Pre-1990 music that hasn't aged badly
 

I'm aware that other people aren't that fond of "ahead of its time" as a phrase, so I've instead referred to the same sort of stuff as music that hasn't aged that much.

Having grown up after the 1980s, I always assumed that practically all stuff was either metal based, synth based or hard rock prior to 1990, when the grunge/modern alternative became popular. However, doing some research recently (and coming across Sugar, who have their roots as Husker Du), I've already found some songs which feel somewhat more recent:

*Games by Husker Du. It was recorded pretty much exactly 30 years ago (1985) but sounds more like the 20-25 year old grunge stuff from the early to mid 90s. The same goes for other Husker Du stuff on the album.

*The 15th by Wire. This was released in 1979, and feels similar to some stuff from the late 80s. The odd opinion that I've found says that it sounds like last year, for me the inclusion of the synth from the second verse pitches it a little more like 25-30 years ago, but it's actually 36 years old.

*Making Plans for Nigel by XTC. Came out the same year as the previous, is of a similar genre to Wire, and has a slightly interesting rythm for its time. The synth is also not too noticeable for the era, and has quite an experimental guitar riff. It also reminds me a little of some 90s Brit Pop stuff.

*Caledonia by Cromagnon is from 1969, but sounds like early black metal of the 80s (and even is in context). Shows how ideas came on from the Rock & Roll 15 years earlier.

*Love Without Sound by White Noise. Was released the previous year to Cromagnon, and again feels experimental in terms of rhythm, synth and vocals.

*We also have the original Doctor Who theme from 52 years ago, I believe created by related people to White Noise.

What are some other songs which sound newer than they were from the 70s or 80s in your opinion? Preferrably along the lines of the top three in style. I'm intentionally talking about guitar based stuff with little keyboard, and non echoey 90s style vocals.

Squeeze!


Edit: nvm this doesn't fit your criteria I picked this based on the thread title.

1968.

Awesome modern sounding groove and pre-digital electronics and sampling.
Wouldn't seem out of place on a release from the 2000s.
It's from 1981.



Can were generally way ahead of their time.
This one strikes me as being basically punk rock in 1968.



Parts of this seem almost like IDM. Recorded in 1972.

It's so 60s, and yet it sounds like it was made yesterday ('scuse the bad pun).

Edit: Like DwnWthVwls I reread your post and realised it doesn't really fit.

1971

When I heard this one for the first time I thought it was a modern remix.

It blew my mind 3 years ago and I owe it with opening the world of music up to me.

And they only used a 4 track machine. Pretty amazing.