"new wave" vs. college rock

[WoodlandParkPunk]

what was the real difference between new wave bands of the 80's and college indie rock?? Was new wave more of a synth pop sound and college rock more folk orientated??? Just trying to start a discussion.

"You just pick a chord, go twang, and you've got music." ~ Sid Vicious

[budaniel]

i tended to think of it that way. Also felt new wave was willing to be more quirky and playful, while college rock wanted to be considered 'art.' I wasn't a fan of many of the college radio bands.

[Ollie Stench]

I'd say that New Wave bands had synthesizers, college rock bands had jangley guitars.

[BurntoutRecluse]

Yeah, I think you nailed it. I mostly consider new wave to consist of synth-bands, but alot of power-pop kinda falls under new wave, too-like Holly and The Italians, or the Plimsouls, yeah? Would you cats classify the paisley-underground bands as new wave? Three O Clock, Redd Kross-or their NYC counterparts-Fleshtones, Fuzztones, Antoinettes, Freaks, Wendy Wild and the Mad Violets?

What about the dream popsters/shoegazers?

I'd definitely classify the Mary Chain as post-punk/new wave.

College rock's everybody imitating R.E.M., Let's Active, Replacements!

Burntout Recluse

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