1001 Album Club

In June 1989, Faith No More unleashed their third studio album.

The record marked a significant turning point for the band as they melded elements of rock, metal, and funk with new frontman Mike Patton’s versatile vocals.

Recorded amidst tensions and lineup changes, the album’s breakout single “Epic” catapulted them to mainstream success, solidifying their reputation as genre-bending pioneers.

Lets talk Faith No More, The Real Thing!

In June 1988, Public Enemy released their second studio album.

Preceded by their debut effort “Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” this sophomore release skyrocketed the group to iconic status with its innovative use of sampling, politically charged lyrics, and revolutionary sound. Recorded with a sense of urgency and defiance, this album served as a platform for the group’s fearless social commentary and uncompromising fight against injustice.

Lets talk Public Enemy, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back!

In August 1988 Jane’s Addiction released their major label debut.

The album solidified the band as a pioneering force in the alternative music scene of the late 1980s and paved the way for grunge to come.

Lets talk Jane’s Addiction, Nothing’s Shocking!

In June of 1988, Dwight Yoakam released his third studio album.

Recorded in Hollywood, the record features Yoakam’s signature blend of traditional country roots with a modern twist.

With hits like “I Sang Dixie” and “I Got You,” Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room solidified Yoakam’s place as a standout in the genre.

Let’s talk Dwight Yoakam, Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room!

In April 1988 the Sugarcubes released their debut studio album.

This Icelandic alternative rock band recorded the album in Reykjavík, capturing their unique blend of post-punk and avant-garde pop. Featuring the enchanting vocals of lead singer Björk, the album garnered international acclaim for its energetic performances and eclectic sound.

Let’s talk Sugarcubes, Life’s Too Good!

In the year 18th October 1988, Sonic Youth released their fifth studio album.

Recorded in New York City, this experimental rock masterpiece showcases the band’s signature blend of noise and melody, capturing the turbulent spirit of the late 1980s underground music scene. With tracks like “Teen Age Riot” and “Candle,” Sonic Youth pushed the boundaries of alternative rock and solidified their status as pioneers of the genre.

Let’s talk Sonic Youth, Daydream Nation!

In the year on March 14, 1988, Morrissey released his debut solo album.

Produced by Stephen Street, this album marked Morrissey’s departure from The Smiths and showcased his distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. Recorded at Wool Hall Studios in Bath, England, the album features hits like “Suedehead” and “Everyday Is Like Sunday.” With its mix of melancholy and wit, “This is the record established Morrissey as a solo artist to be reckoned with.

Let’s talk Morrissey, Viva Hate!

In the year, on July 26, 1990, American Music Club released their sixth studio album, California. Produced by Dennis Herring, this record featured a blend of folk-rock and alternative soundscapes that captured the essence of the band’s hometown.

Recorded in just over a month, the album showcased singer Mark Eitzel’s introspective lyrics and the band’s dynamic instrumentation. California is a journey through heartbreak and redemption, with each track offering a glimpse into the human experience.

Let’s talk American Music Club, California!

In the year 1988, on July 8th, KD Lang released her third studio album, Shadowland.

Produced by Owen Bradley, this country-infused record showcased Lang’s raw talent and emotional depth. With haunting melodies and captivating lyrics, Shadowland solidified KD Lang as a musical force to be reckoned with.

Lets talk KD Lang, Shadowland!

Tank Battles is the fourth studio album by German singer Dagmar Krause, released on June 18, 1989.

Produced by Tony Marsh, the album features Krause’s haunting vocals accompanied by avant-garde jazz instrumentation, creating a unique and captivating listening experience. With dark and introspective lyrics, Tank Battles explores themes of war, conflict, and emotional turmoil, making it a thought-provoking and powerful addition to Krause’s discography.

Lets talk Dagmar Krause, Tank Battles!

In October of 1988 Dinosaur Jr. released their 3rd studio album.

It would be the last album to feature founding member Lou Barlow (until 2007) who had better things to do with Sebadoh than have his material ignored by J. Mascis.

Lets talk Dinosaur Jr. Bug!

In August of 1988 Metallica released their fourth studio album.

Where can you take thrash metal after Master of Puppets? The band decided tossing prog into the mix was a good starting point.

Lets talk Metallica, … And Justice for All!

In March of 1988 Pixies released their debut album.

Engineered by Steve Albini, the album is a watershed moment for all alternative music that would be coming in the not too distant future.

It also absolutely rules.

Lets talk Pixies, Surfer Rosa!

In November of 1988 My Bloody Valentine released their debut studio album.

Shoegazing has arrived.

Lets talk My Bloody Valentine, Isn’t Anything!

In April of 1988 Tracy Chapman released her debut album.

Recorded over eight weeks time in Hollywood CA, is a call to arms to a myriad of social and political issues. Preforming live at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday tribute rocketed it’s success and made Tracy a household name.

Lets talk Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman!

In November of 1988 Cowboy Junkies released their 2nd studio album.

Recorded live in it’s entirety over one day at Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity, using a Betamax video cassette deck and a single microphone.

Let’s talk Cowboy Junkies, The Trinity Session!

In August of 1988 The Go-Betweens released their 6th studio album.

Though many in the band hated the pre-production process (and each other), the final results are impeccable; ten delightful pop classics by one of Australia’s finest musical acts.

Lets talk The Go-Betweens. 16 Lovers Lane!

In November of 1988 Happy Mondays released their second studio album.

This is the sound of ecstasy colliding with a very depressed Martin Hannett.

Lets talk Happy Mondays, Bummed!

In November of 1988 R.E.M released their 6th studio album.

Leaving their former label I.R.S in the taillights, the band made their move to the majors and signed to Warner Brothers.

Lets talk R.E.M, Green!

In October of 1988 Mudhoney released their first major EP.

The Seattle sound has officially arrived.

Let’s talk Mudhoney, Superfuzz Bigmuff!

In May of 1988 Living Colour released their debut studio album.

It peaked at number six on the Billboard top 200 and would go on to be certified 2x Platinum.

Lets talk Living Colour, Vivid!

In February of 1988 Everything but the Girl released their 4th studio album.

Tracey Thorn:
“I am writing songs, though; lyrics that are more like short stories than pop lyrics. Perhaps they ought to be short stories. They don’t really have choruses. Maybe I’m just not very good at choruses. Ben is experimenting with synths and keyboards. He buys a drum machine and starts getting into the finer details of how to programme it. I don’t know how to operate the drum machine, or how to turn the synths on, and I’m not bothered enough to learn. There is some disagreement about what our next record should sound like. We keep changing our minds. I still write all my songs on a guitar or at the piano, and so when I play them they sound a bit like my songs have always sounded. But Ben is writing songs with a more modern sound, using his new synths and the drum machine, and I like these too. We veer between these two possible extremes before making a record, Idlewild, which incorporates a bit of both. Maybe it’s another ‘bizarre hybrid’”

Lets talk Everything but the Girl, Idlewild!

In September of 1988 Fishbone released their 2nd studio album.

A record that opens with Curtis Mayfield cover is a BOLD choice that can only go one of two ways; These punk/ska/funk/soul/hard rock/heavy metal maniacs managed to do it right.

Let talk Fishbone, Truth and Soul!

In October of 1988 the Waterboys released their fourth studio album.

Letting loose the shackles of bombastic rock music, the band decided to merge traditional Irish, Scottish, & Country music with rock n roll this time out.

Three years of recording and the results speak for themselves. Thirteen tracks coming in at just under an hour of pure bliss.

Lets talk the Waterboys, Fisherman’s Blues!

In February of 1988 Leonard Cohen released his 8th studio album.

Gone are the days of our troubadour poet and his classical acoustic guitar, replaced by the world weary man who’s seen too much, expects the worst, but laughs despite it all… with some really choice keyboards.

Lets talk Leonard Cohen, I’m Your Man!

In January of 1988 The Pogues released their 3rd studio album.

The album was released hot on the heels of their chart topping Christmas single, Fairytale of New York, and received much deserved critical acclaim.

Lets talk The Pogues, If I Should Fall From Grace With God!

In July of 1987 Terence Trent D’Arby released his debut studio album.

Darly Easlea: “a soundtrack to the turning point when the 80s turned from austerity to prosperity. It’s as central to that decade as the much-seen image of the city trader waving his wad of banknotes to the camera. It remains one big, infectiously glorious record.”

Lets talk Terence Trent D’Arby, Introducing the Hardline!

