We reminisce the 1980’s with a tinted vision of party tracks. A joyous smorgasbord of upbeat toe-tapping pop music, anthemic hair rock and goofy Hollywood love tracks. We leave behind a flip side of forgotten melancholia that is unassociated with the decade’s exuberance. Let me take you on a dark mystery tour of the 1980’s…
Black – Ravel In The Rain
It’s night-time in a colorless city. Rain is falling, plunging the colorless fabric of the streets into deeper darkness. The gloomy tint of amber street lights reflects in the cobbles of litter-strewn back streets, whose very existence imply the ominous presence of danger, should one choose to investigate them further. Walk on and find your refuge. Now it’s complete, Ravel is in the rain. Standing in my dream street.
Madonna – Live To Tell
There is a unique strain of loneliness that one only experiences when in the presence of a single person. The unique oddity of a having that moment yields a disconnection from the seven billion souls that make up humanity. It leads you to question whether or not the world is real. If indeed the universe is playing a game of solipsism with you, perhaps this is the universe talking with you directly. It’s in moments like this that you can dare to be honest, and that’s why I can speak to you freely. I have a tale to tell. Sometimes it gets so hard to hide it well.
Billy Idol – Flesh For Fantasy
In the near distance, new colors start to make a play. Those puddles that previously offered little are now becoming electrified by bright neons. There’s a break in the rain and the creatures of the night are out to play. There’s a change in pace of my fantasy today. Do you like good music? Do you want to dance?
Fields Of The Nephilim – Moonchild
Wake up. Right now, you might be in a lucid moment and it’s time to take control. If you were Marty McFly stuck in the 1950’s, there is no way you could forget who the real you was. You don’t belong in this realm and you need to shift. Well it’s a righteous dream, out of mind.
Killing Joke – Love Like Blood
Life is not a free ride. You have to face your reality, as intimidating as that might be. No one will save you and there are no mysterious benefactors waiting in the wings. We must play our lives like soldiers in the field.
Pet Shop Boys – Kings Cross
This is 1987. It’s not the version we remember where Sonny Crockett, fashioned in pastel tones, peers through his Italian designer shades as he follows a warm Miami coastline in his pearly white Ferrari. It’s the other dingy version where you’re stuck in a queue, waiting for something you reluctantly need. And this queue is populated by people you can’t relate to and don’t want to know. The feeling is probably mutual. The man at the back of the queue was sent to feel the smack of firm government.
Depeche Mode – Enjoy The Silence
There is no need to pray for respite. Even the darkest night is punctuated by a dawn. The spirit of the night dissipates and a frigid stillness fills the cold white sky as it becomes ever brighter. At this moment in time, all is still. Enjoy the silence.
Terence Trent D’Arby – I Have Faith In These Desolate Times
And there it is. The lonesome spirit of hope. Like a single wild flower growing in a barren landscape. No, the world is no perfect place. Yes, things can get better despite everything. I have faith in these desolate times.
U2 – Exit
You’re in the outskirts of a desert town. The residents are long gone. Left years ago taking everything of value. You’re reminding yourself why you’re here. You arranged to meet someone at the back of the breaker’s yard. But of course, they’re running late. And as the wind starts to pick up, you have no idea why. You know he got the cure. You know he went astray. He used to stay awake to drive the dreams he had away. He wanted to believe in the hands of love.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood – The Power Of Love
There is a shining light out there in the center of the universe. As you shut your eyes and focus on nothing, you can find it. Dreams are like angels. They keep bad at bay. Love is the light scaring darkness away.
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