Genesis
Abacab
Atlantic Records US / Charisma Records UK
1981
Genesis’ last good album according to progressive rock fans. Genesis’ first good album according to pop rock fans.
Tag: 1981 Music
#TBT #Vinyl — Styx, Paradise Theatre, 1981
Styx
Paradise Theatre
A&M Records
1981
I was never the biggest Styx fan, but as a kid, I loved this album. It had some screaming guitars by James Young (“Snowblind” and “Half-Penny”), new-wave-ish pop by Tommy Shaw (“Too Much Time”) and some funky theatrical jazz by Dennis DeYoung (“Nothing Ever Goes As Planned”).
The packaging was cool. The LPs had laser etching and the cover and back paintings were fantastic – truly a lost art!
#TBT #Vinyl Pink Floyd, A Collection of Great Dance Songs, 1981
Pink Floyd
A Collection of Great Dance Songs
Harvest (UK) / CBS Records (US)
1981
I like the joke title of this “best of” collection as Floyd is not known for music for the dance floor. It includes a cool re-recording of my favorite Floyd song, “Money” with David Gilmour playing all guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals himself.
#TBT #Vinyl The Who, You Better You Bet, 1981
The Who
You Better You Bet
From the album Face Dances
Polydor Records (UK)
1981
Here’s The Who’s first hit post-Keith Moon. This is a Polydor Records version from the UK.
#TBT #Vinyl The Kinks, Give The People What They Want, 1981
The Kinks
Give The People What They Want
Arista Records
1981
Ray Davies’ best stuff was not from the 60s, but from 1981.
#TBT #Vinyl Leon Redbone, Branch to Branch, 1981
Leon Redbone
From Branch to Branch
Emerald City Records / Atlantic
1981
I haven’t figured out Leon Redbone, but I like him. Here’s a great record of standards, jazz, ragtime, country, and other.
TBT Vinyl: Rolling Stones, Tattoo You, 1981
Rolling Stones
Tattoo You
Rolling Stones Records
1981
Tattoo You was released 35 years ago today. This was my first Stones record; it’s still my favorite.
TBT Vinyl: Rush, Moving Pictures, 1981
Rush
Moving Pictures
Mercury Records
1981
MASTERPIECE. That is all.
TBT Vinyl: The Concerts for the People of Kampuchea
The Concerts for the People of Kampuchea
1979 / Released 1981
Atlantic Records
Dragging out one of my personal faves this week: Concerts for the People of Kampuchea. This 1979 four-night event was organized by Paul McCartney and mixed late 70s British rock royalty like The Who, Queen, Wings, and members of Led Zeppelin with new bands like The Clash, Elvis Costello, The Specials, and The Pretenders. It’s the perfect live album and it’s still not available on CD or digital download!
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TBT: Bob and Doug McKenzie, The Great White North
Bob & Doug McKenzie
The Great White North
1981
Anthem / Mercury Records
Here’s another great comedy LP, as well as the first Christmas – themed record for this year in this series of TBT Vinyl spotlights.
Bob & Doug McKenzie (aka SCTV’s Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas) released The Great White North in ’81. The LP featured mostly comedy bits but most memorable were a couple of songs: “Take Off” featuring Geddy Lee of Rush, and the Brothers’ version of “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Give it a listen when you can, hoser.
“…And a beer in a tree.”
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