Glad to see you're back for the second installment of Way Back Wednesday, where I feature some old-school classics from way back.
Up first: The Cure. When you think of '80s and '90s music, it's hard to not think of The Cure, and front-man Robert Smith. The British band formed in 1976, and released their debut album, Three Imaginary Boys, in 1979. Although "Boys Don't Cry" was their second single released, it was their first "hit," creating buzz for the post-punk, goth-rock band. Once they released Pornography, in 1982, Robert Smith tried to shed the gloomy, dark image that The Cure had become synonymous with. In the midst of heavy drug use and depression, Smith cleaned up for the time being, and decided to go with a more pop-driven atyle. That same year, The Cure released "Let's Go To Bed," proving the band could still have success with a darker New Wave sound. To date, 1989's Disintegration is considered their most successful record. It was critically acclaimed, selling millions of copies and producing several chart-topping singles, like the classic, often-covered "Love Song," "Fascination Street," and the sexy, dark sound of "Lullaby." That year, The Cure became a worldwide chart-topping success. Their distinctive sound, Robert Smith's vocals, and their style remain extremely influential to many bands, even today.
"Love Song"
"Just Like Heaven""Lullaby""Let's Go To Bed"//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x2an6l
Forming in 1989, Guru and DJ Premier, better known as Gang Starr, released their debut album, No More Mr. Nice Guy. From there on, it was classic album after classic album. Gang Starr, in my opinion, is what '90s hip-hop is all about; independent, intelligent, and dexterous. Guru raps over jazzy, piano-looped, DJ Premier-produced tracks, with his monotone voice. With clarity and precision, Guru always had a message to deliver. You'd think with this jazzy production, and his talent to scratch records, DJ Premier would be from the east coast, but he's actually from Houston, TX. With the East vs. West battle that went on during the '90s, this never was an issue for Premier. He produced so many classic hip-hop songs for the likes of Nas, Mos Def, Fat Joe, Common, Snoop Dogg, and Xzibit. Guru also did a few projects without his beat maker, releasing several Jazzmatazz compilations. Gang Starr released Daily Operation in 1992, and in 1994 followed up that critically acclaimed album with the classic, Hard To Earn. "Ex Girl To Next Girl," "Mass Appeal," and "Code Of The Streets" all become hit singles off those albums. In 1998, after a four-year hiatus, they released Moment Of Truth. With their most successful album to date, and an updated sound, Gang Starr rounded out a legendary decade of hip-hop music.
"Ex Girl To Next Girl""Mass Appeal""Code Of The Streets""Royalty"What are some of your favorites from these Way Back artists? Make sure to check back with Ear Buds and see what new stuff the staff is bringing you. See you guys next week!
