How to Discover Underrated Rock Bands from the 80s

The 1980s was a decade brimming with musical innovation and evolution, producing some of the most iconic bands and albums in rock history. From the hair metal movement to the rise of alternative rock, the 80s were a pivotal time for the genre. While bands like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and U2 dominated the mainstream spotlight, there were countless other bands that didn't receive the recognition they deserved. These underrated bands, often overshadowed by the giants of the era, contributed to the rich tapestry of 80s rock music.

In this article, we'll explore how to discover these hidden gems from the 80s rock scene, offering strategies and tools to help you unearth lesser-known acts that have had a lasting impact on the genre.

Understand the Context of the 80s Rock Scene

Before diving into the specifics of discovering underrated bands, it's important to understand the context of the rock scene in the 1980s. The decade was a time of transformation in rock music, with the emergence of new genres, styles, and technological advancements in music production.

Key Trends in 80s Rock Music

• The Rise of Hair Metal: The 1980s saw the explosion of hair metal bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Def Leppard. The genre was characterized by its glam, catchy hooks, and high-energy performances. While some of the bands in this scene reached massive commercial success, many others flew under the radar.
• Post-Punk and New Wave: With the decline of the classic rock era, post-punk and new wave bands like The Cure, Joy Division, and Talking Heads came to the forefront. These bands often experimented with electronic sounds and more introspective themes, setting the stage for the alternative rock boom that would follow in the late 80s and early 90s.
• Alternative Rock and Indie Scene: The 80s were also a fertile ground for the growth of alternative and indie rock bands. Artists like R.E.M., Sonic Youth, and The Smiths gained a devoted following, but many other alternative bands did not receive the mainstream attention they deserved.
• Hard Rock and Thrash Metal: While thrash metal bands like Slayer and Megadeth gained significant recognition in the 80s, there were also countless hard rock bands that didn't reach the same level of fame but still contributed to the evolution of the genre.

By understanding the broader context of the 80s rock scene, you can better identify where underrated bands fit into the musical landscape of the time.

Explore Lesser-Known Subgenres and Niche Movements

The 80s saw the rise of numerous subgenres and niche movements within rock music, some of which were underappreciated at the time. Exploring these subgenres can lead you to discover hidden gems that have remained largely overlooked by mainstream audiences.

Post-Punk and Gothic Rock

While bands like The Cure and Bauhaus received substantial recognition, many post-punk and gothic rock bands did not. These genres were often characterized by dark, atmospheric soundscapes, introspective lyrics, and a more experimental approach to rock music.

Some underrated post-punk bands to explore:

• The Chameleons: Known for their atmospheric sound and poetic lyrics, The Chameleons were highly influential in the post-punk scene but never achieved the mainstream success of their contemporaries.
• The Sound: This British post-punk band was heavily influenced by early punk and new wave, combining jangly guitars with deep, introspective lyrics. They are often cited as one of the most underrated bands of the era.
• Gene Loves Jezebel: Fusing gothic rock with new wave, Gene Loves Jezebel created a unique sound that garnered a dedicated cult following but never broke into the mainstream.

College Rock and Indie Rock

While the term "indie rock" didn't gain widespread popularity until the 90s, the 80s had a burgeoning underground scene that birthed numerous alternative bands that are often overlooked today.

• The Replacements: Despite their pivotal role in the American indie rock scene, The Replacements were always on the fringes of mainstream success, making them a quintessential underrated 80s band.
• Hüsker Dü: Known for their blend of hardcore punk and melodic sensibilities, Hüsker Dü's raw energy and innovative sound influenced many future alternative acts but never gained the widespread recognition they deserved in their heyday.
• Mission of Burma: An experimental band from Boston, Mission of Burma was ahead of their time, combining post-punk with elements of noise rock and creating a sound that would later influence bands like Sonic Youth and Pavement.

New Wave and Synth-Pop

While bands like Depeche Mode and New Order made waves in the new wave and synth-pop movements, many other bands in this scene failed to receive the same level of attention.

• The Human League: Though they achieved commercial success with hits like "Don't You Want Me," their deeper cuts and later albums remain underappreciated.
• Gary Numan: Numan's pioneering use of synthesizers and electronic production was a huge influence on the development of synth-pop, but his work beyond "Cars" remains largely overlooked.
• A Flock of Seagulls: Despite their hit song "I Ran," A Flock of Seagulls never fully capitalized on their success, leaving them as an underrated gem in the new wave scene.

Utilize Online Resources and Streaming Platforms

In the digital age, discovering music has never been easier. Online resources, streaming platforms, and music forums offer an abundance of material that can help you uncover hidden 80s rock bands.

