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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: bosk1 on July 02, 2019, 12:07:39 PM

Title: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 02, 2019, 12:07:39 PM
I think we were going to do something like this awhile back, but it never took off.  Maybe this thread won't either.  Anyhow, here's what I'm thinking:  I'm listening to a "classic" album from the '80s that got me thinking, so I'll post about it, and we'll discuss for a few days until the discussion seems about done, and then I'll post another one.  If someone else wants to take a different era, have at it.  I'm only doing the '80s.  At least, for now.

Albums discussed in the thread so far:
-Cinderella - Long Cold Winter
-Metallica - Master of Puppets (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2565125#msg2565125)
-Michael Jackson - Thriller (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2565594#msg2565594)
-Dio - Holy Diver (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2565690#msg2565690)
-Y&T - Black Tiger (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2565792#msg2565792)
-Corey Hart - Boy in the Box (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2566799#msg2566799)
-Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2567096#msg2567096)
-Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2567672#msg2567672)
-Journey - Escape (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2569071#msg2569071)
-U2 - The Joshua Tree (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2569674#msg2569674)
-ZZ Top - Eliminator (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2570543#msg2570543)
-Scorpions - Blackout (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2570837#msg2570837)
-Guns n Roses - Appetite for Destruction (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2571084#msg2571084)
-Def Leppard - Pyromania (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2571314#msg2571314)
-Duran Duran - Rio (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2571675#msg2571675)
-AC/DC - Back in Black (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2571712#msg2571712)
-Prince - Purple Rain (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2572285#msg2572285)
-Megadeth - Rust in Peace (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2572519#msg2572519)
-Stryper - To Hell with the Devil (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2573172#msg2573172)
-Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2574312#msg2574312)
-Depeche Mode - Music for the Masses (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2574743#msg2574743)
-Whitesnake - s/t (1987) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2574755#msg2574755)
-Motley Crue - Shout At the Devil (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2575211#msg2575211)
-Exposé - Exposure (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2575580#msg2575580)
-Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2576733#msg2576733)
-Metallica - ...And Justice for All (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2577782#msg2577782)
-Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2578174#msg2578174)
-The Cars - Heartbeat City (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2579022#msg2579022)
-Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2579271#msg2579271)
-Warrant - Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinkin' Rich (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54047.msg2682223#msg2682223)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First album up for discussion:

Cinderella - Long Cold Winter

Release date:  May 21, 1988

Songs:
"Bad Seamstress Blues/Fallin' Apart at the Seams"
"Gypsy Road"
"Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)"
"The Last Mile"
"Second Wind"
"Long Cold Winter"
"If You Don't Like It"
"Coming Home"
"Fire and Ice"
"Take Me Back"

When Night Songs came out, a friend of mine was all in on Cinderella.  It took me a bit longer, but I came around as well.  Long Cold Winter came out right at the time I was graduating high school, and it quickly developed a very special place in my heart. 

I bought the album right away, and I remember the video for Gypsy Road dropping right away.  My parents sent me on a cheap trip to Hawaii for my graduation, and I remember my friend Dave and I seeing the video while we were over there.  It was odd but fun seeing Tom Keifer and the guys posing out in the snow in this "new" video while Dave and I were beach bumming.

I left for boot camp about two weeks after that, so no music for me for the next 12 weeks.  But I had already memorized quite a few of the songs.  They were just that catchy.  And for that 12-week period, those songs rattled around in my mind.

After boot camp, I got a week at home with my friends and family before reporting to North Carolina for my school and permanent duty station.  During that time, this album and Appetite for Destruction were blazing up the charts, and the songs were in constant rotation on MTV and on jukeboxes at the local hangouts.  It seemed like Don't Know What You've Got, The Last Mile, and Coming Home were always playing.  And as great as those songs are, I didn't mind at all.  And the coming winter fit the album well and made it seem all the more appropriate.

During the brief time I was home during this time, I played the album a lot as I was spending my limited precious time with my friends, family, and my girl back home.  That really cemented these songs in my mind emotionally.  And when the girlfriend eventually called it quits on the long-distance relationship in favor of someone closer to home, it made Don't Know What You've Got sting even more and seem like an old familiar friend who is there to help get you through it.

Overall, this was a great time in my life.  It was one that was filled with change and new experiences.  And this album was a huge part of it.  From the first listen, I fell in love with the combo of Bad Seamstress Blues/Fallin' Apart at the Seams.  SUCH a strong way to start off the album.  And with my love of that '80s guitar rock sound, this was right up my alley.  The singles from the album were all outstanding.  But so were the deep tracks.  Second Wind is a solid rocker, and great way to end "side 1" (yeah, cassettes were where it was at).  Long Cold Winter was a bit of an odd one for me, but I LOVED Keifer's guitar work once the solo section started toward the end.  If You Don't Like It never really hit me like the other tunes, but it isn't bad.  Fire and Ice was pretty cool and kind of served to pump you up for the album closing.  Take Me Back was a nice, nostalgic-feeling tune to close the album, and this is one instance where a fadeout REALLY seems appropriate.

All-in-all, this is one of my favorite albums from the '80s.  It showed a remarkable amount of growth in the band's songwriting, while also being incredibly mainstream and accessible.  And the band had a unique sound that made them stand out.  I loved this album back then.  And when I dust it off and spin it now, I find that it holds up remarkably well.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 02, 2019, 12:16:16 PM
I LOVE this album.  I'm a huge Cinderella fan and actually listen to them often to this day.   

I got into them seeing them on their first tour, opening for David Lee Roth on his "Eat 'Em And Smile" tour, and they really stuck out ("Nobody's Fool" is perfect for an arena) and I had a chance to see them at the Electric Factory in Philly headlining.  They only played about an hour and a half, likely due to Tom's voice, but it was a solid 09 minutes, and they played six songs from this album.   

For me, it's probably the best representation of Cinderella; the first album is more metal, the third album (by FAR my least favorite) is more Stones/Small Faces ("Shelter Me" is almost unlistenable to me) but this is the perfect blend of a little metal, a little blues, a little glam... 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 02, 2019, 12:21:55 PM
...but this is the perfect blend of a little metal, a little blues, a little glam... 

I agree.  To me, Night Songs is them trying to make it as a new band and being influenced by the industry at the time.  LCW is them incorporating their bluesier roots and stretching toward the sound and identity they wanted to have.  Heartbreak Station is them casting off the shackles and just sounding like they want to sound, no matter what anybody else said (with Still Climbing being similar, but maybe dialing it back just a bit toward '80s commercial).  LCW is where they really succeeded in writing solid songs that captured that perfect blend you mentioned.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Samsara on July 02, 2019, 12:27:58 PM
Love LCW. I was only able to see Cinderella once. Opening for the Scorpions on Aug. 1, 2010, at the Sleep Train Pavilion, in Concord, CA. I had been a fan since first hearing LCW. I remember getting that album, and then my mother getting the cassette for Night Songs for me. Never really dug Heartbreak Station except for a couple of tunes. Same goes for Still Climbing.

But I could listen to LCW all day long, and a bunch of Night Songs. But agreed that LCW really is their pinnacle. Great stuff.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 12:32:55 PM
I bought Night Songs first, in 1986, when I found out they were opening for Bon Jovi that Spring. I liked a bunch of tunes on the album, even if I didn't think it was a great album, on the whole.

I picked up Long Cold Winter when it came out, but honestly, I thought it was worse than Night Songs. In 1988, I was onto to more metal things like Helloween, Metallica, Megadeth, and Cinderella's style of music didn't really appeal to me. Plus, I thought Don't Know What You've Got was puke worthy.


It has been ages...decades actually since I've spun this. I may have to check it and report back to the thread.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 02, 2019, 12:59:07 PM
For me, you opened with a dud.

I can remember finding Night Songs in a record store and thinking the band looked really dumb.  At that point, I was reacting negatively to a lot of bands I liked turning toward a "glam" look, so this wasn't appealing to me at all.  And then I heard the songs and didn't like Tom Kiefer's voice at all.

Cinderella got a LOT of airplay on KNAC in southern California, though, and Long Cold Winter hit big.  I didn't like it any better, though, and looking at the track list, I can only recognize one song (Don't Know) by name.  I'd swear I saw Cinderella as an opening band at some point, but I can't figure out for whom.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 02, 2019, 01:09:53 PM
I can remember finding Night Songs in a record store and thinking the band looked really dumb.

Oh yeah?  Well...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XOWYe9TgaU

I'd swear I saw Cinderella as an opening band at some point, but I can't figure out for whom.

I never got the chance to see them live.  I do have their DVD from Detroit on...I think it was the Heartbreak Station tour.  On one hand, they put on a great show and had a lot of energy.  On the other hand, a lot of what I consider their best sound needs a lot of layering and studio touch-up to sound right, so the live sound was seriously lacking.  I dunno.  If they got back together and toured now, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to see them.  But I kind of wish I would have had the chance back in the day.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 02, 2019, 01:15:14 PM
I can remember finding Night Songs in a record store and thinking the band looked really dumb.

Oh yeah?  Well...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XOWYe9TgaU


That's bloody awesome.  Cinderella is now my favorite band!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 01:42:41 PM
  I'd swear I saw Cinderella as an opening band at some point, but I can't figure out for whom.

I saw them in '86 opening for Bon Jovi, and in the summer of '91 opening for David Lee Roth.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 02, 2019, 01:46:17 PM
I was not a big fan of the band, but I owned this CD and loved it.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 02, 2019, 01:49:53 PM
I remember hearing "Coming Home" and wondering why Tom Keifer didn't sing less falsetto?  He had a great voice.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 02, 2019, 03:02:02 PM
I can remember finding Night Songs in a record store and thinking the band looked really dumb.  At that point, I was reacting negatively to a lot of bands I liked turning toward a "glam" look, so this wasn't appealing to me at all.  And then I heard the songs and didn't like Tom Kiefer's voice at all.

The album cover for "Night Songs" was shot at the corner of 2nd Street and Pine St. in Philly, at what's called "Headhouse Square".   I lived about four, five blocks south, on the corner of 2nd and Christian (and the bar I mentioned in the thread about celebrities being dick's was in between, on 2nd and I can't remember the cross-street; I think it is Bainbridge). 

I never got the chance to see them live.  I do have their DVD from Detroit on...I think it was the Heartbreak Station tour.  On one hand, they put on a great show and had a lot of energy.  On the other hand, a lot of what I consider their best sound needs a lot of layering and studio touch-up to sound right, so the live sound was seriously lacking.  I dunno.  If they got back together and toured now, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to see them.  But I kind of wish I would have had the chance back in the day.

For a while, Keifer was trying to have his cake and eat it, touring behind his solo album but doing cruises and summer festival tours with the band.   Apparently LeBar was spending more time with a beer in his hand than a guitar, and there was beef.   I saw a video where LeBar basically said "well, I like to drink and I'm not going to quit for anybody", implying that perhaps Tom or the band told him to shape up or ship out.   As I said, I saw them a couple years ago, and it was really good.   Tom sounded good, if not a little more mellow, and the songs were just good quality live versions of the studio cuts. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 02, 2019, 03:43:29 PM
Excellent album, great band. Saw them live a few times and always enjoyed them. They had a bit more substance than some of their peers and this is their best album, though I do like Heartbreak Station a fair bit.

I’m not a huge lover of Toms voice but it’s not a deal breaker.

Shit cover though 😀
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 02, 2019, 03:51:50 PM
I did a classic 80's albums threads a while back, but it has been a while, and I am always in favor of more 80's threads.  :coolio :hat

As for Cinderella, I never checked out any of their full albums, and most of their hits have not aged well for me, so I don't have much to say about this other than Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone) was a song that seemingly every girl I knew in high school loved to pieces.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 02, 2019, 04:19:48 PM
  I'd swear I saw Cinderella as an opening band at some point, but I can't figure out for whom.

I saw them in '86 opening for Bon Jovi, and in the summer of '91 opening for David Lee Roth.

Those seemed like likely candidates, but I saw BJ in 89 with Skid Row and DLR in 88 with Poison.  Seems like Cinderella opened for AC/DC in LA in November 88, but I didn't go to that show.


I am always in favor of more 80's threads.  :coolio :hat

Ditto that.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 02, 2019, 04:28:51 PM
This is jumping back an album, but I thought Nobody's Fool was pretty sweet the first time I heard it, but then none of their other hits after that were as good to me, although I did like Somebody Save Me, which did have the cameo by Jon Bon Jovi at the end of its video.  Gypsy Road was played to death, but that was always just okay.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 02, 2019, 04:55:44 PM
Kev, I had forgotten that you did a thread.  I guess I also sort of did a version of this here:  https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=42605.msg1880004#msg1880004

But that was all a long time ago, and this is a bit different, so...  :)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 02, 2019, 07:00:05 PM
Yep, all good.  My thread was over four years ago (link below), so might as well get a new one!

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=43450.0
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 02, 2019, 08:14:34 PM
Just dropped the needle on most of Long Cold Winter.

That's great Bosk that you connected with it. I mean, timing is everything.

I know they weren't you typical hair band. Similar to Kix, Cinderella was a long time bar band. So respect to that. But similar to Kix, that's really all they were.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 03, 2019, 05:35:32 AM
I remember grabbing this album (due to the massive amount of radio play Don't Know What You Got was gettin), at a flea market I frequented to buy CDs... along with Slaughter/Stick It To Ya, and Queensryche/Empire.  How's that for a 3-pack of albums??

Can't say this got the amount of repeated listens that the other two did.  I'll give it a spin later today and see how it's aged.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 03, 2019, 07:55:24 AM
I did a classic 80's albums threads a while back, but it has been a while, and I am always in favor of more 80's threads.  :coolio :hat

As for Cinderella, I never checked out any of their full albums, and most of their hits have not aged well for me, so I don't have much to say about this other than Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone) was a song that seemingly every girl I knew in high school loved to pieces.

Give it a shot, though Kev; Cinderella is one of those bands that for me, the singles are songs I endure to get to the good stuff.   With any of the bands I like, I usually listen to albums, but once in a while I'll put on a greatest hits just for a quick shot to the arm...  I bought the Cinderella greatest hits for a couple unreleased songs on there, and I never, ever listen to it.   "Shake Me" is my least favorite song on the first record, I can take or leave "Don't Know What You Got...", I've already said I despise "Shelter Me" off of Heartbreak Station (it's my go-to example of "what does 'cliche' mean?"), and "Hot & Bothered" off of Still Climbing is embarrassing.   The one single by them I do like is "Gypsy Road"; for whatever reason I love that song. 

But for me, Cinderella is an album band (and why, well, one of the reasons why, they weren't at the level of a Poison or a Ratt, even though in my view they are a better band).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 03, 2019, 12:53:20 PM
With all due respect, it would take a very hard sell for me to even consider digging into Cinderella's deep cuts :P, especially since I already have a long list.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 04, 2019, 03:34:12 AM
This thread seems like a cool idea, so I will definitely follow.

As for Cinderella, unlike Stadler I liked Shelter Me when it was played on MTV (one of the better Stones songs  ;)). Then I listened to Heartbreak Station and really liked it because of the bluesy feel and the slide guitars. Then I went back and listened to Long Cold Winter and Night Songs and while both records were okay, they didn't really grab me. They didn't have that bluesy feel (at least not that much) that set Heartbreak Station apart and were more in vein of other 80s hair-metal bands, imo not bad but not really outstanding.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: gazinwales on July 04, 2019, 04:35:46 AM
I was a massive fan of Night Songs, I literally wore the cassette tape out through playing it too many times.
When LCW came out I really didn't like the blues influences and sounds at all.

It took me almost 30 years to appreciate this album, thanks to you tube clips mainly.
I bought a used copy a couple of months ago and really like it now.
Don't Know is a classic, and definitely Cinderella's Stairway To Heaven.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 04, 2019, 05:49:25 AM
Just spun it yesterday.  I still adore the hits/singles, and found a new appreciation for the b-sides.  Great album.  Definitely increased the chances of me reaching for it out of the blue in the future.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: ReaperKK on July 04, 2019, 08:53:10 PM
I like the thread idea and I haven't heard that (or any) Cinderella album. I'll give it a spin tomorrow and post my thoughts.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 05, 2019, 09:00:52 AM
This thread seems like a cool idea, so I will definitely follow.

As for Cinderella, unlike Stadler I liked Shelter Me when it was played on MTV (one of the better Stones songs  ;)). Then I listened to Heartbreak Station and really liked it because of the bluesy feel and the slide guitars. Then I went back and listened to Long Cold Winter and Night Songs and while both records were okay, they didn't really grab me. They didn't have that bluesy feel (at least not that much) that set Heartbreak Station apart and were more in vein of other 80s hair-metal bands, imo not bad but not really outstanding.

See, for me, since I wasn't really into the hair metal much, I though Cinderella rocked harder than the LA bands, and for me, the "Shelter Me" seemed more cliché and more a way of Cinderella joining the pack.  Every band seemed to have that "down homey", acoustic guitar song where the band played with funny hats and tried to show how heartfelt they were.  NOT power ballads, but songs like "Wanted Dead Or Alive", "Patience", "House of Pain" (Faster Pussycat), "Simple Man" (Junkyard)... Tesla barely gave an interview where they didn't talk about their "roots" on acoustic guitars.  And it just seemed so calculated to me. 

Maybe because I don't really like "blues" per se, and when I do, it's in the form of SRV or Billy Gibbons, who do it FAR better than some middle class dude from Ardmore, PA, but I liked it better when Cinderella just played hard rock.   

Though, "Don't Know What You Got" is essential, because how else would they get the big white piano to drop down from the ceiling (or rise up from below the stage) in concerts?  :).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 05, 2019, 09:09:31 AM
Tesla barely gave an interview where they didn't talk about their "roots" on acoustic guitars.

Not to quibble with your overall post, but Tesla is a bad example for many reasons.  If you know anything about them, that really IS their roots.  Not to mention the fact that they were really the catalyst for what became MTV Unplugged.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 05, 2019, 09:12:17 AM
Tesla barely gave an interview where they didn't talk about their "roots" on acoustic guitars.

Not to quibble with your overall post, but Tesla is a bad example for many reasons.  If you know anything about them, that really IS their roots.  Not to mention the fact that they were really the catalyst for what became MTV Unplugged.

No, I'll give you all that; but I didn't learn that until later.   All I knew then was "Modern Day Cowboy" (a great song, by the way, not ragging on it at all). 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 07, 2019, 06:53:27 AM
Where's the next 80's album?? :P

Five days for Cinderella? That is like four and a half more days than they warrant. :lol :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 07, 2019, 07:23:37 AM
Where's the next 80's album?? :P

Five days for Cinderella? That is like four and a half more days than they warrant. :lol :biggrin:

Warrant blows.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 07, 2019, 07:24:59 AM
TAC will be along here soon to talk them up, I'm sure.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 07, 2019, 11:39:47 AM
Where's the next 80's album?? :P

Five days for Cinderella? That is like four and a half more days than they warrant. :lol :biggrin:

Warrant blows.

"I Saw Red" was a very underrated song.  Otherwise, I agree.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: max_security on July 07, 2019, 11:46:05 AM
Warrant was as good as any of the late 80's poser scene. Uncle Tom's Cabin was different than the typical " love ballad " typical of those bands.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 07, 2019, 11:56:07 AM
Where's the next 80's album?? :P

Five days for Cinderella? That is like four and a half more days than they warrant. :lol :biggrin:

Warrant blows.

"I Saw Red" was a very underrated song.  Otherwise, I agree.
.and Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Peter Mc on July 07, 2019, 05:07:36 PM
Never really heard any Cinderella. Was a huge Bon Jovi fan at this time though and I know Jon Bon Jovi really went out of his way to support them and helped get them signed I believe. Will have to give them a try some day.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Curious Orange on July 08, 2019, 02:16:14 AM
Where's the next 80's album?? :P

Five days for Cinderella? That is like four and a half more days than they warrant. :lol :biggrin:

Warrant blows.

"I Saw Red" was a very underrated song.  Otherwise, I agree.

Clearly "Cherry Pie" is the greatest Warrant song.

And yes, I loved Long Cold Winter, nice to see this list starting with a real underrated gem.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 08, 2019, 08:27:45 AM
WE'RE NOT DOING WARRANT!!!    >:(






























...yet.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 08, 2019, 08:50:55 AM
I'm going to update the OP so that it has links to the beginning of the discussion for each album.  That said...

Next album up:  Metallica - Master of Puppets

Release date:     March 3, 1986

Songs:
"Battery"
"Master of Puppets"
"The Thing That Should Not Be"
"Welcome Home (Sanitarium)"
"Disposable Heroes"
"Leper Messiah"
"Orion"
"Damage, Inc."

Before I take this thread completely down a path that shows my musical bias during this era, I intend to go pretty broad and cover some different things.  And at the time, Metallica seemed VERY different to me.  I was into what was described at the time as "hard rock" and "heavy metal."  But thrash was sort of a different animal.  Up to this point, I had heard of Metallica, but I don't believe I had heard any of their music.  My buddy Alex picked up Puppets on vinyl and spun it constantly. 

As for me...let's just say I didn't get it.  At least, not right away.  But one song in particular did stand out to me and stick with me, and that was Orion.  I was positively fascinated with how an instrumental could convey just as much anger and menace as a song with a vocalist screaming lyrics that were angry and menacing.  And at the same time, it was also beautiful and melodic.  I remember having Alex tape this song for me, and I listened to it quite a bit, which I think eventually opened me up to Metallica's overall sound. 

It was not really until AJFA that I really started to more fully open up to their sound and what they were about.  But looking back, I can definitely appreciate what MOP was doing and how great an album it is. 

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on July 08, 2019, 09:03:51 AM
Cinderella - I have a greatest hits compilation and never cared to listen to any of their records beyond that.  Gypsy Road is awesome.  Don't Know What You've Got is ok, but too overplayed for me. 


Metallica - Master of Puppets

I turned 13 in 1993 and got a CD player/ boombox for my birthday.  I was a huge Metallica fan, having discovered the black album a year or two earlier, and only had that album on cassette.   So the first order of business was to GET METALLICA CD'S!  I think I acquired most of the first 4 albums that summer through Christmas.  Definitely Kill Em All (in a longbox) and Ride The Lightning first, and then Master of Puppets.  This was also back when stores kept CD's in the locked plastic security sleeves that were the size of a longbox. 

I was too young to get into the musicality of it but the power and aggression spoke to me as a new metal fan.  I remember playing basketball in the driveway with my brother and friends and absolutely blasting Master of Puppets on my boombox during that summer  They were my favorite band and I have always loved this album, ranking it second behind Justice.  I still have the same copy that I got 26 years ago, which is scratched to hell from all of the love I gave it over the years.   :metal
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bl5150 on July 08, 2019, 09:18:38 AM
I have a feeling that I was a bit the same as bosk...........wasn't into music this heavy when it first came out but Orion got me on board to a degree and then I became a fan later as my tastes heavied up a bit.

However I found AJFA a bit of a disappointment
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 08, 2019, 09:45:50 AM
I like Battery and Master of Puppets; the rest of the album is forgettable to me personally. I'm a KEA, RTL kind of dude. Those albums slay and Metallica lost their balls after them  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Setlist Scotty on July 08, 2019, 11:27:29 AM
I remember my next door neighbor lending me a cassette dub of what ended up being side 1 of MoP and I played it repeatedly. Just absolutely blew my mind. I remember a kid in one of my classes (8th grade) used to wear Motley Crue shirts, but by then had moved on to Metallica and Voi Vod, so I was curious to hear what Metallica sounded like and I loved it! Can't remember how long it took for me to hear the rest of the album, but that was a game changer for me - still my favorite Metallica album. The only track I could never really get into (and still really don't to this day) is Damage, Inc. That song just never did anything for me at all, altho I'm also more likely to skip TTTSNB than in the past.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 08, 2019, 11:51:50 AM
I didn't live Master of Puppets, so I came to it only when I became a fan in the mid '90s and explored the back catalogue.

While I love it and I will never argue with anyone that praises it to no end, my personal preference goes to Ride the Lightning. That's what I'd call the best Metallica album, knowing I'm in the minority. But Master is and remains a masterpiece and aside from Leper Messiah, I'm down for any song of it being played live. Not that LM is bad, it's just that if I had a choice over the setlist of my next Metallica show, I'd hardly consider that song.

Favorite songs: Master, Damage INC (what a riot to hear it as penultimate song at my first Metallica concert!), Disposable Heroes, Sanitarium.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 08, 2019, 12:25:43 PM
I like a couple of their songs, but was never in to Metallica or thrash in general.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 08, 2019, 02:08:23 PM
So in 1983 when Kill 'Em All came out, I heard Hit The Lights on the radio and bought it right away. I really liked it. But when Ride The Lightning came out, I just thought it was different. I did not like Fight Fire With Fire, and the NWOBHM influence was gone. At least hat's how I felt as a 15 y/o. I was into Maiden, UFO, Dio. As much as I liked KEA, I spent my latter high school years not being into speed or thrash metal. I just wasn't into what I thought was ...I don't know..that culture.

I had tix for the Ozzy/Metallica show in '86. I remember borrowing the album from one of the kids I was going with. I just didn't connect.
Unfortunately the show was cancelled.

The following summer, two major releases changed my total outlook. One was Helloween's Keepers Pt.1. The other was actually Metallica's Garage Days Rerevisited. I thought it was a cool cover photo. It looked like fun, where their music did not feel that way. I know it was a covers EP, but I fell in love with it. I started to enjoy the band again, and Helloween helped open me up to the speed factor.

I was back in on Metallica big time, and Master Of Puppets is due all of the accolades it receives.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 08, 2019, 05:14:46 PM
I didn't hear Master of Puppets until 1996, and my fear going in was that it was not going to live up to the hype, but it did.  It manages to be heavy as heck and still be melodic, which is not easy to pull off, and I do think the album benefited big time by the 80's production.  Had it been recorded in the 90's or later, some of those melodies might have gotten lost amongst the more modern day production values, but the warmth of that 80's-style mix really brings them out.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dream Team on July 08, 2019, 06:04:04 PM
Was probably at my peak of fandom when this came out, so yeah that scratched the itch. Usually skip Thingy and Sanitarium, but  :metal
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 08, 2019, 07:14:13 PM
I have always skipped The Thing That Should Not Be. Probably my least favorite Metallica tune from the Classic Era.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 08, 2019, 07:30:21 PM
The Thing That Should Not Be is great.

Jeez, Tim, even with an album like Master of Puppets, you still manage to fail. :P
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 08, 2019, 07:36:25 PM
I call it The Song That Should Not Be.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 08, 2019, 07:38:17 PM
I call you The Poster Who Should Not Be.

:P :P
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 08, 2019, 07:39:33 PM
 :lol :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jammindude on July 08, 2019, 08:41:40 PM
I was waiting in line when MoP first came out.   I was....so....floored.   

This was my first new album as an already rabid Metallica fan.   

My Metallica experience started with Ride the Lightning.   The re-release on Elektra happened in late 1984, and I bought it off the new release rack just because of the cool band name and cool album cover.   To be honest, I hated it at first.   Fight Fire With Fire was my first exposure to thrash (I had never heard anything heavier than Shout at the Devil until then) and I thought it was a dumpster fire.    But Creeping Death hooked me, and then FWtBT, and then FtB, and then....everything else.   Pretty soon, I had played it until the grooves had worn out.   It completely changed my taste in metal.    I pretty much stopped buying everything major label (except the "big 4" that had just been signed) and almost exclusively bought albums that were on Combat, Metal Blade, Megaforce and Shrapnel.   "The Best of Metal Blade" and "Metal Massacre" albums became the blueprint of every band I would be into for the next 6-7 years.   

So when MoP came out....I was ecstatic.    Still hard to believe I was right in the thick of it for the release of one of the greatest metal albums of all time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Big Hath on July 08, 2019, 10:48:20 PM
what an album.  #3 on my top 50 list.  My friend Billy was into heavier and more "underground" music and I remember being fascinated by the album cover.  This and RTL were on constant rotation as we played games on the NES.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 08, 2019, 11:39:22 PM
I like Metallica but I don't love them and this record, while I acknowledge its influence and its status as an alltime classic, is no different. Good but not great. The title track is stellar, some of the other songs are really good (Thing, Sanitarium), but I can't stand Battery. Every other band I know does these fast paced thrash songs better, imo. Orion and Heroes are good but too long. The rest is okay I guess.

Part of the reason why I'm not rabid about Metallica is that I don't like Lars' drumming style, I just can't connect with that. And Kirk even back then was/is a joke of a solo guitar player.

My favorite Metallica record is Load, so come at me.  ;D
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: gazinwales on July 09, 2019, 03:00:14 AM
I had discovered metal around 1982 via Sabbath, Kiss, Rush, Maiden and Priest.
Then came along RTL and it was the fastest, heaviest and most brutal music I had ever heard.
There was a lot of hype for this record in the media, remember back then no internet, no YT or file swapping.
Back then we swapped cassettes, borrowed and taped records and through word of mouth.

I always preferred RTL over MoP, not sure why, probably in my mind a stronger overall record and one that totally transformed my musical world.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 09, 2019, 07:38:56 AM
I personally prefer RTL as well.  But I don't think that takes away from MOP and its classic status.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 09, 2019, 08:11:46 AM
I didn't become a fan until the re-load album as I was only a kid, but once I got this album and RTL, I fell in love with Metallica and their 80s material much more than the 90s stuff that I had been introduced to.  I still like RTL more, but I always find both albums to be stellar and like twins, they go together in my mind.  I think MOP still stands the test of time too, RTL sounds a bit more dated (although I love it) MOP still sounds good and relevant today. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 09, 2019, 08:33:26 AM
I think if you eliminated the two least best songs from both MoP and RtL, they would be equals, but the least best two songs off MoP are still great, while Trapped Under Ice is just solid and Escape is pretty weak.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 09, 2019, 08:47:17 AM
I like Escape. IMO the only weak tracks on RTL bookend the record - Fight Fire With Fire lacks a hook and riffs as strong as the rest of the record, and Call of Ktulu is just kind of there so the album ends on a whimper.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 09, 2019, 09:15:06 AM
I think if you eliminated the two least best songs from both MoP and RtL, they would be equals, but the least best two songs off MoP are still great, while Trapped Under Ice is just solid and Escape is pretty weak.

While on one hand I completely understand doing these comparisons, I'd say that in some cases what matters most is the vibe of the albums, the way the songs speak to you, the memories you have tied to that record even, all things more important than a "logical" back to back comparison. Piece of Mind will always be my favorite Maiden album, and no amounts of dinosaurs walking the earth can change that.


I like Escape. IMO the only weak tracks on RTL bookend the record - Fight Fire With Fire lacks a hook and riffs as strong as the rest of the record, and Call of Ktulu is just kind of there so the album ends on a whimper.

Whimper? the final minutes of Call of Ktulu and especially the very ending (after the reprise of the initial riff) are a whimper? that's one of the most kickass ways to end an album!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 09, 2019, 09:20:12 AM
Yes, and yes.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 09, 2019, 09:22:08 AM
I never listen to Ktulu, even back in the day.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 09, 2019, 09:24:20 AM
I never listen to Ktulu, even back in the day.

(https://i.imgur.com/H6RSXdD.jpg)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 09, 2019, 09:42:18 AM
Orion and Ktulu are both good instrumentals, but neither are what get me really going when thinking about Metallica or MOP/RTL. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 09, 2019, 12:26:35 PM
Orion and Ktulu are both good instrumentals, but neither are what get me really going when thinking about Metallica or MOP/RTL.

Exactly. Throw in To Live Is To Die, and even in the 80's their instrumentals were being criticized as being too plodding.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 09, 2019, 12:30:22 PM
I never listen to Ktulu, even back in the day.

You heathen!


I like Escape. IMO the only weak tracks on RTL bookend the record - Fight Fire With Fire lacks a hook and riffs as strong as the rest of the record, and Call of Ktulu is just kind of there so the album ends on a whimper.

Whimper? the final minutes of Call of Ktulu and especially the very ending (after the reprise of the initial riff) are a whimper? that's one of the most kickass ways to end an album!

Seriously.  Ktulu destroys!  Such an amazing build up and ending.


As far as MOP, it was my first new Metallica record.  I remember hearing the "world premiere" of Sanitarium on 105.5 KNAC in LA, and I was slightly disappointed.  I bought the album, and my opinions about the songs haven't changed too much over the years.

Battery:  GREAT song.  Just power all the way through.

MOP:  GREAT song.  Love the time changes in the verses.  My band used to play this one.

Thing:  Never liked it.

Sanitarium:  Despite my initial disappointment, I grew to love it.

Heroes:  One of my favorites right off the bat, but I don't find myself listening to it much anymore.

Messiah:  Never liked it.

Orion:  Didn't care for it initially, but I grew to dig it.

Damage:  Love it.  Nicely bookends the album with Battery.

As I've posted elsewhere, I saw Metallica open for Ozzy in June 1986.  The blew Ozzy off the stage.  One of my most memorable concerts from back in the day.

I rank this album just slightly ahead of RTL, but it's really close.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 09, 2019, 12:37:50 PM
I'm actually kind of surprised at all the negativity toward Thing.  I mean, I'm not saying you can't like it.  But I'm not sure I've actually heard anyone say out loud before this that they didn't like it, so it's surprising to me that that seems to be the unanimous opinion here. 

Anyway, I've always thought it was kinda cool.  :dunno:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: max_security on July 09, 2019, 12:44:56 PM
I was really into other music when Master was released but I always did think it was a fantastic album. I really enjoy the entire B side , Disposable - Damage.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: ReaperKK on July 09, 2019, 06:31:39 PM
I loved Master Of Puppets when I was first getting into Metalica but I rarely listen to it these days. I don't know if it's just overplayed to me or my tastes have changed a bit.

Controversial opinion: the middle section of Orion is the highlight of MoP
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 09, 2019, 06:56:46 PM
I'm out Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Probably won't post another album until Monday.  So I'm thinking about dropping two tomorrow.

One of them may or may not be Warrant.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 09, 2019, 07:00:22 PM
You're going to drop a two tomorrow? :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 09, 2019, 07:01:07 PM
Tim, go take your metamucil and quit bothering people.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 09, 2019, 07:01:52 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 09, 2019, 07:12:10 PM
Looking forward to the Debbie Gibson and Belinda Carlisle features tomorrow!! :tup :tup
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 09, 2019, 07:14:15 PM
I got a large bottle of Metamucil. You can have some, Kev.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 09, 2019, 10:28:08 PM
Looking forward to the Debbie Gibson and Belinda Carlisle features tomorrow!! :tup :tup

Don't be ridiculous.  Belinda Carlisle solo is so bush league.  Tiffany all the way, dude.  "I think we're alone now....".  :metal
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 10, 2019, 03:55:35 AM
Looking forward to the Debbie Gibson and Belinda Carlisle features tomorrow!! :tup :tup

Don't be ridiculous.  Belinda Carlisle solo is so bush league.  Tiffany all the way, dude.  "I think we're alone now....".  :metal
"bush league" :D? what do you mean by that, bosk? Regardless, you cracked me up there. Thank you.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 10, 2019, 04:50:39 AM
Looking forward to the Debbie Gibson and Belinda Carlisle features tomorrow!! :tup :tup

Don't be ridiculous.  Belinda Carlisle solo is so bush league.  Tiffany all the way, dude.  "I think we're alone now....".  :metal

On a side note, Belinda's first solo album was produced by Andy Taylor. Guitarist from Duran Duran. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 10, 2019, 08:39:51 AM
Okay, here is 1 of 2 for today:

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Songs:
-Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
-Baby Be Mine
-The Girl is Mine
-Thriller
-Beat It
-Billie Jean
-Human Nature
-PYT
-The Lady in my Life

Nine songs.  Seven hit singles.  SEVEN HIT SINGLES!  All of which charted in the top 10 in the U.S., and there were a lot of #1's in that batch.  This album was EVERYWHERE.  I don't think I even owned a copy.  But you didn't have really have to.  If you listened to MTV, or listened to the radio...heck, if you even went outside any place that they were playing music, you could not avoid this album.  Something from it was always playing somewhere.  And for good reason.  The songs are stellar.  Yeah, he used some outside writers.  But when you've got guys like Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, Steve Porcaro (Toto), and James Ingram helping write your songs, you are definitely going to have some hits in there. 

This album was just so groundbreaking in so many ways, whether it be for the epic video for the title song, the critical acclaim, the role it played in race relations, or what have you.  Whatever one's views of Michael Jackson as a person now that we know more of the darker things about his life, this is a fantastic album.  It is well-deserving of the status it held back then and still holds today, IMO.

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 10, 2019, 09:26:37 AM
Okay, here is 1 of 2 for today:

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Songs:
-Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
-Baby Be Mine
-The Girl is Mine
-Thriller
-Beat It
-Billie Jean
-Human Nature
-PYT
-The Lady in my Life

Nine songs.  Seven hit singles.  SEVEN HIT SINGLES!  All of which charted in the top 10 in the U.S., and there were a lot of #1's in that batch.  This album was EVERYWHERE.  I don't think I even owned a copy.  But you didn't have really have to.  If you listened to MTV, or listened to the radio...heck, if you even went outside any place that they were playing music, you could not avoid this album.  Something from it was always playing somewhere.  And for good reason.  The songs are stellar.  Yeah, he used some outside writers.  But when you've got guys like Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, Steve Porcaro (Toto), and James Ingram helping write your songs, you are definitely going to have some hits in there. 

This album was just so groundbreaking in so many ways, whether it be for the epic video for the title song, the critical acclaim, the role it played in race relations, or what have you.  Whatever one's views of Michael Jackson as a person now that we know more of the darker things about his life, this is a fantastic album.  It is well-deserving of the status it held back then and still holds today, IMO.
not my favourite MJ album (that is Bad), but Thriller is what it is and it's not to be messed with (as is Bad). Half of Toto worked on Thriller too, so it has a special place in my collection. Thank you Eddie Van Halen as well.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 10, 2019, 09:30:15 AM
Even my parents have Thriller on vinyl.

Great album. Not one I really ever listen to, but I know the songs, and it's a very good record. Also, yeah, big props to the guys in Toto who lent their magic to it.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 10, 2019, 09:31:31 AM
Can you imagine that this album to me is totally unknown?

I know that Thriller had a zombie dance video. And I can't tell right now how Billie Jean goes, but I'll probably recognize it if I listen to it. The rest is a blank (it probably contains some songs I don't know that I know).

I wasn't there in the moment and I never listened to MJ anyway so by the time I started to watch MTV, 1994-95, the timeframe for the album had already passed, so I guess I'm a rare case of non-Thriller exposure. I don't even recognize half of the titles from the list.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 10, 2019, 09:35:30 AM
I never owned a MJ album, but I know his hits and therefore a lot of this album.  I've always enjoyed a lot of his music.  Not something I talk about, but if a song came on, you'd see me sing along.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 10, 2019, 12:26:39 PM
So in the 80s I was on the hair metal side of the fence, so I had never heard a Master of Puppets until I began chatting with you guys on this website. I missed out. It’s a great album, simple as that. Had I heard it back in the day I may have loved it - I was a fan of early Anthrax but that was as heavy as I got at that time. Oh yeah, and when I did hear the album for the first time it was the DT version 😀

Michael Jackson? It’s pop so Of very little interest to me, though I accept it’s probably a classic of its genre.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 10, 2019, 01:02:43 PM
Second one for today:

Dio - Holy Diver

Songs:
-Stand Up and Shout
-Holy Diver
-Gypsy
-Caught in the Middle
-Don't Talk To Strangers
-Straight Through the Heart
-Invisible
-Rainbow in the Dark
-Shame on the Night

I can't even remember the last time I listened to this album.  It has been a LONG time.  And yet, I can distinctly remember quite a few of the songs beyond the singles.  I think that is a great testament to the strength of the songwriting. 

In any case, I remember when this album came out.  I didn't really know anything about Dio as an artist at this time.  I hadn't followed Rainbow or Sabbath, so I didn't even know who he was.  He was just this angry dude with that Rainbow in the Dark song on MTV.  Little did I know how much that song would grow on me.  I can't remember exactly how or specifically why, but I picked up the album.  I think it was probably after my 8th grade "senior" picnic, because I remember being on the bus on the ride home from that, and one of the other kids was blasting it on his boombox, and I was loving it. 

The opening of Stand Up and Shout is fantastic.  This and We Rock might just be my two favorite Dio songs.  But plenty of other good stuff on this album as well, like the title track, Caught in the Middle, Don't Talk To Strangers, and Straight Through the Heart, many of which are still set staples in both of the current Dio tribute bands out there. 

Unfortunately, while I liked the odd song here and there going forward, this is the last Dio album that I liked. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2019, 01:13:56 PM
A phenomenal album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 10, 2019, 01:18:55 PM
Masterpiece of an album. Just think of what Dio accomplished since 1976 to 1983 - he joined Rainbow and took part in monumental and historical albums such as the debut, Rising and Long Live Rn'R, then he went on with Black Sabbath doing Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules, and right after that he did Holy Diver!!!

Another album I didn't live in the time (heck, I was 4), but that is chock full of glorious songs. The only "downside", if it can be, is that the songs are so famous and so overplayed live that at a certain point you take them all for granted, but this is a standout record.

The four ultra famous songs - Stand Up and Shout, Holy Diver, Don't Talk to Strangers and Rainbow in the Dark - are timeless masterpieces of the genre. Coming behind we have the haunting ending of Shame on the Night and the energetic Straight through the Heart. Gypsy and Caught in the Middle are also good and sadly overlooked, while Invisible I guess has the unfortunate role of the "lesser" track on here.

Many of these songs have been covered many times (go listen Blind Guardian's version of Strangers), and shall live on as classics of the genre and of Dio the artist.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2019, 01:21:47 PM
I've mentioned this before, but there was a metal radio show that I used to listen to back then. I knew Dio from Rainbow and Black Sabbath, but was not aware that he had a new album coming out. I remember Stand Up And Shout and Straight Through The Heart being played. I was really blown away. Don't Talk To Strangers is still my all time favorite Dio (Dio band) song.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 10, 2019, 01:33:33 PM
Second one for today:

Dio - Holy Diver

Songs:
-Stand Up and Shout
-Holy Diver
-Gypsy
-Caught in the Middle
-Don't Talk To Strangers
-Straight Through the Heart
-Invisible
-Rainbow in the Dark
-Shame on the Night

I can't even remember the last time I listened to this album.  It has been a LONG time.  And yet, I can distinctly remember quite a few of the songs beyond the singles.  I think that is a great testament to the strength of the songwriting. 

