That ridiculous 80s.about.com top 10 thread made me think about this topic. I'm really curious to know what were your choice albums outside of new wave (and its alternative/power pop/etc compatriots) in the 80s? I'm mostly drawing a blank. A couple of favs:
Pat Metheny's "Offramp" and most of his other early to mid-80s efforts
everything but the girl's "Idlewild" & "Language of Life" - front to back, everything's really listenable
Matt Bianco's "Whose Side Are You On?" - ditto, quality throughout
De La Soul's "3 Feet High and Rising" - fun stuff, fun times
808 State's "Newbuild" - no more new wave? acid house to the rescue!
Lots of Vangelis, especially the very trippy (and mushroom friendly) "Direct"
