Crocodiles
Echo & the Bunnymen
1980 [Korova]

Along with the Soft Boys and the Teardrop Explodes this band helped give birth to neo-psychedelia in 1980. Many found comparisons to Jim Morrison in Ian McCulloch's vocals, while guitarist Will Sergeant was already good and about to get a lot better. If 1984's Ocean Rain is the band's pinnacle, this must surely be its sturdy foundation.

Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
1980 [Armageddon]

While the commercial side of 'new wave' was dominated by new romantics and synth-pop, the neo-psychedelic movement provided many of its artistic peaks. Soft Boys lead guitarist Kimberley Rew would go on to form Katrina and the Waves. Frontman Robyn Hitchcock went on to a successful solo career. This is their early masterpiece.

Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
1980 [Zoo/Fontana]

English post-punk outfit fronted by bassist Julian Cope. Both 'Reward' and 'Treason' were UK hits, with the catchy 'When I Dream' a staple on US college radio. Due to their psych leanings the band intentionally avoided adopting a 'new wave' tag. Trumpeters Ray Martinez and Hurricane Smith added the pizzazz needed to sound fresh and vibrant.

...And Don't the Kids Just Love It
Television Personalities
1981 [Rough Trade]

English new wave band whose only constant member over the years has been frontman Dan Treacy. After a string of superb lo-fi singles under various monikers their first full-length album is a joy to behold. This is the quaint side of classic UK psychedelia played with the occasional burst of punk enthusiasm. Holding up better than most.

The Days of Wine and Roses
Dream Syndicate
1982 [Ruby]

A leading group of LA's 'paisley underground' scene, featuring heavy doses of psychedelia and folk-rock played out in a guitar-driven new wave context. This is by far Dream Syndicate's best album, with 'Tell Me When It's Over' managing to gain an element of recognition in the UK. Still sounds fresh and well worth a listen.

Emergency Third Rail Power Trip
Rain Parade
1983 [Enigma]

A timeless record and one of the true classics of LA's paisley underground movement. Frontman David Roback knows how to reel of a retro-jangle guitar riff with the best of them. Had this record been made in the 90s it probably would have been classified as dream pop. Roback ultimately found success with the sound with Mazzy Star.

Ocean Rain
Echo & The Bunnymen
1984 [Korova]

Neo-psych progenitors Echo & the Bunnymen followed up 1983's challenging Porcupine album with this more accessible effort. With its majestic exultations and cascading string arrangements, over time many have come to regard Ocean Rain as the group's masterpiece. An album so good that everything the band does is compared to it.

Wonder Wonderful Wonderland
Plasticland
1985 [Pink Dust]

Garage rockin' neo-psych outfit formed in Milwaukee by core members Glenn Rehse and John Frankovic. While never achieving commercial success, the band is now considered one of the purest early proponents of neo-psychedelia. This album is almost impossible to find, but the Make Yourself a Happening Machine collection is a groovy substitute.