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Last updated on Mar 4,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place [Naive Melody]Talking Heads' "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" closes their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues," the band’s first commercially successful record, later certified Platinum in the U.S. The title reflects the song’s repetitive musical structure, a stark contrast to their usual complexity. David Byrne frames it as a rare love song, yet its lyrics retain his abstract ambiguity. Written collaboratively, it features Jerry Harrison’s keyboards, Tina Weymouth on bass, and Chris Frantz on drums, anchored by an instrumental loop. Peaking at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100, the track is complemented by a Byrne-directed video as eccentric as the song itself. A live rendition appears in the 1984 concert film "Stop Making Sense," immortalizing Byrne’s whimsical dance with a standing lamp. It also notably features in the 2003 film "Lars and the Real Girl," highlighting its enduring presence in pop culture. The music video is directed by David Byrne. Writer(s) : Christopher Frantz, David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Martina Weymouth Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc, Wc Music Corp Featured on the 1983 album Speaking in Tongues
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 2 . XTC - Mayor Of SimpletonBritish rock band XTC’s "The Mayor of Simpleton," penned by Andy Partridge and helmed by producer Paul Fox, debuts as the vibrant lead single from their 1989 album "Oranges & Lemons." Initially molded as a slower, reggae-tinged track, it morphs into an effervescent pop anthem, anchored by Colin Moulding’s deliberately orchestrated bass lines, intricate guitar layers, and vocal harmonies. Reaching No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the peak of the US Alternative Songs chart, it unfolds as a clever ode to emotional intelligence, playfully juxtaposing the narrator’s academic gaps with an endearing capacity for love. XTC, formed in 1972 and rebranded in 1976, sidestepped live audiences post-1982 due to Partridge’s stage fright but secured cult reverence with "Black Sea" and "English Settlement." "The Mayor of Simpleton" punctuates a three-year hiatus following 1986’s "Skylarking." The music video is directed by Jim Blashfield. Writer(s) : Andrew John Partridge Publisher(s) : Bmg Vm Music Limited Featured on the 1989 album Oranges & Lemons
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 3 . The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes OutReleased in 1986, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" by The Smiths evokes the desire for romantic escapism and the yearning for transcendent love. The song has become an anthem for fans, especially for its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody. "And if a double-decker bus crashes into us, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die"—a line unlikely appreciated by public transit authorities. The producer, John Porter, has also worked with artists like Billy Bragg and The Alarm. The music video is directed by Derek Jarman. Writer(s) : Steven Patrick Morrissey, Johnny Marr Publisher(s) : Artemis Muziekuitgeverij B V, Marr Songs Ltd (Gb) Featured on the 1986 album The Queen Is Dead
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 4 . The Only Ones - Another Girl Another Planet"Another Girl, Another Planet" by The Only Ones emerges as a cornerstone of the 1978 new wave era, written by Peter Perrett and nestled on their self-titled debut album. Defined by its arresting guitar riff and Perrett's languid vocals, it flirts with themes of addiction while allegedly nodding to a Yugoslavian muse. Though uncharted at first, it reached No. 44 in New Zealand in 1981, No. 57 in the UK (1992), and ranked No. 18 in John Peel’s Festive Fifty millennium list. Writer(s) : Peter Albert Neil Perrett Publisher(s) : Complete Music Ltd Featured on the 1978 album The Only Ones
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 5 . Talking Heads - The Lady Don't MindExploring themes of emotional detachment and disillusionment, "The Lady Don't Mind" is a 1985 song by Talking Heads. This pop-rock track features an infectious melody and enigmatic lyrics by David Byrne. The music video is directed by Jim Jarmusch. Writer(s) : David Byrne, Christopher Frantz, Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison Publisher(s) : Bleu Disque Music Co Inc Featured on the 1985 album Little Creatures