In any case, I remember when this album came out.  I didn't really know anything about Dio as an artist at this time.  I hadn't followed Purple or Sabbath, so I didn't even know who he was.  He was just this angry dude with that Rainbow in the Dark song on MTV.  Little did I know how much that song would grow on me.  I can't remember exactly how or specifically why, but I picked up the album.  I think it was probably after my 8th grade "senior" picnic, because I remember being on the bus on the ride home from that, and one of the other kids was blasting it on his boombox, and I was loving it. 

The opening of Stand Up and Shout is fantastic.  This and We Rock might just be my two favorite Dio songs.  But plenty of other good stuff on this album as well, like the title track, Caught in the Middle, Don't Talk To Strangers, and Straight Through the Heart, many of which are still set staples in both of the current Dio tribute bands out there. 

Unfortunately, while I liked the odd song here and there going forward, this is the last Dio album that I liked.
again, a great album. Recorded at Sound City (which was known for that great room sound, especially for drum recording). Ronnie is on fire on that album IMHO (IIRC, James likes it too, I could be wrong though) and he still is one of my favourite male singers. Sorry it's the only Dio album you like, bosk. I for one quite like Sacred Heart as well.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on July 10, 2019, 02:11:18 PM
I never owned a MJ album, but I know his hits and therefore a lot of this album.  I've always enjoyed a lot of his music.  Not something I talk about, but if a song came on, you'd see me sing along.

I had "Off the Wall" on vinyl when I was in Jr. High (probably in a box somewhere now).  Loved it!  Later on I got Thriller on CD.  Loved that too.  Those are the only MJ albums I own.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 10, 2019, 02:21:56 PM
Such a great album. DIO could do no wrong around this time. I loved him in Rainbow, he made me a Sabbath fan when I didn’t really like them before he joined, them solo. This was a great start to a great run of albums to Dream Evil. after that I didn’t like much else he did to be honest.

DIO is truly one of the greats.

Viv Campbell was a revelation on Holy Diver. Such fire in his playing. It was the age of the pinched harmonic and Viv was right there. I played the shit out of this album.

Don’t Talk To Strangers is my favourite song but really there’s nothing out of place here.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 10, 2019, 03:44:48 PM
Okay, here is 1 of 2 for today:

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Songs:
-Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
-Baby Be Mine
-The Girl is Mine
-Thriller
-Beat It
-Billie Jean
-Human Nature
-PYT
-The Lady in my Life


Thriller and the first four singles were released during my sophomore year of high school, which is right about the time I was getting into hard rock/metal.  Around that same time, I was adopting the attitude that anything that wasn't rock or metal was complete crap.  At some point, I told the girl in front of me in homeroom that, if I could kill anyone without consequence, it would be Michael Jackson.  I can still remember her very justified, "what the fuck, dude?" look in response.  Imagine how something like that would go over today!

In retrospect, I think Billie Jean and Beat It are really good songs, and Thriller is kind of a fun novelty song.  Nothing else really resonates for me, and there are 3-4 songs that I can't think of what they sound like just by the title.


Second one for today:

Dio - Holy Diver


Now we're talkin'!!

This was released toward the end of my sophomore year, but I don't think I really got into it until the start of my junior year -- probably coinciding with the release of the Rainbow in the Dark music video on MTV (which I think was October 1983).  There was a VERY small group of overt metal fans at my school, and there was one guy who wasn't part of that group, but who liked Dio, who would always flash us the horns  and say "Dio!" in a very exaggerated manner.  I didn't see my first concert until April 1984 (Ozzy and Ratt), and Dio was the fourth concert in November 1984 (Last in Line tour with Rough Cutt).

As far as the album itself, Gypsy and Shame on the Night are the (relative) "weak links," but everything else is a 5-star song.  Stand up and Shout opened the album like a freight train.  Holy Diver has a cool groove.  Caught in the Middle was my initial favorite (that opening riff).  Don't Talk to Strangers has great dynamics and was soooo good live.  Straight through the heart has great drumming from Vinny.  Invisible and Rainbow keep the energy up.  Shame on the Night is a bit plodding for my taste, but the very end is quite cool.  I always loved how RJD could effortlessly ad lib to the end of a song, and this was my intro to that and my gateway to go back and discover his two Sabbath albums and the first three Rainbow albums.


Unfortunately, while I liked the odd song here and there going forward, this is the last Dio album that I liked. 

Interesting.  I think every successive album was a steady decline -- until Lock up the Wolves, which was near-complete garbage and the last Dio album I bought, but I think both The Last in Line and Sacred Heart compare favorably as a whole.  We Rock (TLIL) and King of Rock and Roll (SH) continued the tradition of killer opening tracks.  I Speed at Night (TLIL) is, IMO, an early example of speed metal and kicks serious ass.  One Night in the City (TLIL) compares favorably to Don't Talk to Strangers.  Evil Eyes is a very underrated track, and Mystery is sort of the analog to Rainbow in the Dark.  Egypt (The Chains Are On) is an even more plodding analog to Shame on the Night.  Sacred Heart has fewer really good songs, but King (mentioned earlier), Rock 'n' Roll Children and Just Another Day are excellent.  Hungry for Heaven is oddly duplicative of Mystery (if another band had done it, it would have been considered a ripoff).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 10, 2019, 05:03:45 PM
I thought for sure I would open this thread and see a post by TAC saying he had never heard a single song off Thriller before. :P

Never much of a fan of Dio, although Holy Diver is a good tune.

Back to Thriller, this is as big a classic as you will find in music anywhere.  A few of the songs have not aged well for me, but it's still a heckuva record.  I doubt we will ever see an album dominate again like this one did.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2019, 05:23:28 PM
I thought for sure I would open this thread and see a post by TAC saying he had never heard a single song off Thriller before. :P

Aw, that's not right! :P


Thriller is what it is. It's undeniable.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: ReaperKK on July 10, 2019, 05:53:54 PM
I never checked out the Dio album despite seeing it talked about everywhere.

Thriller was such a monster album, to me it seemed very rare to come across and album with all the songs being the same caliber.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on July 10, 2019, 07:16:17 PM
Billie Jean is an amazing song.  And the live performance where he moonwalked for the first time is incredible (3:38 in this video).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d17ggav1Lto  Nobody in the world could move like Michael.  And the videos for Thriller and Beat It are just iconic.  Even a metalhead like me has to respect the album and Michael's talent.


Dio - Holy Diver

Another fantastic record and just slamming from start to finish.  Rainbow in the Dark was one of the first rock and metal songs I remember hearing on the radio when I turned 16 and bought my first car, which only had a radio...not even a tape deck. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 10, 2019, 08:36:38 PM
I owned Bad, though looking back, I cannot recall listening to it much. I think I listened to Weird Al's Fat more than anything of MJs.

Never got in Dio. No idea why.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 10, 2019, 09:13:25 PM
There's a reason that Thiller is the greatest selling album of all time.  And there's a reason it isn't even close. Iconic and epic are oft overused words. Not in this case though.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 10, 2019, 11:02:44 PM
Bonus content!!!

Y&T - Black Tiger

Songs:
-From the Moon
-Open Fire
-Don't Wanna Lose
-Hell or High Water
-Forever
-Black Tiger
-Barroom Boogie
-My Way or the Highway
-Winds of Change

If you like '70s and '80s hard rock and you aren't familiar, do yourself a favor and listen to this album from start to finish.  And if you are familiar, but haven't listened in awhile, do yourself a favor and listen to this album from start to finish.  There is a reason guys like Halford and Dio praised this as one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time, and Forever as the greatest rock anthem of all time.  Maybe they were right.  Maybe not.  But it is a great album.

Y&T were one of those bands that was always just on the cusp of hitting it big, but never had things break their way.  The list of bands that were discovered/signed opening up for them in the clubs of SF and LA is staggering, from Motley Crue, to Van Halen, to Metallica...and on and on.  These guys were a lot like King's X in that they never amassed that huge fanbase, but were very well known and respected among musicians.

They started out in the '70s, and toured all over California and other states with another fledgling '70s band by the name of Journey, which was also managed by Herbie Herbert.  They were all about that '70s rock sound, like Montrose, for example.  But in the mid-'80s, after several albums going gold, but missing platinum and that BIG break, they kinda lost their way trying to follow trends to make something happen.

Black Tiger kind of captures them in their prime.  The album is in some ways like Dark Side of the Moon, with some common musical themes and structuring appearing throughout the album to kind of loosely tie it together, even though it isn't a concept album and does not have an obvious theme.  Most of the songs are pretty tight.  The lyrics are all over the place.  Some are hard-hitting.  Others are just frivolous and fun. 

Highlight songs:
-From the Moon/Open Fire:  What a fantastic 1-2 punch to open the album.  This has been their go-to concert opener off and on through the years and there is a reason why.
-Hell or High Water:  Groovy, chunky, nasty riff.  Was the first song that jumped out at me when I first got the album.
-Forever:  If Halford praises it so highly, it must be good, right?  Probably THE song people think of when they think of this band.
-Black Tiger:  Some awesome guitar work all around.
-Winds of Change:  Perhaps my favorite power ballad of all time.  A couple of live renditions of this song that I witnessed were life-changing.

The only real downsides to this album are the vocal mix and production.  To me, their best sound was on the run from In Rock We Trust through Ten.  But this album showcases some incredible songwriting, especially for a relatively young band.

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 10, 2019, 11:14:18 PM
This band completely failed to register even the tiniest blip on my radar. I think the first time I ever heard of them was Bosk talking about them on this forum years ago.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 11, 2019, 12:26:20 AM
Never really liked Thriller or Michael Jackson in general. Beat It, Billie Jean and Thriller are okay songs but I always had the feeling that the gimmicks surrounding this record (The Zombie video, Eddie Van Halen guest spot, Vincent Price, Moonwalk etc.) were more the focus than the music itself. And this record sounds so calculated, a product designed to generate hit after hit and to please the masses, mainstream to the max, but with little originality.

And all this (not so really new) rumours about his attitude to children have severely tainted what little love I had for his songs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Ruba on July 11, 2019, 01:47:45 AM
If someone else wants to take a different era, have at it.  I'm only doing the '80s.  At least, for now.

Actually, I've been thinking about making a thread about 90s rock singles. I've just thought that usually KevShmev's been the guy for this kind of threads and I don't want to be stepping on his toes or anything. It's an era I like a lot and would have plenty of songs to discuss already, but if three appreciation/discussion threads running at the same time is too many, I understand.

As for the topic, Master of Puppets is one of the greatest metal albums of all time. Every single song is great, although Damage inc. is a notch below the rest. On any other classic Metallica album it would be one of the top tracks however.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 11, 2019, 01:54:07 AM
Actually, I've been thinking about making a thread about 90s rock singles. I've just thought that usually KevShmev's been the guy for this kind of threads and I don't want to be stepping on his toes or anything. It's an era I like a lot and would have plenty of songs to discuss already, but if three appreciation/discussion threads running at the same time is too many, I understand.

I have no authority here but I say nonetheless: DO IT.

And: in before TAC says the 90s suck  :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 11, 2019, 04:46:59 AM
This band completely failed to register even the tiniest blip on my radar. I think the first time I ever heard of them was Bosk talking about them on this forum years ago.

I could've typed his word for word.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 11, 2019, 04:51:59 AM
This band completely failed to register even the tiniest blip on my radar. I think the first time I ever heard of them was Bosk talking about them on this forum years ago.

I saw them with Helix, Accept & Motley Crue in 1984.  Got sun poisoning that day.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 11, 2019, 08:17:11 AM


Actually, I've been thinking about making a thread about 90s rock singles. I've just thought that usually KevShmev's been the guy for this kind of threads and I don't want to be stepping on his toes or anything.

I doubt I would do a 90's one, so have at it) :) :) 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 11, 2019, 10:23:35 AM

Y&T - Black Tiger


One of my favorite songs of all time is Mean Streak by Y&T.  However, I probably can't name more than three Y&T songs, and the other two are the very cheesy Summertime Girls and Lipstick and Leather.  I went to high school with a guy who was obsessed with Y&T and the fact that Dave Meniketti both sang AND played lead guitar.  One of these days I'll have to check out Black Tiger and Earthshaker.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 11, 2019, 10:24:30 AM
I've mentioned this before, but there was a metal radio show that I used to listen to back then. I knew Dio from Rainbow and Black Sabbath, but was not aware that he had a new album coming out. I remember Stand Up And Shout and Straight Through The Heart being played. I was really blown away. Don't Talk To Strangers is still my all time favorite Dio (Dio band) song.

Kinda similar for me too.  That album rocked my world for a while there.  Top to bottom it was a killer record; I loved the more trebly tone that Viv got, after the sludge-fest that was Mob Rules and Live Evil. 

Even though he's never heard it, TAC has Thriller right too: undeniable.  I don't like the title track (and I can't watch the video; schlock!) but the rest of the record is aces.  I LOVE Billy Jean (not the lyrics you'd expect from a man-child, eh?) and the Girl Is Mine is beautiful. I listen to Off The Wall more (though it's not like I listen to either very often) but this is a seminal record. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 11, 2019, 12:13:11 PM
Y&T are awesome. From the minute my mate played me Earthshaker I loved them. The only blip on the radar is Contagious.

Black Tiger is a great album but I lovedMean Streak more. From thecover to the music it was awesome.

Saw them live several times and they never disappoint,even now.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 11, 2019, 05:50:55 PM
It's funny to think that Quincy Jones wanted to cut out the instrumental intro to Billie Jean because it was too long (29 seconds, OMG!!!).  Just goes to show you how clueless producers can be sometimes, even legendary ones.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 11, 2019, 05:54:37 PM
I never read about that. Cool!  Did Michael push back on that Kev?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2019, 06:00:13 PM
Black Tiger is all kinds of damn awesomeness! :metal

The run from Earthshaker-Black Tiger-Meanstreak is practically flawless.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 11, 2019, 06:02:38 PM
I never read about that. Cool!  Did Michael push back on that Kev?

Yes.  I think I remember MJ telling him that the intro is what made him want to dance.  And who was going to argue with that??
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Ruba on July 12, 2019, 01:18:00 AM


Actually, I've been thinking about making a thread about 90s rock singles. I've just thought that usually KevShmev's been the guy for this kind of threads and I don't want to be stepping on his toes or anything.

I doubt I would do a 90's one, so have at it) :) :)

Nice. :tup I'll probably get started next week.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 15, 2019, 09:48:22 AM
Funny story.  I was thinking about what album to do next, and I was thinking that somewhere in the next few, it was time to go with a slightly obscure (for a metal forum) choice that was one of my ultimate favorite albums at the time and part of the soundtrack of my HS years.  And so even though I was probably otherwise going to drop this one in a couple of days, the fact that it showed up in Stranger Things 3, episode 1 brought it to the front.

Corey Hart - Boy in the Box

Songs:
-Boy in the Box
-Komrade Kiev
-Never Surrender
-Sunny Place, Shady People
-Eurasian Eyes
-Everything in my Heart
-Silent Talking
-Waiting for You
-Water from the Moon

Never Surrender was such a huge song for me.  Loved it to pieces.  But the rest of the singles and the deep cuts were top notch as well.  I'm kind of bummed that I really struggle to remember the songs from "side 2" now.  I need to find a copy of this album.

A bit of not-too-well-known trivia:  Lisa Dalbello (Gonna Get Close To You) sang backup on Sunny Place, Shady People.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 15, 2019, 10:19:09 AM
Never Surrender was such a huge song for me.  Loved it to pieces. 

Me too. Though besides that and Sunglasses at Night I can't say I was a big fan of him. Beyond those two and Boy in the Box couldn't even name another song off the top of my head.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 15, 2019, 10:35:13 AM
"Never Surrender" is a good track, but I despise "Sunglasses At Night".  I haven't heard the rest, but at least on SAN, he has this affectation to his singing that bugs the crap out of me.  I don't know what words to use, but it's sort of "sneering" or even "John Lydon-esque", but the song and the lyrics don't really lend itself to that approach. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 15, 2019, 12:12:51 PM
Interesting thread so far.

I loved the Cinderella album.

I love the Metallica album, but I didn't at the time.  I grew into a Metallica fan a little later.

Thriller is on the VERY short list of greatest albums of all time.

I can't stand Dio and never could.  Just never appealed to me.

I liked Corey Hart's singles, but never enough to purchase the album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 15, 2019, 01:11:03 PM
Since when did this become the Obscure Album of The 80's Thread?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 15, 2019, 01:13:09 PM
I didn't know that Corey Hart had other songs besides "Sunglasses at Night."
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 15, 2019, 01:13:31 PM
Since when did this become the Obscure Album of The 80's Thread?

Zip it, old man!  There were other bands besides UFO and AC/DC in the '80s.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 15, 2019, 01:14:58 PM
I don't even know what this album is. :lol


Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 15, 2019, 01:31:39 PM
Of course TAC never heard of a top 20 album with a #1 single.  I repeat:
Zip it, old man!  There were other bands besides UFO and AC/DC in the '80s.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 15, 2019, 01:32:57 PM
I don't even know what this album is. :lol

Is there anything you DO know?!  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 15, 2019, 01:50:25 PM
I just youtubed Never Surrender. No wonder I have never heard this album. :lol

I didn't recognize it by title but I actually hear Never Surrender on my work intercom all the time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 15, 2019, 02:16:59 PM

I didn't recognize it by title but I actually hear Never Surrender on my work intercom all the time.

That song being played at a brothel doesn't surprise me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 15, 2019, 02:17:52 PM

I didn't recognize it by title but I actually hear Never Surrender on my work intercom all the time.

That song being played at a brothel doesn't surprise me.

Wrong Cart Corrals.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jammindude on July 15, 2019, 08:57:51 PM
I know Sunglasses at Night.   Heard it many times.   Actually kinda like that song. 

I just YTed Never Surrender.    First time I've heard that in my entire life.   And it will be the last.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 16, 2019, 07:35:31 AM
I'm surprised that Corey Hart was this well known south of the border.  I figured that he was a big Canadian name, with little penetration in the US.  Clearly not.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 16, 2019, 07:44:20 AM
MTV played the shit out of Sunglasses At Night. And I definitely remember hearing Never Surrender.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 16, 2019, 08:21:40 AM
Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime

Songs:
1.   I Remember Now
2.   Anarchy—X
3.   Revolution Calling
4.   Operation: Mindcrime
5.   Speak
6.   Spreading the Disease
7.   The Mission
8.   Suite Sister Mary
9.   The Needle Lies
10.   Electric Requiem
11.   Breaking the Silence
12.   I Don't Believe in Love
13.   Waiting for 22
14.   My Empty Room
15.   Eyes of a Stranger

Game changer.  At first, this album did not click.  I did not have any prior experience with Queensryche, and this album did not resonate with me.  It was the fluke of a cover band playing I Don't Believe In Love TWICE in their set that got me to revisit and take the album more seriously.  I was glad I did.  This was my gateway to Queensryche, and I totally immersed myself in this album.  After Empire's release, and playing Mindcrime in its entirety on that tour and released it on the Operation: Livecrime package, I was fully sold on Queensryche as my favorite band, which would last until 1999 when Dream Theater booted them out of that spot with SFAM.  But this album also definitely gets credit for being the band that opened me up from the more "normal" hard rock of the '80s and expanding my musical horizons.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 16, 2019, 08:23:19 AM
Oh yeah.  :metal

I didn't even bother giving Queensryche a chance until the start of 2018. The run from The Warning through Empire is just fantastic, RFO is my favorite - but Mindcrime is a very close second. Geoff's vocals blow me away on this album. I can take or leave the concept, but the music itself is just awesome. Great record.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 16, 2019, 08:24:44 AM
Total and utter masterpiece. Queensryche's crowning achievement, and one of the best prog metal concept albums ever. Every song is a classic and it's an album that never gets old. It's not that I listen to it regularly by now, but whenever it happens... it's always great.

A must-listen for every fan of prog, metal and prog metal. Absolutely essential  :metal
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 16, 2019, 08:33:21 AM
Since I just saw Geoff do this album live, I made my thoughts known in the QR (or was it the Geoff) thread but I've never really enjoyed any QR I've listened to, besides this album and I enjoy it a lot although my recent experience was the first time coming back to it in a long time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 16, 2019, 08:40:10 AM
A great album.

Even though I didn't take to Rage For Order, I still loved Queensryche based on the EP/Warning. So there was no question I wouldn't get their new album.

From the jump this album picks you up and never lets you go. I remember my first listen that it wasn't until after The Needle Lies that I stopped and took my last breath.

The album loses a bit of steam in the second half until Eyes Of A Stranger, which is an amazing track. But a damn near perfect album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on July 16, 2019, 08:47:38 AM
O:MC clicked with me immediately and has aged incredibly well.  Even if I don't listen to it for months at a time, I can go back to it and the reward is waiting.  I also saw it live in its entirety on the Empire tour.  One of the best concerts ever.  :hefdaddy

My favorite run is the EP through PL.
No matter what happened and all the crap they went through, my memories of classic QR will always be golden and cherished.  :tup
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 16, 2019, 09:47:45 AM
I know Sunglasses at Night.   Heard it many times.   Actually kinda like that song. 

I just YTed Never Surrender.    First time I've heard that in my entire life.   And it will be the last.

Ditto.  That song didn't sound at all familiar, and it was as boring as shit.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 16, 2019, 10:13:59 AM
O:M is a top-10 album of all time on my list.  Virtually flawless.  Sadly, I didn't get 'in' to QR until just a couple months after they'd rolled thru Toronto for the Empire tour, so never got to see this in its entirety.  I made up for it by watching the fuck out of O:L.  Easily my most watched concert DVD of ever.  I echo many of the statements already made, and don't have much more to offer.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 16, 2019, 02:00:56 PM
O:M is a top-10 album of all time on my list.  Virtually flawless.  Sadly, I didn't get 'in' to QR until just a couple months after they'd rolled thru Toronto for the Empire tour, so never got to see this in its entirety.  I made up for it by watching the fuck out of O:L.  Easily my most watched concert DVD of ever.  I echo many of the statements already made, and don't have much more to offer.

Definitely agree with the first two sentences here.  I was fortunate enough to see most of it live during the O:M tour and then all of it live on the Empire tour.  I have the original VHS/CD version of Livecrime.

As far as the impact of this album on me, it was a complete game-changer (I think someone already used this term).  I was already a QR fan, but O:M was the first thing I ever heard that could be called progressive metal and inspired my band's guitar player and I to change our band's direction and split from our drummer and singer who wanted to go in a more glam direction.  After this album, I became aware of Fates Warning, and all that paved the way for DT a few years later (I'm not counting WDADU).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 16, 2019, 03:42:06 PM
That reminds me: is Operation LiveCrime still available on DVD or Blu-ray? I need to get around to getting that.

And yeah, Mindcrime is great.  I love how it is very cohesive and has a great flow despite not having many reprises.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 16, 2019, 03:44:32 PM
I have never watched Livecrime.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 16, 2019, 03:48:52 PM
I have never watched Livecrime.
:|
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 16, 2019, 03:51:55 PM
That reminds me: is Operation LiveCrime still available on DVD or Blu-ray? I need to get around to getting that.

Doesn't appear still to be in print, but I'm sure good used copies are available.


I have never watched Livecrime.

Last time I watched it (which I think was about a year ago), it struck me as being very heavily produced (at least the video and probably the audio as well).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 16, 2019, 04:07:15 PM
I have never watched Livecrime.
:|

So here's the reason. If my memory is correct, the VHS was just a live version of O:M. If it was a full show, I might have sprung for it. Plus, I wasn't a fan of how it was shot. I hated when bands would release live videos with slo-mo effects.  So for those reasons, I never bought it. I had it in my hands a few times, but I just could not pull the trigger.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 16, 2019, 04:38:34 PM
In addition to my prior statement, I would like to add the following:  :|
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 16, 2019, 04:56:11 PM
Well, as much as I LOVED Warning and O:M, QR never really approached favorite band status. I didn't feel obligated to buy the thing. I think they released I Don't Believe In Love from it, and I just didn't care for the video. Plus I was already collecting bootlegs at that point, and there was a great Mindcrime show from Japan that I loved watching.

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 16, 2019, 05:09:56 PM
I remember being at a party on a Saturday and they were cranking it.  I didn't know OM came out.  I woke up Sunday and bought it right away.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 16, 2019, 05:17:35 PM
I remember being at a party on a Saturday and they were cranking it.  I didn't know OM came out.  I woke up Sunday and bought it right away.

May 1988:

Seventh Son
Mindrcrime
Bruins run to the Finals

A glorious time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 16, 2019, 05:24:36 PM
Seems like yesterday in my mind.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 16, 2019, 05:24:53 PM
One out of three ain't bad.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: max_security on July 16, 2019, 05:32:45 PM
I remember being at a party on a Saturday and they were cranking it.  I didn't know OM came out.  I woke up Sunday and bought it right away.

May 1988:

Seventh Son
Mindrcrime
Bruins run to the Finals

A glorious time.

Jason Becker Perpetual Burn And Marty Friedman Dragons Kiss were my favorites of 88. Mindcrime was on the drivers side of the cassette case I will admit , it did have much better production than their earlier releases so it did get played a lot.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 16, 2019, 09:40:05 PM
Well, as much as I LOVED Warning and O:M, QR never really approached favorite band status.

This is kind of me.  O:M was in high rotation, but they were the opening act for bands I liked better at that time.  No knock on them (and O:M and Empire have both aged very well, if you ask me.)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 16, 2019, 09:43:22 PM
I would say for a while in the mid 90's, Queensryche was a borderline top 10 band for me, but then I found the internet and a crap load of new bands and they tumbled down the list.  They'd probably be somewhere in the 26-40 range now if I had to do a favorite bands/artists list.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 17, 2019, 05:19:31 AM
I have the original VHS/CD version of Livecrime.

Me too!  Or, maybe "had" is more correct.  I'm not sure I have any of my VHS cassettes.  I digitized everything I owned about 10 years ago.  I did buy the DVD of O:L, and wouldn't say that the show is 'over' produced.  It's a really nice production, stitching together from what, 2 or 3 shows.  I don't mind when bands do that, to put out the best version of the product.

@ Tim (and others)... there's a nice live version of the Empire tour on Spotify ... Hammersmith Odeon show in 1990.  Spotify split the show and added the tracks on the 'remastered' version of Empire, and O:M as a 2nd disc on their listing of O:M.  I put them into a single playlist (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0wCPlpmOr7nXu49zsGTSWw?si=jez-qildS9OLIcN38iy5Yw) based on setlist.fm.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 17, 2019, 08:11:23 AM
O:M  is the only Queensryche album that has stayed with me all these years. I still stop and listen whenever it comes on rotation. I've never done a top 50 album list but I'm sure this would be quite high on the list. At the time of it's release, I was mesmerized by Tates vocal performance and it still can give me chills occasionally (My Empty Room, anyone?). As near perfect as an album can get, IMO.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on July 17, 2019, 08:19:31 AM
Mindcrime is my favorite album of all time.  Not much to expand upon.

I used to have the VHS/CD box set of Livecrime, but sold it a handful of years ago.  There was no point in keeping it - the video is now on DVD, and the CD was re-released in 2001 or so.  I did rip the original CD, but I don't hear any difference between the two.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 17, 2019, 11:40:26 AM
Mindcrime is my joint favourite album of all time. Nuff said  :tup

Such a great album. It’s probably my most listened to album of all time and I’m still not tired of it.
I remember Kerrang gave it less Ks that Seventh Son and said the story didn’t hold together as well as Maiden’s effort. 😳. Idiots. I wanted to go and burn their offices down .
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 17, 2019, 11:41:32 AM
Since when did this become the Obscure Album of The 80's Thread?

Must be an American thing. Never heard it.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: EPICVIEW on July 17, 2019, 01:36:36 PM
Aerosmith - Toys
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 18, 2019, 07:55:25 AM
Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind

Songs:

1.   Where Eagles Dare
2.   Revelations
3.   Flight of Icarus
4.   Die with Your Boots On
5.   The Trooper
6.   Still Life
7.   Quest for Fire
8.   Sun and Steel
9.   To Tame a Land

I almost bought this album in the '80s.  Almost.  I remember there was this kid named Aaron at the local arcade that was talking this album up SO much that, even though Aaron was kind of a screw up, he made it sound really compelling.  Even though I held out, I'm glad I eventually discovered this band a few years ago.  This album is one of the highlights in their discography.  Other than Sun and Steel, there isn't a weak track on here. 

Oh, and some bands will get more than one album in this thread.  Maiden is one of those bands.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 18, 2019, 07:59:43 AM
My personal favorite Maiden album, alongside Seventh Son.

It contains Revelations, the song that started for me in 1995 the avalanch effect of making me like Bruce's voice and therefore Iron Maiden and therefore heavy metal, but all in all is chock full of awesome and historical songs, great sound, godlike performances from Bruce and all in all Maiden at the very top of their game. Their best album up until that point and one of the very best ever. Not of Maiden, of heavy metal.

Other than Sun and Steel, there isn't a weak track on here. 

You mispelled Quest for Fire.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 18, 2019, 08:01:08 AM
I actually quite like Sun & Steel.  In all honesty, I think this is the most consistent album in the Maiden discography.  Song-for-song, I'd probably put it at the top of my list.  It doesn't have the highs of some other albums, but there isn't a single weak song.  I could probably call at least one 'weak' from any other Maiden album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 18, 2019, 08:01:44 AM
Where Eagles Dare, Flight of Icarus, Die With Your Boots On, Trooper - awesome.
Revelations, Still Life, To Tame A Land - okay
Quest For Fire, Sun and Steel - 2 of Maiden's worst songs ever.

Decent album - a few awesome tunes marred by several other forgettable/okay songs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 18, 2019, 08:07:33 AM
You mispelled Quest for Fire.

I most certainly did NOT!  :lol  Question for Fire is awesome.

In all honesty, I think this is the most consistent album in the Maiden discography.  Song-for-song, I'd probably put it at the top of my list. 

I agree.  The only one that rivals it, IMO, is [controversial opinion]The Final Frontier[/controversial opinion].  Somewhere In Time comes close. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on July 18, 2019, 08:31:32 AM
Maybe in my top 5-10 Maiden discs.  The album is 100% front-loaded:

Where Eagles Dare, Revelations, Flight of Icarus, Die With Your Boots On, Trooper - every single song just crushes and are Maiden classics.

Still Life, Quest for Fire, Sun and Steel and To Tame a Land are ok.  I rarely listen to them, since the first five songs are so damn good.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 18, 2019, 08:39:11 AM
But Still Life is so beautiful. The truly overlooked gem of Piece of Mind, dwarfed down by the first 5 songs, but an high point on any other (lesser) album otherwise. I'd kill to hear that live and its omission in the Maiden England tour (the 2012-4 revisitation, that's it) is a far, far, far greater setlist crime than never playing Alex the Great.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 18, 2019, 08:46:03 AM
In all honesty, I think this is the most consistent album in the Maiden discography.  Song-for-song, I'd probably put it at the top of my list. 

I agree.  The only one that rivals it, IMO, is [controversial opinion]The Final Frontier[/controversial opinion].  Somewhere In Time comes close.

I violently agree that TFF as most consistent is a controversial opinion.  I just cannot get in to that album for some reason.  I was absolutely thinking SiT is a close rival to PoM as 'most consistent.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 18, 2019, 09:53:23 AM
I think it's a really good and strong album, but honestly, it's mid tier IM for me.  It's only better than TFF in terms of reunion era albums and it's not better than the 3 albums that came after it.  Having said that, those albums are just that good IMO.  Like I said, this is still a good and strong album.  Only downer for me on it is Quest for Fire.  Sun and Steel is cheesy but it's fun.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 18, 2019, 09:56:23 AM
It ain't no Number of the Beast, or even Killers, that's for sure.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 18, 2019, 10:06:40 AM
It ain't no Number of the Beast, or even Killers, that's for sure.

It's somewhere in the mix with those in my mind, great albums none the less.  Iron Maiden is my favorite band, so even being middle of the pack of their albums is pretty high standing for me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 18, 2019, 10:08:14 AM
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/AMGW8QmLMmZ8I/giphy.gif)

I may need to rethink my PPUSA accommodations.  lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 18, 2019, 10:09:20 AM
 :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 18, 2019, 10:49:30 AM
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=0s

Still 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.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 18, 2019, 11:44:21 AM
Respectfully ... THIS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz9VyggeSbA) is the best cover of The Trooper.

Fight me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 18, 2019, 12:08:17 PM
Next.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 18, 2019, 12:25:54 PM
My favorite Maiden album.  15 year old King playing in a garage band jamming to FOI.  I think I hurt my vocal chords trying to do that last scream. :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 18, 2019, 01:01:30 PM
Respectfully ... THIS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz9VyggeSbA) is the best cover of The Trooper.

Fight me.

Hey...if you'd rather look at Nita and Courtney than me in a spandex shirt, that's...well...ummm....
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 18, 2019, 01:21:01 PM
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/AMGW8QmLMmZ8I/giphy.gif)

I may need to rethink my PPUSA accommodations.  lol

Hey I'm with you on TFF  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: max_security on July 18, 2019, 01:23:09 PM
Piece Of Mind is my favorite IM album and maybe my favorite album period. That album seems like it was mixed to sound good on a pos single speaker boom box or a high end audio or PA system. There is no weak link in 1983 Iron Maiden , everyone brings their best performance on this album. Even Quest For Fire has some cool instrumental parts ( btw , remember the movie Quest For Fire from that time , lol ). And " Still Life " is in the upper tier of tunes on this album for me at least.


Where Eagles Dare - Still Life - To Tame A Land
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 18, 2019, 02:12:56 PM
Y'all gotta be smoking some good grass to put TFF in top tier. Cram, bring that devil's lettuce to ATL  :lol

Edit: wait, I think I was misinterpreting those comments  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 18, 2019, 02:15:53 PM
Y'all gotta be smoking some good grass to put TFF in top tier. Cram, bring that devil's lettuce to ATL  :lol

Wait what, I said TFF is not top tier, it's actually close to the bottom of my rankings, the only album of the reunion era I would not put above POM.  But yea, maybe I'll bring the devil's lettuce and you'll be able to enjoy The Mystery of Time  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 18, 2019, 02:16:44 PM
Yeah my bad :rollin I might need to double down on drinks as well for TMOT!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 18, 2019, 02:49:06 PM
Anyone who disagrees that TFF is a top-tier album is perfectly entitled to their opinion.  They just need to understand that they are wrong, that's all.  Like, the wrongest person who has ever wronged.  But they are entitled to that.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 18, 2019, 02:59:48 PM
Anyone who disagrees that TFF is a top-tier album is perfectly entitled to their opinion.  They just need to understand that they are wrong, that's all.  Like, the wrongest person who has ever wronged.  But they are entitled to that.

(https://i.imgur.com/pW5wGHL.gif)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 18, 2019, 03:13:40 PM
PoM is second in my favorite IM albums! It's still an awesome listen after all these years. Still Life is my favorite song off the album, especially trying to belch the spoken intro after chugging a Mikey's Bigmouth beer...well, at least back in the day.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 18, 2019, 03:49:04 PM
At first I was wondering why an Iron Maiden album spun off into a Tears for Fears (TFF) discussion, but then I figured out that TFF is an acronym for some Maiden album I'd never heard. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 18, 2019, 03:55:28 PM
I’d probably rank PoM just behind Killers and above Beast for songs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 18, 2019, 05:00:42 PM
I’d probably rank PoM just behind Killers and above Beast for songs.

But where would you rate TFF?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 18, 2019, 05:19:05 PM
At first I was wondering why an Iron Maiden album spun off into a Tears for Fears (TFF) discussion, but then I figured out that TFF is an acronym for some Maiden album I'd never heard.

(https://66.media.tumblr.com/05c32de1ba13ca5c3f8809ee859a1810/tumblr_mnp7ubSHUI1qlphjho7_r1_250.gif)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 18, 2019, 07:05:07 PM
Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind


GREAT ALBUM :metal :metal :metal

Easily a Top 3 maiden album for me. Likely #2.

This was the first album by them after I became a fan. I remember calling a friend of mine before and after MTV premiered Flight Of Icarus.
I remember buying this (I bought Riot's Narita with POM) and crashing at the same friend's house that night and I think we listened to this like 10 times through the night.

I saw this tour (it was my second concert) a month before I turned 15. I thought they were great. I have been a Maiden fan since I was 12, and they have basically been a soundtrack to my life.

The Piece Of Mind years are a couple of the best. I mean, who wouldn't want to be 14-15 again. Every song is excellent. I love Quest For Fire and Sun And Steel. I'll give it that they are the albums weakest tracks, but I have never skipped them. Still Life is amazing, and I have always really liked Die With Your Boots on.

Seeing Maiden two weeks from tonight, and I'm so excited to hear Flight Of Icarus.

BTW, the beginning of Where Eagles Dare is the ringtone for my iPhone.



EDIT: I actually listened to this last weekend.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 18, 2019, 07:05:33 PM
Oh...and The Final Frontier is AMAZING!! :metal
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 18, 2019, 07:12:38 PM
Seriously Tim.  I'm dying to hear Flight Of Icarus.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 18, 2019, 07:13:48 PM
Seriously Tim.  I'm dying to hear Flight Of Icarus.


See you there, bro!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 18, 2019, 07:53:32 PM
PoM is one of my top IM albums.

TFF is pretty mediocre.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 18, 2019, 08:01:28 PM
Seriously Tim.  I'm dying to hear Flight Of Icarus.


See you there, bro!

Hell yeah!  My brother is coming.  1st time seeing Maiden!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 18, 2019, 08:02:53 PM
Seriously Tim.  I'm dying to hear Flight Of Icarus.


See you there, bro!

Hell yeah!  My brother is coming.  1st time seeing Maiden!

I'm going with my wife's cousin, who is two years older than us. First timer as well.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 18, 2019, 08:13:43 PM
Bring your "Brother to the Slaughter."
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 18, 2019, 08:17:38 PM
 :rollin
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 18, 2019, 08:28:57 PM


(https://66.media.tumblr.com/05c32de1ba13ca5c3f8809ee859a1810/tumblr_mnp7ubSHUI1qlphjho7_r1_250.gif)

I know my acronyms for the bands for whom they are worth knowing.  :hat
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 19, 2019, 09:31:51 AM
Maiden/Priest, the Number... and Screaming... tour, was my first concert.    I also went to the Piece of Mind tour, where Maiden was the headliner, and Coney Hatch and Fastway opened.   Coney Hatch was an utterly forgettable 25 minutes, but Fastway was EXCELLENT, and Maiden even better.

Bruce came out and his microphone wasn't working (the opener was "Where Eagles Dare").  That fucker sang the entire first verse without a microphone AND I COULD HEAR HIM.   (I was on the side of the stage, maybe four rows up.)   He was pissed and kept looking over at the side of the stage; finally the mic went on, I don't remember exactly when in the song, but as far as the audience was concerned, he was a total pro, and sang the rest of the song like nothing ever happened.  Later, between songs (I don't remember if it was immediately after WED or later) he came over again to the side of the stage right in front of me, and I could hear a couple of "F-bombs" in a heavy East Midlands accent to the guy managing the wireless mics.  :)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 19, 2019, 10:11:08 AM
Bruce came out and his microphone wasn't working (the opener was "Where Eagles Dare").  That fucker sang the entire first verse without a microphone AND I COULD HEAR HIM.   (I was on the side of the stage, maybe four rows up.)   He was pissed and kept looking over at the side of the stage; finally the mic went on, I don't remember exactly when in the song, but as far as the audience was concerned, he was a total pro, and sang the rest of the song like nothing ever happened.  Later, between songs (I don't remember if it was immediately after WED or later) he came over again to the side of the stage right in front of me, and I could hear a couple of "F-bombs" in a heavy East Midlands accent to the guy managing the wireless mics.  :)

Are you sure?  He wasn't using wireless on the Powerslave tour.  Maybe what you described wasn't an isolated incident.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 19, 2019, 10:18:34 AM
Bruce came out and his microphone wasn't working (the opener was "Where Eagles Dare").  That fucker sang the entire first verse without a microphone AND I COULD HEAR HIM.   (I was on the side of the stage, maybe four rows up.)   He was pissed and kept looking over at the side of the stage; finally the mic went on, I don't remember exactly when in the song, but as far as the audience was concerned, he was a total pro, and sang the rest of the song like nothing ever happened.  Later, between songs (I don't remember if it was immediately after WED or later) he came over again to the side of the stage right in front of me, and I could hear a couple of "F-bombs" in a heavy East Midlands accent to the guy managing the wireless mics.  :)

Are you sure?  He wasn't using wireless on the Powerslave tour.  Maybe what you described wasn't an isolated incident.
No, I'm not sure.  He might have been using a wired mic.   But the desk that was in front of me on the side wasn't the main soundboard (typically located in the back middle of the floor for arena shows), but it WAS controlling something, and Bruce was giving the guy behind it the bidniss.     
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 19, 2019, 12:39:22 PM
I can say I've seen Bruce also yell at the side soundboard guy during the power outage during Powerslave at MSG in 2008.  I had a great view of Bruce storming behind the stage (i was waiting with a group of people to go on stage soon for Heaven Can Wait) and just berate him  :rollin I'll never forget it.  This was while the rest of the band were kicking soccer balls on stage. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 20, 2019, 07:49:59 AM
I’d probably rank PoM just behind Killers and above Beast for songs.

But where would you rate TFF?

I wouldn’t bother 😀
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 20, 2019, 07:51:06 AM
Oh...and The Final Frontier is AMAZING!! :metal

The Keel album? I agree🤘🤘🤘😀😀😀
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 20, 2019, 09:21:15 AM
Keel absolutely blows. Chunks.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 23, 2019, 01:39:43 PM
Sorry for the delay.  It's tough typing lost posts with a broken hand.  But onward...

Journey - Escape

Songs:
-Don't Stop Believin'
-Stone in Love
-Who's Crying Now
-Keep On Runnin'
-Still They Ride
-Escape
-Lay It Down
-Dead or Alive
-Mother, Father
-Open Arms

As a kid with an AM radio and a paper route back when this album came out, I knew nothing about the history of this band.  I only knew the songs that were played on the radio CONSTANTLY.  And I loved them.  Then one day, I carefully clipped the return card from a newspaper ad, filled it out, taped a penny to it, and mailed it in.  And I waited.  And like magic, several weeks later, a box shows up at my door with this album and 12 others.  Life.  Changed.

