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The 1980s was perhaps the most eclectic and new decade for music since the 1960s; historically speaking, it is a crossroads where classic rock dead ends, alternative music hit its stride, and the computer age really factored in. Because of these factors, when buying '80s music, it is important to think about what one likes about other types of music from different decades and walks of life. The 2000s is a great decade to start from, because it really brings together several styles of music, many of which are rooted in the '80s scene.

When trying to decide what next '80s group to commit your almighty dollar to, really try and focus on what you like about other music and try to apply that to '80s bands that you are courting. Here are a few examples of qualities that several bands may share:

- Are you a fan of the sugary-yet-sexually-driven pop that dominated the late 1990's with singers such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera? Then perhaps you should go for the sugar-coated master of the craft with Madonna's first few albums (that's right, kids-she existed before "Ray of Light.") If even this is too cerebral for you, one could perhaps go for the likes of Tiffany's 1987 cover of Tommy James' "I Think We're Alone Now."

- OK, so pop doesn't satiate your appetite. You want something with a little more edge like, say, the thundering metal-punk of Queens of the Stone Age right now. Well it just so happens that hard rock did not die in 1979-it churned right along in bands like Husker Du and Black Flag, all the way to the late '80s with bands like Soundgarden and the now-infamous Pixies, the fathers (and mother) of '90s alternative music.

- Perhaps the most effective (and easiest) method of discovering '80s music is to pick your favorite artists of today and yesterday. Many groups go beyond definition and have transcended decades. Many groups that have made recent good music started in the '80s or even before, such as the Police, U2 and the Cure, all of which are rooted in the '70s but have found success in recent times, and thus were active throughout much of the '80s.

- Another great method of discovering '80s music is to look at media from the time, such as movies or television shows. Many of the themes and soundtracks of the decade produced some of the best music, such as the soundtracks for Fast Times at Ridgemont High or just about any John Hughes movie made at the time.

- Compilations are another great way to discover music you may not have heard or forgot about from the '80s. A great source for the neo-psychedelic garage revival, for instance, is the compilation "Children of Nuggets." One could also look to the many various "top hits" compilations that are put out by Billboard or any other publishing company.

When looking to invest in quality '80s music, it is important to make sure there is a delicate balance of factors that you like about the band/artist, yet enough mystique surrounding them that you can enjoy the music without the repetition of bland or cliched riffs. What is good to one person may be absolutely boring or horrible to someone else, so you are the only one equipped with the tools to find what you like. If you are truly honest about your search and are willing to learn, there is some great '80s music waiting out there.

Learn more about this author, Tim Babiasz.
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