Top 40 Albums of the 1980s (#30-#21)

Previous: Top 40 Albums of the 1980s (#40-#31)

30. 'In My Tribe'

10,000 Maniacs
1987
(Buy)



Much like the Ocean Blue (at No. 39), 10,000 Maniacs only captured my heart for one album, but this one recording has not let me go for going on a quarter century now. 'In My Tribe' is also the answer to a regrettable Mr. Linear Tracking Lives! trivia question. What was the first compact disc I ever bought? Yes, this was the beginning of a brief diversion from vinyl. I still don't own this one on wax. Their cover of "Peace Train" is the only stumble in an otherwise perfect record, and I just learned the song was pulled from the album after its first pressing. I guess I shouldn't have bought it so soon after its release.

29. '16 Lovers Lane'

The Go-Betweens
1988
(Buy)
The Go-Betweens - Love Goes On! (mp3)


I can't claim to have been enamoured by these Aussies during the "me decade." In fact, 'Liberty Belle & the Black Diamond Express' was the only album I owned by them in the '80s. My loss. Today, I would rank them among my all-time favorite bands, but that didn't happen, sadly, until about 10 years ago when the band reformed after a break that had spanned all of the '90s. I was really digging their new stuff. So, I went back into their catalog and realized I had missed several great albums... like this one.

28. 'Rattlesnakes'

Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
1984
(Buy)
Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Forest Fire (mp3)

By most accounts, this, their debut album, is the Scottish band's best. Mmmm, so close. There is one I liked better, but 'Rattlesnakes' is a damn good way to be introduced to these guys. You probably know "Perfect Skin," "Forest Fire" and "Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?" from best-of packages, but this is the kind of record you can put on and have a seat until it's time to turn over the record.

27. 'Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti'

Squeeze
1985
(Buy)



Squeeze had an incredible run of pop albums prior to the band's breakup in 1982. And, yes, I did consider 'East Side Story' for this list. It's a great record, to be sure, but 'Cosi' is, by far, my most listened to Squeeze album. This one doesn't sound much like the Squeeze everyone knows and loves. It's a dark and moody affair sans those three-minute hand-clapping singles that made them popular. So, I get why this is the forgotten record of their discography, but its atmosphere is exactly why it makes for such a wonderful and complete album. I think a large amount of credit should go to Jools Holland, a master of the keyboard that returned to the band for a moment and quickly left again.

26. 'Let It Be'

The Replacements
1984
(Buy)
The Replacements - Unsatisfied (mp3)


If you're into these guys, you know their first two albums were loud, fast, sloppy and a hell of a good time. This is where the Minneapolis band begins to grow up just a bit. The immediate result was critical praise. In the long term, 'Let It Be' got major labels talking and negotiating. 'Let It Be' almost always makes a list like this. So, there should be no surprise here.

25. 'Brian Wilson'

Brian Wilson
1988
(Buy)



When I first listened to this record, I thought it was a miracle. Brian was back! Unfortunately, it was released at exactly the same time his old band was all over the radio with the dreadful "Kokomo." I couldn't believe the luck. There was this great album out there nobody was paying attention to because of that stupid single. Wilson had been out of the spotlight for many years and hadn't kept up with advances in the studio. That's best illustrated by the electronic drums used here that must have seemed cutting edge to him but had lost its luster at least a few year earlier. If you look past that and the '80s production, the songs themseves are quite good. I have seen Wilson perform many times since he returned to the stage 12 years ago. I wish he would play more songs from this forgotten album.

24. 'Steeltown'

Big Country
1984
(Buy)
Big Country - Just a Shadow (mp3)


If you aren't a fan, you might not understand this one, but Big Country was my favorite band in 1983 and 1984. Buying 'Steeltown' was one of those moments I will never forget. I know the day of the week, where I picked it up, how many copies there were, who I was with and how much I paid. I couldn't sleep the night before. 'Steeltown' is full of passionate anthems that used to, it seemed, fill every inch of my childhood bedroom. My favorites were (and still are) "Just a Shadow" and (back to back) "Where the Rose Is Shown" with "Come Back to Me." In this country the band will always be known for 'The Crossing,' bit I will never argue with anyone who says this was their best.

