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Last updated on Oct 6,2024, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Kate Bush - Army Dreamers"Army Dreamers" is a song by Kate Bush released in 1980. It tells the story of a grieving mother for her young adult son, killed during military maneuvers. The song tackles the poignant theme of young soldiers losing their lives in service. Kate Bush, known for her unique style and distinctive voice, often explores complex subjects in her songs. The video for the song features Kate Bush in camouflage, surrounded by soldiers in a wooded setting. The music video is directed by Keef. Writer(s) : Catherine Bush Publisher(s) : Kate Bush Music Ltd Featured on the 1980 album Never for Ever
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 2 . XTC - Mayor Of SimpletonIn XTC's "The Mayor of Simpleton," Andy Partridge weaves an energetic pop-rock sound with 60s influences, particularly the jangle of The Byrds. Driven by a dynamic bassline, the track contrasts its upbeat melodies with lyrics reflecting the narrator’s intellectual insecurities. Despite his self-professed simplicity, he asserts the depth and sincerity of his feelings. Staying on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, the song strips away pretensions, revealing the purity of human emotion through an infectious, high-energy arrangement. Writer(s) : Andrew John Partridge Publisher(s) : Bmg Vm Music Limited Featured on the 1989 album Oranges & Lemons
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 3 . Todd Rundgren - Bang The Drum All DayTodd Rundgren’s "Bang The Drum All Day," released in 1983, has become an anthem for anyone preferring fun over work. Rundgren played all the instruments, mainly electronic ones, a novelty at the time. Football fans know it as the celebratory tune for Green Bay Packers' touchdowns at Lambeau Field since 1995. Writer(s) : Todd Harry Rundgren Publisher(s) : Fiction Music Inc Featured on the 1983 album The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect
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 4 . Roger Waters - Another Brick In The Wall (w/ Cyndi Lauper)Roger Waters, former member of Pink Floyd, collaborates with Cyndi Lauper for a live rendition of "Another Brick In The Wall" during the concert The Wall – Live in Berlin in 1990. The concert, organized to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall, brought together several renowned artists. Lauper, known for hits like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," adds a unique touch to this Pink Floyd classic, making this performance particularly memorable. Proceeds from this single were donated to the "Memorial Fund for Disaster Relief." The music video is directed by Bill Yukich. Writer(s) : George Roger Waters Publisher(s) : Roger Waters Music Overseas Ltd Featured on the 1990 album The Wall: Live In Berlin
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 5 . David Bowie - Hallo SpaceboyOriginally conceived as an instrumental piece called "Moondust" by Reeves Gabrels, the song was revised by Bowie and Brian Eno and released in 1995 as "Hallo Spaceboy." In 1996, the remixed version by Pet Shop Boys incorporated elements from their song "Space Oddity," adding a pop dimension to the track. Bowie performed "Hallo Spaceboy" with Nine Inch Nails during his American tour, and later with Pet Shop Boys at the 1996 Brit Awards. The music video is directed by David Mallet. Writer(s) : Brian Peter George Eno, David Bowie Publisher(s) : Opal Music (Gb 1), Tintoretto Music Featured on the 1995 album Outside
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 6 . Electric Light Orchestra - TwilightFeaturing symphonic rock elements with modern synthesizers for its time, "Twilight" by Electric Light Orchestra, released in 1981, stands out with its dynamic opening and rich vocal harmonies. Written by Jeff Lynne, the track became iconic after being used without authorization in the 1983 animated short film "Daicon IV Opening Animation," produced for the Daicon IV science fiction convention in Japan, and later became a cult favorite in Japanese otaku culture. The music video is directed by Bev Bevan. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Lynne Publisher(s) : Alleytime Ltd, Polygon Music Featured on the 1981 album Time
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 7 . Yes - It Can HappenFeaturing Trevor Rabin on guitar and production, "It Can Happen" by Yes, released in 1983, combines progressive elements with catchy choruses. The initial version of the song was sung by Chris Squire before being re-recorded with Jon Anderson for the album "90125." Writer(s) : Trevor C Rabin, Christopher Rus Sell Squire, John Roy Anderson Publisher(s) : Tremander Songs, Warner Tamerlane Pub Corp, Affirmative Music, Carlin Music Corp Featured on the 1983 album 90125
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 8 . Robert Plant - Big LogBorn from experimentation with a TR-808 drum machine, which inspired the drum pattern and handclaps, "Big Log" by Robert Plant, released in 1983, showcases a softer, introspective side of the former Led Zeppelin singer. With melodic guitar and a dreamy ambiance, the song stands out for its melancholic atmosphere. The music video was filmed in California and Nevada, at iconic locations like the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel and the Calico Ghost Town. The music video is directed by Storm Thorgerson.. Writer(s) : Robert William Blunt, Robert Plant, Jezz Woodroffe Publisher(s) : Hit And Run Music Ltd (Publishing), Bay Music Blunt Ltd, Sons Of Einion Ltd Featured on the 1983 album The Principle of Moments