In March of 1987 U2 released their 5th studio album.

It is one of the best selling albums of all time, and is included in many a critic’s best albums of al time.

Lets talk U2, The Joshua Tree!

In September of 1987 Pet Shop Boys released their Sophomore studio album.

A loose critique on Thatcherism, the album was written in response to that harpy’s perceived re-election.

It has appeared on a number of “must listen” lists and deservedly so.

Let’s talk Pet Shop Boys, Actually!

In August of 1987 Michael Jackson released his 7th studio album.

Coming a full five years after his worldwide #1 best selling album of all time, Thriller, expectations were astronomical from his follow-up.

The results? Another best selling album of all time, 9 single out of the 11 tracks, and what a number of critics believe to be his finest hour.

Lets talk Michael Jackson, Bad!

In November of 1987 The Triffids released their 4th studio album.

The album title is taken from the term describing sailors getting brain sick after being at sea too long (a feeling the band identified with during the long back and forth flights to England to record the album).

It was the most produced album the band would ever make, but is it their best?

Lets talk The Triffids, Calenture!

In June of 1987 Sonic Youth released their 4th studio album.

The band continues their transition from No Wave to more traditional song structures but not ones to shy away from the avant-garde, the album is a loose concept record, the title itself is a reference to author Philip K. Dick’s fraternal twin who died shortly after birth, and who’s spirit haunted Dick for the rest of his days.

Lets talk Sonic Youth, Sister!

In July of 1987 Napalm Death released their debut studio album.

Pioneering the Grindcore sub-genre of Extreme Heavy Metal, these Meriden teens went faster and harder than any other band had to the point, so much so that they were entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for the shortest song ever recorded, You Suffer, clocking in at only 1.316 seconds long.

Lets talk Napalm Death, Scum!

In March of 1987 Laibach released their 3rd studio album.

Championing the new to us genre of Martial Industrial, the band dressed themselves onstage in their conscripted military uniforms, played disturbing 35 millimeter films, and subverted the musical stylings of such pop icons as The Beatles and Queen.

Lets talk Laibach, Opus Dei!

In 1987 Ladysmith Black Mambazo released their 25th album.

Following their work on Paul Simon’s Graceland, the group found themselves riding a much deserved wave of hype.

This time with Simon producing, the band got their first international hit and won themselves a Grammy in the process.

Lets talk Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Shaka Zulu!

In August of 1987, The Jesus and Mary Chain released their second studio album.

It was the first one to feature drum machines, on account of their original drummer leaving the band to front Primal Scream.

The album would peak at number five on the British charts, making it their best sales preforming record to date.

Lets talk The Jesus and Mary Chain, Darklands!

In July of 1987 Guns N Roses released their debut studio album.

Sales wise, the album floundered for the first year, selling only two hundred thousand units and battling Aerosmith’s return and hit makers, Def Leppard; it took the lobbying efforts of Geffen to convinces MTV to play the video for Welcome to The Jungle once a night for three nights, becoming the most viewer requested video of the time, and finally launching this rock n roll juggernaut to the top of the Billboard charts by August 1987.

Lets talk Guns N Roses, Appetite for Destruction!

In September of 1987 The Smiths released their fourth and final studio album.

Tensions between Morrissey and Johnny Marr had been growing steadily regarding musical direction and all that came to a head with this recording. Orchestration and voicing are at their lushest, and Morrissey’s witty prose is sharpened to a razor’s edge.

Lets talk The Smiths, Strangeways, Here We Come!

In July of 1986 Astor Piazzolla (featuring Gary Burton) recorded a live concert at the Montreux Festival.

Written and composed by Piazzolla over a 40 year period (with some arrangements specifically made for Burton), this document of virtuosity is absolutely astonishing.

Lets talk Astor Piazzola & Gary Burton, The New Tango!

In the year 1987 Butthole Surfers released their third studio album.

Sick and tired of being on the road and broke, the band opted to purchase an Ampex 8 track tape machine, two microphones, and recorded the entire album themselves in a two bedroom apartment they were renting in Winterville, GA.

The limitations of the technology mixed with the freedom to record whenever they felt like (in between bong rips and massive doses of hallucinogens) made for one of the most influential and disturbing albums of the 80s.

Lets talk Butthole Surfers, Locust Abortion Technician!

In January of 1987 Hüsker Dü released their 6th & final album.

Let’s talk Hüsker Dü, Warehouse Songs and Stories!

In October of 1987 George Michael released his debut solo album.

Nine tracks, seven charting singles, winner of Album of The Year, and one of the best selling records of all time.

Lets talk George Michael, Faith!

In November of 1987 Sisters of Mercy released their 2nd Studio album.

This is the record that launched a thousand capes.

Let’s talk Sisters of Mercy, Floodland!

In September of 1987 Depeche Mode released their 6th studio album.

Considered by many a fan and critic to be one of their finer outings, the subsequent tour would also bequeath us the fine tour documentary, 101.

Lets talk Depeche Mode, Music for the Masses!

In April of 1987 The Cult released their 3rd studio album.

Gone are the days of the band’s goth phase, this time opting to have none other than rap and heavy metal producer Rick Rubin come in and sculpt a new sonic trajectory for the group.

Lets talk The Cult, Electric!

In March of 1987 Prince released his ninth studio album.

Spanning two discs and coming in at 80 plus minutes over 16 tracks,
this critically lauded opus does not disappoint.

Lets talk Prince, Sign ‘O’ the Times!

In August of 1987 R.E.M released their 5th studio album.

The first of a decade’s worth of records to be produced by Scott Litt, the band dials in their tone with an eye on the mainstream and wind up with their first of many platinum selling successes.

Let’s talk R.E.M, Document!

In August of 1987 Def Leppard released their fourth studio album.

Produced by Mutt Lange over the course of three years, the record became an unstoppable glam pop juggernaut, spawning 7 singles, and selling over 12,000,000 copies stateside.

It rules!

Lets talk Def Leppard, Hysteria!

In March of 1987 a who’s who of country stars featuring Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris & Linda Ronstadt released their first collaboration.

It received all the accolades, was nominated for a ton of awards, won a few of them, and is just a delight for the ears.

Let’s talk Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, & Emmylou Harris, Trio!

In December of 1987 Dinosaur Jr. released their second studio album.

Hailed by critics and bands alike as a landmark record in the burgeoning indie/alternative genre, inspiring both Nirvana and My Bloody Valentine and showing the punks that guitar solos are still cool.

Lets talk Dinosaur Jr., You’re Living All Over Me!

In March of 1987 Anthrax released their 3rd studio album.

Does it thrash? You bet! But do the the lyrical stylings leave us wanting?

Lets talk Anthrax, Among The Living!

In May of 1986 Peter Gabriel released his fifth studio album.

An inescapable juggernaut of a record, it brought the underground musical genius into the mainstream and is considered by more than a handful of critics to be his best output.

Let’s talk Peter Gabriel, So!

In March of 1986 Anita Baker released her second studio album.

The record was a breakout success for the artist, signaling to the industry at large that there was still a significant market for adult/contemporary music.

Let’s talk Anita Baker, Rapture!

In November of 1986 Bad Brains released their second studio album.

The record is a departure from their seminal hardcore roots, adding a bit of reggae, funk and heavy metal into the mix.

It’s influence cannot be overstated and is considered by many to be the bands best output.

Let’s talk Bad Brains, I Against I!

In March of 1986 Steve Earle released his debut studio album.

It rules.

Let’s talk Steve Earle, Guitar Town!

In October of 1986 XTC released their 9th studio album.

With known studio imp Todd Rundgren called for in to produce and the subsequent clashing of egos that took place, the results are nothing short of sublime.

Let’s talk XTC, Skylarking!

In May of 1986 Run DMC released their 3rd studio album.

It is literally the greatest rap/rock album ever made.

Lets talk Run DMC, Raising Hell!

In August of 1986 Paul Simon released is seventh solo studio album.

Following the commercial flop that was Hearts & Bones and his recent divorce from Carrie Fisher, Paul found himself in a deep depression.
A bootleg cassette of South African street music got him excited about music again and the rest is history.

Let’s talk Paul Simon, Graceland!

In September of 1986 Throwing Muses released their debut album.

It was the first record by and American group to be released on the British 4AD Label (paving the way for The Pixies just a few years later).
Allmusic review:

“A startling collision of punk energy, folky melodicism, and Kristin Hersh’s mercurial voice and lyrics…puts the work of most self-consciously ‘tortured’ artists to shame.”

