Classic Rock Weekend - Rush and Pink Floyd

I'm really excited about this weekend - it's all classic rock and live.
Growing up I was a huge fan of Rush - I was always fascinated by the drumming of Neil Perth - one of the best and most influential drummers in rock history (see link - I ranked Neil as my second favourite drummer of all time). If you doubt - just take a listen to Tom Sawyer and Limelight.

"Moving Pictures" (1981) seems to really reflect that chaotic yet beautifully synced drumming of Neil on the tracks mentioned above. And I'm in Tampa this weekend to see Rush perform at 1-800-Ask-Gary, where they are doing the entire Moving Pictures album! I can't wait to see them as it was one of my childhood dreams.
On another front - what's classic rock without Pink Floyd...."The Wall" is like the 3rd biggest selling album in history and "Dark Side of the Moon" is the longest running album in history - about 15 years (770 weeks) on the charts - wow!

I'll be seeing Roger Water's "The Wall" tour this Sunday in Boston - one of my fave cities.

Also whilst in Boston I hope to catch up with fellow blogger Rob at BosGuy and his partner for dinner/drinks!

So that's classic rock weekend! With music to boot!

Anyways peeps TTYL!

I Met An Iron Maiden Roadee

Well - I signed up for this 30-day challenge at the yoga studio I practise at....and I was doing A.O.K. - doubling up on classes just to make the challenge work since I am away for a couple of days. I was ahead of most people on classes so I felt great having this edge, except for this dude "Greg" - I mean this guy is not doubling up on classes - he's trippling up. In 3 days I think he did like 8 classes - like - who's this Greg dude - doesn't he have a life? - doesn't he work like the rest of us?

Well - I saw Greg finally - he is this skinny British dude, with loads of tattoos everywhere - he has "APPETITE" tattooed across his belly - pretty weird - I mean does he need to be reminded that your food goes to your stomach or something?

But then today in class I saw him with a really cool "IRON MAIDEN" tee shirt.....I struck conversation....

"That's gotta be the most simplest Iron Maiden tee I've ever seen. I mean "Eddie [their mascott] isn't even on it"...

Then words to my ears and heart...he replied...

"Yeah - well, I was part of the road crew for the band on their tours"...

"OMG - that is so cool - IRON MAIDEN rocks...."

Then "BLAH BLAH BLAH" about Maiden....

I've never met an Iron Maiden or any band road crew before - but with yoga, all tattooed, appetite on belly Greg - I'm sure glad I struck conversation with him - I love me some Iron Maiden.....

See a post I did on the band some time ago here!

A Few Lesbo Encounters and Yoga

Here's some music to share as I share some thoughts:

Thank You (Led Zepplin Cover)_Chris Cornell

It was a weird past week.....Have you ever had that one person who really gets under your skin when they've done nothing wrong? - you're neither friends with this person and they really have not done anything wrong - there's just something you can't put your finger on - but yet you stoop down so low to find every reason in the world not to strike a conversation with that person or even try to change your train of thought towards that person.

I know - I'm frail and it's pathetic to be that way - but then something nice happens and I just change my mind, and then I end up feeling like an arse - and I should.

Anywho - there were two such folks like that in my yoga class and I just couldn't stand them. I know it's so bad to think like this especially being in yoga and and trying to aspire to something better is always my goal.

On Sunday - two of these ladies talked to me....and hey - it was good. It was as if they heard my inner weakness speak and now I feel better for the 180 degree change in my mindset! YEE HAAAHHHHH! Isn't life sometimes so awesome?

It turns out one of these ladies my friend was saying is a lesbo - always good to meet someone from the LGBT community especially since it's small where I live - maybe she had gaydar! But now she always says "hi" and we chat a bit about our practise and how I sucked at it!

On another front - I was having brunch today with one of my girl-friends this a.m. and we were chatting about random crap and a common name came up and my gff told me she was a lesbian!

"Wow - she was like in a 9 year relationship with a guy" - when did miss tang become a lesbo? Goes to show - you never know who's who out there!

Anyways peeps - TTYL and have a great weekend!

Top 50 New Wave Artists - Part 5 (10-1)

OK folks - here's the final installment - the Top 10!