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 9 . David Bowie - Absolute BeginnersWith its blend of jazz, soul, and pop, "Absolute Beginners," released in 1986, was composed for the film of the same name directed by Julien Temple. Featuring Rick Wakeman on piano and a brass section with trumpet and saxophones, the song became a commercial and critical success. It has since been covered by various artists, including Saint Etienne, Carla Bruni, and Cary Brothers. The music video is directed by Julien Temple. Writer(s) : David Bowie Publisher(s) : Jones Music America Featured on the 1986 album Absolute Beginners: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
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 10 . Kate Bush - This Woman's WorkOften used in dramatic moments on TV and in films, "This Woman's Work," released in 1988, was written by Kate Bush for the John Hughes film "She's Having a Baby," starring Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern. The song, characterized by its poignant piano and Bush's emotive vocals, deals with pain and endurance. The music video is directed by John Alexander. Writer(s) : (Usa, Leonard Bernstein) Publisher(s) : Chappell Co Inc, Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Co Llc The Featured on the 1993 album The Broadway Album
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 11 . Kate Bush - Running Up That HillReleased in 1985, "Running Up That Hill" is one of Kate Bush's most iconic tracks. With its powerful synthesizers and introspective lyrics, the song explores the desire to understand and switch roles in a relationship. The track experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the 2022 TV series "Stranger Things," introducing Bush to a new generation of listeners. The music video is directed by David Garfath. Writer(s) : Kate Bush Publisher(s) : Kate Bush Music Ltd Featured on the 1985 album Hounds Of Love
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 12 . Electric Light Orchestra - So SeriousReflecting Electric Light Orchestra's transition to more electronic sounds, "So Serious" was released in 1986. Jeff Lynne later had a successful career producing for artists like George Harrison and Tom Petty. The music video is directed by Peter Christopherson. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Lynne Publisher(s) : Emi April Music Inc Featured on the 1986 album Balance of Power
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 13 . Radiohead - Jigsaw Falling Into PlaceReleased in 2007, "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" is a track by Radiohead, produced by longtime collaborator Nigel Godrich. Lead singer Thom Yorke explores themes of disorientation and fragmentation, with lyrics describing a series of events in a club, from the initial meeting to drinking and dancing. The music video is directed by Adam Buxton. Writer(s) : Thomas Edward Yorke, Philip James Selway, Edward John O Brien, Jonathan Greenwood, Colin Charle Greenwood Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd Featured on the 1997 album In Rainbows
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 14 . Pete Townshend - Let My Love Open The DoorReleased in 1980, "Let My Love Open The Door" by Pete Townshend, famed guitarist and songwriter of The Who, was recorded at Eel Pie Studios in London and produced by Townshend himself. The song, which reached the top 10 in the US, has been widely used in films, TV shows, and commercials. Writer(s) : Peter Dennis Townshend Publisher(s) : Spirit Catalogue Holdings S A R L Featured on the 1980 album Empty Glass
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 15 . Electric Light Orchestra - Rock 'N' Roll Is KingShowcasing Jeff Lynne's ability to fuse traditional rock with modern orchestral arrangements, "Rock 'N' Roll Is King" by Electric Light Orchestra, released in 1983, celebrates classic rock and roll with infectious energy. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Lynne, Publisher(s) : Alleytime Ltd, Polygon Music Featured on the 1983 album Secret Messages
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 16 . David Bowie - Let's DanceHighlighted by a guitar riff played by then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan and released in 1983, "Let's Dance" marked a turning point in Bowie's career, produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic. The song, reflecting influences of funk and post-disco, became a massive commercial success and the best-selling single of Bowie's career. The music video, shot in Australia, is famous for the red shoes mentioned in the lyrics, which became a symbol of the oppression of Australian Aboriginals. The music video is directed by David Mallet. Writer(s) : David Bowie Publisher(s) : Jones Music America Featured on the 1983 album Let's Dance
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 17 . XTC - Senses Working OvertimeProduced by Hugh Padgham, known for his work with Genesis and The Police, "Senses Working Overtime" by XTC, released in 1982, combines rock and pop with inventive lyrics and is one of the band’s biggest hits. The music video is directed by Brian Grant. Writer(s) : Andrew John Partridge Publisher(s) : Bmg Vm Music Limited Featured on the 1982 album English Settlement
