The Virgin Encyclopedia of Eighties Music (Virgin Encyclopedias of Popular Music) Book

Finally, a Virginal take on the decade defined by rubber bracelets, neon clothing, asymmetrical hair, and Ronald Reagan. Colin Larkin sets up few barriers to entry--if it's musical and it happened during the '80s, it's in. He places, for example, enduring legends such as Prince--before the diminutive one chucked his name--and Madonna alongside such colleagues as Flock of Seagulls and Men Without Hats. Each artist or group merits a sound synopsis, biographical information, and a list of albums as well as a videography and bibliography where applicable. Larkin and his contributing writers are careful not to let their views interfere with readers' nostalgia trips as they pick and pluck their way through a musical era typified by extremes. Some of the decade's peaks include the first rap recording and the debut of MTV, while Debbie Gibson's "Electric Youth" and Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now" arguably represent its valleys. Or is it the other way around? Whether you delight in '80s music or rue the fact that you can't get "Friday I'm in Love" out of your head, this volume is an essential reference. --Jordana MoskowitzRead More