10. Tears for Fears

When Tears for Fears took over the pop 100 charts with "Songs from the Big Chair" they did indeed "Ruled the World for 1985/86". Their later 80's sounds is still new wave but much more subtle than their debut "The Hurting" with tracks like "Change", "Mad World" and "Pale Shelter".

Classic tracks: Change, Mad World, Pale Shelter.

9. The Police

Regatta de Blanc means "White Reggae" which defines perfectly the unqiue sounds of "The Police" when they launched in the late 70's. The fusion of post-punk and reggae was idealistic and meshed the zen nature of reggae with the energy of punk.

Classic tracks: Message in a Bottle, Don't Stand So Close to Me, Roxanne.

8. Talking Heads

"Remain in Light" is regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the rock-era. Blending pop, rock, new wave, and experimentation with various genres, the band's music is evolutionary, dynamic and a detail of the times.


Classic tracks: Once In A Lifetime, And She Was, Road to Nowhere

7. The Cars


They were probably the 1st New Wave band I heard...Back in the 70's this Boston-based band had a poppy, dreamy syth-infused rock sound that was setting the stage for a softer side of new wave. The band was not new romantic, but they represented the answer to an all-American new wave band.

Was this probably one of the 1st makings of synth-pop following Kreftwork's "Autobahn"? Maybe so....

I always loved the cover of "Candy-O" and in the link, I've voted this my favourite album cover of all time.

Classic tracks: All I Can Do, Let's Go, My Best Friend's Girl.

6. The Smiths

Rock radio would not be the same today without The Smiths. The legendary band out of Manchester helped put the place on the map creating the Madchester sound reminiscent of the late 80's early 90's acid-house scene in the U.K.

But with the unmistakable voice of Morrissey and the unique guitar stylings of Jonny Marr - the Smiths were destined to be pop stars around the world with their own unique fusion of new wave, post-punk, pop and melancholiness.

Classic tracks: How Soon is Now, and every track on "Meat is Murder" and "The Queen is Dead!"

5. Duran Duran

These 5 lads from Birmingham were the epitah of "avant-garde" rock. Post punk with a dash or two of sexiness.....these boys weren't afraid to be sexy for the MTV and show themselves in those hot, sexy man-European mankinis in videos like "Rio" and "Save A Prayer".

They were a definitive part of the 80's - their sexy look, unique fashion sense, some of the greatest music videos and  of course great music - it was as if "The Beatles" had landed in 1982 in the U.S. again.

Classic tracks: Hungry Like A Wolf, Rio, Save A Prayer, The Reflex.


4. Blondie

Debbie Harry was definitely a pioneer ... a leading lady of punk from the 70's she produced some of the catchiest and best new wave music from the 70's making hard edged punk rock that was also poppy - way before bands like Blink 182 and Greenday mastered this fusion.

"Rapture" was one of the 1st tracks to fuse two diversely different genres to one great sounding pop track - rap and rock....hats off Debbie - you did this way before the "Run DMC/Aerosmith" fusion and you were ahead of the times on this one.

Blondie had three #1 singles in the 80's - all of different genres and this shows the amazing diversity of this band...."Call Me" was the #1 single of 1980 and was a fast paced punk rock song, "Rapture" fused rap and rock, and "The Tide Is High" was a laid back reggae-infused pop song.

Classic Tracks: Call Me, Rapture, and The Tide is High.

3. INXS

The sound of this band, the great musicians and the sexy frontman gave the world an intro- to a sexy side of new wave music. Unlike many of their fellow bands at the time...Michael Hutchence oozed sexuality and was not afraid to incorporate this into the band's music and stage performances.


Classic tracks: Original Sin, I Send a Message and The One Thing.

2. The B-52's

They defined the new ave sound and look, and also the zaniness and fun of new wave music. Classics like "Rock Lobster", "Private Idaho" and "Wig" sealed this band of a pioneer of new wave classic rock.


Classic Tracks: Rock Lobster, Love Shack, Roam

1. Depeche Mode

This is the biggest selling pop-synth electronica band of all time. Depeche Mode has probably had the most modern rock charting singles in the 80's. In the early days when "Alternative" was being carved out as a genre and "left of centre" radio stations started to appear, this band was one of the pioneers of the genre and were one of the most played artists on modern rock radio.

Classic tracks: Just Can't Get Enough, People are People, Eveything Counts, Master and Servant, Blasemphous Rumors


Well - I tried to keep the Top 10 simple with details, and I hope you've enjoyed my postings over the last 5 days....I had fun preparing and researching the list and sharing it with you all!


