Mixtape 1986

1986, as did most of the '80's belonged to Prince. His music defined the era and was universally lauded. However, grumpy little Squiggle won't allow You Tube to show his videos or play his music, so you'll have to take my word for it. I was lucky enough back then to go to two of his legendary after shows, where he jammed for hours with various superstars, including the fabulous Chaka Khan, and I even had dinner with him once. He was very quiet and the only thing he asked me was if I'd like another slice of pizza. Rock and roll.

But 1986 also belonged to Big Audio Dynamite! Mick Jones and his gang were old friends from London and when they came to LA to play their three night residency at the Roxy on Sunset, the response was so overwhelming that they were extended for another week. It was an amazing time. The coolest people in LA were falling over themselves to attend and those gigs were electric! I'm so happy they've reformed. Go see them live if you can. 

I've also included Sigue Sigue Sputnik as for a few brief shining moments they were it! And my best friend was dating the cutest one.  Such great entertainment.

I moved to LA in 1986 and as a hip hop head, I felt a bit lost without my WBLS and KissFM radio stations, but I soon met up with some like-minded souls, in particular the guys behind Delicious Vinyl Records who produced Young MC & Tone Loc among many others.... but that's another story for another blog....stay tuned...

Courtesy  of Tuff City Records

 Courtesy  of Paisley Park Records

Courtesy  of A & M Records

Courtesy  of Atlanta Records

Courtesy  of Atlantic Records

Courtesy  of Sleeping Bag Records

Courtesy  of Polydor/Paradise Garage Records

Courtesy  of Columbia Records  

Courtesy  of Cold Chillin Records

Courtesy  of Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records

Courtesy  of Parlophone Records

If you'd like to own any of these tracks, please support the artists and download legally.