Damaged by the 80s

**Tim** · 03-30-2010, 07:36 AM

Isn't it interesting how vocal styles change from genre/era/decade to genre/era/decade? This is the very stereotypical "80s New Wave" voice that you only really hear associated with that particular genre and time period. No one has that voice in a non-New Wave context! Although, the lead singer of Shearwater has a pretty typical "80s" voice, even though the music isn't 80s in the least bit.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pfTXtyiZLs"]YouTube- Shearwater - Rooks[/ame]

**il Padrino Ute** · 03-30-2010, 07:49 AM

Originally posted by Clark Addison View Post

A few days ago, someone on CB posted a link to the old Tears for Fears video, "Mad World".

YouTube- Mad World - Tears for Fears

Sidebar: In my youth, I was a big fan of 'The Hurting", but felt that "Songs From the Big Chair" was a complete sell-out.

Anyway, I haven't seen this video in over 20 years, and as I watched I noticed Mr. Orzabal's dancing at 1:50 and 2:20. It struck me as I watched it that when I am goofing around dancing with my kids, I very often do a modified version of this dance. It is much like this, but not as fluid, coordinated, and hip.

It made me realize that the 80s is one of the most pernicious forces of evil and dorkiness in the world today, possibly equaled only by the Mormon church.

Immediately after this thought, I searched for and watched the videos for "Pale Shelter", "Suffer the Children", and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (still a sell-out).

My kids - the 17 year old daughter in particular - would agree with your comment about dorkiness. She is always telling me that I am a constant source of embarrassment for her because if I'm charged with picking up her and her friends from any of their activities, I will have the volume up enough for all in the parking lot to hear whichever CD I am listening to. Last night, when I picked up her and her mom at the high school after their little trip to SoCal, I had Sparks In Outer Space playing. It was great.

If you don't embrace the '80s and all that it gave us, then you're a poseur.

**il Padrino Ute** · 03-30-2010, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by Tim View Post

Isn't it interesting how vocal styles change from genre/era/decade to genre/era/decade? This is the very stereotypical "80s New Wave" voice that you only really hear associated with that particular genre and time period. No one has that voice in a non-New Wave context! Although, the lead singer of Shearwater has a pretty typical "80s" voice, even though the music isn't 80s in the least bit.

YouTube- Shearwater - Rooks

Tim! You posted a song that I've never heard before that I actually like. I'm going to have to check out more of this band's stuff.

And you're right about how the vocals sound different from each era/genre/decade. I'm not sure why it's that way, but the contrasting styles are noticeable.

**TripletDaddy** · 03-30-2010, 07:58 AM

the premise of this thread is ridiculous.

**il Padrino Ute** · 03-30-2010, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by TripletDaddy View Post

the premise of this thread is ridiculous.

So, you agree with me.

**TripletDaddy** · 03-30-2010, 08:10 AM

Originally posted by il Padrino Ute View Post

So, you agree with me.

all I am saying is don't blame the 80s if you haven't learned new dance moves in almost 20 years. You upset the gods of pop culture when you turn your back on the traditions of your fathers.

Teens today that slag the 80s simply don't understand their heritage. Look at what your average hipster is wearing these days: skinny jeans. Old Navy is selling jelly shoes for kids. This summer's remakes include Karate Kid, Clash of the Titans, and Nightmare on Elm Street.

I would venture to say that of all the derivative mumbo jumbo pervasive in pop culture today, no decade has influenced these kids more than the 80s. And why is that? Because their parents are 70s and 80s kids.

ps sparks is rad.

**Clark Addison** · 03-30-2010, 08:25 AM

Originally posted by TripletDaddy View Post

all I am saying is don't blame the 80s if you haven't learned new dance moves in almost 20 years. You upset the gods of pop culture when you turn your back on the traditions of your fathers.

Teens today that slag the 80s simply don't understand their heritage. Look at what your average hipster is wearing these days: skinny jeans. Old Navy is selling jelly shoes for kids. This summer's remakes include Karate Kid, Clash of the Titans, and Nightmare on Elm Street.

I would venture to say that of all the derivative mumbo jumbo pervasive in pop culture today, no decade has influenced these kids more than the 80s. And why is that? Because their parents are 70s and 80s kids.

ps sparks is rad.

I love the 80s too. I am waiting for skinny ties to come back in (or have they already and I missed it?)

**falafel** · 03-30-2010, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by Clark Addison View Post

I love the 80s too. I am waiting for skinny ties to come back in (or have they already and I missed it?)

You're missing it right now. You'd better hurry up, they'll be gone again soon.

**Surfah** · 03-30-2010, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by Clark Addison View Post

I love the 80s too. I am waiting for skinny ties to come back in (or have they already and I missed it?)

You've missed the boat. Though if you watch Idol tonight Ryan Seacrest will be rocking a black skinny tie.

**MarkGrace** · 03-30-2010, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by Tim View Post

Isn't it interesting how vocal styles change from genre/era/decade to genre/era/decade? This is the very stereotypical "80s New Wave" voice that you only really hear associated with that particular genre and time period. No one has that voice in a non-New Wave context! Although, the lead singer of Shearwater has a pretty typical "80s" voice, even though the music isn't 80s in the least bit.

YouTube- Shearwater - Rooks

You hear the new one?

**TripletDaddy** · 03-30-2010, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by Clark Addison View Post

I love the 80s too. I am waiting for skinny ties to come back in (or have they already and I missed it?)

You have definitely missed it...by maybe 2 years. It is no longer vanguard, but it is definitely still stylish. The cover of GQ features Shia Lebeouf wearing a skinny tie. Last week's Big Bang Theory featured a nerdy Sheldon getting dressed up in a nice suit with skinny tie.

Most HS kids today hear Mad World by TFF and automatically think of the Gears of War commercial. I overheard a couple of girls at church in the hallway trying to figure out who sang the song "about the astronaut....it goes 4...3....2....1..." I told the girls that Shiny Toy Guns has recently remade the song, but it was originally done by Peter Schilling and that he took the character from David Bowie. The girls looked at me blankly and then said, "That's right! It is Shiny Toy Guns!"

We have a solemn duty to teach our children.

**John McClain** · 04-01-2010, 08:49 PM

After the Disco era, the 80s were a breath of fresh air. The music did not reach the heights of the great rock and roll of the late 60s and early 70s (IMHO), but after disco; it was welcome. Thank goodness for Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and other rock icons for giving me decent music to listen to so I could avoid listening to the BeeGees in the late 70s.

**Guest** · 04-01-2010, 09:07 PM

Originally posted by TripletDaddy View Post

the premise of this thread is ridiculous.

Word.

One my 11-year-old daughter's favorite bands right now is The Smiths. Her other favorite is Death Cab (an '80s knock off). I couldn't be prouder.

Edit: But re the band that started this thread, I never liked TFF. I still don't, sorry.

**Tim** · 04-01-2010, 09:13 PM

Originally posted by 8BR View Post

Word.

One my 11-year-old daughter's favorite bands right now is The Smiths. Her other favorite is Death Cab (an '80s knock off). I couldn't be prouder.

Edit: But re the band that started this thread, I never liked TFF. I still don't, sorry.

WhawhawhaWHAT?! How can you call Death Cab an 80s knock-off? Explain yourself.

Damaged by the 80s

Damaged by the 80s

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