The '85/'86 Syndrome

By the time 1985 hit, the term "new wave" was not as recognizable as it was some years prior, however, there were some artists still hoping on board at the chance to gain some attention. MTV was slowly shifting towards a new direction and labels began to care less and less by promoting the bigger names and not spotlighting those who truly deserved it.

Some artists that fall into this second wave category as I call it would be Belouis Some, King, Latin Quarter, The Adventures, Iam Siam, Lady Pank among countless others.

All of the above were on major labels so I am not even including the one off acts.

Belouis Some was best known for his single "Some People." He recorded 2 albums in the 80's and a final album released in 1993 which I have not yet listened to. As far as the first 2 releases are concerned they are perfect and well constructed but easily overlooked. While he wasn't big here in the states he did gain the respect of those overseas and believe it or not he landed 3 top 20 hits in South Africa.

King aka Paul King another one who released only 2 albums but both brilliant in their own way suffers from the same fate as Belouis did. Many awarding singles but only one that received the hot spot, "Love & Pride." Which can still be forgotten at times by the MTV generation. Paul King did release a solo album in 1987 with the stand out track "I Know" and again failed to do anything. I think there is something to be said about Epic records and I will get into that at another time.

Latin Quarter were a band who released 7 albums altogether but didn't have the spunk as Belouis and King did. The only noteworthy song was from their 1986 album, 'Modern Times' with the single conveniently named the same. Though, they did have a handful of singles "Modern Times" is the true winner.

The Adventures, two words. The Adventures may be the strongest out of all the artists I clumped into this category. Releasing 4 albums in all, I can say each album gives you a different taste of what the band is capable of. My favorite release is 'Theodore & Friends' with the ever so smashing "Send My Heart."

Iam Siam a band with a purpose but the public wasn't ready for. One solo album that contained 2 amazing singles "Talk To Me" and "She Went Pop."

Lady Pank were internationally known but here in the states they may be best remembered for the 1985 release 'Drop Everything.' It was released in English as most of their material was recorded in their home land of Poland.

I will begin a more detailed journey on the above mentioned and as time goes on I will expand to more of those artists who sadly missed the boat. It's not to say it was only during these two years but when you think of it music was changing, a harder sound was awaiting and there was a lot of talent lost in the middle of the decade.