Lets talk Throwing Muses, Throwing Muses!

In October of 1986 Slayer released their 3rd studio album.

The first of their albums to be produced by Rick Rubin (who’s production made the music palatable to the non-initiated), the record is a sonic assault that cannot be denied.

Hail Satan & lets talk Slayer, Reign In Blood!

In May of 1986 Sonic Youth released their 3rd full length studio album.

It was their first on SST and the first to include new drummer, Steve Shelley. The album marks where the band introduced pop elements to their cacophonous racket.

Lets talk Sonic Youth, EVOL!

Slippery When Wet is the third studio album by American rock band Bon Jovi, released on August 18, 1986, by Mercury Records in North America and Vertigo Records internationally. It was produced by Bruce Fairbairn, with recording sessions between January and July 1986 at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver. The album features many of Bon Jovi’s best-known songs, including “You Give Love a Bad Name”, “Livin’ on a Prayer”, and “Wanted Dead or Alive”. The crew reflect on a band that seemed firmly planted in 1986.

Peace Sells… but who’s Buying? is the second studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 19, 1986, through Capitol Records. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 82 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US and number 40 on the UK Albums Chart. It has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over 4 million copies worldwide.Pretty good for a thrash album!

In February of 1986, Talk Talk released their 3rd studio album.

The album represents the cutoff of their earlier synth pop roots and the movement to more improvised works.

It was their highest charting non-compilation release, peaking at number 8 in the UK and stayed their for 21 weeks.

Let’s talk Talk Talk, The Colour of Spring!

In September of 1986 Billy Bragg released his 3rd studio album.

Its beautiful, it is very of its time and sadly still, ours.

Let’s talk Billy Bragg, Talking with the Taxman About Poetry!

In March of 1986 Metallica released their 3rd studio album.

With no radio play whatsoever, Thrash has hit the mainstream.

Let’s talk Metallica, Master of Puppets!

In November of 1986 the Beastie Boys released their debut album.

It’s the shot heard round the world.

In one fell swoop, three Jewish teenagers and their producer kicked the proverbial doors in to the suburban market and took hip hop to the masses; changing our shared musical landscape, forever.

Lets talk Beastie Boys, Licensed to Ill!

In December of 1986 Afrika Bambaataa and The Soul Sonic Force released a collection of singles.

The song “Planet Rock” was one of the earliest hits of the hip hop music genre, remains one of its pioneering recordings & was ranked by Rolling Stone magazine at #240 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Lets talk Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force, Planet Rock!

In September of 1986 Elvis Costello released his 11th studio album.

The man doesn’t know how to write bad songs.

Let’s talk Elvis Costello, Blood & Chocolate!

In June of 1985 Scritti Politti released their second studio album.

To this day it remains the band’s best selling album, peaking at number five on the UK charts and spawning three top 20 hits in the UK.

Let’s talk Scritti Politti, Cupid & Psyche!

Don’t Stand Me Down is the third studio album by English pop band Dexys Midnight Runners, released in September 1985 by Mercury Records. The album was released three years after their second album, the internationally successful Too-Rye-Ay. At the time, Dexys’ lineup had been pared down from ten members to just four: vocalist/guitarist Kevin Rowland, guitarist Billy Adams, violinist Helen O’Hara, and saxophonist Nick Gatfield, the last of whom left the band after the recording sessions were completed.

Don’t Stand Me Down was a critical and commercial failure upon its release. Many critics found the album to be a mess, with half the songs sounding like extemporized intros, and the rest seemingly trapped within their own middle eights. However, in recent years, the album has been reassessed by critics, and is now considered to be a classic of the genre.

In October of 1985 Simply Red released their debut album.

It would go on to dominate the charts worldwide, achieving platinum sales status in six countries.

Let’s talk Simply Red, Picture Book!

In May of 1985 New Order released their 3rd studio album.

Scholars maintain that the record solidified the band’s divorce from post punk and their full embrace of dance rock.

Lets talk New Order, Low – Life!

The Jesus and Mary Chain’s debut album, Psychocandy, is considered to be one of the most influential albums of all time. Released in 1985, the album helped to define the shoegaze genre, characterized by its use of distorted guitars, feedback, and lush melodies. Surprisingly Psychocandy was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It reached number 31 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold by the BPI. It is now considered to be one of the most important albums of the 1980s alternative rock / noise rock / indie rock scene.

Lets talk The Jesus and Mary Chain – Psychocandy

Tom Waits continues his transition that was started in Swordfishtrombones with his 9th outing Rain Dogs in 1985. Some call it his best work and a pivotal move from the singer songwriter’s previous material before he leans into the cathartic carnival barker of bone machine and beyond.

What do you think a Rain Dog is?

Let’s talk Tom Waits Rain Dogs

The Smiths’ second album, Meat Is Murder, was released in 1985 and quickly became one of the most controversial albums of the decade. The album’s title track, a staunchly anti-meat anthem, was banned by the BBC, and the album itself was met with mixed reviews. However, over the years, Meat Is Murder has come to be seen as one of the Smiths’ best albums alongside The Queen is Dead.

Let’s talk The Smiths – Meat Is Murder

In August of 1985 The Pogues released their sophomore album.

It was produced by Elvis Costello and recorded at Elephant Studios in Wapping, London. Of the recording process itself, Costello had this to say:

“I saw my task was to capture them in their dilapidated glory before some more professional producer fucked them up.”

Let’s talk The Pogues, Rum Sodomy and the Lash!

In May of 1985 Suzanne Vega released her debut album.

Gary Kenton:
“Vega can get a bit pretentious, but what singer-songwriter worth a damn doesn’t? Its the price you pay for taking risks. Suzanne Vega is a flattering and very substantial introduction.”

Let’s talk Suzanne Vega, Suzanne Vega!

In January of 1986 Big Black released their debut album.

A shot across the bow for what was considered extreme music at the time, the record is an all out aural assault.

Chicago industrial has arrived.

Let’s talk Big Black, Atomizer!

In 1985 The Mekons released their 4th studio album.

Robert Christgau:
“Just when I never wanted to hear a roots-rock record again, along come these British anarchists with a sort of concept album sort of about life during wartime. The Americans are clearing a sector down south, but that doesn’t stop the good guys from playing their anarchic country-rock and doing their anarchic Morris stomp and fucking up their anarchic love lives and drinking to keep from shitting their pants and rolling down a highway that may finally be lost for real. Yes, amateurism is still a sentimental fallacy, and if you want to know why it’s such a powerful one, listen up.”

Lets talk The Mekons, Fear and Whiskey!

In June of 1985 Prefab Sprout released their second studio album.

Produced by Thomas Dolby (Booker T. Boffin for those in the know), the album has been praised by critics as a “shimmering jazz-pop masterpiece” that is “buttressed by a phenomenal rhythm section and fairy-dusted with Wendy Smith’s breathy harmonies”.

Let’s talk Prefab Sprout, Steve McQueen!

Editor’s note: This is the last of episode of the batch with audio issues, recommended playback at 1.5x, apologies.

*quick editor’s note: we’ve still got mixer gremlin issues for these next two episodes, recommend playing at 1.5x speed, sorry for the inconvenience.

In May of 1985 Dire Straits released their 5th studio album.

Though initially spanned by critics upon its release, album would go on to be their biggest selling, spawning five singles, spending ten consecutive weeks at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, Nine weeks at #1 on the US Billboard 200, thirty four weeks on top of the Australian Albums Chart, and would go on to be certified a staggering 9x Platinum selling status in the USA alone, making it one of the top selling records of all time; but is it any good?

Let’s talk Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms!

In February of 1985 Tears for Fears released their second studio album.

The record is a pop masterpiece that spawned six singles, and would go on to achieve multiple times platinum sales on both sides of the Atlantic.

Let’s talk Tears for Fears, Songs From the Big Chair!

In October of 1985 A-Ha released their debut studio album.

The album launched the band into superstardom, spawned five singles, won accolades for their innovative music video for Take On Me.

Let’s talk A-Ha, Hunting High and Low!

Let’s talk Abdullah Ibramin, Water From an Ancient Well!

In September of 1985 The Fall released their 8th studio album.

Recorded between June & July of the same year, it is widely considered to be one of the band’s finest outings.

Let’s talk The Fall, This Nation’s Saving Grace!

In June of 1984 Bruce Springsteen released his 7th studio album.

