Barndomens Stigar is the lone album by Swedish jazz-rock/Zeuhl combo Kultivator, released in October 1981 on Bauta. Kultivator built Barndomens Stigar from guitar, Rhodes, organ, synthesizer, recorder, layered voices, bass, bass pedals, and sharply detailed drums. The album runs on hard rhythmic control, quick directional changes, and a steady exchange between airy, folk-leaning passages and […]
Very Special is the first of two solo albums recorded to date by American session vocalist Debra Laws, released in 1981 on Elektra. The album features instrumental contributions from her brothers Hubert and Ronnie Laws, who served as co-producers. Sister Eloise Laws provides backing vocals on the track “Long as We’re Together.” Tracklist: A1. “On My […]
Healing is a 1981 album by Todd Rundgren, issued on Bearsville as a single LP with a bonus 7″. The material ranges from blue-eyed soul reminiscent of associates Hall & Oates (“Compassion”) to vocal/xylo jigsaw pieces in the vein of Gentle Giant (“Pulse”). Side two consists of a three-part electro-meditation suite. The Magritte-themed video for […]
East Side Story is the fourth album by English New Wave/pop-rock band Squeeze, released in 1981 on A&M. Tracklist: A1. “In Quintessence” (2:54) A2. “Someone Else’s Heart” (3:00) A3. “Tempted” (4:00) A4. “Piccadilly” (3:27) A5. “There’s No Tomorrow” (3:29) A6. “Heaven” (3:49) A7. “Woman’s World” (3:43) B1. “Is That Love” (2:31) B2. “F-Hole” (4:41) B3. […]
Faith is the third studio album by English goth-rockers The Cure, released in 1981 on Fiction Records. Tracklist: A1. “The Holy Hour” (4:25) A2. “Primary” (3:34)* A3. “Other Voices” (4:27) A4. “All Cats Are Grey” (5:26) B1. “The Funeral Party” (4:13) B2. “Doubt” (3:11) B3. “The Drowning Man” (4:48) B4. “Faith” (6:40) 1981 shortplayer sides: […]
Information is the first and only album by the namesake trio featuring German jazz-rock keyboardist Joachim Kühn and American percussionist Mark Nauseef. The album was released in 1981 on RCA Victor. Tracklist: A1. “The Informer” (5:23) A2. “Miles” (6:07) A3. “Dreamworld” (9:00) B1. “Gorilla Growl” (3:12) B2. “Dyslexia” (1:10) B3. “Come This Way” (2:51) B4. “Line […]
185 is the second and final proper album by Maryland avant-garde/jazz-rock band The Muffins, released in 1981 on Random Radar. On this album, the band adopted a more jagged, kinetic approach akin to New York’s then-brewing jazz-punk/No Wave scene. Several tracks feature the sundry instrumentation of Fred Frith, returning favors here for the band’s contributions […]
Nonostante Tutto is the lone album by Italian jazz-rock quartet Free Wave System, released in 1981 on Drums Edizione Musicali. Tracklist: A1. “Oltre Il Tempo” A2. “Xenofobia” A3. “La Coda di Mr. Freeman” A4. “21/5/81” A5. “Flavours” B1. “Nonostante Tutto” B2. “Fonodipendenza Totale” B3. “Mia Zia Frenesia” B4. “Frammenti” (2:30–4:45) B5. “Soft Image“ Credits: Drums, […]
L’Aldila is a soundtrack album by Italian composer Fabio Frizzi to a namesake supernatural horror movie. The album was released in 1981 by the Beat Records Company. Tracklist: A1. “Verso l’ignoto” (3:57) A2. “Voci dal nulla” (2:56) A3. “Suono aperto” (1:23) A4. “Seqenza coro e’orchestra” (4:32) A5. “Oltre la sogila” (4:02) B1. “Voci dal nulla” […]
