Tag Archives: 1987

RS #462: R.E.M. – Document

R.E.M.- Document
R.E.M's album covers always looked like a the work of a really amazing graphic design student who actually got a paying gig.
#462

R.E.M., Document

Release Date: 1987 Previously Owned: Yes. On vinyl.
Impressions: I started liked R.E.M back in junior high when my cool music friend Matt, who hipped me to Hüsker Dü and The Clash, also got me into R.E.M.'s Life's Rich Pageant. Michael Stipe's mumbly, cryptic singing took me a while to get warmed up to, but I started to enjoy their and catchy Big … Continue Reading ››

RS #464: Def Leppard, Hysteria

Def Leppard, Hysteria
You'd scream too if you were trapped inside of the cover of a terrible album for all eternity.
#464

Def Leppard, Hysteria

Release Date: 1987 Previously Owned: No. Unless I have a record hiding in my collection somewhere. First Time Listen: Yes
Impressions: The path not taken. When I first was getting into music in the early '80s,  Def Leppard's Pyromania was out. I was trying out a lot of different things and their hit single "Rock of Ages" momentarily intrigued me-- with that goofy count off at the beginning ("Unta glebin gloutin globin,)" … Continue Reading ››

RS #467: Bruce Springsteen – Tunnel of Love

Bruce Springsteen, Tunnel Of Love
"Issa not too bad, eh Boss!?"
#467

Bruce Springsteen, Tunnel of Love

Release Date: 1987
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes
Impressions:  Let's get this straight: I like Bruce. But, I'm not too knowledgable. I recall this album seeming like a weird deal at the time because it followed up Born In The USA, (which in hindsight seems impossible.) It still sold well, but sort of seemed like a disappointment. Let's fire up the Spotify and give this album a listen... Oddly, the spare, Bo-Diddleyish ditty "Ain't Got You" starts off the album a lot … Continue Reading ››

RS #473: George Michael – Faith

"A quick sniff test will determine if I need a little Speed Stick."
#473

George Michael, Faith

Release Date: 1987
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes
Impressions:  After being subjected to way too much Wham! on the radio/MTV,  I mostly passed on George Michael's solo career at the time.  I don't actively hate him, but I'm not coming at this album as a fan.  Let's get this over with...."Faith"  is a snappy Bo-Diddley/Elvis pop confection that is actually not bad. Actually kind of promising start. Then, we get "Father Figure," it features lots of "production." Same with "I Want … Continue Reading ››