Explore Bandcamp

Bandcamp is an excellent resource for discovering indie and underground music. Many lesser-known 80s rock bands that never made it to major streaming platforms may have their albums available on Bandcamp. You can use the search function to find bands by genre, and often these artists provide more in-depth information about their history, discography, and influences.

Use Spotify Playlists

Spotify's algorithm is a great tool for discovering lesser-known bands. By listening to a well-known 80s band that you already enjoy, you can find recommended songs and albums from similar artists. Many users also curate playlists specifically dedicated to underrated or obscure 80s rock music.

Check Out YouTube Channels and Documentaries

YouTube is a goldmine for music discovery. There are numerous channels dedicated to sharing forgotten 80s rock albums, live performances, and deep cuts. Many of these channels also upload documentaries, interviews, and rare footage, providing valuable context for the bands and their contributions to the era.

Channels like The Vinyl Detective or Obscure Rock often focus on deep cuts and forgotten bands from the 80s that deserve more attention.

Visit Music Forums and Subreddits

Online forums and Reddit are fantastic places to engage with music communities. Subreddits like r/80sMusic and r/IndieRock often feature discussions on underrated 80s bands, providing recommendations from fellow music lovers. You can also ask for specific suggestions or read about other people's discoveries.

Research Music Magazines and Zines from the 80s

During the 1980s, many alternative music magazines and fanzines served as crucial platforms for underground bands. These publications often wrote about lesser-known acts that didn't receive mainstream attention, and their archives can provide valuable insight into the forgotten bands of the era.

Notable Magazines to Explore

• NME (New Musical Express): While NME is well-known for covering mainstream bands, it also featured a wealth of alternative and indie bands that didn't break through to the mainstream. Their reviews, interviews, and features are an invaluable resource for discovering forgotten gems.
• Melody Maker: Another iconic British music publication, Melody Maker often covered the burgeoning alternative rock scene and can provide insights into the bands that were overshadowed by the big names of the decade.
• Fanzines: Smaller publications created by fans for fans were an essential part of the underground music scene in the 80s. Many of these zines covered local or obscure bands, often offering interviews, reviews, and concert listings that would otherwise be missed by mainstream audiences.

Check Out the Vinyl Market and Record Shops

If you're a vinyl enthusiast, exploring second-hand record shops and online vinyl marketplaces can unearth hidden 80s rock gems. Many underrated bands from the 80s were only able to release their music in limited quantities, and vinyl records can be a great way to find rare albums.

Tips for Finding Rare 80s Rock Records

• Visit Local Record Shops: Many independent record stores have an extensive selection of 80s albums, including lesser-known acts. Don't hesitate to ask the shop owner for recommendations or to help you find obscure albums.
• Explore Online Marketplaces: Websites like Discogs and eBay often have listings for rare 80s vinyl records. These platforms provide information on the album's rarity and condition, helping you track down albums that might not be available in your local area.
• Attend Record Fairs: Record fairs are often a great place to find hidden musical treasures, including rare 80s rock albums. Vendors at these events often specialize in specific genres and may have vinyl from underrated bands that you can't find elsewhere.

Dive Into the Live Performance Archives

Live performances can reveal an entirely different side of a band's music, and often, live shows were a significant part of an underrated band's identity in the 80s. Many bands didn't have the resources to produce professional albums, but they thrived in live settings, earning devoted cult followings.

Where to Find Live Performances

• Bootleg Recordings: While bootlegs often lack professional production quality, they can provide a raw and authentic view of a band's live performance. Searching for bootleg recordings of 80s rock bands can reveal unreleased material and live renditions of their best tracks.
• Concert Videos and DVDs: Many concerts from the 80s were filmed, and over time, some have been released on DVD or uploaded to platforms like YouTube. These performances can give you a sense of a band's energy and musical prowess.
• Live Audio Archives: Websites like Archive.org host a collection of live performances from a variety of bands, including many from the 80s. These can offer a treasure trove of unreleased live music from underrated acts.

Appreciate the Influence of Underrated Bands

Sometimes, the true impact of a band isn't immediately recognized, but their influence on later artists becomes apparent as time passes. Many 80s bands that were initially underappreciated went on to influence the sound and aesthetics of future generations of rock musicians.

By recognizing the lasting impact of these underrated bands, you can appreciate their contributions to the evolution of rock music. Many of these acts may not have had the commercial success of their peers, but their music has had a lasting and significant influence on the rock genre.

Conclusion

Discovering underrated rock bands from the 80s is a rewarding journey, one that requires patience, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the diverse sounds that emerged during this pivotal decade. Whether you explore niche subgenres, dive into online resources, or dig through vinyl collections, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. By seeking out these bands, you not only expand your musical horizons but also contribute to preserving the legacy of bands that helped shape the rock music landscape.

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