66/100 Video - "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" - The Smiths (1987)

The video for "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" may only show vocalist Morrissey, but much of the magic in the song is crafted by guitar wizard Johnny Marr. 

From start to finish, the guitars shimmer on arguably the most gorgeously polished production of their five-year career. The Smiths broke up just weeks before the single had been released. The Smiths legacy was quality over quantity (72 songs over 6 years), as well as being the indie UK rock band of the 80s, soon to influence a brand new British invasion to come in the 90s.

Back to the single, a song about lies, obsession, drinking, fisticuffs and a bicycle accident: leave it to Moz to come up a creative way to describe a crossbar hitting his junk as "The pain was enough to make a shy, bald buddhist reflect and plan a mass-murder." Incidently, the song was banned from daytime airplay on the BBC due to a recent massacre.

The unique video features Morrissey and a gang of bespectacled clones wearing Smiths shirts riding bicycles around Manchester on Coronation Street and past iconic venues like the Salford Boys Club and the Strangeways prison. In fact, the 'cycle with Morrissey' theme resulted from a call out to fans. Read the cool story from a New Zealand participant here.

Currently unchecked on my bucket list, one of these years I hope to make a pilgrimage to Manchester to visit these and other iconic landmarks that part of the history of some of my favourite bands like New Order, Joy Division, The Smiths and others.

The carefree cycling reminds me of my own childhood biking adventures on my trusty 10-speed, riding helmet-free from the trailer court in Dartmouth across town, over the bridge and throughout Halifax, unbeknownst to my parents. 

67/100 Video - "Why Can't I Be You?" - The Cure (1987)

"Why Can't I Be You?" by The Cure is one of the band's coolest videos.

With Robert leading the charge, the band members gyrate to the music like they are filming a workout video. 

The numerous costume changes, which include Robert Smith in a furry bear suit, show us how much the band enjoyed filming it.

I always cringe when I hear non-fans call The Cure a "Goth" band. 

The Cure has a song for every mood. 

And "Why Can't I Be You?" is pure happiness and joy. 

81/100 Video - "La Isla Bonita" - Madonna (1987)

 

The song is pure escapism. 

The video is about her dress.

Madonna does the flamenco and longs for the island breezes of San Pedro in this tasty and timeless slice of Latin and pop fusion. 

That smooth Spanish guitar never fails to deliver an 'isla bonita': a day dream to a tropical utopia for an 18-year-old living in the suburbs who'd traveled as far as P.E.I.  

1987 - "Where The Streets Have No Name" - U2

The Edge's shimmering guitar chords in the cinematic intro always gives me the feels. The sound of anticipation that ironically is the drama, two minutes of a bright light being slowly turned on. This is what I wanna hear before a playoff tilt as the Habs hit the ice (although they come close at the Bell Centre with Coldplay's "Fix Me").

This single came out late in the summer after high school graduation. I remember listening to the tune on my Walkman taking the ferry to Halifax into the unknown on my way to university at SMU, partly hopeful, partly reticent, but most of all thinking anything is possible.

"Where The Streets Have No Name" is undeniably one of the 80s great rock anthems, and for me, the best of all those quality singles from The Joshua Tree album that broke the band in America.  

I thought the single deserved a better video than the official version showing the band playing on a rooftop and shutting down the streets of LA. The video actually does a disservice to the song, ruining the The Edge's opening and iconic riff. 

Other favourites from 1987: 

"True Faith" - New Order

"Just Like Heaven" - The Cure

"Moonlight Desires" – Gowan

"Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" – The Smiths

#1. "True Faith" - New Order (1987)

I always feel so extraordinary when I listen to this song. 

An addictive song about dealing with addictions, "True Faith" by New Order has always been a go-to track throughout the years.

First, and as corny as it may sound, "True Faith" got me through my first breakup. 

Musically, it's a band playing at its peak in 1987 with everyone making notable contributions: from Stephen Morris' dramatic drumming to Peter Hook's melodic bass and Gillian Gilbert's danceable synths. 

The surreal video shows costumed dancers slapping each other and hopping on gym mats to the beat of the tune.

It's also the song that cracked the band in North America. 

But it's Bernard Sumner's honest vocal delivery of poignant and edgy lyrics about the struggle we all experience that puts this track over the top. 

The "morning sun" take on the old adage of a "tomorrow's another day" is proof we all get another chance.  

Fave lyrics: "I feel so extraordinary / Something's got a hold on me / I get this feeling I'm in motion / A sudden sense of liberty"

This is a song that keeps sounding better. Although the instrumental bridge is amazing in the original single, the replacement guitar solo improves it as shown in this recent concert clip from Berlin below.

#4. "Just Like Heaven" - The Cure (1987)

That sweeping layered 50 second instrumental intro is right up there with the best intros of all time (love those cymbal splashes!).

And the rest of the song isn't too bad either. In fact, it's pure ecstasy. 

The churning, shimmering guitars, the melodic synth, the driving beat. The piano at the bridge. 

Combine this with Robert Smith's passionate vocals and poignant lyrics and "Just Like Heaven" is also probably my favorite love song. 

But of course like many of their tunes, it has a twist and not a happy ending. But that's ok because it's all about the journey, albeit a short one at three minutes and nineteen seconds.

Proof that The Cure can produce a pop song as good as anyone from an era of classics.

#17. "Never Let Me Down Again" - Depeche Mode (1987)

The second single from Music For The Masses only reached #22 on the UK charts. 

Despite its modest chart success, "Never Let Me Down Again" is quite possibly Depeche Mode's most powerful jam.