The follow up his subdued and minimal master piece, Nebraska, Springsteen opted for the bombast of his earlier works and in the process created one of the best, best selling records of all time.

Let’s talk Bruce Springsteen, Born in the USA!

Youssou N’dour’s 1984 album, Immigrés, is a musical ode to the Senegalese diaspora. The album was released at a time when Senegal was experiencing a wave of emigration, and N’dour’s songs spoke to the experiences of those who had left their homeland in search of a better life.

In October of 1984 Lloyd Cole and the Commotions released their debut album.

Written at Glasgow Golf Club (where Lloyd’s father was Club Master) and recorded at The Garden studio in Shoreditch, the record is a concept of sorts about what people do when they are in love.

Lets talk Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, Rattlesnakes!

In July of 1984 the Minutemen released their third album.

Named in reaction to the Sammy Hagar anthem, “I Can’t Drive 55”, the double album spans 45 songs in just 81 minutes.

“Our band could be your life
Real names’d be proof
Me and Mike Watt, we played for years
Punk Rock changed our lives”

Let’s talk Minutemen, Double Nickels on the Dime!

In May of 1984 Echo & the Bunnymen released their 4th studio album.

Written in 1983 and almost entirely recorded in Paris using a 35 piece orchestra, the record received mixed reviews upon it’s release due in apart to it’s seemingly abandoning the rock roots of prior recordings.

Let’s talk Echo & the Bunnymen, Ocean Rain!

In May of 1984 Tina Turner released her 5th studio album.

After being dropped from United five years earlier due to the poor reception of her album Love Explosion, A&R rep John Carter of Capitol Records spearheaded Tina’s comeback.
Setting her R&B pedigree aside, the album tracks gracefully maneuver between uptempo pop, full on ballads, and smatterings of jazz and soul.

The results?
Seven singles, 5x platinum sales stateside, four Grammy Awards including Record of The Year, Best Female Pop Performance & Best Female Rock Performance, and the career resurrection of one of the finest performers to ever grace a stage.

Let’s talk Tina Turner, Private Dancer!

In March of 1984 The Style Council released their official debut album.

Meandering through whatever genre’s they deemed fit, the band created a real hodgepodge production that showed off just how much more Paul Weller and co. had to offer than rock n roll.

Let’s talk The Style Council, Café Bleu!

In October of 1982 The Replacements released their third studio album.

It is rightfully considered one of the greatest albums ever made and a reminder of what could have been if the band had ever managed to get their act together.

Lets shoot for the middle and talk The Replacements, Let It Be!

In June of 1984 Prince released his 6th studio album.

This time around The Revolution not only got credit on the album but actually played their instruments.

It is the most commercially successful record he would ever make, spawning five singles and selling over 25,000,000 copies worldwide.

Let’s talk Prince, Purple Rain!

In January of 1984 Van Halen released their 6th studio album.

Though some in the band disagreed, Eddie Van Halen’s decision to throw off the shackles of pure guitar rock and embrace the synthesizer as a lead instrument proved to be both a bold and wise move, as it would get them to the top of the Billboard Singles Charts and eventually go on to sell over ten million copies.

Though it would be their last with Diamond Dave on vocals, it would prove to be the best output they would ever produce.

Let’s talk Van Halen, 1984!

In April of 1983 Minor Threat released their only studio album.

Clocking in just north of twenty one minutes over the course of nine tracks, the album is a blisteringly fast DC hardcore assault with some surprising pop hooks peppered in.

It is single-handedly responsibly for the straight edge movement, which in turn makes it responsible for that time I (Rob) got kicked in the head for smoking a cigarette at an Avail show fourteen years post the record’s release (A story I would have told had I been on this episode).

Let’s talk Minor Threat, Out of Step!

In November of 1984 Cocteau Twins released their 3rd studio album.

Recorded in August and September of the same year, the record is a departure from their post punk roots and is one of the finest dream pop records ever pressed to wax.

Let’s talk Cocteau Twins, Treasure!

In July of 1984 Sade released their debut album.

Recorded over six weeks at Power Plant Studios with Robin Millar helming the board, the record would go on to spawn four singles, win Best British Album at the Brit Awards, and sell over ten million copies, making it the best selling album by a British female vocalist for twenty four years.

Let’s talk Sade, Diamond Life!

In March of 1984 Run DMC released their debut album.

Breaking down the genre to it’s bare bones, the group opted to keep the beats tighter and rhymes harder than anyone had done yet.

The results? The first rap album to hit gold status, the creation of the rap/rock genre, and the opening salvo of hip hop’s rise to cultural dominance.

Let’s talk Run DMC, Run DMC!

In October of 1984 Frankie Goes to Hollywood released their debut studio album.

Spanning four sides, and with producer Trevor Horn flexing complete control over the final product, the album is a testament to 80s excess.

Let’s talk Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Welcome to The Pleasure Dome!

In October of 1983 Culture Club released their second studio album.

Preceded by their smash hit Karma Chameleon, the record would go on to sell over ten million copies worldwide and became a touchstone of 80s pop music.

Let’s talk Culture Club, Colour by Numbers!

In April of 1984 Meat Puppets released their second studio album.

Gone are the hardcore roots of the band, opting to embrace their love of psych, country, and just a touch of thrash.

The results? One of the finest recording of the 1980s and another feather in the cap of SST.

Let’s talk Meat Puppets, Meat Puppets II!

In June of 1983 The Police released their 5th and final studio album.

Recorded in just six weeks at Air Studios, the band recorded live in three separate rooms (“for social reasons”).

It would go on to be a worldwide smash hit and the final nail in their proverbial coffin.

Let’s talk The Police, Synchronicity!

In February of 1983 U2 released their 3rd studio album.

It was the most overtly political musical statement to date by the band, with Sunday Bloody Sunday to this day being considered one of the best protest songs ever written.

The album would finally unseat Thriller from the number one spot on the UK charts and many tracks are still staples of their live show.

Lets talk U2, War!

In January of 1983 Eurythmics released their second studio album.

It became the record that broke them out on both sides of the pond.

Let’s talk Eurythmics, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)!

In late March of 1983 ZZ Top released their eighth studio album.

Every dang track is a stone cold classic and the album would go on to achieve diamond sales status.

But is it really a Billy Gibbons solo record in disguise?

Let’s talk ZZ Top, Eliminator!

In February of 1983 Echo and the Bunnymen released their 3rd studio album.

Though initially panned by critics the album would go on to be their best selling to date and eventually reach gold status in sales.

It’s also maybe there best record?

Let’s talk Echo and the Bunnymen, Porcupine!

In November of 1983 Paul Simon released his 6th studio album.

Entering into his fourth decade, Paul found himself in a rut. His vanity movie project One-Trick Pony was a commercial flop, the reunion concert with former band mate showed just why they broke up in the first place, and his pending divorce from Carrie Fisher was an open wound.

What’s a sad middle aged man to do? Write a song about cars we guess?

Let’s talk Paul Simon, Hearts & Bones!

In October of 1983 Cyndi Lauper released her debut album.

The album is a pop masterpiece and has gone on to sell over 16 million copies worldwide.

Let’s talk Cyndi Lauper, She’s So Unusual!

In May of 1983 Hanoi Rocks released their fourth studio album.

These Finnish street urchins w/ the help of ex-Mott The Hoople alum Dale Griffen and Peter Watts production, made Glam Metal a thing and inspired the Sunset Strip crowd to step up their game.

Let’s talk Hanoi Rocks, Back to Mystery City!

In April of 1984 The Blue Nile released their debut album.

Linn Electronics had a conundrum, the hi-fi equipment they made was just too good to demo previously recorded artists. Their solution was to start a record label and give three art school kids studio time.

Let’s talk The Blue Nile, A Walk Across the Rooftops!

In September of 1983 Tom Waits released his 8th studio album.

Gone are the days of piano balladry and thus begins the experimental Muppet phase of his storied career.

Let’s talk Tom Waits, Swordfishtombones!

In October of 1983 The The released their debut album.

NME’s Don Johnson:

“In days when the pop song has been reduced to the reiteration of catch-phrases, Matt Johnson flexes a rare literary flair. More importantly he has the command of music’s immense possibilities to carry them through without self-indulgence. Ignore this LP if you must, but you’ll be ignoring one of the year’s rare heart-stopping moments.”

Lets talk The The, Soul Mining!

In April of 1983 R.E.M. released their debut album.

