80's black bands with some NW influence

[PhilG]

Clear-Cybotron(1983)
You Are In My System-The System(1983)

[danadotcom]

Rockwell's first album is very New Wave. Have you heard it? I remember getting it in the 9th Grade and playing it constantly. Years and years later I founf it on disc and played it over and over for a second time. Its sound is quintessential as to where Motown was at this point in its history. "Foreign Country", his take on the Beatles' "Taxmax", even "Somebody's Watching Me" has that eerie synth riff.

[skinnytie]

With all the Prince references on this post, I'm surprised no one mentioned The Time or Sheila E.

I think that a few of the songs that Michael Jackson's siblings put out during the 80's had new wave sounds to them, such as Jermaine Jackson's "Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming", Janet Jackson's "Nasty Boys", and Rebbie Jackson's "Caterpillar".

While August Darnell's band, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, was very multi-cultural, he had embraced the new wave, most likely due to his association with Ze Records. By their fourth record, "Doppelganger", he was heavily into the electronics of it all, and you can hear the difference from that album on as opposed to the three albums before it.

[danadotcom]

Actually, it was "Centipede" by Rebbie Jackson, and it's a great addition to this list. Also, from Janet's Control LP is "You Could Be Mine", which is kind of Funk Wave. I really think it's the brest track on the album. Jermaine Jackson's 1984 S/T album has some awesome New Wave moments on it--especially "Escape From The Planet Of The Antmen". Why wasn't this released as a single--it would have been huge! Overall, this album rates high among any 80's output.

I also considered The Time and Sheila E., but I really don't find their music to contain too many elements of New Wave. Although, it is superb music, and necessary for anyone investigating 80's R&B. Yes, no?

[danadotcom]

anyone familiar with Nona Hendryx's stuff? She's one of my all-times! A true original. I know that she had some issues with her record comapnies (CBS, RCA) about releasing material that was too new wave and rock with her being a black artist. In concert she was much heavier than she was on record. As it turned out, her records were still completely original a big cut above anyone else's.

[WolverineSyr]

Nona Hendryx was cool - I loved her song "Why Should I Cry" I also love her work with Material.