Preoccupied with 1986

Is there any soundtrack that is more 80s than Pretty in Pink? (yes, Repo Man) It was a giant introduction to indie (or as was then known alternative) rock. New Order, Echo and the Bunnymen, OMD, the Smiths and the Psychedelic Furs were probably first heard by many on this disc, or tape as was more likely. What could be better than covers of these classics?

The National - Pretty In Pink. They take the slow down approach, which I think makes sense. The speed up approach could lead to the dread Ataris error.

Nada Surf - If You Leave. The best of these covers. They strip it of the 80s shimmeryness but keep the spirit of the song intact.

The Decemberists - Bring on the Dancing Horses. Colin Meloy loves him some covers. See Cuyahoga, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Nobody's Home, and Ask. Still don't believe me? He made an EP of nothing but Morrissey songs.

Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - Tom Baxter. Not bad.