Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind
Probably my favorite Maiden album and easily a top 10 album regardless of the artist. This is one I could listen to on a loop for the rest of my life and not get bored. My first exposure to Maiden was the Flight of Icarus video on MTV and then The Trooper. May also have caught Run to the Hills or TNOTB at some point. As was the case for a lot of albums in this early stage of my "metalhood," I probably borrowed it from my friend's brother before buying it. I remember being worried how my mother would react to the album covers (and to the name of TNOTB). At some point, I got a poster from a live show of this era.
The album kicks you in the face with that opening drum fill in Where Eagles Dare. I didn't initially care for Revelations but grew to love it -- primarily after Live after Death was released. Icarus came next, and some of the subtle bass fills and Harris's tone are so good. Die with Your Boots On is another kick ass song.
I had bought the POM picture disc, so side one close not with DWYBO, but with Cross-Eyed Mary, which is one of my favorite cover songs of all time.
Then side 2 starts with The Trooper. Check this out for the best cover version ever (the video on the other hand....):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8cN9skvK8o&list=FL3rjktGL2mDM8lsvkjqi0FQ&index=21&t=0sStill Life is my least favorite song on the album, although I've warmed up to it recently. For the life of me, I don't understand the hate for QFF. Sun and Steel is sort of a shorter, faster version of The Trooper. I love Dave Murray's solo.
The album closes with my favorite Maiden song of all time: To Tame a Land. The bit in 3/4 at the start of the instrumental section kicks so much ass it's unbelievable. I remember spending hours and hours learning to play that properly. I even like the lyrics, even though I've never read any of the Dune books or seen any screen adaptations.