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 6 . The House Of Love - Shine OnShine On, penned by Guy Chadwick, marks the debut single of British alternative rock ensemble The House of Love. Initially unleashed via Creation Records in 1987, it floundered on the charts. Reimagined with Tim Palmer’s production for the "Butterfly" album in 1990, it ascended to No. 20 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 24 in Ireland, with a modest No. 171 in Australia. Infused with shimmering guitars and reverb, it echoes pre-shoegaze ethos. Andrea Heukamp’s harmonies haunt the 1987 version, preceding her exit. Hailed as a “dark glamour” classic, it sits at No. 66 in PopMatters’ top 1980s alternative singles. Featured on Trigger Happy TV and Corey Duffel's "Feed the Need," its seven-format re-release bolstered its success. Writer(s) : Bengt Magnus Alexander Bard, Anders Erik Hansson Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publ International Mgb Ltd, Universal Mca Music Scand Ab, Universal Music Publishing International Ltd, Eclectic Music Featured on the 1990 album The House of Love
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 7 . Talking Heads - Love for SaleProduced by David Byrne, "Love for Sale" by Talking Heads critiques the commercialization of love in a consumer society, echoing the importance of media in modern culture. Notable for its parody of popular advertising tropes, the satirical message is reinforced by the music video, featured in the film "True Stories," starring Swoosie Kurtz. The music video is directed by David Byrne & Melvin Sokolsky. Writer(s) : David Byrne Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc Featured on the 1986 album True Stories
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 8 . Echo & The Bunnymen - Nothing Lasts ForeverRevitalizing the band's career after a hiatus and lineup changes, "Nothing Lasts Forever," released in 1997, is a single by Echo & The Bunnymen. The song reflects themes of impermanence and the passage of time, with a melancholic yet upbeat melody. The music video is directed by Norman Watson. Writer(s) : Ian Stephen Mcculloch, William Sergeant, Leslie Thomas Pattinson Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd Featured on the 1997 album Evergreen
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 9 . The The - HeartlandThe The’s "Heartland" steps into a darker, politically charged realm. Released in 1986, the track presents a biting critique of Thatcher-era Britain, set against a backdrop of rich instrumentation blending rock, folk, and blues. The rare use of harmonica in the melody adds a layer of depth as Matt Johnson’s lyrics dissect urban decay, widening social inequalities, and political disillusionment. With lines like "This is the 51st state of the USA," the song examines the perceived Americanization of British politics, highlighting the capitalist system’s failings and its impact on the working class. Writer(s) : Matthew William M. Johnson Publisher(s) : Complete Music Ltd Featured on the 1986 album Infected
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 10 . Orange Juice - Rip It UpKnown for its funky guitar riff inspired by Chic's "Good Times," "Rip It Up" by Orange Juice, released in 1983, is notable for its innovative use of a Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, which later became a staple of acid house music. Produced by Martin Hayles, the song reached the UK Top 10, marking a turning point for the band and its lead singer Edwyn Collins. Writer(s) : Edwyn Collins Publisher(s) : Universal Island Music Limited Featured on the 1982 album Rip It Up
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 11 . Talking Heads - Blind"Blind" by Talking Heads, released in 1988, addresses political and social issues, with lyrics by David Byrne critiquing blindness to violence, fear, and civil instability. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, who has also worked with U2 and The Rolling Stones, "Blind" combines afro-funk rhythms and alternative rock. The music video satirizes American politics, showing Americans enthusiastically electing a wrench to power, only to later overthrow it. The music video is directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton. Writer(s) : Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, Christopher Frantz, David Byrne Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc Featured on the 1988 album Naked
