Category Archives: Uncategorized

     R.E.M. continued their slow progression towards mainstream success, although they remained true to their college-radio roots more allegiantly than U2 when they released “Fables of the Reconstruction”.  As I listen to each of these early R.E.M. albums, I keep hoping for that really strong collection of songs I know and don’t know that indicateContinue reading “R.E.M. “Fables of the Reconstruction” (1985)”

     Another landmark collection of MTV hits in the 1980s was the next release from Dire Straits, “Brothers in Arms”.  It is an interesting contrast of music, where the first three songs were all massive hits, and the next six are an eclectic mix of songs I really don’t think I have ever heard before,Continue reading “Dire Straits “Brothers in Arms” (1985)”

     Prince followed up “Purple Rain” with the less heralded “Around the World in a Day”.  Some albums under-deliver, and some albums over-deliver, and I would definitely consider this to be an “over-deliver”.  By this point, Prince was developing some odd approaches to his product and identity, and asked the record company to release theContinue reading “Prince “Around the World in a Day” (1985)”

     As we enter 1985, the year I graduated high school, the first band I listened to here is one that was probably way more significant to me and a few of my friends than most other people.  After years of minimal recording and performing, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page finally stepped back into theContinue reading “The Firm “The Firm” (1985)”

     Another big ‘80s splash today, with the breakthrough album from Wham!, “Make It Big”, featuring the very talented George Michael on lead vocals.  This album was a massive hit, and although Wham! was known as a duo, George Michael covered almost all of the songwriting and production.  Andrew Ridgeley did play guitar on manyContinue reading “Wham! “Make It Big” (1984)”

     Today we get our first taste of a sub-genre known as “post-punk”, although later records by The Clash probably also qualify with this label.  Our next record is “Let It Be”, by The Replacements.  The album title is a bit ironic given that I have been watching the Beatles documentary “Get Back” this weekContinue reading “The Replacements “Let It Be””

     As noted after the album “War”, U2 made a conscious decision to evolve their sound and move beyond the raw sound of their first three albums.  Their songwriting advanced, they change producers, moving to the complex sounds that came with working with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, and the resulting product was “The UnforgettableContinue reading “U2 “The Unforgettable Fire” (1984)”

     More so than almost any artist from the titans of ‘60s and ‘70s rock, Robert Plant has never been content, or even willing, to ride his back catalog and make a career out of his past.  In his next “solo” project after two albums following the dissolution of Led Zeppelin, he joined forces withContinue reading “The Honeydrippers “The Honeydrippers, Volume One” (1984)”

     Another colossal album of the 1980s today, we have “Purple Rain” from Prince.  I know at least one Prince fan who disagrees with me, and I’m sure there are plenty others, but I will gladly hop on the bandwagon and proclaim this to be the best record he ever made.  Every single song onContinue reading “Prince “Purple Rain” (1984)”

     One of the more significant shifts and evolutions in a musical genre is the introduction and expansion of speed metal, or thrash metal, within the framework of heavy metal.  Many acts were chasing this movement at this time, but no act carried more weight, then or now, than Metallica.  Following their first album, “KillContinue reading “Metallica “Ride the Lightning” (1984)”