It was only then that I eventually discovered just how deep this album was. This was not a "2 radio hits and 8 filler songs" album.  This entire album was pretty strong.  And these guys could go from soft piano ballad, to pop hit, to rocking out pretty hard.  Of course, at the time, I had no idea of the band's roots, touring around everywhere as a baby band with Y&T, or their early progressive leanings, or any of that.  I only knew that they wrote really good songs.  And at the end of the day, that's what makes this album so good.  I fully understand some of the old-school fans feeling like Perry and Cain changed them into a pop band and dumbed them down.  But the thing is, they are great musicians, and they wrote and performed great songs.  And that's what hooked me on this album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 23, 2019, 01:50:39 PM
Bosk, how'd it happen?


One of those rarefied albums that I heard most of it on the radio.  That's how big it was.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 23, 2019, 01:53:34 PM
Bosk, how'd it happen?

Standard mail.  That was the only way Columbia House worked back then, as far as I know.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 23, 2019, 02:17:46 PM
I knew Columbia House was run by the mafia.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 23, 2019, 02:26:44 PM
One of two records I wish I got a lot earlier than I did (the other was the Dead, Europe '72).   The first girl I ever kissed loved Journey, and loved this album.   I didn't get it until literally decades later. 

"Still They Ride" is almost a perfect song, and I personally LOVE "Mother, Father".   I even like the ballad, "Open Arms", just because Perry sings his pants off. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 23, 2019, 02:33:11 PM
Journey had lost me by the point of this album, but Mother, Father is an awesome tune.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 23, 2019, 02:36:57 PM
Never heard this album until the very end of 2012. I put it on during a game; I knew Don't Stop Believin' but none of the rest, and it just blew my mind, I couldn't even focus on the game because it was so good. The very best Journey record in my opinion, and each tune is a classic. "Mother, Father" is soooo good. Steve Perry doesn't have a single bad second of singing on this one. Amazing stuff. And only people without a soul dislike Open Arms.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 23, 2019, 02:43:14 PM
I'm not a Journey fan at all (firmly team Toto), but I can (and I do) respect Neal Schon's and Steve Smith's contributions to the music (Steve's approach to Don't Stop Believing and other Journey pieces on other albums was/is genius IMHO, he's one of my heroes as a drummer too) and I can also see why James seems to like Steve Perry as a singer.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 23, 2019, 02:45:21 PM
All I had from Journey was the greatest hits package for the longest time.  Then I bought a couple of albums (including this one, naturally), then I bought most of the discography - except Raised on Radio.  I don't really know their early 70s output at all.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 23, 2019, 02:45:57 PM
I'm not a Journey fan at all (firmly team Toto), but I can (and I do) respect Neal Schon's and Steve Smith's contributions to the music (Steve's approach to Don't Stop Believing and other Journey pieces on other albums was/is genius IMHO, he's one of my heroes as a drummer too) and I can also see why James seems to like Steve Perry as a singer.

The bolded is why I love Mother, Father so much. Even though Perry sings his ass off, the spine chilling moments are all delivered by Schon, IMO.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 23, 2019, 02:48:21 PM
All I had from Journey was the greatest hits package for the longest time.  Then I bought a couple of albums (including this one, naturally), then I bought most of the discography - except Raised on Radio.  I don't really know their early 70s output at all.
that is somewhat based on the jazz fusion type thing that evolved from Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie both coming from the Santana band at the time, completely different from the Steve Perry era of albums
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 23, 2019, 02:48:48 PM
All I had from Journey was the greatest hits package for the longest time.  Then I bought a couple of albums (including this one, naturally), then I bought most of the discography - except Raised on Radio.  I don't really know their early 70s output at all.

Look into the Future, was my first, and is still my favorite Journey album, but I'm not sure if you'd dig it, Chad. It may be a bit too 70's art rock for you. You may want to give it a try, just in case.

..and. What Max said.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 23, 2019, 03:01:13 PM
Journey had lost me by the point of this album, but Mother, Father is an awesome tune.
you better check out this piece here then: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfVg2Pankwg (ticks the boxes in line with what you love about early Journey while Steve Perry doesn't bug as it were)
Oh and: May your hand recover swiftly, bosk ok?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 23, 2019, 03:42:46 PM
Sorry for the delay.  It's tough typing lost posts with a broken hand.  But onward...


What...you don't have feet?!   :biggrin:


Journey - Escape

Songs:
-Don't Stop Believin'
-Stone in Love
-Who's Crying Now
-Keep On Runnin'
-Still They Ride
-Escape
-Lay It Down
-Dead or Alive
-Mother, Father
-Open Arms


This is another epic that I didn't get into until years after it came out.  Journey was huge on the strength of this album when I started getting into rock and metal, but they didn't really catch my ear, which is a little unusual since my favorite band at the time was Styx.  I knew Journey mostly as the band from that video game and the band that did the silly video on MTV (Separate Ways).  I didn't move deeper than Frontiers until the late 80s when I dated a girl whose favorite band was Journey.  This album has several all time great tracks (including the criminally underrated Mother, Father), although it has a couple duds.  The pinnacle of the arena rock era.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 23, 2019, 03:55:37 PM
Sorry for the delay.  It's tough typing lost posts with a broken hand.  But onward...


What...you don't have feet?!   :biggrin:


Journey - Escape

Songs:
-Don't Stop Believin'
-Stone in Love
-Who's Crying Now
-Keep On Runnin'
-Still They Ride
-Escape
-Lay It Down
-Dead or Alive
-Mother, Father
-Open Arms


This is another epic that I didn't get into until years after it came out.  Journey was huge on the strength of this album when I started getting into rock and metal, but they didn't really catch my ear, which is a little unusual since my favorite band at the time was Styx.  I knew Journey mostly as the band from that video game and the band that did the silly video on MTV (Separate Ways).  I didn't move deeper than Frontiers until the late 80s when I dated a girl whose favorite band was Journey.  This album has several all time great tracks (including the criminally underrated Mother, Father), although it has a couple duds.  The pinnacle of the arena rock era.
women being into Journey doesn't surprise me actually. I'm sure they like the ballads.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 23, 2019, 05:41:35 PM
Some of you can go on about Open Arms, but Who's Crying Now is the awesome ballad here.  The atmosphere in that song is freaking awesome.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 23, 2019, 06:33:06 PM
Who's Crying Now is great, for sure. Excellent album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2019, 08:45:20 AM
May your hand recover swiftly, bosk ok?

Thanks, man. Much appreciated.  Saw the doctor yesterday, and he confirmed at least three fractures in the hand and pinky finger.  But as bad as that sounds, it actually isn't too bad.  Everything is intact and in place, and the fractures are small.  I basically just have the pinky taped to my third finger with a wedge in between (a "dynamic splint," as the doctor put it).  He said I should heal just fine that way.  The bigger concern (of many from this accident) is actually my shoulder.  No bone damage, according to the xray, but lots of pain.  If it does not start to feel more normal in 4-6 weeks, it may indicate ligament or cartilage damage that may require surgery.  They will take an MRI if it still seems to be a problem.  Anyway, probably tmi for a music thread!  :biggrin:  Suffice to say, I can type quite a bit better with the fingers taped than I could yesterday with the gigantic wrist brace I was wearing.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 24, 2019, 09:00:34 AM
Damn Bosk, I hope for a speedy recovery and the shoulder isn't too bad.

As for the album, I don't own any Journey albums and I don't believe I've ever listened to one.  I have a greatest hits CD and I know a bunch of these songs from that and other listenings I've had before via streaming.  I do enjoy Journey and I'm sure this is a good album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2019, 09:08:42 AM
Never heard this album until the very end of 2012. I put it on during a game; I knew Don't Stop Believin' but none of the rest, and it just blew my mind, I couldn't even focus on the game because it was so good. The very best Journey record in my opinion, and each tune is a classic. "Mother, Father" is soooo good. Steve Perry doesn't have a single bad second of singing on this one. Amazing stuff. And only people without a soul dislike Open Arms.  :biggrin:

:tup  Let me give just a bit more historical context as well, which may help you and others appreciate the album even more. 

This band was formed when Neal Schon was known as a hotshot young guitarist from Santana.  He and Gregg Rollie left to do their own thing and acquired some other exceptional talent.  But their roots were in a lot of different things, from jazzy "art rock," to psychedelia, to prog, to blues, to the emerging hard rock sound.  Musically, they were all over the place, but had serious chops. 

Herbie Herbert, a young, up-and-coming manager, managed Journey and another newly-formed outfit, Y&T (then going by Yesterday & Today, named after the Beatles album), who were influenced by jazz, '60s and '70s glam and "space rock" like Bowie, for example, and various rock personalities like the Beatles, Elvis, Hendrix, and Montrose.  Herbert toured these two ENDLESSLY, often together.  They played everywhere in California and beyond that he could book them, from fairs, to clubs, the parties--you name it.  That led to some really odd pairings with, for example, country or R&B bands, because he (and they) just wanted the bands to play and get their names out as much as possible.  That led to both bands heavily influencing one-another and being influenced by a lot of the music they were sometimes paired with.  It also led to each developing large and loyal fan followings throughout the west coast. 

Herbert eventually dumped Y&T and cast his lot with Journey.  For the first two albums, Journey didn't even have a singer.  By the time they eventually picked up Perry (or Perry picked them up, depending on your perspective), they were a few albums in and already had a huge following.  And while a lot of people embraced Perry, there were a lot of fans who were offput by the new direction of the band.  Perry was incredibly talented, was himself a prolific songwriter, and had a strong personality and strong vision for his music.  This led to an immediate, recognizable shift in the band's sound.  And over the next few albums leading up to Escape (and afterward), it led to a more commercial, "hit radio" sound.  And as the fan base grew immensely, there were many from the early days that did not take kindly to this new direction of the band.  That "commercial," more pop sound took another huge stride with the exit of Rollie and introduction of Jonathan Cain on keys. 

By the time of Escape, the band's sound had undergone a HUGE change from the early days.  And during that decade or so of playing together and truly being the type of "road dog" band you read about that toured endlessly and played more gigs than could possibly be sustainable, they developed amazing playing and songwriting chops.  Escape was a huge culmination in all of that, and that often gets lost among the accessibility and popularity of this album and the ones that followed.

Hope this little historical narrative adds to folks' enjoyment of this album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 24, 2019, 09:50:19 AM
women being into Journey doesn't surprise me actually. I'm sure they like the ballads.

I honestly don't remember whether or night this particular woman was focused on the ballads.


Some of you can go on about Open Arms, but Who's Crying Now is the awesome ballad here.  The atmosphere in that song is freaking awesome.

Meh...Who's Crying Now got really boring for me pretty quickly.  I like Open Arms better, but both are in the bottom half of songs on this album.


Hope this little historical narrative adds to folks' enjoyment of this album.

I remember when Dio did his "Hear 'n' Aid" project.  A lot of folks, including many of those involved in the project, were blown away by Neal Schon's playing (and rightfully so).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2019, 09:56:00 AM
I remember when Dio did his "Hear 'n' Aid" project.  A lot of folks, including many of those involved in the project, were blown away by Neal Schon's playing (and rightfully so).

Totally.  Dude is 100% a guitar hero, and was from day 1.  But he learned early on the play for the song.  And in the vast majority of Journey's hits, that meant playing tastefully and restrained, so it is very easy to just write him off as not being the elite player he is.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: T-ski on July 24, 2019, 09:57:27 AM
Escape was the first album I purchased with my own money, big deal to a 9 year old.

Some of you can go on about Open Arms, but Who's Crying Now is the awesome ballad here.  The atmosphere in that song is freaking awesome.

I contend "Still They Ride" is the best one.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 24, 2019, 10:11:45 AM
It's not a great record, by any stretch, but it wasn't Hear'n'Aid that did it for me; it was "HSAS" with Sammy Hagar.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 24, 2019, 10:39:29 AM
I remember when Dio did his "Hear 'n' Aid" project.  A lot of folks, including many of those involved in the project, were blown away by Neal Schon's playing (and rightfully so).

Totally.  Dude is 100% a guitar hero, and was from day 1.  But he learned early on the play for the song.  And in the vast majority of Journey's hits, that meant playing tastefully and restrained, so it is very easy to just write him off as not being the elite player he is.

Sounds like Steve Lukather and Toto! :neverusethis:

Bosk, appreciate the trivia behind Journey's early days; I haven't actually heard any of Journey's stuff before Perry entered the fold, but I know (and own) Infinity, Departure, Evolution, Escape, and Frontiers. Frontiers sucks, the rest are pretty good.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2019, 11:07:51 AM
I remember when Dio did his "Hear 'n' Aid" project.  A lot of folks, including many of those involved in the project, were blown away by Neal Schon's playing (and rightfully so).

Totally.  Dude is 100% a guitar hero, and was from day 1.  But he learned early on the play for the song.  And in the vast majority of Journey's hits, that meant playing tastefully and restrained, so it is very easy to just write him off as not being the elite player he is.

Sounds like Steve Lukather and Toto! :neverusethis:

Funny you should say that, because I almost mentioned him as a similar example in my post.  I think that is a VERY apt comparison.

And, yeah, Perry changed Journey's sound SIGNIFICANTLY.  Personally, I am not really into their earlier stuff, but I can definitely appreciate it.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 24, 2019, 11:15:57 AM
Is there anything at all worth visiting in the pre-Perry Journey days? I've heard a lot about it but have never listened; for that matter I don't know any Santana, either, so I don't know if that matters (although Santana is an artist I should be much more familiar with). I'm not big on hard rock Journey which is why I dislike Frontiers so much. But Escape, man, that is just flawless good old fashioned rock.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 24, 2019, 11:23:49 AM
Is there anything at all worth visiting in the pre-Perry Journey days? I've heard a lot about it but have never listened; for that matter I don't know any Santana, either, so I don't know if that matters (although Santana is an artist I should be much more familiar with). I'm not big on hard rock Journey which is why I dislike Frontiers so much. But Escape, man, that is just flawless good old fashioned rock.

I respond with an enthusiastic, yes! But only if you like jazz/rock fusion and enjoy Gregg Rollie's vocals.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2019, 11:25:53 AM
I would say it is all "worth" visiting.  But it is hard to predict what you will actually like.  I would just give each of the three of them (Journey, Look Into the Future, and Next) a casual listen on YouTube or whatever streaming service you use, and just see what, if anything, grabs you.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 24, 2019, 11:27:46 AM
Word. Jazz/rock fusion... sounds tasty.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2019, 11:42:06 AM
They are an "interesting" band for me and my tastes.  The pre-Perry albums have some interesting stuff that is a fun listen for me once in awhile, but not something I care to listen to very often.  The pre-Escape Perry albums are good.  But song-by-song, they are hit-and-miss.  Escape is the album where it all came together into perfection.  And for me, Frontiers was the next logical evolutional step.  But after that, they kind of lost me.  IMO, Perry took them too far in the pop direction after that, and while they still had some strong songs, the rest of the Perry era was a miss for me.  After that, I really like the Agueri albums.  But the Arnel albums are very hit-and-miss, and I was (and still am) offput by how the band handled kicking Aguieri out and bringing Arnel in.

So the band's total output is very hit-and-miss for me.  There is a lot that I don't care for.  But a lot that I really, REALLY love as well.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 24, 2019, 12:03:19 PM
Is there anything at all worth visiting in the pre-Perry Journey days? I've heard a lot about it but have never listened; for that matter I don't know any Santana, either, so I don't know if that matters (although Santana is an artist I should be much more familiar with). I'm not big on hard rock Journey which is why I dislike Frontiers so much. But Escape, man, that is just flawless good old fashioned rock.

Do a little quick research; find "Nickel and Dime" from "Next" on Spotify or wherever.  It might remind you of a band I know you're fond of. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 24, 2019, 12:13:25 PM
Is there anything at all worth visiting in the pre-Perry Journey days? I've heard a lot about it but have never listened; for that matter I don't know any Santana, either, so I don't know if that matters (although Santana is an artist I should be much more familiar with). I'm not big on hard rock Journey which is why I dislike Frontiers so much. But Escape, man, that is just flawless good old fashioned rock.

Do a little quick research; find "Nickel and Dime" from "Next" on Spotify or wherever.  It might remind you of a band I know you're fond of.

Now that was a nice little surprise. That was VERY good, and not at all what I expected from Journey. Going to listen to more throughout the day/evening.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 24, 2019, 12:22:42 PM
Is there anything at all worth visiting in the pre-Perry Journey days? I've heard a lot about it but have never listened; for that matter I don't know any Santana, either, so I don't know if that matters (although Santana is an artist I should be much more familiar with). I'm not big on hard rock Journey which is why I dislike Frontiers so much. But Escape, man, that is just flawless good old fashioned rock.

Do a little quick research; find "Nickel and Dime" from "Next" on Spotify or wherever.  It might remind you of a band I know you're fond of.

Now that was a nice little surprise. That was VERY good, and not at all what I expected from Journey. Going to listen to more throughout the day/evening.

Did you get the hint of Rush (Neal has said "Tom Sawyer", but it's actually more "Xanadu"-ish in the middle)?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 24, 2019, 12:24:51 PM
Is there anything at all worth visiting in the pre-Perry Journey days? I've heard a lot about it but have never listened; for that matter I don't know any Santana, either, so I don't know if that matters (although Santana is an artist I should be much more familiar with). I'm not big on hard rock Journey which is why I dislike Frontiers so much. But Escape, man, that is just flawless good old fashioned rock.

Do a little quick research; find "Nickel and Dime" from "Next" on Spotify or wherever.  It might remind you of a band I know you're fond of.

Now that was a nice little surprise. That was VERY good, and not at all what I expected from Journey. Going to listen to more throughout the day/evening.

Did you get the hint of Rush (Neal has said "Tom Sawyer", but it's actually more "Xanadu"-ish in the middle)?

I did get a bit of Rush but I didn't pick up on Xanadu (probably because I don't like Xanadu so I never listen to it). I was actually picking up Toto in some places...
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2019, 12:27:11 PM
Is there anything at all worth visiting in the pre-Perry Journey days? I've heard a lot about it but have never listened; for that matter I don't know any Santana, either, so I don't know if that matters (although Santana is an artist I should be much more familiar with). I'm not big on hard rock Journey which is why I dislike Frontiers so much. But Escape, man, that is just flawless good old fashioned rock.

Do a little quick research; find "Nickel and Dime" from "Next" on Spotify or wherever.  It might remind you of a band I know you're fond of. 
Or I'm Gonna Leave You.  :lol  Schon and Herbert are both on record that they believe Kansas and Rush "borrowed" heavily from Journey on the songs in question.  Given the timing and the fact that there was a lot of such "borrowing" back in the day, it seems likely.  But at the same time, Neal has also been known to "borrow" a few things himself, so I take that with a grain of salt.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E12y1LGifj0
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 24, 2019, 01:24:35 PM
Frontiers sucks

Damn...I get that it's not on the same level as Escape, but "sucks" is pretty harsh.  The well-known tracks are solid, and Edge of the Blade and Rubicon are GREAT "deep cuts."

By the way, Neal Schon in the pre-Perry days had one hell of an epic afro!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 24, 2019, 01:39:54 PM
Frontiers sucks

Damn...I get that it's not on the same level as Escape, but "sucks" is pretty harsh.  The well-known tracks are solid, and Edge of the Blade and Rubicon are GREAT "deep cuts."

By the way, Neal Schon in the pre-Perry days had one hell of an epic afro!
I actually like some pieces on that one quite a bit too, even more so than Escape (among others,Frontiers itself, thanks Steve Smith. Pay attention to how he constructed the groove in that piece and you'll see what i mean)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 24, 2019, 01:41:53 PM
Frontiers sucks

Damn...I get that it's not on the same level as Escape, but "sucks" is pretty harsh.  The well-known tracks are solid, and Edge of the Blade and Rubicon are GREAT "deep cuts."

By the way, Neal Schon in the pre-Perry days had one hell of an epic afro!

Frontiers is heavier and darker than Escape, and to me that's not a good thing; the Journey I seem to like is the Journey that's really sunny and upbeat and Escape is very much that. Frontiers also shows a lot more huskiness in Perry's voice and I'm not a fan of that either. I don't remember enjoying Rubicon whatsoever, and I don't like what's going on with the synths on that record either. But, I also first heard it in 2013 or 2014, when I was 22-23. If I heard it growing up in the 70s, I think my perception would be waaay different.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2019, 01:57:40 PM
Frontiers is heavier and darker than Escape, and to me that's not a good thing; the Journey I seem to like is the Journey that's really sunny and upbeat and Escape is very much that. Frontiers also shows a lot more huskiness in Perry's voice and I'm not a fan of that either.

I think that's right.  And a big part of the reason is that by the time Frontiers was written, Journey was a band that was feeling a LOT more strain in their relationships with each other, with management, with the label, in their personal lives, etc.  And it was a band that, at that point in time, had toured WAY more and for far too long than they wanted.  The strain from all of that was reflected in the music and lyrics.  I'm not saying that to say that you have to like it.  But I'm saying that you are dead on, and there is a real reason for that.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 24, 2019, 03:19:27 PM
Any album with Separate Ways, Send Her My Love and Faithfully is good, on the strength of those three songs alone.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 25, 2019, 08:55:38 AM
U2 - The Joshua Tree

Songs:

-Where the Streets Have No Name
-I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
-With or Without You
-Bullet the Blue Sky
-Running to Stand Still
-Red Hill Mining Town
-In God's Country
-Trip Through Your Wires
-One Tree
-Exit
-Mothers of the Disappeared

What an amazing year for music 1987 was.  This album is no exception.  Prior to the Joshua Tree, I knew U2 as just another one of those "new wave bands" that had a few songs/videos I liked.  I was familiar with some of the singles and deep cuts, and had friends who listened.  But I didn't know them.  This album changed that.  As with most of the albums I will be discussing in this thread, this one was unavoidable because the singles were EVERYWHERE after its release.  I played this album nonstop after buying it and love it to this day.  I have a hard time doing an "all time" album ranking, so I cannot say where this album would rank for me.  But it would be hard to do, say, a top 50 and not include it.  Incredible album.  I also had an opportunity to see them in a stadium on this tour.  And while I generally prefer smaller venues, the atmosphere in that stadium was electric.  Some may remember an earlier controversy a few days before where Bono was publicly chastised for spray painting on a huge sculpture/structure in San Francisco (https://www.sfchronicle.com/oursf/article/The-unforgettable-furor-1987-U2-free-show-led-to-11122659.php).  At the show I attended in Oakland a few days later, Bono invited the artist who had created that sculpture up onstage, and he then "defaced" U2's giant Joshua Tree scrims with a giant paint roller.  It was an amazing moment in an amazing show.  To this day, U2's performance of Bullet the Blue Sky at that show remains one of my most memorable concert moments.

In another related tidbit, in my pop choir class senior year of HS, we had to sing a solo as our final.  I chose Running To Stand Still from this album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 25, 2019, 08:57:34 AM
This is the only U2 album I've ever heard. It's been years since I heard it, but I picked up a cheap remastered copy for like $5 at Best Buy or Wal-Mart about 10 years ago, and I loved it. From what I remember, I described the album in one word: atmosphere. I remember it had a very clear, almost desolate vibe to some of the songs and it was a lot different than what I expected to hear. I think I'll play this one today, it's been too long.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 25, 2019, 08:58:41 AM
That's a really good description.  I think it also unintentionally explains why many (myself included) feel that, despite some really good output, the band have never equaled or topped this album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 25, 2019, 09:00:05 AM
If I ever were to have a favourite U2 album, this one, The Unforgettable Fire and Achtung Baby would all rotate for that given title. Either way, these were a great run and TJJ is a classic album for more than one reason.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 25, 2019, 09:00:46 AM
This is the album that showed me that U2 was something different.

I got to see this in Hartford Civic Center early on in the tour, third row on the floor, and it was transcendent.  Everyone knows the hits, but for me, the strength of this album is in the "lesser" songs, "Red Hill Mining Town", "In God's Country" and "One Tree Hill".  This is also the best that Bono has ever sounded (and while he's still very good, he's never, in my opinion, sounded the same since this tour). 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 25, 2019, 09:05:27 AM
I was lucky enough to see them on the War tour as a 15 year old and then a few years later on The Unforgettable fire tour.  It was a religious experience.   Bono was talked, it was like a sermon.  He had everyone's attention.  The Joshua Tree was the album that put them in the rare air as The Stones and Pink Floyd being able to play football stadiums on multiple nights.  Fandom became hysteria.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 25, 2019, 09:21:39 AM
I was lucky enough to see them on the War tour as a 15 year old and then a few years later on The Unforgettable fire tour.  It was a religious experience.   Bono was talked, it was like a sermon.  He had everyone's attention.  The Joshua Tree was the album that put them in the rare air as The Stones and Pink Floyd being able to play football stadiums on multiple nights.  Fandom became hysteria.
Hysteria, when you're near. Oh, no, sorry, wrong band :D (same year though, 1987)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 25, 2019, 09:25:57 AM
Challenge accepted.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 25, 2019, 11:38:34 AM
U2 - The Joshua Tree


I have one friend who is a massive U2 fan, but this is a huge NO for me.

I was introduced to U2 via videos on MTV for New Years Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday.  I don't recall having strong feelings either way about the band (although I now love SBS).  The stuff I heard off Unforgettable Fire didn't appeal to me, and by the time Joshua Tree came out, I couldn't stand U2.  They are, IMO, the most overly pretentious band around, and their songs became increasingly bland.  And, honestly, I know a couple songs on this album more from their use on significant episodes of Friends than anything else.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on July 25, 2019, 11:50:52 AM
Journey - Don't Stop Believin' is a classic.   Also love Stone in Love and Open Arms (though prefer Faithfully for a Journey ballad).  Who's Crying Now is also good.  I'm just a casual/greatest hits fan of the band though, so my knowledge stops there.


U2 - Not a fan at all.  That album is frontloaded though.  3 huge songs in a row, and I've never heard a single one after Bullet the Blue Sky.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 25, 2019, 11:58:04 AM
Also, when that one album was forcibly downloaded to iTunes, U2 became utterly irredeemable as a band.  Fuck that noise.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 25, 2019, 12:03:23 PM
They are, IMO, the most overly pretentious band around

Oh, absolutely.  I couldn't agree more.  But they are also amazing, and this album is the pinnacle.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: romdrums on July 25, 2019, 12:20:24 PM
Trip Through Your Wires is my underappreciated gem on this album.  I agree with Stadler on In God's Country and Red Hill Mining Town.  The hits are solid, but the deep cuts really make this album a solid listening experience.  This and Zooropa are the only U2 albums I own, and I only have The Joshua Tree on CD, so I don't listen to either of them often, but this album is a classic, and if someone asked me what ten albums I thought defined the 80's, this one would be on that list.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 25, 2019, 12:43:53 PM
U2 - Not a fan at all.  That album is frontloaded though.  3 huge songs in a row, and I've never heard a single one after Bullet the Blue Sky.

Yeah, that's what I noticed. Even just by name, everyone knows the first three songs. Nothing from song 4 onwards rings a bell for me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 25, 2019, 01:04:41 PM
U2 - Not a fan at all.  That album is frontloaded though.  3 huge songs in a row, and I've never heard a single one after Bullet the Blue Sky.

Yeah, that's what I noticed. Even just by name, everyone knows the first three songs. Nothing from song 4 onwards rings a bell for me.

I totally get the pretension, and I lost a lot of interest from Pop through... maybe Atomic Bomb, and I'm still not totally back in the fold yet, but just for the vocal performance "Red Hill Mining Town" and "One Tree Hill" (especially the latter) are worth the ten plus minutes to get through (13 if you include "In God's Country").
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 25, 2019, 01:34:16 PM
Is there anything at all worth visiting in the pre-Perry Journey days? I've heard a lot about it but have never listened; for that matter I don't know any Santana, either, so I don't know if that matters (although Santana is an artist I should be much more familiar with). I'm not big on hard rock Journey which is why I dislike Frontiers so much. But Escape, man, that is just flawless good old fashioned rock.

Do a little quick research; find "Nickel and Dime" from "Next" on Spotify or wherever.  It might remind you of a band I know you're fond of.

Now that was a nice little surprise. That was VERY good, and not at all what I expected from Journey. Going to listen to more throughout the day/evening.

Wow, never heard that before. I hear Xanadu in there.
Schon is a great guitar player. So lyrical and yet able to shred when he wants to. I was very surprised by his solos on the Hear n Aid song. Along with Yngwie, he really stood out.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 25, 2019, 06:17:24 PM
The Joshua Tree is an obvious classic, and while it is not my favorite album of theirs - that would be Achtung Baby - it is still up there.  Rattle and Hum is what took me from being someone who liked U2 to someone who loved u2, but The Joshua Tree had a big hand in crossing that bridge as well. 

Side 1 is probably one of the best album sides of the 80's, and Side 2 is full of really nice deep cuts. 

The only tinny tiny drawback for me is that several songs here, while all really good on the album, became much better live, most notably Where the Streets Have No Name, Bullet the Blue Sky and Exit.  And I love the live version of Running to Stand Still that they did on the Zoo TV live DVD, with the different musical arrangement underneath the normal vocal melody, although it's hard to beat that original.

U2 has their share of haters, but they have a big place in the soundtrack of my life, and I will always be a big fan. :hat :hat
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 25, 2019, 07:48:25 PM
Never got into U2 though liked some of their bigger hits. Couldn't have told you what was on this album past the third song with a gun to my head.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 25, 2019, 07:53:34 PM
Obviously, U2 was never in my wheelhouse, but I always respected them as a band. I really have always liked New Year's Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday.

I actually saw this tour at the Boston Garden.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 25, 2019, 08:06:13 PM
Shit Tim.  I never knew that. Wife a fan?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 25, 2019, 08:07:35 PM
Shit Tim.  I never knew that. Wife a fan?

I met my wife 9 years later! :lol :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 25, 2019, 09:04:53 PM
Jesus H! :lol

I outed you!  Lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 25, 2019, 09:11:09 PM
My gf was a fan, but not a big one. It was really something to go do and experience. It was a great concert.

We also saw them in '92 in Foxboro. One of the meat cutters at Star Market that I knew did security there (and at Great Woods) and he got us right next to the stage. I wish I took pictures. We were literally 20 feel from The Edge, (the guitarist that is, lol).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 25, 2019, 09:12:05 PM
I outed you!  Lol

Never, motherfucker! :lol :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 25, 2019, 09:14:46 PM
 :lol

I had beers with Bono in Worcester, Massachusetts in an Irish bat. No joke. It felt like a dream talking to him.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 26, 2019, 08:31:29 AM
:lol

I had beers with Bono in Worcester, Massachusetts in an Irish bat. No joke. It felt like a dream talking to him.

Was he cool?   

When I was last in Ireland (2000, 2001), we met a guy that claimed to know him from when he was a kid.   The guy was a piece of work - he held his red wine with the stem in his fist, and it sloshed around like there was a typhoon in the glass.  I had red wine blots all over my shirt - and in that drunken, loud Irish accent, all he could say was what a fine lad he was.  He kept telling us to go to the Clarence Hotel (then owned by Bono and Edge) as they had just renovated it and supposedly often drank there, but it it didn't happen.   I tried to get my then-wife to meet him for her 40th, but I couldn't pull it off either. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 26, 2019, 08:33:24 AM
Joshua Tree took U2 from being a great band, to being God-tier. 

That's a really good description.  I think it also unintentionally explains why many (myself included) feel that, despite some really good output, the band have never equaled or topped this album.

Ayup.  While it's not in my personal Top 10 or even Top 50, I would classify it as one of the 'best' Classic Rock albums of all time - Top 10 material imo.  Probably the most notable/recognizable ROCK album from the 80s after Back in Black.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 26, 2019, 09:13:39 AM
They are SO GOOD live, too.  Not in the same way as DT, but Bono belongs in the top tier of rock front men to be sure.

And for the record, I'm ignoring the "Pop/Mephisto" years; I'm just talking as a singer and front man; that Joshua Tree show, I can remember just staring at him as he commanded the stage.  When he stood there, and yelled out "Outside is America... Outside is HARTFORD CONNECTICUT!", as cheesy as it sounds, it gave me goosebumps.  It was like a sermon, almost.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 26, 2019, 09:15:42 AM
They are SO GOOD live, too.  Not in the same way as DT, but Bono belongs in the top tier of rock front men to be sure.

I completely agree. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 26, 2019, 09:29:47 AM
:lol

I had beers with Bono in Worcester, Massachusetts in an Irish bat. No joke. It felt like a dream talking to him.

Was he cool?   

When I was last in Ireland (2000, 2001), we met a guy that claimed to know him from when he was a kid.   The guy was a piece of work - he held his red wine with the stem in his fist, and it sloshed around like there was a typhoon in the glass.  I had red wine blots all over my shirt - and in that drunken, loud Irish accent, all he could say was what a fine lad he was.  He kept telling us to go to the Clarence Hotel (then owned by Bono and Edge) as they had just renovated it and supposedly often drank there, but it it didn't happen.   I tried to get my then-wife to meet him for her 40th, but I couldn't pull it off either.

He was so down to earth.  Just wanted to get a pint of Guinness.  Got to chat for 5 minutes and left him alone.  I'll never forget clinking our glasses together.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on July 27, 2019, 04:48:51 AM
That's fuckin awesome!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 27, 2019, 04:39:52 PM
Joe has now gone from "I saw nearly every band in the 80's live" to "I saw nearly every band in the 80's live AND met some of the more famous members."  :lol :lol

What a name-dropper...:P :P
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 27, 2019, 07:15:50 PM
I've got more!  Lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 27, 2019, 07:17:45 PM
Yeah, I am waiting for bosk1 to post Eliminator so you can tell us how Billy Gibbons let you stroke his beard when you met him after a show.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 27, 2019, 07:20:36 PM
I heard he shared a Vegemite Sandwich with the Men At Work guys.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 27, 2019, 07:21:32 PM
 :rollin :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 27, 2019, 08:06:19 PM
Yeah, I am waiting for bosk1 to post Eliminator so you can tell us how Billy Gibbons let you stroke his beard when you met him after a show.  :biggrin:

No way in hell.

I heard he shared a Vegemite Sandwich with the Men At Work guys.
.

And you bled with Alice Cooper since only.....
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 27, 2019, 08:15:00 PM
I believe it was 1996!

(https://i.imgur.com/gUSgFnV.jpg)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 27, 2019, 08:17:29 PM
Admit it. You piddled a bit that day.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 27, 2019, 08:24:56 PM
I piddled for about 10 years! :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 27, 2019, 08:26:01 PM
"Alice, will you please let me grope your snake?"
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 29, 2019, 07:55:33 AM
By popular demand:

ZZ Top - Eliminator

Songs:
-Gimme All Your Lovin'
-Got Me Under Pressure
-Sharp Dressed Man
-I Need You Tonight
-I Got the Six
-Legs
-Thug
-TV Dinners
-Dirty Dog
-If I Could Only Flag Her Down
-Bad Girl

Well, I was eventually going to get to this album anyways, so...  For me personally, this album is in the bottom tier of albums we will be discussing.  I have nothing against it.  But just not my thing.  I did enjoy the singles, other than the very odd TV Dinners.  But never enough to go out and buy this album.  When the songs are playing, I enjoy them.  When they are over, I promptly forget about them.  Still, those videos were iconic, and there is no denying the album's success.  Just not my thing.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 29, 2019, 08:44:05 AM
When the songs are playing, I enjoy them.  When they are over, I promptly forget about them.

Yup.

Love me some ZZ Top, but this album is bottom rung of the ladder, IMO.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 29, 2019, 08:47:52 AM
ZZ Top has always struck me as the kind of band whose full albums sound like extended versions of all their radio hits. Is that true? I feel like even though I only know the first 3 songs, the rest of the album sounds exactly like them.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 29, 2019, 08:51:35 AM
I've never actually owned this record (on album, cassette or CD).

I loved the videos for the Big 3 at the time, as those girls and the car made them so cool, but Gimme All Your Lovin' is the only song of the three I ever listen to nowadays.

It's a bit of an odd duck in their discography, though, as you had a rock band that made their bones with the blues going pop with most of the bass and drum tracks being done on a synthesizer.  The album was even recorded at what was considered the most popular tempo at the time, based on beats per minute.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on July 29, 2019, 08:54:12 AM
Eliminator is awesome.  This album was one of my first forays into rock music, via my parent's music collection.  My grandfather worked in the technology industry and brought home from Japan this GIANT thing that was the size of most stereo receivers.  It was one of the first home CD players and gave it to my dad.  He had this old receiver, this big CD player and huge cabinet speakers.

They had their vinyl collection, which had stuff from The Eagles, Beatles, Styx, Zeppelin and other 70's rock bands.  But now, my parents were getting more into the MTV era of music and had the ability to buy and play CD's.

I have great memories of using my dad's stereo in the 80's and jamming to Eliminator.  ZZ Top absolutely ruled that decade and MTV and I still love them to this day. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 29, 2019, 09:11:09 AM
A good friend (who I'm going to see Maiden with this Thursday) had a theaory that this album was really one song and if you played "Gimmie All Your Loving" backwards it was "Sharp Dressed Man", Play it on 45 and it as "Legs".  Play it on it's side.....ect...... :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 29, 2019, 09:52:42 AM


I have great memories of using my dad's stereo in the 80's and jamming to Eliminator. ZZ Top absolutely ruled that decade and MTV and I still love them to this day.

That would be a fun discussion: which artists ruled MTV the most over the course of the entire decade? 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 29, 2019, 10:11:01 AM
I loved the videos for the Big 3 at the time, as those girls and the car made them so cool.....

That is about all I came here to contribute.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: T-ski on July 29, 2019, 10:47:21 AM
have it on vinyl from way back in the day.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 29, 2019, 11:43:02 AM
By popular demand:

ZZ Top - Eliminator

Songs:
-Gimme All Your Lovin'
-Got Me Under Pressure
-Sharp Dressed Man
-I Need You Tonight
-I Got the Six
-Legs
-Thug
-TV Dinners
-Dirty Dog
-If I Could Only Flag Her Down
-Bad Girl

Three MASSIVE MTV hits and a couple lesser hits and six songs I've never heard (or don't recognize by name).  Gimme All Your Lovin'/Sharp Dressed Man (basically the same song) has managed to endure, but this band started and ended for me as a joke (the beards, the one guy who doesn't have a beard is named Beard, the spinning guitars).  I've heard a few of the older songs and they're terrible (stuff like Tush and LaGrange), and I don't think anything that came after this album even registered for me.  Billy Gibbons (as himself) ended up being a recurring character (father of one of the regulars) on the TV show Bones.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 29, 2019, 02:44:53 PM
This is a good album with great hits, but it isn't the best stuff from ZZ Top.  That would be their older catalog.  My favorites are Rio Grande Mud, Tres Hombres, and Deguello.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 29, 2019, 02:46:26 PM
I've never actually owned this record (on album, cassette or CD).


Neither did I, or any ZZ Top album for that matter.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 29, 2019, 03:53:51 PM
Love Eliminator. It’s a “cool” record. Billy Gibbons’ tone is excellent on this album. It is about the only ZZ album I like. The earlier bluesy stuff is ok but nothing more than that, and then they spent a couple of albums trying to rewrite Eliminator.

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 29, 2019, 06:00:45 PM
I've never actually owned this record (on album, cassette or CD).


Neither did I, or any ZZ Top album for that matter.

Neither did I as well.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 30, 2019, 08:44:17 AM
Let's go a different direction.

Scorpions - Blackout

Songs:
-Blackout
-Can't Live Without You
-No One Like You
-You Give Me All I Need
-Now!
-Dynamite
-Arizona
-China White
-When the Smoke Is Going Down

This album may seem tame by modern standards.  But back when it was released in '82, it was viewed as heavy and dark.  I remember my first exposure to the album, as a kid riding my bike over at the park around the corner from my house.  And there was a group of older kids in denim and leather with long hair listening to Blackout on a boom box.  They were cool looking.  They were smoking.  They were scary.  And that was kind of the vibe of this album.

It would be a couple of years before I would get into this album myself.  But when I did...wow!

People generally know the big singles of No One Like You, Can't Live Without You, and When the Smoke is Going Down.  But this album also really shines on the deeper cuts as well, such as the title track, China White, and Dynamite. 

As far as the music, this is a band that really figured out the dual guitar attack and did it right.  The riffs were nasty and memorable.  And then you had some amazing, hummable, soaring leads, not just during the solo, but adding flourishes and texture throughout the songs.  And then you have Klaus Meine's powerhouse vocals over the top.  And what you have with all of that is a very effective formula for memorable, rocking songs.  To me, this album was the band almost at their peak (the pinnacle will be discussed later).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 30, 2019, 08:46:22 AM
The title track is considered a deeper cut?  I LOVE that song.  I actually don't think I know the back half of this album, but I do love Klaus' vocals so much
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 30, 2019, 08:51:39 AM
The title track is considered a deeper cut?  I LOVE that song.  I actually don't think I know the back half of this album, but I do love Klaus' vocals so much

Yeah, it seems odd to think of it that way since it has been such a regular in their live set and it is so familiar to people.  But it wasn't a single.  Funny to think how I am MUCH more familiar with the title track than Now!, which actually was a single.  I had to go back and listen to see how that song even goes.   :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on July 30, 2019, 08:59:13 AM
That is kind of funny how that works out, I don't know Now!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on July 30, 2019, 09:01:30 AM
Blackout (the song) was also covered by Stratovarius.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dream Team on July 30, 2019, 09:27:53 AM
Yup, this was a gateway album for me too (older kids cranking it on the bus). Love the Scorps, but mostly for the 70's output.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 30, 2019, 10:15:14 AM
The title track is considered a deeper cut?  I LOVE that song.  I actually don't think I know the back half of this album, but I do love Klaus' vocals so much

Yeah, it seems odd to think of it that way since it has been such a regular in their live set and it is so familiar to people.  But it wasn't a single.  Funny to think how I am MUCH more familiar with the title track than Now!, which actually was a single.  I had to go back and listen to see how that song even goes.   :lol

It got a lot of radio airplay on the East Coast.  I always assumed it was a single.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 30, 2019, 10:39:52 AM
Let's go a different direction.

Scorpions - Blackout

Songs:
-Blackout
-Can't Live Without You
-No One Like You
-You Give Me All I Need
-Now!
-Dynamite
-Arizona
-China White
-When the Smoke Is Going Down

This album may seem tame by modern standards.  But back when it was released in '82, it was viewed as heavy and dark.  I remember my first exposure to the album, as a kid riding my bike over at the park around the corner from my house.  And there was a group of older kids in denim and leather with long hair listening to Blackout on a boom box.  They were cool looking.  They were smoking.  They were scary.  And that was kind of the vibe of this album.