It has been heralded as one of the finest records of the 80s and helped usher in the alternative and college radio sound.

Let’s talk R.E.M., Murmur!

In January of 1983 Def Leppard released their 3rd studio album.

With engineering wizard Mutt Lange having complete control over the writing and recording, over the course of 10 grueling months in 1982 the band would create an otherworldly sounding record that set the high watermark for all hard rock to come.

Let’s talk Def Leppard, Pyromania!

In May of 1983 British taste maker, Malcolm McLaren, released this album.

It is the very definition of cultural appropriation but incidentally maybe started a trend that eventually led to the west caring about apartheid?

Let’s talk Malcolm McLaren, Duck Rock!

In April of 1983 Violent Femmes released their debut album.

The record has been included on many a critics best of the 80s list and would go on to sell over a million copies.

The tunes aren’t bad either.

Lets talk Violent Femmes, Violent Femmes!

In the year of our lord, 1982, Duran Duran released their sophomore studio outing.

The album was not received well at all by critics of the day with NME saying it was “a sweet, lumpy pudding of a noise” and Record Mirror chiming in with, “thoroughly competent and yet bereft of the soul, passion and wit that makes a great record”.

The passage of time has proven the teenyboppers right on this one, this album slaps.

Lets talk Duran Duran, Rio!

In March of 1982 Iron Maiden released their 3rd studio album.

With the drug abuse related ouster of singer Paul Di’Anno heralded the arrival of the angel voiced former Samson vocalist, Bruce Dickinson, to fill the void.
With his distinct “air raid” siren song added to Steve Harris’s incredible compositions, the band made Heavy Metal a household name and became a worldwide phenomenon.

Let’s talk Iron Maiden, The Number of the Beast!

In May of 1982 Associates released their sophomore album.

The record peaked at #10 on the British charts and was named by Melody Maker as album of the year.

Let’s talk Associates, Sulk!

In September of 1982 Bruce Springsteen released his 6th studio album.

Initially written as scratch tracks for the E Street Band and subsequently declined, The Boss eschewed the bombast of his past outings and after digging in his pockets for the only copy of the tape in existence released his most raw and intimate album to date.

Let’s talk Bruce Springsteen, Nebraska!

In November of 1982 Venom changed the face of Heavy Metal, forever.

Let’s talk Venom, Black Metal!

In May of 1982 The Birthday Party released their 3rd studio album.

Inspired by Southern Gothic imagery, the record has been described as a “scuzzy masterpiece” and was No. 17 in the book, 100 Best Australian Albums.

Let’s talk The Birthday Party, Junkyard!

In late November of 1982 Michael Jackson released his sixth studio album.

Seven singles and worldwide sales of seventy million copies later, the record has cemented itself as a cultural phenom.

Lets talk Michael Jackson, Thriller!

In November of 1982 Orange Juice released their sophomore outing.

Lets talk Orange Juice, Rip It Up!

In September of 1982 Kate Bush released her 4th studio album.

Written, recorded, and self produced over two years time, the record is an experimental work of genius. Making significant use of the Fairlight CMI, the album’s sound is still fresh these many years later.

Though considered a commercial flop on it’s release, it’s continued legacy cannot be overstated.

Let’s talk Kate Bush, The Dreaming!

In February of 1982 Haircut One Hundred released their debut album.

The record would go on to spawn three hit singles, hit number two on the UK charts, and moved over three hundred thousand units on the island; but is it any good?

Let’s talk Haircut One Hundred – Pelican West!

In October of 1982 Donald Fagen released his debut solo album.

After Steely Dan split the year prior, Fagen got back into the studio and with a slew of who’s who session musicians, he proceeded to make the most personal recording of his career.

Let’s talk Donald Fagen, The Nightfly!

In November of 1982 Madness released their fourth studio album.

Considered by many to be their best work, the album showcases just how great the band was as writers and players.

Let’s talk Madness, The Rise & Fall!

In September of 1982 Simple Minds released their 5th studio album.

Recorded over a five month period at Rockfield Studios, Jim Kerr has stated that it was a time where everything they tried seemed to work.

The album would go on to spawn three singles, peak at number 69 (nice) on the US Billboard 200, and be certified Platinum in the UK.

Let’s talk Simple Minds, New Gold Dream!

In July of 1982 Dexys Midnight Runners released their sophomore outing.

Dressed in the finest of oogle fashions, Kevin Rowland and crew set-off to take over the pop charts.

With the addition of strings to their Northern Soul sound, the band proceeded to do just that.

Let’s talk Dexys Midnight Runners, Too-Rye-Ay!

Robert Dimery is here and talking to the group about his new book  MusicQuake: The Most Disruptive Moments in Music and 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. 

You can purchase at OUR (Louisville) local independent book store Carmichael’s or through your local bookstore and yes, (if you must) it is on Amazon along with Robert’s other books:

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robert-Dimery/e/B00HZILYAU?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1667211227&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Dimery/e/B00HZILYAU

You can find the Spotify playlist to go along with the book here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LtQE8H18dri97gxSJJXHq?si=0e8f1b22eea94fec

We are halfway done, huzzah!

In May of 1982 The Cure released their 4th studio album.

Touring 200 days a year, heavy drug use, and suicidal ideation are the key ingredients to the dour outing. The album’s sound has been described as “Phil Spector in Hell”.

Let’s talk The Cure, Pornography!

In July of 1982 Elvis Costello & The Attractions released their 6th studio album, together.

The first to not be produced by Nick Lowe and recorded between November of 1981 and March of 1982 at AIR studios, this aural outing is considered by most to be a high water mark in a career consisting of only high water marks.

Lets talk Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Imperial Bedroom!

In October of 1982 Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five released their debut album.

It’s an important one.

Let’s talk Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, The Message!

In October of 1982 Prince released his 5th studio album.

The double LP was the first recording to feature The Revolution as his backing band, cementing the Minneapolis sound as the future of 80s funk, and has been hailed as one of the best albums of the decade.

Let’s talk Prince, 1999!

In June of 1982 ABC released their debut studio album.

Produced by Trevor Horn, the record would go on to spawn four singles, hit number one on the UK charts, and was very well received by critics.

Let’s talk ABC, The Lexicon of Love!

In November of 1981 ABBA released their 8th studio album.

With Benny and Frida’s relationship hitting the skids, the record takes a darker tone than previous outings.

The recording stood to be their last until the release of Voyage in 2021, four decades later.

Let’s talk ABBA, The Visitors!

In February of 1981 Rush released their 8th studio album.

Recorded in October and November of 1980 at Le Studio in Morin Heights, the record would go on to spawn three singles, a Grammy nomination, and was their highest selling album, stateside.

Let’s talk Rush, Moving Pictures!

In October of 1981 Tom Tom Club released their debut album.

When your lead singer writes you out of the song writing credits on the last album, whats a rhythm section to do?

If your Tina Weymouth & Chris Frantz you call up one the best guitarists alive, Adrian Belew, head on down to the Bahamas, and make one of the greatest albums of the 1980s.

Let’s talk Tom Tom Club, Tom Tom Club!

In November of 1981 Bobby Womack released his 13th studio album…

Nine months later a whole lot of babies were born.

Let’s talk Bobby Womack, The Poet!

In October of 1981 Bauhaus released their 2nd studio album.

Expanding their sonic palette with the addition of keyboards and acoustic guitars, the band managed to one up themselves in what is arguably their best work.

Let’s talk Bauhaus, Mask!

In late August of 1981 The Gun Club released their debut album on Ruby Records.

Taking their cues from such blues luminaries as Robert Johnston but adding in the fury of punk into the mix, Jeffery Lee Pierce and co. trail-blazed the way for other stripped down roots rock, blues punk, cow punk, et al, still to this day.

Let’s talk The Gun Club, Fire of Love!

In October of 1981 The Human League released their third studio album.

Following the exit of former bandmates Glen Gregory and Martyn Ware, Philip Oakey managed to put together a ragtag group of backup dancers, a former Scottish punk guitarists cum keyboardist, and studio session musician hired on full-time that went on to become a worldwide hits machine.

Let’s talk The Human League, Dare!

In June of 1981 The Psychedelic Furs unleashed their sophomore studio outing.

Robert Christgau:
“It’s richer melodically, texturally, and emotionally. I loved the first Furs album because it seemed so disposable; I love this one because it doesn’t.”

Let’s talk The Psychedelic Furs, Talk Talk Talk!

In May of 1981 X released their sophomore album.