23. 'Meat Is Murder'

The Smiths
1985
(Buy)



There are those who think this album was annoying and a big disappointment. If you have read Rob Sheffield's 'Talking to Girls About Duran Duran,' then you know the writer spent much of an entire chapter hammering this point. I don't agree. This is the band's second-best album. If you find Morrissey's political stances grating, which seems to be the biggest complaint about 'Meat is Murder,' I don't see how you can be a fan. I'm not on the singer's side of the aisle very often, but I love the way he presents his case. And Johnny Marr's guitar didn't sound like anything else I was listening to in the mid-'80s. It wouldn't be long before those irked fans would come running back. More on that a little later in the countdown.

22. 'King of America'

The Costello Show
1986
(Buy)



I thought this album was doomed. Coming off the dismal 'Goodbye Cruel World' (c'mon, even Elvis Costello thought so), the news was the Attractions would only be on one track of 'King of America.' When I heard names like T-Bone Burnett, James Burton, Jim Keltner and Mitchell Froom were backing him, it was met with an indifferent shrug. Hey, I was just a lad. I didn't know these guys were legends. The result, of course, was a terrific piece of Americana worthy of being in the "best-work" conversation. In fact, I would say this was his last flawless record.

21. 'Listen Like Thieves'

INXS
1985
(Buy)



Prior to 1985, I liked a handful of the band's songs, but I had never gotten into one of their albums like this one. For about a year there I was all INXS all the time, but it didn't last. I thought the followup, 'Kick,' was pretty good -- I even saw them on that tour -- but that was it for me. If you like this record as much as I do, I highly recommend this live album from the period. It was released earlier this year.

Free Downloads From Nick Lowe

Nick Lowe and his label, Yep Roc, are celebrating his new album, 'The Old Magic' in a couple of spectacular ways. You can stream the record in its entirety here. They are also giving away a couple of songs for the price of an email address. Get the brand-new "House for Sale," as well as an acoustic version of "What's So Funny ('Bout Peace Love and Understanding)" from the widget below. Of course, the best thing to do would be to buy 'The Old Magic.' You can get it from Amazon now for under 10 bucks. I'm picking up a copy from my local shop this weekend.

Top 40 Albums of the 1980s (#40-#31)

40. 'The Ocean Blue'

The Ocean Blue
1989
(Buy)



I have never owned another album by this Hershey, Penn., band, but I still pop in this cassette (yep, tape) quite often when I'm in the car. It's a beautiful blend of new wave and jangle pop. I saw them open for the Mighty Lemon Drops in 1990. Most of the crowd was there for the headliners, and they were great, but I bought the ticket to see these guys.

39. 'Oranges and Lemons'

XTC
1988
(Buy)



I had just about given up on them. I was way into XTC's early, more spastic work, but by the time 'Skylarking' arrived, outside of a handful of singles, I had grown tired of their maturation. Then this perfect piece of pop exploded on, of all places, MTV. The singles "Mayor of Simpleton" and "King for a Day" were good, but so were the deep cuts. This is, arguably, the band's strongest overall album.

38. 'Crazy Rhythms'

The Feelies
1980
(Buy)
The Feelies - The Boy With the Perpetual Nervousness (mp3)

So Velvet Underground. So New York. So nerdy but cool at the same time. Sort of like Big Star, this is one of those bands that had little commercial success, but all of the right people heard them and went on to form great bands the kids did discover. The Feelies have yet to make a bad album, including one really good one earlier this year, but 'Crazy Rhythms' is the record that will (and should) place them in the music-history books.

37. 'Zenyatta Mondatta'

The Police
1980
(Buy)



I didn't realize until very recently that a great many Police fans think this is the band's weakest moment... an absolute throwaway record. Shocking. Clearly, I'm not with the majority. I like their entire discography, but I think, from beginning to end, this is the trio's best LP.