It would be a couple of years before I would get into this album myself.  But when I did...wow!

People generally know the big singles of No One Like You, Can't Live Without You, and When the Smoke is Going Down.  But this album also really shines on the deeper cuts as well, such as the title track, China White, and Dynamite. 

As far as the music, this is a band that really figured out the dual guitar attack and did it right.  The riffs were nasty and memorable.  And then you had some amazing, hummable, soaring leads, not just during the solo, but adding flourishes and texture throughout the songs.  And then you have Klaus Meine's powerhouse vocals over the top.  And what you have with all of that is a very effective formula for memorable, rocking songs.  To me, this album was the band almost at their peak (the pinnacle will be discussed later).

My first exposure to Scorpions was probably the No One Like You video.  I had no idea what to think about Rudolf Schenker, but the song kicked ass.  Blackout was one of my first album purchases once I got into hard rock and metal.  The last couple songs are just meh, but everything up to that point ranges from good to great.  Dynamite is my favorite track by a wide margin and probably was my favorite Scorps song until I heard Sails of Charon.

Count me among those who didn't know Now! was a single.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 30, 2019, 11:21:56 AM
Let's go a different direction.

Scorpions - Blackout

Songs:
-Blackout
-Can't Live Without You
-No One Like You
-You Give Me All I Need
-Now!
-Dynamite
-Arizona
-China White
-When the Smoke Is Going Down

This album may seem tame by modern standards.  But back when it was released in '82, it was viewed as heavy and dark.  I remember my first exposure to the album, as a kid riding my bike over at the park around the corner from my house.  And there was a group of older kids in denim and leather with long hair listening to Blackout on a boom box.  They were cool looking.  They were smoking.  They were scary.  And that was kind of the vibe of this album.

It would be a couple of years before I would get into this album myself.  But when I did...wow!

People generally know the big singles of No One Like You, Can't Live Without You, and When the Smoke is Going Down.  But this album also really shines on the deeper cuts as well, such as the title track, China White, and Dynamite. 

As far as the music, this is a band that really figured out the dual guitar attack and did it right.  The riffs were nasty and memorable.  And then you had some amazing, hummable, soaring leads, not just during the solo, but adding flourishes and texture throughout the songs.  And then you have Klaus Meine's powerhouse vocals over the top.  And what you have with all of that is a very effective formula for memorable, rocking songs.  To me, this album was the band almost at their peak (the pinnacle will be discussed later).
great album, Klaus Meine is on fire, as it were. I love the cover art too. (fun fact: it was made by Gottfried Helnwein (the same guy who is responsible for the cover art for Sehnsucht by Rammstein) Btw, bosk, why would you think that Blackout would be tame by modern standards? I don't. (but then again I may not be the right person to jugdge that)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 30, 2019, 01:15:41 PM
I really loved this album on it's release and for a few months after, but it faded quickly (comparatively speaking) from my rotation. Their 70's albums have stuck with me much longer.

Blackout, No One Like You, Dynamite, and China White are my favorites.

The lyrics to Arizona are laughably bad.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 30, 2019, 01:25:23 PM
I really loved this album on it's release and for a few months after, but it faded quickly (comparatively speaking) from my rotation. Their 70's albums have stuck with me much longer.

Blackout, No One Like You, Dynamite, and China White are my favorites.

The lyrics to Arizona are laughably bad.
probably, but I was only referring to what happens musically
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 30, 2019, 01:36:51 PM
I really loved this album on it's release and for a few months after, but it faded quickly (comparatively speaking) from my rotation. Their 70's albums have stuck with me much longer.

Blackout, No One Like You, Dynamite, and China White are my favorites.

The lyrics to Arizona are laughably bad.
probably, but I was only referring to what happens musically

My comment wasn't directed at you Max, but just the album in general. To be honest, I hadn't even read your post. Although, now that I have, I don't see any correlation between the two posts. You never even mentioned Arizona.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 30, 2019, 02:52:35 PM
I love Blackout. 81-82 were my real musical coming of age years.

I remember getting my father to buy this for me at a gas station in the Carolinas on a hot ride down to Florida for a family vacation. I guess I made enough noise!

The riff to China White is so wicked it should be illegal!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 30, 2019, 03:24:19 PM
I never got into Scorpions very much.  I liked some of their hits, but never enough to dive any deeper than that.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 30, 2019, 03:47:19 PM
The lyrics to Arizona are laughably bad.

Not exactly unique for a Scorps song.  No one is listening to the Scorps for great lyrics.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 30, 2019, 05:49:51 PM
I never got into Scorpions very much.  I liked some of their hits, but never enough to dive any deeper than that.

That was basically my story regarding this band until a manager I worked with back in the 00's, who was a diehard Scorpions fan, got me to listen to some of their deeper cuts, and I did get into some of them. Still not a band I ever really reach for, outside of a handful or so of songs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 30, 2019, 05:51:12 PM
I remember getting my father to buy this for me at a gas station...
I have never, in my 43 years of living, seen a CD for purchase at a gas station.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 30, 2019, 05:52:56 PM
I remember getting my father to buy this for me at a gas station...
I have never, in my 43 years of living, seen a CD for purchase at a gas station.

That would be an album back then.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 30, 2019, 05:54:38 PM
Or a cassette. I almost remember gas stations carrying cassettes.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on July 30, 2019, 05:57:10 PM
I remember getting my father to buy this for me at a gas station...
I have never, in my 43 years of living, seen a CD for purchase at a gas station.

Really? They're everywhere. Want me to blow your mind some more? I bought Rush's debut album on CD at a gas station last year.

Think the station down the street still has George Strait's Best Of.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 30, 2019, 07:19:06 PM
That hooker banged you to Need Some Love too. Admit it.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 30, 2019, 07:44:54 PM
I remember getting my father to buy this for me at a gas station...
I have never, in my 43 years of living, seen a CD for purchase at a gas station.

It was a combination gas station/campground! :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 30, 2019, 07:50:08 PM
Tim got Scorpions albums and lost his virginity at the same place!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 30, 2019, 07:52:52 PM
Tim got Scorpions albums and lost his virginity at the same place!

I may have lost my um..."self" virginity! :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on July 30, 2019, 07:56:17 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on July 30, 2019, 07:59:11 PM
The only place that happened?  Amateur.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 30, 2019, 08:49:34 PM
Dude, I left a trail down the East Coast that summer! :lol

NNNNNNNNNNNNOW!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bl5150 on July 30, 2019, 09:25:05 PM
(Nobody Wants To) Know What TAC Did Last Summer.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 30, 2019, 09:26:58 PM
Don't Let TAC In The Babysitter's Bed.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 30, 2019, 09:29:14 PM
(Nobody Wants To) Know What TAC Did Last Summer.

Or in 1982! :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 31, 2019, 10:19:50 AM
Since Kat is dealing with this album in his top 50 thread, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so here as well and cross-pollinate ideas.

Guns n Roses - Appetite for Destruction

Songs:
-Welcome to the Jungle
-It’s So Easy
-Nightrain
-Out Ta Get Me
-Mr. Brownstone
-Paradise City
-My Michelle
-Think About You
-Sweet Child o’ Mine
-You’re Crazy
-Anything Goes
-Rocket Queen

This album was/is an absolute MONSTER.  I have mixed feelings about it, so it's kind of a tale of two takes on the album.

First, on a personal note, I don't particularly care for it.  Personally.  While the strength of the songs is undeniable, the headspace of this album just isn't something I particularly identify with or care for.  I liked Welcome To the Jungle, Sweet Child, and Paradise City well enough.  But I first got the album as a "donation" from my uncle, who didn't care for it.  And while I liked a few songs, it wasn't really for me.  I ended up trading away my copy to a friend for Warlock's Triumph and Agony (the vocals on that blew my mind!), and to this day, I still consider that a good trade.  The overall tone of the album captures a gritty, seedy, grungy, unseemly vibe to a tee.  But that's just not me and never has been.

On the other hand, I can appreciate the excellent song writing, the attitude, the genuineness, and the influence this album has had on the rock/metal scene.  GnR took the world by storm as the true "bad boys" of rock.  And they were the real deal, which I think is one of the reasons this album has endured (coupled with, again, rock-solid songwriting). 

So let me be clear:  I fully recognize that this album is incredible.  I just personally do not identify with the vibe.  So while I still enjoy a lot of the songs on occasion, I don't gravitate toward this album.

The interesting thing for me is, as good as the "hits" are, the album really shines on its deep cuts.  Rocket Queen and My Michelle, for example, are way underrated gems.  But really, there isn't a weak track on the album.

One thing I often see sort of touched on when the band is discussed, but not put in quite these terms and explored from this angle is the almost "musical identity crisis" of this band.  And maybe I'm overstating it just a tad.  But I definitely see/hear it.  On one hand, you had Slash and Duff, who were all about dirty, grimy, no-frills, straight ahead, in-your-face rock.  They don't need the music to be shiny and polished.  They just want it real, aggressive, and edgy.  Then you had Axl, who can definitely play in the same playground as Slash and Duff, but also STRONGLY has a more polished, artsy side.  Then you had Izzy, who was sort of artsy in a different way, with some blues and jazzy influence.  The result was, in a way, a mess.  But it was a brilliant mess that gave GnR a unique sound.  That musical tension resulted in some truly groundbreaking songs that made you take notice and rewarded you for listening carefully to what they were doing.

Anyhow, this is kind of a rambling review.  But when it comes to GnR, that's kind of my thought process.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Link to discussion in Kat's thread:  https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=53954.msg2571055#msg2571055
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: Podaar on July 31, 2019, 10:25:47 AM
I agree with all of that, bosk1. You said it much better than I could...not really my jam, but I lustily sing along with most of the songs (except Sweet Child O' Mine) when I hear them on the radio. Welcome to the Jungle, Night Train, Mr. Brownstone, and Paradise City are all great.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: The Walrus on July 31, 2019, 10:36:47 AM
Bosk and I have teamed up today to turn Dream Theater Forums into Destruction Theater Forums :2metal:

Quote
One thing I often see sort of touched on when the band is discussed, but not put in quite these terms and explored from this angle is the almost "musical identity crisis" of this band.  And maybe I'm overstating it just a tad.  But I definitely see/hear it.  On one hand, you had Slash and Duff, who were all about dirty, grimy, no-frills, straight ahead, in-your-face rock.  They don't need the music to be shiny and polished.  They just want it real, aggressive, and edgy.  Then you had Axl, who can definitely play in the same playground as Slash and Duff, but also STRONGLY has a more polished, artsy side.  Then you had Izzy, who was sort of artsy in a different way, with some blues and jazzy influence.  The result was, in a way, a mess.  But it was a brilliant mess that gave GnR a unique sound.  That musical tension resulted in some truly groundbreaking songs that made you take notice and rewarded you for listening carefully to what they were doing.

Love this observation and totally agree. In a way it's a mess but it's a beautiful mess that gels together perfectly (so in a way, NOT a mess  :lol). That doesn't happen too often, at least not to the degree it worked out on Appetite. I said my piece over in my Top 50 thread but yeah, this is just an amazing rock record. 32 years on and I still think the production is marvelous. Not the best, but the best for what it is, and it's got massive balls.

The lyrics on this record rule, in my opinion. Love the imagery and the visceral energy in so many songs. "Rocket Queen" is a wonderful closer and the way it morphs from this dark, sexy, almost drug-addled rocker into an "after the storm" type feel is just so cool, and the tonal shift of the lyrics and singing is a big part of that. "My Michelle" also has great imagery, there's a good video of Axl and Sebastian Bach singing that one live on YouTube somewhere from many years ago.

Legendary rock record.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: bosk1 on July 31, 2019, 10:40:44 AM
Bosk and I have teamed up today to turn Dream Theater Forums into Destruction Theater Forums :2metal:

Better than a Marvel annual crossover event!  :metal

Rock on, my friend.  Rock on.  :)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: jingle.boy on July 31, 2019, 11:34:34 AM
So you're saying that AfD is NOT in your Top 50, Bosk?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: Cool Chris on July 31, 2019, 11:39:31 AM
Liked the singles at the time. That's about it. My mom, who couldn't name a rock band that formed after 1970 to save her life, loved Paradise City. She said it had a nice beat.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 31, 2019, 11:50:21 AM
Since Kat is dealing with this album in his top 50 thread, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so here as well and cross-pollinate ideas.

Guns n Roses - Appetite for Destruction


At the risk of repeating myself, I pretty much can't stand GnR or anything they did.  Paradise City is about the only exception.  GnR = Axl, and Axl = crap.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: bosk1 on July 31, 2019, 12:49:01 PM
So you're saying that AfD is NOT in your Top 50, Bosk?

Depends.  50 most influential hard rock/metal albums of the '70s-90s?  Yeah, and fairly high up that list.  50 favorite albums?  Nope.  But, again, just because I don't love it doesn't mean I don't respect it and acknowledge how solid it is.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: bosk1 on July 31, 2019, 12:50:41 PM
GnR = Axl, and Axl = crap.

Yeah...while I think that's way overstating it, I don't disagree, in principle.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: pg1067 on July 31, 2019, 01:21:51 PM
GnR = Axl, and Axl = crap.

Yeah...while I think that's way overstating it, I don't disagree, in principle.

Probably more accurate to say that Axl ruins whatever enjoyment I could potentially get from GnR's music, but what I wrote before was more concise.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: TAC on July 31, 2019, 03:06:11 PM
Appetite is a great album. This band had such great musical chemistry. Unfortunately their personal chemistry did not follow suit.

This album was out for a year before they really broke huge. This was released in the summer of '87. I saw GnR open for Aerosmith in the summer of 1988, and it was only then that they were really breaking big.

I saw them in October of '87 on their East Coast club tour. I've posted these before, but for anyone that hasn't seen them, I took these pics.
Japanese band EZO opened.

October 26, 1987
The Living Room
Providence, RI


(https://i.imgur.com/z4u3id9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GmlVHbY.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uOml6XJ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gL03ztv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/a1fGzO1.jpg)


The last couple pics were taken right before Slash jumped into the crowd.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: The Walrus on July 31, 2019, 03:07:51 PM
That's so damn cool, TAC. Now be honest, how badly did Axl kick your ass when he saw you snapping pics?  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: KevShmev on July 31, 2019, 05:01:30 PM
I get why this album is so popular, but half of the songs are total throwaways, IMO, and Axl Rose's voice doesn't help a few others.  I have said for over 30 years now that his voice turned Paradise City from a great song into just a pretty good one.  Musically, that song is killer, but the second he starts singing, I want to cover my ears.  His voice is very hit or miss for me.  Welcome to the Jungle is always great, and I like Rocket Queen, Think About You and Mr. Brownstone all quite a bit.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: bosk1 on August 01, 2019, 09:31:36 AM
Def Leppard - Pyromania

Songs:
-Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
-Photograph
-Stagefright
-Too Late for Love
-Die Hard the Hunter
-Foolin'
-Rock of Ages
-Comin' Under Fir
-Action! Not Words
-Billy's Got a Gun

This album more than any other helped set my musical direction.  I was kind of all over the place before this.  But upon seeing the video for Rock of Ages on MTV, I knew I had found my favorite band.  For the next few years, I could not get enough of them.  I of course picked up the back catalog.  And then Hysteria, after the long wait.  But Pyromania was truly special. 

Even the weaker tracks have something to offer.  Of course everyone knows the hits.  Those alone totally won me over.  But there are some fantastic "2nd tier" songs that maybe weren't quite radio-ready, but are in many respects possibly even better, like Too Late and Die Hard.  But even the remaining songs had plenty of hooks, great riffs, ear-worm solos, and those signature Joe Elliot vocals. 

I can certainly understand the feelings of fans that were around from the beginning who felt that this more commercial direction was a full-on sellout.  It can be hard not to feel that way when our favorite band goes more commercial and suddenly becomes a mass-consumed commodity.  But when the music is done this well, who cares?  This is still an album I go back and revisit, and I always enjoy it when I do.

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 01, 2019, 09:40:30 AM
Def Leppard - Pyromania

Songs:
-Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
-Photograph
-Stagefright
-Too Late for Love
-Die Hard the Hunter
-Foolin'
-Rock of Ages
-Comin' Under Fir
-Action! Not Words
-Billy's Got a Gun

This album more than any other helped set my musical direction.  I was kind of all over the place before this.  But upon seeing the video for Rock of Ages on MTV, I knew I had found my favorite band.  For the next few years, I could not get enough of them.  I of course picked up the back catalog.  And then Hysteria, after the long wait.  But Pyromania was truly special. 

Even the weaker tracks have something to offer.  Of course everyone knows the hits.  Those alone totally won me over.  But there are some fantastic "2nd tier" songs that maybe weren't quite radio-ready, but are in many respects possibly even better, like Too Late and Die Hard.  But even the remaining songs had plenty of hooks, great riffs, ear-worm solos, and those signature Joe Elliot vocals. 

I can certainly understand the feelings of fans that were around from the beginning who felt that this more commercial direction was a full-on sellout.  It can be hard not to feel that way when our favorite band goes more commercial and suddenly becomes a mass-consumed commodity.  But when the music is done this well, who cares?  This is still an album I go back and revisit, and I always enjoy it when I do.
Great album by the Leps IMHO, great songs, great production too (Mutt Lange). Not as clean as Hysteria, but still great.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on August 01, 2019, 09:45:52 AM
Awesome album and one I have, I can see why people who were already fans would be put off a bit, but like you said, it's great music and I hope those people eventually came around to enjoy this (I'm sure many or most did).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 01, 2019, 09:55:21 AM
Classic and timeless.  I still give the slight edge to Hysteria (for my own personal reasons as to when my musical course was being charted), but when I did my Top 50, I really struggled with putting Hysteria over Pyromania.  All in all, I'd say Pyromania has aged better for me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 01, 2019, 10:05:22 AM
Awesome album and one I have, I can see why people who were already fans would be put off a bit, but like you said, it's great music and I hope those people eventually came around to enjoy this (I'm sure many or most did).
I actually love all the records up until the X album, although I think you're right, some people may have been stumped by Pyromania.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: pg1067 on August 01, 2019, 10:41:02 AM
Def Leppard - Pyromania


Their last good album.

As with a lot of these albums, my first exposure to Leppard came by way of MTV -- in this case, the Rock of Ages video and then the video for Photograph.  I bought the album (probably from the Columbia Record & Tape Club) and then got High 'n' Dry.  Foolin' is probably my favorite song on this album.  Given what had transpired in my life between 83-87, from the moment I heard the first notes of whatever the first song from Hysteria I heard was, I was done with Leppard.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bl5150 on August 01, 2019, 10:47:48 AM
Was right up there in my DTF Top 50.............but everyone didn't know them out here in Australia until they really broke with Hysteria.  To this day I am not sure that I have heard Photograph (or anything pre-Hysteria)  on regular mainstream radio.

One of my most played albums ever.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 01, 2019, 11:19:40 AM
When I was a kid getting into rock Def Leppard was one of the first bands I could sink my teeth into. Unfortunately not a single one of their studio albums was interesting enough for me to stick with front to back, Pyromania included (but I would have to agree with those who put Hysteria at the top). I actually still like Photograph and Rock of Ages a lot, but Too Late For Love and Foolin' are a bit too 80s schlock for my ears. I prefer to listen to their greatest hits (The Vault) when it comes to Leppard.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 01, 2019, 12:03:46 PM
...a bit too 80s schlock for my ears.

You say that as if it's a bad thing.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 01, 2019, 01:21:01 PM
Great, great album by the Leps!

Their last good album.

:iagree:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 01, 2019, 01:24:24 PM
Def Leppard - Pyromania


Their last good album.

As with a lot of these albums, my first exposure to Leppard came by way of MTV -- in this case, the Rock of Ages video and then the video for Photograph.  I bought the album (probably from the Columbia Record & Tape Club) and then got High 'n' Dry.  Foolin' is probably my favorite song on this album.  Given what had transpired in my life between 83-87, from the moment I heard the first notes of whatever the first song from Hysteria I heard was, I was done with Leppard.
you don't seem to like Hysteria and everything after that then (which I can understand in some way)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 01, 2019, 02:18:45 PM
Appetite for Destruction and Pyromania?  Now we're getting somewhere.

2 of the greatest albums in history, regardless of genre.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 01, 2019, 02:31:27 PM
Listen to hefdaddy42 in all things.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 01, 2019, 02:33:09 PM
Listen to bosk1 in all things.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Architeuthis on August 01, 2019, 03:01:40 PM
Scorpions Savage Amusement is a fantastic hard rock album! Great tour to support it too.  :metal
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 01, 2019, 03:40:19 PM
Appetite for Destruction and Pyromania?  Now we're getting somewhere.

2 of the greatest albums in history, regardless of genre.
Pyromania???
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 01, 2019, 03:46:44 PM
So I was a huge fan when Pyromania came out. Yes, it wasn't nearly has heavy as High n Dry.
Heck, even the drums are programmed.

After Pyromania, Def Leppard became Mutt Lange's  rock style "boy band".

Pyromania isn't bad, and I love the live album that came with the deluxe version a few years ago. This tour was my first concert.

But Def Leppard lost me with Hysteria. After that long wait between albums, they came out with such a load of rubbish. I heard Pour Some Sugar On Me the other day. It's as gag worthy as it was 30 years ago.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 01, 2019, 03:57:06 PM
Great album. In real time I probably liked Hysteria more. It was the first or second CD I bought with my own money. I wasn't huge into High n Dry or Pyromania at the time (I only knew what I'd seen on MTV) so the change in sound didn't resonate with me. Hysteria made me backtrack and buy those albums.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s v. If you got the money, honey...
Post by: pg1067 on August 01, 2019, 03:58:55 PM
you don't seem to like Hysteria and everything after that then

Correct.


But Def Leppard lost me with Hysteria. After that long wait between albums, they came out with such a load of rubbish. I heard Pour Some Sugar On Me the other day. It's as gag worthy as it was 30 years ago.

Exactly.  I know this is an overly broad and not really fair characterization, but I regard Hysteria as basically a collection of songs suitable for nothing other than use as background music at strip clubs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 01, 2019, 04:10:14 PM
FYI, agreeing with TAC really doesn't help one's musical credibility.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 01, 2019, 04:25:23 PM
Hah!

I mean, if you were 12 and Hysteria came out and it meant something to you, that great!

But honestly, Def Leppard ceased being a band and basically became..product at that point.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 01, 2019, 07:54:16 PM
Eh, that sounds like code for "they sold out," which I reject.  Hysteria still sounded like Def Leppard; it was just more streamlined and slick to appeal to the masses.  I know the idea of your favorite band being a bunch of starving musicians while staying true to their art is always appealing to the fans who were there before they hit the big time, but I will almost never have a problem with a band finding a way to make more money.

Pyromania is good, but Foolin' is the only song from it I ever reach for now. I prefer both High N' Dry and Hysteria.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bl5150 on August 01, 2019, 08:02:11 PM
Hah!

I mean, if you were 12 and Hysteria came out and it meant something to you, that great!

But honestly, Def Leppard ceased being a band and basically became..product at that point.

I was 13 when Hysteria came out and it took some time to break in Australia so perhaps 14 when I found it.  I was into the first single that made radio here (Animal) and then - as I always did when I found a new band I liked - I went straight to the store to check out the back catalogue.   Once I found Pyromania I played it non stop for months and ditched Hysteria.   I still rate Hysteria as a very good album but I much prefer High n Dry and Pyromania - and for that matter , Retroactive which I think is quite under rated and a better "middle ground" between Pyro and Hysteria.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 02, 2019, 07:34:42 AM
I remember getting my father to buy this for me at a gas station...
I have never, in my 43 years of living, seen a CD for purchase at a gas station.

I used to drive from Connecticut to Florida, every year as a kid and then every couple years as an adult.   Just about every truck stop on I95 (the interstate that goes from Maine to the tip of Key West, Florida) had cassettes in the day, and CDs now.   Nothing deep, all the same stuff (Thriller, the first Boston album, Born In The USA, etc. etc.) but they were there.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 02, 2019, 07:36:52 AM
Hah!

I mean, if you were 12 and Hysteria came out and it meant something to you, that great!

But honestly, Def Leppard ceased being a band and basically became..product at that point.

I was 13 when Hysteria came out and it took some time to break in Australia so perhaps 14 when I found it.  I was into the first single that made radio here (Animal) and then - as I always did when I found a new band I liked - I went straight to the store to check out the back catalogue.   Once I found Pyromania I played it non stop for months and ditched Hysteria.   I still rate Hysteria as a very good album but I much prefer High n Dry and Pyromania - and for that matter , Retroactive which I think is quite under rated and a better "middle ground" between Pyro and Hysteria.

We've talked about this before, but the original versions of the b-sides for the Hysteria album are better - read: "I like more" - than anything on the actual album.  "Ride Into The Sun", "Tear It Down", "Ring Of Fire", "I Wanna Be Your Hero" all RULE. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on August 02, 2019, 07:48:56 AM
Pyromania kicks a lot of ass.  I love when the band opens with Rock Rock Till You Drop - that's such a great song.  I was happy to see them on New Year's Eve 1999 and having them open with that track.  Just a whole bunch of fantastic songs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 02, 2019, 08:15:49 AM
I saw them open for Billy Squier in '83, and those songs are so much better live. 

That's one thing about them:  rag on the songs but they deliver as a band live, for real.  I saw them open for Kiss in 2014, and I was pretty impressed. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 02, 2019, 09:17:54 AM
Eh, that sounds like code for "they sold out," which I reject.  Hysteria still sounded like Def Leppard; it was just more streamlined and slick to appeal to the masses.  I know the idea of your favorite band being a bunch of starving musicians while staying true to their art is always appealing to the fans who were there before they hit the big time, but I will almost never have a problem with a band finding a way to make more money.

Pyromania is good, but Foolin' is the only song from it I ever reach for now. I prefer both High N' Dry and Hysteria.

Agreed.  Hysteria was very commercialized and poppy, but it was still Def Leppard.  I thought the song writing was pretty good for the most part.  Could've done without PSSOM and Excitable, but it's still a good album.  It's pretty difficult to argue against 25M copies world wide and 7 hit singles.  Although, I think Pyromania is still my fav.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 02, 2019, 09:26:39 AM
I wouldn't have put it quite in these terms at the time, but:  Hysteria was not the album I wanted.  But it was ultimately so good that I couldn't help but love it anyway.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 02, 2019, 09:28:36 AM
There's a funny Edguy song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SVLBZyOO4w) about one of their friends/crew members on their last album's bonus disc that was heavily inspired by Hysteria. Honestly the hook is awesome, it's a straight Def Leppard clone.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 02, 2019, 09:33:58 AM
To give us something more up TAC's alley:

Duran Duran - Rio

Songs:
-Rio
-My Own Way
-Lonely in Your Nightmare
-Hungry Like the Wolf
-Hold Back the Rain
-New Religion
-Last Chance on the Stairway
-Save a Prayer
-The Chauffeur

At the end of the day, what I can say is that these guys weren't my thing, but I enjoyed every single song I ever heard from them.  I primarily knew of them for two reasons back then: (1) They were all over MTV; and, probably more importantly, (2) Their name was scribbled on the book covers and notebooks of every single sweater-and-leg-warmer-wearing girl I ever had a crush on and got friend-zoned by in high school, and they would talk about Duran Duran incessantly.  I know the hits.  I like the hits.  I have heard they put on a great live show.  That's about all I can say.



Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 02, 2019, 09:40:07 AM
To give us something more up TAC's alley:

Duran Duran - Rio

Songs:
-Rio
-My Own Way
-Lonely in Your Nightmare
-Hungry Like the Wolf
-Hold Back the Rain
-New Religion
-Last Chance on the Stairway
-Save a Prayer
-The Chauffeur

At the end of the day, what I can say is that these guys weren't my thing, but I enjoyed every single song I ever heard from them.  I primarily knew of them for two reasons back then: (1) They were all over MTV; and, probably more importantly, (2) Their name was scribbled on the book covers and notebooks of every single sweater-and-leg-warmer-wearing girl I ever had a crush on and got friend-zoned by in high school, and they would talk about Duran Duran incessantly.  I know the hits.  I like the hits.  I have heard they put on a great live show.  That's about all I can say.
one of my favourites of theirs, great album
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 02, 2019, 10:02:12 AM
FYI, agreeing with TAC really doesn't help one's musical credibility.

Hysteria and "musical credibility" don't exactly go hand-in-hand.


To give us something more up TAC's alley:

Duran Duran - Rio


This is a bit of an odd one for me.  I kinda liked a couple songs at first but then rejected the band as I got into metal and adopted the "if it isn't metal, it sucks" attitude.  It wasn't until 15+ years later than I gave some of the songs another chance and really love them.  John Taylor's bass work is particularly good.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 02, 2019, 10:06:48 AM
To give us something more up TAC's alley:

Duran Duran - Rio

Songs:
-Rio
-My Own Way
-Lonely in Your Nightmare
-Hungry Like the Wolf
-Hold Back the Rain
-New Religion
-Last Chance on the Stairway
-Save a Prayer
-The Chauffeur

At the end of the day, what I can say is that these guys weren't my thing, but I enjoyed every single song I ever heard from them.  I primarily knew of them for two reasons back then: (1) They were all over MTV; and, probably more importantly, (2) Their name was scribbled on the book covers and notebooks of every single sweater-and-leg-warmer-wearing girl I ever had a crush on and got friend-zoned by in high school, and they would talk about Duran Duran incessantly.  I know the hits.  I like the hits.  I have heard they put on a great live show.  That's about all I can say.
This album is, in my view, legendary.   I love this record to this day. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 02, 2019, 10:10:39 AM
Duran Duran was one of those groups where I heard the songs and said, "pretty cool".  Saw the videos and said, "pretty cool".  However, never owned a single one of their albums.  Go figure. :-\
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 02, 2019, 10:53:52 AM
New wave, with hints of progressness and hooks like no other.   Rio was my gateway into DD.

Dide note, I both this cassette with Iron Maiden Piece Of Mind. I just remember laughing at the drastic style differences in my purchase.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 02, 2019, 11:08:45 AM
Bonus Friday content:

AC/DC - Back in Black

Songs:
-Hells Bells
-Shoot to Thrill
-What Do You Do for Money Honey
-Given the Dog a Bone
-Let Me Put My Love into You
-Back in Black
-You Shook Me All Night Long
-Have a Drink on Me
-Shake a Leg
-Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

This album somehow only had four hit singles.  I say "only," because at least 7 songs got regular radio rotation (and still do), and I can sing right along with them despite never owning this album. 

Where I went to school, there was sort of a fan rivalry between AC/DC and Van Halen.  It usually just devolved into whether you thought Angus or Eddie was the better guitar player.  I fell into the Van Halen camp myself.  But AC/DC could write a catchy rock song, and they wrote a LOT of them through the years.  And I guess that's why when taking a run at iconic albums from the '80s, you pretty much HAVE TO include this one. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 02, 2019, 11:13:38 AM
There are bands that excel in a genre.  They're great in that genre.  But they are so committed to that genre that that's where they stay.  I can't imagine Anthrax or Slayer doing a convincing  Euro-pop album, for example.   But there are bands - I think Iron Maiden is one, and, don't laugh, but Night Ranger is another - that could put out a credible, legit album in jsut about any genre.

Duran Duran is that band.   I think Simon LeBon may be the best singer of that entire genre/time period.  He SANG, as opposed to that nasally English whine that a lot of those bands had (think the guy from Psychedelic Furs, or Robert Smith).   I think John Taylor could just as easily play in Yes as in Duran Duran (and I'm a Squire fan boy, so there!).   And on down the line.    Listen to the legato guitar lines on several of the songs on Rio; they are VERY Frippian (I'm thinking specifically of his work with Bowie on "Heroes").   That's a top flight band that happened to want to play - (I forget what it's called, but there was a name for it) - in the New Romantic style, but could just as easily have played metal or hard rock if that was their bent. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 02, 2019, 11:57:01 AM
There are bands that excel in a genre.  They're great in that genre.  But they are so committed to that genre that that's where they stay.  I can't imagine Anthrax or Slayer doing a convincing  Euro-pop album, for example.   But there are bands - I think Iron Maiden is one, and, don't laugh, but Night Ranger is another - that could put out a credible, legit album in jsut about any genre.

Duran Duran is that band.   I think Simon LeBon may be the best singer of that entire genre/time period.  He SANG, as opposed to that nasally English whine that a lot of those bands had (think the guy from Psychedelic Furs, or Robert Smith).   I think John Taylor could just as easily play in Yes as in Duran Duran (and I'm a Squire fan boy, so there!).   And on down the line.    Listen to the legato guitar lines on several of the songs on Rio; they are VERY Frippian (I'm thinking specifically of his work with Bowie on "Heroes").   That's a top flight band that happened to want to play - (I forget what it's called, but there was a name for it) - in the New Romantic style, but could just as easily have played metal or hard rock if that was their bent.
They are fans of Bowie (and always have been according to all band members), so the effect of "Heroes" on Rio is not surprising IMHO
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 02, 2019, 12:09:34 PM
Bonus Friday content:

AC/DC - Back in Black

Songs:
-Hells Bells
-Shoot to Thrill
-What Do You Do for Money Honey
-Given the Dog a Bone
-Let Me Put My Love into You
-Back in Black
-You Shook Me All Night Long
-Have a Drink on Me
-Shake a Leg
-Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

This album somehow only had four hit singles.  I say "only," because at least 7 songs got regular radio rotation (and still do), and I can sing right along with them despite never owning this album. 

Where I went to school, there was sort of a fan rivalry between AC/DC and Van Halen.  It usually just devolved into whether you thought Angus or Eddie was the better guitar player.  I fell into the Van Halen camp myself.  But AC/DC could write a catchy rock song, and they wrote a LOT of them through the years.  And I guess that's why when taking a run at iconic albums from the '80s, you pretty much HAVE TO include this one.

I just read the book "Bon" by Jesse Fink, where he posited that Bon died of a lethal combination of alcohol and heroin, but also that he wrote many of the lyrics to this before he died, and the band - with Brian - assembled them into the songs you know and love (especially "You Shook Me All Night Long"). 

Though I have to admit I like "For Those About To Rock..." slightly better.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 02, 2019, 12:12:06 PM
Back to Black is one of the pillars of hard rock music for good reason. IMO it's ACDC's only album that is consistently great from start to finish and has no filler tracks. One of the best rock albums ever made!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 02, 2019, 12:23:45 PM
Back to Black is one of the pillars of hard rock music for good reason. IMO it's ACDC's only album that is consistently great from start to finish and has no filler tracks. One of the best rock albums ever made!
apparently Amy Winehouse had 2 drug overdoses while making that album in 1980, before she was even born :D Joking aside, I think Back In Black and For Those may be ACDC's equivalent to what Thriller was in some way.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 02, 2019, 12:47:05 PM
Bonus Friday content:

AC/DC - Back in Black

Songs:
-Hells Bells
-Shoot to Thrill
-What Do You Do for Money Honey
-Given the Dog a Bone
-Let Me Put My Love into You
-Back in Black
-You Shook Me All Night Long
-Have a Drink on Me
-Shake a Leg
-Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

This album somehow only had four hit singles.  I say "only," because at least 7 songs got regular radio rotation (and still do)

Errr...huh?  I wasn't listening to this sort of music when BIB came out, but I can only think of four songs that got regular airplay (Bells, Shoot, Shook and the title track).  Noise Pollution comes up now and then, but certainly not regularly.


Where I went to school, there was sort of a fan rivalry between AC/DC and Van Halen.  It usually just devolved into whether you thought Angus or Eddie was the better guitar player.

Interesting.  I have never, ever heard anyone suggest that Angus was anywhere near Eddie's level.  In fact, when I was first getting into this sort of music, all the talk was about how "Angus sucked!" so I went into listening to AC/DC with that bias already implanted.  I eventually learned that he does not, in fact, suck, but he's never been on the same level as EVH.

Ultimately, I agree with Stadler.  AC/DC has a niche, and it does it well.  Not my favorite, but this album was a monster and is an undeniable classic (one of only two albums by AC/DC that I own).


I can't imagine Anthrax or Slayer doing a convincing  Euro-pop album, for example.

I'm not disagreeing with you, but I might actually buy that (and I don't like either Slayer or Euro-pop).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 02, 2019, 12:51:26 PM
Errr...huh?  I wasn't listening to this sort of music when BIB came out, but I can only think of four songs that got regular airplay (Bells, Shoot, Shook and the title track).  Noise Pollution comes up now and then, but certainly not regularly.

I can't speak for your unrefined, barbaric part of the state.  But up here, the following got regular play:
-Hells Bells
-Shoot to Thrill
-What Do You Do for Money Honey
-Back in Black
-You Shook Me All Night Long
-Have a Drink on Me
-Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 02, 2019, 01:12:42 PM
I would have thought BiB was a '70's record until I looked it up. Good show, Bosky.

But, yeah, great album and truly a rock and roll classic!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 02, 2019, 01:22:20 PM
Rio is fantastic.  Great choice, bosky.

I know that Back in Black is huge, and I get why.  And although I enjoy some of the songs on that album, AC/DC has always been a band that, for me, I'm not saying that if you've heard one song, you've heard them all.  But if you've heard them all, it kind of feels like you've only heard one.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 02, 2019, 01:34:39 PM
Duran Duran was one of those groups where I heard the songs and said, "pretty cool".  Saw the videos and said, "pretty cool".  However, never owned a single one of their albums.  Go figure. :-\

That is me too.

AC/DC - Back In Black

For me this is the quintessential AC/DC record, bluesy, sometimes funky, mighty memorable rock riffs and Brian Johnson still more singing than screeching. Maybe my favorite AC/DC record.

And I always find it funny, that this record has the same producer as Hysteria (Mutt Lange). The AC/DC one is basic and dry, guitars, bass, drums, vocals, no frippery, no studio tricks, (almost) no overdubs. Hysteria on the other hand is seriously overproduced, from the gang vocals to the guitar and drum sounds, twenty or more guitar tracks layered above each other, studio trickery etc.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 02, 2019, 02:46:22 PM
Errr...huh?  I wasn't listening to this sort of music when BIB came out, but I can only think of four songs that got regular airplay (Bells, Shoot, Shook and the title track).  Noise Pollution comes up now and then, but certainly not regularly.

I can't speak for your unrefined, barbaric part of the state.  But up here, the following got regular play:
-Hells Bells
-Shoot to Thrill
-What Do You Do for Money Honey
-Back in Black
-You Shook Me All Night Long
-Have a Drink on Me
-Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

Damn hippies!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 02, 2019, 02:55:00 PM
Errr...huh?  I wasn't listening to this sort of music when BIB came out, but I can only think of four songs that got regular airplay (Bells, Shoot, Shook and the title track).  Noise Pollution comes up now and then, but certainly not regularly.

I can't speak for your unrefined, barbaric part of the state.  But up here, the following got regular play:
-Hells Bells
-Shoot to Thrill
-What Do You Do for Money Honey
-Back in Black
-You Shook Me All Night Long
-Have a Drink on Me
-Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

Damn hippies!
:D (speaking of hippies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnjufR8GDcw)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on August 02, 2019, 04:29:45 PM
Such a great album, second only to Highway To Hell for me in their discography

I always thought Angus was a great player.. very underrated.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 02, 2019, 09:09:03 PM
We've talked about this before, but the original versions of the b-sides for the Hysteria album are better - read: "I like more" - than anything on the actual album.  "Ride Into The Sun", "Tear It Down", "Ring Of Fire", "I Wanna Be Your Hero" all RULE. 

I listened to these recently on the recommendation from someone here (probably you) but I would agree. I had heard most of those songs at some point so there was some familiarity. I did not realize they where Hysteria B-sides.

Rio: I got in to Duran Duran via their videos and Arena. It was the only album of theirs I ever owned. Probably my most played cassette for a couple years. I know those versions better than the album ones so it is hard for me to evaluate their albums.

BiB: One of the best rock albums of all time. I say that with zero hesitation.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 02, 2019, 09:18:44 PM
Back in Black is a hard rock classic that I rarely listen to any more, but it is still a great record.

All I knew for years from Rio were the three hits, but thanks to a few peeps here a few years ago, I got into some of the rest of it, most notably Last Chance on the Stairway and The Chauffeur, two nice deep cuts.  The title rock has that killer bass line, Hungry Like the Wolf was the song that really put them on the map as superstars (and the video was awesome), and Save a Prayer is hands down my favorite Duran Duran song; I love the synths in that one.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 03, 2019, 04:42:05 AM
Back in Black is a hard rock classic that I rarely listen to any more, but it is still a great record.

Ditto.  It earned and deserves it spot on the top shelf of all-time rock music.  AC/DC's magnus opus without a doubt.

As for DD, I was mostly a 'best-of' fan, but really feel the urge to listen to this now.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 03, 2019, 10:30:21 AM
We've talked about this before, but the original versions of the b-sides for the Hysteria album are better - read: "I like more" - than anything on the actual album.  "Ride Into The Sun", "Tear It Down", "Ring Of Fire", "I Wanna Be Your Hero" all RULE. 

I listened to these recently on the recommendation from someone here (probably you) but I would agree. I had heard most of those songs at some point so there was some familiarity. I did not realize they where Hysteria B-sides.

Not only were they B-sides, but they are some of the original songs written for the album that were scrapped when the band went back and re-wrote the entire thing.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 03, 2019, 06:49:40 PM
The Hysteria B sides are excellent. It's Def Leppard. the A sides...NOT Def Leppard. Or not Def Leppard anymore.

I was obviously not into Duran Duran. My gf in high school was totally gaga over them. I remember hearing/seeing D2 on MTV with the Planet Earth video. I thought they were new waveish. But one night, I was listening to the KBFH and there was this band I wasn't familiar with. I remember finding it interesting. And then the last song was Planet Earth which I definitely recognized. I couldn't believe it was them. They were rocking.

I'll say this though. Their music has really aged well. Whenever I hear a song by them, it obviously takes me back, but those songs hold up. I heard Save A Prayer at work today, as I do quite often. That really is a great song.



AS far as Back In Black, my favorite AC/DC album is Let There Be Rock, but Back In Black was so influential on me forming my musical identity. It still sounds amazing.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 05, 2019, 10:11:20 AM
Back from the weekend...

