The 1980s Redux

Posted by Brett Hooton Sep 17, 2006

Remember the 1980s? Can you believe that this legendary decade started a quarter century ago? I can't. Like most people my age, I am currently suffering from a major "quarter-life crisis".

I ask myself over and over again: What should I do with my life? How can I make this world a better place? What should I put on my iPod this week?

Luckily, there is a new album out that can help all of us remember simpler times, such as when it was Ronald Reagan destroying civilization rather than George W. Bush. Okay, that's the same, but at least he had a sunny, likeable disposition.

The album, right.... It is a great new disc from Grant-Lee Phillips. Phillips used to be the front man for the great band, Grant Lee Buffalo, and now he has rediscovered his musical roots by putting out a record of covers from the fabulous decade of yuppies, big hair, and Footloose. It is aptly titled nineteeneighties .

The record is a blast, full of reinterpretations of songs by R.E.M., The Pixies, The Psychedelic Furs, Nick Cave, Joy Division, and The Cure. Phillips pays tribute to several other legendary bands as well. It is a great disc, a fun and unpretentious homage to music that deserves to be reexamined in today's context.

Check back in the next few days for Folk101's complete review. Again, thanks for reading and don't hesitate to drop me a line if you have questions or comments.

Cheers. Folk101 wishes you a radical day!

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