36. 'Big World'

Joe Jackson
1986
(Buy)
Joe Jackson - Right and Wrong (mp3)


He really is the man. Joe Jackson can do it all, be it classical, jazz, film score or, of course, rock 'n' roll. This time around, he recorded a live three-sided album of brand-new material and asked the crowd to keep quiet. The result is as spontaneous as a live show can be, but the sound quality is that of a studio recording. It was even mixed on the spot. He does his usual genre hopping, and the lyrics are razor sharp, especially on "Right and Wrong" and "The Jet Set." Jackson was prolific this decade, and many of his albums were considered for this list, but 'Big World' came out on top.

35. 'Learning to Crawl'

The Pretenders
1984
(Buy)



What a singles juggernaut. "Back on the Chain Gang," "2000 Miles," "My City Was Gone," "Middle of the Road," "Show Me" and "Thin Line Between Love and Hate" were all here. Even after seeing this impressive tracklist, I still believe this isn't the band's best album of the decade. See you a little later, Chrissie.

34. 'Speaking in Tongues'

Talking Heads
1983
(Buy)



I know I'm going to get ripped, but this will be the only appearance by the Talking Heads. What? Where is 'Remain in Light,' right? Well, I'll tell you. Their first two albums are among my all-time favorites. This one is a distant third. Outside of two stellar live albums, that's about it for me and Talking Heads. Besides, I'll take "This Must Be the Place" and "Burning Down the House" over "Once in a Lifetime" and "Crosseyed and Painless" any day. So, suck it.

33. 'Suburban Voodoo'

Paul Carrack
1982
(Buy)
Paul Carrack - What a Way to Go (mp3)


This was a prolific period for Paul Carrack. Just prior to this stellar solo album, he was briefly a member of Squeeze and sang lead on their biggest hit, "Tempted." In '82 (and a few years more), Carrack joined up with Nick Lowe and formed the band Noise to Go and, later, Nick Lowe & His Cowboy Outfit. They recorded some great albums, including one with Lowe's wife Carlene Carter that was seriously considered for the list, but I think this one was their best moment (by a whisker).

32. 'I Just Can't Stop It'

The English Beat
1980
(Buy)
The English Beat - Two Swords (mp3)


Wow, what a debut! Almost all of my favorite ska albums missed the list because they were released in 1979, but here's one that just made it. The band's last album, 'Special Beat Service' from 1982, almost made the cut, too, and it would definately make my "Best Side Ones" list (if I had one). I was listening to this on cassette when I totaled my first car (Volkswagen Scirocco). Yet, I can still see past that incident and say this was one of my favorite records from my youth.

31. 'Ocean Rain'

Echo & the Bunnymen
1984
(Buy)



Ian McCulloch and the lads were joined by a 35-piece orchestra for a lush album pretty far removed from the post-punk sound of their previous three records. At the time of its release, most of the big music mags gave it lukewarm reviews. I didn't care. After hearing "The Killing Moon," I knew I had to have 'Ocean Rain.' As a kid, I was really only into the band's singles. It wasn't until I grew up a bit that I discovered how great this album was. I wonder if any of those reviewers ever came around to its charms.

Much Too Late for Julian Lennon?

Thirteen years between albums is more than a sabbatical, to be sure, but I, for one, hope Julian Lennon's upcoming LP, 'Everything Changes,' is a smashing success. It will be out Oct. 3. In the meantime, beginning this week, you can download the first single, "Lookin' 4 Luv," at the UK versions of iTunes and Amazon. No word yet on what's up here in America, but the album is available to preorder as an import here. "Lookin' 4 Luv" debuted on a BBC Radio 2 show last month, and someone had the good sense to snag and post it on YouTube. It kind of has a "Valotte" vibe. Give it a listen below.

Christmas Comes Early...