Prince - Purple Rain

Songs:
-Let's Go Crazy
-Take Me with U
-The Beautiful Ones
-Computer Blue
-Darling Nikki
-When Doves Cry
-I Would Die 4 U
-Baby I'm a Star
-Purple Rain

Back when this album came out, I did not understand how insanely talented a writer and performer Prince was.  I only knew that some of the songs were really catchy, even if a lot of the lyrics were way too unnecessarily racy.  But if Prince thought something was sexy and creative and well done, he just went for it and didn't really care what anybody might think.  We can debate all day about whether that is to his credit or his detriment.  But the bottom line is, overall, this album really showcases some incredible writing and musicianship.  It is rock, R&B, funk, soul, and lots of other stuff, and it does it all well.  This isn't an album I can still listen to.  But it is one I definitely appreciate.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 05, 2019, 10:13:00 AM
Oh hell yeah. I love this album. The Beautiful Ones to me is the standout track, next to Purple Rain. The title track is one of the best 80s songs ever, and Labyrinth performed a heartwrenching acoustic version of it at ProgPower last year. Fantastic album!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 05, 2019, 10:13:56 AM
This is the one Prince album I think it is great from start to finish.  Every song is a winner, and it's the album that made him the superstar he remained for the rest of his career.  When Doves Cry is still one of the best singles of the 80's, which is no easy task considering how many great singles that decade produced.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 05, 2019, 10:18:08 AM
While there are Prince albums that fit my tastes better (Lotusflow3r) this is without a doubt his only classic album. Stellar from start to finish. And what a finish, Purple Rain is awesome!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 05, 2019, 10:29:56 AM
I also want to add an observation:  So much of this album, and so much of Prince's discography in general, is SO ridiculously self-indulgeant.  And yet, it works.  The man is dead serious about his craft, and that gives it a level of genuineness that makes it authentic.  That huge level of authenticity coupled with the immense talent kind of made him...legendary, for lack of a better word.  To give an example, when I lived in Minneapolis for the summer of 1995, I was absolutely thrilled and giddy to actually see and experience a lot of the places shown in the Purple Rain film.  And that despite not really being a true Prince "fan" in any real sense of the word.  But he was bigger than life back then, and so was his music.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 05, 2019, 06:52:46 PM
For sure.

I have tried to get into his other albums, but none of them have grabbed me outside of a few songs here and a few songs there.  Dirty Mind is pretty highly-regarded, so I got it a while back, and while it was good, it's not an album I will probably ever return to very much.  I get why many love it, that said.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 05, 2019, 07:40:58 PM
 :corn
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 05, 2019, 08:58:55 PM
I think I owned this album, but can't swear to it. I know I loved "Let's Go Crazy" and it's possible I bought it on the strength of that song alone.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jammindude on August 05, 2019, 09:47:43 PM
I still say Sign O the Times is his masterpiece....but this one is right up there.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bl5150 on August 05, 2019, 11:48:41 PM
:corn

I can't say that I have ever owned a Prince album or could name many more than half a dozen songs . Some of my favorite artists ( Steve Vai/Jeff Scott Soto amongst others) cite him as a genius and so I would never argue his influence or ability.  Just never connected with me to the point where I wanted to sit through a whole album.   
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 06, 2019, 01:05:06 AM
I've tried Prince many times because everyone was raving about him, but never I found something I really like, there's the occasional song that's not bad and there are some passages that are musically great, but on the whole he leaves me completely cold.

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 06, 2019, 06:30:59 AM
Prince is the shining example of someone that I admire, that I respect, that I consider to be in the pantheon of greats...  but just don't like his music.  It's not my thing.    I've tried - I have the Black Record, I have the one with "Raspberry Beret" (a GREAT song) and the 3-CD Greatest Hits record - but while it's objectively very well done, it moves me not a bit. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 06, 2019, 07:15:23 AM
Never owned a Prince album but I definitely could make a greatest hits out of his songs.  I did just that from my buddy's box set he got.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 06, 2019, 07:24:32 AM
Purple Rain is the exception for me, but I am with you guys on the rest.

I remember finally checking Sign 'o' the Times years ago, after reading about how it was supposedly this masterpiece, and came away feeling that it had a handful of good songs, including U Got the Look which I have always been a big fan of, and then a ton of songs I'd be fine with never hearing in my life again.

Same thing with Diamonds and Pearls and the Love Symbol album. I managed to add a few songs from both to my collection, but the majority of both was a major pass for me, and both of those are also considered among his best.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 06, 2019, 08:00:20 AM
One thing:  I'm envious of Prince, in the sense that I wish Ritchie Blackmore or Eddie Van Halen had that sort of... prolificness.  They're talking about hours and hours of sessions and tapes of Prince putting down songs on piano, on guitar, and I would love to hear musicians that I feel are equally as transcendent do the same.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 06, 2019, 08:24:33 AM
Megadeth - Rust in Peace

Songs:
-Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
-Hangar 18
-Take No Prisoners
-Five Magics
-Poison Was the Cure
-Lucretia
-Tornado of Souls
-Dawn Patrol
-Rust in Peace... Polaris

As with the two previous Megadeth albums, I tried this one out when it was released.  And I didn't like it.  It wasn't until Countdown that this band finally clicked for me.  But then I went back and explored the back catalog.  And while the earlier albums to this day do nothing for me, I could finally see this album as the landmark that it is.

The music was as aggressive as ever.  But suddenly, it was also accessible.  Suddenly, Mustaine managed to put together songs that could appeal to people outside of just the thrash scene. 

Every player shines on this album.  Mustaine's riffs and the solos he takes are some of the best thrash--or any subgenre of metal, for that matter--has to offer.  Friedman's solos are blistering, yet have an uncanny sense of melody that makes them memorable and not simply a flurry of notes played at breakneck speed.  Ellefson's bass lines aren't flashy or fancy, but they hold everything together and give the songs a groove and pulse that almost-subliminally makes them more rhythmic and appealing.  And Menza's drumming drives the songs and gives them a flair and aggression that fits beautifully with the aggressive guitar riffing. 

Honestly, writing about this album is pretty boring because I don't really have anything critical to say.  Every song is awesome, and there is little to criticize.  I only wish that I had actually gotten into this album in the '80s when it was released instead of finding it several years later.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 06, 2019, 08:27:16 AM
Purple Rain... stellar album.  It made the start of my Top 50.  No duds, but the gems (title, Doves, Crazy) are absolutely God tier tunes.  Beyond that album, I'm really only a 'best-of' fan.  Never tried going any deeper, because after this was released, my musical leanings went in a very different direction than what Prince was putting out.

Megadeth... never connected with them.  Back then, or nowadays.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on August 06, 2019, 08:46:49 AM
I never really and deeply clicked with Megadeth, so at beast I like a bunch of their songs, but gone are the days I even bother to check our their new albums. Having said that, even though musically is not my cup of tea I recognize Rust in Peace's brilliance and Holy Wars, Tornado of Souls and Hangar 18 are songs that any metalhead should cherish to hear live upon occasion.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 09:21:37 AM
Rust In Peace was released in late 1990!!!

I’d take this over Filter that’s for sure.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dream Team on August 06, 2019, 09:26:00 AM
Definitely a Top 5 all-time metal record. Flawless. Greatest collection of guitar-solo duels also.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 06, 2019, 09:37:27 AM
Rust In Peace was released in late 1990!!!

Was it really???  My bad!  I thought it was '89.  Oops.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 06, 2019, 09:38:12 AM
I'm not a super Megadeth fan but I'll generally take them over Metallica any day. Early Megadeth is amazing and Rust In Peace rules.

Going back to Scorpions for a minute, I only know the hits (there's a bunch) and a couple songs sent to me in my last roulette. Well, one of my dad's friends who is a total rock geek came by this morning and dropped off Box of Scorpions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box_of_Scorpions) for me to check out. I don't know most of these songs, but I've found tonight's evening activity! I'm excited to jump into this and hopefully find some gems I never knew Scorpions had.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 09:40:41 AM
We’ll Burn The Sky :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 06, 2019, 09:55:50 AM
I love disk 2 of that set.  Disks 1 and 3 have some good songs that would definitely make me spin them.  But disk 2 is where it's at for me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 06, 2019, 10:06:45 AM
I didn't get in to thrash at all when it rose to prominence.  Years later I decided to check out some of the big names, and enjoyed it for a very brief period, then moved on. This is the one album in the genre I bought and still own (and enjoy) to this day.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 06, 2019, 10:15:04 AM
I love disk 2 of that set.  Disks 1 and 3 have some good songs that would definitely make me spin them.  But disk 2 is where it's at for me.

That's pretty spot on (though "In Trance", "We'll Burn The Sky" and "Loving You Sunday Morning").   I still listen to the "Taken By Force" - "Love At First Sting" run far more often than I should (and far more often than any 80's band except Kiss and maybe Maiden). 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on August 06, 2019, 10:34:17 AM
I only have the Countdown to Extinction album by megadeth and I do enjoy it, but never really explored much more besides a handful of songs including some on Rust in Peace which I do enjoy. 

I actually saw Megadeth open for the Scorpions a few years ago at Madison Square Garden, awesome concert my first and only time seeing either of those bands.  I was planning on exploring Megadeth a bit more when they were announced as the opener for Ozzy's tour but that show got postponed until next year so I never took the time to revisit Megadeth. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 06, 2019, 10:55:53 AM
Here's my very rough assessment of Megadeth's history:

Pre-Rust In Peace:  Some good stuff here and there, but the sound is so primitive and the quality is very inconsistent.  I don't know if that is a factor of Mustaine not yet really coming of age as a songwriter yet or him being so smacked out of his mind on the substance du jour that he was just all over the place.  On the former point, he was an amazing player and wrote some incredible riffs and solos, as evidence by both his work in Metallica and the early Megadeth albums; but in terms of writing complete songs...I dunno.  He just wasn't there yet for my tastes.  And the production on those early albums takes away as well.

The untouchable golden age:  Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction, Youthanasia, Hidden Treasures EP.  There is a progression toward being more accessible, but it worked.  These albums really are fantastic.

The "identity crisis":  It seems odd to lump Cryptic Writings, Risk, and The World Needs a Hero into one "era" of the band, given the changes in sound and lineups through that time period.  But if there is a common thread, it is that Megadeth was all over the place.  Cryptic has some really good songs and some songs that just went WAY too far in trying to make the band accessible to the masses and watered down what this band is.  Risk is by far the most experimental thing they have done.  And despite being panned by the fans, it is my favorite album outside of the golden era albums.  The only song I don't like is Crush 'Em, but I get what Dave was going for.  TWNAH is...odd.  It was an attempt to return to form, but is still kind of all over the place.  But to me, it is worth having for the title song and the last half of the album and for the absolute drum clinic put on by Jimmy DeGrasso on this one. 

The latter years:  Other than United Abominations, all their later albums have been pretty good, but have also been pretty samey.  For each album, there are a few songs I really like, and a bunch that are forgettable standard fare.  I enjoy them on the rare occasions that I pull them off the shelf.  But I don't really desire to very often at all.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bl5150 on August 06, 2019, 11:05:00 AM
I recognize Rust in Peace's brilliance and Holy Wars, Tornado of Souls and Hangar 18 are songs that any metalhead should cherish to hear live upon occasion.

Agreed on those songs. This is one of very few albums that I consider a classic even though I think it's half filler - because the great songs nailed it.   Marty's solo in Tornado ...was replayed many times during the year or two following its release.   Prior to RIP I was no great Megadeth fan but the brilliance of the guitar playing converted me and then I began to explore their catalogue in more detail.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 06, 2019, 11:13:02 AM
Up until a few years ago we had a coworker who's a big Megadeth fan. We'd play tons of Megadeth. Cryptic Writings was one we played often, but we played Countdown, Rust, Peace Sells, and, thankfully (for me), Dystopia all the freaking time. We never even bothered to mention Risk, Endgame, 13 etc. lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 01:29:13 PM
Endgame is amazing, K-Lox.


My personal favorite is So Far So Good So What.

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 06, 2019, 01:56:14 PM
Endgame is amazing, K-Lox.

At first I was like  :|
But then I  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 06, 2019, 01:58:14 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 06, 2019, 02:12:10 PM
Rust in Peace is hit and miss for me, like much of Megadeth, but Holy Wars... The Punishment Due is worth the price of admission alone. For me, it is in the upper echelon for all time metal songs. The unbridled aggression is gorgeous and those solos...  :omg:  Dave's vocal performance fits the song perfectly. He sounds like he's barely got a his anger under control until he finally just explodes at the end.

I know what I said, now I must scream of the overdose
And the lack of mercy killings
Mercy killings
Mercy killings
Killings, killings, killings, killings
Mercy you know, they'll take my thoughts away


Frank Castle would be pround.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 06, 2019, 02:16:21 PM
Megadeth - Rust in Peace

Songs:
-Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
-Hangar 18
-Take No Prisoners
-Five Magics
-Poison Was the Cure
-Lucretia
-Tornado of Souls
-Dawn Patrol
-Rust in Peace... Polaris

As with the two previous Megadeth albums, I tried this one out when it was released.  And I didn't like it.  It wasn't until Countdown that this band finally clicked for me.  But then I went back and explored the back catalog.  And while the earlier albums to this day do nothing for me, I could finally see this album as the landmark that it is.

The music was as aggressive as ever.  But suddenly, it was also accessible.  Suddenly, Mustaine managed to put together songs that could appeal to people outside of just the thrash scene. 

Every player shines on this album.  Mustaine's riffs and the solos he takes are some of the best thrash--or any subgenre of metal, for that matter--has to offer.  Friedman's solos are blistering, yet have an uncanny sense of melody that makes them memorable and not simply a flurry of notes played at breakneck speed.  Ellefson's bass lines aren't flashy or fancy, but they hold everything together and give the songs a groove and pulse that almost-subliminally makes them more rhythmic and appealing.  And Menza's drumming drives the songs and gives them a flair and aggression that fits beautifully with the aggressive guitar riffing. 

Honestly, writing about this album is pretty boring because I don't really have anything critical to say.  Every song is awesome, and there is little to criticize.  I only wish that I had actually gotten into this album in the '80s when it was released instead of finding it several years later.
I only own The System Has Failed, because one of my heroes plays on it, call me superficial. (although I listened to Rust and Youthanasia once and only once) Btw, bosk, Rust was released in 1990, 8 days after I was born. (so it's not strictly an 80s album I think, although it's likely justified to call it a classic album)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 02:26:16 PM
Frank Castle would be pround.  :lol


Who is Frank Castle?  :lol


Seriously. I don't know who that is.


I know what I said, now I must scream of the overdose
And the lack of mercy killings
Mercy killings
Mercy killings
Killings, killings, killings, killings
Mercy you know, they'll take my thoughts away


 :metal :metal


I only own The System Has Failed, because one of my heroes plays on it,



Who?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 06, 2019, 02:28:41 PM
Frank Castle would be pround.  :lol


Who is Frank Castle?  :lol


Seriously. I don't know who that is.


I know what I said, now I must scream of the overdose
And the lack of mercy killings
Mercy killings
Mercy killings
Killings, killings, killings, killings
Mercy you know, they'll take my thoughts away


 :metal :metal


I only own The System Has Failed, because one of my heroes plays on it,



Who?
Vinnie Colaiuta (and btw: this is how I always pick albums to check out)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 02:30:46 PM
TSHF is pretty good. That didn't inspire you to get more into Megadeth?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 06, 2019, 02:30:55 PM
Frank Castle would be pround.  :lol


Who is Frank Castle?  :lol


Seriously. I don't know who that is.

(http://pm1.narvii.com/6819/0378eca62c08e5833d5c9e13d7e1e7112fc8bc63v2_00.jpg)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 02:31:49 PM
Does. Not. Help.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 06, 2019, 02:33:49 PM
Does. Not. Help.
Hand. Cannot. Erase. This. Weapon.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 06, 2019, 03:01:12 PM
Does. Not. Help.

I'll give you a hint, the title of the song is Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: max_security on August 06, 2019, 03:02:04 PM
I have come to like Rust In Peace but I didn't at the time. I was a fan of Marty Friedman since the early 80's and Megadeth was far from the music he was previously making with his solo stuff and with Jason Becker.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 06, 2019, 03:07:53 PM
Does. Not. Help.

I'll give you a hint, the title of the song is Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

You can hit him on the head with a comic book like a dog and he still won't get it Gregg. :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 06, 2019, 03:08:09 PM
Does. Not. Help.

I'll give you a hint, the title of the song is Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

You're only punishing yourself, Gregg.  You know how much of a cultural luddite Tim is.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 06, 2019, 03:09:47 PM
 :lol

I'm trying here, Chad. I'm really trying.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 06, 2019, 03:58:23 PM
Frank Castle would be pround.  :lol


Who is Frank Castle?  :lol


Seriously. I don't know who that is.

(http://pm1.narvii.com/6819/0378eca62c08e5833d5c9e13d7e1e7112fc8bc63v2_00.jpg)

I guess the difference between TAC and me is that I googled it, but had I not done so, the picture wouldn't have helped me either.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 04:05:13 PM
I figured someone would be nice enough to just tell me. So no, I didn't google it.


I assume it's some comic book hero.

I mean I watched THIS when I was a kid:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c0/Super_Friends.jpg/250px-Super_Friends.jpg)

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 06, 2019, 04:42:09 PM
Form of a blank slate.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 06, 2019, 04:44:11 PM
Shape of water!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: EPICVIEW on August 06, 2019, 07:30:21 PM
Cheap Trick- In Color
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 06, 2019, 07:52:07 PM
Cheap Trick- In Color

 :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: max_security on August 06, 2019, 08:29:25 PM
Mxyzptlk
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 07, 2019, 02:19:10 AM
I like Megadeth, I like Rust In Peace but it's half-killer half-filler imo. Countdown and Youthanasia is where it's at for me. And I'm the odd one that likes United Abominations but thinks Endgame is seriously overrated.  ;D

PS: And I know who Frank Castle is.  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 07, 2019, 08:14:31 AM
Frank Castle would be pround.  :lol


Who is Frank Castle?  :lol


Seriously. I don't know who that is.

(http://pm1.narvii.com/6819/0378eca62c08e5833d5c9e13d7e1e7112fc8bc63v2_00.jpg)

I guess the difference between TAC and me is that I googled it, but had I not done so, the picture wouldn't have helped me either.

F*** my old boots; I DID Google it, and I'm STILL with Tim.  (I was a DC kid growing up.)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 07, 2019, 08:19:58 AM
It's The Punisher. Everyone can breathe a sigh of relief now.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 07, 2019, 08:23:31 AM
 :lol

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 07, 2019, 08:28:27 AM
It's The Punisher. Everyone can breathe a sigh of relief now.  :lol

For clarity, I knew that when I made my last post.  Doesn't help if you didn't read the comic.  Go listen to a Moxy record!  :)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 07, 2019, 08:29:49 AM
 :lol

I really thought the iconic skull emblem on the shirt would do the trick. I mean, I see that emblem everywhere. On hats, shirts, trucks, tattoos... hell there's been several movies about him as well as a TV show. Not to mention the song (at least the last half) is famously about The Punisher.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 07, 2019, 08:32:27 AM
:lol

I really thought the iconic skull emblem on the shirt would do the trick. I mean, I see that emblem everywhere. On hats, shirts, trucks, tattoos... hell there's been several movies about him as well as a TV show. Not to mention the song (at least the last half) is famously about The Punisher.

I've actually seen the logo around; that wasn't completely new (but I also didn't know it was his logo, so there's that).   I'm not a huge Megadeth fan, and never heard that album (I only have Cryptic Writings).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 07, 2019, 08:33:37 AM
I was a DC kid growing up.)

In light of your many failings, this one does not surprise me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 07, 2019, 08:34:03 AM
I'm not a huge Megadeth fan, and never heard that album (I only have Cryptic Writings).

In light of your many failings, this one does not surprise me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 07, 2019, 09:11:52 AM
I was a DC kid growing up.)

In light of your many failings, this one does not surprise me.

 :rollin
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 07, 2019, 10:10:33 AM
It's worse than you know:  my favorite character was the Green Lantern. 

(Though in my defense, it was always about the art; I LOVED Neal Adams and Jim Aparo, and they were DC guys, mostly.  I liked, not loved, Jack Kirby, though I was a big Steve Ditko fan.)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 07, 2019, 11:00:58 AM
I figured someone would be nice enough to just tell me. So no, I didn't google it.


I assume it's some comic book hero.

I mean I watched THIS when I was a kid:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c0/Super_Friends.jpg/250px-Super_Friends.jpg)

Superfriends were AWESOME!  If DC actually puts Marvin, Wendy and Wonderdog in the next Justice League movie, I might actually go see it.


Form of a blank slate.
Shape of water!

Marvin/Wendy/Wonderdog >>>>>> Zan/Jana/Gleek!

Also, I am not and never have been into comic books and also can't stand Megadeth.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 07, 2019, 01:25:27 PM
The untouchable golden age:  Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction, Youthanasia, Hidden Treasures EP.  There is a progression toward being more accessible, but it worked.  These albums really are fantastic.

This pretty much nails it for me.  Rust being my favorite and Countdown a very close 2nd.  :2metal:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 08, 2019, 08:59:22 AM
Stryper - To Hell with the Devil

Songs:
-Abyss (To Hell with the Devil)
-To Hell with the Devil
-Calling on You
-Free
-Honestly
-The Way
-Sing-Along Song
-Holding On
-Rockin' the World
-All of Me
-More Than a Man

I had heard of Stryper before this album.  But other than being "those black and yellow spandex dudes," they weren't really on my radar.  Well, like any self-respecting dude my age back then, I checked out this band because some girls I hung out with (and some girls I wanted to hang out with) were kind of into them.  Right off the bat, I was struck by a few things.

First, Michael Sweet could SING!  Man, what a voice!  The dude had incredible range and power.  Those familiar with the hits know he can sing high.  But what he does on songs like The Way and More Than a Man are just jaw-dropping.  I remain impressed to this day.  The one thing about him that was one factor that temporarily cooled me off on the band is just that his voice was just a bit too...ironically, "sweet."  In the last decade-plus, I feel like his voice has deepened just a bit and he has employed just a bit of grit that, to me, makes his voice more pleasing and more than makes up for the fact that he may not be able to hit all the highs as consistently in a live setting. 

Second, the songwriting in general is really tight on this album.  Like a lot of bands in this genre, Stryper also got a bit formulaic at times.  But this album is solid in terms of the writing.  This remains my favorite album of theirs (and probably the biggest overall fan favorite) because it is such a tight album from start to finish rather than a couple of hits and a bunch of filler. 

Third, the playing is top notch.  This isn't just a collection of hacks who could barely play their instruments and went out to bank on their looks to make a quick buck in Hollywood.  Yeah, they might not be a bunch of prodigies.  But to a member, they are solid players. 

Finally, I appreciated the positive and overtly spiritual lyrics.  I was not a Christian back then and was still figuring out my faith.  But I deeply appreciated the message behind their music, even on songs where I either did not fully understand or agree with where they were coming from.  And I like that, even aside from being overtly Christian, their point was "We see what is going on in society nowadays, and especially the excess and debauchery in the music industry, and we're taking a stand against that and promoting a different message."  I deeply respect that.

The one turn-off for me on this album and others of theirs is the backing vocals.  All the guys in the band can sing and have great voices.  But the harmonies they choose to utilize sound TOO much like church hymns.  And that is fine.  But, to me, it just doesn't quite match the tone for metal, even where the music is supposed to be upbeat and positive.  It just made it sound a bit too sanguine for my tastes and took away from the serious messages and cool guitar rock sound.  And while I know I'm not the only one to feel that way, I think I am definitely in the minority in the fan base.

Overall, this is one of my favorite albums from this time period.  It does sound a bit dated now, and is definitely a product of its time.  But as such, it is also a sonic sign of those times, and I mean that in the most complimentary way.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 08, 2019, 09:56:04 AM
Stryper - To Hell with the Devil

I briefly flirted with Stryper when Soldiers under Command came out.  At the time, the whole "is metal satanic?" thing was at its height, and Stryper was, if nothing else, a way to say, "suck it!" to those who rejected metal for this reason.  Soldiers under Command is an awesome song.  However, by the time THWTD came out, Stryper just seemed to cheesy and gimmicky -- sort of a one-trick pony -- so I never bought THWTD or any of their subsequent releases.  I heard the songs THWTD and Honestly on the radio but was not impressed.  After that, I don't recall any songs that got any airplay.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 08, 2019, 09:56:56 AM
Can't do the Christian metal thing personally, but I know Stryper has their audience and a dedicated fanbase, so props to them.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 08, 2019, 09:58:19 AM
What difference does it make that they’re Christian?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 08, 2019, 10:04:17 AM
What difference does it make that they’re Christian?

Lyrical themes. I just don't dig songs about the Lord and salvation or just anything related to Christianity. Ironically I like a couple Theocracy songs in that vein but by and large, not my thing. Different strokes, what difference does it make that Rhapsody sings about dragons? Some people don't like dragons...
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 08, 2019, 10:05:54 AM
What difference does it make that they’re Christian?

Being Christian isn't the issue.  John Petrucci is Christian.  For me, it's the singular focus on a particular subject.  It's the same reason I don't like most of Kiss's catalog
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 08, 2019, 10:09:32 AM
I get you guys. 

I'll just say, for those that never dug deep on them, just spend 4 1/2 minutes on this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX29Ifg0-kw

Not trying to make you a fan, but I think seeing a live performance of THAT song will at least leave you able to appreciate what they can bring.  Worth it for THAT note at the end alone.  :omg:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 08, 2019, 10:14:34 AM
What difference does it make that they’re Christian?

Lyrical themes. I just don't dig songs about the Lord and salvation or just anything related to Christianity. Ironically I like a couple Theocracy songs in that vein but by and large, not my thing. Different strokes, what difference does it make that Rhapsody sings about dragons? Some people don't like dragons...

Dragons are cool bro! Rhapsody? Notsomuch.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 08, 2019, 10:16:41 AM
I get you guys. 

I'll just say, for those that never dug deep on them, just spend 4 1/2 minutes on this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX29Ifg0-kw

Not trying to make you a fan, but I think seeing a live performance of THAT song will at least leave you able to appreciate what they can bring.  Worth it for THAT note at the end alone.  :omg:

Okay, that was cool. The speedy riff is my kind of thing, and the singing was impressive, especially at the end. Also really like how they pulled off the 'whoa-oh-oh' vocal part. I didn't understand anything he was singing, but listening to it just as a metal tune, that was pretty fun.  :tup
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 08, 2019, 10:23:33 AM
I get you guys. 

I'll just say, for those that never dug deep on them, just spend 4 1/2 minutes on this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX29Ifg0-kw

Not trying to make you a fan, but I think seeing a live performance of THAT song will at least leave you able to appreciate what they can bring.  Worth it for THAT note at the end alone.  :omg:

I'll check it out, but just to be clear, I'm not suggesting there is any deficiency in their playing/singing abilities.  As a result of this thread, I discovered the existence of The Covering, and I definitely will be checking that out.  Some all-time great songs they chose to cover!  I just hope the album cover isn't an indication of the quality of the recordings!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 08, 2019, 10:36:21 AM
It's a pretty good covers album, as long as you are cool with covers albums.  They really bring it, especially vocally.

And, yes, the cover art is dreadful.  Can't say I am a fan of their cover art in general. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 08, 2019, 11:26:50 AM
What difference does it make that they’re Christian?

Being Christian isn't the issue.  John Petrucci is Christian.  For me, it's the singular focus on a particular subject.  It's the same reason I don't like most of Kiss's catalog

Yeah I should’ve phrased that better. I meant a “Christian “ band, not actually being a “Christian “.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 08, 2019, 12:14:39 PM
Stryper just seemed to cheesy and gimmicky -- sort of a one-trick pony -- so I never bought ...any of their ... releases. 

Sorry for the edit, but that's how I felt.  I thought the same thing about King Diamond/Mercyful Fate.  I have no problem with spiritual lyrics (I actually find Tony Banks and Jon Anderson's lyrics to be very "christian" in the general sense of the word).  It's the gimmicky part that I don't like (said the fan of Kiss and Twisted Sister).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 08, 2019, 12:34:40 PM
Catching up a little.

Purple Rain is the most genius album by a genius performer.  Legit one of the greatest albums ever recorded, regardless of genre.  No weak songs, it is all killer, no filler.  Fun fact: there is no bass on When Doves Cry.

Never liked Megadeth or Stryper.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 08, 2019, 01:18:28 PM
Never liked Prince. I have never heard anything by him that I would  consider genius. Maybe there’s some deep cuts but the radio hits never did anything for me.

I hate his voice. He’s literally the little Dr Pepper dude.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 08, 2019, 01:25:01 PM
Never liked Prince. I have never heard anything by him that I would  consider genius. Maybe there’s some deep cuts but the radio hits never did anything for me.

I hate his voice. He’s literally the little Dr Pepper dude.

Prince is dope and Purple Rain is dope. Shit slaps, bro.

But calling him Li'l Sweet is hilarious.  :rollin
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 08, 2019, 01:27:16 PM
Never liked Prince. I have never heard anything by him that I would  consider genius. Maybe there’s some deep cuts but the radio hits never did anything for me.

I hate his voice. He’s literally the little Dr Pepper dude.

LOL!  I've always thought "Lil Sweet" was the love child of Prince and Steven Tyler.  In reality, he's the guy who was the runner-up to Kelly Clarkson in the first season of American Idol.


As far as Prince, I'm in the same boat, and the "genius" thing never made much sense to me.  I remember when he died and folks were crowing about how he played 25 instruments on some album.  The reality was that he played six different guitars, five basses, eight keyboard instruments, drums and a dozen random percussion instruments.  It was sort of like when Rush listed the instrumentation for Alex as 6- and 12-string electric and acoustic guitars and all of Neil's dozen or so percussion instruments.  Like it wasn't enough to say he played guitars, bass, keys and drums/percussion.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 08, 2019, 01:29:30 PM
^^ Holy crap, it's Justin Guarini? That's insane. I never made the connection. Wow.

Prince I think was a legitimate musical genius and he wasn't afraid to push boundaries and give the middle finger to sticking to norms and traditional approaches to music. He was always doing something new and he never stopped writing. I really can't think of many other musicians who can go toe-to-toe with his wildly varied discography or even come close to the amount of stuff he made, and that's just counting what he had published, not what's in the Vault. And I haven't even heard 25% of his releases. He died way too soon.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 08, 2019, 01:33:14 PM
If he's playing all the instruments on the album that to me is a musical genius.  Lets add engineer and producer hat as well.  It is impressive.  I may not dig all his music, doesn't mean he can't be a genius.   
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: T-ski on August 08, 2019, 01:44:36 PM
Never liked Prince. I have never heard anything by him that I would  consider genius. Maybe there’s some deep cuts but the radio hits never did anything for me.

I hate his voice. He’s literally the little Dr Pepper dude.

LOL!  I've always thought "Lil Sweet" was the love child of Prince and Steven Tyler.  In reality, he's the guy who was the runner-up to Kelly Clarkson in the first season of American Idol.


this amazes me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 08, 2019, 01:56:19 PM
If he's playing all the instruments on the album that to me is a musical genius.  Lets add engineer and producer hat as well.  It is impressive.  I may not dig all his music, doesn't mean he can't be a genius.   

I'm tempted to consider him more of a "creative genius" than a musical one, in much the same way I feel about Bowie.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 08, 2019, 02:03:08 PM
If he's playing all the instruments on the album that to me is a musical genius.  Lets add engineer and producer hat as well.  It is impressive.  I may not dig all his music, doesn't mean he can't be a genius.   

I'm tempted to consider him more of a "creative genius" than a musical one, in much the same way I feel about Bowie.

I get that but I would say you think that because you don't like their music.  Most would say you are wrong.


I've always loved musical chameleons. Plant, Simon, Gabriel, Bowie and in this day and age, Steven Wilson.  I always wanted Prince to rock more but I can't deny the genius.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 08, 2019, 02:20:24 PM
Prince's music seems like it was always rooted in R&B, even when it rocked, so I get why his stuff might not have appealed to a lot of traditional rock fans. Heck, a lot of it doesn't appeal to me, but the stuff I like, I really like.  Purple Rain is greatness from start to finish.  On the flip side, a song like Kiss can be thrown into the sea where it can float away, never to be heard from again.

I loved the three hits from this Stryper album when they were getting played on MTV non-stop, but while I do not dislike any of them now, I rarely revisit them nowadays.  I had this cassette and do not remember the rest. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 08, 2019, 02:24:18 PM
If he's playing all the instruments on the album that to me is a musical genius.  Lets add engineer and producer hat as well.  It is impressive.  I may not dig all his music, doesn't mean he can't be a genius.

Yeah, I was being facetious of course. Enough people I respect think the world of him.

But honestly I couldn’t stand the guy.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on August 08, 2019, 03:17:14 PM
What difference does it make that they’re Christian?

Lyrical themes. I just don't dig songs about the Lord and salvation or just anything related to Christianity. Ironically I like a couple Theocracy songs in that vein but by and large, not my thing. Different strokes, what difference does it make that Rhapsody sings about dragons? Some people don't like dragons...

I love this Stryper album and the follow up. With the newer stuff  I can’t listen to them for more than a song or too as MS’s voice grates on me.

I am atheist but I’ve never had a problem with the lyrics as most of the time it sounds like a typical love song and if you didn’t know it was about god you wouldn’t guess. And when I sing along to more “satanic” lyrics I don’t believe in that either, so it’s all the same.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 09, 2019, 12:21:58 AM
I never really listened to Stryper, they weren't that big in Germany I think and at that time I didn't really dig any band that was somehow connected to (christian) religion.

Nowadays I don't mind spiritual or outright christian lyrics as long as it isn't an endless sermon of praise Jesus, praise God etc. so maybe I will give Stryper a chance.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: New World Rushman on August 09, 2019, 06:16:16 AM
Prince-
Watch the last three minutes of https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y (https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 12, 2019, 08:26:02 AM
Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair

Songs:
-Shout
-The Working Hour
-Everybody Wants to Rule the World
-Mothers Talk
-I Believe
-Broken
-Head over Heels
-Listen

This is one of those albums where I can put it on and, no matter what is going on, I am totally transported back in time to the '80s.  I mean, that isn't uncommon when listening to music from a certain era.  But there is something just...different about these songs in that regard.  I don't think it's possible for anyone who grew up in that era to hear a song from this album and not instantly smile. 

And I don't know what it is about this band.  I don't actually know a whole lot about them.  But it's very unusual how, for that initial 3-album run before they split, Smith and Orzabal could just come together every few years and just crank out some of the most memorable songs ever. 

Not sure what else to say.  I don't listen to this album very often.  But when I do, I just love every moment of it.  One of the best albums ever made in any genre, if you ask me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 12, 2019, 08:32:22 AM
Holy crap, this is the album I got as a kid that I ended up exchanging for Toto IV. Except I see the cover is black and white; I remember it being red on the version I had, but perhaps that was just the disc. Anyway, wow, I clearly have to play this. Putting this on the short list for today!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 12, 2019, 08:38:37 AM
Plot twist!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 12, 2019, 08:48:39 AM
Prince-
Watch the last three minutes of https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y (https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y).

Without looking... the guitar jam at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony - for George Harrison and Prince, among others - in 2004 (where's the guitar?!?!).

EDIT:  Nailed it.   If you're interested:  https://www.guitarplayer.com/players/tom-petty-and-others-tell-the-story-behind-princes-while-my-guitar-gently-weeps-solo
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 12, 2019, 08:56:06 AM
I didn't look either and figured it was the Purple Rain super bowl spot.  But turns out you were right, Stads.  :tup

Either way, dude can seriously play.  I mean, he's not playing Petrucci-level complexity.  Nowhere near it.  But he's very Gilmoure-esqe in terms of being able to squeeze every last bit of emotion and energy out of every single note he plays.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 12, 2019, 08:56:17 AM
Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair

Songs:
-Shout
-The Working Hour
-Everybody Wants to Rule the World
-Mothers Talk
-I Believe
-Broken
-Head over Heels
-Listen

This is one of those albums where I can put it on and, no matter what is going on, I am totally transported back in time to the '80s.  I mean, that isn't uncommon when listening to music from a certain era.  But there is something just...different about these songs in that regard.  I don't think it's possible for anyone who grew up in that era to hear a song from this album and not instantly smile. 

And I don't know what it is about this band.  I don't actually know a whole lot about them.  But it's very unusual how, for that initial 3-album run before they split, Smith and Orzabal could just come together every few years and just crank out some of the most memorable songs ever. 

Not sure what else to say.  I don't listen to this album very often.  But when I do, I just love every moment of it.  One of the best albums ever made in any genre, if you ask me.
yes, a great album. I love The Seeds Of Love too (even more than Big Chair, great songs and great players all around)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: New World Rushman on August 12, 2019, 09:10:54 AM
Prince-
Watch the last three minutes of https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y (https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y).

Without looking... the guitar jam at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony - for George Harrison and Prince, among others - in 2004 (where's the guitar?!?!).

EDIT:  Nailed it.   If you're interested:  https://www.guitarplayer.com/players/tom-petty-and-others-tell-the-story-behind-princes-while-my-guitar-gently-weeps-solo

I just fount this:
Quote
Per explicit instructions from Prince, Takumi (his guitar tech) stood in the front row and caught the guitar...and then promptly handed it to Oprah Winfrey. Prince was known to toss many a guitar over the years, but this one deserves its own place in the R&R Hall of Fame. And I'll bet Takumi never dropped a guitar even once in all those years.

After he tosses the guitar and just before he exits the stage with his Princely confidence, you can see him cast a quick glance in the direction of his faithful and beloved guitar tech.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 12, 2019, 09:15:02 AM
That's so cool and such a "Prince" thing to do (except for the Oprah Winfrey part; that seems a tad random to me, but oh well!)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 12, 2019, 09:30:07 AM
It’s actually a cool Oprah thing to do, except for the Prince part.  ;D
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 12, 2019, 10:09:20 AM
I loved Shout, and Everybody Wants to Rule the World (the latter in no small part due to Real Genius) but never got much deeper in to Tears for Fears. They had cool videos, as I recall, which was often enough for me at the time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 12, 2019, 10:23:12 AM
Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair

Fantastic album from excellent song writers and great musicians! I spin this album several times per year and it never gets old.

Their concerts were epic as well. They used a lot of these tunes for jumping off points into extended jams, which I just loved. I remember seeing quite a few of the more pop oriented fans wondering what the hell was going on when Everybody Wants to Rule the World would turn into a 20 minute song.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 12, 2019, 11:39:29 AM
It’s actually a cool Oprah thing to do, except for the Prince part.  ;D

I understand there was a guitar under everyone's chair after the show!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 12, 2019, 11:45:21 AM
I remember being so upset that the greatest hits for TFF did not have the second part to  Head Over Heals called Broken.  When they came out with a remaster I bought it right away.  I owned all they albums but at the time only owned their Greatest Hits on CD.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 12, 2019, 11:49:44 AM
Is it or isn't it a concept record?  I know the meaning of "big chair" (Hint: "Sybil") but I've also read that the songs are a cycle about and related to scream therapy. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 12, 2019, 11:52:07 AM
Love me some Tears for Fears!

The three hits here are all great, and Mothers Talk and The Working Hour are favorites as well.  And of course, Listen is just an amazing tune. Crank that one up when driving at night and thank me later. :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 12, 2019, 12:11:04 PM
Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair

Songs:
-Shout
-The Working Hour
-Everybody Wants to Rule the World
-Mothers Talk
-I Believe
-Broken
-Head over Heels
-Listen


This is yet another album with songs that broke in the heyday of MTV and which I hated primarily because they weren't metal.  In retrospect, the three songs I know (Shout, Rule the World and Head over Heels) range from pretty good to great.


Prince-
Watch the last three minutes of https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y (https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y).

Seen it before.  Huge meh.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 12, 2019, 05:55:43 PM
It’s actually a cool Oprah thing to do, except for the Prince part.  ;D

I understand there was a guitar under everyone's chair after the show!

Since it was filmed on the first of the month, everyone was sitting on a string anyway..
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 12, 2019, 08:29:34 PM



Prince-
Watch the last three minutes of https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y (https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y).

Seen it before.  Huge meh.

My 72-year old dad is not much of a fan of Prince, but even he thinks that solo is pretty great. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: ProfessorPeart on August 12, 2019, 09:29:47 PM
Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair

Songs:
-Shout
-The Working Hour
-Everybody Wants to Rule the World
-Mothers Talk
-I Believe
-Broken
-Head over Heels
-Listen

This is one of those albums where I can put it on and, no matter what is going on, I am totally transported back in time to the '80s.  I mean, that isn't uncommon when listening to music from a certain era.  But there is something just...different about these songs in that regard.  I don't think it's possible for anyone who grew up in that era to hear a song from this album and not instantly smile. 

And I don't know what it is about this band.  I don't actually know a whole lot about them.  But it's very unusual how, for that initial 3-album run before they split, Smith and Orzabal could just come together every few years and just crank out some of the most memorable songs ever. 

Not sure what else to say.  I don't listen to this album very often.  But when I do, I just love every moment of it.  One of the best albums ever made in any genre, if you ask me.

The little resurgence that Weezer brought to them this year made me realize I needed to buy this disc. Finally picked it up off eBay maybe 2 months ago. Not sure why I never bought it as I really loved every single from this album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 13, 2019, 01:27:32 AM
Back to Prince: I've seen a lot of live footage where he plays some really cool guitar parts, then I listen to his studio records and ask myself, where's that cool guitar playing?



Tears For Fears: I never owned that record (I only own their greatest hits collection and Sowing The Seeds Of Love) but I know almost all of the songs from that one because it was played everywhere back then. Great band with great songs. This is pop music done extremely well and even though Shout is played to death I still can enjoy that tune everytime I hear it.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 13, 2019, 08:12:36 AM
Back to Prince: I've seen a lot of live footage where he plays some really cool guitar parts, then I listen to his studio records and ask myself, where's that cool guitar playing?


It's there at times, but he was never a guy who was going to shoehorn a guitar solo into a song just as an excuse for him to show off.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 13, 2019, 10:05:52 AM
Depeche Mode - Music for the Masses

Songs:
-Never Let Me Down Again
-The Things You Said
-Strangelove
-Sacred
-Little 15
-Behind the Wheel
-I Want You Now
-To Have and to Hold
-Nothing
-Pimpf

After Duran Duran, Depeche Mode was probably the second most popular band name you would find on any girl's book cover/folder in high school back in the '80s.  Sad to say that, given my tastes at the time, I probably would not have given these guys the time of day had I not had good friend Dave, who was heavily into new wave, love them so much.  He got me into them before this album dropped, so I was already into some of the older stuff.

