Tag Archives: 1984

RS #413: Minutemen, Double Nickels On The Dime

#413

Minutemen, Double Nickels On The Dime

Release Date: 1984 Previously Owned: Yes First Time Listen: No
Minutemen, Double Nickels On The Dime
Love how all these subtle things came together on this cover. Mike Watt's look on his face in the rear view mirror. The speedometer reading 55 mph. The San Pedro sign in the background.
Impressions: Mea culpa: I really dig these dudes. So, I'll try not to slobber too much in this review. Simply put, there's never been anyone quite like them, outside of maybe, maybe, Wire (coming up at #412!) Let's get this started, since this … Continue Reading ››

RS #473: The Smiths -The Smiths

#473

The Smiths, The Smiths

Release Date: 1984
Previously Owned: Yes
Even the model in the album cover is super depressed.
Impressions: Let's get this out of the way immediately: Morrissey isn't everyone's taste. I'm not even sure he's my taste, but I do love The Smiths. There's something about the sweet-and-sour balance of Johnny Marr's casual guitar brillance and Morrissey's literate moaning that works for me. Their consistent catalog and somehow side stepping of the dreaded '80s sound (probably by avoiding keyboards and dated references) further seals the deal. Their songs come out as timeless, … Continue Reading ››

RS #487: Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual

#487

Cyndi Lauper, She's So Unusual

Release Date: 1983
Previously Owned: No First Time Listen: Yes
Let's not get carried away... she's only 'somewhat' unusual.
Impressions:  Ah Cyndi, I was numb to your music when this album came out, as your hits were so hard to get away from. Radio. MTV. Commericals. I couldn't even find refuge in pro-wrestling because you'd show up there too! Let's give this a listen... Not a bad guitar-driven opening number, "Money Changes Everything" almost sounds like Psychedelic Furs or New Order-ish (although it's two minutes too long.) "Girls Just Want To Have … Continue Reading ››