Level 42, World Machine, 1985 on Polydor. The sound of the mid-80s. There is something about you, baby, so right. Actually a really solid album not just that…
94 East, Minneapolis Genius (The Historic 1977 Recordings), 1985 on Hot Pink Records Six songs from the beginning of Prince’s career My copy direct from Pepe Willie’s stash,…
a-ha, Hunting High And Low (The Early Alternate Mixes), 2019 on Rhino / Warner The original Hunting High And Low was 1985. Yes, this is the album kicked…
Jesus and Mary Chain, Psychocandy, 1985 on Reprise / Blanco y Negro William Reid and Jim Reid What a profoundly impactful and cool album this was – sweet…
The Alarm, Strength, 1985 on I.R.S. Records. Did 15 year-old me even understand the difference between being Welsh (The Alarm), Irish (U2), and Scottish (Big Country)? Probably not,…
Sade, Promise, 1985 on Portrait (a CBS sublabel). The trio of Diamond Life (1984), Promise (1985), and Stronger Than Pride (1988) is unparalleled Sade Found this gem at…
O Positive, Only Breathing, 1985 on Throbbing Lobster records. Boston based alternative band from the 80s – whose singer now teaches entertainment law at The Northeastern University College…
The March Violets, Electric Shades, 1985 on Relativity Tom Ashton, Cleo Murray, Loz Elliott, Simon Denbigh – great 80s goth out of Leeds UK Via Academy Records
Suzanne Vega, self-titled, 1985 on A&M Her debut album – already such strong songwriting and performance style – Marlene on the Wall, The Queen and the Soldier, Undertow….
The Breakfast Club, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1985 on A&M. One of the movies I’ve seen the most in my life (alongside Princess Bride and Stop Making Sense)….
Barrence Whitfield and the Savages, Dig Yourself, 1985 on Roiunder Their second album. Turns out Barrence is a local and I run into him frequently at The Record…
Echo & The Bunnymen, Songs to Learn & Sing, 1985 on Sire / Korova Compilation of previously released songs other than “Bring on the Dancing Horses” One of…
Simply Red, Picture Book, 1985 on Elektra. This is such a solidly great debut album – Mick Hucknall, Toney Bowers, Chris Joyce, Tim Kellett, Sylvan Richardson, and Fritz…