This album saw them go for a broader commercial appeal.  And it worked.  Maybe this was yet another band on the sellout train.  But if the songs are solid--and these are--who cares?

I gave this album a lot of spins back in the day.  Outside the hits, I don't remember a lot of the songs anymore.  But Behind the Wheel probably remains my favorite. 

Although the band fully embraced more of a rock/alternative bent later on, they still relied heavily on synths and their new wave roots for this one.  Along those lines, my gf at the time took me to see them for my 18th birthday at the biggest of our local sheds back then.  We had lawn tickets (we were poor HS students, after all), and I have to say that, while I enjoyed the music, it remains one of the most boring shows I have ever attended.  As I recall, even the drums were synth/programmed at this stage in the band's history, so Martin (the singer) was the ONLY one of them who wasn't tied to one location for the entire show.  So you had three guys playing motionlessly, and Martin running around the stage trying to make up for it on mostly dark, brooding synth music where running around didn't really fit.  Still, the music was incredibly solid, as portrayed on the 1989 live release titled "101."  Speaking of which, I need to track down another copy of that album.  For anyone who likes this era of the band, it nicely captured a great mix of solid performances of songs from this album, as well as some classic older tunes like Blasphemous Rumours, Black Celebration, and A Question of Lust.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 13, 2019, 10:18:47 AM
What, Depeche Mode doesn't rock hard enough for you?  Okay, fine...

Let's stay in 1987.

Whitesnake - s/t (1987)

Songs:
-Crying in the Rain '87
-Bad Boys
-Still of the Night
-Here I Go Again '87
-Give Me All Your Love
-Is This Love
-Children of the Night
-Straight for the Heart
-Don't Turn Away

I was not on the Whitesnake train from the beginning.  But I hopped onboard at the Slide It In station after seeing them, along with Kick Axe, open for Quiet Riot on the Condition Critical tour.  I already knew they were masters of blues-based rock.  I already knew John Sykes was a guitar wizard.  I already knew...well, I already knew a lot.

This album dropped, and I was ready an' willing.  :biggrin:  Side 1 is as incredible a half an album as you could ask for.  I still crave the first four songs.  The updated Crying in the Rain is as epic an album opener as you can ask for in this genre.  Bad Boys fully rocks and keeps up the momentum to carry you to the big epic, which may just be Whitesnake's greatest song of all time:  Still of the Night.  Every second of this songs is amazing, from Sykes' classic, nasty riff, to Coverdale's sultry vocals (man, I just used "sultry" to describe a dude, and I'm not even feeling awkward), to that Zep-inspired (I don't care WHAT Coverdale says) violin bow solo, to THAT scream.  10/10 song that encapsulates the '80s to a tee.  Then the radio-friendly, but still incredibly well composed Here I Go Again to round it the first half.  Anything else is just gravy.  And while "side 2" isn't as strong as the first half, there is plenty to keep the listener interested.  (bosk1 fun fact:  Is This Love? was my second song that I used for a solo in my pop choir class senior year) 

I have to admit, I was confused when they started dropping videos, and John Sykes was nowhere to be found.  But what a lineup they compiled to tour this album!  I was fortunate enough to see them at a festival show with Jetboy, Poison, and Motley Crue, and Whitesnake definitely stole the show.  The solo tradeoff on Still of the Night between Adrian Vandenberg and Vivian Campbell was jaw dropping.  But the entire show was fantastic.  I get that Crue was the biggest thing around at the time.  But if Whitesnake and been the headliner, I don't think anyone in the crowd would have batted an eye.

By the way, going back to Sykes again, if you've never heard him live, check out his Screaming Blue Murder live album (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE0C9lWIiTs).  Dude can play AND sing!  Other than botching a lyric in Still of the Night, this is a fantastic performance.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 13, 2019, 10:22:55 AM
Why is the '87 included on those track titles? Was everyone so high in the 80s they forgot what year they were in?  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 13, 2019, 10:26:35 AM
What, Depeche Mode doesn't rock hard enough for you?  Okay, fine...

Let's stay in 1987.

Whitesnake - s/t (1987)


Regarding Depeche Mode.  All I can say is that, in high school, my friends and I typically referred to them as "Douche Mode."  Of course, I vaguely know only one of their songs (People Are People), so....

Whitesnake is an album that I have fond memories of because my first "real" girlfriend absolutely loved it.  She lived with her mother in a small apartment, and we didn't really "go out" much.  Instead, we go out to the apartment complex's parking lot and sit in the back of my pickup truck (which was covered and carpeted!) and listen to music.  When this album came on, I knew it was fun time.

Musically, it's been a while since I've heard most of the songs.  Still of the Night was an absolute beast.  Probably the second best song released in 87.  Everything else was solid.

What's the deal with the "'87" after Crying in the Rain and Here I Go Again?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 13, 2019, 10:33:08 AM
Still of the Night...Probably the second best song released in 87.

Which is the best?

What's the deal with the "'87" after Crying in the Rain and Here I Go Again?

Those were songs written and released much earlier on earlier albums, but Coverdale re-did/updated them for this release since the band were just starting to take off in the U.S.  Keep in mind that they formed in '78 and had been going strong in the U.K./Europe for quite awhile over there, but were still underground in the U.S. until they started to break in maybe around '85. 

Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on August 13, 2019, 10:40:47 AM
Love me some Whitesnake.  But I don't own any of their albums (besides a greatest hits I had as a kid).  I know about half the album, and I'd imagine based on what I read from Bosk, the ones I don't know are probably pretty good songs too.  This band always seemed to have a good guitarist involved even if it was never the same one.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 13, 2019, 10:46:48 AM
Bosk is right as rain, but for those wanting more detail, both songs were originally released on "Saints 'n' Sinners" back in... '82 I think it was (it was the album right before Slide It In, and the last with Bernie Marsden and Ian Paice). 

I prefer Slide It In to '87, but '87 is a kick ass record, nonetheless. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 13, 2019, 10:49:29 AM
Still of the Night...Probably the second best song released in 87.

Which is the best?

Halloween by Helloween.


What's the deal with the "'87" after Crying in the Rain and Here I Go Again?

Those were songs written and released much earlier on earlier albums, but Coverdale re-did/updated them for this release since the band were just starting to take off in the U.S.  Keep in mind that they formed in '78 and had been going strong in the U.K./Europe for quite awhile over there, but were still underground in the U.S. until they started to break in maybe around '85.

Huh...I didn't know that, and I have ZERO recollection of the "87" appearing in the song titles.  The following from the Wikipedia article for Here I Go Again made me chuckle:  "The chorus of the original version features the lines:  'And here I go again on my own; Goin' down the only road I've ever known; Like a hobo I was born to walk alone.'  In an interview, Coverdale explained that 'hobo' was changed to 'drifter' in the re-recorded version to ensure that it would not be misheard as 'homo.'"

I had Slide It In before the s/t album came out, and I knew Whitesnake had several earlier albums, but I didn't know any of the material before Slide It In (another great album, by the way).  I recall seeing an ad in some magazine (maybe Circus) that read something like this:  "In Europe, bands like Dio and Iron Maiden open for Whitesnake.  Check them out!"  I always thought it was a rather amusing marketing ploy.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 13, 2019, 12:24:40 PM
I saw the 87 tour with Dokken opening.  Great show.  Had a major crush on a girl I took.  Added to the night.  Hell of a night.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 13, 2019, 12:32:31 PM
Don't recognize any of those Depeche Mode songs but that wasn't really my thing.

Liked Whitesnake's MTV hits never bought anything of theirs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 13, 2019, 01:10:25 PM
The thing about Whitesnake is that they're not Queen, they're more like AC/DC.  If you like Cryin' In The Rain, or "Still Of The Night", you're probably going to like the rest of the album.  The pre-American "Slide It In" (there is a UK version and a US version; the US version is the more "popular" one) era is all more bluesier, more Deep Purple-ish (and even had Jon Lord and Ian Paice for a while), while the post-American "Slide It In" era (to the present) is more what you think of when you think "Whitesnake", that is, Tawny Kitaen on the hood of a Mercedes.   

I happen to like both eras, because I like Coverdale's voice, but I find myself going back to the earlier stuff more frequently.  By the way, if anyone likes Whitesnake, find the "Starkers In Tokyo" CD; it's Adrian Vandenberg on acoustic guitar and David singing and his voice is just velvet, gold, silk, and macaroni and cheese all wrapped up in one.  That version of "Don't Fade Away" is one of my top five Whitesnake songs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 13, 2019, 01:14:38 PM
And their highest charting song all the way to #21 on the Billboard charts.  B side to the single was Vital Signs live. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 13, 2019, 01:37:55 PM
find the "Starkers In Tokyo" CD; it's Adrian Vandenberg on acoustic guitar and David singing and his voice is just velvet, gold, silk, and macaroni and cheese all wrapped up in one.  That version of "Don't Fade Away" is one of my top five Whitesnake songs.

Found on Spotify (disc 2 on an album titled Unzipped - Super Deluxe Edition).

God bless you, good citizen.

'87 is a gem of an album.  Not a bad song on the tracklist.  All 5* in my opinion.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 13, 2019, 02:06:02 PM
'87 is a gem of an album.  Not a bad song on the tracklist.  All 5* in my opinion.

I would give everything on side 1 5*.  Side 2 would be more along the lines of 4* songs with 5* riffs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 13, 2019, 02:41:26 PM
I had that Whitesnake album on cassette, but I've never owned it on CD or gone back to re-visit any of the non-hits.  The three big hits - Still of the Night, Here I Go Again and Is This Love? - are all still great.

I am unfamiliar with that record by Depeche Mode.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 13, 2019, 03:33:40 PM
Music for the Masses is okay but is still too much on the electro-pop side of DP for my tastes. I'm a big fan of the dark, sometimes evil, side of Depeche Mode and not very many of these songs have that aesthetic. To Have and to Hold is about the only song that clearly has it but it's too short to make the album worthwhile for me. That said, I do like Little 15, Strangelove, and Nothing. Their next album onward is where it's at for me.

As for Whitesnake, I'm a big fan of Still of the Night. The rest of the album is enjoyable for an occasional Spotify listen. It certainly made a big splash when it came out, so it is appropriately classic.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: max_security on August 13, 2019, 04:28:52 PM
I never really dug Whitesnake too much but I did get to see John Sykes with Blue Murder back then and that was one of the best bands I have ever seen play.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 13, 2019, 09:42:25 PM
To me, Whitesnake '87 is way overrated. Side 2 of it is quite forgettable. Still of the night is an amazing song, and I like the remade versions of Crying In The Rain and Here I Go Again, both on the earlier Saints And Sinners album.

John Sykes rules this version of Crying.

Also, Ainsley Dunbar is as solid as ever on this album.

Saw Whitesnake open for Motley Crue on this tour, but skipped the headlining tour. And honestly, IMO Whitesnake has been a revolving door shit show ever since.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 14, 2019, 12:48:17 AM
Depeche Mode: They were really popular in Germany, so I know all of their hits because they were played on the radio all the time. I liked almost all of them, but never got beyind that.

Whitesnake: I am a big fan of the earlier bluesier Whitesnake, Ready an' Willing is my favorite. That said, 1987 is a great record although I agree with TAC that it's overrated. Still Of The Night is top notch, the rest ranges from great to passable. The new version of Here I Go Again is better than the original but the reworked Crying In The Rain has that absolutely silly shred solo section (look how fast I can shred, look how hard I can pound the drums - yeah I see, but can you do it interesting and musically?) that kinda ruins it for me.

And as often as I say that I don't care about lyrics, Coverdale has the most silly and bad lyrics of them all.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2019, 07:05:05 AM


And as often as I say that I don't care about lyrics, Coverdale has the most silly and bad lyrics of them all.

His lyrics are a walking #MeToo moment. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on August 14, 2019, 07:07:38 AM


And as often as I say that I don't care about lyrics, Coverdale has the most silly and bad lyrics of them all.

His lyrics are a walking #MeToo moment.

So is his twitter  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 14, 2019, 07:41:32 AM


And as often as I say that I don't care about lyrics, Coverdale has the most silly and bad lyrics of them all.

His lyrics are a walking #MeToo moment.

I'm convinced he writes his lyrics with his dick.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 14, 2019, 08:11:00 AM
I'm not sure why it took you so long to figure that out.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 14, 2019, 08:28:28 AM
I'm not sure why it took you so long to figure that out.  :lol

When I first heard of Whitesnake I was young and naive. Now I'm not so young anymore.  :D
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 14, 2019, 09:22:41 AM
 :lol

Well, when we were younger we did think with it.  LOL
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 14, 2019, 09:26:42 AM
:lol

Well, when we were younger we did think with it.  LOL
True.  I can honestly say that when I was young, I thought with David Coverdale's penis on many occasions.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 09:30:55 AM
Yeah, but I thought Coverdale's lyrics blew back then. I thought it held them back, honestly.


I remember buying Slide It In (when it came out) and I was like WTF??
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 14, 2019, 09:32:58 AM
You think EVERYTHING blows.  Honestly, I don't even know why you bother to comment and wish you'd keep your thoughts to yourself.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 14, 2019, 09:33:21 AM
Yeah, but I thought Coverdale's lyrics blew back then. I thought it held them back, honestly.


I remember buying Slide It In (when it came out) and I was like WTF??

You bought an album called Slide It In and you were shocked by the lyrics that came with it?  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 09:38:17 AM
You think EVERYTHING blows.  Honestly, I don't even know why you bother to comment and wish you'd keep your thoughts to yourself.

WOW!

That's not true at all.  Seriously. There's plenty of Whitesnake I like. I was actually a big fan until this album, which I do like a lot. I just think this album rides a huge halo effect of a couple of songs.

I thought the Vai thing was weak though and could never really follow them after that. Just seemed like Coverdale And Random Dudes from that point on.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 14, 2019, 09:53:25 AM
I'm not sure why it took you so long to figure that out.  :lol

So...Slide It In and Slow and Easy aren't about auto repair?  And Spit It Out isn't about a bad experience at a fine restaurant?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 10:10:42 AM
You think EVERYTHING blows.  Honestly, I don't even know why you bother to comment and wish you'd keep your thoughts to yourself.


We're about to head out for the day, so I don't have time to quote, but I did just go through this thread, and suffice to say...

I've only said one thing blows in this entire thread...Keel. And I stand by that. ;D
I called Don't Know What You've Got puke worthy...
I said I didn't care for The Thing That Should Not Be and I never cared for Khutulu either
I gently ribbed you on Corey Hart...But c'mon..Corey Hart? :lol
I questioned Prince's genius...but basically accepted his influence.


I have been complimentary on bands not in my wheelhouse like U2 and Duran Duran, and I think most of my comments in this thread have been pretty positive on the whole.




However, I have just noticed that this thread is an "appreciation" thread and not a "discussion" thread, so I will keep that in mind moving forward.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 14, 2019, 10:12:40 AM
Someone please sit TAC down and have him catch up on the past 30 years of entertainment Austin Powers style so he can find something that doesn't blow. ;)  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 14, 2019, 10:29:28 AM
I've only said one thing blows in this entire thread...Keel. And I stand by that. ;D

Yeah, well...okay, I'll totally give you that one.  And I'll double down on it.  :biggrin:

I gently ribbed you on Corey Hart...But c'mon..Corey Hart?

Corey Hart is awesome.  But given that this is a metal forum, I'll give you that one too. 

I called Don't Know What You've Got puke worthy...

Well, I wouldn't say this if I didn't consider you a friend.  And I mean this with all due love and respect.  But you are an idiot.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 10:34:02 AM


Well, I wouldn't say this if I didn't consider you a friend.  And I mean this with all due love and respect.  But you are an idiot.

Aw...and that's all that matters! :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 14, 2019, 10:35:55 AM
I'll *partially* side with Bosk on this... It seems more things 'blow' (or worse) for Tim is deemed as good (or better) - across all threads.  The only difference between him and most of us is he'll never miss an opportunity to tell everyone.   :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 10:38:10 AM
Too late.

We've already kissed and made up.


Pot stirrer.. :\


Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2019, 10:43:00 AM
Yeah, but I thought Coverdale's lyrics blew back then. I thought it held them back, honestly.


I remember buying Slide It In (when it came out) and I was like WTF??

Whether TAC is an idiot or not is up for discussion (I kid!! I kid!!) but this is not.  I thought this then too.   You could sort of explain away Number Of The Beast ("it's a dream!") or Suicide Solution ("it's a metaphor!") and for the most part, Diamond Dave and AC/DC had an element of humor, but there was no grey area about songs like "Spit It Out" (some of Scorpions lyrics - particularly those by Herman Rarebell - were the same way, though again, you could sort of explain it away as "something was lost in translation"). 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on August 14, 2019, 10:45:33 AM
Love 1987 but I was a huge Whitesnake fan anyway when that came along. I’d probably take Slide It In and Saints & Sinners over it but it’s a great album. Unfortunately, David’s voice had had its troubles by that time.

And Keel were a decent band, and their 1987 album is excellent, even if I’m the only one who thinks so 😀
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 14, 2019, 11:23:39 AM
TAC Rating Scale.

BLOWS- 10%
BLOWs - 20%
BLOws - 30%
BLows - 40%
Blows -  50%
Blows -  60%
blows -   70%
meh   -   80%
FUCKING BLOWS!! - 90% (Tip of the hat to 90's music)
Fantactic - 100% (Made of metal)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2019, 11:38:29 AM
That's classic.  :)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 12:27:04 PM
 :rollin

That scale blows! :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 14, 2019, 12:48:39 PM
Motley Crue - Shout At the Devil

Songs:
-In the Beginning
-Shout at the Devil
-Looks That Kill
-Bastard
-God Bless the Children of the Beast
-Helter Skelter
-Red Hot
-Too Young to Fall in Love
-Knock 'Em Dead, Kid
-Ten Seconds to Love
-Danger

Never cared for this album myself.  But it was definitely a landmark.  Crue were the new "bad boys" of rock, and I don't think anyone else really contended--at least, nobody else who was nearly as huge a commercial success--until GnR came along. 

Notwithstanding that I didn't really like the album or the band as a whole, it did have some cool moments.  Mick's guitar tone was incredible.  And it really shone on the riffs in Looks That Kill and Too Young.  The solo in Too Young is also pretty killer.  I also liked the Beatles cover.  But overall, these guys weren't my thing.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 14, 2019, 12:54:29 PM
I remember the buzz over the first Crew album.  We all bought it and while it was good, it had that "garage" recording feel to it.  Shout At The devil was polished.  Loud and dark which as a teen was right up my alley.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 14, 2019, 12:59:20 PM
I knew Crue's MTV hits, and liked them. The only album of theirs I ever owned was Dr. Feelgood which I liked a lot.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 14, 2019, 01:25:59 PM
Motley Crue - Shout At the Devil


This album was huge, but I fairly quickly outgrew it.  When I dumped my vinyl records in 97/98, this was one that I didn't replace with a CD (although my wife subsequently bought the CD).  I still think the "hits" (Shout, Looks and Too Young) to be pretty good songs, but I jumped ship on the Crue after Theatre of Pain (although I went to see Crue with Whitesnake on the GGG tour).  Nowadays, this album simply brings back memories of my early days getting into metal.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 14, 2019, 01:30:20 PM
I've always enjoyed Too Young to Fall in Love. That's about the best I can do without going into full on TACmode. I blame Vince Neil...Danger being the prime example.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 14, 2019, 01:36:40 PM
Oh man, finally some Crüe!

Shout is a weak song but it's better than most of what's on this record. Looks That Kill is an absolute banger, and the Helter Skelter cover kicks ass. Too Young To Fall In Love was one of the songs that made me fall in love with rock as a kid, I remember the first time I heard it actually was in Grand Theft Auto Vice City. Would only listen to the hilarious talk radio station and VROCK, which had amazing songs like Bark at the Moon and of course TYTFIL. I played that song more than anything else. Always wanted to play drums just to play along to that one.

The rest of the record, can't do it. Crüe for me can be summed up with their '98 Greatest Hits collection, to me it's basically all the good songs they ever made put on one disc. Ten Seconds To Love is painful to sit through and unfortunately it plays on the radio at work a lot.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2019, 02:13:31 PM
I liked "Shout At The Devil" more than most Crue, and I still think Dr. Feelgood is a very strong record, but Crue were always second or third tier for me.   I've written about this before but I was East Coast, so for me, it was "Twisted Sister", not Crue.  I think there were a lot of similarities at that time between the two bands, from the debut (two versions, one raw, one more polished) to the breakout album (Twisted's third, Stay Hungry and Crue's fifth, Dr. Feelgood), with a really strong record in between (Twisted's second, You Can't Stop Rock and Roll) and Crue's second Shout At The Devil and fourth, Girls Girls Girls).   
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 14, 2019, 03:26:29 PM
I liked "Shout At The Devil" more than most Crue, and I still think Dr. Feelgood is a very strong record, but Crue were always second or third tier for me.   I've written about this before but I was East Coast, so for me, it was "Twisted Sister", not Crue.  I think there were a lot of similarities at that time between the two bands, from the debut (two versions, one raw, one more polished) to the breakout album (Twisted's third, Stay Hungry and Crue's fifth, Dr. Feelgood), with a really strong record in between (Twisted's second, You Can't Stop Rock and Roll) and Crue's second Shout At The Devil and fourth, Girls Girls Girls).

How was Shout not Crue's breakout album?  It was certified platinum less than six months after it was released and was certified double platinum after only 16 months (eventually earning 3x platinum and 4x platinum certifications in 1989 and 1997, but I assume both of those were assisted by folks buying the album a second time on CD).  Dr. Feelgood was Crue's best selling album, but the band had "broken out" long before its release.  Feelgood was the last of five consecutive platinum albums, and all of the prior albums were at least 1x platinum (and 3 of the 4 were at least 2x platinum) before Feelgood was released.  I'd say Feelgood was more of a last hurrah than a breakout album.


Ten Seconds To Love is painful to sit through and unfortunately it plays on the radio at work a lot.  :lol

Where the heck do you work that that song gets played on the radio "a lot"?   :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 14, 2019, 03:43:59 PM
Ten Seconds To Love is painful to sit through and unfortunately it plays on the radio at work a lot.  :lol

Where the heck do you work that that song gets played on the radio "a lot"?   :lol

I think my brother loads up some stations on Pandora radio. I don't know why that song gets played so much.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 14, 2019, 06:32:22 PM
I liked "Shout At The Devil" more than most Crue, and I still think Dr. Feelgood is a very strong record, but Crue were always second or third tier for me.   I've written about this before but I was East Coast, so for me, it was "Twisted Sister", not Crue.  I think there were a lot of similarities at that time between the two bands, from the debut (two versions, one raw, one more polished) to the breakout album (Twisted's third, Stay Hungry and Crue's fifth, Dr. Feelgood), with a really strong record in between (Twisted's second, You Can't Stop Rock and Roll) and Crue's second Shout At The Devil and fourth, Girls Girls Girls).

How was Shout not Crue's breakout album?  It was certified platinum less than six months after it was released and was certified double platinum after only 16 months (eventually earning 3x platinum and 4x platinum certifications in 1989 and 1997, but I assume both of those were assisted by folks buying the album a second time on CD).  Dr. Feelgood was Crue's best selling album, but the band had "broken out" long before its release.  Feelgood was the last of five consecutive platinum albums, and all of the prior albums were at least 1x platinum (and 3 of the 4 were at least 2x platinum) before Feelgood was released.  I'd say Feelgood was more of a last hurrah than a breakout album.

By the way, the trajectory for Shout was similar to that for Stay Hungry, which was released in May 1984, certified platinum in October 1984 and certified 2x platinum in March 1985 (and certified 3x platinum in November 1995).  It moved a little more quickly than Shout because other bands (e.g., Def Leppard and Crue) had already laid some groundwork for TS's success.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 14, 2019, 06:45:04 PM
I think I had Dr. Feelgood on cassette, but Motley Crue was otherwise a band for which I never bought full albums. And none of their songs have aged well enough for me to remain mainstays on my 80's playlists, although I sure did love the video for Girls, Girls, Girls at the age of 14. :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 14, 2019, 07:33:19 PM
...although I sure did love the video for Girls, Girls, Girls at the age of 14. :biggrin:

No doubt that was one of my favorites at the time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2019, 08:51:39 PM
I liked "Shout At The Devil" more than most Crue, and I still think Dr. Feelgood is a very strong record, but Crue were always second or third tier for me.   I've written about this before but I was East Coast, so for me, it was "Twisted Sister", not Crue.  I think there were a lot of similarities at that time between the two bands, from the debut (two versions, one raw, one more polished) to the breakout album (Twisted's third, Stay Hungry and Crue's fifth, Dr. Feelgood), with a really strong record in between (Twisted's second, You Can't Stop Rock and Roll) and Crue's second Shout At The Devil and fourth, Girls Girls Girls).

How was Shout not Crue's breakout album?  It was certified platinum less than six months after it was released and was certified double platinum after only 16 months (eventually earning 3x platinum and 4x platinum certifications in 1989 and 1997, but I assume both of those were assisted by folks buying the album a second time on CD).  Dr. Feelgood was Crue's best selling album, but the band had "broken out" long before its release.  Feelgood was the last of five consecutive platinum albums, and all of the prior albums were at least 1x platinum (and 3 of the 4 were at least 2x platinum) before Feelgood was released.  I'd say Feelgood was more of a last hurrah than a breakout album.

I won't argue any of that.   At least around me, "Dr. Feelgood" was more ubiquitous (in the same way that Stay Hungry was, with the two hit singles that otherwise didn't do the album justice).  The second, third and fourth singles were not "Shout At The Devil" heavy, if you get my drift (though they weren't exactly Home Sweet Home, either), but I'm not married to the details as much as I was the general premise.   Crue was, to me, a second-tier LA band, with all that entails (including a singer that wanted to be Dave Roth) and Twisted was a second-tier NY band, with all THAT entails (including a singer that wanted to be Gene Simmons). 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2019, 09:22:36 PM
I got into Motley Crue with their first album. I loved it, and Shout At The Devil was great. Still is, honestly. Ten Seconds To Love (I know..lyrics..right?) is awesome as is Bastard.

Ten Seconds To Love is painful to sit through and unfortunately it plays on the radio at work a lot.  :lol
Oops. :lol


I still think Dr. Feelgood is a very strong record,

After a very disappointing Theater Of Pain, and meh GGG, I thought Dr. Feelgood showed a great maturity in songwriting and playing.



I liked "Shout At The Devil" more than most Crue, and I still think Dr. Feelgood is a very strong record, but Crue were always second or third tier for me.   I've written about this before but I was East Coast, so for me, it was "Twisted Sister", not Crue.  I think there were a lot of similarities at that time between the two bands, from the debut (two versions, one raw, one more polished) to the breakout album (Twisted's third, Stay Hungry and Crue's fifth, Dr. Feelgood), with a really strong record in between (Twisted's second, You Can't Stop Rock and Roll) and Crue's second Shout At The Devil and fourth, Girls Girls Girls).   

I never made an East Coast West Coast (great Joe Perry song BTW...) connection. Never really compared the two bands. Dr. Feelgood was really the end of their Classic Era. They had already been touring arenas for two album cycles before Dr. Feelgood.


Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 15, 2019, 12:21:44 AM
Mötley Crüe's self-titled is the only record of them I can listen to without wanting to skip some of the tracks. Dr. Feelgood has potential, the rest hasn't really grabbed me other than a song here or there.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 15, 2019, 06:24:32 AM
I didn't get 'in' to Crue until Dr. Feelgood, then went in reverse order on their discography.  Shout is raw, heavy, unpolished... and very nice to listen to.  I'll take the debut over it any day, but Theatre of Pain and GGG fall into the TAC "it blows" bucket for me.  Couple of gems on both, but very weak overall.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: v_clortho on August 15, 2019, 07:56:37 AM
Love 1987 but I was a huge Whitesnake fan anyway when that came along. I’d probably take Slide It In and Saints & Sinners over it but it’s a great album. Unfortunately, David’s voice had had its troubles by that time.

And Keel were a decent band, and their 1987 album is excellent, even if I’m the only one who thinks so 😀

You're not the only one. Keel were a good band. Final Frontier and the self-titled were great records.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 15, 2019, 08:25:14 AM
Stadler, I think some of your TS/Crue comparison is you viewing them from a NE lense.  TS were big and popular in their region.  Outside of the Northeast, they were successful, but not huge.  Outside of that area, they weren't going to sell out an arena as a headliner in too many places like they would back home.  Crue were definitely huge in L.A.  But they could still sell out arenas pretty much everywhere.  So I think I see some East Coast bias in that comparison.  And I'm not trying to call that out as being inappropriate or anything.  I'm just saying that I think the comparison is off, but I think I see and understand why.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on August 15, 2019, 08:31:51 AM
No interest in commenting about some of the prior albums...but Shout at the Devil?   :metal

This is my favorite Crue album.  I got into them in the mid-late 90's and saw them for the first time in 1999.  Talk about the bad boys...there was so much excitement going into the tour and show because Tommy had just gotten out of jail (for abusing Pamela Anderson) and was touring with the band again.  Vince was back.  They came to my college town and played the basketball arena.  I got 3rd row seats, but just walked up to the front and took a spot on the rail like I owned the place.   :lol  Front row, first time seeing Motley Crue, high-fives from Vince and Tommy.  Nikki's bass pick.  They were on fire and played an awesome set. 

I had the greatest hits record and when they re-released the catalog, I got the first two albums right away.  Shout at the Devil is the band firing on all cylinders.  It's heavy, it has great songs and their image perfectly fit the music.  And the deeper cuts kick so much ass - Bastard, Red Hot, Knock Em Dead Kid - they're tust as great as the hit songs.  The only tune I don't like is Helter Skelter, but whatever.  It's an awesome album!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 15, 2019, 08:46:33 AM
Stadler, I think some of your TS/Crue comparison is you viewing them from a NE lense.  TS were big and popular in their region.  Outside of the Northeast, they were successful, but not huge.  Outside of that area, they weren't going to sell out an arena as a headliner in too many places like they would back home.  Crue were definitely huge in L.A.  But they could still sell out arenas pretty much everywhere.  So I think I see some East Coast bias in that comparison.  And I'm not trying to call that out as being inappropriate or anything.  I'm just saying that I think the comparison is off, but I think I see and understand why.

Exactly; but that's the whole point.  I grew up an hour or so (little more) from NYC, got the New York radio stations, and by the time I was getting into metal, I was too young to go to the clubs,  but the legend of Twisted Sister in the Tri-state area was already huge.  So I'm copping to the NE bias; in hindsight, with research, Crue WERE the bigger band (and obviously have sustained their career in a way that Twisted has not) but first impressions die hard, and that was mine.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2019, 09:11:00 AM
I think with Twisted Sister, it was more of a NY bias than a NE bias.

You Can't Stop Rock And Roll, IMO, is the best album by either band, with Shout At The Devil right behind it.


I think to the country as a whole, Twisted Siste'rs image on the Stay Hungry hits were too image inducing rather than focusing on the music. In reality, they were probably more "street" than Motley Crue was, but they had their face painted like clowns. They were a great band
'
Unfortunately, they could never just catch the hair metal wave of the late 80's. A wave that was tailor made for Motley Crue.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 15, 2019, 12:45:45 PM
Exposé - Exposure

Songs:
-Come Go with Me
-Let Me Be the One
-Exposed to Love
-Seasons Change
-Extra Extra
-Point of No Return
-Love Is Our Destiny
-I Know You Know
-You're the One I Need
-December

Despite this album being pretty far outside of my go-to types of music, I actually enjoyed it a fair amount back in the day.  Listening to a few songs now...it doesn't quite have much staying power.  :lol  But still, it is rare for a debut album to spawn 4 top 10 singles.  The album's Wikipedia page also lists a 5th single that didn't chart as high, but I also remember a sixth, Extra Extra getting a fair amount of radio play at the time. 

I don't expect much love for this album here.  ...or even that much discussion.  But I couldn't leave it out.  It's just too iconic to omit from an '80s thread.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 15, 2019, 01:54:37 PM
Exposé - Exposure


I have no idea who this is and don't recognize any of the songs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 15, 2019, 02:11:22 PM
I know Seasons Change, that's it.   

I did also like I'll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me which was on another album. A great high school "I just got dumped" song.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: ProfessorPeart on August 15, 2019, 02:55:45 PM
I have vague memories of Exposé. I looked at the Wikipedia page for this album and instantly recognized the cover. I probably have heard most of the songs and I definitely remember Seasons Change. The chorus is somehow running through my head now.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on August 15, 2019, 04:07:15 PM
I got into Motley Crue with their first album. I loved it, and Shout At The Devil was great. Still is, honestly. Ten Seconds To Love (I know..lyrics..right?) is awesome as is Bastard.

Ten Seconds To Love is painful to sit through and unfortunately it plays on the radio at work a lot.  :lol
Oops. :lol


I still think Dr. Feelgood is a very strong record,

After a very disappointing Theater Of Pain, and meh GGG, I thought Dr. Feelgood showed a great maturity in songwriting and playing.



I liked "Shout At The Devil" more than most Crue, and I still think Dr. Feelgood is a very strong record, but Crue were always second or third tier for me.   I've written about this before but I was East Coast, so for me, it was "Twisted Sister", not Crue.  I think there were a lot of similarities at that time between the two bands, from the debut (two versions, one raw, one more polished) to the breakout album (Twisted's third, Stay Hungry and Crue's fifth, Dr. Feelgood), with a really strong record in between (Twisted's second, You Can't Stop Rock and Roll) and Crue's second Shout At The Devil and fourth, Girls Girls Girls).   

I never made an East Coast West Coast (great Joe Perry song BTW...) connection. Never really compared the two bands. Dr. Feelgood was really the end of their Classic Era. They had already been touring arenas for two album cycles before Dr. Feelgood.

OMG I’m agreeing with a whole TAC post 😱

SATD was my first Crue album, just before seeing them open the Donington Monsters Of Rock festival in 84. I liked it a lot ..Dr Feelgood is a great album but the rest of their catalogue was hit and miss. I didn’t bother with anything after th3 self titled which I pretty much hated.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 15, 2019, 04:58:08 PM
I looked at the Wikipedia page for this album and instantly recognized the cover.

Wow...I just checked that out and also recognize the album cover (the girl on the right looks like a dude!).  Still don't have the slightest idea about any of the songs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 15, 2019, 05:29:26 PM
if anyone is interested, I have a copy in very good condition (but not mint; some scratches to the case, and slight marks on the disk that do not affect play!) is up for auction on eBay!

(I am not joking, though I am also not selling here; I just thought it was funny.)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2019, 09:39:59 PM
OMG I’m agreeing with a whole TAC post 😱

Don't fight it Paul. Just let it wash over you. :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 15, 2019, 09:51:16 PM
OMG I’m agreeing with a whole TAC post 😱

Don't fight it Paul. Just let it wash over you. :lol

How Tim talks to every man he's with.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2019, 09:53:11 PM
OMG I’m agreeing with a whole TAC post 😱

Don't fight it Paul. Just let it wash over you. :lol

How Tim talks to every man he's with.

You would know.  :zydarscouch:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 16, 2019, 12:18:59 AM
I thought I never heard of Exposé, I went to wikipedia and now I'm convinced I never heard of them.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: jingle.boy on August 16, 2019, 05:03:59 AM
Exposé - Exposure


I have no idea who this is and don't recognize any of the songs.

And

I thought I never heard of Exposé, I went to wikipedia and now I'm convinced I never heard of them.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 16, 2019, 10:22:41 AM
I must admit that I missed the Exposé boat myself.  However, there's a lot of good stuff in this thread.  Most of it I am familiar with and appreciate quite a bit.  Never got into Depeche Mode.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 19, 2019, 12:18:26 PM
Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast

Songs:
-Invaders
-Children of the Damned
-The Prisoner
-22 Acacia Avenue
-The Number of the Beast
-Run to the Hills
-Gangland
-Hallowed Be Thy Name

Yeah, I know that even posting a track list is somewhat controversial.  But that's the one I'm going with.

Hard to come up with something to say about this album that hasn't already been discussed to death.  But I couldn't leave it out either.  As a kid, I was offput by what appeared to be satanic themes.  It was not until a long time later that I would understand what the title song was about.  But notwithstanding Harris and others protesting that anyone who reacted that way simply wasn't paying attention, the band capitalized tremendously on the misperception, and it played a huge part in catapulting them to fame. 

I have to thank DT for covering this album, or else I'm not sure if and when I ever would have given it a chance. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 19, 2019, 12:26:11 PM
I liked Killers and was a fan-light of the band until this record came out and catapulted me into devoted, rabid fandom. Bruce just elevated IM into the league of metal supermen. :2metal: Great, great album!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 19, 2019, 12:36:27 PM
Invaders, The Prisoner, and Gangland are utterly dreadful but each of the other songs is a home run. Children of the Damned in particular, and Hallowed Be Thy Name is Maiden's best song imo. Great album marred by a few crap songs but otherwise holy cow, what a statement this album was after the first two. Can't imagine being lucky enough to have seen them back around this time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 19, 2019, 12:52:05 PM
Bruce Dickinson is the definite metal singer and frontman and here's one testimony of many why that is so. And the rest of the band aren't bad either. Iconic album by an iconic band.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 19, 2019, 12:54:48 PM
And Stadler's standard interjection that ""Total Eclipse" has to be part of the discussion" in 3... 2... 1...

"Total Eclipse" has to be part of the discussion.  The band wanted it on there instead of Gangland, and for me, even though it was a b-side, it's probably my favorite Iron Maiden song ever. 

This was my first concert (literally; they opened for Priest) and can be fairly said to have changed my (musical) life.   By the way, as "tired" as some claim it to be, "Number of the Beast" live on this tour might just be the energy highlight of the show.  The crowd around me took it up a notch during that song.  It was ELECTRIC (and yes, Bruce pulled off the scream for the most part). 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 19, 2019, 01:19:30 PM
Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast

Songs:
-Invaders
-Children of the Damned
-The Prisoner
-22 Acacia Avenue
-The Number of the Beast
-Run to the Hills
-Gangland
-Hallowed Be Thy Name

Yeah, I know that even posting a track list is somewhat controversial.  But that's the one I'm going with.

The track list is controversial?  Come on....


"Total Eclipse" has to be part of the discussion.

Rolling my eyes (without laughing)....


Not much to say that hasn't been said.  The only "weak link" is Children of the Damned, and that's only because everything else is better.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 19, 2019, 09:12:27 PM
The Number Of The Beast is a life changing album for me. It is without a doubt the coolest album ever made.

I love Gangland and Total Eclipse will always be a B side to me (sorry Stads!)

I remember Iron Maiden coming here with Judas Priest. I wasn't allowed to go to concerts yet, but in less than a year, I would finally see Iron Maiden on the PoM tour.



And for discussion purposes.....

Bruce Dickinson has always said they never had any media support. I strongly maintain that without MTV and the video to Run To The Hills, Iron maiden would not be where they are today. Bruce's rants on the subject always bugged me, especially in the 80's.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: ReaperKK on August 20, 2019, 05:26:07 AM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 05:47:33 AM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?
I guess so yes (add Piece Of Mind too if you want)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 07:27:45 AM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?

Bruce's first album, the band's third - perfect starting point. If you like it, go in chronological order. That 4 album run starting with Number is ridiculously good.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 20, 2019, 08:00:29 AM

And for discussion purposes.....

Bruce Dickinson has always said they never had any media support. I strongly maintain that without MTV and the video to Run To The Hills, Iron maiden would not be where they are today. Bruce's rants on the subject always bugged me, especially in the 80's.

That's true; that video - with Bruce with the forearm spikes, then cutting to the old time footage of Indians on horses - was a big part of the draw for me.  And it didn't start there:  they played excerpts from the "Live At The Rainbow" (with Paul Di'Anno) video, too.    "Iron Maiden" and "Wrathschild" were both played in the first 50 videos EVER played on MTV (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_first_music_videos_aired_on_MTV)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 08:03:12 AM
Those rainbow vids were my first exposure to them on MTV. MTV played Wrathchild a LOT.  I used to think that that band looked so f'n cool.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 08:31:02 AM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?

Short answer:  Yes, BUT...

Here's the thing:  It is a landmark album.  But it is a product of its time.  And that may understandably keep it from clicking for you.  It's a good listen.  But it isn't even close to their best.  Way back when DT were first planning on covering an entire Maiden album, their thought process was along the lines of [and I'm paraphrasing what they have said]:  "We felt like Piece of Mind was a stronger album, and we liked it better.  But Number of the Beast is such a classic that we felt that, if we were going to cover an entire Maiden album, we had to go that route instead."

And here's another big piece of the puzzle that I would include when considering modern Maiden:  They are the quintessential LIVE band.  Their live performances are second to none.  Seriously.  There are only a small handful of bands where, if a fan asked me what to listen to to sample the band, I would recommend a live album instead of a studio album.  So if you want to check Maiden out and see if they are for you, I would recommend sitting down and watching either of these:  (1) Rock In Rio, or (2) En Vivo!  You can find both complete shows on YouTube in HD with good sound.  Honestly, either one of them will do.  I was skeptical of En Vivo!, but a former forum member said it was perhaps THE definitive Maiden live show, and after challenging that view, I watched it and agreed with him.  I think it is the stronger of the two.  But most people you ask would probably go with Rock in Rio.  But you can't go wrong either way.  If you check out one or both of those and you still don't really care for Iron Maiden, I think it is very safe to say that they just aren't for you.  But if you are open to what they do, those will totally hook you.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 08:35:21 AM
Bosk loves The Final Frontier. Don't trust his judgment on NOTB. It's one of their best.  :tup :hug:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 08:58:48 AM
Bosk loves The Final Frontier. Don't trust his judgment on NOTB. It's one of their best.  :tup :hug:

I'm not saying it isn't.  I probably rank it around #4 or #5 myself.  But I would not even attempt to argue with anyone who has it at #1.  I'm just saying that, as a NEW fan, it might not be the best place to start, that's all. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on August 20, 2019, 09:12:07 AM
I will never, ever argue the huge, seminal and massive historical importance of The Number of the Beast, but I always favored Piece of Mind and Seventh Son.

It's like with Metallica - yeah, of course Master is where it's at, but I prefer Ride the Lightning.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 09:17:26 AM
TNOTB places 3 songs in my Top 10 Maiden songs, including #1.