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 18 . David Bowie - Wild Is The WindOriginally a song by Johnny Mathis for the 1957 film of the same name directed by George Cukor, "Wild Is The Wind" was first covered by Nina Simone and then by David Bowie in 1976. Performed with emotional intensity and vocal depth, Bowie's version is considered one of his finest interpretations. The music video is directed by David Mallet. Writer(s) : James Edward Grant Publisher(s) : April Music Ltd (Gb 1) Featured on the 1982 album Strange Kind of Love
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 19 . Laurie Anderson - O SupermanA surprise hit in the UK, reaching number two on the charts, Laurie Anderson's "O Superman," released in 1981, is a hypnotic blend of minimalism and performance art. Using a vocoder to alter her voice, Anderson creates a futuristic, meditative atmosphere accompanied by synthesizers, flute loops, a Farfisa organ, saxophone, and bird sounds. In "O Superman," multimedia artist Anderson explores themes of communication and surveillance. The music video is directed by Laurie Anderson. Writer(s) : Laurie C Anderson Publisher(s) : Difficult Music Featured on the 1981 album Big Science
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 20 . Pink Floyd - Not Now JohnFeaturing Roger Waters' biting lyrics about global politics and conflicts, "Not Now John," released in 1983, is one of Pink Floyd's most "hard rock" tracks, distinguished by David Gilmour's powerful guitar riffs. The music video features a Japanese boy in a factory, encountering various characters before falling from scaffolding. The music video is directed by Willie Christie. Writer(s) : George Roger Waters Publisher(s) : Roger Waters Music Overseas Ltd Featured on the 1983 album The Final Cut
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ABOUT Art RockArt Rock, the MusicArt Rock emerges in the 1960s, characterized by its desire to incorporate elements from other types of music (classical, jazz, avant-garde, etc.). It stands out for its sophisticated approach, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and a certain intellectualization of music. One of the most notable features of Art Rock is the complexity of its compositions. Unlike traditional rock songs that often follow a verse-chorus-verse structure, Art Rock pieces explore non-linear and more elaborate structures. Art Rock artists integrate extended instrumental sections, unexpected transitions, and multiple movements within a single song, reminiscent of classical music suites. Art Rock also distinguishes itself through the use of unconventional time signatures. Instead of sticking to the traditional 4/4, compositions can shift between signatures like 7/8, 5/4, or even mixed signatures within the same piece. This approach creates more complex and varied rhythms, adding an extra dimension to the music. Art Rock, the WordsArt Rock artists aren’t afraid to experiment with a wide range of instruments, often borrowed from other musical genres. Beyond the traditional rock setup of guitars, bass, and drums, they incorporate classical instruments like violin, cello, piano, and brass. Electronic instruments like synthesizers, mellotrons, and theremins are also commonly used to create unique and innovative sound textures. Production techniques in Art Rock are often cutting-edge. Artists and producers explore advanced recording methods, such as multi-tracking, tape reversal, and sophisticated studio effects. They play with the soundscape, using stereo creatively and manipulating sounds to create immersive auditory landscapes. Art Rock, the SoundLyrics in Art Rock tend to be more poetic and introspective than in traditional rock. Artists tackle deep and complex subjects, such as alienation, the search for meaning, and intense personal experiences. The lyrics are often metaphorical and open to interpretation, encouraging listeners to think and uncover hidden meanings. The lyrical themes in Art Rock are frequently influenced by literature and visual arts. Artists draw from literary works, artistic movements, and philosophical concepts to enrich their texts. References to writers, painters, and art currents are common, creating a strong link between music and other art forms. This multidisciplinary approach reinforces the intellectual and artistic nature of the genre. Art Rock, the Cultural ImpactArt Rock has had a considerable influence on rock music and many other genres. By introducing complex song structures and advanced sound experimentation, Art Rock has broadened the horizons of traditional rock. Its influence is also felt in genres such as new wave and alternative rock. Art Rock has also left an indelible mark on popular culture. The visual and conceptual elements of Art Rock have become essential components of music presentation, influencing not only how artists perform but also how they are perceived by the public. Art Rock has always sparked varied, often polarizing, criticism. While some critics and fans praise the genre’s innovation and complexity, others criticize it for being pretentious and elitist. Art Rock has played a crucial role in the evolution of fashion regarding gender and androgyny. Artists often challenged traditional gender norms, wearing clothing and makeup that blended masculine and feminine elements. This fluidity inspired many fashion designers to explore similar concepts in their collections. |
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