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 12 . The Fall - There's a Ghost in My HouseThe Fall’s 1987 rendition of "There’s a Ghost in My House" takes the R. Dean Taylor original and cranks the dial toward post-punk frenzy. With Mark E. Smith's deadpan vocals cutting through a tight, rhythmic drive, the track meshes garage rock nostalgia with The Fall’s angular edge. Ian Broudie oversaw production, adding polish without muting the band’s raw energy. A rare chart flirtation for a group built to defy convention. The music video is directed by John Scarlett-Davis. Writer(s) : Richard Dean Taylor, Lamont Herbert Dozier, Brian Holland, Edward J Holland Publisher(s) : Jobete Music Co Inc Featured on the 1987 album The Frenz Experiment
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 13 . Siouxsie & The Banshees - DazzleWith poetic and surreal lyrics addressing themes of beauty and disillusionment, "Dazzle," released in 1984, is an orchestral track by Siouxsie & The Banshees, produced by Mike Hedges and the band. The song incorporates string arrangements by Martin McCarrick, adding an epic dimension to the group's characteristic post-punk sound. The music video is directed by Tim Pope. Writer(s) : Peter Edward Clarke, Robert James Smith, Siouxsie, Steven Severin Publisher(s) : Domino Publishing Company Limited, Fiction Songs Ltd, Dreamhouse Music (Gb) Featured on the 1984 album Hyaena
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 14 . XTC - Senses Working OvertimeXTC’s “Senses Working Overtime,” the lead single from their 1982 album *English Settlement*, sees frontman Andy Partridge blend medieval-inspired motifs with modern production flair, led by a striking 12-string acoustic guitar riff. Reaching No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 14 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, the track dives into sensory overload, with Partridge citing a fascination with human perception as inspiration. Airing on BBC's *Top of the Pops* in February 1982 and paired with a surreal music video on YouTube, the song merges chart success with unconventional pop elements, its time signature shifts studied extensively today. The music video is directed by Brian Grant. Writer(s) : Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, Christopher Frantz, David Byrne Publisher(s) : Wb Music Corp., Index Music Inc Featured on the 1982 album English Settlement
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 15 . Siouxsie & The Banshees - SpellboundProduced by Nigel Gray, also known for his work with The Police, "Spellbound" by Siouxsie & The Banshees, released in 1981, is an energetic post-punk track. The song features a distinctive guitar riff that has influenced many musicians, including The Smiths and Radiohead, and Siouxsie Sioux's powerful vocals. The lyrics evoke themes of magic and mystery, contributing to the song's enchanting atmosphere. The music video is directed by Clive Richardson. Writer(s) : Sioux, Steven John Bailey, John Alexander Mcgeoch, Budgie Publisher(s) : Bmg Rights Management Uk Limited, Domino Publishing Company Ltd Featured on the 1981 album Juju
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 16 . Talking Heads - And She WasTalking Heads’ 1985 track "And She Was," penned by David Byrne for their album "Little Creatures," chronicles a whimsical tale of a girl tripping on LSD near a Yoo-Hoo drink factory, inspired by a real acquaintance of Byrne’s. While lyrically surreal, with lines like "She was drifting through the backyard," the song gained traction, hitting #54 on the Billboard 100, #17 in the UK, and top 20 positions in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. As part of an album that peaked at #20 on the Billboard Album Charts, it marked a pivotal point in Talking Heads’ eclectic discography, showcasing Byrne’s knack for quirky storytelling. The song later received live interpretations, including a memorable 2014 rendition where Byrne collaborated with Jherek Bischoff at St. Ann’s Warehouse, reaffirming its oddball charm. The music video is directed by Jim Blashfield. Writer(s) : Bernard Dickin, Stephen Paul David Morris, Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Peter Hook Publisher(s) : Vitalturn Co Ltd Featured on the 1985 album Little Creatures
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 17 . The Go_Betweens - Streets Of Your TownOne of the most popular songs by the Australian band, "Streets of Your Town" is a 1988 single by The Go-Betweens. Known for its gentle melody, vocal harmonies, and a flamenco guitar solo played by bassist John Willsteed, the track was produced by Mark Wallis, who has also worked with The Smiths. The lyrics evoke nostalgia and the beauty of everyday life in an Australian town, with the exact inspiration debated between Brisbane and Sydney. The music video is directed by Paul Goldman. Writer(s) : Robert Derwent Forster, William Mclennan Grant Publisher(s) : Domino Publishing Company Limited Featured on the 1988 album 16 Lovers Lane
