#41. "It Doesn’t Really Matter" - Platinum Blonde (1983)

Are you sitting comfortably? Then let's begin.

Let's begin with Platinum Blonde's first single "It Doesn’t Really Matter", which is also their best.

That classic guitar riff, the iconic bridge, the drum solo...and some of best caterwauling this side of "Sweet Child 'O Mine".

Canada's answer to Duran Duran, Platinum Blonde enjoyed much success at home with a slew of catchy singles during the mid-80s. 

It doesn't really matter that the band didn't last for too long. Much like the UK's The Smiths and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the Blondes packed in a lot of good stuff in 4-5 years. One of my other faves is "Situation Critical" from the 1985 album Alien Shores.

#42. "Relax" - Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1984)

That fookin' bass line!

The debut single from Frankie Goes To Hollywood became one of the 80s most controversial songs. It was also among the most popular, staying the UK charts for 42 weeks. 

And tenacious: the single was released twice in both the UK and US as it under performed the first time around.

More than a tune about wanking or shagging, "Relax" filled the dance floors on both sides of the Atlantic with an anthem that influenced the club music boom to follow later in the decade.

I recall getting down to this one at Rosa's on Argyle with the fog machine in its full glory. 

#43. "Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode (1989)

Think back to the early 80s for minute. Hands up if you thought back these guys would be sporting cowboy hats and playing guitars five years later?

The evolution of Depeche Mode from a light synth-pop act to filling stadiums in North America was quite impressive. Like U2 did a couple years prior with the The Joshua Tree, Depeche Mode captured the hearts and minds of America with an amped up, somewhat industrial form of dance music with the Violator album in 1989.

"Personal Jesus" is the best song from that period: a big beat that don't quit while twangy guitars and clinical keys keep things interesting. 

The badass video is a bonus. 

Well done boys, you've come a long way.

#44. "In Between Days" - The Cure (1985)

So these blokes aren't all doom and gloom as some might say.

"In Between Days" by The Cure is classic new wave and a staple at 80s parties. 

And one of the finest examples showing off the cardinal rules of new wave alt rock: melancholic lyrics and upbeat music. 

It's also one of the tightest songs of the decade at an economical 02:55.  

The intro is outstanding, immediately grabbing your attention with a wall of melodic guitars...and then come the synths. 

The lyrics allude to some sort of bizarre love triangle -- no, I'm not confusing this with New Order's tune although this song does have a New Order mid-80s kind of vibe...

In 1985, The Cure was still 'Indie pop' in North America where the mainstream wasn't ready for the likes of The Cure until a few years later...

#45. "She Sells Sanctuary" - The Cult (1985)

First things first: turn up the volume before clicking on the clip. 

Need an ice-breaker to liven up your house party / dance club / road trip? 

It's a rare sighting when headbangers, new wavers, preppies and rockers can all get down to the same groove. 

"She Sells Sanctuary" is one such song that crosses all the genres: an 80s "Kumbaya" for the feet if you will...

And how about that intro?

A ten-second tease and then lower the BOOM! A real rocker with a killer guitar riff that makes you wanna cut a rug.