Early 80s - in order; 1) The Jam 2) New Order ( I count Joy Division as late 70s) 3) Madness Late 80s 1) Stone Roses 2) Happy Mondays 3) Inspiral Carpets
Probably get called a **** for this but U2 were the best band of the 80's, pity they went ****e after.
Alaap were awsome in the 80's followed by Heera and of course DCS [video=youtube;0ERiXrzvphc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ERiXrzvphc[/video]
They were great for a while, live at Red Rock was an example of their best. It all went to sh*t with Rattle and Hum and then when Bono decided to live up his own arsehole.
There were no good groups in the 80s, mid 60s were best, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Bolan T Rex, Canned Heat, Birds, Yardbirds with Clapton, Mayalls Bluesbreakers, Stones. Ya can't top that lot man.