The 1980s was a vibrant time for the rising Sacramento music scene. There were many clubs to play
like the Oasis Ballroom and Rock Factory. Acts that made it into the national spotlight included
Club Nouveau, Timex Social Club, Bourgeois-Tagg and, of course, Tesla. These acts all helped put
Sacramento on the music industry map, as more and more interest grew in the local scene.
Crayon - Carry Me Back
In 1980 local group Crayon released their independent single "Carry Me Back," which gained airplay on top 40 station
KXOA AM. The recording was produced by David Houston at Moon Recording Studio.
Steel Breeze - You Don't Want Me Anymore
Local band Steel Breeze was signed to RCA Records and made it to the national top 20 with this hit. This video includes several
scenes of Sacramento.
Club Nouveau - Lean On Me
Jay King's group was signed to Warner Brothers Records, as this single topped the Billboard Hot 100
in 1986. It was a cover of a previous number one hit by Bill Withers. By this point King had relocated to Los Angeles.
Bourgeois-Tagg - I Don't Mind At All
Compared with the Beatles in terms of melody, this single made the national top 40 in 1987. A previous
single "Mutual Surrender" was heard on KZAP and received national airplay.
Tesla Interview 1987
This clip from Headbanger's Ball captures Tesla on their rise to fame out of Sacramento. They were signed to Geffen in 1985.
Their biggest hit was the national top ten ballad "Love Song" in 1989, with video scenes shot at Cal Expo.
The Features
Singer Johnny Pride narrates the story of The Features, Sacramento top new wave/punk band of the 80s. Their album Up Up Side Side
was a big seller in Northern California in 1983. Read more about the band and listen here.
Thin White Rope, 1988
Thin White Rope, a Davis as well as European sensation in the 80s, perform at Olive Pit rehearsal space in Davis. Uploaded by davis80smusic on YouTube.
Flashing Back to Spiritual Zoo with Harrison Price
Harrison Price's late 80s local radio hit was called "Spiritual Zoo." It is featured in this SacTV.com video.Read more here.
Crayon - Sunshine
Crayon's follow-up to their 1980 airplay success of "Carry Me Back" was a 1982 release of "Sunshine." Once again,
it was produced by David Houston at Moon Recording Studio.
