Sorry, but the 80's were a definite low point, with few exceptions (R.E.M., the Smiths, U2). Most of that music sounds very dated due to the synth pop production style. The best artists from the 60s and 70s generally stayed true to their use of actual instruments, but most tried to fit in at least briefly, probably due to pressure from their record companies. Most of the rock music we listen to today took place or had its origins in the 60s and 70s.