The Enchanting World of New Wave Music: Beyond Classic Rock and Disco
When American music listeners think of 80s music that is still played today, many often gravitate towards classic rock. However, this is a real shame, as the 1980s encompass so much more than just hair bands. New Wave music, in particular, deserves far more recognition and appreciation.
Why New Wave is Awesome
New Wave is not just a genre; it's a vibrant era filled with innovative sounds and unique, creative expressions. Songs like 'Can You Walk Like an Egyptian,' 'Living in My Own Private Idaho,' and 'Tumbling for You' showcase the mood and originality that defined New Wave. It was a refreshing change from the disco era, offering an accessible and chill vibe, even during faster tempos.
Highest Praise for New Wave
Debbie Harry of the iconic New Wave group Blondie expresses her love for the genre, noting that while 70s New Wave was a catch-all phrase that included one-hit wonders and later bands that thrived thanks to music videos, her preference is to use more specific descriptors. This highlights the fact that New Wave is an evolving and dynamic genre with significant talent across multiple eras.
The Origins of New Wave: A Prolific Period
The term 'New Wave' originated in the early 1970s, initially referring to innovative music that broke away from the established norms of the time. It was inspired by the 'Nouvelle Vague' in French cinema. Journalists like Nick Kent and David Marsh helped popularize the term by applying it to bands such as the Velvet Underground and the New York Dolls. However, Seymour Stein, who co-founded Sire Records, saw the potential in New Wave bands and launched a campaign to rebrand them as 'New Wave' rather than 'punk,' which was viewed negatively by radio programmers. This marketing push succeeded but, as a result, New Wave gained a slightly artificial legacy among some music fans.
The Pioneering Bands of New Wave
Some pioneering bands in the New Wave movement include Television, Devo, Pere Ubu, Talking Heads, and others. These bands developed innovative sounds and styles, contributing to the broader New Wave movement. For instance, Television's album Marquee Moon (1977) is considered an outlier for its innovative sound, setting a template for alternative rock in the 1980s. Pere Ubu and Devo, formed in the mid-1970s, influenced many future bands, including the great Talking Heads. These bands, along with The Clash, the Police, and Blondie, formed the backbone of the New Wave era.
Exploring the Complexity of New Wave
New Wave is a complex genre that encompasses a wide range of sounds and styles. Bands like Joy Division, Gang of Four, Magazine, and Wire are considered innovative post-punk groups. Later bands like OMD, Depeche Mode, Human League, Gary Numan, and John Foxx (among others) are often categorized as New Wave, despite being more accurately described as Synth Pop or Electro Pop. Their works are heavily influenced by post-punk and German Komische Musik innovators like Kraftwerk.
Embracing the Enigma of New Wave
While the term 'New Wave' is certainly convenient, it can overshadow the brilliance and uniqueness of individual bands. As Debbie Harry noted, it's best to use more specific descriptors when possible. However, if you're unsure how to describe music from the era, 'New Wave' is a good starting point. The key is to focus on enjoying the music for its value and cultural impact first.
Conclusion: Reviving New Wave's Legacy
So, if you find yourself tuning into classic rock stations and only hearing the same old hair band tunes, perhaps it's time to explore the vibrant world of New Wave. Bands like The Police, Elvis Costello, and The Clash were some of the most innovative practitioners of the genre. And if you're up for a treat, try revisiting albums like Marquee Moon by Television, The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu, or Absolute Sound by Devo. Embrace the enigmatic and revolutionary sounds of New Wave, and let your journey into 1980s music begin again.