Oct. 25, to be exact. Today, Merge Records announced the details of 'A Very She & Him Christmas,' including the pre-Halloween release date. Here's what we know so far: The records is "inspired by seminal holiday albums by the likes of The Carpenters, Vince Guaraldi, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley and more." We shouldn't expect a "wall of sound" like on She & Him's earlier work. In fact, some of the songs are just acoustic guitar and voice. I have to admit, I think the sound of their first two albums would be perfect for a holiday record, but I'm open to the new approach, too. You can already preorder here.

As you'll see from the tracklist below, the duo covers the Beach Boys' "Little Saint Nick." That reminded me of a beautiful stripped-down take of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel did live at the LA Times Wine Festival. Like on their last album, "Volume 2," it looks like they have decided to cover NRBQ again, too. It's too early to get in the holiday mood, but I hope these two songs get you ready to buy 'A Very She & Him Christmas.' Scroll to the bottom for a few fun video nuggets on the subject as well.

She & Him - Wouldn't It Be Nice (Live) (mp3)
NRBQ - Christmas Wish (mp3)

'A Very She & Him Christmas' Tracklist
1. The Christmas Waltz
2. Christmas Day
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas
5. Christmas Wish
6. Sleigh Ride
7. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
8. Silver Bells
9. Baby, It's Cold Outside
10. Blue Christmas
11. Little Saint Nick
12. The Christmas Song

Will the La's Ever Record Again?

I don't know if you noticed, but Lee Mavers and Gary Murphy of the Liverpool power-pop outfit the La's reformed earlier this summer for a handful of acoustic shows. Now, there's news straight from the La's official Twitter page that they will play as a full band later this year. All of this, of course, will be an ocean away from America, but that's OK. I'll take a new record over a concert any day of the week. C'mon, lads, make it happen. It's been more than 20 years since that one lone brilliant album. If you don't have it, I recommend the self-titled deluxe edition.

The La's - Timeless Melody (mp3)

Free Download From OMD's Live LP

As I mentioned at the beginning of the summer, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 'History of Modern Tour: Live In Berlin' would be available on the band's Web site in August. You can still order it there, but I learned today you will also be able to get it on Amazon as an import starting next week. It's a pricey little affair, about $45, but a very well-done hardcover box set. It's a double disc of OMD's greatest singles that spans their entire three-decade career, as well as a book with exclusive pictures and handwritten notes from the 2010 tour. For the impressive tracklist, check out my post from June. We've been able to stream the live version of "History of Modern (part 1)" for a few months now, but now 100% Records has given us another listen. Download "Messages," one of OMD's earliest and catchiest singles, below. It sure is good to be an OMD fan right now. I, for one, plan to catch them live, too. Check out their North American tour dates here.

FREE DOWNLOAD: OMD - Messages (Live in Berlin) by 100% Records

History of Modern (part I) - Taken from 'OMD Live in Berlin' by 100% Records

It Was ** Years Ago Today...

If you think I'm giving the year, you're nuts. A huge happy birthday to Mrs. Linear Tracking Lives! She's in Europe on business (ooh, sounds so adult) right now. So, here's a little gift for her. Hopefully, there's wi-fi access on the Chunnel. If so, she can enjoy this video mix of some of her favorite songs. Hope you're havng a great day.

'Our Prayer' Answered: 'SMiLE' Details

The countdown is on. On Nov. 1, the Beach Boys' 1966-67 'SMiLE' sessions will be released in numerous formats, including a box set of five discs, two LPs, two 7" singles and a digital copy. For those of you less obsessed with Brian Wilson's lost album, you can also purchase 'SMiLE' as a double disc, double-vinyl LP or digital download. There are so many details and other extras... it's enough to make your head explode... but you can find the two-disc set/digital download tracklist below. The rest of the tracklistings, as well as info on T-shirts, lithographs and other goodies can be found here. These recordings contain so much more than my bootlegs or the well-done 'Good Vibrations' box set ever did. In case anyone needs to know, my birthday happens to be 12 days after all of this comes out.

