Some bands or artists defy genre, they just create their own unique sound and let others decide what to do with it. Without question, David Byrne and his band “Talking Heads” fits in this category. It is never dull, it is never bland, and it is never without innovation. On this album, “Remain inContinue reading “Talking Heads “Remain in Light” (1980)”
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Ozzy Osbourne “Blizzard of Ozz” (1980)
1980 is taking us all over the map. Digging deeper into the expanding genre of heavy metal, we get the first solo album from Ozzy Osbourne. “Blizzard of Ozz” is rated as the 6th greatest heavy metal album of all time by loudwire.com, and this is Ozzy’s 3rd appearance on the list, having alreadyContinue reading “Ozzy Osbourne “Blizzard of Ozz” (1980)”
Dead Kennedys “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables” (1980)
Another dramatic swing in genres, as we go from AC/DC to George Jones to one of America’s first and most influential punk rock bands, the Dead Kennedys. Yes, the name is completely in poor taste, but that is obviously the point, to get your attention and shock your senses. Even with my uneven historyContinue reading “Dead Kennedys “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables” (1980)”
George Jones “I Am What I Am” (1980)
Quite the transition today, as we venture back into the world of country music. On the list of all-time country legends, no list is complete without hard-drinking and hard-living George Jones, whose life was played out as one country song after another. This comeback album for Jones, “I Am What I Am”, rated #9Continue reading “George Jones “I Am What I Am” (1980)”
AC/DC “Back in Black” (1980)
There are few tasks more seemingly insurmountable for a band than replacing a popular or iconic lead singer. The Doors tried to move on without Jim Morrison and failed miserably. Can you imagine the Stones without Mick? Led Zeppelin has been stymied for almost 40 years by Robert Plant’s refusal to consistently reunite forContinue reading “AC/DC “Back in Black” (1980)”
The Rolling Stones “Emotional Rescue” (1980)
After yesterday’s Paul McCartney disaster, I have to admit, I wasn’t very enthusiastic when I saw that “Emotional Rescue” by the Rolling Stones was next up. I have always heard this referred to as their “disco album”, and I know I’m not a huge fan of the title track. Thankfully, I was very pleasantlyContinue reading “The Rolling Stones “Emotional Rescue” (1980)”
Paul McCartney “McCartney II” (1979)
As a part of compiling my list, not only did I include each full studio album from the Beatles, I also included what I hoped would be a mix of some of their best solo recordings. It wasn’t intentional, but I think I may have found the worst record Paul McCartney ever released. InContinue reading “Paul McCartney “McCartney II” (1979)”
Van Halen “Women and Children First” (1980)
1980 brings us the third album from Van Halen, “Women and Children First”. There are some creative moments on this album, and as always, Eddie Van Halen is spectacular, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this proves to be my least favorite of the vintage Van Halen albums with David Lee Roth on vocals. Continue reading “Van Halen “Women and Children First” (1980)”
The Sugarhill Gang “Sugarhill Gang” (1980)
And here we are, crossing over into the 1980s, and here to help us ring in another highly transformative decade of music, we have our first hip-hop album. Sort of. I will explain more later, but for now, let us introduce the self-titled album, “Sugarhill Gang” by The Sugarhill Gang. They burst onto theContinue reading “The Sugarhill Gang “Sugarhill Gang” (1980)”
Aerosmith “Toys In the Attic” (1975)
Finishing up yesterday’s blog on Van Halen, as I was looking for comparisons in late 1970s rock, I realized my list had completely overlooked another of the rock titans from that era. It is probably because their lead singer, Steven Tyler, annoys me to no end and is in elite company with Paul StanleyContinue reading “Aerosmith “Toys In the Attic” (1975)”
A Lifetime-Plus of Music 