And one of its darkest. 

The synths pulsate relentlessly and hypnotically.

An addictive song about drug addiction; or is it about trust?

David Gahan nails the vocals with a chorus that soars across the sky.

Absolutely perfect. And addictive.

Fave lyrics: 

"We're watching the world pass us by 
Never want to come down

Never want to put my feet back down"

"Never Let Me Down Again" is a fan favourite at concerts as per this live clip:

#19. "Where The Streets Have No Name" - U2 (1987)

The Edge's guitar chords in the intro always gives me goosebumps. 

"Where The Streets Have No Name" is undeniably one of the 80s great rock anthems, and for me the best of the quality singles from The Joshua Tree album that broke the band in America.  

I thought the single deserved a better video than the official version showing the band playing on a rooftop and shutting down the streets of LA. The video actually does a disservice to the song, ruining the The Edge's opening and iconic riff. 

I've therefore added a video of a more recent concert performance that demonstrates the enormous emotional attachment both band and fans exhibit towards one of U2's finest moments. 

"Streets" came out late in the summer of '87 after I graduated from high school. I remember listening to the tune on my Walkman taking the ferry to Halifax into the unknown on my way to university at SMU, equally hopeful and reticent, but most of all thinking anything is possible.

#29. "Moonlight Desires" - Gowan (1987)

"A Criminal Mind" showed off Gowan's uniqueness. "Strange Animal" proof he could rock. "Cosmetics" was groovy. 

But "Moonlight Desires" is...spiritual.

Mayans. Mullets. Battlestar Galactica.

Full disclosure: I lifted that last bit from the You Tube comments but it's a fitting summary. 

"Moonlight Desires" may as well been created on another planet, a verse from another universe: it touches the soul and makes the goosebumps. 

The arrangement impeccable, the lyrics magical, the vocals haunting, the setting majestic. It's everything I love about the 80s, a reminder how fortunate to have grown up during this era.

The collaboration with Jon Anderson (YES) is a perfect harmony, a sort of Obi-Wan Kenobi character dropping in from another dimension to connect with Luke (Gowan).

#32. "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" - The Smiths (1987)

The video for "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" may only show vocalist Morrissey but much of the magic is crafted by guitar wizard Johnny Marr. 

From start to finish, the guitars shimmer on arguably the most gorgeously polished production of their five-year career. The Smiths broke up just weeks before the single had been released. The Smiths legacy was quality over quantity (72 songs over 6 years), as well as being the indie UK rock band of the 80s, soon to influence a brand new British invasion to come in the 90s.

Back to the single, a song about lies, obsession, drinking, fisticuffs and a bicycle accident: leave it to Moz to come up a creative way to describe a crossbar hitting his junk as "The pain was enough to make a shy, bald buddhist reflect and plan a mass-murder." Incidently, the song was banned from daytime airplay on the BBC due to a recent massacre.

The unique video features Morrissey and a gang of bespectacled clones wearing Smiths shirts riding bicycles around Manchester on Coronation Street and past iconic venues like the Salford Boys Club and the Strangeways prison. In fact, the 'cycle with Morrissey' theme resulted from a call out to fans. Read the cool story from a New Zealand participant here.

The carefree cycling reminds me of my own childhood biking adventures on my trusty 10-speed, riding helmet-free from the trailer court in Dartmouth across town, over the bridge and throughout Halifax, unbeknownst to my parents. Back when we just had to show up for supper.

#53. "Fascinated" - Company B (1987)

I'm fascinated by how fresh this jam still sounds in 2019, making it 32 years since it was released in 1987.

Along with "Come Go With Me" by Exposé, Company B's "Fascinated" was an iconic Miami-based freestyle dance track that stormed the clubs in North America. 

The driving beat and relentless rhythm reels us in early and doesn't let go. 

It's also the sort of track I end up hitting repeat a few times.

The arrangement hints at 1984's "Axel F.", except "Fascinated" has those naughty lyrics. 

#92. "Things I Do For Money" - The Northern Pikes (1987)

The second single "Things I Do For Money" by Canadian rockers The Northern Pikes is a far cry from the more radio-friendly and upbeat vibe of "Teenland" and most of their singles in the 90s.

The song shows off the band's depth: I'm a fan of the sparse instrumentation and the moody yet melodic arrangement. The mysterious intro makes it hard to figure out where the tune is heading. In fact, the song starts with minimalist verses that build slowly, before it simmers, dazzles then crashes into a terrific crescendo before the fade to end.

The lyrics are powerful, even chilling, and a perfect match to the dark music.

Fave lyrics: "I used to be quite practical but now I find I'm tactical". 

For comparison, check out their debut single; the more peppy and poppy "Teenland".

#97. "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses (1987)

"Sweet Child O' Mine" had to make the list. Yep, it's overplayed but the tune had its place. It was the song played on summer road trips with the gang en route to PEI for a weekend of teenage mayhem. 

On said road trips I’d always get outvoted (new wave anyone? ... anyone? ... Bueller?), then subjected to a tortuous, endless loop of Def Leppard, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. 

Especially GNR.

Not only did I learn to tolerate the tune, I actually liked it for what it was: a great riff and a bonding moment with the guys. 

Thanks to osmosis, the lyrics are forever etched in some remote netherland in the back of my mind along with state capitals and the times tables. 

Catch me in the right frame of mind after a couple and I'll caterwaul the "Where do we go now" bridge and toss in a bonus chorus for good measure. During a full moon of course.