Well peeps - thank you and keep rocking!

Top 50 New Wave Artists - Part 4 (20-11)

We're almost there - here's #'s 20-11. Enjoy!

20. Berlin

If new wave had a sex appeal it would be Terri Nunn of Berlin. Berlin produced one of the greatest new wave tracks ever recorded "The Metro" - is it safe to say that this song is a classic? Yep - in the early days of MTV, the band and their music were on heavy rotation, and this song continues to rock audiences every time it's performed - both by the band and by other artists.

Front-woman, Terri Nunn had major sex appeal - she wasn't afraid to explore this in her music, the way she delivered her vocals and her stage antics. Also with a song title like.."Sex, I'm A...." well you get my point.

Despite this, Berlin produced some of the tightest music of the new wave era. You might remember "Take My Breath Away" a power pop track that rocked America by reaching all the way to the top - this is probably as pop as the band ever got, beyond this song, there lies the true "Berlin" - a new wave phenomenon that is truly a classic band!

See also Howie's blog for a great post he did on this awesome band!

Classic Tracks: The Metro, Masquerade, Sex, I'm A...

19. The Psychedelic Furs

Pretty in Pink (the movie) was inspired partly by the song of the same name!

The band was formed in the late 70's out of the punk scene in the UK, but quickly developed a more suttle, post punk sound that was the formula for some of their classic tracks, like "The Ghost in You" and "Heartbreak Beat" - the latter being the band's biggest hit in the US, by breaking the Top 40.

In 1986, in the John Hugh's classic film "Pretty in Pink", the band's music was brought to attention, as the song was featured in the movie of the same name. The song was originally released in 1981, and helped inspired the movie of the same name.

"The Ghost In You" was also featured in a reggae down version in the Adam Sandler flick "50 First Dates" (which by the way is an excellent soundtrack).

The band is still around these days, and they continue to tour.

My friend Howie did a two part post on this amazing band.....see link to Part 2 of his post!

Classic tracks: Pretty in Pink, The Ghost in You, Heartbreak Beat

18. The Eurythmics

They look so good today as they did back then!

Before the 1980's, I can't remember when I ever saw a a female rock artist, deliberately dress up in men's clothing, with side burns as well to express music and art this way.....along came the super duo of Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox who reached #1 with their first single "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". The song had an infectious light synthizer/electronic sound, whose keys you kept humming along to....quite catchy and avant garde.

Annie is regarded as one of the leading female artists of our times, and I voted her one of the "Top 10 Female Artists of Rock".

I remember her performance at the 1984 Grammy's where she had her hair dyed in black, wearing a man's suit and super long side burns - now that's rock n' roll!

Classic Tracks: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Here Come the Rain Again, Right By Your Side.

17. The Human League

"Don't You Want Me" was the classic sounding new wave single - I was so glad it reached the top spot!

I was so surprised (but pleasantly so) to see "Don't You Want Me Baby" hit #1. The heavy synthizer, and electronic sound on this single made this 80's classic a main stay on the dance floor and modern rock radio.

The band continued to have major success and had it's second #1 with "Human" circa 1986.

See also Howie's post for more on the band!

Classic tracks: Don't You Want Me (Baby), Fascination, Human.

16. ABC

I adored this cover - so classic!

Like many bands crossing the pond, ABC was part of the new romantic movement. "The Look of Love" was soulful with the vocal delivery by Martin Fry. The band continued to have Top 10 hits in both the US and UK with "When Smokey Sings" and "Be Near Me".

The band fused, soul, funk and jazz to produce some of the classiest sounding music of the 80's. Their singing style and music was also heavily influenced by American R&B, which is evidenced on their tribute to Smokey Robinson on "When Smokey Sings".

See a well-descript post on Howie's blog of the band!

Classic Tracks: Look of Love Part 1, Poison Arrow, Be Near Me.

15. New Order

I like this modern look for the band - they still make some innovative music!

Like a Phoenix rising out of the ashes of Joy Division came New Order. The name of the band suggested a regime moving forward, as former members of JD meshed dance, electronica, new wave, synth pop with post punk in a way better than most bands who tried - the end result was the biggest selling 12" single in music history - "Blue Monday".

