Videos of the Week/80s Synthpop Version

This week saw new releases from two of my favorite synthpop bands of the 80s, Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode. Oddly enough, both were very good releases. Not their best work granted, but very consistent and very enjoyable. I doubt either album will be on my best of list at the end of the year, but I could easily see a single from each of them in my top singles list. At any rate, these releases had me waxing nostalgic for songs from the 80s. Here are a few that were favorites of mine in the day.



Here is a classic from Depeche Mode, "Shake the Disease." It's interesting seeing how they looked and dressed. Martin Gore's hair is hysterically hideous. I love this song; it has a great melody.



This is probably my favorite Pet Shop Boys song of all time, and the video is incredibly beautiful. The video was directed by Bruce Weber, so there is a little bit of nudity in it, so probably NSFW.



Thomas Dolby is best known for the novelty song "She Blinded Me With Science." He is actually a pretty brilliant musician that never really was able to shake the one hit wonder status. It's a pity because his second cd The Flat Earth is surprisingly mature and accomplished. The first side of the album is practically perfect. The title song is so beautiful. Here is a live version of the song with everything performed by Dolby himself. It is amazing watching him build each part of the song.

As a bonus here is another classic track from Dolby from his first cd:





I was never a huge fan of Howard Jones. He had a couple of good songs on his first cd, but he sort of lost any edge he had and became rather pedestrian. I do like this song though. Another cheesy video though.



Naked Eyes only had two albums but they were both pretty good. This is an album track off the first cd which I liked. I have also put in their classic "Promises Promises."





This is the "sequel" to their video for "Take On Me." While I love the video for that song, I hate the song. I like this song much better.



These kinds of bands make me laugh now, but back then they were pretty cool.



Speaking of embarrassing, here is the first synthpop incarnation of Ministry. And yes, that is really Al Jourgenson.



Icehouse were a pretty good band from Australia. I will say that this is a great song, produced by Brian Eno. Terrible hair he has though. What was with the proto-mullet?



Beautiful song from Ultravox, but incredibly cheesy video.



I loved this band. Unfortunately, none of their videos are able to posted form Youtube, so here is a live clip of one of their best songs. I was listening to this song on my way from Savannah to Athens to college, and got pulled over by the cops for going too fast. Luckily I didn't get a ticket, but I learned never to listen to this song while driving. It makes you go very fast.