There's not a bad song on Cargo (1983), but "It's a Mistake" is one of the standout cuts on the album. Written by Colin Hay, it was the third single off Cargo and did pretty well on the charts. If I remember correctly, the video was in heavy rotation on MTV for a while, but … Continue reading “It’s a Mistake” by Men at Work: pop at the height of the cold war
Tag: 80s
“Disintegration” by The Cure (No. 4)
Disintegration is the album that really sold me on The Cure. Yes, I know, I was a bit late to the party. Some of the singles off Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me were too good to ignore, but I wasn't a big fan of Robert Smith's voice initially. And then Disintegration came out, with … Continue reading “Disintegration” by The Cure (No. 4)
“Document” by R.E.M. (No. 19)
For Document R.E.M. picked up a much harder edge than previous albums. Sure, Life's Rich Pageant dabbled a bit with more aggressive guitar, but Document has a much harsher sound throughout. And it sounds so, so good. Document practically kicks you in the face with the opening track, "Finest Worksong." A whip-crack snare and then … Continue reading “Document” by R.E.M. (No. 19)
“Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me” by The Cure (No. 20)
Most of The Cure's albums are outstanding, but Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me is simply magical. Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me shows The Cure delivering perfect, joyful pop right alongside languid and extended jams that don't give a damn about radio play. I have to be honest, I was a bit put off … Continue reading “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me” by The Cure (No. 20)
“Queen Elvis” by Robyn Hitchcock ‘n’ The Egyptians (No. 21)
Watching "alternative" bands like The Cure, R.E.M., and U2 punch through to mainstream success, I had high hopes that Robyn Hitchcock would break through with Queen Elvis. Released in March 1989, Hitchcock was opening for R.E.M. on the Green tour. Queen Elvis, by Robyn Hitchcock 'n the Egyptians, was on a major label and they … Continue reading “Queen Elvis” by Robyn Hitchcock ‘n’ The Egyptians (No. 21)
“The Joshua Tree” by U2 (No. 23)
It's a little daunting to try to find something original to say about an album like The Joshua Tree. Released in 1987, The Joshua Tree sold something like 25 million copies, While it's no Rumors or Thriller, The Joshua Tree has been rather thoroughly reviewed many times over. I was aware of U2 before The … Continue reading “The Joshua Tree” by U2 (No. 23)
“The Game” by Queen (No. 24)
Queen's The Game will probably be best remembered for two things, "Another One Bites the Dust," and the first album from the band that featured the use of a synthesizer. I remember it best because my family had the album on 8-Track and I played it incessantly. I'm not sure when we got a copy … Continue reading “The Game” by Queen (No. 24)
“Starfish” by The Church (No. 29)
If it weren't for lucking into a few decent mix tapes and dubs of entire albums, I'm not sure what my musical tastes would be like today. Case in point, Starfish by The Church. Starfish landed on my radar thanks to a guy named Kent who loaned me a mixtape with "Under the Milky Way," … Continue reading “Starfish” by The Church (No. 29)
“Best O’Boingo” by Oingo Boingo No. 30
You can't hide from Danny Elfman. Well, I suppose you could, but you'd have to be a pop culture recluse to do so. He's got 104 composer credits for a slew of films and TV shows, and then there's this band… Oingo Boingo. Naturally my first exposure to Oingo Boingo came from Weird Science, 1985's … Continue reading “Best O’Boingo” by Oingo Boingo No. 30
“Waxworks” & “Beeswax” by XTC (No. 31)
Waxworks and Beeswax are a double dose of angular, jumpy, frenetic pop from Swindon's XTC. This pairing captures the very best of XTC's early period, before they evolved into a more "pastoral" (and Beatlesque) sound on later albums. Officially Waxworks: Some Singles 1977–1982 and Beeswax: Some B-Sides 1977–1982 are separate albums. However, I'm lumping them … Continue reading “Waxworks” & “Beeswax” by XTC (No. 31)