Pitchfork Media's "Top 100 Albums of the 1980s"

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It’s said that the 1980s are responsible for the worst fashion, fads, and music of any decade of the 20th century. But as we see the decade recycled and updated with post-millennial minimalism, it’s becoming clear that the 1980s had more to offer than we’ve given them credit for. As the calendar left the classless earthtones and polyester of the 1970s behind, musicians looked to the future for inspiration in new genres. With this feature, Pitchfork seeks to prove that, amidst the smooth-jazz of Kenny G, the vanilla soul of Hall & Oates, and the white-trash hair-rock of Warrant, lay a revolution in sound. It is to the vision and perseverance of many of these artists that we owe the roots of hip-hop, synth-pop, and most notably for this publication, alternative and indie rock. Respect is due.

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  1. 1.
    Daydream Nation
    by Sonic Youth

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  2. 2.
    Remain in Light
    by Talking Heads

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  3. 3.
    Paul's Boutique
    by Beastie Boys

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  4. 4.
    Doolittle
    by Pixies

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  5. 5.
    Murmur
    by R.E.M.

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  6. 6.
    The Queen is Dead
    by The Smiths

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  7. 7.
    Surfer Rosa
    by Pixies

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  8. 8.
    Rain Dogs
    by Tom Waits

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  9. 9.
    It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
    by Public Enemy

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  10. 10.
    Closer
    by Joy Division

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  11. 11.
    Swordfishtrombones
    by Tom Waits

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  12. 12.
    Music from the Motion Picture "Purple Rain"
    by Prince & the Revolution

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  13. 13.
    This Nation's Saving Grace
    by The Fall

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  14. 14.
    Sister
    by Sonic Youth

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  15. 15.
    Skylarking
    by XTC

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  16. 16.
    On Fire
    by Galaxie 500

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  17. 17.
    Double Nickels on the Dime
    by Minutemen

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  18. 18.
    3 Feet High and Rising
    by De La Soul

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  19. 19.
    Second Edition
    by Public Image Ltd.

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  20. 20.
    Deceit

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  21. 21.
    My Life in the Bush of Ghosts

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  22. 22.
    Isn't Anything
    by My Bloody Valentine

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  23. 23.
    Psychocandy
    by The Jesus and Mary Chain

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  24. 24.
    Hard / Solid Gold
    by Gang of Four

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  25. 25.
    Damaged
    by Black Flag

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  26. 26.
    Get Happy!!
    by Elvis Costello & the Attractions

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  27. 27.
    Thriller
    by Michael Jackson

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  28. 28.
    Power, Corruption & Lies
    by New Order

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  29. 29.
    Let It Be
    by Replacements

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  30. 30.
    The Joshua Tree
    by U2

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  31. 31.
    EVOL
    by Sonic Youth

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  32. 32.
    Zen Arcade
    by Hüsker Dü

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  33. 33.
    Hex Enduction Hour
    by The Fall

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  34. 34.
    Spirit of Eden
    by Talk Talk

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  35. 35.
    Straight Outta Compton
    by N.W.A.

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  36. 36.
    Violent Femmes
    by Violent Femmes

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  37. 37.
    Tim
    by The Replacements

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  38. 38.
    Disintegration
    by The Cure

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  39. 39.
    The Stone Roses
    by The Stone Roses

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  40. 40.
    You're Living All Over Me
    by Dinosaur Jr.

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  41. 41.
    Licensed to Ill
    by Beastie Boys

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  42. 42.
    The Trinity Session
    by Cowboy Junkies

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  43. 43.
    Raising Hell
    by Run-D.M.C.

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  44. 44.
    Computer World
    by Kraftwerk

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  45. 45.
    Sign 'O' the Times
    by Prince

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  46. 46.
    English Settlement
    by XTC

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  47. 47.
    Naked City
    by John Zorn

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  48. 48.
    Document
    by R.E.M.

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  49. 49.
    Vs.
    by Mission of Burma

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  50. 50.
    The Perfect Prescription
    by Spacemen 3

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Created by Robot Co-op on Nov 30, 2005.
 

Comments

Read — 40 weeks ago

Read Carfully: Michael Jackson, Thriller – The best album of the 80’s.


iyiiki
Cumberland

Corrections — 2 years ago

The original link to Straight Outta Compton was to a tribute album, not the original. When I tried to change it to the correct one, the whole list got screwed up somehow. Thus all the changes I had to make. Looks like everything is correct now. I also updated the source link to the actual list on pitchfork’s site.