Cruisin’ at Midnite is the third and final album by Danish avant-garde/jazz-rock ensemble Dr. Dopo Jam, released in 1981 on Dopo-Di-Doo-Platts. Tracklist: A1. “Midnite Cruiser” A2. “Simultan” A3. “The Blue Blues” A4. “Sallamanna Kaboo” A5. “Hestekur” B1. “Concerto III Part I” B2. “Sneaky Snake” B3. “Hulga” B4. “Concerto III Part II” B5. “The Magic” B6. […]
Don’t Say No is the second album by American hard-rock guitarist/singer Billy Squier, released in 1981 on Capitol. Tracklist: A1. “In the Dark” (4:08) A2. “The Stroke” (3:37) A3. “My Kinda Lover” (3:33) A4. “You Know What I Like” (2:56) A5. “Too Daze Gone” (4:03) B1. “Lonely Is the Night” (4:39) B2. “Whadda You Want […]
Cool Night is the seventh and final album by American singer/songwriter Paul Davis, released in 1981 on Arista. On this release, the one-time country crooner completes his transition into modernized pop/rock with arrangements and production touches similar to Cliff Richard’s contemporaneous sound on I’m No Hero and Wired for Sound. Tracklist: A1. “Cool Night” (3:34) […]
Terpandre is the lone album by the namesake French symphonic-rock band, recorded in 1978 and released in 1981 on Dionysos. Tracklist: A1. “Le Temps” (7:00) A2. “Conte En Vert” (4:54) A3. “Anne Michaele” (5:23) B1. “Histoire D’Un Pecheur” (5:53) B2. “Caroussel” (13:20 — :01-1:02-4:00, 4:45-5:23-7:47-8:53-13:05) CD reissue bonus track: “Musique Pour Clair Obscur” (8:20) Credits: Bass […]
Balance is the first of two albums by the namesake American melodic-rock band, released in 1981 on Epic/Portrait. Tracklist: A1. “(Looking For The) Magic” (3:57) A2. “I’m Through Loving You” (3:04) A3. “Breaking Away” (3:15) A4. “No Getting Around My Love” (3:52) A5. “Fly Through The Night” (3:58) B1. “American Dream” (4:18) B2. “Haunting” (3:50) B3. […]
Talk Talk Talk is the second album by English New Wave band the Psychedelic Furs, released in 1981 on CBS/Columbia. Tracklist: A1. Pretty in Pink (3:58) A2. Mr. Jones (4:02) A3. No Tears (3:16) A4. Dumb Waiters (5:03) A5. She Is Mine (3:51) B1. Into You Like a Train (4:35) B2. It Goes On (3:52) […]
Living Eyes is the 16th chronological studio album by the Bee Gees, released in 1981 on RSO. Tracklist: A1. “Living Eyes” (4:16) A2. “He’s a Liar” (4:00) A3. “Paradise” (4:18) A4. “Don’t Fall in Love With Me” (4:12) A5. “Soldiers” (4:25) B1. “I Still Love You” (4:24) B2. “Wildflower” (4:23) B3. “Nothing Could Be Good” […]
Breakin’ Away is the fifth album by American jazz-pop/soul vocalist Al Jarreau, released in 1981 on Warner Bros. Tracklist: A1. “Closer to Your Love” (3:57) A2. “My Old Friend” (4:29) A3. “We’re in This Love Together” (3:47) A4. “Easy” (5:26) A5. “Our Love” (3:53) B1. “Breakin’ Away” (4:13) B2. “Roof Garden” (6:21) B3. “(Round, Round, […]
Too Late the Hero is the fifth solo album by Who bassist John Entwistle, released in 1981 on Atco. Tracklist: A1. “Try Me” (3:52) A2. “Talk Dirty” (4:05) A3. “Lovebird” (4:51) A4. “Sleepin’ Man” (3:54) A5. “I’m Coming Back” (3:57) B1. “Dancin’ Master” (4:22) B2. “Fallen Angel” (4:38) B3. “Love Is a Heart Attack” (5:10) […]
