|
Last updated on Oct 6,2024, updated monthly. |
1 . Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place [Naive Melody]Characterized by a hypnotic and repetitive groove, "This Must Be the Place [Naive Melody]" by Talking Heads was released in 1983. The song features a minimalist melody based on an ostinato that lasts the entire track, hence the "Naive Melody" subtitle. The band is joined by guitarist Alex Weir, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and percussionist Steve Scales. Featured in the concert film "Stop Making Sense" by Jonathan Demme, where David Byrne dances with a lamp, reminiscent of Fred Astaire in "Royal Wedding." The music video is directed by David Byrne. Writer(s) : Christopher Frantz, David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Martina Weymouth Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc, Wc Music Corp Featured on the 1983 album Speaking in Tongues 30.57% / 1.37% |
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 25.94% / 1.38% |
3 . Talking Heads - Love for SaleProduced by David Byrne, "Love for Sale" by Talking Heads critiques the commercialization of love in a consumer society, echoing the importance of media in modern culture. Notable for its parody of popular advertising tropes, the satirical message is reinforced by the music video, featured in the film "True Stories," starring Swoosie Kurtz. The music video is directed by David Byrne & Melvin Sokolsky. Writer(s) : David Byrne Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc Featured on the 1986 album True Stories 19.54% / 0.41% |
4 . The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes OutReleased in 1986, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" by The Smiths evokes the desire for romantic escapism and the yearning for transcendent love. The song has become an anthem for fans, especially for its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody. "And if a double-decker bus crashes into us, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die"—a line unlikely appreciated by public transit authorities. The producer, John Porter, has also worked with artists like Billy Bragg and The Alarm. The music video is directed by Derek Jarman. Writer(s) : Steven Patrick Morrissey, Johnny Marr Publisher(s) : Artemis Muziekuitgeverij B V, Marr Songs Ltd (Gb) Featured on the 1986 album The Queen Is Dead 17.81% / 1.60% |
5 . Captain Sensible - Wot"Wot" is a 1982 single by Captain Sensible, whose real name is Raymond Burns, and who was the bassist for the British punk band The Damned, known for his red beret. The song stands out for its humor and its blend of punk and pop, highlighted by a very funky and disco bass line. The music video is directed by Chris Gabrin. Writer(s) : Raymond Ian Burns Publisher(s) : Rock Music Co Ltd Featured on the 1982 album Women and Captains First 11.20% / 0.47% |
6 . Killing Joke - America"America" by Killing Joke, released in 1988, is a scathing critique of American culture. The British band, led by Jaz Coleman, uses a blend of post-punk and industrial metal to convey its message. The music video reinforces the anti-American message with provocative imagery. Writer(s) : Kevin Walker, Jeremy Coleman Publisher(s) : E G Music Ltd (Gb 1) Featured on the 1988 album Outside the Gate 9.42% / 0.69% |
7 . The Only Ones - Another Girl Another PlanetFamous for its catchy guitar riff and lyrics about love and/or addiction, "Another Girl, Another Planet" by The Only Ones, led by Peter Perrett, was released in 1978. The song has been featured in several films, including "That Summer!" (1979), "Different for Girls" (1996), "Me Without You" (2001), "D.E.B.S." (2004), "Paul" (2011), and "Her Smell" (2018). Writer(s) : Peter Albert Neil Perrett Publisher(s) : Complete Music Ltd Featured on the 1978 album The Only Ones 16.36% / 1.68% |
8 . New Order - World In MotionReleased in 1990 to support the England football team during the World Cup, "World in Motion" is a song by New Order. Produced by Stephen Hague, it includes vocal contributions from comedian Keith Allen and players from the national team, notably John Barnes. The track was a commercial success and remains a popular sports anthem. The music video is directed by Philip Shotton. Writer(s) : Peter Hook, Bernard Dickin, Stephen Paul David Morris, Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Keith William Allen Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Vitalturn Co Ltd 12.08% / -0.49% |
