They don’t write ‘em like that anymore:
30 tracks from 30 years back

To coincide with at+m’s 30th year milestone, let’s take a look at what was on the airwaves exactly three decades ago. Music videos had been around for years but 1981 also saw the launch of MTV. And, as you’ll see, it was a very big year for popular music.

In fact, 1981 was a watershed year, a major crossroads for musical genres and somewhat of a purple patch for Oz Rock, too. A time when hard working pub bands found chart success and the world was a simpler place.

I’ve picked 30 examples that, I think, constitute a pretty accurate core sample of that year. It’s all here: garage rock, funk, synthpop, the one-hit wonders, the questionable hair, the sometimes-stylish film clips, New Romantics, old favourites, guilty pleasures, and all those catchy, eighth-note rhythms hammering along in a reassuringly predictable way.

So whether you’re into vinyl, all things retro, or just like getting a little nostalgic, check them out. Music trivia buffs, pay attention, too. Here they are in no particular order:

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1. Unlike the Beach Boys, these boys could actually surf.
2. He played guitar in Aussie band Zoot but the point is probably moot.
3. This song was inspired by watching Apocalypse Now.
4. The intro here is very White Stripes Hardest Button To Button.
5. What ever happened to the sweatband as a Rock accessory?
6. An Ultravox offshoot project with a guy called Steve Strange.
7. The best local exponents of the so-called Paisley Underground.
8. Like the man himself once said, “Cocaine is a hell of a drug.”
9. These cats made Rockabilly cool again.
10. This eccentric little clip was shot around the Hobart waterfront.
11. Hear 10cc’s I’m Not In Love wall of vocals in the intro.
12. This Russell Mulcahy clip is a nod to noir film, The Third Man.
13. Power chords, fat riffs, the reverse snare sound… what’s not to like?
14. Americans had Bruce Springsteen. Aussies had their own “Boss”.
15. You gotta love the choreographed face slaps in this one.
16. Kmart thrashed this Kiwi classic for five years in its commercials.
17. A once-controversial song from the ex-Buzzcocks vocalist.
18. Everyone thought they were singing: “Alex the seal”.
19. The (barely-seen) lead guitarist, Steve Housden, had just joined.
    He now owns the band name.
20. “These are the days it never rains but it pours.”
21. This good ol’ boy always did write great bridges.
22. Along with Don Walker, one of this country’s songwriting geniuses.
23. Well if it isn’t the old milk-in-the-snare-drum trick.
24. Imagine that, a lovely little waltz… about heroin.
25. This is who influenced James Reyne’s contentious vocal style.
26. And you may ask yourself: what is this song? (Kramer move @1:11)
27. Motown legend Junior Walker = one scorching sax solo.
28. “Put this bus in top gear, get me out of here.”
29. The audio engineer behind Dark Side of the Moon. (More cowbell!)
30. “…the same old song with the melancholy sound.”