Sometimes Late at Night is the third album by American industry songwriter/balladeer Carole Bayer Sager, co-produced by her then-fiancé Burt Bacharach and released in 1981 on Boardwalk. The couple co-wrote most of the songs with additional input on select cuts by Bruce Roberts, Neil Diamond, and Peter Allen. Tracklist: Prologue (0:30) A1. “I Won’t Break” […]
Miracles is the album by American/Italian soul/funk studio collective Change, released in 1981 on Atlantic. Tracklist: A1. “Paradise” (5:14) A2. “Hold Tight” (4:23) A3. “Your Move” (4:23) A4. “Stop for Love” (4:12) B1. “On Top” (5:13) B2. “Heaven of My Life” (5:34) B3. “Miracles” (5:17) Credits: Mauro Malavasi — producer, arranger, conductor, piano, synthesizer, executive […]
Set My Love in Motion is the fifth solo album by American soul vocalist/songwriter Syreeta Wright, released in 1981 on Tamla. Tracklist: A1. “Quick Slick” (5:25) A2. “Move It, Do It” (3:55) A3. “You Set My Love in Motion” (3:29) A4. “There’s Nothing Like a Woman in Love” (4:24) A5. “Can’t Shake Your Love” (4:14) […]
Déjalo Así is a double album by Spanish art-rockers Asfalto, released in 1981 on Chapa. The album is the band’s fourth studio release of original material. Tracklist: A1. “Déjalo Así” (4:33) A2. “Baila Madre (La Máquina del Tiempo)” (3:41) A3. “Vendedor Furtivo” (4:00) A4. “Lucy Escóndete” (3:11) A5. “No Puedo Retener tus Ojos en mi […]
The Innocent Age is the sixth solo album by American singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg, released in 1981 as a double-LP on Full Moon. Tracklist: A1. “Nexus” (6:04) A2. “The Innocent Age” (4:15) A3. “The Sand and the Foam” (4:19) A4. “In the Passage” (6:28) B1. “Lost in the Sun” (3:53) B2. “Run for the Roses” (4:18) B3. […]
The Nature of the Beast is the ninth studio album by Canadian hard rockers April Wine, released in 1981 on Aquarius/Capitol. Tracklist: A1. “All Over Town” (3:00) A2. “Tellin’ Me Lies” (2:59) A3. “Sign of the Gypsy Queen” (4:16) A4. “Just Between You and Me” (3:54) A5. “Wanna Rock” (2:06) A6. “Caught in the Crossfire” […]
Cartoon is the first of two albums by American avant-garde/chamber-rock combo Cartoon, released in 1981 on Twelve Tone. Tracklist: A1. “Shark” (8:03) A2. “Ptomaine Poisoning” (7:44) A3. “Anemic Bolero” (3:27) B1. “Flotsam” (3:57) B2. “Apathy in America” (5:25) B3. “I Have No Teeth” (1:01) B4. “Shredded Wheat” (11:15) Credits: Guitars – Mark Innocenti Keyboards [Key Boards], […]
Needless Freaking is an album by Canadian singer/songwriter Dwayne Ford, released in 1981 on Epic. Tracklist: A1. “Lovin’ and Losin’ You” (3:20) A2. “Am I Ever Gonna Find Your Love” (3:31) A3. “Stranger in Paradise” (3:25) A4. “The Hurricane” (3:54) B1. “Midnight Ride” (4:13) B2. “There’s a Life in Me” (4:32) B3. “The American Blues” […]
Physical is the twelfth studio album by English/Australian pop vocalist Olivia Newton-John, produced by John Farrar and released in 1981 on the MCA and EMI labels. Tracklist: A1. Landslide (4:23) A2. Stranger’s Touch (3:47) A3. Make a Move on Me (3:17) A4. Falling (3:44) A5. Love Make Me Strong (3:08) B1. Physical (3:43) B2. Silvery […]
