Being just a few months shy of 40, it occured to me that MY perception of the new wave era as being groundbreaking/eclectic/exciting/etc is entirely different to the overall perception from those younger and older than myself.
I still try to find new and exciting music today, but nothing compares to the late '70s to mid '80s in my book. Sure I love the '60s and '70s but I'm not entirely fond of the '90s and beyond, so of course I'm going to embrace the era that was far more influential in my life. Is it because I was more innocent and impressionable? Or could it be that the music itself was innocent and impressive?
How do people treat YOU and your affection for '80s music? Half of my office loves it (they're all the same age...roughly) while there are a few 20-somethings who can't believe the KROQ played such crap 20 years ago. They think that KROQ is so much better now!!!!