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The 20 Greatest Post-Punk Artists of the 1980s


© Jason C. Reeher
Page 2

Mar 28, 2005



Recommended LPs: 1984’s alternative rock-creating "Reckoning."

11) Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters’ infusion of industrial doom with bleak disco beats is pure genius.

Recommended LPs: "Vision Thing," from 1990.

12) Gary Numan

Forget “Cars.” Numan was much more than a one-hit wonder; he made futuristic concept albums so frightening they would make Phillip K. Dick shudder.

Recommended LPs: 1979’s superb "Replicas."

13) Devo

Although they lost their edge three albums in, these spud boys from Akron, Ohio were the original nerd band. Devo kicked the door in for smart guys who wanted to rock out.

Recommended LPs: "Are We Not Men?"

14) Lords of the New Church

Somehow both utterly profane and possessing a healthy respect for rock’s roots, Stiv Bator’s last band was everything that Brian Setzer wanted to be.

Recommended LPs: The self-titled first record (1982).

15) Wire

Wire forged a sound with no respect for convention of any kind. Rather than utilizing punk’s nihilism, Wire took its experimental gusto for a ride.

Recommended LPs: "Chairs Missing."

16) The Cramps

Decadence as post-modern comedy. Microphones shoved down leather pants, primal retro rock and roll grunting and groaning, and Alex Chilton producing.

17) Billy Idol

Don’t laugh. The former Generation-X singer's albums contained a surprising savvy and undeniable energy.

Recommended LPs: 1984’s "Rebel Yell."

18) Public Image Ltd.

They may not have shaken up the world like the Sex Pistols, but Lydon’s band made it safe for punks to like noisy German experimentalist groups like Can and Faust.

Recommended LPs: "Metal Box"

19) The Birthday Party

Made cathartic screamfests under art rock auspicious, and launched the career of Nick Cave.

Recommended LP: "Prayers On Fire (1981)."

20) Pere Ubu

A more subversive version of Talking Heads, Pere Ubu created brainy, brawny modern dance music.

Recommended LPs: 1978’s "The Modern Dance."

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
3.   Jul 5, 2006 7:15 AM
In response to The Best Of Post-Punk posted by tidyboy:

the most pathetic post punk list ive ever seen!!!!
billy idol?siste ...

-- posted by uselesslordx
2.   Apr 28, 2005 5:58 AM
Interesting list! I can't say I agree with them all but, hey, that's the great thing about these sorts of lists - they provoke disagreement and discussion.

A few comments:

- Sorry, but Billy Ido ...

-- posted by tidyboy
1.   Mar 29, 2005 10:48 AM
Very interesting list. I'd agree with you on most of the artists, but not necessarily their placement.

-- posted by bowar



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