What's the Alternative?

I came of age in the 80's where anti-establishment sentiment was high, but not necessarily like it was in the 60's. People didn't necessarily want the status quo, and if something wasn't fair, we wanted to fix it. But of course we grew up with the idea that politics was for the adults, so we took it to our music. I'd like to share some of what we listened to.

My first favorite song of the 80's alternative rock genre, is "Just Can't Get Enough" by Depeche Mode. It's an upbeat song. I actually like many songs from this group.


Another good one was "Metal" by Gary Numan, it's a cross between industrial and alternative, and has a little of grunge in it. Another good song by the same is a song called "Cars", which more people may be familiar with.


Alphaville, with their strong synth sound, helped pave the way to dance music, which eventually to House & European dance music (Euro-dance), the song "Forever Young" is classic to 80's alternative music. This kind of represents how there are always loose ends, not enough time to do what counts, etc... This one is one of my all time favorite songs. Other good songs are "Big in Japan" as well as "Dance With Me".


I HAVE to include the group Dead or Alive here, they are definitely the most awesome alternative rock band. The song "You spin me round" is my all time favorite, but songs like "Lover come back to me" and "Something in My house" keeps everyone dancing. There's also the remake of "That's the Way I like it". There are so many of their great songs, I'll post one, but please check out their albums, with loads of shake your booty music on there.


Then, of course who can forget Paul Lekakis? Yes, he's very forward with what he wants. He represented the sexual freedom that was making it's way head strong, and this was the alternative song to answer Madonna. Here is "Boom Boom"


On a much tamer note, here is Baltimora with "Tarzan Boy". This song is more representative of self expression.


The Cure is another with the classic sound of 80's alternative, and while I'm posting the song "Just Like Heaven", I'm not sure which song is better. "Love Song" and so many of their others is equally good, it was difficult to come up with a 'best song'. Please take a look at others by The Cure.


Erasure, a bold band, with lots of creativity, I think actually did bridge to the next level, my favorite song from them is "Little Respect", it's kind of a fun song, with some innuendos and has rebellious written all over it. I just love what this song is, all the way around. Another song, which is more romantic, representing Japanese folk lore and love, called "Always", about an all sacrificing love across the cultural borders. But, of course, the romance is up to Euro, I'm the rebel. lol.


Here is your recipes for the blog, and now mind you, since we're here with alternative music, I'm here to present alternative foods, and here are some good ones that are meatless and delicious. I also promised Martha Magenta with some of these recipes, and I finally am keeping The Promise, another great song by the group When in Rome. Okay, okay, recipes.

Tofu:
Unwrap, drain water. Chill in ice water. Cut in desired size (I like to quarter the large squares). Serve with fish flavored flakes (or a sesame paste) and soy sauce.

Spinach:
Cook until just done, and drain water. Place in refrigerator as a log. Chill until cool, cut, and serve with a tablespoon of stock (In Japan they use fish stock, but a hearty veggie stock will work just fine). Top with fish flakes soy sauce.

OR, here is this other awesome dressing for your spinach instead.
Toast 4Tbsp white sesame seeds, and put hot seeds in large suribachi (wooden bowl) and crush with the pestle. Add 1 tsp sugar. Stir with pestle. Add 2 tsp dark soy and 3 Tbsp dashi (fish stock or veggie stock). Mix with relatively great speed and strength, almost a whipping action to blend well. Taste and add more sugar if necessary.

The tofu has protein, and spinach has iron. Have another type of salad with raw greens, tomato, cucumber, red onions, croutons or what have you, and here is a miso dressing to put on.

1/4 cup miso paste. 2 TBSP each soy sauce, sesame oil & rice vinegar. 1/2 tsp freshly minced ginger OR 1 tsp ginger powder.

This is very delicious and you have a well rounded meal. If you really miss your starch, have a baked potato (skin included) on the side, and skip the croutons on the salad.