The Brooklyn, Bronx & Queens Band is the debut album by the namesake NY soul/funk group, colloquially known by the acronym BB&Q. The album was recorded at Fonoprint Studios in Bologna, Italy, and released in 1981 on Capitol. Tracklist: A1. “On the Beat” (5:55) A2. “Time for Love” (6:05) A3. “Don’t Say Goodbye” (3:47) B1. […]
Escape is the seventh proper studio album by American hard-rock/blue-eyed soul band Journey, released in 1981 on Columbia Records. Tracklist: A1. “Don’t Stop Believin’” (4:10) A2. “Stone in Love” (4:25) A3. “Who’s Crying Now” (5:01) A4. “Keep On Runnin’” (3:39) A5. “Still They Ride” (3:48) B1. “Escape” (5:15) B2. “Lay It Down” (4:13) B3. “Dead […]
Věci is an album by Czech avant-garde/art-rocker quintet Combo FH, released in 1981 on Panton. Tracklist: A1. “Guma-Gu (Rubber Blubber)” (4:13) A2. “Sedli a Jedli (They Sat and Ate)” (3:13) A3. “Ouklejí Slalom (Dace Race)” (4:26) A4. “Juta Targo” (1:49) A5. “Řezník Zítra Nepřijede (The Butcher Won’t Come Tomorrow)” (1:59) A6. “Sen Sušené Jahody (Dried […]
See the Whirl is the first and only album by Leeds New Wave/funk band Delta 5, released in 1981 on Charisma’s Pre subsidiary. Tracklist: A1. “Innocenti” (2:03) A2. “Final Scene” (2:42) A3. “Circuit” (1:59) A4. “Open Life” (3:39) A5. “Trail” (2:57) A6. “Shadow” (2:30) A7. “Delta 5” (2:05) A8. “Anticipation” (2:14) B1. “Journey” (2:54) B2. […]
The Completion Backward Principle is the fifth solo album by American melodic-rock band The Tubes, released in 1981 on Capitol. Tracklist: A1. “Talk to Ya Later” (4:41) A2. “Sushi Girl” (3:28) A3. “Amnesia” (4:25) A4. “Mr. Hate” (3:35) A5. “Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman” (4:30) B1. “Think About Me” (3:16) B2. “A Matter of […]
Runaway is the second solo album by West Coast musician/vocalist/songwriter Bill Champlin, released in 1981 on Elektra. Tracklist: A1. “Runaway” (3:58) A2. “One Way Ticket” (3:03) A3. “Sara” (3:15) A4. “Tonight Tonight” (3:47) A5. “Runaway Reprise” (0:47) A6. “Take It Uptown” (4:24) B1. “Satisfaction” (3:42) B2. “Stop Knockin’ on My Door” (4:16) B3. “Gotta Get Back […]
Penthouse and Pavement is the debut album by Sheffield modernist pop/funk trio Heaven 17, released in 1981 on Virgin. Tracklist: Pavement Side A1. “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” (4:15) A2. “Penthouse and Pavement” (6:20) A3. “Play to Win” (3:33) A4. “Soul Warfare” (5:00) Penthouse Side B1. “Geisha Boys and Temple Girls” (4:32) B2. […]
Distances is an album by American art-rock/jazz-rock combo Earwacks, self-released by the band in 1981 with the catalog number TS81-97. Tracklist: A1. “Annie’s Premise” (4:29) A2. “Stop” (3:59) A3. “For Now” (7:57) A4. “Earmonix” (2:17) B1. “Distances” B2. “The Scrape” (5:19) B3. “This City” (7:57) B4. “Rope Swing” (3:10) B5. “Listen to Me” (3:37) Credits: […]
End of Illusion is an album by Swedish musician/composer Anders Helmerson, released in 1981 on Skiv Bolaget. Tracklist: A1. “Seventh Heaven” (1:39) A2. “Microwar” (2:48) A3. “The Fantasies” (2:36) A4. “Robot Village” (2:03) A5. “String Song” (0:57) A6. “Rising Mind” (2:07) A7. “Electronical Story” (7:53) B1. “End of Illusion” (3:50) B2. “Misinterpreted Omen” (3:16) B3. […]
