10 Reasons Why 1989 Was Better Than 2012 by Hair Metaller Julian Angel

Everything about Beautiful Beast screams 1989. The brainchild of German singer/guitarist Julian Angel, the hair metal project revolves around songs about having nothin' but a good time, Aqua Net-approved photo shoots and arena-ready choruses. It's the kind of stuff that would have been massive on Dial MTV. If you don't believe us, listen to the band's "Wet Wild Willing" below.

After releasing two solo albums 2011's angel-rock.com and 2007's Choreography Sucks, Angel started Beautiful Beast in 2010 along with fellow musicians Frank McDouglas (bass, keys, backing vocals) and Roland 'Ro Lee' Jahoda (drums). Since their 2001 debut album, Adult Oriented Candy, did so well with hair metal, AOR and sleaze-rock enthusiasts throughout the globe, the band decided to get back into the studio to work on California Suntan, their latest record.

With California Suntan now available, Noisecreep thought it was the perfect moment to ask Angel for a fun list. Fittingly, the Beautiful Beast mastermind sent us a list of the top 10 reasons why he thinks 1989 was better than 2012. Who said nostalgia was a bad thing?

# 1 The Music

Hard rock and hair metal sounded a lot better than today's uber-sterilized radio pop-rock.

# 2 The Recognition

In 1989 being a musician was still cool, especially if you had talent – unlike today's 'everyone's a star' attitude thanks to all the annoying reality shows.

# 3 The Vibe

1989 was about being cool and having a blast. 2012 is way too melancholic, lacking the fire.

# 4 The Fashion

Looking like a rock star was way cooler than dressing like Forrest Gump. Girls wore mini skirts, not Jack Wolfskin jackets.

# 5 Music still on MTV

As a German it was damn cool watching the U.S. MTV shows – until they created a German version and lost all the cool. Today, they lost the music.

# 6 Vinyl Records

Anyone could tell you just bought a record by the shape of your shopping bag. What a good conversation starter.

# 7 Mixtapes and the Walkman

You carefully selected the songs for your trip to school and back. And you enjoyed them full length because fast-forwarding cost too many battery resources.

# 8 Carelessness

The world was an easier place to live in. Besides, as a teenager Daddy used to handle all issues...

# 9 Girls

More pretty girls meant more choice and more dates.

# 10 No Dancers