Hey Slackers, we're taking a fun detour this episode!

Longtime listeners know I was a die-hard hair band and metal fan back in the '80s, which, let's be honest, made me a bit of a genre snob. Looking back, I realize I missed out on a ton of incredible music from that decade.

Inspired by my son’s request for a fresh playlist, I decided to step outside my usual rock, metal, punk, and emo comfort zone. Instead, I dove into the vibrant world of synth-pop, new wave, EDM, and alt-rock, curating a collection of tracks spanning 1980 to 1989. These are songs that lit up the charts or defined the underground scene—definitely not my typical picks!

From the moody brilliance of Joy Division to the raw energy of the Pixies, I’ve crafted what I’m calling an "Offbeat '80s" playlist. But I need your help to make it even better! Early Gen Xers, 120 Minutes devotees, and alternative music lovers—hit me up with your must-have tracks to round out this out. What gems am I missing? Let’s build this playlist together!