Fusing the high energy speed of punk w/ one foot still playing in the r&b, rockabilly, roots, and country sandbox, the resulting thirteen tracks are a Wild Gift, indeed.

Let’s talk X, Wild Gift!

(most humble apologies fro the crackle at the beginning of this podcast, it does go away.)

In December of 1981 Black Flag released their debut album.

Though largely ignored upon its release by critics, the album is now considered and absolute classic of American Hardcore and the band itself paved the way that future DIY and indie bands would tour for years to come.

Let’s talk Black Flag, Damaged!

In February of 1981 David Byrne and Brian Eno released their first album as a collaborative duo.

Recorded before the Talking Heads, Remain in Light, it was shelved for a year on account of sample clearance issues.

On the cusp of sampling’s 80s revolution, Eno’s love of tape loops are taken to their logical next step, while Byrne’s Afrobeat and Funk Rock leanings keep butts shaking.

Let’s talk David Byrne & Brian Eno, My Life in The Bush of Ghosts!

In February of 1980 OMD released their third studio album.

Taking inspiration from religious music, the band made use of chorale samples, the Mellotron, melodica and variety of other instruments to create the record’s beautifully lush sound.

Let’s talk Orchestral Manoeuvres in The Dark, Architecture and Morality!

In November of 1981 Soft Cell released their debut album.

Made on a tight budget, the band purportedly recorded almost entirely on a ReVox tape recorder.

With a borrowed drum machine, a Korg bass synth, and producer Mike Thorne’s Synclavier, the band created a true synth pop classic.

Let’s talk Soft Cell, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret!

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In June of 1981 Motörhead released the greatest live record of all time.

Seriously y’all, it’s the best.

Let’s talk Motörhead, No Sleep ‘til Hammersmith!

In July of 1981 The Go-Gos released their debut album.

Its a stunning first outing with songs that are pure pop perfection. The record would climb to the top of the Billboard Hot 200 in 8 months time and eventually go on to sell over two million copies.

Let’s talk The Go-Gos, Beauty and The Beat!

In September of 1981 Penthouse 17 released their debut album.

After jumping ship on Human League, Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware chose their new band’s name from the fictional pop group mentioned in Anthony Burgesses’ A Clockwork Orange.

Let’s talk Heaven 17, Penthouse and Pavement!

In June of 1981 Siouxie and The Banshees released their 4th studio album.

It is widely considered to be one of the finest post-punk records ever made.

Let’s talk Siouxie and The Banshees, Juju!

In October of 1981 Einstürzende Neubauten released their first official LP on the ZickZack record label.

This is the sound of things not just falling apart but being intentionally destroyed. Industrial music taken at it’s most literal interpretation, melody be damned.

Let’s talk Einstürzende Neubauten, Kollaps!

In late December of 1979 Pretenders released their debut album.

Recording began with Nick Lowe producing Stop Your Sobbing, but being of the opinion that this band was “not going anywhere”, he jumped ship and Chris Thomas came in to pick up the slack.

The results? Pretenders debuted at #1 on the UK Album Charts, cracked the top 10 on the Billboard 200, certified platinum in 1982, and is considered one of the finest albums of all time.

Let’s talk Pretenders, Pretenders!

In late December of 1980, known multi-instrumentalist and Traffic aficionado, Steve Winwood, released his Platinum selling sophomore solo album.

Recorded at his own Netherturkdonic Studios in Gloucestershire, Winwood opted to play all the instruments, write all the music, and produce and engineer the entire record himself.

Let’s talk Steve Winwood, Arc of a Diver!

In October of 1980 The Specials released their sophomore album.

After six months on the road and utterly exhausted, the band went into the studio with musak on their minds.

Jerry Dammers:
“On that tour in America, I was listening to music in the hotel bars and elevators. Vibraphone music in elevators. Obviously this was classed as rubbish. I don’t know if it was my state of mind, because I was so zonked, but it struck me as a really weird, psychedelic music, which is now called lounge or exotica. It’s been rehabilitated, but at the time, to say you actually liked that music was mad. It completely freaked out some of the band.”

The results speak for themselves.

Let’s talk The Specials, More Specials!

In October of 1980 The Teardrop Explodes released their debut album.

Deriving influence from the 60s psyche movement and punk, these Liverpudlians made a significant contribution to post-punk and the future of rock music in Britain.

Let’s talk The Teardrop Explodes, Kilimanjaro!

In August of 1980 UB40 released their debut album.

Robert Christgau –

“Eight black-and-whites from Birmingham who named themselves after the dole card they know so well, they don’t play no ska–they’re songsmiths in a deep reggae groove. They take their time instead of pressing on to the next one, and more than one instrumental outwears its welcome.”

Let’s talk UB40, Signing Off!

In September of 1980 Tom Waits released his 7th studio album.

Why it’s in here when Swordfish Trombones is just three short years away, who knows?

Let’s talk Tom Waits, Heartattack and Vine!

In late November of 1980 The Jam released their 5th studio album.

Taking musical cues from many post-punk luminaries including Gang of Four, Joy Division, and Wire, with drummer Rick Buckler paying special attention to the drums on Off the Wall.

It is The Jam’s crowning achievement and truly one for the book.

Lets talk The Jam, Sound Affects!

In April of 1980, The Undertones released their second album.

Recorded at both Wisseloord Studios in The Netherlands and Eden Studios in London over the course of two months, the band cranked out more of the same material that endeared them so well to John Peel.

Lets talk The Undertones, Hypnotised!

In April of 1980 Iron Maiden released their debut studio album.

Recorded at Kingsway Studio the previous December, the album is a shot across the bow for heavy music. With breakneck speeds, ferocious riffs, anthemic melodies, and the dulcet tones of original singer Paul Di’Anno, the album heralded the arrival of The British New Wave of Heavy Metal.

Let’s talk Iron Maiden, Iron Maiden!

In July of 1980 Joy Division released their final studio album.

Once again produced by Martin Hannett but released two month after the tragic passing of lead singer, Ian Curtis, the album represents a high watermark of the post-punk genre.

Lets talk Joy Division, Closer!

In October of 1980 Talking Heads released their 4th studio album.

With Brian Eno back at the helm, the band continues their trajectory as the best group to come out of the CBGB’s scene, and the album deserves every accolade that has been thrown at it.

Lets talk Talking Heads, Remain in Light!

In October of 1980 Circle Jerks released their debut album.

With fourteen songs clocking in at just over fifteen minutes, the album is a true classic of the hardcore punk genre.

Let’s talk Circle Jerks, Group Sex!

In April of 1980, known hellbent for leather Turbo Lovers, Judas Priest, released their 6th studio album.

Taking lyrical cues from AC/DC this time around, the band dropped some of the darker themes featured on their earlier releases, opting for a more party time feel.

The record announced the arrival of The New Wave of British Heavy Metal and would help inspire the thrash metal genre of a few years later.

Lets talk Judas Priest, British Steel!

In October of 1980 Killing Joke released their debut album.

“Bass, lead, to tell the killing joke, we mean it man! Total exploitation, no information, anonymity” was the rallying cry posted in Melodie Maker Magazine by keyboardist/singer Jaz Coleman and drummer Paul Fergeson in 1979. With the addition of guitarist Geordie Walker and bassist Youth, the band headed into the studio in August of 1980.

Recorded at Marquee Studios in London and self-produced by the band, the album trail-blazed a sound that the Chicago indie scene of 5 years later would owe a true debt.

Lets talk Killing Joke, Killing Joke!

In November of 1980 Motörhead released their fourth studio album.

Recorded in August and September of the same year, the illustrious producer Vic Maile managed to capture the raw power of the trio all while tightening up their sound.

Though the band hated being lumped into The New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the record is a true watershed moment where the fury of punk and the speed of metal were fused together by one of the best rock n roll bands around.

Lets talk Motörhead – Ace of Spades!

In July of 1980 Echo & the Bunnymen released their debut album.

Recorded over the course of about three weeks and produced by Bill Drummond, David Balfe, and Ian Broudie, the album is considered one of the finer debut records in the 80s.

Let’s talk Echo & the Bunnymen, Crocodiles!

In April of 1980 known sad bois from West Sussex, The Cure, released their second studio album.

Due to being cash strapped, the record was recorded and mixed down in seven days with the band pulling 16 – 17 hour per, with the majority of the songs being conceived and written by lead singer Robert Smith in his parent’s house on a Hammond organ.

