Spandex Index
May 17, 2006 6:08 PM Subscribe
Big, big list of links to YouTube's treasure chest of 80's music videos. Of course, there's good stuff, bad stuff, rare stuff and funny stuff.
Dude, that guy from Flock of Seagulls really had ridiculous hair.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 6:19 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 6:19 PM on May 17, 2006
Don't believe the hype!
Nothing was as badass as the S1Ws.
posted by kosem at 6:30 PM on May 17, 2006
Nothing was as badass as the S1Ws.
posted by kosem at 6:30 PM on May 17, 2006
Fans of the Hüskers should not deny themselves this odd bit of late 80s worlds colliding: Husker Du - Live on Joan Rivers Show.
posted by merlinmann at 6:39 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by merlinmann at 6:39 PM on May 17, 2006
This and my 20th high school reunion this past weekend ... it's like being 16 all over agin.
posted by scblackman at 6:42 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by scblackman at 6:42 PM on May 17, 2006
The video for the song with the best vocal performance I've ever heard.
posted by davebush at 7:10 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by davebush at 7:10 PM on May 17, 2006
Good stuff. Wish there were a better Patti Smith track.
posted by squirrel at 7:17 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by squirrel at 7:17 PM on May 17, 2006
The link to The Residents video actually goes to a White Lion video. What kind of sick joke is that?
posted by Kronoss at 7:32 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by Kronoss at 7:32 PM on May 17, 2006
Too much fun. Thank you thank you thank you.
posted by dog food sugar at 7:49 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by dog food sugar at 7:49 PM on May 17, 2006
Yay. I couldn't believe I'd never heard It Feels Like I'm In Love, but then I realized how old I was when it hit #1. I heart it now.
posted by VulcanMike at 7:49 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by VulcanMike at 7:49 PM on May 17, 2006
Damn you davebush.
Damn you to hell!
I had things to do tonight.
posted by spartacusroosevelt at 7:58 PM on May 17, 2006
Damn you to hell!
I had things to do tonight.
posted by spartacusroosevelt at 7:58 PM on May 17, 2006
You did not just dis Loverboy. Oh, it is so on.
posted by Joey Michaels at 7:58 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by Joey Michaels at 7:58 PM on May 17, 2006
Q. What sort of list of 80s bands and videos leaves the Replacements' "Bastards of Young" out?
A. An incomplete one!
posted by tsarfan at 8:11 PM on May 17, 2006
A. An incomplete one!
posted by tsarfan at 8:11 PM on May 17, 2006
God, Loverboy was wretched.
posted by marxchivist at 8:12 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by marxchivist at 8:12 PM on May 17, 2006
Note to my 1982 self: Iggy Pop is God, and will remain so. It will never get better. You, dancing boy, may continue down your path of unavoidable woe.
posted by Haruspex at 8:20 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by Haruspex at 8:20 PM on May 17, 2006
Pffft, if you truly want to mainline the 80's my friends, there is nothing to do but experience Power Station.
Hair? check
Neon? check
bad animation? check
dark sunglasses? check
et al.
posted by jeremias at 8:22 PM on May 17, 2006
Hair? check
Neon? check
bad animation? check
dark sunglasses? check
et al.
posted by jeremias at 8:22 PM on May 17, 2006
OK - this will likely only resonate with a select group of middle aged Canadians on board, but holy crap...Teenage Head! Man, I can almost taste the Black Label.
posted by davebush at 8:22 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by davebush at 8:22 PM on May 17, 2006
Dammit, Total Eclipse of the Heart has been removed by the user. That was an excellent video. (Or so I thought... can it really be 20+ years ago? Holy ****!)
