Help me move out of the eighties!

[Saker]

I was a teenager in the 1980s so most of my favourite pop songs date from then. I also like listening to classical and jazz and mostly listen to Radio 4 so I am just really out of touch with more up-to-date stuff. About the only things I am familiar with from the last two decades are Amy Winehouse and Oasis . But listening to Amy Winehouse made me realise there's probably lots of good stuff out there that I have been missing. Can anybody recommend any bands / songs I should listen to, to broaden my horizons a bit. It doesn't just have to be really recent, anything since about 1990!

I don't think you're missing out to be honest. I'm partial to 80's music myself and anything after the late 90's is just not the same standard! There are lots of "artists" who cover songs from the 80's which must mean that even they can't think of decent songs to write themselves. Just look at Atomic Kitten with their renditions of classics from The Bangles, Blondie, George Michael etc. Aargh!

Maybe try listening to the radio? It's a great way to discover bands you never knew you loved. Depends what type of music you were into in the 80s though. Absolute Radio is good for a mix of older and newer rock/indie tracks or XFM if you're in London or Manchester. If you're into pop/r&b/dance then I can't help you

Eatsshootsetc, there's loads of fantastic music post 90s. I was a teenager in the 80s too and for a long time resisted anything new but I've found so much amazing music out there recently and now regularly go to see bands live. It's a new lease on life!

Further from my first post on this topic, in the last year I've discovered my favourite band of all time ever by listening to the radio, and I thought I was a Smiths gal for life. There's so, so much out there, you just have to listen out for it.

I'm the same as you. I couldn't face Radio 1, as far as I'm concerned Radio 2 is where you go to die, commercial radio drives me mad. Then I got a DAB radio and discovered 6 Music. Give it a try - it plays a nice mix of cool 70s/80s/90s stuff plus lots of unusual modern stuff. Jarvis Cocker is now presenting on a Sunday morning and he's fab.

MattBellamysMuse - who is this band who you have just discovered (not Muse by any chance? ).

I will try the radio from time to time. 6 Music sounds promising. I really like listening to Radio 4 most of the time, I can't do with the endless burble and / or adverts on most other channels. I was hoping to shortcut by getting some suggestions here .

I am an xfm manchester listener. They are VERY good at highlighting little bands that then seem to become huge but they are indie/soft rock. NOt too many ads either.

Radio 1 is mostly DJ drivel and chart. But if you are a pop kinda girl that's probably still the right station for you.

I'm a big Radio4 listener - Radio 1 and XFM make my ears bleed with their endless burble and shouty adverts. I find Radio 6 suits my Radio 4 sensibilities - intelligent DJs like Lauren Laverne and Jarvis cocker.

If you like classical stuff you might like Elbow live at Abbey Rd which is a version of their album played with full orchestral arrangements. It is very beautiful with excellent performances and intelligent lyrics.

maybe i listen at a non adverty time!

Or maybe I'm just grumpy and old before my time with a low tolerance for exuberance!

Am also a massive 80s fan.

Second XFM and Radio 6 (Craig Charles' Radio 6 show on a Saturday night is amazing).

Things I'd try if I were you:

Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid
Radiohead - The Bends
Killers - Hot Fuss (especially if you like Duran Duran)
Kings of Leon - Only by the Night
La Roux - La Roux
Leftfield - Leftism
Girls Aloud - Any

Thanks for the suggestions SunshineMummy, I will work through them. Also will try Radio 6 though I don't have a digital radio so it will have to be via the computer or tv.

LowLevelWhingeing - I know how you feel; I can feel old and out of touch. I don't want to become like one of those high court judges who said "some sort of footballer, I believe, Paul Gascoigne..". On the other hand often when I do make the effort (e.g. watching X factor ) I feel I totally wasted my time.

X Factor is a waste of time.

Current favs playing on I pod

Killers (I love love love this band)
Kings of Leon
Snow Patrol
Kaiser Chiefs
Red Hot Chilli Peppers

If 80's freak would suggest La Roux as a 'Modern" 80's alternative.

Oh and most recent purchase "Florence and the machine" Lungs.Fab album.

Oh singingbear!

Hope you like it. And if you don't tell us why because there are lots of different types of shows for different tastes.