Music Gourmets Presents 60 Years of Great Music - 1981

[Zeeba Neighba]

Yikes! I'm distracted by all this white powder (that didn't sound right) - almost forgot to post
Yes, it's another year in our Great Music series.

Here's the rules:

Each Friday, we'll introduce a new year from 1957 through 2016. Each member selects an album released in that year with a few lines (or more) on why you picked it/enjoy it. Your selection does not have to be the most important release or the most admired release of that year (though it certainly can be), simply an album that grabs you and that you really love.

However, once an album is selected by a member, you must choose a different album.

Together we will compile quite the canon of "Great Music" and, who knows, maybe inspire each other to check out some new artists (or to revisit old forgotten classics).

This week - the albums of 1981

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Are EPs allowed? If yes, then this is definitely my pick for this year...

Saccharine Trust - Paganicons

 

[axolotl]

For those playing with by themselves at home, here ya go:

https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/1981/1

 

[patrikc325]

Rush - Moving Pictures

 

[lpfreak1170]

Are EPs allowed? If yes, then this is definitely my pick for this year...

Saccharine Trust - Paganicons

Don't know that one...will have to check it out.

 

[Mattafett]

Rush - Moving Pictures

One of mine gone. Choice - slightly - easier.

 

[Worm]

Stevie Nicks - Bella Donna

I hope I can leave me HM tabs open all week so I can remember to post them later.

 

[LeslieC]

The Police - Ghosts in the Machine

 

[Postalboy]

Squeeze- East Side Story

 

[axolotl]

Squeeze- East Side Story

Posted post-posting for Postalboy

 

[Nickyboy]

Hey, Postalboy. Learn how to post a link, eh? Pretty easy.

 

[Gasoline Daydreams]

Billy Squier - Don't Say No

Something about the mix of Billy Squier's voice and guitar makes this album enjoyable. A good 1981 album with a solid string of singles.

 

[Old Uncle Toe]

While I would prefer to post a flowery review of some pretentious choice like [Redacted until HMs] or [Redacted until HMs] I'm going to admit I really liked this guilty pleasure of 1981.

The Go-Gos - Beauty and the Beat

The two hits from the album were wonderful upbeat pieces of sunshine. When contrasted from the onslaught of synthesizers and New Wave and MTV driving artsy-fartsy hair and clothing to be as important as musical ability (wait, taking a breath...), the Go-Go's were a refreshing look back at good old summertime, feel-good, girl-group rock and roll. And even in that, they weren't like a nostalgia novelty, they did a well-executed modern take on the style. And while the hits did kind of overshadow the rest of the album, I remember listening to it from end to end and not being bored. I shall listen today and reconfirm that opinion.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

^
Police gone, Go-Gos gone, Rush....my picks are falling quickly. Now gotta do some thinkin'

 

[lpfreak1170]

Billy Squier - Don't Say No

Something about the mix of Billy Squier's voice and guitar makes this album enjoyable. A good 1981 album with a solid string of singles.

Thought about that one.

 

[Old Uncle Toe]

^
Police gone, Go-Gos gone, Rush....my picks are falling quickly. Now gotta do some thinkin'

You should totally pick [Redacted until HMs]!

 

[lpfreak1170]

Prince - Controversy


Some people consider this a drop in quality after Dirty Mind...those people are wrong. 1999 was the album where I first got into him, but it was going back and picking this one up that got me hooked for years.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

You should totally pick [Redacted until HMs]!

If it wasn't for the last two numbers on side B, that would be perfect!

 

[axolotl]

If it wasn't for the last two numbers on side B, that would be perfect!

What are you talking about? That was the one LP that should have become a double-set.

 

[Old Uncle Toe]

If it wasn't for the last two numbers on side B, that would be perfect!

Oh, you haven't heard the 2002 remaster. It's much better.