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Rembering the 80s: College Rock

For those too young...a brief history...before indie and alternative rock...there was college rock...an 80s genre that was simply named after what college radio stations were playing at the time...as a former college DJ...I have a soft spot for the genre...it was a fun time...and a simpler time... with a laid back vibe and a diversity of artists ranging from the Smiths, Bad brains, to Love tractor...U2,.Rem, and the cure all got their start during thus era...and were the few bands that broke out and penetrated the mainstream...a few like Sonic Youth and the Flaming Lips flirted with the big time...but most like Lets Active, Dumptruck, and Christmas had minor careers which is not a knock...just facts...MTV also played a role with their show 120 mins...the genre included seminal artists like Husker Du, Replacements, the Church, the Fall, Echo and the Bunnymen, Jesus and Mary Chain, Wedding Present, Meat Puppets,etc...anybody have any faves or college radio stories to share?
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chayro
1,801 posts
 
"Hey Mickey you're so fine - you're so fine you blow my mind, Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey." It sucked then and it sucks now. That pretty much sums up music of the 80's for me.
rpeluso
521 posts
 
Chayro,

Agreed. Popular music in the 80s led me to discover the talent in country music; was living in Nashville then, was a snob about it, but quickly saw the value. So I owe 80s pop a thanks for broadening my appreciation of other genres.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect OP
2,013 posts
 
Before everyone maligns the 80s it also spawned hip-hop, house, acid jazz, and world beat movements...fwiw..."Mickey"is a somwhat loose interpretation of a 60s tune...by Chinn/Chapeman...pro writers of Sweet fame...its a great cover
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
"Hey, Mickey, you're so fine...." Hey, but she was good in Easy Rider. Hint: she was one of the girls Hopper and Fonda take out in New Orleans at the House of Blue Lights or whatever it was called.
donjr
1,311 posts
 
There was a lot of great music and a lot of bad music in the 80's. Just like the 60's and 70's. Joe Walsh, Supertramp, The Clash, Iron Maiden, Elvis Costello and a ton of others.

I'm not saying these bands got their start in the 80's but had some success. I think the 70's may have been worse. Remember the Hooked on Classics craze?
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