For every "Whip It," "I Ran," "Don't You Want Me," "Shake It Up," and "Tainted Love," there are seemingly oodles of other new wave tunes that equally deserved our love and attention, but have become largely forgotten over the years.
In this exclusive excerpt from my latest book, 50 Rock Lists + Surprise Twists, I attempt to rescue some of these lost and lonely tunes before they disappear into the abyss – from the book's appropriately-titled entry, Top 10 Oft-Overlooked New Wave Tunes.
In this exclusive excerpt from my latest book, 50 Rock Lists + Surprise Twists, I attempt to rescue some of these lost and lonely tunes before they disappear into the abyss – from the book's appropriately-titled entry, Top 10 Oft-Overlooked New Wave Tunes.
Lene Lovich: "Lucky Number" (1979)
Wanna hear Gwen Stefani-like vocals a full 16 years before No Doubt hit it big? Just listen to this odd-yet-infectious number – the unmistakably similar vocal delivery between the two is uncanny.XTC: "Making Plans for Nigel" (1979) &
"No Language in Our Lungs" (1980) [2-way tie!]
I will be honest – although I had a rudimentary knowledge of XTC's music for quite some time, it wasn't until the discovery of these two tunes that I fully recognized the might of these merry men (thanks to introductions to the former tune via a Primus cover and the latter via a crucial scene in the cult classic TV show, Freaks and Geeks). Problem solved!"Making Plans For Nigel" Songfacts
Split Enz: "I Got You" (1980)
New wave even existed in New Zealand? Split Enz provide the proof in this tune that is comprised of a glum verse and perky chorus – which are so different that it almost sounds like two different songs in one (yet somehow, works together splendidly)."I Got You" Songfacts
Missing Persons: "Mental Hopscotch" (1980)
Several former members of Frank Zappa's band enjoying a new wave makeover? This unlikely occurrence was proven as fact upon the location of Missing Persons – which included Zappa alumni Warren Cuccurullo on guitar, Patrick O'Hearn on keys/synths, and Terry Bozzio on drums, as well as Bozzio's then-wife, Dale, on vocals. And while best known for the MTV hits "Words" and "Destination Unknown," this early selection is quite possibly their most rockin'.The Producers: "What's He Got?" (1981)
Is this tune new wave or power pop? I'd be comfortable declaring it a bit of both. Either way, the amount of hooks this woefully underrated band cram into this three-minute and eleven-second tune (and throughout their entire self-titled debut, for that matter) is most impressive.Altered Images: "I Could Be Happy" (1981)
Remember the cult classic film Gregory's Girl from the early-'80s? Don't feel bad, not many do. But if you are well-versed with this flick, you may be surprised to learn that one of its lead actresses, Clare Grogan (who portrays the character "Susan") was also the singer of a notable new wave band – who scored this early MTV favorite.Kraftwerk: "Pocket Calculator" (1981)
Want to hear a tune that sounds – both musically and lyrically – like it was straight out of the soundtrack to the classic comedy film Revenge of the Nerds? Look no further than this recording – which is full of strategically placed blips and beeps."Pocket Calculator" Songfacts
Japan: "Ghosts" (1982)
I can't decide what is the better description of Japan's music: "New Romantic trailblazers" or "Duran Duran before Duran Duran"? Either will do after exploring their hits…although their best tune, the delightfully haunting "Ghosts," sounds like Radiohead before Radiohead!"Ghosts" Songfacts
Bow Wow Wow: "Aphrodisiac" (1983)
Although best known for their Mohawks and their hit cover of the Strangeloves' "I Want Candy," there were many more new wave gems that Bow Wow Wow had to offer (which unfortunately seemed to go largely unheard of outside of their UK homeland). For instance, this tune – which encapsulates what each member brought to the table within the band (Matthew Ashman's Duane Eddy-esque guitar stylings, Leigh Gorman's funk/thump bass, Dave Barbarossa's tribal drumming, and Annabella Lwin's spicy lyrics and vocal delivery).Sparks and Jane Wiedlin: "Cool Places" (1983)
With the Go-Go's still riding high on the charts, it made sense for GG guitarist Jane Wiedlin to team up with one of her favorite bands, in hopes that it would finally break the band commercially Stateside. And this new wave/pop/dance number worked wonders – sung as a duet by Wiedlin and Sparks' Russell Mael.Honorable Mentions:Romeo Void: "Never Say Never"
Gary Numan: "Metal"
Gang of Four: "Not Great Men"
APB: "Shoot You Down"
The Bongos: "Mambo Sun"
The Feelies: "Crazy Rhythms"
Alice Cooper: "Clones (We're All)"
Oingo Boingo: "Only a Lad"
Television: "See No Evil"
Wire: "Three Girl Rhumba"
October 10, 2023
50 Rock Lists + Surprise Twists is available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions. Get it on Amazon
Further reading:
Interview with Romeo Void
Interview with Mike Score of A Flock Of Seagulls
Interview with Devo
Interview with Gary Numan
Fact or Fiction: The B-52s
More Song Writing
