Think the 80s was the last distinctive and modernist decade...a real vibe that something was happening.

Now the decades blend into one and the zeitgeist of our times feels restrictive despite increased wealth, access to travel and the ease of access to all things.

The silhouette of the 80s was magnificent, from high-rise pants to hair-styles. The bending of genders then seem to have more class from Boy George to the lesbian chic of Annie Lennox's hair. Trans was still exotic with the likes of Caroline Cossey now our political elites fawn over foreman steeplejacks self-declaring to those who need to tell us what their pronouns are as we're certainly not going to get it from looking at them.

As a Brit looking to America it was still something exciting and inspiring. We all hated Reagan and Thatcher, whilst loving the pop and common culture in both.

One thing for sure, by December 1989 it was over. The decade that ended right on time.

One of the big attributes of the Eighties was the mix and match of old styles worn in a contemporary manner.

By the end of the decade this was no longer the case.

From the Zoot suits of Blue Rondo A La Turk to the quiff and Heard it through the grapevine of the Levi's commercial.

Dulouz

Great observations. The jazz thing was massive wasn't it.

I think that it was a crossroads of the style press picking up on the look, the fashionable soul crowd getting disillusioned by the current crop of music coming out of the States and UK musicians looking to add something different to their sound.

Back then I probably spent as much money on music as I did on clothes. DJ and Promoter Paul Murphy opened a superb jazz record shop in the basement of the gay disco orientated Record Shack in Berwick Street. Rather than go for the obvious, pricey USA imports he specialised in trawling Europe for re-issues and current recordings of visiting US artists to Holland or Germany. Typically you would find something great for under a £5.

The only downside was you had to edge your way through a sea of lumberjack and biker clones on the ground floor who would be listening to ear splitting Hi-NRG sounds to get there. Once you entered through the door to the dimly-lit basement you would hear the majestic sounds of  dance floor friendly hard bop, salsa and fusion.

Sadly it didn't last long. My understanding is he decided to knock everything on the head - DJ'ing, promoting gigs, his small record label and the shop. Gilles Peterson purchased a load of stuff from him.

I know many people talk with fondness about the old Rays, but in my book knowing both stores ,Paladin as it was known was as good an experience.

I have just read Eddie Pillars autobiography.

He mentions that mod- rare groove-Duffer crossover.

Highly recommended reading even if you were not a Mod.