Sweet and Wonderful is the fourth solo album by American jazz-pop/soul vocalist Jean Carn, released in 1981 on PIR/TSOP. Tracklist: A1. “Bet Your Lucky Star” (4:51) A2. “Don’t Say No (To Love)” (4:19) A3. “Sweet and Wonderful” (3:58) A4. “Love Don’t Love Nobody” (7:07) B1. “We Got Some Catchin’ Up to Do” (5:02) B2. “Mystic […]
Left Handed Dream is the third solo album by Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, recorded with Robin Scott and Adrian Belew alongside YMO cohorts Yukihiro Takahashi and Haruomi Hosono. The album was released in 1981 on Tokyo-based Alfa and the following year on US Epic with a revised tracklist. Tracklist: A1. “ぼくのかけら” (4:04) A2. “サルとユキとゴミのこども” (5:11) […]
Mob Rules is the tenth album by English metal band Black Sabbath, released in 1981 on Vertigo and Warner Bros. Tracklist: A1. “Turn Up the Night” (3:42) A2. “Voodoo” (4:33) A3. “The Sign of the Southern Cross” (7:49) A4. “E5150” (2:51) A5. “The Mob Rules” (3:15) B1. “Country Girl” (4:03) B2. “Slipping Away” (3:46) B3. […]
History of Love and Belief is the second of three albums by Yugoslavian-expat jazz-rock combo Birdland, recorded in Switzerland and released in 1981 on Zytglogge Verlag. Tracklist: A1. “Birdland I” (9:00) A2. “Tuija-Pureheart” (14:30) B1. “Firebird” (6:00) B2. “Birdland II” (10:20) B3. “Elements” (6:50) Credits: Bass – Borivoje Vukadinovic Drums – Peter Hurni Guitar – […]
Passion Factory is the debut album by German modernist synthpop duo The Twins, released in 1981 on Hansa. Tracklist: A1. “Passion Factory” (4:25) A2. “X-Ray Eyes” (3:55) A3. “Satellite City” (4:41) A4. “Runaway” (4:20) A5. “Electric Bats” (5:24) B1. “The Desert Place” (4:26) B2. “Night, Lights and Shadows” (3:24) B3. “Younger Days” (4:10) B4. “Wet […]
Glamour is the second solo album by Kinks guitarist Dave Davies, released in 1981 on RCA. Tracklist: A1. “Is This the Only Way” (4:50) A2. “Glamour” (4:49) A3. “Reveal Yourself” (4:34) A4. “World of Our Own” (6:06) B1. “Body” (5:09) B2. “Too Serious” (3:22) B3. “Telepathy” (3:35) B4. “7th Channel” (3:24) B5. “Eastern Eyes” (5:24) Credits: […]
Moving Pictures is the eighth studio album by Canadian maximalist hard-rock trio Rush, released in 1981 on Anthem/Mercury. Tracklist: A1. “Tom Sawyer” (4:33) A2. “Red Barchetta” (6:07) A3. “YYZ” (4:23) A4. “Limelight” (4:18) B1. “The Camera Eye” (10:55) B2. “Witch Hunt” (4:43) B3. “Vital Signs” (4:45) Credits: Geddy Lee — lead vocals, bass guitar, bass […]
Sunny Day is the second album by Swiss saxist Brigeen Doran’s jazz-rock combo Kjol, recorded with American bassist Fernando Saunders and released in 1981 on Roof Records. Tracklist: A1. “Sunny Day” (7:43) A2. “Sweet Song” (4:01) A3. “Nature Box” (6:38) A4. “Where Are You” (0:53) B1. “China Funk” (2:19) B2. “Funky Irish Stew” (4:18) B3. […]
Paradise Lost is the third album by Japanese symphonic-rock band Novela, released in 1981 on King Records. Tracklist: 1. “Prelude to…” (2:02) 2. “Masked Circus” (3:12) 3. “Get Away!” (2:58) 4. “Miracle” (2:38) 5. “Ruins” (4:02) 6. “Requiem (Part 1)” (5:01) 7. “Requiem (Part 2)” (7:09) 8. “Requiem (Part 3)” (1:48) 9. “The Third Sword” […]