I remember wondering at the time -- what is the deal with Annabella Lwin's shirt in I Want Candy? If her breasts need to confer, don't they have sufficient opportunity behind the shirt? (Trivia: note that that's Adam Ant's band she's fronting for -- Malcolm McLaren poached them away for the purpose.)
posted by Aknaton at 8:26 PM on May 17, 2006
I remember wondering at the time -- what is the deal with Annabella Lwin's shirt in I Want Candy? If her breasts need to confer, don't they have sufficient opportunity behind the shirt? (Trivia: note that that's Adam Ant's band she's fronting for -- Malcolm McLaren poached them away for the purpose.)
posted by Aknaton at 8:26 PM on May 17, 2006
I liked this video of Peter Gabriel better than "Sledgehammer"
posted by Eekacat at 8:49 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by Eekacat at 8:49 PM on May 17, 2006
There are a metric shitload more in the comments. No necesitas comprender español, but it wouldn't hurt.
posted by Aknaton at 8:58 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by Aknaton at 8:58 PM on May 17, 2006
I really believe the moment that rock and roll died was when the Bon Jovi Livin on a Prayer video hit MTV.
On the day it arrived it was grand. But oh god the aftermath was . . . tragedy is the only word .
posted by bukvich at 9:05 PM on May 17, 2006
On the day it arrived it was grand. But oh god the aftermath was . . . tragedy is the only word .
posted by bukvich at 9:05 PM on May 17, 2006
Respect must be paid to the Justified Ancients of Muu Muu!
Though, technically the 90's.
The KLF>everbody else ever.
posted by erskelyne at 9:06 PM on May 17, 2006
Though, technically the 90's.
The KLF>everbody else ever.
posted by erskelyne at 9:06 PM on May 17, 2006
When I was young, I didn't think the 70s were that bad. People who lived through it told me otherwise. I didn't believe them. Now I see kids who think the 80s were some magical time or somehow find it "ironic." I tell them it was the worst of times...a terrible time to be alive. This proves it. Hands down.
posted by DonnieSticks at 9:14 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by DonnieSticks at 9:14 PM on May 17, 2006
" Well this video is my most rare video among my 3000+ videos, considering that Boston made very few promo videos, [and] "Amanda" has no official video"
posted by stbalbach at 9:15 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by stbalbach at 9:15 PM on May 17, 2006
Help. Oh, please help.
I can research it all I want, but I cannot find a clip of "People Living in the USA" by RandyAndy anywhere.
It was the ultimate 80s non-hit wonder and I miss it so.
HELP!
posted by ArsncHeart at 9:32 PM on May 17, 2006
I can research it all I want, but I cannot find a clip of "People Living in the USA" by RandyAndy anywhere.
It was the ultimate 80s non-hit wonder and I miss it so.
HELP!
posted by ArsncHeart at 9:32 PM on May 17, 2006
There are a metric shitload more in the comments.
Never mind, they seem largely to have been incorporated already.
But they left out Stayin' Alive for being shortly pre-1980s. Hair not to be missed!
posted by Aknaton at 9:37 PM on May 17, 2006
Never mind, they seem largely to have been incorporated already.
But they left out Stayin' Alive for being shortly pre-1980s. Hair not to be missed!
posted by Aknaton at 9:37 PM on May 17, 2006
Revco is absent from the list, ditto for a fairly obscure band called click click.
posted by squeak at 9:38 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by squeak at 9:38 PM on May 17, 2006
Not on the list, but this one brought some memories flooding back. Nicely done.
posted by schmedeman at 9:55 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by schmedeman at 9:55 PM on May 17, 2006
Dead Kennedys LIVE 1981 kicks the butt of your favorite video.
posted by stbalbach at 10:07 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by stbalbach at 10:07 PM on May 17, 2006
I forgot how cute bill paxton was in that fish heads video.
Loverboy's "Get Lucky" was one of the first cassettes I ever owned. I remember hating their videos even then, though. Stan Ridgeway and Stewart Copeland were much easier on the eyes.
Isn't there a video for "Institutionalized" by Suicidal Tendencies? Only one Romeo Void? Echo and the Bunnymen? Psychedelic Furs? Ministry? Smithereens? bah.
