It was the music

Everyone alive in 1985 knows that John Hughes shaped the middle part of the decade for a lot of people.

But it was his spot-on knack for new music -- alternative or college radio that was only available via MTV's 120 Minutes -- that was the foundation of it all.

Pretty in Pink used this (so did Ferris, I think).


Sixteen Candles benefited immensely from this.


This defined Ferris.


Even Planes Trains and Automobiles pulled great music out of it's ass. Remember Book Of Love?


This single handedly saved She's Having A Baby.


Pretty in Pink may have set the gold standard.




And the obvious anthem.

Coolest New Song Ever

Okay, so Kate Bush was piloting a day-glo sleigh full of munchkins over the happiest rainbow ever. No, really.

Passion Pit's Sleepyhead.



And the live version sounds shockingly good, too.