'SMiLE' Sessions
CD 1: 'SMiLE'
1. Our Prayer (1:06)
2. Gee (0:51)
3. Heroes And Villains (4:53)
4. Do You Like Worms (Roll Plymouth Rock) (3:36)
5. I'm In Great Shape (0:29)
6. Barnyard (0:48)
7. My Only Sunshine (The Old Master Painter/You Are My Sunshine) (1:57)
8. Cabin Essence (3:32)
9. Wonderful (2:04)
10. Look (Song For Children) (2:31)
11. Child Is Father Of The Man (2:14)
12. Surf's Up (4:12)
13. I Wanna Be Around/Workshop (1:23)
14. Vega-Tables (3:49)
15. Holidays (2:33)
16. Wind Chimes (3:06)
17. The Elements: Fire (Mrs. O'Leary's Cow) (2:35)
18. Love To Say Dada (2:32)
19. Good Vibrations (4:13)
Bonus Tracks
20. You're Welcome (1:08)
21. Heroes And Villains (Stereo Mix) (4:53)
22. Heroes And Villains Sections (Stereo Mix) (7:16)
23. Vega-Tables Demo (1:46)
24. He Gives Speeches (1:14)
25. Smile Backing Vocals Montage (8:30)
26. Surf's Up 1967 (Solo Version) (4:09)
27. Psycodelic Sounds: Brian Falls Into A Piano (1:30)

CD 2
1. Our Prayer "Dialog" (9/19/66) (3:02)
2. Heroes And Villains: Part 1 (3:08)
3. Heroes And Villains: Part 2 (4:18)
4. Heroes And Villains: Children Were Raised (1/27/67) (2:07)
5. Heroes And Villains: Prelude To Fade (2/15/67) (3:42)
6. My Only Sunshine (11/14/66) (6:52)
7. Cabin Essence (10/3/66) (5:19)
8. Surf's Up: 1st Movement (11/4/66) (4:55)
9. Surf's Up: Piano Demo (12/15/66) (3:53)
10. Vega-Tables: Fade (4/12/67) (5:25)
11. The Elements: Fire session (11/28/66) (8:27)
12. Cool, Cool Water (Version 2) (10/26-10/29/67) (3:32)
13. Good Vibrations Session Highlights (8:20)

Great Scots: Top 10 Albums From Scotland

A funny thing happened on the way to assembling my upcoming list of the '80s best albums: A few subcategories emerged, such as this one from across the pond. I have always had a soft spot for early '80s new wave and post punk from Scotland. Even though this is an all-time list, much of my top 10 falls into this narrow area. First, here are the apologies. A few bands that had at least one album I considered and passed on included Altered Images, Associates, Cocteau Twins, the Beta Band and the Waterboys. There was only one newish group I thought about for inclusion. When compared with the albums that made the list, I simply needed more time with the debut album from We Were Promised Jetpacks. Feel free to shoot me your pans and picks. When possible (yes, I'm afraid of the music police), I have tried to include my favorite song.

If the music below is up your alley, I suggest you pay regular visits to The Vinyl Villain. This Scotland-based blog is one of my favorites.

1. Aztec Camera
'High Land, Hard Rain' (Buy)
It doesn't get any better than a young Roddy Frame, and his debut album is one of the best ever. This one has been in my regular rotation for more than a quarter century.
Aztec Camera - We Could Send Letters (mp3)

2. Big Country
'The Crossing' (Buy)
This is the first of a few bands on this list that could have easily had two albums here. When asked, I would usually say 'Steeltown' is Big Country's best, but right now I'm into the bigger sound of their debut.
Big Country - Harvest Home (mp3)

3. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
'Easy Pieces' (Buy)
I know. Most fans go with 'Rattlesnakes, and I love that record, but I feel like the non-singles on 'Easy Pieces' are a bit stronger. 'Rich' and this song are my favorite of Cole's deep cuts. Cheating a bit with this one, Cole isn't Scottish, but the band qualifies.
Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Minor Character (mp3)

4. Orange Juice
'You Can't Hide Your Love Forever' (Buy)
Truthfully, if I only have 30 minutes to listen to some OJ, I prefer 'The Glasgow School' collection, but that would be cheating since it's not a studio album. So, I went with their debut album. I like all of their records, and '...Coals to Newcastle' might be the best box set I have ever owned. If you can afford it, go get it.
Orange Juice - L.O.V.E. Love (mp3)

