Top 5 80s Albums

If you know me at all, you are probably aware of my disdain for the 1980s. I credit the 80s as the decade in which many of my favorite bands “sold out” or lost credibility. For example, Genesis went from Supper’s Ready to Template Ready. Billy Joel went from The Stranger to Uptown Girl. I feel as though music went from being an art form to being a background noise. Whoever best fit the template won out. This isn’t to say that there wasn’t any good music in the 80s. Just like the past ten years there is a lot of garbage on the radio, but if you dig you’ll find the goods. I think part of my hatred of top 40 music is the culture that surrounds it. I hate dancing. I can’t dance. I don’t want to dance. I don’t want to try to dance. I usually don’t like people who like to dance. It’s just not who I am. I don’t want to go to an “80s Dance Party”. I’d much rather go to a “Progressive Rock Thoughtfully Stroking Your Beard Party” or a “70s Singer/Songwriter Sit Around and Discuss Which Song is the Saddest Party”. The thing is I have no desire to have fun in the conventional way. I don’t want to forget about my troubles and “just dance”. I want to talk about that stuff. I want to have a discussion. I want to convert those troubles into solutions, whether it be through my own songwriting or just helping somebody get through some tough shit. I don’t want to forget. I want to progress. So with that, I’ll go through my Top 5 80s Albums list. 5. Marillion – Clutching at Straws (1987) Marillion carried the torch that Genesis left behind after Steven Hackett left the group in 1977. With their last album before lead singer and lyricist “Fish” left, they really pulled a Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. This dark concept album explores the pain, guilt, and regret of alcoholism in a way that is both relatable and a little over the top. Marillion delivered progressive rock arrangements with poppy melodies… that’s really all I can ask for. *Standout Track – White Russian 4. The Lilac Time – Paradise Circus (1989) While I didn’t know that this album or band existed a few years ago, they’ve really grown on me this past year. I truly believe that Stephen Duffy is one of the best songwriters that I’ve been exposed to. The melodies on this particular album are infections, but not always predictable. In my opinion, this is a perfect album. I can’t think of anything I’d skip. *Standout Track – The Girl Who Waves At Trains 3. Billy Joel – The Nylon Curtain (1982) Not only does this album belong on my list of best 80s albums, but it has consistently been my number 1 Billy Joel album for years! It’s a concept album about the cold war and the failed promises from one generation to the next. The concept is a tad bit loose, but I get it. The closing track “Where’s the Orchestra?” is the best song Billy Joel ever wrote AND is the best metaphor for depression and failed expectations. *Standout Track – Where’s The Orchestra?

2. Peter Gabriel – III (or Melt) (1980) My favorite solo Peter Gabriel album is a loose concept album about our failed comprehension and treatment of mental disorders. Though I’m not sure if he ever said it himself, I can definitely see the pattern. There’s a kleptomaniac, a person with no self-control, a daydream ‘lone-gunman’ assassin, and a woman in an institution who can only eat with spoons because she’ll hurt herself with a fork or knife. It’s a hell of a ride, both musically and lyrically. Not to mention the slick production values (including one of the first uses of gated reverb on a drum track) and Gabriel’s incredible vocal performance. Solid album. *Standout Track – Family Snapshot 1. Elvis Costello & the Attractions – Imperial Bedroom (1982) This is another album I wasn’t familiar with until recently. I’d point out a standout track, but I can’t. Every single song is a standout. The production is on par with George Martin or Brian Wilson. The performance is outstanding. Costello’s melodic gifts are only outdone by his lyrics. This is another example of a perfect album. Give it a listen. If you’re disappointed, then you are probably wrong. *Standout Album – Imperial Bedroom