birthday" by the Sugarcubes
"The Killing Moon" by Echo & The Bunnymen
"Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure
"This Is The Day" by The The
Bad Points
Not a one
General Comments
Alternative 80's - I am so so so very against compilation CDs as a concept. If you like a song, you should go buy the album it came from to hear the proper context. But, having said that, sometimes someone comes up with something truly inspired, like this compilation. While '80's music enthusiasts will argue til the cows come home about what should and shouldn't have been included (where are The Smiths, Depeche Mode, The Mighty Wah, and the Jesus & Mary Chain to name a few...), this is a pretty cracking compilation, even if some of the tracks would hardly qualify as "alternative."
The '80's was a brilliant time for "alternative" music as small record labels thrived, throwing out loads of unusual bands with diverse sounds and influences, and it was certainly great for fashion - who can knock the old '80's indie standard of jeans, doc martens, black band t-shirt and long, black trenchcoat. I miss it.
Some of my fave bands of all time are on here, and some classic singles including The Clash, The Psychedelic Furs, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Cure, The The and Elvis Costello.
If you're just learning about '80's music or you love it but don't have time to make a compilation of your old vinyl yourself, you should go buy this CD!