I understand Bosk's point that a live version of these tracks may not sound as dated as the album itself. It just shows how strong the songs actually are.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 09:21:33 AM
Bosk loves The Final Frontier. Don't trust his judgment on NOTB. It's one of their best.  :tup :hug:

I'm not saying it isn't.  I probably rank it around #4 or #5 myself.  But I would not even attempt to argue with anyone who has it at #1.  I'm just saying that, as a NEW fan, it might not be the best place to start, that's all.

In my defense you did say, "But it isn't even close to their best." ;)

A new fan? My dude. NOTB has Run To The Hills, the title track, and Hallowed Be Thy Name on it. If that's not a great starting place for a new Maiden fan I don't know what is. It was one of my firsts, anyway. I went in chronological order because I was a weird kid
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2019, 09:24:16 AM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?

As good as any. It's a solid record by a solid band, nothing more.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 09:33:12 AM
In my defense you did say, "But it isn't even close to their best." ;)

True, but 2 things in response:  (1) In MY defense, although I didn't expressly say it right in that part of my post, I strongly implied that everything in my post was tempered by "in the opinion of this fan" and (2) You don't need to say "in my defense," because there's nothing to defend.  I don't disagree with you much on NOTB's stature.  Not at all.  It's just that...

A new fan? My dude. NOTB has Run To The Hills, the title track, and Hallowed Be Thy Name on it. If that's not a great starting place for a new Maiden fan I don't know what is.

Totally.  Again, it just comes down to the fact that, as an album, it sounds dated.  For a long-time fan, or for a fan who just isn't bothered by that, it isn't an issue at all.  Either way, the strength of the songs is there.  I just think that, for someone just getting into the band, a more modern performance of those songs (along with a sampling of other songs in the live set) is more likely to give them a better picture of the band.  I think most fans agree that Maiden is second-to-none live.  And I know for me at least, as much as I love their studio albums now, I reach for their live albums more than their studio ones.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 09:33:59 AM
Man it doesn't sound any more dated than any of their other classic 80s records.  :lol I don't think live matters, at least I never take it into account; if a new fan is digging into their music the focus should be on the recordings that will or will not stand up to the test of time rather than some live footage taken when perhaps one of the members might have had an off day and doesn't sound as good as when they recorded the song 30 years ago in their youth. Just my two cents. He can do what he wants  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 09:38:28 AM
Man it doesn't sound any more dated than any of their other classic 80s records.  :lol

Exactly.  Which is why I would ALWAYS recommend any of their live albums over any of their '80s studio albums for a new fan.  ;)

And I think context matters a lot when determining whether an album "stands the test of time."  I know for me, I wouldn't have been able to appreciate NOTB or POM as much as those albums deserve, and wouldn't have really felt that they "stand the test of time" just from listening to them with no context of the band as a whole. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on August 20, 2019, 09:39:54 AM
To me Maiden albums don't sound dated at all. Judas Priest's albums, instead, are VEEERY obviously coming from the '80s (those albums actually released in that decade, I mean), but I don't find anything so "gosh, listen how the '80s was strong in this) in stuff like Aces High, Hallowed Be Thy Name or The Evil that Men Do.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 10:25:05 AM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?

As good as any. It's a solid record by a solid band, nothing more.

Nothing more?? You think you're a slick motherfucker don't you?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 20, 2019, 10:26:39 AM
Yeah, I'm in that camp as well.  Maybe it's because I grew up in that era, but I can name ten albums that sound MORE dated than NOTB.  Birch's production - notoriously dry - has stood the test of time from Stormbringer through Seventh Son.

Here's a question:  QUINTESSENTIAL Maiden song?   Not the "best", but the one that perhaps captures the essence of Maiden in a concise way.

I vote:  the title track to this album.  Musically, lyrically, vocally, solo-ly, that might be the quintessential Maiden song. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 10:34:35 AM
Yeah, I'm in that camp as well.  Maybe it's because I grew up in that era, but I can name ten albums that sound MORE dated than NOTB.  Birch's production - notoriously dry - has stood the test of time from Stormbringer through Seventh Son.

Here's a question:  QUINTESSENTIAL Maiden song?   Not the "best", but the one that perhaps captures the essence of Maiden in a concise way.

I vote:  the title track to this album.  Musically, lyrically, vocally, solo-ly, that might be the quintessential Maiden song.

Title track or Hallowed.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 20, 2019, 10:40:02 AM
And for discussion purposes.....

Bruce Dickinson has always said they never had any media support. I strongly maintain that without MTV and the video to Run To The Hills, Iron maiden would not be where they are today. Bruce's rants on the subject always bugged me, especially in the 80's.

Interesting.  The video for Flight of Icarus was what first turned me onto Maiden.  Also, videos for Iron Maiden (the song) and Wrathchild were played thrice each on MTV's first day (with the former being the 16th ever video played on the channel).  In fairness, though, that was before Bruce joined.


Here's a question:  QUINTESSENTIAL Maiden song?   Not the "best", but the one that perhaps captures the essence of Maiden in a concise way.

I vote:  the title track to this album.  Musically, lyrically, vocally, solo-ly, that might be the quintessential Maiden song. 

The Trooper.  It's almost nothing but "gallop rhythm" and the I-vi-vii chord progression.  And it's got the historical literature lyrics that Harris does/did so well.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 10:41:17 AM
I agree (although I would put Hallowed as #1, and I would probably put NOTB at #3 or #4 with The Trooper and Rime ahead of it).
Yeah, I'm in that camp as well.  Maybe it's because I grew up in that era, but I can name ten albums that sound MORE dated than NOTB.  Birch's production - notoriously dry - has stood the test of time from Stormbringer through Seventh Son.

Here's a question:  QUINTESSENTIAL Maiden song?   Not the "best", but the one that perhaps captures the essence of Maiden in a concise way.

I vote:  the title track to this album.  Musically, lyrically, vocally, solo-ly, that might be the quintessential Maiden song.

Title track or Hallowed.
I agree (although I would put Hallowed as #1, and I would probably put NOTB at #3 or #4 with The Trooper and Rime ahead of it).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: cramx3 on August 20, 2019, 10:56:26 AM
TNOTB was my first full IM album (I had a greatest hits "Edward the Great") so I think it works fine as your intro to the band.  It only has three of their biggest songs on it.  I personally think it's mid tier album for IM, but that just shows how good they are.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 11:05:27 AM
And for discussion purposes.....

Bruce Dickinson has always said they never had any media support. I strongly maintain that without MTV and the video to Run To The Hills, Iron maiden would not be where they are today. Bruce's rants on the subject always bugged me, especially in the 80's.

Interesting.  The video for Flight of Icarus was what first turned me onto Maiden.  Also, videos for Iron Maiden (the song) and Wrathchild were played thrice each on MTV's first day (with the former being the 16th ever video played on the channel).  In fairness, though, that was before Bruce joined.

Even if it was before Bruce joined, he certainly reaped the benefits. I remember the World Premiere of Flight Of Icarus.


But in fairness to Iron Maiden, the two opening slots on consecutive Priest tours really helped them as well. As Stadler can attest, maiden were killing it on those tours, especially the '82 one. Tours in those days played everywhere!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 11:09:27 AM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?

Short answer:  Yes, BUT...

Here's the thing:  It is a landmark album.  But it is a product of its time.  And that may understandably keep it from clicking for you.  It's a good listen.  But it isn't even close to their best.  Way back when DT were first planning on covering an entire Maiden album, their thought process was along the lines of [and I'm paraphrasing what they have said]:  "We felt like Piece of Mind was a stronger album, and we liked it better.  But Number of the Beast is such a classic that we felt that, if we were going to cover an entire Maiden album, we had to go that route instead."

And here's another big piece of the puzzle that I would include when considering modern Maiden:  They are the quintessential LIVE band.  Their live performances are second to none.  Seriously.  There are only a small handful of bands where, if a fan asked me what to listen to to sample the band, I would recommend a live album instead of a studio album.  So if you want to check Maiden out and see if they are for you, I would recommend sitting down and watching either of these:  (1) Rock In Rio, or (2) En Vivo!  You can find both complete shows on YouTube in HD with good sound.  Honestly, either one of them will do.  I was skeptical of En Vivo!, but a former forum member said it was perhaps THE definitive Maiden live show, and after challenging that view, I watched it and agreed with him.  I think it is the stronger of the two.  But most people you ask would probably go with Rock in Rio.  But you can't go wrong either way.  If you check out one or both of those and you still don't really care for Iron Maiden, I think it is very safe to say that they just aren't for you.  But if you are open to what they do, those will totally hook you.
I agree bosk, didn't think of that right away when posting my answer to the question. These two are Maiden at their most "engaging" (maybe? I don't know if that word would apply) and powerful
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2019, 12:30:59 PM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?

As good as any. It's a solid record by a solid band, nothing more.

Nothing more?? You think you're a slick motherfucker don't you?

Haha, not at all, just giving my honest opinion. I have tried like hell to really like Iron Maiden, but outside of a few songs here and there, they usually leave me baffled and wondering what all of the hype is about.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on August 20, 2019, 12:34:34 PM
Here's a question:  QUINTESSENTIAL Maiden song?   Not the "best", but the one that perhaps captures the essence of Maiden in a concise way.

As others have said: either The Number of the Beast, Hallowed Be Thy Name or The Trooper.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 12:35:12 PM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?

As good as any. It's a solid record by a solid band, nothing more.

Nothing more?? You think you're a slick motherfucker don't you?

Haha, not at all, just giving my honest opinion. I have tried like hell to really like Iron Maiden, but outside of a few songs here and there, they usually leave me baffled and wondering what all of the hype is about.

Yeah, but I could easily say the same thing about U2, but I would certainly not refer to them as merely solid even though I can't really get into them.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 12:36:32 PM
Here's a question:  QUINTESSENTIAL Maiden song?   Not the "best", but the one that perhaps captures the essence of Maiden in a concise way.

As others have said: either The Number of the Beast, Hallowed Be Thy Name or The Trooper.
and Alexander The Great, The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner and Seventh Son (and probably Dream Of Mirrors) if you were to include their more explorative tendencies as it were  (IMHO)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 12:37:56 PM
I think Dream Of Mirrors might be the most overlooked song in their discography.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 12:47:11 PM
On a side note, I'll just say that, looking down the list of albums discussed so far, if I were stranded on a desert island with just those albums, I couldn't complain too much. 

    :3hourtour:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 12:47:56 PM
Yeah, well there's no complaining in this thread anyway. :P
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 12:48:46 PM
Yeah, well there's no complaining in this thread anyway. :P

TAC blows.

 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 12:49:21 PM
Yeah, well there's no complaining in this thread anyway. :P
no, rather discovering (to me anyway, I found albums I didn't listen to or hear about or own) and that's nice isn't it
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 01:00:19 PM
Yeah, well there's no complaining in this thread anyway. :P

TAC blows.

 :lol

 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 01:33:55 PM
Yeah, well there's no complaining in this thread anyway. :P

TAC blows.

 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 01:36:02 PM
let's try again: I'm totally fine with anyone saying I suck as a person :D (because it's accurate), but does anyone here suck? I don't know and I won't judge. Oh, one general question: Seeing as it seems to be encouraged that users post what they think are memorable albums, can you accept some of my favourites? I'd seriously love to at some point.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 02:26:00 PM
Max, K-lox is just ribbing me. It's totally cool.

And any ribbing you saw in his Top 50 thread was all in good fun and friendship.


I'd love to have you do a Top 50. Usually those threads are respectful. Sure you'll list DT12 and you might get a page of WTF's, but it's all good.
Usually if it's someone I don't know very well (re:you), I'd see the first few albums listed and if I don't have any connection, I'll just leave the thread alone.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 02:29:21 PM
My top 50 was pretty much all unpopular albums around these parts and I took it all in stride. Tastes are weird. :) I'd love to see a top 50 from you, Max.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 02:38:29 PM
My top 50 was pretty much all unpopular albums around these parts and I took it all in stride. Tastes are weird. :) I'd love to see a top 50 from you, Max.
you posted a Toto album though. Good boy, we're in business :D. Seriously though, I may make one. (it's hard to pick 50 albums out of close to 5000 and increasing, I'll tell you that much)

One of the (many) 80s albums I would feature there will be featured now too and that is: Steely Dan: Gaucho
7 songs, all the top players of all of the USA at the time being tortured by perfectionists like myself and what you get is one of the greatest 80's records of all time (IMHO) Some say it sounds sterile, but I love it. Wonderfully acerbic and comedic lyrics by Don Fagen too. Well worth checking out.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 02:40:54 PM
I keep telling people that Toto is where it's at but nobody believes me unless they've already seen the light...

Gaucho. That and Aja are two Steely Dan albums I must play, apparently.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 02:44:13 PM
My top 50 was pretty much all unpopular albums around these parts and I took it all in stride. Tastes are weird. :) I'd love to see a top 50 from you, Max.
you posted a Toto album though.

That was the weird part! :neverusethis:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 02:44:45 PM
I keep telling people that Toto is where it's at but nobody believes me unless they've already seen the light...

Gaucho. That and Aja are two Steely Dan albums I must play, apparently.
Aja is great too (of course), but it's a lot looser (in touch and feel and everything) so it's easier to digest for most people. Lovely though, both of them (although I'd encourage you to check out their entire discography as it's great all around. I don't like Keith Carlock's involvement in Everything Must Go too much, but it's alright as he does less "damage" as it were than in Toto XIV. Far less.)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 03:03:44 PM
But I really like Toto XIV!  :(
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 03:06:41 PM
But I really like Toto XIV!  :(
which I fully respect. "damage" was ""ed for this very reason.  I wish Jeff had played on it :( (he played on Gaucho though, and Pretzel Logic and Katy Lied)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 20, 2019, 03:12:30 PM
But I really like Toto XIV!  :(
which I fully respect. "damage" was ""ed for this very reason.  I wish Jeff had played on it :( (he played on Gaucho though, and Pretzel Logic and Katy Lied)

Why didn't you say that earlier, man?! Now I'm sold. Bumped those up as priority listens now!!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 03:14:16 PM
But I really like Toto XIV!  :(
which I fully respect. "damage" was ""ed for this very reason.  I wish Jeff had played on it :( (he played on Gaucho though, and Pretzel Logic and Katy Lied)

Why didn't you say that earlier, man?! Now I'm sold. Bumped those up as priority listens now!!
because suspense, tension and release are key factors of most music, mate :D
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2019, 03:20:13 PM


Yeah, but I could easily say the same thing about U2, but I would certainly not refer to them as merely solid even though I can't really get into them.

Does anyone really refer to U2 as solid?  It's either "I love U2 and I am a big fan" or "U2 sucks, Bono is a wanker and the Edge can't play." :lol :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 20, 2019, 03:20:37 PM
The Number of the Beast is a great album no question about it.  However, if I were to recommend Iron Maiden to a potential new fan, Piece of Mind would be my choice.  One of my all-time favs.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 03:24:58 PM


Yeah, but I could easily say the same thing about U2, but I would certainly not refer to them as merely solid even though I can't really get into them.

Does anyone really refer to U2 as solid?  It's either "I love U2 and I am a big fan" or "U2 sucks, Bono is a wanker and the Edge can't play." :lol :lol

I'm not in either of those camps. I'm not into them, but I respect them, and calling them solid is insulting to them.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 03:26:21 PM


Yeah, but I could easily say the same thing about U2, but I would certainly not refer to them as merely solid even though I can't really get into them.

Does anyone really refer to U2 as solid?  It's either "I love U2 and I am a big fan" or "U2 sucks, Bono is a wanker and the Edge can't play." :lol :lol
this is me being neutral: I own most U2 albums and I think Edge does a great job of using his massive racks of effects units to his utmost advantage and I guess you have to be exact and exacting in order for that to work out well. So in that respect. I'm sure he's a good player. I've never seen him doing sweep picking or play 32nds but that would be out of place in U2's music and it wouldn't make sense with them IMHO.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 03:30:56 PM


Yeah, but I could easily say the same thing about U2, but I would certainly not refer to them as merely solid even though I can't really get into them.

Does anyone really refer to U2 as solid?  It's either "I love U2 and I am a big fan" or "U2 sucks, Bono is a wanker and the Edge can't play." :lol :lol

This is just anecdotal, but probably MOST of the people I have ever heard talk about U2, from the '80s to the present, have been rather middle-of-the-road on them, along the lines of "Yeah, great band.  Not one of my favorites, but they're pretty solid."  I have definitely heard people on the extremes you mention.  But most are more down the middle.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2019, 03:31:55 PM
this is me being neutral: I own most U2 albums and I think Edge does a great job of using his massive racks of effects units to his utmost advantage and I guess you have to be exact and exacting in order for that to work out well. So in that respect. I'm sure he's a good player. I've never seen him doing sweep picking or play 32nds but that would be out of place in U2's music and it wouldn't make sense with them IMHO.

Exactly, and I suspect most guitarists who are considered great "players" wouldn't have the restraint needed to play U2's music.  Sometimes, it's what you do not play more than what you do.  I hate this idea that you have to shred, being a great soloist and/or do all kind of crazy technical stuff to be great.  The Edge created his own sound and is largely responsible for the musical sound one of the biggest rock bands ever.  If that isn't greatness, I don't what it is.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 03:36:52 PM
The Number of the Beast is a great album no question about it.  However, if I were to recommend Iron Maiden to a potential new fan, Piece of Mind would be my choice.  One of my all-time favs.
this is what I suggested to those who were interested too
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 03:43:14 PM
The Police - Synchronicity

Songs:

-Synchronicity I
-Walking in Your Footsteps
-O My God
-Mother
-Miss Gradenko
-Synchronicity II
-Every Breath You Take
-King of Pain
-Wrapped Around Your Finger
-Tea in the Sahara
-Murder by Numbers

This is a bit of a strange album for me in a couple of respects. 

First off, it's a bit out of the ordinary in that it had 4 hit singles, and they are ALL on the back half of the album (well, ok, Synchronicity II is actually the midpoint, since there are 11 songs).  That's just NOT a typical album sequencing.  And thinking back, I can't even really remember how the first 5 songs go. 

Second, it kinda felt like this album was preordained to be better than it actually is.  What I mean by that is this:  The album was definitely good.  I know I liked it.  But I never felt that it was great.  And I never knew anyhow who thought it was great.  But I remember it being wildly hyped before AND after its release as one of the greatest albums ever. 

In any case, solid album.  I still enjoy the singles when I hear them.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 20, 2019, 03:47:34 PM
The Police - Synchronicity

Songs:

-Synchronicity I
-Walking in Your Footsteps
-O My God
-Mother
-Miss Gradenko
-Synchronicity II
-Every Breath You Take
-King of Pain
-Wrapped Around Your Finger
-Tea in the Sahara
-Murder by Numbers

This is a bit of a strange album for me in a couple of respects. 

First off, it's a bit out of the ordinary in that it had 4 hit singles, and they are ALL on the back half of the album (well, ok, Synchronicity II is actually the midpoint, since there are 11 songs).  That's just NOT a typical album sequencing.  And thinking back, I can't even really remember how the first 5 songs go. 

Second, it kinda felt like this album was preordained to be better than it actually is.  What I mean by that is this:  The album was definitely good.  I know I liked it.  But I never felt that it was great.  And I never knew anyhow who thought it was great.  But I remember it being wildly hyped before AND after its release as one of the greatest albums ever. 

In any case, solid album.  I still enjoy the singles when I hear them.
this one and Ghost In The Machine are my favourite Police albums. Probably their two darkest and most complex albums as well. I love all three members as musicians and Stewart Copeland is one of my heroes as a drummer. (had it not been for him and The Police, I wouldn't play anymore today. Hell, I even wouldn't contribute here, because I wouldn't have been still alive. Sorry. Sorry. TMI.) That said, I like all their albums, but they experimented so much on these latter two albums that it makes for a thrill to listen to, for me anyway. Sadly, I never got to see them live and I would have loved to.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 20, 2019, 03:47:56 PM
Great, great album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 20, 2019, 03:48:26 PM
Ok so I've never listened to Iron Maiden, is Number Of The Beast a good starting point?

As good as any. It's a solid record by a solid band, nothing more.

Nothing more?? You think you're a slick motherfucker don't you?

Haha, not at all, just giving my honest opinion. I have tried like hell to really like Iron Maiden, but outside of a few songs here and there, they usually leave me baffled and wondering what all of the hype is about.

I've seen them live several times and there are very few bands out there who can match Iron Maiden in concert.  Performance, stage presence, musicianship.  They are one of the all-time best.


The Number of the Beast is a great album no question about it.  However, if I were to recommend Iron Maiden to a potential new fan, Piece of Mind would be my choice.  One of my all-time favs.
this is what I suggested to those who were interested too

I think it's one of their best representations of catchy and accessible material. :tup


Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2019, 04:50:06 PM
Synchronicity was the first full length album I ever owned on vinyl, and remains one of my all-time favorites.  Fantastic from start to finish. 

It does seem a bit strange that three of the four singles were on Side 2 (Synchronicity II was the Side 1 closer), but it didn't to me at the time.  To me, it was just an album full of nothing but quality tunes.  The aforementioned Synchronicity II is still my favorite Police song, and with the title track, Wrapped Around Your Finger, Walking in Your Footsteps and O My God major favorites as well.  Even the oft-criticized Mother is fine within the flow and context of the record.

Great album, a true classic! :tup :tup
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: ReaperKK on August 20, 2019, 04:51:26 PM
Alright I'm pumped to listen number and I'll start the four album run from there. Will report back tomorrow.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: ReaperKK on August 20, 2019, 04:53:27 PM
Oh man I didn't see synchronicity. The police is such a weird band for me, there are songs I absolutely love such as "murder by numbers", "king of pain" and "every breath you take" but others like miss grandenko i hate with a passion.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 05:04:21 PM
I'm not into The Police at all, which is a shame because Stewart Copeland is a beast. Synch II is a great song though.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 20, 2019, 05:18:28 PM
Had a Greatest Hits CD of theirs. Listened to it all the time, especially Wrapped Around Your Finger and King of Pain. Never bought a studio album though.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 05:23:19 PM
My brother got Ghost In The Machine in a Columbia House haul when we were kids.
I remember really liking Invisible Sun.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 05:47:56 PM
Alright I'm pumped to listen number and I'll start the four album run from there. Will report back tomorrow.

If it doesn't click for whatever reason, please do yourself a favor and follow my advice regarding one of the two live releases I mentioned. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 20, 2019, 05:50:23 PM
It does seem a bit strange that three of the four singles were on Side 2 (Synchronicity II was the Side 1 closer), but it didn't to me at the time. 

In case it wasn't clear, let me clarify that it didn't bother me either.  I'm just observing that it's a bit odd, that's all.

Posting about this album makes me wish I owned a copy.  I need it.  It really is a very good album.

Fun fact:  I was actually going to post a completely different album, and realized it was released in 1978.  Which is odd given that the two singles I had in mind didn't get played in heavy rotation until a good 4 years later.  Weird.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: max_security on August 20, 2019, 06:22:37 PM
I remember that anything from Synchronicity sounded fantastic on the FM on my dads stereo. Any Police tune actually sounded great production - wise. Heck of a power - trio , Sting played a mean bass actually sounded like half of the band more often than not.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 06:25:24 PM
Fun fact:  I was actually going to post a completely different album, and realized it was released in 1978.  Which is odd given that the two singles I had in mind didn't get played in heavy rotation until a good 4 years later.  Weird.


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMs7kqqWoAAu5j1.jpg)


Journey-Infinity
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 20, 2019, 07:25:32 PM
this is me being neutral: I own most U2 albums and I think Edge does a great job of using his massive racks of effects units to his utmost advantage and I guess you have to be exact and exacting in order for that to work out well. So in that respect. I'm sure he's a good player. I've never seen him doing sweep picking or play 32nds but that would be out of place in U2's music and it wouldn't make sense with them IMHO.

Exactly, and I suspect most guitarists who are considered great "players" wouldn't have the restraint needed to play U2's music.  Sometimes, it's what you do not play more than what you do.  I hate this idea that you have to shred, being a great soloist and/or do all kind of crazy technical stuff to be great.  The Edge created his own sound and is largely responsible for the musical sound one of the biggest rock bands ever.  If that isn't greatness, I don't what it is.

I think he's WAY underrated, and I also think he's one of those guys that in his living room is probably a beast of a guitar player.  He's the musical director of that band though, and is a hard ass about the BAND.  I don't love everything that U2 has done, but what I do like I like a LOT, and having seen them live something like four or five times, Bono is one of the top five front men I've ever seen (have not seen Freddie, full disclosure). 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 07:27:53 PM
I saw them twice, in '87 and '92, and they were great both times.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 20, 2019, 07:30:24 PM
The Police - Synchronicity



Another band that I don't like everything, but what I do like I really like.   

I liked the Police a lot when they embraced their punkier roots (the first album is excellent except for the torture that is "Roxanne") and I really liked the last two records, when Sting unleashed the beast that is his voice (Omega Man, Secret Journey, Synchronicity I and II).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 20, 2019, 07:38:51 PM
I saw them twice, in '87 and '92, and they were great both times.


Amateur.  83 and 85 for me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 07:44:11 PM
I saw them twice, in '87 and '92, and they were great both times.


Amateur.  83 and 85 for me.

That's because you're older! :P
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on August 20, 2019, 08:03:51 PM
What, 6 months? :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2019, 08:07:58 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 21, 2019, 01:10:51 AM
Synchronicity is a great record, in fact it is a very great record. My favorite Police record and I love all of them. Almost every song is great and, as Kev has said, even Mother works in the flow of the record. Synchronicity I and II, King Of Pain and Walking In Your Footsteps are my favorites. Every Breath You Take is a little bit overplayed but it's still a good song.

So sad they quit after that record. And as much as I like the first couple of Sting's solo efforts, he never reached the highs he had with Police.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 21, 2019, 08:26:54 AM
I had Synchronicity on cassette and CD.  Been quite a while since I heard it, but I'll never forget that it's a great album.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 21, 2019, 11:42:13 AM
The Police - Synchronicity

Songs:

-Synchronicity I
-Walking in Your Footsteps
-O My God
-Mother
-Miss Gradenko
-Synchronicity II
-Every Breath You Take
-King of Pain
-Wrapped Around Your Finger
-Tea in the Sahara
-Murder by Numbers

. . .

Second, it kinda felt like this album was preordained to be better than it actually is.  What I mean by that is this:  The album was definitely good.  I know I liked it.  But I never felt that it was great.  And I never knew anyhow who thought it was great.  But I remember it being wildly hyped before AND after its release as one of the greatest albums ever.

I saw this before I left the office yesterday but didn't have time to comment and did not read Bosk's entire post.  As I was thinking about this one, the bolded part was almost exactly what I was thinking.

This is yet another product of the MTV generation, and it was hugely hyped by MTV.  I was toward the tail-end of my "if it isn't metal, then it must suck" phase, but I had liked the Police a little before I adopted that philosophy.  I had seen the Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic video on MTV and went out and bought Ghost in the Machine.  I liked a couple other songs ok, but most of that album was just meh.  I also knew a couple of the earlier hits.  Synchonicity fell flat for me.  I didn't like any of the singles, and that was all I really knew.  My opinion of the album changed in the mid- to late 90s, and I bought the album around the time my wife was going through a Sting phase.  I dig King of Pain, and Synch I kicks ass.  Every Breath is ok, as is Wrapped.  But the rest of the album is pretty.

The Police intrigue me as a band.  One of the few 80s bands not to cash in on the recent nostalgia band market (although I just read that they did a reunion tour about 10 years ago).  At the time they disbanded after this album, they were massive, and that's incredibly unique.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 21, 2019, 03:12:10 PM
Fun fact:  I was actually going to post a completely different album, and realized it was released in 1978.  Which is odd given that the two singles I had in mind didn't get played in heavy rotation until a good 4 years later.  Weird.


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMs7kqqWoAAu5j1.jpg)


Journey-Infinity

No.  Partly my fault, though.  I was a year off--the album I had in mind was 1979 (sorry for the typo).  And ONE of the songs I was thinking of was from their next album in 1982, which I am guessing caused a discovery of the band that got songs from that prior 1979 album played years later.  But I am fairly confident that even if I posted the band and album, you wouldn't have heard of it, so don't worry about it (it isn't your type of music, and Nicole Kidman isn't married to it).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 21, 2019, 03:27:47 PM
Hmmm, I bet I would've heard of it. I'm going to think about this...
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 21, 2019, 03:35:05 PM
But I am fairly confident that even if I posted the band and album, you wouldn't have heard of it, so don't worry about it (it isn't your type of music, and Nicole Kidman isn't married to it).

Cross-thread call back joke!  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 21, 2019, 03:45:42 PM
I'm like the MCU, baby.  It's aaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllll connected.  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 22, 2019, 08:50:01 AM
Metallica - ...And Justice for All

Songs:
-Blackened
-...And Justice for All
-Eye of the Beholder
-One
-The Shortest Straw
-Harvester of Sorrow
-The Frayed Ends of Sanity
-The Live is to Die
-Dyers Eve

Yeah, Metallica gets another one.  This album was truly a landmark.  This was the landmark time when thrash went from an obscure subgenre that those weird metal kids listened to into being out in the mainstream.  And with One leading the charge, it became apparent that thrash wasn't just about aggression, but could also be intensely artistic and creative. 

This album really had a lot going for it.  It was aggressive and in your face.  It was epic.  It was creative.  It was...almost progressive at times.  It kind of broke every preconceived notion about what a mainstream successful album was supposed to be.  And honestly, even the failed bid at a grammy probably did more for the album, the band, and the genre than if they had won.  Although the Black album was a bigger commercial success overall, THIS is the album that took Metallica to superstardom.  And well-deserved, IMO.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 22, 2019, 08:58:10 AM
One and The Frayed Ends of Sanity are all I like on this album. I'm a KEA/RTL dude
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on August 22, 2019, 09:01:26 AM
Long and difficult album to get through, with a weird sound. But rightously a classic and a memorable record.

Personal favorites: One (d'uh), Blackened, Harvester of Sorrow and Dyers Eve, amazing "forgotten" song.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: romdrums on August 22, 2019, 09:18:15 AM
I wore the cassette out with this album.  It helped me get through many a bus ride home in 7th grade.  Justice was my gateway into more "metal" metal.  I had started listening to metal/hard rock with the hair bands like Winger, Skid Row, Motley Crue, etc. and I quickly graduated into Metallica, Queensryche, Anthrax, Prong, etc. One was huge, because it was Metallica's first video, and I remember they seemed so intimidating and mysterious.  Also, as a drummer, I remember One being the new standard by which your drumming skills were judged, so I worked hard to nail it as best I could.  Such a killer record.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 22, 2019, 09:28:22 AM
My favorite Metallica album.

If it had been properly recorded and mixed (Dammit Lars!), I think it would be considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 22, 2019, 10:59:58 AM
Metallica - ...And Justice for All

Songs:
-Blackened
-...And Justice for All
-Eye of the Beholder
-One
-The Shortest Straw
-Harvester of Sorrow
-The Frayed Ends of Sanity
-The Live is to Die
-Dyers Eve

Yeah, Metallica gets another one.  This album was truly a landmark.  This was the landmark time when thrash went from an obscure subgenre that those weird metal kids listened to into being out in the mainstream.  And with One leading the charge, it became apparent that thrash wasn't just about aggression, but could also be intensely artistic and creative. 

This album really had a lot going for it.  It was aggressive and in your face.  It was epic.  It was creative.  It was...almost progressive at times.  It kind of broke every preconceived notion about what a mainstream successful album was supposed to be.  And honestly, even the failed bid at a grammy probably did more for the album, the band, and the genre than if they had won.  Although the Black album was a bigger commercial success overall, THIS is the album that took Metallica to superstardom.  And well-deserved, IMO.

This is a very mixed bag album for me.  For starters, the absence of Cliff Burton was noticeable and significant.  Indeed, it almost sounded like there was no bass at all on the album.  I recall thinking at the time I first heard this something along the lines of, "well...it says there's a bass player in the band, but did they just decide to do an album without bass as some sort of odd tribute to Cliff?"  It would have benefited greatly if Fleming Rasmussen had been more involved, including through the mixing process.

You're right that it's very progressive, and I really wish that Metallica had explored that space a bit more rather than deciding that they had gone as far as they could go.  Some of the "prog" elements of some songs seemed to have no real connection with the song and demonstrated that James and Lars still lacked maturity as songwriters (probably at least in part because of Cliff's absence), and I think that would have improved over time.  At its best (Blackened, Shortest Straw and Dyers Eve), this album is great.  But some songs (the title track and Eye of the Beholder) are pretty weak, and a lot of the songs (including One) could stand to be shortened a bit.


If it had been properly recorded and mixed (Dammit Lars!), I think it would be considered one of the greatest albums of all time.

Put the adjective "metal" before "albums," and I agree completely.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on August 22, 2019, 11:20:30 AM
Two of my favorite albums of all time.

Number of the Beast - can't add much to the discussion.  Just a landmark album - the high points are legendary, with only 2-3 clunkers on the disc for me.

And Justice for All - BLACKENED!   :metal :metal

It's my long-time favorite Metallica album.  Absolutely furious and unrelenting, it kicks you in the face and never lets up.  The lack of bass doesn't bother me.  I really do think the guitar and drum frequencies just kind of blot it out on the album.  But whatever, the riffs on this record are what make it so awesome.  Can't provide enough praise for the disc. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on August 22, 2019, 03:00:09 PM
AJFA will be great once it’s finished.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 22, 2019, 03:04:05 PM
AJFA will be great once it’s finished.

 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 22, 2019, 03:04:59 PM
Then unpause your cassette player and finish it, old man.  It's not THAT long an album. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 22, 2019, 04:09:23 PM
Well, it’s obvious that Lars and James knew they couldn’t find an adequate replacement for Cliff that quickly (if at all).  So, they settled for Jason.  Not to say that Jason sucked as a bass player.  He made a pretty good name for himself in Flotsam and Jetsam.  Following in Cliff’s footsteps would’ve been difficult for anyone, but the circumstances that Jason was faced with, gave him virtually no chance to prove his worth.

Despite the bass being way too low in the mix and the doubling of James’ guitar parts, it’s still an awesome album and catapulted them into super stardom.  Not many bands at that time would’ve been able to accomplish that after the death of a band member.  I don’t think there are any weak tracks on AJFA and certainly none of them needed to be shortened.  I loved the album then and still do today.


Then unpause your cassette player and finish it, old man.  It's not THAT long an album. 

 :rollin
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 23, 2019, 08:34:03 AM
I rarely listen to ...AJFA, but it is really good. The Shortest Straw was always my favorite, but it's obvious why One and Blackened are Metallica classics.  While the sound is odd, with no bass and that clicking bass drum, it's almost part of the charm of the record now.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 23, 2019, 09:24:31 AM
The singles, One and Harvester, (although good) are my least favorite on this record. On some days, when I'm feeling my most aggressive, this is my favorite Metallica.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 23, 2019, 09:26:45 AM
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell

Songs:
-Neon Knights
-Children of the Sea
-Lady Evil
-Heaven and Hell
-Wishing Well
-Die Young
-Walk Away
-Lonely Is the Word

I think The Mob Rules might be just as iconic.  But Heaven and Hell seems to have stood the test of time better as far as the songs.  Feel free to disagree.

To me, this is a very side 1-heavy album.  I can probably sing any of those first four songs from memory.  But I have a hard time remembering how the next four songs go without hearing them. 

I was a bit late to the party on this album, and picked it up some time in the mid-'80s.  But once I got it, I really enjoyed it.  The title song and Children of the Sea are my absolute favorites.  And, for that matter, if you mashed together the entire Dio, Sabbath, and Heaven & Hell discographies, those two would still be up near the top and might still be my top 2. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: The Walrus on August 23, 2019, 09:30:15 AM
I agree with you bosk - side 1's got the goods, for sure. Not too keen on the rest. Neon Knights is a top tier Sabbath track.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 23, 2019, 09:37:11 AM
I love Neon Knights.  I still feel a tinge of regret every time I think about that song, and recall how I got sick and lost my voice at the time QR had that contest where you could sing onstage with them.  My demo crushed it.  :'(
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 23, 2019, 09:39:42 AM
Children of the Sea, Heaven and Hell, Lonely is the Word (for just the guitar solos alone) are all god-tier, in my book. The rest is either good or at least okay.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MirrorMask on August 23, 2019, 09:40:01 AM
Love, love, love Dio with Sabbath and this album deserves is classic status. Yeah, not every single song is an unforgettable gem but as a whole, it's a great iconic album more than worthy of all the praises and accolades it got.

It sits in the middle of Dio's more than golden era - coming from the three Rainbow albums, onto this and then eventually Mob Rules and Holy Diver. Whoah.

Random trivia: I remember having read that Neon Knights was the last song written, once Geezer Butler returned to the fold after having silently and off-the-spotlight left the band in the aftermath of Ozzy's departure.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Grappler on August 23, 2019, 09:41:40 AM
Amazing album, but I was so very late to Dio-era Sabbath.  I was an Ozzy-or-die guy from my discovery of the band in the early 90's to the mid 00's. 

In 2004 or 2005, I was given a Sirius Satellite Radio as a gift and discovered the metal station, who at one point played Lady Evil a number of times.  I might have heard Children of the Sea as well.  I really dug it and found a copy of Heaven and Hell.  Absolutely fell in love with the album after that...and a few years later, Sabbath announced the Dio Years compilation and the reunion with Ronnie as Heaven and Hell. 

My allegiances switched after going all-in with the Dio-era (and eventually the Tony Martin albums as well), which is now my favorite era of Sabbath.  Heaven and Hell is my favorite of those discs.  It's another front-loaded album, but Die Young kicks total ass. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 23, 2019, 09:47:30 AM
Not a fan of Black Sabbath in general, or of Dio in particular, so this one is a no-go for me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 23, 2019, 10:24:40 AM
Huh. I've never known Hef to be wrong before.  :)

Until now
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 23, 2019, 10:27:24 AM
Walk Away is one of my favorite Sabbath tunes and is really what I love most about Tony's playing (not the ultra-heavy tuned-down eight steps sludge-fest that the later Dio-fronted material became, in my opinion). While the lyrics are a little corny, that track is a really well-crafted song.   
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 23, 2019, 10:49:30 AM
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell

Songs:
-Neon Knights
-Children of the Sea
-Lady Evil
-Heaven and Hell
-Wishing Well
-Die Young
-Walk Away
-Lonely Is the Word

I think The Mob Rules might be just as iconic.  But Heaven and Hell seems to have stood the test of time better as far as the songs.  Feel free to disagree.

To me, this is a very side 1-heavy album.  I can probably sing any of those first four songs from memory.  But I have a hard time remembering how the next four songs go without hearing them. 

I was a bit late to the party on this album, and picked it up some time in the mid-'80s.  But once I got it, I really enjoyed it.  The title song and Children of the Sea are my absolute favorites.  And, for that matter, if you mashed together the entire Dio, Sabbath, and Heaven & Hell discographies, those two would still be up near the top and might still be my top 2.

The "Dio era" had come and gone by the time I got into metal (my first exposure to Sabbath was probably either the video for Trashed or Ozzy's Speak of the Devil), so I probably got into H&H and Mob right around the same time.  Side 1 of H&H is a freakin' masterpiece.  I have to wonder what it must have been like, in early 1980, to be a fan of Sabbath and Rainbow and hear Neon Knights smack you right in the gut.  Children of the Sea is some of Iommi's best guitar work.  Lady Evil is probably one of the few "Dio era" tracks that would have worked for Ozzy.  The title track is one of those songs that, while relatively easy to play, is virtually impossible for anyone other than Dio, Iommi, Butler and Ward/Appice to perform properly.  Die Young is the standout track on side 2.  At some point, I had a 12" single of Die Young, and the b-side was a live version of Heaven and Hell, complete with the "little white face" section.  The rest of side two is comparatively weak but certainly not bad in any way.


Walk Away is one of my favorite Sabbath tunes and is really what I love most about Tony's playing (not the ultra-heavy tuned-down eight steps sludge-fest that the later Dio-fronted material became, in my opinion). While the lyrics are a little corny, that track is a really well-crafted song.   

Just curious:  are you talking about Mob Rules or Dehumanizer (and, if the former, which songs)?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 23, 2019, 11:25:07 AM
The "Dio era" had come and gone by the time I got into metal (my first exposure to Sabbath was probably either the video for Trashed or Ozzy's Speak of the Devil), so I probably got into H&H and Mob right around the same time.  Side 1 of H&H is a freakin' masterpiece.  I have to wonder what it must have been like, in early 1980, to be a fan of Sabbath and Rainbow and hear Neon Knights smack you right in the gut.  Children of the Sea is some of Iommi's best guitar work.  Lady Evil is probably one of the few "Dio era" tracks that would have worked for Ozzy.  The title track is one of those songs that, while relatively easy to play, is virtually impossible for anyone other than Dio, Iommi, Butler and Ward/Appice to perform properly.  Die Young is the standout track on side 2.  At some point, I had a 12" single of Die Young, and the b-side was a live version of Heaven and Hell, complete with the "little white face" section.  The rest of side two is comparatively weak but certainly not bad in any way.

Pretty sure that the live "Heaven And Hell" version there was recorded at the Hartford Civic Center, though I wasn't at that show (too young; my first concert wasn't until almost exactly two years later). 

Quote
Walk Away is one of my favorite Sabbath tunes and is really what I love most about Tony's playing (not the ultra-heavy tuned-down eight steps sludge-fest that the later Dio-fronted material became, in my opinion). While the lyrics are a little corny, that track is a really well-crafted song.   

Just curious:  are you talking about Mob Rules or Dehumanizer (and, if the former, which songs)?

Well, really "The Devil You Know".   But as you go from Heaven and Hell through TDYK, it gets heavier, and some of the what I call "proggier" elements that I loved about the latter Ozzy years (and are sprinkled in H&H) get less and less.

Though I will say I relistened to Dehumanizer (an album I do not like much) a couple months ago, and I liked it better than I remembered.  But I haven't listened to it since.   
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on August 23, 2019, 11:27:23 AM
Classic album this one.

Neon Nights

Children of the Sea

Heaven and Hell

Die Young

Lonely Is The Word

All top tier tracks.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 23, 2019, 11:27:45 AM
Though I will say I relistened to Dehumanizer (an album I do not like much) a couple months ago, and I liked it better than I remembered.  But I haven't listened to it since.   

