Rock Evolution – The History of Rock & Roll - 1985 - (page 203)

threespires said:
For some reason this felt a lot more 'commercial' than some of the other recent playlists. Some enjoyable guilty pleasures in there, though it's perked up by some new wave/post punk classics too and I was happy to be reminded about The Only Ones.

Strangely though I'm really not a fan of AOR ,the various tracks selected for this playlist were more palatable than I might normally found music in this space.

My favourites were things I was familiar with but in terms of stuff I was either less or not familiar with.
  • I liked the early Midnight Oil track
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Nice, seems I wasn't alone in that one too. Rob hit the back of the net with that one, I'd say.
threespires said:
  • On paper I should really dislike Eddie Money but that's not the case in reality
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Yeah, and I should have mentioned him too, but FM classic radio continues to overplay him to this day, but before that, I did like his tunes back in the early 80s. Not too many NYC police clerks made it big after the fact, but this was the guy:

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threespires said:
  • I don't mind a bit of Rush in (quite) small doses so these were enjoyable.
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You got 2 of their best tracks from one of their fan favourite albums that to this day aren't too overplayed, so 1978 was the 2nd offering of their gold standard of 4 studio albums in a row that were broken up by live album releases.

threespires said:
  • Though I obviously know who they are, I really am not familiar with The Cars who for no obvious reason have been in my blind spot all these years, so I enjoyed their back to back outings.
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Nice, and iconic music scenes never forgets track 1 of 2...

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threespires said:
  • The Tom Petty song that finished the list reminded me that I should really make more effort to listen to him.
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That was probably the 2nd best song on that release behind "I Need To Know", and was the album before I was introduced to Tom's classic breakthrough, probably already nominated here.
 
I have gone straight to it for this year and added the rest of my four picks; although having allowed Keith Moon’s guilty pleasure ;-)

2nd pick is one of my top two Van Halen tracks, which for the uninitiated means there’s really not many songs I could claim to like more. Ironically, perhaps, my two favourite VH songs are probably their poppiest. 1979’s is from the underrated VH II: Dance the Night Away. As well as buying the album I also have this as a seven inch picture disc single.

Next up is In The City by Joe Walsh, which is another track of similar status to the preceding pick. This version is from one of my all-time favourite movies “The Warriors”. There’s very few films I have watched more frequently; this track plays over the closing credits and captures the mood of the moment superbly. The Eagles also included a version on their 1979 long player, “The Long Run”.

Finally, a deeper cut Don’t Ever Wanna Lose Ya by New England from their debut album. It’s an epic sounding piece of AOR with haunting synth and a very fine guitar solo, excellently produced by KISS’ front man Paul Stanley. It’s another track that sits among my absolute favourites.
 
homerdog said:
Although only a minor hit in '79, I bought this classic on picture disc after hearing it playing in the local record shop:

Driver's Seat - Sniff 'n' the Tears
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Might have been my favourite songs being played back then by this little known band in the US, but boy, did I love this song. A nod from the Boogie Nights soundtrack too.

I better get on my list too while the gettin's good.
 
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BimboBob said:
1979

1979 was a pivotal year in my music history. Up until this point my music had been gathered from four different sources. My Dad's Sunday afternoon listen club, the radio, Top Of The Pops and mates. A very closed circuit, especially as the radio, TOTP and my mates were basically the same thing. But in 1979 this changed as I was allowed to go on my own to concerts. And not just the bands you would see and hear splashed all over the BBC but ones in London clubs, with a stage, a bar (I was slightly too young for this to mean anything but I remember the thrill of an underage Mild to this day) and bands that you had never heard of. Of course this was all allowed if I had a responsible adult, or so my dad thought, with me i.e my older cousin. He lived in that there London, smoked, dressed weirdly and loved music. I was allowed to train it up if he met me at Victoria Station with strict instructions to deposit me back at said station for the return journey. Our club of choice was called The Nashville Rooms. I think it was open in the mid 70's and closed in 1980.