The album has gone on to be considered a pioneering example of gothic rock and an harbinger of the gloom to come.

Lets talk The Cure, Seventeen Seconds!

On June 28th of 1980 The Soft Boys released their 2nd studio album.

Recorded in parts during June of 79, and from January to June of 80 on both 4 and 8 track recorders for the low price of £600, the album hearkens back to the psychedelia of the 60s but with its feet firmly planted in the post-punk of it’s day.

Though not a commercial success upon it’s release,the album’s influence and legacy cannot be overstated (we see you, R.E.M).

Lets talk The Soft Boys, Underwater Moonlight!

In May of 1980, former Genesis alum Peter Gabriel released his third self-titled record.

Known by informally as Melt, (due to the altered Polaroid photo of Gabriel with half of his face melting off) the album became his first commercial breakthrough as a solo artist, showing him to be a true innovator and one of the finest musical artists of his day.

Let’s talk Peter Gabriel, Peter Gabriel!

In September of 1980 The Dead Kennedys released their debut album.

The stench of Reagan looms on the horizon, Jerry Brown is coming for your uncool niece, Harvey Milk’s assassin only gets 7 years in prison (but serves less than that) and the threat of global nuclear holocaust is at an all time high, whats a bunch of angry leftist punks to do?

Write a masterpiece of American Hardcore, that’s what.

Lets talk The Dead Kennedys, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables!

In 1980, The Cramps released their debut studio album.

Let’s talk The Cramps, The Songs the Lord Taught Us!

In July of 1980 AC/DC released their 7th studio album.

Following the tragic passing of front-man Bon Scott in February, the band decided to keep on going and brought on Brian Johnson as the new singer.

With Mutt Lange back as engineer, they defied all the odds by making one of the definitive rock albums of the 80s that would eventually go on to be certified 25x platinum stateside.

Let’s talk AC/DC, Back in Black!

In July of 1980 Dexys Midnight Runners released their debut album.

After disbanding his punk band, Kevin Rowland had a vision; to combine the urgency of punk rock with the Northern Soul scene. To quote Kevin himself:

“I’m going to do what I really want to do: form a great group. We’ll wear great clothes and make soulful music.”

Two outta three ain’t bad.

Let’s talk Dexys Midnight Runners, Searching for the Young Soul Rebels!

In November 1980 Adam & The Ants released their second studio album.

After getting his backing band stolen from him by Malcolm McLaren to form Bow Wow Wow, Adam went back into the studio armed with one Marc Pirroni on guitar and as a new writing partner.

The results? The pirate look became a very real thing in 1981.

Let’s talk Adam & the Ants, Kings of the Wild Frontier!

In October of 1979 The Specials released their debut album.

Produced by Elvis Costello and released on keyboardist Jerry Dammers 2 tone record label, the album was an anti-racist shot across the bow for disaffected youth in England, just as the country’s ugly right-wing turn and rise of Thatcher were taking hold.

Let’s talk The Specials, The Specials!

In September of 1979 Gary Numan released his debut solo album.

By the time Tubeway Army had released Replicas but before it hit #1 on the UK album charts, Numan had dropped the electric guitar all together, hired drummer Cedric Sharpley and keyboardist Chris Payne, and got started recording under his stage name.

Released just six months after Replicas, it would prove to be his second #1 UK album in the same year.

Let’s talk Gary Numan, The Pleasure Principle!

In November of 1979 The Damned released their third studio album.

The album is the first with the new lineup after the ouster of Brian James and Lu Edmunds. Dave Vanian is still on vocals, Captain Sensible now on the guitar, Rat Scabbies is back on drums and the new kid on the block, Algy Ward, taking up bass guitar.

We think its great.

Lets talk The Damned, Machine Gun Etiquette!

In August of 1979, Michael Jackson released his 5th studio album.

It was the first album released for Jackson on Epic following his departure from Motown. The album is also the first with Quincy Jones at the helm, whom Jackson had met on the film set of The Wiz.

It is considered a classic of the disco era and possibly his greatest record.

Let’s talk Michael Jackson, Off the Wall!

In November of 1979 Public Image Ltd released their sophomore album.

The album is a departure and giant leap forward from the debut. Lyrically it is less cringe, the rhythm section is on point, and the guitar work and tone shaped post punk to come.

The packaging ain’t too shabby, either.

Lets talk PiL, Metal Box!

In November of 1979 Pink Floyd released their 11th studio album.

What do you do when your tax dodging investment scheme goes tits up and find yourselves on the hook for an 83% tax liability of which you have no way to pay?
You call Bob Ezrin to turn your nightmare concept record about a sad, rich, rock star into a coherent masterpiece, that’s what.

Let’s talk Pink Floyd, The Wall!

In October of 1979 Fleetwood Mac released their 12th studio album.

Following the colossal success of Rumors the band opted to build their own studio to record the next album. A ten month cocaine binge and 20 songs later, the band released what was at the time the most expensive album ever made.
The double LP had a sticker shock price of $16.00 (which in 2022 monies equates to $63.72), only spent nine months on the Billboard charts, and was considered a failure by Warner Bros.

Let’s talks Fleetwood Mac, Tusk!

In February of 1979, power pop legends Cheap Trick released their breakthrough live album.

Recorded live at Nippon Budokan (originally constructed for the 1964 Olympics to host judo competitions) on the 28th & 30th of April 1978, the album captures one of the finest live acts of the day in their prime and catapulted the band from opener to headliners almost over night.

Let’s talk Cheap Trick, at Budokan!

In September of 1979 Gang of Four released their debut album.

Call it dance-punk, call it art-punk, or call it post-punk but just don’t call it late to dinner! This record is an important one in the shaping of the future of rock music.

Lets talk Gang of Four, Entertainment!

In June of 1979 Neil Young & Crazy Horse released Rust Never Sleeps.

Borrowing the Gerald Casale & Mark Mothersbaugh advertisement slogan for RustO-leum as the title, Young applied the philosophy to avoiding complacency with writing and putting on more progressive live shows.

The album is one of Young’s finest and is certainly a must listen.

Let’s talk Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Rust Never Sleeps!

In January of 1979 Elvis Costello released his 3rd studio album.

With Nick Lowe back at the helm, the album marks an end point to Costello’s “angry persona” and is as lyrically dark as he ever got, with many a fascist imagery and heartbreak weaving their way through an album absolutely sticky sweet with pop goodness.

Let’s talk Elvis Costello, Armed Forces!

In September of 1979, The Slits released their debut studio album.

Recorded over ten weeks time at Ridge Farm Studios, the album is ground zero for the beginnings of what would happen in Olympia, WA ten years later.
It’s influence is still being felt today and is (rightly so) considered by many a critic to be one of the best albums of all time.

Lets talk The Slits, Cut!

In November of 1979 Marian Faithfull released her 7th studio album.

The album is a comeback and also her masterpiece, following Marina’s trials and tribulations with anorexia, drug addiction, and homelessness.

Let’s talk Marian Faithfull, Broken English!

In November of 1979 Japan released their 3rd studio album.

Finding themselves floundering as a Glam act, the band decided to take a different musical path.
Teaming up with famed Italian synth pioneer Giorgio Moroder for the single, “Life in Tokyo” and subsequently dismissing him for a full length record; the band decided to give it a go with their manager (Simon Napier-Bell) and then, eventually, John Punter (who had worked with Roxy Music in the past).

The results more or less birthed the New Romantic movement, for better or for worse.

Let’s talk Japan, Quiet Life!

In December of 1979, The Clash released one of the only double records worth talking about.

Recorded over 3 months at Wessex South Studios w/ producer Guy Stevens, the album is a testament to the band’s talent and is truly one of the best records ever put to wax.

Let’s talk The Clash, London Calling!

May of 1979, known ruddy cheeked little scamps, The Undertones, released their debut album.

Recorded by Roger Béchirian in less than four weeks, the album stands as a testament to teenage angst, with its whip smart pop punk harmonies and counterpoints being considered amongst the best of the 70s and most certainly one of the finest punk albums of its day.

Let’s talk The Undertones – The Undertones!

In July of 1979 Chic released their 3rd studio album.

The record became a touchstone for the disco era and beyond, with it’s hit single, “Good Times” being heavily sampled in hip hop, notably on “Rappers Delight” and at least 215 other songs.

Let’s talk Chic, Risqué!

In June of 1979, Joy Division released their debut album.

