Once again, we have early ‘80s sensations Duran Duran with their second and perhaps most successful album of all, “Rio”. With three massive hits and a much stronger overall production and collection of songs, the band really took a major step forward with this second album. Thriving with their visual presentation and investment ofContinue reading “Duran Duran “Rio” (1982)”
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Van Halen “Diver Down” (1982)
“Diver Down” is a fascinating study on the dynamics of Van Halen, and although it is a quirky album filled with covers, it has some great songs and is probably some of the best partnership and collaboration between David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen, before things really began to sour. After their tourContinue reading “Van Halen “Diver Down” (1982)”
Iron Maiden “The Number of the Beast” (1982)
After Ozzy Osbourne left Black Sabbath, legacy British heavy metal was ultimately lifted and reinvented by a multitude of bands, primarily two major acts that had their biggest successes in 1982. These two bands led the way for heavy metal in the 1980s, at least in the first half of the decade, before theContinue reading “Iron Maiden “The Number of the Beast” (1982)”
Asia “Asia” (1982)
Several times already I have been surprised to learn what the #1 selling album was for a particular year. Once again, with all of the breaking trends in new music, I have to say I did not expect “Asia”, by the UK supergroup Asia, to be at the top of the list for 1982,Continue reading “Asia “Asia” (1982)”
The Misfits “Walk Among Us” (1982)
You learn something new today, and for me, today’s fun fact is that before he formed his own self-named band heavy metal band Danzig, Glenn Danzig was and still is the lead vocalist and primary influence for the American punk rock band The Misfits. Their debut album, “Walk Among Us”, is the #9 ratedContinue reading “The Misfits “Walk Among Us” (1982)”
AC/DC “For Those About to Rock” (1981)
February 19th, 1982 was a big night for me. Following the release of AC/DC’s “For Those About to Rock” in 1981, I attended my first legit rock concert at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. Joining me were my friends Mike and Nevin. I’m not sure, but I think my Dad drove us and Mike’sContinue reading “AC/DC “For Those About to Rock” (1981)”
Prince “Controversy” (1981)
Today we have the first appearance from one of the biggest superstars in American music history, Prince. Late in 1981, he released “Controversy”, which was the first time I became aware of this dynamic and charismatic performer from Minnesota. If you combine the talents of songwriting, performing, playing musical instruments, singing and dancing, PrinceContinue reading “Prince “Controversy” (1981)”
U2 “October” (1981)
The second album from U2, “October” was released in 1981, and I find it to be very similar in style and structure to the first album, “Boy”. Some moments of brilliance, but also some moments where they still haven’t quite mastered their song-writing chops just yet. The energy and performance intensity are fully present,Continue reading “U2 “October” (1981)”
Merle Haggard “Big City” (1981)
As the rest of the music world rolled forward with changes around every corner, the genre of country music remained consistent and rooted in the core of its American legends. Today’s album is “Big City” by Merle Haggard, which is rated as the #10 best country album of all time by tasteofcountry.com. I heardContinue reading “Merle Haggard “Big City” (1981)”
Rolling Stones “Tattoo You” (1981)
By 1981, the British rock legends of the ‘60s and ‘70s were fading into the backstory of rock music. All future hope for a Beatles reunion died with the death of John Lennon, Led Zeppelin announced they were finished as an act, and The Who were trying to forge forward without Keith Moon, withContinue reading “Rolling Stones “Tattoo You” (1981)”
A Lifetime-Plus of Music 