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Now, I am writing this at the top of my head, without going through my cassette tape collection, so I am probably forgetting a few. I keep wanting to think of seventies bands, but that is another title. My list includes bands and solo artists and is in no particular order.

Prince
The man, if he was a man indeed and not a symbol, was a prolific songwriter (he wrote for Sinead O'Connor, to name but one) and a cutting edge performer.

Phil Collins
From bringing Genesis off the critics' love pages to commercial success (arguably a good thing) and then going off on an incredibly successful solo career that continues today, this man has shown himself to be a consummate genius. Incredibly talented (he play all the instruments on several of his albums), and commercially successful, the man is to be admired.

Mike and the Mechanics
While their career was all of two albums long, they were both replete with anthems, ballads and riffs that epitomized the eighties. From "Living Years" to the soaring themes of "Silent Runnings" these guys hold a tender place in a lot of that generation's heart.

Mr. Mister
The most popular band that most people never heard of. "Broken Wings." "Kyrie Eleison" These were two of the most popular songs of the time, but not many people bought their tape. What a shame.

The Clash
Talented, experimental, punk rock. What more could you ask for? These guys influenced any number of modern bands. Should they stay or should they go? Definitely stay!

The Smiths
Morissey. His name says a lot of it, but not all of it. Have you ever heard of Cold Play? Several members of that modern band cite The Smiths as a major influence. Meat is Murder, Reel around the Fountain, song after song expressed a frustration with relationships and mankind that absolutely summed up much of the angst of the eighties.

The Cure
Nope, boys don't cry. But if you show me show me show me your tape of The Cure, I'll show you mine. What a great band! Alternative pioneers and great users of make-up! Well... we could do without the make-up.

U2
Great anthems like "Where the Streets Have no Name," "Pride," and love ballads like "With or Without You" are of course their signature tunes. But have you listened to "Bullet the Blue Sky" recently? If not, do so. It is still accurate about many of societies ills.

INXS
Michael Hutchence, you died too young. Their songs are still played on the radio around the country. "Suicide Blonde" "Never Tear us Apart" wonderful show stoppers. What's more: last year they signed

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