9 . Echo & The Bunnymen - Nothing Lasts ForeverRevitalizing the band's career after a hiatus and lineup changes, "Nothing Lasts Forever," released in 1997, is a single by Echo & The Bunnymen. The song reflects themes of impermanence and the passage of time, with a melancholic yet upbeat melody. The music video is directed by Norman Watson. Writer(s) : Ian Stephen Mcculloch, William Sergeant, Leslie Thomas Pattinson Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd Featured on the 1997 album Evergreen 12.02% / 0.95% |
10 . The House Of Love - Shine OnWith lyrics evoking a sense of loneliness and a search for comfort, "Shine On" is a 1987 single by The House of Love that stands out for its shimmering guitars and ethereal vocals. The band, formed by Guy Chadwick and Terry Bickers, is often cited as a major influence on the shoegaze scene. Writer(s) : Bengt Magnus Alexander Bard, Anders Erik Hansson Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publ International Mgb Ltd, Universal Mca Music Scand Ab, Universal Music Publishing International Ltd, Eclectic Music Featured on the 1990 album The House of Love 11.86% / 1.29% |
11 . New Order - Blue Monday '88"Blue Monday '88" is a reissue of the iconic New Order single originally released in 1983. This version, remixed by Quincy Jones, modernizes the sound while retaining the original's signature elements, including its innovative use of drum machines and synthesizers. The music video is directed by Robert Breer. Writer(s) : Bernard Dickin, Stephen Paul David Morris, Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Peter Hook Publisher(s) : Vitalturn Co Ltd 11.45% / 0.42% |
12 . Talking Heads - And She WasKnown for its surreal lyrics and catchy melody, "And She Was" is a 1985 single by Talking Heads, describing a hallucinogenic experience of a young woman. The music video uses a combination of animation and live-action to illustrate the song's dreamy and surreal themes. The music video is directed by Jim Blashfield. Writer(s) : Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, Christopher Frantz, David Byrne Publisher(s) : Wb Music Corp., Index Music Inc Featured on the 1985 album Little Creatures 11.37% / 0.78% |
13 . Orange Juice - Rip It UpKnown for its funky guitar riff inspired by Chic's "Good Times," "Rip It Up" by Orange Juice, released in 1983, is notable for its innovative use of a Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, which later became a staple of acid house music. Produced by Martin Hayles, the song reached the UK Top 10, marking a turning point for the band and its lead singer Edwyn Collins. Writer(s) : Edwyn Collins Publisher(s) : Universal Island Music Limited Featured on the 1982 album Rip It Up 10.62% / 0.59% |
14 . Talking Heads - Blind"Blind" by Talking Heads, released in 1988, addresses political and social issues, with lyrics by David Byrne critiquing blindness to violence, fear, and civil instability. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, who has also worked with U2 and The Rolling Stones, "Blind" combines afro-funk rhythms and alternative rock. The music video satirizes American politics, showing Americans enthusiastically electing a wrench to power, only to later overthrow it. The music video is directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton. Writer(s) : Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, Christopher Frantz, David Byrne Publisher(s) : Index Music Inc Featured on the 1988 album Naked 10.59% / 0.80% |
15 . 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 10.39% / 0.72% |
16 . New Order - Bizarre Love TriangleEvoking confused and intense feelings related to a complex romantic relationship, "Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order, released in 1986, is a classic synth-pop track. Known for its innovative use of the Fairlight synthesizer, a cutting-edge instrument at the time, the song stands out for its catchy refrain. The iconic music video features images of people falling and has boosted the song's popularity, being featured in several films, including "Pretty in Pink" by John Hughes. The music video is directed by Gretchen Bender, Robert Longo. Writer(s) : Peter Hook, Bernard Dickin, Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Stephen Paul David Morris Publisher(s) : Vitalturn Co Ltd Featured on the 1986 album Brotherhood 10.37% / 0.65% |
17 . Siouxsie & The Banshees - DazzleWith poetic and surreal lyrics addressing themes of beauty and disillusionment, "Dazzle," released in 1984, is an orchestral track by Siouxsie & The Banshees, produced by Mike Hedges and the band. The song incorporates string arrangements by Martin McCarrick, adding an epic dimension to the group's characteristic post-punk sound. The music video is directed by Tim Pope. Writer(s) : Peter Edward Clarke, Robert James Smith, Siouxsie, Steven Severin Publisher(s) : Domino Publishing Company Limited, Fiction Songs Ltd, Dreamhouse Music (Gb) Featured on the 1984 album Hyaena 10.04% / 0.86% |