Unlimited Touch is the first of two albums by the namesake American soul/funk collective, released in 1981 on Prelude. Tracklist: A1. “Feel the Music” (5:05) A2. “Private Party” (4:55) A3. “I Hear Music in the Streets” (6:50) A4. “Love to Share” (4:10) B1. “Happy Ever After” (6:20) B2. “Searching to Find the One” (5:03) B3. […]
My Melody is the fourth album by American soul singer Deniece Williams, released in 1981 on ARC/CBS. Tracklist: A1. “My Melody” (4:12) A2. “It’s Your Conscience” (4:55) A3. “Silly” (5:58) A4. “Strangers” (6:29) B1. “What Two Can Do” (3:50) B2. “You’re All That Matters” (5:20) B3. “Suspicious” (4:17) B4. “Sweet Surrender” (4:21) Credits: Deniece Williams […]
DG-581 is the first of two albums by Japanese jazz-rock supergroup Keep, featuring guitarist Akira Wada and keyboardist Jun Fukamachi. The album was released in 1981 on Trio. Tracklist: A1. “Owl Flight” (7:13) A2. “Pan Neo” (7:53) A3. “Never Ending Sad” (6:57) B1. “Dance of Paranoia Opus 3” (4:10) B2. “Sonatine” (14:57) Credits: Hideo Yamaki […]
Worlds Apart is the fourth album by Canadian symphonic/modern-rock band Saga, produced by Rupert Hine and released in 1981 on Maze/Polydor. Tracklist: A1. “On the Loose” (4:12) A2. “Wind Him Up” (5:48) A3. “Amnesia” (3:29) A4. “Framed” (5:42) A5. “Time’s Up” (4:08) B1. “The Interview” (3:51) B2. “No Regrets (Chapter V)” (4:44) B3. “Conversations” (4:44) […]
Discipline is the eighth studio album by English/American art-rock band King Crimson, released in 1981 on E’G/Polydor. Tracklist: A1. “Elephant Talk” (4:42) A2. “Frame by Frame” (5:08) A3. “Matte Kudasai” (3:45) A4. “Indiscipline” (4:31) B1. “Thela Hun Ginjeet” (6:25) B2. “The Sheltering Sky” (8:22) B3. “Discipline” (5:02) Credits: Adrian Belew — guitar, music, producer, lead vocals, […]
The Fox is the 15th studio album by Elton John, released in 1981 on Rocket/Geffen. Tracklist: A1. “Breaking Down Barriers” (4:40) A2. “Heart in the Right Place” (5:13) A3. “Just Like Belgium” (4:08) A4. “Nobody Wins” (3:42) A5. “Fascist Faces” (5:10) B1. “Carla / Etude” (4:45) B2. “Fanfare” (1:26) B3. “Chloe” (4:39) B4. “Heels of […]
Waiata (aka Corroboree) is the sixth album by Split Enz, released in March 1981 on Mushroom Records in Oceania and A&M in the Northern Hemisphere. Waiata features the pre-released single “One Step Ahead” and three additional Neil Finn songs, including “Iris,” an eerie, atmospheric love song with plucked electric guitar (in an odd tuning); and […]
Tin Drum is the fifth album by English art-rock/New Wave band Japan, released in 1981 on Virgin. Tracklist: A1. “The Art of Parties” (4:09)* A2. “Talking Drum” (3:34) A3. “Ghosts” (4:33) A4. “Canton” (5:30) B1. “Still Life in Mobile Homes” (5:32) B2. “Visions of China” (3:37) B3. “Sons of Pioneers” (7:07) B4. “Cantonese Boy” (3:44) […]
Dance is the fifth album by Gary Numan, released in 1981 on Beggars Banquet/Atco. Tracklist: A1. “Slowcar to China” (9:07) A2. “Night Talk” (4:30) A3. “A Subway Called ‘You’” (4:41) A4. “Cry the Clock Said” (9:59) B1. “She’s Got Claws” (5:00) B2. “Crash” (3:41) B3. “Boys Like Me” (4:17) B4. “Stories” (3:13) B5. “My Brother’s […]
