"Neon Nights"

In 1982 at age 10 I bought a record album on the K-Tel label (they specialized in pop hit compilations and, as their name indicated, advertised on television) called Neon Nights, featuring "rock's danceable side". Twenty-two years later, the album has resurfaced as a guilty pleasure. By far my favorite song is "Let It Whip" by The Dazz Band, a mostly forgotten R&B act. ("There's somethin' divine in you...WOO HOO!") But there are a couple of more recognizable songs, such as "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League, "Super Freak" by Rick James and "Controversy" by Prince. More interesting, though, are the forgotten artists and songs: "Call Me" by Skyy, "Murphy's Law" by Cheri, and "You Got the Power" by War. It makes me realize that when listening to old pop music, be it from the 80s or 60s or whatever, we almost always listen exclusively to the big hits whose familiarity dulls their impact. I get sick of hearing the same old songs on the radio. I think it's much more fascinating to hear antiquated songs that I don't know so well. I'm willing to sacrifice quality for that sense of surprise. The songs by lesser-remembered artists on Neon Nights aren't great, but they make a nice time capsule that isn't burdened by being so worn out.