Ace Of Spades by Motörhead
Motörhead’s fourth studio album, Ace Of Spades released October 1980
Classic four on the floor rock and roll. That is probably the best way to describe the music performed by the band that Lemmy Kilmister fronted for over 40 years. This is their most commercially successful album reaching #4 in the UK. I think Overkill and Bomber (both released in 1979) are equally good which just demonstrates what a plethora of great material they had at the time releasing three of their best albums in only 18 months.
Favourite track: The title track of course, “Ace Of Spades”
Back In Black by AC/DC
Back In Black was released a mere five months after singer Bon Scott’s death
Bon Scott left big shoes to fill and I think everyone, including the band members themselves, were surprised at how good a job Brian Johnson managed to do. I think the previous album is AC/DC’s best with Bon Scott and I believe this is the best with Brian. They have tried many times to replicate its success but nothing has compared, although at times they have come close. This is the second biggest-selling album in history behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Favourite track: “You Shook Me All Night Long”
East by Cold Chisel
East, with its iconic Jimmy Barnes in a bathtub cover art
This album is one of Cold Chisel’s finest work and is filled with some of their most well-known songs. Songs you will still hear on the radio and in their concerts today. This was their third studio album and although it peaked at #2 it ended up staying on the Australian album charts for 63 weeks. “Choirgirl”, “Cheap Wine” and “My Baby” were all hits as well, which I am sure didn’t hurt their album sales.
Favourite track: The ode to Ms Buttrose, “Ita”
The Turn Of A Friendly Card by The Alan Parsons Project
The fifth album from progressive rock act, the Alan Parsons Project
Like all their albums, this works best as a cohesive whole so should be heard in a single sitting. It is a concept album concerning gambling and particularly the fate of gamblers. It was more melodic than their usual fare which may be why I like it so much.
Favourite track: The hit single “Games People Play”
Feel The Heat by The Radiators
Latter pressings include two tracks from the You Have The Right To Remain Silent EP
Sydney rock band, The Radiators, are one of my favourite live acts having seen them 11 times in total. They started very well with a very successful debut album and appeared on ABC TV’s Countdown. There were several hits on the album and at one time were considered one of Sydney’s hardest working bands consistently playing over 300 shows a year.
Favourite track: “Nancy Can’t Dance”
The Slabthrower 