18 . Talking Heads - The Lady Don't MindExploring themes of emotional detachment and disillusionment, "The Lady Don't Mind" is a 1985 song by Talking Heads. This pop-rock track features an infectious melody and enigmatic lyrics by David Byrne. The music video is directed by Jim Jarmusch. Writer(s) : David Byrne, Christopher Frantz, Martina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison Publisher(s) : Bleu Disque Music Co Inc Featured on the 1985 album Little Creatures 10.00% / 0.72% |
19 . Siouxsie & The Banshees - SpellboundProduced by Nigel Gray, also known for his work with The Police, "Spellbound" by Siouxsie & The Banshees, released in 1981, is an energetic post-punk track. The song features a distinctive guitar riff that has influenced many musicians, including The Smiths and Radiohead, and Siouxsie Sioux's powerful vocals. The lyrics evoke themes of magic and mystery, contributing to the song's enchanting atmosphere. The music video is directed by Clive Richardson. Writer(s) : Sioux, Steven John Bailey, John Alexander Mcgeoch, Budgie Publisher(s) : Bmg Rights Management Uk Limited, Domino Publishing Company Ltd Featured on the 1981 album Juju 9.86% / 0.79% |
20 . The The - HeartlandThe The’s "Heartland" steps into a darker, politically charged realm. Released in 1986, the track presents a biting critique of Thatcher-era Britain, set against a backdrop of rich instrumentation blending rock, folk, and blues. The rare use of harmonica in the melody adds a layer of depth as Matt Johnson’s lyrics dissect urban decay, widening social inequalities, and political disillusionment. With lines like "This is the 51st state of the USA," the song examines the perceived Americanization of British politics, highlighting the capitalist system’s failings and its impact on the working class. Writer(s) : Matthew William M. Johnson Publisher(s) : Complete Music Ltd Featured on the 1986 album Infected 9.22% / 1.26% |
ABOUT POST-PUNKWhat is Post-PunkPost-punk emerges in the late 1970s following the punk rock movement. While punk rock is known for its raw, minimalist, and provocative style, post-punk is characterized by its experimentation and sonic complexity. Post-punk bands incorporate elements from various musical styles, such as funk, reggae, and dub, and employed innovative production techniques, resulting in a more elaborate and atmospheric sound. Instrumentation & ProductionPost-punk is defined by its varied instrumentation that extends beyond the traditional guitar-bass-drums setup. Guitars are used texturally with effects like delay, reverb, and chorus to create rich soundscapes. The bass plays a central, melodic role, guiding tracks with distinctive lines. Drums add complex percussive elements, and synthesizers enrich the sound palette with electronic, dub, and funk influences. Post-punk artists explore new production techniques and unconventional approaches, including ambient noises, sound collage, and studio manipulations. Post-punk: The SongsPost-punk offers elaborate melodies and arrangements with tempo changes, unusual time signatures, and sophisticated chords. The overall atmosphere tends to be dark, introspective, and often melancholic. Post-punk lyrics are deeper and more reflective, addressing complex themes. Lyrics often deal with individual and social alienation, offering a critical view of modern society. Themes of urbanization and urban life, with its oppressive aspects, are common. Personal introspection and the exploration of human emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and the search for meaning, are also major subjects. These poetic and symbolic lyrics add an intellectual and emotional dimension to post-punk music. Post-punk: Influences on Fashion and Visual ArtsPost-punk exerts a significant influence on fashion. The look is characterized by dark, often black clothing, using materials like leather and vinyl. The gothic movement, partly emerging from post-punk, develops its own distinct style, influencing both alternative and mainstream fashion. Post-punk impacts numerous films of the 80s and 90s, often through soundtracks. Directors like David Lynch incorporate post-punk music to create dark and dreamlike atmospheres in their works. Many post-punk music videos are avant-garde and artistic, influencing the production and direction of music videos. The use of surreal imagery and special effects paves the way for more creative and experimental video productions. |
ADJACENT GENRES
|
Next Post
Comments are closed.