It was here, in the January of 79, that I saw my first proper band in a dingy club. Madness. It was a Sunday night...and it was mental. This was before the release of their first single, Prince Buster, and I'd never heard of them. Obviously, trying to be all cool and sophisticated, my Cousin said he had. What followed was an hour of sweaty fighting with the big kids. Or it seemed that way as when I got up for school the next day I ached all over.

Madness - One Step Beyond

A month later I was back up to the Nashville to be chaperoned, to drink half a mild and to watch The Human League. Being Boiled had already come out the year before, not that I had heard it, probably because it didn't chart until a few years later, but my Cousin was sure that we would have a good time. This was pre Human League girls, Martyn Ware was in the band, later of Heaven 17, and Phil Oakey already had his haircut. They were very, very different from Madness, something my body thanked me for the next day at school. I interviewed Mr Ware a few years ago, an absolute gentleman. He said that Oakey wasn't the first choice warbler but they had to go with him as Glenn Gregory, who would later be the Heaven 17 singer, had moved to London with a new job.

The Human League - Empire State Human

We now move away from the Nashville Rooms as although I saw probably another 5 or 6 concerts in 1979 I also went to quite a few in bigger arenas. The next band I saw was The Cure at Bournemouth Town Hall. A much bigger venue that I was used to and as such less sweaty. It was probably in March but definitely a Saturday night. My Cousin, plus family, had come down to stay and he had got tickets. I was a little underwhelmed by them if I'm honest. Very hard to Pidgeon hole. Lots of swaying. Robert Smith had normal hair. I, of course had never heard of them before, and I can't tell you if they played this next song, but it's 1979, and it's now a firm favourite.

The Cure - Boys Don't Cry

The next concert was a month or so later at the Brighton Centre. The band I'd heard of as they were famous. They had been on the radio and everything. Squeeze were touring their new album, Cool For Cats, and the next song is from the album. Probably my favourite of theirs.

Squeeze - Up The Junction

We now hit two singles that left a profound mark on my music taste that endures to this day. I saw one band supporting the other in October at the Southampton Gaumont but seeing as both of these songs came out in May it seems right to mention them now. Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, or OMD, still tour now. Catch them if you can because they are fantastic. In 1979 they were just a support band, but they played this song and it captivated me. Simple, but with a mad man leaping about playing bass whilst what looked like my music teacher played simple yet effective keyboards. Oh the layers. The synth. I was hooked.

OMD - Electricity

Which leads me neatly onto the band that OMD were supporting at the Gaumont. Famously the album they meant to record was going to be in the punk style until the lead singer noticed a minimoog in the studio. After messing around with it and his guitar he was astonished by what he heard. Weirdly he has now gone back to a more guitar driven sound. When I first heard this next offering I was blown away. It was astonishing and still sounds beautiful and haunting today. The rock version he plays live these days is a decent headbanger as well.

Tubeway Army - Are Friends Electric

We now move onto June and away from the live stuff. This next song was played in one of my Dad's Sunday record sessions. Although we both weren't too keen on the album it came from, this song stood out. Mainly because it was completely at odds with the rest of the album. Discovery, released in June, was ELO's first number One album, following on from the success of the monster that was Out Of The Blue. The keyboard player, Richard Tandy, called it...Disco...very. A bit harsh.

ELO - Don't Bring Me Down

Another of my Dad's favourites comes next. A song I still love today. A song that is played and sung beautifully with a bit of soul added in. It's just very smooth. I've banged on about this artist frequently over the years. And yes it has a sax in it. Just not that one. Released in July.

Gerry Rafferty - Get It Right Next Time

Next up is a band that I wasn't really into in 1979 and still am a bit on the fence with . A band that straddled many genres, had quite a few big hits but none topped this song to my ears. Although the album this came from was released in September 1979 this song didn't come out until 1980 as a single. I just love the driving drums. And obviously the keyboards!

