Driving around town this week, a wonderfully familiar song came on WFUV radio. It was "Getting Away With It" by Electronic, a collabo of 80s icons: Bernard Sumner of New Order, Johnny Marr, guitarist for The Smiths and vocals by Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys. It was released in the US as the decade ended, with a formula that has only grown in popularity. The swirling synths over a chunky bass line create a foundation for floating vocals to make any dance floor spin.It reminds me of the lyrics in "Lariat," a brand new song by Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks (lyric video en français on YouTube here). Malkmus, indie darling of Pavement band fame, reminisces about how "we grew up listening to the music from the best decade ever -- talking about the 80s." I'll agree it certainly was a golden time, when all sorts of electronic instruments instantly became part of a band's set up and dance beats ruled. As one who shies away from aggressive, angry music of any kind, it was a great time to be a new music fan, and of course, someone who loves to dance.
Check out the video for "Getting Away With It" on YouTube or below.