5. Belle & Sebastian
'The Boy With the Arab Strap' (Buy)
Wow, something from the '90s! I didn't discover B&S until this one came out. This happens a lot. The first one you hear is the one that sticks with you forever. I have a soft spot for 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress,' but I like how 'Strap' doesn't have an ounce of commercialism.
Belle & Sebastian - The Boy With the Arab Strap (mp3)

6. The Delgados
'The Great Eastern' (Buy)
I was crushed when this band called it quits six years ago. I'm not really into their stuff before this one, but the group's last three albums were perfect.
The Delgados - Accused of Stealing (mp3)

7. Close Lobsters
'Foxheads Stalk This Land' (Buy)
There are only a handful of jangle-pop bands outside of America that have grabbed me like this C86 alum. Close Lobsters only made two studio albums, and both could have made this list. I believe both are out of print, but there is a great singles package out there called 'Forever, Until Victory!' You should get it.
Close Lobsters - Just Too Bloody Stupid (mp3)

8. The Jesus and Mary Chain
'Psychocandy' (Buy)
Twenty-six years ago, I had never heard anything like it. It was so fuzzy. Of course, now, it seems you can't go a day without hearing a new band and thinking, "yep, there's that J&MC sound... again." Of the 10 bands here, this is the one with the most pioneer spirit.
The Jesus and Mary Chain - Some Candy Talking (mp3)

9. Josef K
'The Only Fun in Town' (Buy)
Josef K is the only band on this list I didn't discover when they first hit the scene. In fact, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I didn't hear the very early '80s group until about a decade ago. I knew of them because of the Postcard Records connection, but their work was (and still is) tough to find in America. Many think they sound like Joy Division, but I think Orange Juice and Television are closer comparisons.
Josef K - Sorry For Laughing (mp3)

10. Camera Obscura
'Let's Get Out of This Country' (Buy)
Their first couple of records sounded like homages to '60s girl groups. They were pretty good, but this, the band's third album, was a polished, less lo-fi affair that can only be described as pure pop. The title track and the song below are among the best singles of the past five years.

Stream the New Wilco Album...

... but you had better hurry. It's up on Wilco's Web site for one day only. Listen now. If you miss it, you'll have to wait for the regular release of 'The Whole Love' on Sept. 27. Preorder here. Sounds like a lot more keyboards and experimentation this time around. As someone who sorely misses the late Jay Bennett, this is great news. Sure is great to hear Jeff Tweedy's voice again, isn't it?

What I'm Diggin': Girls, Surfer Blood

August was sort of quiet here at LTL! The beginning of the month was filled with a family vacation, followed closely by a long visit by my mother. Well, Mrs. LTL! is overseas on business, and the kids start school on Tuesday. So, I'm ready to talk new tunes once again, as well as share a few lists, including my favorite albums from the '80s (coming soon!). As for today, I wanted you to hear a couple of new songs that I'm really digging.

One of my favorite new bands of 2010 was the Florida power-pop outfit Surfer Blood. In fact, "Floating Vibes" was No. 6 on my top tracks of the year. On Oct. 25, they follow-up 'Astro Coast' with the four-song EP 'Tarot Classics.' You can hear a song from it on Kanine Records' site. "Miranda" sounds like something right out of the Pixies' songbook. It's probably no coincidence the band is touring with Frank Black, Kim Deal and Co. this fall.

I have been touting to death the impending release from Girls, but it's for good reason. They are just about the most exciting band out there right now. I can't give enough love to their debut album or followup EP. On Sept. 13, the band's sophomore effort, 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost,' finally sees the light of day. If you didn't get the free download of "Vomit," the first song made available back in July, get it here. A few days ago a second song from the album was made available for streaming. Hear "Honey Bunny," two minutes of pure pop, and preorder the new record now. This highly anticipated album should be near the top of my year-end list.