Blondie - Atomic

And to complete my year in music I've hit December. This is another band I've seen live but not until 1981 with Blancmange supporting them. Once again it's very synth. I also think the lead singer has a very listenable voice. A very different sound to what was usually on the radio.

Japan - Quiet Life









Now if someone could do the honours with Spotify I'd be eternally grateful. Back to my holiday I go...
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I have to echo the other comments from OOB6 that this was a very strong first 10.

In fact, the theme within was quite striking and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

You were wise to recently nominate Gerry Rafferty's previous album as a whole on that thread (remember who enjoyed it!) and instead put his blockbuster "Get It Right Next Time" as a single track here. Well played! :-)

I can't say I heard most from your playlist back in 1979, but that's the beauty of how this works - you were out going to shows in the UK while I wouldn't hear songs such as OMD's "Electricity" until 1985, but that's another story for another (future) day...

What has stuck out thus far to me was Tubeway Army's "Are 'Friends' Electric?". That song too was the first time I've heard that and it too blew me away. @BimboBob, thanks for a great start to the year!
 
Out on blue 6 said:
Just reading Paul Morley's book on Anthony H.
Just getting to the record labels formation etc.
Interestingly Electricity by OMD was one of the first singles released on Factory pre dating Unknown Pleasures
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I've read Shadowplayers and the Mick Middles book, both of which were decent. Keep meaning to stump up for the book with all the artwork.

Not read the Wilson biography, how does Morley approach it/him?
 
At school in 1979 there was a sea change in that up to about then the main forms of personal expression were long hair and Rainbow or Yes etc patches on bags and denim jackets. Though there was very little punk aesthetic knocking around, the playground was no longer the preserve of the smelly rockers as kids started wearing their ties and trousers as skinny as possible, getting a wedge haircut or if you were a bit avant garde or hard enough to pull it off, a Caesar cut. Because looking goods the answer.

Secret Affair - Time for Action

And for those kids who preferred a Harrington and braces...

The Specials - Gangsters
 
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When I think of 1979, these days I think of the Smashing Pumpkins' song from the 1990's. The reason I mention that is because that song takes me back to these very days I was entering my teenage years and all the fun that would ensue, mostly led by the songs of the time that I remember. First parties, first times at the roller rink, you get the idea.

Cool kids never had the time

Given I should be identifying a good pub/restaurant in Manchester to have a Sunday family dinner after we arrive the Sunday after next, I'll instead write more about the songs I remember from this year. If anyone has a recommendation for a classic British Sunday dinner place near the Piccadilly station where we'll be staying, please PM me and I'll get some credit for that from some true insiders and look like I know what I'm doing, when I'm instead thinking and musing about music from this year!

I'll even pick up a pint for you if you are so inclined too. Onto the year at hand...

Hollywood Deep Cuts
I'd be remiss if I didn't get any songs nominated by the Eagles, and given this was their last original album together during that time period, I had better get this one in. The Long Run was one of the first 8-tracks I remember owning, and I knew this was one of the lesser known songs from that release that was always a favourite of mine. Give me that Don Felder guitar solo that starts at 3:35 in. This was a stark lyrical commentary on the Hollywood machine where dreams are made for the few, and what it sometimes takes to make them come true, at quite the price.

King of Hollywood - Eagles

Supertramp would raise the ante on the state of Hollywood that same year in this song which was my favourites from Breakfast in America, which might have been the album of 1979 for me, so something had to come from this. The lyrical commentary here was pretty scathing, and the music raised this to a new level with a great chorus of "if we only had time, only had time, for you" with the powerful music and guitars behind it.

Gone Hollywood - Supertramp

So the bad news in 1979 is that both Yes and Rush did not have a release. But, patience would be needed as great things were on the horizon. I'm not sure how much this was known in the UK, but the phrase "poor man's Rush" was a comparison used to describe the this Canadian rock band by music critics and fans. This was due to the fact that this band and their debut album would check these three boxes that year in them:
  1. being from Toronto
  2. being a three-piece band
  3. featuring a high-pitched singer
However, this would be an oversimplification, as this band took a more "song-oriented" approach to their music also had their own distinct characteristics. Not sure how many this side of OB1 have heard them, but this song and debut album began my enjoyment and appreciation of my second favourite Canadian band.

