Favourite Five Of 1980

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”

Favourite Five Of 1976

Destroyer by KISS

The fourth studio album released by KISS, Destroyer

With hindsight it is obvious that combining the production talents of Bob Ezrin in his heyday with the original line-up of KISS during theirs, was always going to bear fruit. Stanley described the sessions as “musical boot camp” but believed KISS learnt a lot from the experience. This was their first platinum-selling album in the US but it would not be their last. Personally, it will always be my favourite of theirs.

Favourite track: The magnificent “Detroit Rock City”

Tales Of Mystery & Imagination Edgar Allen Poe by The Alan Parsons Project

The album’s lyrics were all based on the works of Edgar Allen Poe

The debut album from the Alan Parsons Project was really quite an audacious thing to attempt for a debut. Using the works of Edgar Allen Poe was an ingenious idea and for the most part, worked really well. Gathering together a large group of some of Britain’s very best musicians also aided proceedings, as did the engineering and production skills of Alan Parsons himself.

Favourite track: “The Raven”

Boston by Boston

Boston’s self-titled debut album was released on the 25th August 1976

MIT graduate Tom Scholz displays his production, songwriting and multi-instrumentalist skills on Boston’s first album. Skills that he would continue to utilise for the rest of their career, remaining the only member of the band to appear on all their releases. Over the years he has built and rebuilt studios, re-recorded entire albums, fought legal battles with record executives all to try and record the most perfect sounding albums. But it all began here with an album that sold over 17 million copies in the US alone.

Favourite track: The majestic and unforgettable “More Than A Feeling”

Jailbreak by Thin Lizzy

Jailbreak was Thin Lizzy’s sixth studio album and third on the Vertigo label

This is the album that really made Thin Lizzy. The twin guitar attack of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson finally gelled and the songs were great too. It also included some classic singles that earned chart success for the band. Which is all just as well as Vertigo considered this their final chance for a commercial breakthrough or they would have released the band from their contract.

Favourite track: “Emerald”

Hotel California by Eagles

Hotel California was the fifth album released by Eagles and the first to feature Joe Walsh

This for me will always be the finest work by Eagles. Featuring several hit songs and no filler, this album is great from start to finish. The addition of Joe Walsh to the line-up (replacing Bernie Leadon) was an inspired choice. The album was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for five Grammys.

Favourite track: “The Last Resort”