New Order produced classic produced one new wave hit after the other in the 80's to an amazing repertoire of dance music (such as "Bizzare Love Triangle", "Perfect Kiss", "True Faith"). The band has a massive following in the US and their music continues to be remixed by DJ's across the globe, giving new life to their music to a new generation.

I also mentioned New Order as one of the Most Influential Artists from the 80's (they ranked at #10).

Classic tracks: True Faith, Blue Monday, Perfect Kiss.

14. A Flock of Seagulls

That hair style is classic!

In 1982, who knew that "I Ran" would become one of the most memorable and biggest New Wave tunes ever recorded. It touched pop radio and the band were an instant success on MTV. The band's characteristic "seagull" hairstyle of frontman helped defined the new wave era of fashion - not only for clothes - but also the hairstyles as well. In other words - being new wave is everything - from clothes - to hair - to accessories - to attitude!

Classic tracks: I Ran, Space Age Love Song, Wishing (If I Had A Photograph of You).

13. Devo

The 80's would not be the same without this catchy ditty!

The name is short for "Devolution" but this band surely set the stage for the new-era of New Wave with "Whip It" - a classic in it's own right. The band also had that cool video and are known for wearing flower-pots on their heads, complete with sleeveless black tees and knee-length shorts.

Classic tracks: Whip It, Working in a Coalmine.

12. The Cure

Not only did "The Seagulls" have a signature hair style - so too did Rob of "The Cure"

Frontman Rob Smith was a sad, goth, but happily married person...a bit contradictory, but The Cure's blend of great pop melodies, awesome lyrics and the goth-sadness of Rob, made this band one of the most influential artists in modern rock.

Unlike their fellow melancholy sadsters from Manchester - The Smiths, The Cure had major play on MTV and went on to chart several times in the US.

Classic tracks: Boys Don't Cry, Just Like Heaven, In Between Days.

11. Elvis Costello and the Attractions

I love his geek chic look and the sound of his voice!

Elvis Costello has fused many genres but was one of the forerunners in the new wave/post punk era. With a killer debut album in 1977 "My Aim is True" (also the name of one of the blogs I follow)....and anarchy in Radio Radio on SNL, Elvis has a subtle side for new wave but nevertheless it does not make him any less important in terms of his contribution to the genre.

Classic tracks: Radio Radio, King of America, Allison.

OK peeps - the final is soon here!

Top 50 New Wave Artists - Part 3 (30-21)

Continuing on with the Top 50 New Wave Artists - we see a number of gay icon bands - Bronski Beat, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Erasure, making the list. 

Some classic and critically acclaimed bands are also in here - Ultravox and XTC and we also see some pop 80's superstars like Thompson Twins, Simple Minds and Howard Jones.

I've also made some references to Howard's blog "Soundtrack to My Day" where you can get much more insight into some of the mentioned bands - so I am hoping you can pop across and lend some support to Howie's blog as well!

Hope you enjoy!

30. Bronski Beat

The openly gay trio - they talked about "The Age of Consent" (of consensual homosexual sex) in 1984 on their debut

Here's a band who did not hide their sexual orientation - all band members were openly gay. Their music, sound, videos and even album names were all influenced by their sexual identity. Unlike the other bands of the 80's who bender/gendered - Bronski were plain looking lads who did not need to do that to reflect their sexuality, their openess and their music.

Their debut album "Age of Consent" "came out" in 1984, and was a blend of synth-pop, new wave, classic 70's disco, dance and electronica - it was a major hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

Along with Frankie Goes to Hollywood, these bands had some very daring videos expressing without fear who they were!

Eventually lead singer Jimmy Sommerville left the band and was replaced with Marc Almond (from Soft Cell - see #48 on the list).

See also Howie's Blog for a post he did on Jimmy Sommerville!

Classic tracks: Small Town Boy, Never Can Say Goodbye, Tell Me Why

29. Howard Jones

Howard and his synthesizer seemed like a one-man show. Together they produced some of the most memorable new wave tracks of the 80's

Ho-Jo was a one man new wave machine. In 1984, he came out with "Human's Lib", which was a hit in the US and the UK, with the lead singles "New Song" and "What is Love".

