Miami

Despite reaching only #10, Gloria Estefan & the Miami Sound Machine's "Conga" was everywhere during the fall of '85. Dance music in a variety of forms has long been a Miami staple, and the disco era's "That's the Way (I Like It)," hip-hop's "Me So Horny," and the salsa-style "A Gozar Con Mi Combo" are prime examples.

The staccato synth lines of Jan Hammer's "Miami Vice Theme" pretty much defines the '80s, and not just for Florida; you can almost hear the neon purple and aqua streaming from your ear buds. On the other hand, Betty Wright's reggae version of "Every Breath You Take" is a nifty update of the Police chestnut.

Reaching back a bit into time, Xavier Cugat's "Miami Beach Rhumba" captures a moment in the city's storied past. Much more modern — and diametrically opposite in almost every way — is indie faves Iron & Wine's cover of the Postal Service's "Such Great Heights." And way out there on the edge is Otto Von Schirach's homage to, um, highly alternative rockin'.

In the '50s, it was the new home for those who escaped the Cuban revolution. In the '60s, it was the habitat for Jackie Gleason and the June Taylor Dancers, who came to us live on TV every Saturday night. In the '80s, it was the beat for a couple of cops who wore two days' facial hair, loafers without socks, and silk T-shirts under Armani jackets. Miami has always been a fashion destination, and music is no exception. From salsa to crunk, disco to funk, Miami's music scene pulsates.