Throwback Thursday: Eighties Soul

Image: Alexander O'Neal

The eighties, they were great weren't they? Even if you weren't born then you've got to love the awful fashion and the plethora of shiny synth music that accompanied it. The Human League, Soft Cell, Talking Heads... the list goes on of great bands. And that's not even getting into the hip-hop and house music renaissances that took place at the time.

Also pretty special was the soul music. Whether it was brand new artists like Paula Abdul, Shalamar and Bobby Brown or older performers fusing their music with electronic emotion (stand upo the Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye and Pointer Sisters), we here at Skiddle love them all. So we've been having a bit of a jig in the office and made this special 20 track playlist for you to get on down too. stream it above.

Sadly some of the artist represented are no longer with us and others are no longer performing frequently, but one who is is the legendary Alexander O'Neal. Famed for his sweat soaked performances and awesome throaty vocal, O'Neal is remembered for his smashes like 'criticize', 'If you were here tonight' and the duet with Cherelle 'Saturday Love' (all three are on the playlist), and hits Manchester on Boxing Day.

He'll be playing at the Ritz, for a performance that is sure to be the ideal Christmas present for pretty much anyone with a good appreciation for one of the most halcyon eras of soul music. Head here for more information.

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