Sananda Maitreya*, âIf You Let Me Stayâ *The artist formerly known as Terrence Trent DâArby
YouTube video by terencetrentVEVO
Brand New Heavies & Pharcyde, âSoul Flowerâ This is my favorite track from âHeavy Rhyme Experience, Vol 1â (there never was a Vol 2) where Brand New Heavies did live accompaniment for featured rappers. Pharcyde has their own version of the song, much more laid back in comparison to this one.
YouTube video by London Records
The Sugarcubes, âDelicious Demonâ The BjĂśrk energy was present in this song in one of my favorite albums from 1988.
YouTube video by The Sugarcubes - Topic
Manipulation by song⌠donât love that move.
The Jam, âLiza Radleyâ A haunting story song where itâs about being in love with the manic pixie dream girl whoâs living her own life.
YouTube video by The Jam - Topic
Depeche Mode, âBut Not Tonightâ An add-on to the album, a song to promote the film âModern Girls,â it feels like a coda to bleakness of much of âBlack Celebration.â
YouTube video by Depeche Mode - Topic
Prince, âI Would Die 4 Uâ This is one my favorites from the Purple Rain soundtrack, a fantastic album to boot.
YouTube video by Prince - Topic
Big Audio Dynamite, âCâmon Every Beatboxâ This is one of those few moments of genius from Mick Jonesâ post-Clash project.
YouTube video by bigaudiodynamiteVEVO
The Smiths, âAskâ This song is as pop as it gets for an 80s teenager feeling alienated in Southern California. I still love this song and some others. Morrisey, not so much but Johnny Marr is awesome.
YouTube video by The Smiths
The Cure, âThe Exploding Boyâ This one is a B-side. I first heard it in the now out-of-print compilation âStaring at the Seaâ. It shows up in another compilation âJoin the Dotsâ and as a demo version bonus track on the remastered album âThe Head on the Door.â
YouTube video by The Cure - Topic