What music were you listening to in the '80s and '90s? Sadly for me it was a mix of Salt-N-Pepa, Bon Jovi, Blink 182 and Eminem.

I regret not searching beyond what the charts thought was cool and discovering the better bands of this era while they were in their prime, recording and touring.

But hope is not lost as there are now a handful of good '80s and '90s bands reforming, releasing albums and putting on shows for new audiences.

After a 10-year hiatus, experimental UK group Portishead has released a new album titled Third.

Portishead are a trip-hop band, defined by a moody, ethereal sound and down-tempo beats.

The Pixies also reunited after more than a decade apart. Pioneers of the grunge movement, the Pixies got together in 2004 to tour the world, later stopping in Australia and New Zealand for the 2007 V-Festival.

But how relevant are moody groups these days when most music is doused in flouro or bling?

Not all of the better bands from the past two decades had a sombre personality. Eighties new wavers Devo have just reunited and would fit in well with of-the-moment new ravers New Young Pony Club or Pnau. And this is exactly what they will do at the 2008 Splendour in the Grass festival in Byron Bay.

My enthusiasm for the reform movement ends there. Groups like New Kids on the Block (touring later this year) and Take That do not tempt my tastebuds.

UK pop band Take That broke up in 1996 and reformed in 2005 without the charismatic Robbie Williams.

Even in the mid-90s, when boy bands and girl groups ruled my world, they added nothing to music and little has changed.

Unfortunately for me the band I would sell my soul to see back on stage is Nirvana. Accessible alternative songs about angst and loneliness never become irrelevant.

Which band would you like to see reform? Tell us some of your favourites.