1980 music

[J.T.B.]

I was thinking recently about 2010 being the 20th, 30th &c. anniversary of various movies, TV shows and albums, and I was surprised at how well the year 1980 was represented in my music collection. And not just albums you have to blow the dust off (figuratively), but really strong stuff that I still listen to regularly.

In rough order of favorite-ness:

The Clash, London Calling (December 1979 in the UK)
Talking Heads, Remain in Light
X, Los Angeles
The Pretenders
Steely Dan, Gaucho
The (English) Beat, I Just Can't Stop It
Bruce Springsteen, The River
The B-52's, Wild Planet
Rockpile, Seconds of Pleasure
Warren Zevon, Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School
The Police, Zenyatta Mondatta
Devo, Freedom of Choice
U2, Boy
The Cure, Boys Don't Cry
Tom Waits, Heartattack and Vine
Pete Townshend, Empty Glass
Motorhead, The Ace of Spades
AC/DC, Back in Black
Judas Priest, British Steel
Dire Straits, Making Movies
The Specials

I was only ten in 1980 so most of these I came to in my later teens, and some much later than that. Anyone have more too add, or other similarly strong years?

--Justin

 

[Chaos Descending]

Let me add the following:

Heaven and Hell - Black Sabbath
Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden
Hi Fidelity - REO Speedwagon
Lightning to the Nations - Diamondhead
Blizzard of Ozz - Ozzy Osbourne
The Michael Schenker Group - Michael Schenker Group

 

[J.T.B.]

Wow, I didn't realize "Blizzard" and Iron Maiden were from '80, too. I definitely put some wear on those records back in the day.

--Justin

 

[Kirby]

Also from 1980 :
Billy Joel - Glass Houses
Genesis - Duke
Rush - Permanent Waves
Styx - Paradise Theater

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

Let me add the following:

Heaven and Hell - Black Sabbath
Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden
Hi Fidelity - REO Speedwagon
Lightning to the Nations - Diamondhead
Blizzard of Ozz - Ozzy Osbourne
The Michael Schenker Group - Michael Schenker Group

Also from 1980 :
Billy Joel - Glass Houses
Genesis - Duke
Rush - Permanent Waves
Styx - Paradise Theater

I was mostly into "pop" at that time, but except Diamondhead (which I don't think I've ever heard), I agree with everything here.

I'll add Kansas - Audio Visions. Their last great album.

 

[Level 2 Diagnostic]

Also released that year... John Lennon's Double Fantasy, and Elvis Costello's Get Happy!

And I also have to throw out a mention of one of my personal favorites: Yes' Drama.

Seems like a lot of classic albums were released in 1980, though I have to wonder how many of them were well-regarded at the time, or actually sold all that well back then.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

And I also have to throw out a mention of one of my personal favorites: Yes' Drama.

Ah, the interesting Trevor Horn & Geoff Downes version of YES.

Very different sound for a band that was already progressive.