Also, the only Fishbone link is actually to an Andy Taylor video. that's just cruel.
posted by whatnot at 10:12 PM on May 17, 2006
Loverboy's "Get Lucky" was one of the first cassettes I ever owned. I remember hating their videos even then, though. Stan Ridgeway and Stewart Copeland were much easier on the eyes.
Isn't there a video for "Institutionalized" by Suicidal Tendencies? Only one Romeo Void? Echo and the Bunnymen? Psychedelic Furs? Ministry? Smithereens? bah.
Also, the only Fishbone link is actually to an Andy Taylor video. that's just cruel.
posted by whatnot at 10:12 PM on May 17, 2006
Bighappyfunhouse - I got to see that one live back in February. Easily one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.
I wanted to put "Hot Metal and Methedrine" as my yearbook quote back in '93 but they wouldn't let me...
posted by mrbill at 10:39 PM on May 17, 2006
I wanted to put "Hot Metal and Methedrine" as my yearbook quote back in '93 but they wouldn't let me...
posted by mrbill at 10:39 PM on May 17, 2006
thanks bighappyfunhouse! I've finally figured out who Grima Wormtongue reminded me of
posted by small_ruminant at 10:53 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by small_ruminant at 10:53 PM on May 17, 2006
Some of the videos that jump out at you as missing are in the comments; Faith No More's "Epic" for starters, and I know I saw a Smithereens link...
Ok, and screw indie cred, this is the video I missed the most. Yeeah.
posted by furiousthought at 10:54 PM on May 17, 2006
Ok, and screw indie cred, this is the video I missed the most. Yeeah.
posted by furiousthought at 10:54 PM on May 17, 2006
I don't even know where to start with this baffling video from Jean Michel Jarre
posted by O9scar at 11:59 PM on May 17, 2006
posted by O9scar at 11:59 PM on May 17, 2006
Hell yeah, furiousthought.
My favorite part of the song is at 00:59 when the 808 snare comes in. This is one of those songs that you would hear booming a mile away more often than you would up close.
Oh, and how about the assortment of people in line at the beginning of the video? Great stuff.
posted by redteam at 11:59 PM on May 17, 2006
My favorite part of the song is at 00:59 when the 808 snare comes in. This is one of those songs that you would hear booming a mile away more often than you would up close.
Oh, and how about the assortment of people in line at the beginning of the video? Great stuff.
posted by redteam at 11:59 PM on May 17, 2006
Tom Tom Club!
Now, if I could only find a copy of "Close to the Bone".
posted by rockabilly_pete at 12:23 AM on May 18, 2006
Now, if I could only find a copy of "Close to the Bone".
posted by rockabilly_pete at 12:23 AM on May 18, 2006
Oh man. The Jam. The Specials. Social D. And Jeffrey. Lee. Pierce. Thanks for the morning diversion.
posted by milquetoast at 2:24 AM on May 18, 2006
posted by milquetoast at 2:24 AM on May 18, 2006
Enjoyed reliving the pseudo-Buddhist pomposity of Howard Jones' Hide and Seek. Which I love. In spite of myself. And everything.
posted by Tarn at 3:22 AM on May 18, 2006
posted by Tarn at 3:22 AM on May 18, 2006
I never knew what Judge Dread looked like. Not at all what I thought.
posted by snez at 5:13 AM on May 18, 2006
posted by snez at 5:13 AM on May 18, 2006
So so awesome. Thanks, davebush. I've been wanting to see the "New Frontier" video again since I say a tiny clip of it 10 years ago. Hooray!
posted by ibmcginty at 5:19 AM on May 18, 2006
posted by ibmcginty at 5:19 AM on May 18, 2006
Don't forget the Foetus!
Music starts again after intro and interview at 4.30 mins.
"I'm not anti-religious. In fact, eat my fire I am the new messiah."