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 18 . New Order - Blue Monday '88New Order's "Blue Monday '88" refashions their 1983 single under Quincy Jones's production and John Potoker's mix, fusing sharper effects with the original’s skeletal energy. Debuting in 1988, it graces "Substance 1987" and peaks at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, number 4 in Australia, and reigns atop the U.S. Billboard Dance Chart. William Wegman’s quirky video merges the band with his costumed Weimaraners, while its cultural echoes resound in "Atomic Blonde" and "Ready Player One." The music video is directed by Robert Breer. Writer(s) : Andrew John Partridge Publisher(s) : Bmg Vm Music Limited
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 19 . New Order - Bizarre Love TriangleEvoking confused and intense feelings related to a complex romantic relationship, "Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order, released in 1986, is a classic synth-pop track. Known for its innovative use of the Fairlight synthesizer, a cutting-edge instrument at the time, the song stands out for its catchy refrain. The iconic music video features images of people falling and has boosted the song's popularity, being featured in several films, including "Pretty in Pink" by John Hughes. The music video is directed by Gretchen Bender, Robert Longo. Writer(s) : Peter Hook, Bernard Dickin, Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Stephen Paul David Morris Publisher(s) : Vitalturn Co Ltd Featured on the 1986 album Brotherhood
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 20 . XTC - Dear God"Dear God" by XTC, released in 1986 and produced by Todd Rundgren, questions the existence of God and the problem of evil. Initially a B-side, it gained popularity on US college radio, prompting Geffen Records to reissue it. The song, presented as a letter to God questioning His existence and benevolence, sparked controversy, including bomb threats in Florida and sales refusals in some UK stores. The music video is directed by Nick Brandt. Writer(s) : Andy Partridge Publisher(s) : Emi Virgin Music Ltd
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ABOUT POST-PUNKWhat is Post-PunkPost-punk emerges in the late 1970s following the punk rock movement. While punk rock is known for its raw, minimalist, and provocative style, post-punk is characterized by its experimentation and sonic complexity. Post-punk bands incorporate elements from various musical styles, such as funk, reggae, and dub, and employed innovative production techniques, resulting in a more elaborate and atmospheric sound. Instrumentation & ProductionPost-punk is defined by its varied instrumentation that extends beyond the traditional guitar-bass-drums setup. Guitars are used texturally with effects like delay, reverb, and chorus to create rich soundscapes. The bass plays a central, melodic role, guiding tracks with distinctive lines. Drums add complex percussive elements, and synthesizers enrich the sound palette with electronic, dub, and funk influences. Post-punk artists explore new production techniques and unconventional approaches, including ambient noises, sound collage, and studio manipulations. Post-punk: The SongsPost-punk offers elaborate melodies and arrangements with tempo changes, unusual time signatures, and sophisticated chords. The overall atmosphere tends to be dark, introspective, and often melancholic. Post-punk lyrics are deeper and more reflective, addressing complex themes. Lyrics often deal with individual and social alienation, offering a critical view of modern society. Themes of urbanization and urban life, with its oppressive aspects, are common. Personal introspection and the exploration of human emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and the search for meaning, are also major subjects. These poetic and symbolic lyrics add an intellectual and emotional dimension to post-punk music. Post-punk: Influences on Fashion and Visual ArtsPost-punk exerts a significant influence on fashion. The look is characterized by dark, often black clothing, using materials like leather and vinyl. The gothic movement, partly emerging from post-punk, develops its own distinct style, influencing both alternative and mainstream fashion. Post-punk impacts numerous films of the 80s and 90s, often through soundtracks. Directors like David Lynch incorporate post-punk music to create dark and dreamlike atmospheres in their works. Many post-punk music videos are avant-garde and artistic, influencing the production and direction of music videos. The use of surreal imagery and special effects paves the way for more creative and experimental video productions. |
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