The 80's: A Sophisticated Approach

In between themed toddler birthday parties, running marathons and working at a non-profit..The Sister gets together with a Supper Club.

It's her turn to host this month. Never one to leave a bad idea alone when it can easily be made so much worse...she has decided to give her night an 80s theme. My brother-in-law rightfully dreads this, not as a one-off but, as a challenge to the rest of the club. You can just see it in his face when she talks about it...this is all leading to a night some months from now when he'll be forced to talk like a pirate if he wants the salt.

For her it's an excuse to indulge in her favorite delusion...the 80's According to S****t...by making a mixed CD (shouldn't that really be a tape?). Thursday night, after supper, we sat around the table and listened as she explained which bands and songs were being considered...the fist troubling omission between all the Level 42 and Huey Lewis was Berlin.

How can you put a new wavish/80's compilation together without The Metro?



Then she balked at Haircut 100!

My own personal 80's list would consist only of a Fall side and a Prince side...but for her purposes, as vague and sketchy as they were turning out to be, how can you exclude Love Plus One???

"Well," she says, "I love those songs but, my taste in music is a little more, you know, sophisticated than most"...most what? 8 year olds.

Then she screwed up her face at Don't You Forget About Me. The song hits me like a bad smell too, but it is The Breakfast Club and she's throwing an 80's themed party drenched in day-glow and tied with a scrunchy...the decision's not really her's to make.

Obviously she needs help..and as y'all know, because I've told you so many times, I am nothing if not a loving and doting brother. As always...I'm here to help.

Here is your list lil Sister...it might not rise to the esoteric levels of sophistication you're comfortable with...but It'll be a hit.

We'll break into sides...keeping with the theme.

Side: Bougie

1. The Metro - Berlin

2. Head Over Heels - Go Gos

This really is one of my favorites.

3. Kids in America - Kim Wilde

4. Shake It Up - The Cars

5. B52's - 52 Girls


I know I know...but you tell me which decade it's most comfortable in.

6. Devo - Whip IT

7. The Waitresses - I Know What Boys Like

8. Stray Cat's - Rock This Town

9. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love RocknRoll

10. When Doves Cry - Prince



Y'all feel free to make your own suggestions...she really needs the help.

I'm off to work on Side: Ponce.