It became the first LP put out by Factory records and the first of theirs to be recorded by Martin Hannett. The record’s use of space, odd percussive effects (see compressed air) and all around dark mood puts it far and away one of the greatest debut albums of all time and became an harbinger of the shape of post punk to be.

Let’s talk Joy Division, Unknown Pleasures!

In August of 1979, the Talking Heads released their third studio album.

With Brian Eno in the production seat for the second time, the band continues their incredible streak creating some of the best albums put to wax.

Lets talk Talking Heads, Fear of Music!

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In March of 1979, The Fall released their debut album.

Five days were booked at Sound Suite Studios to record these eleven songs but singer Mark E. Smith cancelled the first three on account of getting ill. The band knocked out the recording in a single day and the rest is history.

Let’s talk The Fall, Live at the Witch Trials!

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In October of 1979 The Police released their sophomore album.

The album title roughly translates from French to “White Reggae” and sounds as such.

Recorded over the course of four weeks at various times between February to August of the same year, the band was under no time crunch to produce and as a result the album is more polished than it’s predecessor; earning the band it’s first Grammy for “Best Rock Instrumental Performance” on the title track.

Let’s talk The Police, Reggatta De Blanc!

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In the year 1979, Can founder and AM radio enthusiast, Holger Czukay, released his 2nd album.

Being of the Stockhausen school of music, Czukay used a snippets of shortwave radio recordings and painstaking built songs around them. The album is a triumph of primitive sampling and deserves to be heard.

Let’s talk Holger Czukay, Movies!

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In July of 1979, known Athenians and thrift store party rockers, The B-52’s released their self-titled debut.

Back in April of 78 the band decided to release the single, “Rock Lobster”, to better help them book better shows and in so doing got themselves signed to Warner Bros.
With the major label backing, the band flew to Nassau and recorded at Compass Pointe Studios.

The results, you ask? Just one of the best post-punk albums, ever.

Lets talk The B-52’s, The B-52’s!

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In October of 79, the Germs released their one and only full length album.

Produced by Joan Jett and recorded over three weeks at Quad Teck studios, GI gives clarity to songs the band shambled through at their live shows.
The title is taken from an acronym the band used (Germs Incognito) for booking shows after they had been banned from performing at most of the clubs in the LA scene and is considered by most to be the first hardcore record ever released.

Let’s talk Germs, GI!

In the year 1979, The Crusaders released their 12th studio album (but 30th if you count their work as The Jazz Crusaders).

The record’s titular song became their most successful single, and the album reached #1 on Billboard’s Jazz Album list for 1979.

Let’s talk The Crusaders, Street Life!

In January of 1979, Sister Sledge released their 3rd studio album.

All of the tracks were co-written & produced by Chic founders Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, spawning such singles as the titular “We Are Family”, “He’s The Greatest Dancer”, and “Lost In Music”.

The record would go on to hit #3 on the Billboad top 200, #1 on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums, and remains a true highlight of the disco era.

Let’s talk Sister Sledge, We Are Family!

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In late July of 1979, AC/DC released their 6th studio album and would prove to be the last with Bon Scott.

The record is the first to be produced by Mutt Lange, who put the band through their paces with 15 hour a day studio sessions over the course of two months.

It eventually would go on to be a 7x Platinum selling record and set the boys up for true rock stardom.

The tracks ain’t too shabby, either.

Lets talk AC/DC, Highway to Hell!

In November of 1978, Siouxsie & The Banshees released their debut album.

Recorded in one week and mixed in three, with lead singer Siouxie Sioux’s dark and haunting lyrics and delivery, angular guitars, bass led rhythm, and machine like drumming that’s heavy on the toms, the album is considered a watershed moment in the post-punk movement.
Spooky kids, unite!

Let’s talk Siouxie & The Banshees, The Scream!

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In September of 1978 former Roxy Musician turned sound sculptor, Brian Eno, released his 6th studio album.

Before the advent of the Walkman when one traveled by plane, one was left to the devices of the airport’s music overlords; and that made Brian Eno mad. So mad, infact, that he spearheaded the advent of ambient music.

Let’s talk Brian Eno, Ambient 1 Music for Airports!

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In November of 78, known disease lacking youths and all around great band, X-Ray Spex, released their debut album.
To say that Poly Styrene had a singular voice and style is an understatement and her contribution to punk rock cannot be overstated.
Through her song-craft, vocal delivery and stage presence, she showed an entire generation of women that they too could write tunes and play in rowdy bands.

What of the album’s quality, you ask?
It is one of the very best punk records of all time.

Let’s talk X-Ray Spex, Germ-Free Adolescents!

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In August of 1978 Chic released their 2nd studio album.

The album was their most successful in a commercial sense, due in large part to the hit single, Le Freak, which dominated the charts globally, selling over six million copies in the US alone.

Nile Rogers is on full display, here. Bask his disco guitar “chunking” glory.

Lets talk Chic, C’est Chic!

In April of 1978, beloved pot enthusiast and Highwayman, Willie Nelson, released his 22nd studio album.

Following the breakout success of 1975’s The Redheaded Stranger, 1976’s platinum selling Wanted! The Outlaws, and 1978’s #3 Billboard Country Top Country Album, From Lefty To Willie, Nelson decided he’d like to record some songs from his childhood.

With the help of his neighbor/producer Booker T. Jones and much to the chagrin of Columbia record executives, he did just that.

Let’s talk Willie Nelson, Stardust!

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In December of 1978, Marvin Gaye released is 15th studio album.

Herein lies the tale of a man, his divorce, the four months of studio time and double LP he made chronicling it.

Let’s talk Marvin Gaye, Here, My Dear!

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Known Australian band not named INXS or AC/DC, The Saints, released their sophomore album in May of 1978.

Recorded in 1977 and originally title International Robots, the album is considered by the band to be their first proper release, as the previous record, (I’m) Stranded, was made of various demos.

It is considered to be one of the very best LPs of the first wave of punk.

Lets talk The Saints, Eternally Yours!

In June of 1978, known band featuring Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits, released thier debut album.

With Steve Winwood’s brother working the faders, the record took just under a month to produce.

Critical reception varied from “an accomplished debut” to “It’s almost as if they were aware that their forte has nothing to do with what’s currently happening in the industry, but couldn’t care less.”

Let’s talk Dire Straits, Dire Straits!

In the year 1978, known Akronites and pioneers who got scalped, DEVO, released their debut studio album.

Recorded at Conny Plank’s home studio in Cologne Germany and w/ Brian Eno at the helm, the album is a true turning point in what punk was devolving towards.

“The fittest shall survive, yet the unfit may live.”

Let’s talk DEVO, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!

In June of 1978, The Cars released their debut album.

Recorded at AIR studios in London and produced by Roy Thomas Baker, the resulting nine songs play as a best of album.

Lets talk The Cars, The Cars!

Intro music by Bullet Points
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In the year 1978, Rubén Blades and Willie Colón released their second of four collaborative works.

This was the best selling Salsa album of all time, with most all of the tracks on the record being a #1 single in countries across Latin America.

With infectious grooves and sick hooks such as these, the collective butts of the world can do nothing but shimmy and shake to their dulcet tones.

Let’s talk Rubén Blades and Willie Colón, Siembra!

In February of 1978 Van Halen released their debut album.

Taking there live set directly into the studio and over the course of two week, the band recorded everything thing they knew how to play. The results? Well, they speak for themselves.

Lets talk Van Halen, Van Halen!

In March of 1978 The Buzzcocks release their first studio album.

It features neither the single Orgasm Addict nor What Do I Get on account of the misguided British punk ethos “if a person buys the single and the record and the single is on there, they will feel like they’ve been ripped off”.
That’s great for 1978, not so much for crate digging in the 21st century.

Those physical media quibbles aside, it is a master class in popcraft.

Let’s talk The Buzzcocks, Another Music in a Different Kitchen!

In July of 1978, Talking Heads released their second studio album.

With this outing (and subsequent two other recordings) being helmed by Brian Eno, the band’s sound truly begins to come into it’s own.

Lets talk Talking Heads, More Songs About Building and Food!

In the Summer of 1978, known Dino’s denizens and boys returning home, Thin Lizzy, released their Live double album.

Compiled from various live recordings the world over and with the occasional studio overdub done by Tony Visconti, the resulting seventy six minutes and twenty six seconds of rock music has been rightfully hailed as one of the greatest live albums of all time.

Let’s talk Thin Lizzy, Live and Dangerous!