Best band of the 80's

I vote for New Order. Their dance influenced indie pop still sounds fresh to these ears. I would have to concur with The Smiths, U2, JAMC, E&TB. But my top two are surely U2 and NO.

What about The Alarm? They had two fantastic albums followed by one with some damn good songs...

Gee, no one mentioned Throbbing Gristle... ;-)

My not-so-short list (mind you these are more what I think of as quality bands as opposed to ones who may have defined the "sound of the 80's" for the masses) - in no particular order--

XTC
REM
The Clash
The Cure
Echo & The Bunnymen
U2
Psychedelic Furs
Peter Gabriel
The Jam
Talking Heads
New Order
Dire Straits
The Smiths
Brian Eno
Pixies
Police
Sonic Youth
Robyn Hitchcock & the Egyptians
Wall of Voodoo
Lou Reed
The Ramones
Peter Tosh

I'm sure I've left off some good ones....

CD

Gang of Four-Neo Marxist Funk!

Honorable mentions: PALE SAINTS and the WEDDING PRESENT>>>