I'm no doubt in the minority but the 80s get slagged off as the decade of techno-pop just as the 70s are equated with disco or c***-rock. Both are oversimplistic and just plain wrong.
Musically, the 80s gave us plenty other than what aired on MTV. A partial list: REM, U2, the Paisley Underground (Plimsouls, the Three O'Clock, the Bangles - yes the Bangles), cowpunk and the roots of Alternative Country aka No Depression, hardcore punk, New Order, the Stone Roses, Madchester, the Jesus & Mary Chain, Echo & the Bunnymen. I could go on and on but the point is made.
Nostalgia is great because it allows the good, or occasionally the kitchy, to shine through while the bad is all forgotten. Perhaps I'm nostalgic about the 80s and too dismissive of the bad parts culturally but I'll take the music any day. And if I'm greedy I throw in 1979 so I can also have the Jam, the Pretenders and Elvis Costello.
Plus of course GWAR. The greatest show I've ever seen.
The '80's did have a lot of decent music. However, it was a low point for other areas of art (especially fashion).