Dehumanizer has one of my favorite Dio era BS tunes ever, I. Love the attitude.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 23, 2019, 11:53:14 AM
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell

Songs:
-Neon Knights
-Children of the Sea
-Lady Evil
-Heaven and Hell
-Wishing Well
-Die Young
-Walk Away
-Lonely Is the Word

I think The Mob Rules might be just as iconic.  But Heaven and Hell seems to have stood the test of time better as far as the songs.  Feel free to disagree.

To me, this is a very side 1-heavy album.  I can probably sing any of those first four songs from memory.  But I have a hard time remembering how the next four songs go without hearing them. 

I was a bit late to the party on this album, and picked it up some time in the mid-'80s.  But once I got it, I really enjoyed it.  The title song and Children of the Sea are my absolute favorites.  And, for that matter, if you mashed together the entire Dio, Sabbath, and Heaven & Hell discographies, those two would still be up near the top and might still be my top 2.
I have gone on record saying that the Dio era is my favourite era of Sabbath and this album is why (although I love every Dio era album). I also love Born Again btw (because Gilly did an equally great job like when he was with Purple)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 27, 2019, 09:45:10 AM
Sorry I disappeared for awhile again.

The Cars - Heartbeat City

Songs:
-Hello Again
-Looking for Love
-Magic
-Drive
-Stranger Eyes
-You Might Think
-It's Not the Night
-Why Can't I Have You
-I Refuse
-Heartbeat City

Mutt Lange strikes again.  5 top 40 sings.  Of those, Drive and You Might Think both broke the top 10 (and it's somewhat unusual that they had two different lead vocalists on those two songs).  And while it didn't chart quite so high, the video for Magic seemed like it was played once every hour on MTV for the longest time (and, YES, we can clearly see the outline of the plexiglass Ric Ocasek is standing on!). 

This is such a fun pop album.  I know I spun it quite a bit back in the day, and this is another one where I think back and wonder why it isn't presently in my collection.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 27, 2019, 09:53:25 AM
To this day I love You Might Think. I remember my parents had the 45 of Drive and played it a lot. Which was always a conflict for me at the time. Should I like this song if my way uncool parents like it so much? Other than those two and Magic I can't speak to any of the others. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 27, 2019, 09:55:19 AM
Sorry I disappeared for awhile again.

The Cars - Heartbeat City


This is mostly a big no for me.  The Cars' stuff that came before was cool but not really in my wheelhouse.  The level at which MTV shoved this down our throats turned me off of it almost completely.  I couldn't stand (and still don't care for) You Might Think and that stupid video (that everyone kept telling me was the greatest thing ever).  Drive was meh.  Magic is a cool song, but that's about it as far as songs that I recognize by name on this album.

Interesting career trajectory for this band.  Heartbeat City was their biggest album, but the follow up bombed, and that was it for them.  Right?  But they made it into the RRHOF?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 27, 2019, 09:57:32 AM
@Chris:  Yeah, those are definitely the three that I think most people can remember off the top of their heads.  I struggle to recall a good half of the album after not having listened to it in a couple of decades.  But Hello Again definitely sticks with me as the album opener.  And the title song was such a cool closer.  For such a "standard pop song," it really had an interesting "bigness" to it that made it feel really appropriate as an album closer. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 27, 2019, 10:07:19 AM
I think the Cars are a WAYYYYYYYYYYY under-appreciated band.  I think they get categorized as a pop band for the couple of singles, but - and I get it, they're not prog - there's a sort of complexity to their music that rewards repeated listenings.   I think Elliot Easton was the perfect guitar player for that band, and (most of) his solos to this day hold up because of the neat structure to them.

Candy-O and Shake It Up are my favorites of their albums, but the only real weak one is Panarama (and even that has some moments that are worth it).  Door To Door is better than it should be, and while their "comeback" really misses Ben Orr (Ocasek's voice is better as a complement, not the only flavor in the spice drawer) it's pretty solid.  "Sad Song" and "Blue Tip" are excellent.

On this particular album, "Drive" is the favorite; I just love Ben Orr's voice on that.  I'll say again, he's really missed.   But even some of the deeper tracks are pretty good - Stranger Eyes and Why Can't I Have You spring to mind.   (Not on this album, but I'll also point out the sleeper track "All Mixed Up", which segues out of the far more well known "Moving In Stereo").

Did I say "Big Cars fan"?   :)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on August 27, 2019, 10:08:49 AM
couldn't stand (and still don't care for) You Might Think and that stupid video (that everyone kept telling me was the greatest thing ever). 

Interesting career trajectory for this band.  Heartbeat City was their biggest album, but the follow up bombed, and that was it for them.  Right?  But they made it into the RRHOF?

I loved that video. Ever since i said I never disagree with you about music all I seem to be doing is disagreeing with you about music.

And in looking at wikipedia, their debut went 6× Platinum, the follow up 4x Platinum (which is what this album did as well).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 27, 2019, 01:19:28 PM
I liked the hits, but never enough to dive any deeper into this band.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Podaar on August 27, 2019, 01:35:52 PM
I liked the hits, but never enough to dive any deeper into this band.

+1

The Cars hits have a fond place in my heart because they were all over the radio in my early twenties. Every bar with a live act had bands covering Cars songs so I have great memories of drinking, dancing, flirting, and carrying on with young beautiful women.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on August 27, 2019, 01:42:16 PM
I liked the hits, but never enough to dive any deeper into this band.

+1

The Cars hits have a fond place in my heart because they were all over the radio in my early twenties. Every bar with a live act had bands covering Cars songs so I have great memories of drinking, dancing, flirting, and carrying on with young beautiful women.  :biggrin:
possibly driving them home after asking too :D (that joke was too predictable, sorry)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 27, 2019, 01:53:27 PM
couldn't stand (and still don't care for) You Might Think and that stupid video (that everyone kept telling me was the greatest thing ever). 

Interesting career trajectory for this band.  Heartbeat City was their biggest album, but the follow up bombed, and that was it for them.  Right?  But they made it into the RRHOF?

I loved that video. Ever since i said I never disagree with you about music all I seem to be doing is disagreeing with you about music.

And in looking at wikipedia, their debut went 6× Platinum, the follow up 4x Platinum (which is what this album did as well).

 :lol :lol

A little surprised that the debut sold more than Heartbeat City (6x to 4x), but I verified that at the RIAA site.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 27, 2019, 02:06:26 PM
I liked the hits, but never enough to dive any deeper into this band.

Pretty much this.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 27, 2019, 02:11:35 PM
What's funny about the Cars is that nearly every person I have seen online over the years who said they saw them live pretty much has said the same thing: they were boring as heck and just not a good live band.

Aside from that, I loved the hits from this album at the time, and those videos were magic, pun intended.  You Might Think was my favorite at the time, but I think Drive and Magic have both held up a lot better.  I did the title cut a lot as well.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 28, 2019, 07:36:35 AM
What's funny about the Cars is that nearly every person I have seen online over the years who said they saw them live pretty much has said the same thing: they were boring as heck and just not a good live band.

I saw them on this tour (the Heartbeat City tour).  Wang Chung opened - I've seen a lot of shitty opening acts, but this is a name band with a decent singer, and they SUCKED, hard.  The Cars came out, played for just shy of an hour and a half, and I think Ric Ocasek said three words total in between each of the songs, and Ben Orr said, maybe, four.    They were good in the sense that they were able to recreate the songs, and the setlist was pretty good, but "boring" is being polite.  Just very flat and almost zero energy. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 28, 2019, 09:08:04 AM
Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet

Songs:
-Let It Rock
-You Give Love a Bad Name
-Livin' on a Prayer
-Social Disease
-Wanted Dead or Alive
-Raise Your Hands
-Without Love
-I'd Die for You
-Never Say Goodbye
-Wild in the Streets

I went through a phase were I was looking for new music and bought their debut on a whim.  I liked it a lot more than I thought I might.  I followed that up with 7800, and loved that as well.  So when this one came out, it was an automatic purchase upon release.

I know a lot of people balked at the "bubble gum pop rock" that this band made popular.  But the thing is, they just did it SO well.  Not only the singles, but most of the deep cuts are sing-along-able and very memorable.  And Ritchie Sambora was a master at putting together solos that were melodic and stuck in your head.  I feel like I have outgrown this band and moved on from what they do.  But I cannot deny the place this album holds as an '80s music monolith.

Found something on the wikipedia page that is not quite accurate:
Quote
The cover consists of a wet black garbage bag with the words "Slippery When Wet" traced in the water ("So simple," observed Sambora, "and not very impressive"). The album originally was to feature a busty woman in a wet yellow T-shirt with the album name on the front of the shirt. This was swapped for the plastic bag cover just prior to release. The reasons given for the switch were record execs' fears that dominant record store chains at the time would have refused to carry the album with a sexist cover, and Jon Bon Jovi's dislike of the bright pink border around the photograph the band submitted.  "Our label freaked out a bit when they saw what we'd done," recalled Sambora. "They thought it would be banned by American stores, so we had to come up with something else – fast."

Okay, this is MOSTLY true.  But copies with the original artwork were in fact pressed and distributed, and I know this because I had one. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on August 28, 2019, 09:18:49 AM
I saw Bon Jovi as an opening act, and they were good, even if the music itself never really connected with me.   I'm of two minds about Bon Jovi, particularly because of my feelings on Jon himself.   I don't think any band gets that big without someone like Jon in charge - I don't think you tour stadia just on "art" alone, even if you're the Grateful Dead - and so there's a respect there, because if it was easy everyone would do it, but some of the "I'm the CEO of my corporation" stuff is off-putting to me.

Having said that, the solo in "Wanted Dead Or Alive" is in my top three favorite solos of all time. It's pretty much perfect in every way.   
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on August 28, 2019, 10:17:01 AM
Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet


This is the only Bon Jovi album I own or ever have owned.  I think I bought it when my wife and I were on a vacation and we wanted to have music in the rental car, and this was something we could both agree on.

Livin' on a Prayer is an excellent song.  Bad Name is pretty good (it's also a song that my son could NAIL as a singer in Rock Band around 5-7 years ago).  I either don't care for or don't know well the remaining 8 songs.

At the behest of a girl I was dating at the time, I went to see Bon Jovi on the tour for the next album after this one.  Skid Row opened, and I enjoyed the show a lot more than I cared to admit at the time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 28, 2019, 12:36:47 PM
Good album, but I am of the opinion that New Jersey is better.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on August 28, 2019, 12:45:32 PM
Good album, but I am of the opinion that New Jersey is better.

I wouldn't disagree with you.  But I think Slippery is more emblematic of the era.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 28, 2019, 01:27:43 PM
Right. Slippery put that era on its back. Not sure the era has the impact it had without Slippery.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 28, 2019, 02:22:01 PM
Good album, but I am of the opinion that New Jersey is better.

I wouldn't disagree with you.  But I think Slippery is more emblematic of the era.
I wouldn't disagree with you.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 28, 2019, 03:31:27 PM
I saw Bon Jovi as an opening act, and they were good, even if the music itself never really connected with me.   I'm of two minds about Bon Jovi, particularly because of my feelings on Jon himself.   I don't think any band gets that big without someone like Jon in charge - I don't think you tour stadia just on "art" alone, even if you're the Grateful Dead - and so there's a respect there, because if it was easy everyone would do it, but some of the "I'm the CEO of my corporation" stuff is off-putting to me.

Having said that, the solo in "Wanted Dead Or Alive" is in my top three favorite solos of all time. It's pretty much perfect in every way.

I saw them once as an opening act for Ratt in 1985.  That was obviously before they hit the bigtime, but I always thought they were good.  Liked a lot of the radio hits, but was never compelled to buy any of their albums.  I guess I was just too distracted by a bunch of other bands that connected with me better.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on August 28, 2019, 04:39:21 PM
I saw Bon Jovi open for Scorps in 1984. I thought they were fantastic and I bought their tape the next day.

I absolutely remember the Ratt/BJ tour, and while I would've loved to have seen BJ again, I thought Ratt blew big chunks.

Bon Jovi were a great live band. I also saw the SWW tour a few times as well as the NJ tour a couple of times. Last time I saw them was the Keep The Faith tour.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bl5150 on August 28, 2019, 04:46:02 PM
Was actually pretty "hard rock" for the time and Richie Sambora was on fire on this album.  Tico under rated also - one of the better rock drummers around at the time.

Made my DTF Top 50 - certainly one of the more influential albums of my time.   And the New Jersey tour (either that or Joe Satriani in the same year?) was my first concert.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on August 28, 2019, 05:58:03 PM
I had this on cassette back in the day and listened to it a lot.  There are only a few songs that I revisit nowadays, but I will give it its due for how important it was for me at the time.  Back in 7th grade, everyone, guys and gals, loved this band and this album.

I still totally dig the into to Let It Rock, which is pretty rad.  They explored that kind of extended intro format again on Lay Your Hands on Me on the next album, which is also really good.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 29, 2019, 05:16:47 AM
Good record and very important to the whole hair metal/hard rock scene. Livin' On A Prayer and Wanted Dead Or Alive are killer songs, the rest is good too.

I know a lot of people balked at the "bubble gum pop rock" that this band made popular.  But the thing is, they just did it SO well.  Not only the singles, but most of the deep cuts are sing-along-able and very memorable.  And Ritchie Sambora was a master at putting together solos that were melodic and stuck in your head.

Yeah, this is definitely mainstream rock but very well done and they really brought it live. I lost interest after Keep The Faith when their formula wore thin, at least for me, and their hit singles became more annoying (It's My Life) than interesting.

PS: Bon Jovi back then was one of those bands that were rocking but also appealing to the girls. Important factor for teenage me.  :D
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MoraWintersoul on September 05, 2019, 03:59:59 PM
Not only the singles, but most of the deep cuts are sing-along-able and very memorable.  And Ritchie Sambora was a master at putting together solos that were melodic and stuck in your head.   
This is the purest truth. There were a million bands back then with poofy hair and cute frontmen and videos on MTV. I know, because I saw them all late at night on VH1 Rocks 20 years later  :lol but Bon Jovi and Europe stood the test of time imo, and that's it.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on September 05, 2019, 04:07:52 PM
Slippery and Keep The Faith are my personal favourites by Bon Jovi (that being said, I'm not too familar with them to make any valid statement, but I also like their first album and New Jersey quite a bit), just great songs, full stop.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Dublagent66 on September 05, 2019, 04:08:29 PM
I absolutely remember the Ratt/BJ tour, and while I would've loved to have seen BJ again, I thought Ratt blew big chunks.

You're right Tim.  Ratt was never a good live band cause they were always blowing chunks after partying too hard. :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on September 05, 2019, 05:19:41 PM
I absolutely remember the Ratt/BJ tour, and while I would've loved to have seen BJ again, I thought Ratt blew big chunks.

You're right Tim.  Ratt was never a good live band cause they were always blowing chunks after partying too hard. :lol

In the month or so leading up to my first concert (Ozzy Osbourne on the Bark at the Moon tour in April 1984), my friends and I had heard Motley Crue would be opening and were really excited about that.  We then heard that Crue had dropped off and would be replaced by Ratt.  We were still pretty excited about that.  That was probably the last time I felt any positive emotion for Ratt (although I did buy Invasion of Your Privacy for reasons I can't now recall).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: eric42434224 on September 05, 2019, 09:45:02 PM
I absolutely remember the Ratt/BJ tour, and while I would've loved to have seen BJ again, I thought Ratt blew big chunks.

You're right Tim.  Ratt was never a good live band cause they were always blowing chunks after partying too hard. :lol

Funnier is Ratts drum tech was named Chunks.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on September 05, 2019, 09:58:48 PM
Bon Jovi and Europe stood the test of time imo, and that's it.

Europe has stood the test of time? Maybe a regional thing? I couldn't name a song other than The Final Countdown, And that only lives on cause every 80s rock cover band has it in their repertoire.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on September 06, 2019, 07:15:29 AM
Bon Jovi and Europe stood the test of time imo, and that's it.

Europe has stood the test of time? Maybe a regional thing? I couldn't name a song other than The Final Countdown, And that only lives on cause every 80s rock cover band has it in their repertoire.

And it had a limited run in a number of commercials not long ago, at least up here in the Northeast.

I dunno; not bagging on Europe, but they weren't that huge in my crowd the first time.   Then again, I hung with a crowd that liked heavier metal or prog, so what do I know.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: MoraWintersoul on September 06, 2019, 07:20:30 AM
Bon Jovi and Europe stood the test of time imo, and that's it.

Europe has stood the test of time? Maybe a regional thing?
Europe thing! People like them a little more over here. Obviously not a lot of hits are still in rotation, but their albums have always been strong (with a few misses), their comeback albums have been well received, and obviously Norum is one of the better guitarists of the 80's and ends up on those lists all the time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on September 06, 2019, 08:00:52 AM
The last few Europe albums are fantastic Chris.  Stream them.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on September 06, 2019, 08:32:10 AM
The last few Europe albums are fantastic Chris.  Stream them.

I didn't know they had more than one, let alone enough where you could say "the last few."  :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 06, 2019, 08:44:44 AM
I liked "Open Your Heart" and "Superstitious" from Out of This World (the follow-up album to The Final Countdown), but that's about it for me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on September 06, 2019, 08:49:16 AM
This is where I jump and repeat that the first time I heard Dream Theater, I thought they sounded like a ballsier, meatier version of Europe - operatic vocals, similar use of keys, etc.  Heck, listen to the lead guitar at the beginning of Let the Good Times Rock and tell me that doesn't sound like something JP would have played at one point.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: King Postwhore on September 06, 2019, 09:22:55 AM
The last few Europe albums are fantastic Chris.  Stream them.

I didn't know they had more than one, let alone enough where you could say "the last few."  :lol

 :lol

They do bosk1 man, they do.

Bag of Bones (2012)
War of Kings (2015)
Walk the Earth (2017)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on September 06, 2019, 11:37:14 AM
This is where I jump and repeat that the first time I heard Dream Theater, I thought they sounded like a ballsier, meatier version of Europe - operatic vocals, similar use of keys, etc.  Heck, listen to the lead guitar at the beginning of Let the Good Times Rock and tell me that doesn't sound like something JP would have played at one point.

I've never heard that song before today, but yeah, I suppose, but it was a pretty darn generic sounding lead (especially the last few bent notes).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on September 08, 2019, 02:36:06 PM
I love Europe. Pretty much everything from Stormwind has been quality.

Prisoners In Paradise made my top 50.

The last two of the comeback albums have been excellent.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: HOF on July 09, 2020, 11:18:18 PM
Frontiers sucks

Damn...I get that it's not on the same level as Escape, but "sucks" is pretty harsh.  The well-known tracks are solid, and Edge of the Blade and Rubicon are GREAT "deep cuts."

By the way, Neal Schon in the pre-Perry days had one hell of an epic afro!

*Late night reading random old threads*

Yes to all of this, but Frontiers was somewhat harmed as an album by the band/label (not sure which) opting to leave off Only the Young and Ask the Lonely so they could appear on movie soundtracks. A case of marketing trumping art, as that album is much much stronger if you swap those two in for, say, Chain Reaction and Backtalk (one of the worst Journey songs probably).

Rubicon is a really really fun track though, as is the title track. I also really like Only Solutions, which I’m not sure if it was written for that album originally or something they came up with independently for Tron. All in all, the material on and around Frontiers was really pretty great IMO.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 10, 2020, 11:01:48 AM
Frontiers was somewhat harmed as an album by the band/label (not sure which) opting to leave off Only the Young and Ask the Lonely so they could appear on movie soundtracks. A case of marketing trumping art, as that album is much much stronger if you swap those two in for, say, Chain Reaction and Backtalk (one of the worst Journey songs probably).

I didn't know the background of those songs.  However, I really like Chain Reaction and don't think Back Talk is nearly that bad.  Only the Young is only ok, and Ask the Lonely is a little better, but not much.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 10, 2020, 12:38:01 PM
Not saying this to argue, but just provide counter point....  "Only The Young" is a top 10 Journey song for me, and Ask The Lonely is probably in the top 15. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 12:52:42 PM
So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: HOF on July 10, 2020, 01:01:19 PM
Not saying this to argue, but just provide counter point....  "Only The Young" is a top 10 Journey song for me, and Ask The Lonely is probably in the top 15. 

Yeah, I think many Journey fans rate Only the Young as one of their best songs, and I also think Ask The Lonely is also generally well-thought of. I love both a ton. Also, part of the discussion I quoted from  was Kattelox/Walrus had said he didn’t like the heavier/darker tone of Frontiers. Adding those two to the mix would have brought the album a little more in like with their previous albums probably.

So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.

Yeah, I think that’s probably accurate. He did bring a lot of musicality to the Journey drum chair, but he wasn’t playing in an especially flashy or showy way in Journey, and I doubt many people have heard or seen him playing in his jazz/fusion contexts.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 10, 2020, 01:10:02 PM
Frontiers was somewhat harmed as an album by the band/label (not sure which) opting to leave off Only the Young and Ask the Lonely so they could appear on movie soundtracks. A case of marketing trumping art, as that album is much much stronger if you swap those two in for, say, Chain Reaction and Backtalk (one of the worst Journey songs probably).

I didn't know the background of those songs.  However, I really like Chain Reaction and don't think Back Talk is nearly that bad.  Only the Young is only ok, and Ask the Lonely is a little better, but not much.

I pretty much agree.  I like Chain Reaction A LOT.  It's been a long time since I listened to the album, and as a result, I don't really recall Back Talk.  I just don't remember it.  But there isn't really a song on the album that I disliked either.  To me, Escape and Frontiers captured the band at a time when their output was right up my alley, and there isn't really a song I dislike on either album. 

As for the other two songs mentioned, I'm not sure I would have thought any more highly of Frontiers if they were included.  As I said, I already think very highly of that album.  But I didn't have either of those two soundtracks, and those songs didn't even register on my radar.  I really only became aware of them later because of their inclusion in live sets and on compilations, and I can't say that I am even very familiar with the studio versions.  Live, they are great, fun songs.  But to me, they both feel more in line with the overly pop sound of a lot of Raised on Radio that I didn't much care for, so even if I had heard the studio versions at the time, which would not have had the live energy, I doubt they would have moved the needle for me.

So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.

That's an interesting theory.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I think there is probably a perception that, because Journey was a pop band, that the drummer is simple and straightforward, and so Smith didn't get to fully utilize his capabilities while in the band.  And while there might be a grain of truth in that, I think it misses the mark.  Yeah, it may be true that he couldn't go bananas in Open Arms.  But that's kinda the point--the songs themselves don't call for that, and he was a master at playing for the song and doing what the song called for.  But more than that, there is a LOT of nuance and complexity in his drumming for Journey.  Smith was just one of those guys that could take complicated, and make it sound simple and straightforward.  And I think THAT, more than anything, is the primary reason he may not get his due. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 01:15:56 PM
So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.

That's an interesting theory.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I think there is probably a perception that, because Journey was a pop band, that the drummer is simple and straightforward, and so Smith didn't get to fully utilize his capabilities while in the band.  And while there might be a grain of truth in that, I think it misses the mark.  Yeah, it may be true that he couldn't go bananas in Open Arms.  But that's kinda the point--the songs themselves don't call for that, and he was a master at playing for the song and doing what the song called for.  But more than that, there is a LOT of nuance and complexity in his drumming for Journey.  Smith was just one of those guys that could take complicated, and make it sound simple and straightforward.  And I think THAT, more than anything, is the primary reason he may not get his due.

I've just never listened to Journey and thought Holy Shit this drummer is awesome. Again, Journey doesn't call for amazing drumming. I'm not saying he isn't good. But if all you had to judge him as a drummer was his work with Journey, he'd be just another guy.
I'm not railing or trying to be negative in any way.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 10, 2020, 01:21:51 PM
So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.

That's an interesting theory.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I think there is probably a perception that, because Journey was a pop band, that the drummer is simple and straightforward, and so Smith didn't get to fully utilize his capabilities while in the band.  And while there might be a grain of truth in that, I think it misses the mark.  Yeah, it may be true that he couldn't go bananas in Open Arms.  But that's kinda the point--the songs themselves don't call for that, and he was a master at playing for the song and doing what the song called for.  But more than that, there is a LOT of nuance and complexity in his drumming for Journey.  Smith was just one of those guys that could take complicated, and make it sound simple and straightforward.  And I think THAT, more than anything, is the primary reason he may not get his due.

I've just never listened to Journey and thought Holy Shit this drummer is awesome. Again, Journey doesn't call for amazing drumming. I'm not saying he isn't good. But if all you had to judge him as a drummer was his work with Journey, he'd be just another guy.
I'm not railing or trying to be negative in any way.

I agree on the bolded, and that's kind of my point.  The drum parts aren't flashy, and they don't stand out as being particularly amazing.  But when you dig a little deeper, a lot of what he does is pretty amazing, just not on a surface level.  In a similar vein, I never listened to Toto and thought, "Wow!  What an amazing drummer Jeff Porcaro is!"  But he is pretty revered because there is actually a lot of subtle nuance and complexity to what he does, even if it sounds on the surface like "standard pop drumming." 

And I get that you aren't trying to be negative.  I don't take it as negative.  I'm just presenting an opposing view.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 01:23:47 PM
So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.

That's an interesting theory.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I think there is probably a perception that, because Journey was a pop band, that the drummer is simple and straightforward, and so Smith didn't get to fully utilize his capabilities while in the band.  And while there might be a grain of truth in that, I think it misses the mark.  Yeah, it may be true that he couldn't go bananas in Open Arms.  But that's kinda the point--the songs themselves don't call for that, and he was a master at playing for the song and doing what the song called for.  But more than that, there is a LOT of nuance and complexity in his drumming for Journey.  Smith was just one of those guys that could take complicated, and make it sound simple and straightforward.  And I think THAT, more than anything, is the primary reason he may not get his due.

I've just never listened to Journey and thought Holy Shit this drummer is awesome. Again, Journey doesn't call for amazing drumming. I'm not saying he isn't good. But if all you had to judge him as a drummer was his work with Journey, he'd be just another guy.
I'm not railing or trying to be negative in any way.

I agree on the bolded, and that's kind of my point.  The drum parts aren't flashy, and they don't stand out as being particularly amazing.  But when you dig a little deeper, a lot of what he does is pretty amazing, just not on a surface level.  In a similar vein, I never listened to Toto and thought, "Wow!  What an amazing drummer Jeff Porcaro is!"  But he is pretty revered because there is actually a lot of subtle nuance and complexity to what he does, even if it sounds on the surface like "standard pop drumming." 

And I get that you aren't trying to be negative.  I don't take it as negative.  I'm just presenting an opposing view.

No, that's my point! :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: HOF on July 10, 2020, 01:27:46 PM
Frontiers was somewhat harmed as an album by the band/label (not sure which) opting to leave off Only the Young and Ask the Lonely so they could appear on movie soundtracks. A case of marketing trumping art, as that album is much much stronger if you swap those two in for, say, Chain Reaction and Backtalk (one of the worst Journey songs probably).

I didn't know the background of those songs.  However, I really like Chain Reaction and don't think Back Talk is nearly that bad.  Only the Young is only ok, and Ask the Lonely is a little better, but not much.

I pretty much agree.  I like Chain Reaction A LOT.  It's been a long time since I listened to the album, and as a result, I don't really recall Back Talk.  I just don't remember it.  But there isn't really a song on the album that I disliked either.  To me, Escape and Frontiers captured the band at a time when their output was right up my alley, and there isn't really a song I dislike on either album. 

As for the other two songs mentioned, I'm not sure I would have thought any more highly of Frontiers if they were included.  As I said, I already think very highly of that album.  But I didn't have either of those two soundtracks, and those songs didn't even register on my radar.  I really only became aware of them later because of their inclusion in live sets and on compilations, and I can't say that I am even very familiar with the studio versions.  Live, they are great, fun songs.  But to me, they both feel more in line with the overly pop sound of a lot of Raised on Radio that I didn't much care for, so even if I had heard the studio versions at the time, which would not have had the live energy, I doubt they would have moved the needle for me.

I came to know Only The Young and Ask The Lonely first via the Time 3 box set before I ever heard the Frontiers album, so I was already a big fan of both before hearing most of Frontiers. As it is, Frontiers is still probably my second favorite Journey album, and my copy of the CD has Only the Young, Ask The Lonely, and Only Solitions included, so all is right with the world now!

Also, I once won a free t-shirt from a radio station call-in contest because I knew which movie soundtrack Only The Young appeared on (only because I read the booklet in that box set pretty thoroughly!).
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: HOF on July 10, 2020, 01:43:46 PM
On the topic of Steve Smith the drummer, there is a really great drum solo on Captured that shows off Smith’s chops, though likely the average non-Journey rock fan probably wouldn’t have heard that.

Something else cool about that track is there’s a bass/drum duet before the drum solo where Ross Valorie plays the theme from Carry On Wayward Son, which I can only assume is a nod to the whole “Kansas ripped off I’m Gonna Leave You” thing.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 01:48:08 PM
I have Captured. I haven't listened to it in a long time.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: HOF on July 10, 2020, 01:51:42 PM
I have Captured. I haven't listened to it in a long time.

The solo is tacked onto La Do Da. I don’t ordinarily buy live albums, but I got this one partly because the cover art is really cool.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 02:00:30 PM
I bought the CD in the cheapo bin for like $4.99 25 years ago. Been YEARS since I've listened.

I'm actually a pretty big Aynsley Dunbar fan.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Volante99 on July 10, 2020, 02:24:57 PM
I saw Stephen Pearcy post a #unmask2020 or something like that and getting all kinds of flack. Now he says his account was “hacked”.

I don’t want to get too political here but what a goon. With the commercial Ratt has been getting good momentum for the first time in 30 years and he fumbles the ball with THAT?
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 02:28:16 PM
Wow, this is weird. I mentioned I was talking to a coworker today and he brought up Steve Smith. He also brought up Ratt and their Round And Round commercial and how they've become popular again.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 10, 2020, 02:37:26 PM
I might’ve already said it in this thread, but the last 80 seconds of Journey’s Send Her My Love is freaking awesome.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 10, 2020, 03:17:03 PM
So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.

I agree and think the same could also be said of Neal Schon.  Remember when Dio put together the "Hear 'n' Aid" project as a hard rock/metal version of USA for Africa and "We Are the World"?  The project released a single -- the song "Stars" -- and an album that included Stars and a bunch of other recordings that were "donated" by artists who couldn't be part of "Stars" (mostly live versions of songs, including Rush's Distant Early Warning and The Zoo by Scorpions).  The project also released a home video, which I still own on the original VHS, and which I don't think has ever been re-released on a digital format (but I think it's on YouTube).**  There's a fairly significant amount of commentary about how Neal Schon's soloing for "Stars" blew everyone there away, and my recollection of the public reaction at the time was the same.  Everyone thought of Neal as that guy from Journey, the band that does love ballads, and didn't have a lot of knowledge that he could shred and had come from a jazz/fusion background.

** - Wendy Dio has said more than once since RJD died that she wants to re-release "Stars" (and the rest of the album) on CD and DVD with "loads of outtakes," but it obviously hasn't happened yet.


But there isn't really a song on the album that I disliked either.  To me, Escape and Frontiers captured the band at a time when their output was right up my alley, and there isn't really a song I dislike on either album. 

As for the other two songs mentioned, I'm not sure I would have thought any more highly of Frontiers if they were included.  As I said, I already think very highly of that album.  But I didn't have either of those two soundtracks, and those songs didn't even register on my radar. . . .  But to me, they both feel more in line with the overly pop sound of a lot of Raised on Radio that I didn't much care for

I couldn't have said any of this any better.


Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 03:31:51 PM
So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.

I agree and think the same could also be said of Neal Schon.  Remember when Dio put together the "Hear 'n' Aid" project as a hard rock/metal version of USA for Africa and "We Are the World"?  The project released a single -- the song "Stars" -- and an album that included Stars and a bunch of other recordings that were "donated" by artists who couldn't be part of "Stars" (mostly live versions of songs, including Rush's Distant Early Warning and The Zoo by Scorpions).  The project also released a home video, which I still own on the original VHS, and which I don't think has ever been re-released on a digital format (but I think it's on YouTube).**  There's a fairly significant amount of commentary about how Neal Schon's soloing for "Stars" blew everyone there away, and my recollection of the public reaction at the time was the same.  Everyone thought of Neal as that guy from Journey, the band that does love ballads, and didn't have a lot of knowledge that he could shred and had come from a jazz/fusion background.


I have the full length vinyl of Hear n Aid up in my attic.

I hear you on Schon. I think his solos stand out a bit more than Smith's drumming. But I find it ironic that while they are both known for being in Journey, it does cause you to overlook how talented they might actually be.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: wolfking on July 10, 2020, 03:35:41 PM
I might’ve already said it in this thread, but the last 80 seconds of Journey’s Send Her My Love is freaking awesome.

One of Schon's finest moments that whole solo and outro.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 03:37:15 PM
I'm feeling that way too.





#seewhatididthere
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: wolfking on July 10, 2020, 03:40:27 PM
Your genius never ceases to amaze me.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 03:40:58 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 10, 2020, 06:09:24 PM
I'm feeling that way too.





#seewhatididthere

Good to see that you feel just the same way I do.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 10, 2020, 06:38:43 PM
Anytime!
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 11, 2020, 01:14:31 AM
Just because the forum isn't getting unplugged doesn't mean I can't ban you both into oblivion.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: bosk1 on July 11, 2020, 01:43:53 AM
Anyhow...

Warrant - Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinkin' Rich

Yeah, I went there.  Look, I know the album is cheesey.  Just read the post anyway.  It's kinda personal, and you might be entertained, even if you don't care for the band.  Okay, so...

Released:  January 31, 1989

Songs:
1.      32 Pennies
2.   Down Boys
3.   Big Talk
4.   Sometimes She Cries
5.   So Damn Pretty (Should Be Against the Law)
6.   D.R.F.S.R.
7.   In the Sticks
8.   Heaven
9.   Ridin' High
10.   Cold Sweat

I was gonna do Cherry Pie.  Honestly, I think it's a better album.  But since it didn't come out until 1990, I'm going to go with DRFSR.

After boot camp in the summer of 1988, I went sent off to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  I was lonely.  I was worlds away from the friends I had grown up with, the girl I mistakenly thought I would marry, and basically everything and everyone I knew.  But I had my music. 

Slight diversion:  I didn't know much about Britney Fox.  They had a stupid name.  They had a stupid look.  But, hey, it was the '80s.  And bands ripped one another off all the time, so if they wanted to look like Cinderella, who was I to argue (I didn't know their history at the time, so I had no clue that they basically WERE half of Cinderella).  Can't remember how I first heard of them or what I heard.  But they were a bona fide rock band who were willing to play anywhere, trying to make a name for themselves.  So when I heard they were playing in the field house on base in December 1988, I was all in.  They put on a good show.  And their songs were pretty good, actually.  I became a fan (and more of one later once they fired Davidson, but that's another story).  But what I also remember from that show was the opening band.  Well, not the first opening band.  They were some no names called Nantucket.  Other than laughing at how much their singer tried to imitate Geoff Tate, they were entirely unmemorable.  I mean the next opening band after them that went on before Britney Fox.  They were also some no-name band.  But they supposedly had gotten signed and had an album coming out in a couple of months or something.  Yeah, that was the show I discovered Warrant.

These guys...they had the look.  They had the chops.  They had catchy, good songwriting.  They had the stage presence and the live energy.  I was impressed.  And I knew they would be something.  It's kinda rare to see a band for the first time, knowing nothing about them ahead of time, and having their songs stuck in your head for a couple of months before the album is even out.  But they had me hooked.

In late January, we flew to 29 Palms for a month-long joint field exercise.  Sometime toward the end, we got a few days off, and some guys were driving up to Nor Cal.  Home.  I was in.  I stopped by a music store and found this album.  I played that cassette constantly.  I remember a lot of the guys in my unit asking me who it was that I was listening to over and over, and laughing when I said the name, since it was a band nobody had ever heard of.  Then Down Boys started getting some traction on local radio.  Then Heaven started getting HUGE traction on radio and MTV, and the band blew up.  It was pretty cool being in on the ground floor and watching these guys rise in popularity.  That's why this album is special to me, even if it isn't a great album altogether.  Side 1 is pretty solid, actually.  But side 2 had a lot of filler, and I honestly struggle to remember how a lot of those songs even go now.  But this was the album that got them started.  These were the songs I saw them perform that hooked me.  Yeah, again, Cherry Pie was stronger.  And despite the commercial title track (which Lane apparently wrote as a joke at the last minute when told they needed a lead single that was catchy, and he hated the song ever since), that album really shows some solid songwriting chops.  But DRFSR was what got me on the Warrant train.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2020, 06:11:00 AM
It's great to connect with an album through circumstances, and they will always hold a special meaning. So that's great Bosk!


I never minded Warrant. They never really screamed "Posers" to me. I thought Jani Lane was great. I just wish their music had a bit more bite.

I have mentioned this before but I saw Warrant twice in 1989.
February 23, 1989
West Hartford Ballroom
Opening for Paul Stanley

December 16, 1989
Worcester Centrum
Opening for Motley Crue

And I must say that they were fantastic live. I mention the two shows because one was in a club, and one was in an arena. And they OWNED both stages. I thought they were great.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: KevShmev on July 11, 2020, 06:32:41 AM
Just because the forum isn't getting unplugged doesn't mean I can't ban you both into oblivion.

Well, if that happens, I'll be alright without you.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: TAC on July 11, 2020, 06:53:27 AM
Yeah send him my love.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: HOF on July 11, 2020, 08:48:13 AM
I’ve never heard a Warrant album, only know the radio hits. But I did like Down Boys and Heaven a good bit back when I was into hair bands. That’s a really cool story about getting into them just before they broke big.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: T-ski on July 11, 2020, 09:42:35 AM
Yeah send him my love.

seems hes a troubled child.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Cool Chris on July 11, 2020, 02:22:40 PM
I liked the Warrant hits quite a bit, other than Cherry Pie. I never liked that song. Their ballads were total junior high slow dance song fodder.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: pg1067 on July 13, 2020, 11:12:50 AM
Warrant - Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinkin' Rich

For me, Warrant was "just another glam band."  In SoCal, KNAC played Down Boys and Heaven a lot.  I hated the former.  The latter wasn't horrible, but it was too saccharine for me at the time.

The only Warrant song I know I like -- and I like it a LOT -- is I Saw Red, but I don't know what album it's on.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Max Kuehnau on July 13, 2020, 01:27:05 PM
So I was literally talking with someone and Journey came up. We were talking music, and he mentions that Steve Smith was a great drummer, and that he was really underrated. I told him that my theory is that he is underrated because of his work with Journey.

That's an interesting theory.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I think there is probably a perception that, because Journey was a pop band, that the drummer is simple and straightforward, and so Smith didn't get to fully utilize his capabilities while in the band.  And while there might be a grain of truth in that, I think it misses the mark.  Yeah, it may be true that he couldn't go bananas in Open Arms.  But that's kinda the point--the songs themselves don't call for that, and he was a master at playing for the song and doing what the song called for.  But more than that, there is a LOT of nuance and complexity in his drumming for Journey.  Smith was just one of those guys that could take complicated, and make it sound simple and straightforward.  And I think THAT, more than anything, is the primary reason he may not get his due.

I've just never listened to Journey and thought Holy Shit this drummer is awesome. Again, Journey doesn't call for amazing drumming. I'm not saying he isn't good. But if all you had to judge him as a drummer was his work with Journey, he'd be just another guy.
I'm not railing or trying to be negative in any way.

I agree on the bolded, and that's kind of my point.  The drum parts aren't flashy, and they don't stand out as being particularly amazing.  But when you dig a little deeper, a lot of what he does is pretty amazing, just not on a surface level.  In a similar vein, I never listened to Toto and thought, "Wow!  What an amazing drummer Jeff Porcaro is!"  But he is pretty revered because there is actually a lot of subtle nuance and complexity to what he does, even if it sounds on the surface like "standard pop drumming." 

And I get that you aren't trying to be negative.  I don't take it as negative.  I'm just presenting an opposing view.
there are intricacies in them though (and they might not be so obvious. They are to me, because I'm a drummer) and his parts were worked out very well. (Don't Stop Believing is one example, maybe even a prime one actually.) If you want to hear him go mad, listen to Enigmatic Ocean by Jean Luc Ponty.
Jeff was amazing too though (my greatest influence as a drummer personally.), because he ALWAYS played the right things all the time. Sorry about being non-neutral for a split second there.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 14, 2020, 03:20:41 PM
It's kinda rare to see a band for the first time, knowing nothing about them ahead of time, and having their songs stuck in your head for a couple of months before the album is even out.  But they had me hooked.
I actually had a similar experience, round about this time.  I saw Firehouse at a small club in my hometown of Hickory, NC.  Of course, at the time they hadn't chosen the name Firehouse - they were billed under the name of White Heat.  But they played Don't Treat Me Bad, which was already getting regional airplay. 

Within just a couple of months, their debut album came out, with the name now changed.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: dparrott on July 14, 2020, 08:13:32 PM
Justice is my favorite Metallica album.  I don't mind the EQ, adds to the brutality of the sound.

Rio's my favorite DD album, been listening to it almost since it came out.  JT's a beast on the bass!

Expose on a prog board?? Wow, never thought I'd see that!  I love 80's R&B/dance/funk, we have a radio station in LA that focuses on it.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: dparrott on July 14, 2020, 08:18:24 PM
(and I'm a Squire fan boy, so there!). 

Love his playing on Second Coming and in the band The Seahorses. 
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Lowdz on July 16, 2020, 02:28:37 AM
I love the first three Warrant albums. Jani was a great songwriter, just a shame he had demons and was taken far too soon.
They were great live. I'm not sure why the producer got Slamer in to do the solos because the guitarists seemed fine live.
I prefer Cherry Pie over DRSFR too and I have no problem with the title track. Sure it's silly, but it was the 80s and we weren't all miserable fuckers that were mad at our parents for no reason at all.
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: Stadler on July 16, 2020, 07:37:33 AM
(and I'm a Squire fan boy, so there!). 

Love his playing on Second Coming and in the band The Seahorses.

I just caught that.  I happen to agree, though in the original quote I meant Chris, not John.   :) :) :)
Title: Re: "Classic" album appreciation thread - the '80s
Post by: dparrott on July 16, 2020, 11:08:59 AM
(and I'm a Squire fan boy, so there!). 

Love his playing on Second Coming and in the band The Seahorses.

I just caught that.  I happen to agree, though in the original quote I meant Chris, not John.   :) :) :)

haha oops