Lay It On The Line - Triumph

As @Saddleworth2 suggested a few "years" back in these playlists, let's make this about the memories and hearing specific music for the first time. Well, I've got two stories left that still have vivid memories to me. The first was one of the first weekend parties I remember going to in the basement of my friend's house where I heard Tom Petty's Damn the Torpedoes playing and everyone was singing along to "Refugee", the latest hit song on the radio. And as much as I loved that song, it was side two of that release of I gravitated to, with the powerful opening keys and catchy hook. Then he said "you better watch your step, or you're gonna get hurt yourself" Words of wisdom soon to come.

Don't Do Me Like That - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

The last song is a guilty pleasure and my extra one to compliment the one I remember hearing at the skating rink that I wasn't as much of a fan of, which was ELO's "Don't Bring Me Down". I'm not sure why, but that song just never was one that resonated with me. However, this single was the song I remember the most to learn to perfect roller skating back then, and it was probably the one I remember speeding to going round and round weaving in and out of traffic to this song. Even now, when I hear this song, it brings back distinct memories of the roller rink and days and years gone by.

Cruel To Be Kind - Nick Lowe

I pick myself up off the ground to have you knock me back down again and again?
 
threespires said:
I've read Shadowplayers and the Mick Middles book, both of which were decent. Keep meaning to stump up for the book with all the artwork.

Not read the Wilson biography, how does Morley approach it/him?
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Unconventionally. It's not a straight up autobiography I suppose as Morley admits he wasn't asked to write it but Wilson always told him if anyone was going to he wanted it to be him.
It's a brick of a book and i tend to read bits at a time in-between my crime fiction
 
November 1993, The America’s Bar, Playa de Las Americas, Tenerife. There was a covers band working their way through one classic after the next. Two English guys and a singer/guitarist from Australia. The band, The Lizard Kings, made our holiday. Anyway, when they went on a break, they put some music on to play in the interval. Pre-internet days, it took me a while to find out what the song was, but I loved it:-

“My Sharona” - The Knack

I’m going to nominate a song from an album that’s already been covered by @Black&White&BlueMoon Town above. The album and song are so good, it deserves another. Whilst there are better and more upbeat songs from the album, this deep good has a superb groove.

“You Tell Me” - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

A year after their debut, Midnight Oil really hit their stride in 1979.

“Back on the Borderline” - Midnight Oil
 
Out on blue 6 said:
A bit like Unknown Pleasures it's difficult to pick one song from what is regarded as one of the great albums from the post punk era.
Andy Gill an influence on lots of later guitarist's and the rhythm section also well regarded.
From Entertainment!

Gang Of Four - Ether
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This makes me want to pick Delta 5's Mind Your Own Business but I've only got one pick left unless I go mini OB1. Too much good stuff from this year so I'll hold fire and see what comes up e.g I assume one of the lurking SLF fans will be along soon with something from Inflammable Material.

MES has already been his own hype man for his entry into the fray, so I'm looking forward to hearing with what he goes with.

Post punk really had the wind in its sails by this point, The likes of Magazine, The Slits.Cabaret Voltaire and The Fall will hopefully all get a look on. So much to pick from.
 
That was a very fine selection of songs and a great write write by @BimboBob. I remember all of your nominations and particularly liked Squeeze. I thought that single in particular was very nicely written.

Its going to be a bit more difficult for me to nominate much this year as there was a great deal going on and most of it traumatic. As a result, looking at the top 100 albums for 79, I think I maybe bought the Police album and thats it. We spent most of 79 suffering from what now would be termed PTSD but then it was just like feeling we had been hit by a bus.

anyway, 1979 was the first of only two times that Kate Bush toured. The Tour of Life featured material from The Kick Inside and Lionheart and was a multi-media extravaganza with dancers, mime, costume changes and the first use of a non hand held mike. She wouldn't perform live again until 2014 citing stage nerves as one of the reasons.