"I've had more fun in an iron lung."
Tell that to kids these days, and they wont believe you.
I had actually forgotten exactly how mad that song is. Skiddly bop woop woop.
Which leads me to Suicide-Ghost Rider (also a pre-80s gig) and Dream Baby Dream.
Seminal is difficult to spot at the time. Borderline madness. Ex.cell.ent.
posted by asok at 6:37 AM on May 18, 2006
Music starts again after intro and interview at 4.30 mins.
"I'm not anti-religious. In fact, eat my fire I am the new messiah."
"I've had more fun in an iron lung."
Tell that to kids these days, and they wont believe you.
I had actually forgotten exactly how mad that song is. Skiddly bop woop woop.
Which leads me to Suicide-Ghost Rider (also a pre-80s gig) and Dream Baby Dream.
Seminal is difficult to spot at the time. Borderline madness. Ex.cell.ent.
posted by asok at 6:37 AM on May 18, 2006
"Chris, where have you been?"
"I DON'T KNOW!"
posted by rusty at 7:05 AM on May 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
"I DON'T KNOW!"
posted by rusty at 7:05 AM on May 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
I'm reminded that She Drives Me Crazy is an awesome video. It looks like it could have been made yesterday, and it would still be great.
posted by jimmythefish at 8:50 AM on May 18, 2006
posted by jimmythefish at 8:50 AM on May 18, 2006
davebush said 'The video for the song with the best vocal performance I've ever heard.'
Right on. I had something approaching a religious experience hearing that in a club a few years ago...
posted by jack_mo at 9:46 AM on May 18, 2006
Right on. I had something approaching a religious experience hearing that in a club a few years ago...
posted by jack_mo at 9:46 AM on May 18, 2006
The link to The Residents video actually goes to a White Lion video...and the Fishbone link goes to a Duran Duran side project. What are we supposed to do, actually search YouTube ourselves?
posted by Eothele at 10:04 AM on May 18, 2006
posted by Eothele at 10:04 AM on May 18, 2006
I swear to God I once saw Gang Starr on the Jenny Jones show...the sight of the studio audience "grooving" to the music is something I will take to the grave. Of course, that was '90s material, but still...
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:42 PM on May 18, 2006
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:42 PM on May 18, 2006
Love/Hate doesn't technically make the cutoff for the 80s, but - honorable mention.
posted by Wolfdog at 4:45 PM on May 18, 2006
posted by Wolfdog at 4:45 PM on May 18, 2006
I spent all afternoon looking at these. I saw so many of these bands live! One gig I've never forgotten was Birthday Party in the early 80s at the Roxy, with Nick Cave yelping into the microphone and Tracey Pew humping his bass - and here is a video off the same tour.
The local stuff is gold. The DKs, the Untouchables, and, as mentioned above, Jeffrey Lee Pierce with his intense self.
I never saw the video for Grandmaster Flash's "The Message" but here I am in 2006, knowing every word. Thank you davebush, and thank Milinkito.
posted by goofyfoot at 12:22 AM on May 20, 2006
The local stuff is gold. The DKs, the Untouchables, and, as mentioned above, Jeffrey Lee Pierce with his intense self.
I never saw the video for Grandmaster Flash's "The Message" but here I am in 2006, knowing every word. Thank you davebush, and thank Milinkito.
posted by goofyfoot at 12:22 AM on May 20, 2006
Wow. This is wonderful and amazing. I'm gonna be up all night.
posted by puddles at 9:43 PM on May 20, 2006
posted by puddles at 9:43 PM on May 20, 2006
As long as I can get some Breakfast I'll consider this a completelist.
posted by webfanatic at 11:22 PM on May 27, 2006
posted by webfanatic at 11:22 PM on May 27, 2006
« Older O'Rielly ♥ white christians | Foreign Relations of the United States, 1861-1960 Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by caddis at 6:13 PM on May 17, 2006 [1 favorite]