Gary Numan:

The Pleasure Principle:(1979)

I was not raised with much exposure to electronic music. Sure I heard the odd Bowie tune with Brian Eno's hand on it. Or a Talking Heads song, again, with Brian Eno's hand on it. But, I just didn't hear that much synth driven stuff. So as I started getting into music at thirteen, and started rummaging through thrift stores and garage sales for records, I picked up things I had no idea about. It was through these avenues that I discovered certain type of music. Electronic music being one of those. And it happened in a week's time. One day I came across a pair of Kraftwerk albums in the twenty-five cent bin, I'd heard of them, so I took these records home. Four days later I came across The Pleasure Principle. I seemed to vaguely remember the song, Cars. I picked it up out of the twenty-five cent bin, and took it home. To my surprise, I really dug all three of these records. In particular, the human element of Gary Numan's work. It was darker, but more human. Obviously, as I later learned, this was a hugely influential album. Go back, and listen to it again today, I'm sure you can pick out several groups that came after the 1979 release of this album that drew influence.

Billy Idol:

Billy Idol: (1982)

I think the first time I saw a Billy Idol video was on Friday Night Videos, we never had MTV or cable. And, of course I remember the scene in the movie Big where they're watching him do Rebel Yell. I found this copy of Idol's debut solo album at a yard sale in Fort Collins, CO in about 1999 when I was just starting to collect vinyl. Say what you will about Billy Idol, the guy is a great performer, and you actually feel it on this album. 

The Boomtown Rats:

The Boomtown Rats: (1977)

Before we knew Bob Geldof as a large event organizing political activist, or as "Pink" from the Wall, he was in a band called the Boomtown Rats. On this, their debut album, they move between New Wave swagger and Punk snarl with a narrative style that even echoes some Springsteen. I was about 15 when I discovered this record in a thrift store for fifty cents. I knew of the group, but had never heard them before. Got to love thrift store shopping. This album contained the groups first hit with, Looking After No. 1, and would be the start of a six album run before they dissolved. 

B-52's:

Wild Planet: (1980)

Is there a more fun band than the B-52's? This second album is a classic, full of all the quirk they were known for putting on display. From the opening line by Fred Schneider, "Surprise!" (you just said that in your head in Fred's voice, didn't you.) to the credits acknowledging the hairdresser, this album couldn't pop more. Private Idaho, and Devil In My Car are personal favorites. 

Mesopotamia EP: (1982)

The B-52's produced by David Byrne, what more do you need to know? It spawned some chart success, but I find to be one of the quirkier 52's albums. Perhaps because it's out there, but trying to reach for the middle. 

Adam Ant

Friend Or Foe (1982)

Could there be a more fun album than this effort from Adam Ant? It's quirky, and lively, and contains the super catchy hit Goody Two Shoes. I was first living on my own outside of Fort Collins, CO when I picked up this gem at a yard sale. Is it a masterpiece? Probably not. But, it is a record, that unlike a lot of it's peers, holds up pretty well. It lives in some neither region between New Wave, Rockabilly, and Novelty record that swims with charm...for me anyway. Just check out Place In The Country. Or the cover of Hello, I Love You. If you thought the Doors went to cheesy and Vegas on Touch Me, this Hello, I Love You will seem all the more cartoonish. Now, even though it's cliche to denote the hit single as the key track, I'm going to do it anyway. Goody Two Shoes is totally worth a listen if you've never heard this album. But perhaps my favorite tune here is Crackpot History And The Right To Lie.