Springsteen also performed his 'No Nukes' concert in NY which has become a standard showcase of his and the E Street Bands live prowess.

I'm not nominating from either but they were both worth a mention as key events in 1979.
 
My first nomination is Too Much Too Young by The Specials which ironically could have been Mrs S and I's theme tune at the time. Married at 18 and two children by the time we were 21 (one of them critically ill at birth). Parents break up, Father left never to be seen again. Death of another parent, all within a very short period.
Our life could have been the subject of a rock opera :-)

Too Much too young - The Specials
 
threespires said:
This makes me want to pick Delta 5's Mind Your Own Business but I've only got one pick left unless I go mini OB1. Too much good stuff from this year so I'll hold fire and see what comes up e.g I assume one of the lurking SLF fans will be along soon with something from Inflammable Material.

MES has already been his own hype man for his entry into the fray, so I'm looking forward to hearing with what he goes with.

Post punk really had the wind in its sails by this point, The likes of Magazine, The Slits.Cabaret Voltaire and The Fall will hopefully all get a look on. So much to pick from.
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Not too sure everyone is ready for Rowche Rumble or Nag Nag Nag yet!!
I do have what isn't really a left field pick in terms of popularity but isn't the norm in terms of genre I'm thinking of putting up
 
Oh 1979.
As a mere 16year old I had now developed a small group of friends who all liked broadly the same music.
I was the die hard Yes fan in this group of half dozen and this year was an absolute disaster.
The previous album Tormato had mixed reviews and the Yes star was fading albeit slightly.
Pushed by the need for more cash the group descended on Paris with Roy Thomas Baker.
Squire, White and Howe wanted to return to a more rocking sound. Anderson and Wakeman however decided to go even further into twee,fairies at the bottom of the garden mode. White eventually broke his ankle roller skating, not good for a drummer.
Anderson and Wakeman quit. There are many songs available from these Paris sessions. What you can hear is evidence of the above although a couple of tracks could have been good.
Anyway my worst nightmare had come true.
 
Saddleworth2 said:
Second choice is my favourite Jam single.

Eaton Rifles - The Jam
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I banked on someone else putting this up :-). I lived in Windsor for a while and by virtue of my wife's job knew a housemaster at Eton. Nice guy, though he and his wife were clearly sluming it by entertaining me and Mrs Spires. Unlike one of his numpty former pupils he understood exactly the nature of this song! I tried to convince him that Weller's career trajectory at the age he was when he wrote this showed how much more meritorious he was than the vast majority of his charges but that wasn't really deemed a polite topic of conversation so we would talk about Italy and it's wines instead. Fairly sure that qualified me as a class traitor.
 
Great write up as usual Bimbo and good choices

1979 was a significant year in my life, I.d just got engaged to the first Mrs MCD and I was becoming successful at work so we decided to take our honeymoon before our wedding (paid for by ourselves ) We decided on visiting the USA for first time, so we flew Pan Am to JFK.
Being naive 20 year olds and in the days before the internet , we did very little research.I had this idea of staying in NY city then doing a road trip to Miami and then flying to Mexico.
Little did we know NYC was like the Wild West in those days and our hotel was in Times Square! We made a hasty exit the next day on a Greyhound to Washington which wasn’t much better but strangely felt a lot safer to us.
We stayed in a motel for a few days sightseeing and then hired a car for the journey to Florida ,driving listening to the US radio was a treat for me, and a track was being continually played, it was nothing like I’d heard before.

RAPPERS DELIGHT by The Sugerhill Gang , I bought the 12inch at the first Tower records Store I found ,to add the the large collection of albums I’d be bringing back to the UK.

We never got to Mexico, but that’s a story for another day.
 
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