Music Monday

OK, so I got a little distracted by the new work and never even started doing a music Monday so here it is. I think what I'll do for now is lists, like in High Fidelity (one of the best books I've ever read I might add) So here goes, my first top five:

Top Five all-time best 80's albums (how's that for a starting point?!)

5. Prince, Purple Rain- Front to back one of the most solid albums ever, not just the Eighties. Once I heard a quote from Prince when someone asked him what kind of music he listened to and his answer was "I only listen to my own music" (paraphrasing) but it was so cocky and so arrogant but then again, he's Prince. You can't argue with that.

4. The Police, Synchronicity- You may not even realize how many songs that you know and love came off of that one album. Synchronicity, Walking in your Footsteps, Every Breath you Take, Wrapped Around you Finger, Tea in the Sahara, etc. This is their masterpiece. If you don't have it, go get it! NOW!

3. REM, Murmur- You've probably forgotten by now with over 20 studio, compilation, and live releases, that REM was once the original "indie" band. Although they called it "college radio" back then. But Murmur is not only one of the best of the Eighties, it was also, at the time, something completely new and truly "alternative". Not to mention it was a debut album! Not bad for a little Athens, GA band.

2. Paul Simon, Graceland- This one blew my mind when I listened to it for the first time. It was the first experience I'd had with any of these African rhythms used in pop music. Probably the first time anybody had experienced it! Paul Simon was and continues to be on the edge of what is popular in music but it always seems like the rest of the wave is behind him. A true innovator, and this was an incredibly powerful and moving album!

1. Michael Jackson, Thriller- And no, I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon because the guy just died. Say what you will about Michael but there is no denying that the man had a gift! And Thriller was, I would venture to say, the apex of his career along with the single most recognizable music from the 80's. Yeah, it's sort of expected but it's expected for a good reason. This album is one of the most well written, well produced, and well executed albums not only of the 80's but, I'd say, in the history of pop music! Way to go Mike! You're at the top of my list, now you know you've really made it!