I remember reading back in the 80's that Ho-Jo taught himself how to play the keyboards as a teen - however it was he learned - it paid off big time. Ho-Jo's second album "Dream Into Action" was also a major hit, giving him two of his biggest singles - "Things Can Only Get Better" and"No One Is To Blame". During the 80's Ho-Jo remained active and had a successful string of singles.

See also Howie's blog for a post he did on Ho-Jo!

Classic Tracks: New Song, What Is Love, Things Can Only Get Better

28. The Fixx

One Thing Leads to Another - this band were an MTV staple

The Fixx were the opening act for "A Flock of Seagulls" back in 1982. I remember my sister seeing them in concert and commenting that she preferred The Fixx, then we proceeded to get the band's debut album "Shuttered Room" with classic new wave tracks "Red Skies" and "Stand or Fall".

The sound on the band's second album "Reach the Beach" was a different slant from their debut - it showed a mature sound, tight and confident. This opened them up to pop stardom as "Saved by Zero" cracked Top 20, followed by their biggest hit "One Thing Leads to Another" hitting #4.

I love The Fixx - they were especially huge on MTV which was a big part of them being played on mainstream rock radio. The band was consistent with their Top 40 deliveries throughout the 80's and remain as one of the best to come out of the decade.

Also check out "Howie's blog" for a post he did on The Fixx.

Classic Tracks: Saved by Zero, One Thing Leads to Another, Sign of Fire (my fave)

27. Ultravox

Midge Ure - the band's lead singer was a major part of Live Aid and organising "Band Aid" in 1984 along with Bob Geldof.

Now when we talk leading acts of New Wave this band is one of the forerunners. The band explored the darker side of new wave, much like Depeche Mode did, but their sound was more rock oriented. The band were massive in the UK but not so much so in the US. But regardless their contribution to new wave and alternative is evidenced by their amazing repertoire of music.

The band were a major influence on British new wave music and Brit-rock as a whole. Midge Ure continued music as a solo artist, and was heavily involved in Live Aid and Band Aid in the 80's.

Howie is a huge fan as well of this band - check out the link to his site "Soundtrack to My Day" and the post he did on lead singer of Ultravox - Midge Ure!.

Classic Tracks: Hymn, Reap the Wild Wind, Vienna

26. Simple Minds

Take a listen to "Belfast Child" from the band - it will take you to another world!

John Hugh's classic movie "The Breakfast Club" launched Simple Minds into super stardom with the theme song from the movie "Don't You (Forget About Me)". I remember when this song was working it's way up the Top 100, I was happy that such an underground band with such a classic new wave sound could make it to the Top. 

Simple Minds hail from Glasgow, and were big in the UK a few years before their success in the US. The band's music was very political and social at the time. They continued to have success with their follow up "Alive and Kicking" and the band scored a few Top 40 tracks during the mid-80's off the classic album "Once Upon A Time".

Here's a tidbit - Jim Kerr - the band's lead singer was married to Chrissie Hynde of "The Pretenders".

Also check out Howie's Blog for a post he did on Simple Minds!

Classic tracks: Don't You (Forget About Me); Sanctify Yourself, Belfast Child

25. Adam and the Ants

I had this poster from a "Top of the Pops" book. What a classic look - wow!

Adam and the Ants was one of Princess Di's favourite bands. When "the Ants" came out in the early 80's their was the war-painted face of Adam as frontman and also the futuristic, yet retro army shin-dig that Adam wore. The band was part of the modern romantics - and Adam sure had a couple of interested young girls romanticising!

Read more on Adam and the Ants on Howies's blog.

Classic tracks: Stand and Deliver; Strip, Goody Two Shoes (latter two as a solo artist)

24. Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Did you have one of these? 

FGTH (like Bronski Beat) were an openly gay band whose mark on music was a song on "masturbation" called "Relax". They then took the political arena on the follow up "Two Tribes".

The song's title had set a fashion trend with "Frankie Says" - such a fashion statement from the 80's. The song's video caused sparks where it was banned in the U.K. and the video that aired on MTV was one featuring the band in live footage (much more subtle for TV at the time).

Classic tracks: Relax, Two Tribes, Rage Hard

23. Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey (singer) is still quite active producing for various bands and involved in a number of self help projects. The trio were MTV staples and were one of the most successful bands out of the 80's.

