4x4 – This week’s year in review was 1982 Everything from 1981 besides Combat Rock was a new listen. The right/bottom border albums were all revisits.
The Clash - Combat Rock: Two years after releasing what has become one of my favorite records ever in Sandinista, The Clash put out their most commercial record to date. The reception on this one seems a bit split, though on the whole, I’d wager most people enjoy it. There are some absolutely killer tracks here, and I know people find it overplayed, but the highlight for me is clearly “Rock the Casbah”. Terrific piano work by Topper Headon, and one of my favorite vocal performances and lyrics from Strummer make for a blinding single. I will say that there isn’t much of a central theme for the record (lyrically or musically), but I don’t dock it too much for that. Another great Clash record (their last one before whatever you call Cut the Crap). 8/10
Flock of Seagulls – s/t: Perhaps the quintessential 80s new wave band, Flock of Seagulls burst onto the scene in 1982 with their self-titled release. Backed by singles we’ve all no doubt heard, the album went on to sell many units and the band even won a Grammy. My thoughts on the record are overall positive, stemming largely from what I think is a great concept at the center of the record (the album art sells it quite well). The abduction story is told quite brilliantly and backed by synth work that I find lovely, but others may find dated, and there’s certainly a case to be made for that. On the whole, however, the bulk of the album doesn’t quite live up to the singles (“Space Age Love Song” being my favorite and one of my favorites from the 80s overall), and that did leave me a bit disappointed. Still a good 80s record if you dig new wave as much as I do. 7.25/10
Kate Bush – The Dreaming: This was probably the most shocking thing I listened to this week, and I still can’t quite nail down my thoughts. At the very least this album is good, and with more listens, I have little doubt it will graduate to great in my mind, but it’s very different from what I was expecting. It’s dark, bizarre, and above all: modern. Over the course of the last few weeks, I’ve found a few records I say stand the test of time, but this one does it in such a unique way, it’s hard for me to describe it. I think the best way I can put it is that the songs forgo the catchy hooks that would immediately give it away that they were written before 1982, and instead substitute a more thought provoking and just overall jarring performance. More listens necessary (but I enjoy it and really can’t stop thinking about it)!
XTC – English Settlement: Probably the album I was most surprised by. By the time the first two tracks were done, I was convinced that XTC just wasn’t for me (outside of a few tracks). However, once the songs written by Partridge started, I found myself do a complete 180. For the next 9 tracks, I was enjoying the record tremendously, capping off with my favorite on the record “Knuckle Down”. Side 4 is fine, but I found that run of 9 tracks to be a pleasant surprise. It had the drumming I loved from Drums and Wires, but it felt like the band was more its own than what I felt they were on that 1979 release (a band playing Talking Heads b-sides). I don’t think this album as a whole ranks among my favorites ever (not close), but I suppose my expectations being so low have caused me to pile on the praise. A good album overall. 7.5/10
Haircut 100 – Pelican West: It’s a groovy album. Opens up quite strongly on the first 4 tracks, goes through a lull on the next 4, and rebounds on the home stretch of 4 (though not as strong as the opening). “Love Plus One” is the obvious standout, and like “Space Age Love Song” holds a place among my favorite from the decade. The lyrics are insignificant overall and the tracks are a bit samey for a 12 track run, but I still say it’s a good record (just barely, though). 7/10
Ultravox – Quartet: Not much to say, but I really didn’t like this one. “Reap the Wild Wind” is a great opener, but after that I was bored to tears (but wasn’t dancing). Disappointing! 4.75/10
Mission of Burma – Vs.: After having “That’s When I Reach For My Revolver” stuck in my head all week, giving this one a listen didn’t yield and instant favorite like the EP did, but I found a lot to enjoy. What I appreciate the most about this record is that despite its strong punk sensibilities (usually a turn-off for me), it maintains a melodic structure overall that I can get behind. Another album that warrants more listens. 7/10
1983’s lineup: War - U2, The Hurting - Tears for Fears, Murmur - REM, Power, Corruption & Lies, Speaking in Tongues, Colour by Numbers - Culture Club. Suggest more if you want! (1983 or otherwise for future weeks)