Despite the name the band was a trio that had some of the most danceable new wave music on their first album, with tracks like "Lies" and "Love On Your Side". Withe the release of "Into the Gap" the band had switched styles, making one of the most memorable ballads out of the 80's with "Hold Me Now".

The band were staples on MTV and had a number of Top 10 hits up until the mid-80's.

Classic Tracks: Lies, Love on Your Side, Hold Me Now

22. XTC

XTC are better known for their critical successes rather than making hit records. In 1986 the band released "Dear God" a song whose lyrics were controversial at the time as it depicted suffering and despair in a letter to God. There was a backlash as some radio stations refused to play it and some record stores also refused to sell the album.

Despite this, the song and the band are well respected in the new wave and rock arena.

See also Howie's blog for more on the band.

Classic tracks: Dear God, Senses Working Overtime, Making Plans for Nigel

21. Erasure

Classic dance music from one of the most successful new wave bands of all time

This band is HUGE in the UK, having 16 Top 10 hits and 32 Top 40 hits. In the US they had only 3 Top 20 hits, but despite this they are well loved on both sides of the Atlantic.

Vince Clarke and Andy Bell comprise Erausre. Vince Clark was formerly with Depeche Mode and then later with Yaz (#32 in the countdown). The band has been inspiring many on the dance floor and were a major artist on the evolution of early modern rock stations.

See Howie's blog for more info on the band.

Classic Tracks: Sometimes, A Little Respect, Always.

OK cuties, we are almost there - #'s 20-11 are coming soon.

Top 50 New Wave Artists - Part 2 (40-31)

Here's the second installment of the Top 50 countdown - hope you enjoy!

40. A-ha

A-ha - the biggest selling band in Norweigan history!

Some consider this band's popularity was attributable to MTV's heavy rotation of the ground-breaking music video for "Take on Me". This might have "forced" radio stations to play it as listeners kept requesting the song....and rightly so. The song, the video and the band were all great.

Just taking a listing to the band's debut album ("Hunting High and Low") you'd realise that this album has some really good music and each track can stand on it's own.

Classic Tracks: Take on Me, The Sun Always Shines on TV, Train of Thought

39. The English Beat

Great musical diversity....this band's spin-offs includes the likes of "General Public", "The Specials", "Big Audio Dynamite" and the "Fine Young Cannibals"

Fellow ska-ers fused various genres such as punk, reggae, jazz and funk to produce the unique reggae-influenced sound of early ska. The band was called "The Beat" in the U.K. and "The English Beat" in the USA for legal reasons. The band were major players of early modern rock radio stations such as KROQ in LA and WLIR.

The early fusion of reggae and rock showed a greater ethnic-diversity in sound with this band, whose roots were born out of the economic times back in the UK in the late 70's.

Following their break up the spin offs of The English Beat had some major successess - two of the lead singers formed "General Public" who had a major hit with "Tenderness", and Andy Cox and David Steele formed the "Fine Young Cannibals" with Roland Cox - talk about talent - Yeah baby!

Classic Tracks: Save It For Later, Mirror in the Bathroom

38. Gary Numan

The song "Cars" is synonomous with Gary and "new wave" music. The song hit in 1979, and was an international hit. Gary fused electronics, punk, pop and dance into one of the most popular singles of all time...."Cars".

This song has had many re-incarnations over the decades, but none sound as good as the original.

Gary managed to take the work of electronic/synth-pop pioneers Kreftwerk and make electronic music heavy, edgy and with a whole lot of attitude, that has influenced many genres.

Classic Tracks: Cars, Our Friends Electric, Change Your Mind

37. Dead or Alive

Dead or Alive - androgeny, new-wavers and craze frontman!

DOA are best known for their #1 U.K. single "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) and the androgenous look of frontman Pete Burns.

The band is considered a one hit wonder in the US with "Spin" peaking at #11 just short of the Top 10, despite a strong album and music on "Youthquake" (one of my personal favorites from the 80's). The band also scored Top 20 a few years later with "Brand New Lover". 

Pete Burns was often compared to Boy George of Culture Club - another band as part of that bender/gender theme in the 80's. I remember reading somewhere that Pete was married for 27 years to his lovely wife before getting a divorce and partnering with someone of the same sex - but I can't seem to recall where.

Pete has also had his share of disasters - he has got to be one of the worst plastic surgery cases I have seen - he did sue his surgeon and won. In addition Pete has also appeared on the UK version of Celebrity Big Brother which did revive his career for a short space of time.

Classic Tracks: You Spin Me Round (Like A Record), Brand New Lover, In Too Deep.

36. Men at Work

Men at Work - bringing Aussie work ethics to new wave!

The 1st of two Aussie bands in the countdown, Men At Work's debut album "Business As Usual" gave the band two #1 singles - "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under". 

Down Under is one of those catchy pop sounds, where the lyrics are odd and you can't help but to hum or sing along - and of course it introduced us to Vegimite.

Classic Tracks: Who Can It Be Now?, Down Under, Overkill.

35. Missing Persons

An ex-playboy bunny and a guitarist in Duran Duran who's naturally endowed - now that's a band!

I first saw the band on Solid Gold and fell in love with the lead singer - former Playboy bunny Dale Bozzio, who wore that sexy bra top that was made of plastic and was half clear plastic exposing her "maracas" if you know what I mean.

The band quickly became one of my faves with two solid songs - "Destination Unknown" and "Words". The band was heavily played on KROQ and became quite popular on the concert circuit and MTV.

Warren Cuccurullo (the band's guitarist) at some point had joined Duran Duran - apparantly he is well endowed and they have made a mould of his appendage for ..... well you know what!

Classic Tracks: Words, Destination Unknown, Walking in LA

34. Culture Club

 Boy George - boy were you fun!

The band was named due to the diversity of the band members....Black, White, Christian, Jew and we can add now Gay or Straight. The band's music was as diverse as the backgrounds of the band's members - from the reggae influenced "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me", to the poppy catchy sounds of "Time" to the Latin flavour of "Ill Tumble 4U", to the soul infectious sound on "Church of the Poison Mind" to the beautiful pop melody on "Karma Chameleon".....well you get my point.

Boy George dared the establishment of straight vs gay and pop vs art when he bendered/gendered - a style which is reminiscent of many new wave bands of this era e.g. The Eurythmics.

The band had a string of Top 10's (six in a row) and their music and style is definitive of the 80's.

Classic Tracks: Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, Time, I'll Tumble 4U.

33. Big Country

Scottish patriots - great blend of rock and Scottish folk!

The Grammy nominations for "Best New Artist" in 1984 was pure new wave. Th line-up included:

Big Country

Eurythmics

Men Without Hats

Musical Youth

Culture Club (winner)

Big Country hailed from and were patriotic to Scotland. They did not seem to hide their heavy Scottish accent when they delivered on "In A Big Country" and "Fields of Fire" and their music is heavily influenced by traditional Scottish folk. In fact the band also had that signature sound whereby the guitar was tuned to sound like the Scottish bag-pipe!

Despite a strong following and a couple of strong, critically acclaimed albums, the band is considered a one-hit wonder. 

The lead singer Stuart Adamson died in 2001 at the age of 43.

Classic Tracks: In A Big Country, Fields of Fire, Wonderland

32. Yaz

Yaz has got to have one of the most successful dance tracks ever, with "Situation"!

Get your dancing shoes on, because it's time for "Move On" and "Situation" - two all-time dance, new wave classics from the early 80's. The band was called "Yazoo" in the U.K. and "Yaz" in the US.

The synth-intro to Situation is unmistakable, thanks to Vince Clark and that soulful deep diva voice of Alison Moyet just meshes this track to perfection. This is one of the all-time dance classics and it has been remixed year-after-year into it's many incarnations.

The duo broke up in the early 80's after leaving their mark on synth-pop and dance music. Alison Moyet had a successful solo run and Vince Clark (formerly from Depeche Mode) joined the likes of Erasure (both of whom are in the Top 50).

Classic tracks: Situation, Move On, The Other Side of Love.

31. Pet Shop Boys

Super new-wave/dance/electronic duo!

PSP merged dance and electronica and are considered one of the most successful synth-pop bands of all time. 

West End Girls was the band's breakthrough single internationally, and with the cool, laid back rap of a suttle English accent, this song became the second (as far as I know) single with a rap segment to hit #1 (the 1st was Rapture by Blondie).

The band continued to have success throughout the 80's and 90's, and the band still continues to tour today and have a substantial fan base. 

Classic Tracks: West End Girls, Opportunities, Love Comes Quickly. 

Anyways peeps - come back for Part 3 soon!