Dare is the third full-length album by English New Wave/synthpop sextet The Human League, released in 1981 on Virgin. Tracklist: A1. “The Things That Dreams Are Made Of” (4:14) A2. “Open Your Heart” (3:53) A3. “The Sound of the Crowd” (3:56) A4. “Darkness” (3:56) A5. “Do or Die” (5:23) B1. “Get Carter” (1:02) B2. “I Am […]
Ghost in the Machine is the fourth album by English art-rock/reggae trio The Police, released in 1981 on A&M. Tracklist: A1. “Spirits in the Material World” (2:59) A2. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” (4:22) A3. “Invisible Sun” (3:44) A4. “Hungry for You (J’aurais toujours faim de toi)” (2:52) A5. “Demolition Man” (5:57) B1. […]
Icehouse is the re-released debut album by the renamed Australian band Icehouse, issued in 1981 on Chrysalis. The album was first released the prior year under the band’s original name Flowers. The opening track on the album, “Icehouse,” was quickly deemed the more striking nameplate, thus prompting the switch. Tracklist: A1. “Icehouse” (4:13) A2. “Can’t Help […]
Duran Duran is the debut album by the namesake Brummie New Wave band, released in 1981 on EMI/Harvest. Tracklist: A1. “Girls on Film” (3:30)` A2. “Planet Earth” (3:53)* A3. “Anyone Out There” (3:53) A4. “To the Shore” (3:44) A5. “Careless Memories” (3:42)** B1. “Night Boat” (5:24) B2. “Sound of Thunder” (4:00) B3. “Friends of Mine” […]
La Folie is the sixth album by English art-rock/New Wave band The Stranglers, released in November 1981 on United Artists. Tracklist: A1. “Non Stop” (2:28) A2. “Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead” (2:42) A3. “Tramp” (3:06) A4. “Let Me Introduce You to the Family” (3:06) A5. “Ain’t Nothin’ to It” (3:58) A6. “The Man They […]
The Gospel According to the Meninblack is the fifth album by English art-rock/New Wave band The Stranglers, released in 1981 on United Artists. Tracklist: A1. “Waltzinblack” (3:35) A2. “Just Like Nothing on Earth” (3:51)* A3. “Second Coming” (4:20) A4. “Waiting for the Meninblack” (3:42) A5. “Turn the Centuries, Turn” (4:36) B1. “Two Sunspots” (2:30) B2. […]
From the Tea-rooms of Mars …. to the Hell-holes of Uranus is the second album by English futurist New Wave/art-pop band Landscape, released in 1981 on RCA Victory. Tracklist: A1. “European Man” (4:20) A2. “Shake the West Awake” (3:23) A3. “Computer Person” (2:57) A4. “Alpine Tragedy / Sisters” (4:42) A5. “Face of the 80s” (3:26) […]
Quit Dreaming and Get on the Beam is an album by English multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Bill Nelson, released in 1981 on Mercury. Recorded in late 1979, the album stemmed from an abortive second Red Noise project. Musically, the songs here further mine the electro-kinetic modernism first explored on Drastic Plastic and Sound-on-Sound. Four of the songs were […]
Rhythm Breaks the Ice is the first and only solo album by Liverpudlian torch/pop singer Bette Bright, recorded with her backing band the Illuminations and released in 1981 on Korova. The album was produced by fellow Deaf School alumni Clive Langer, who wrote/co-wrote four of the songs. The song “Thunder and Lightning,” which originally appeared […]
Eros is the lone album by French Zeuhl/chamber-rock combo Dün, self-released in 1981 with the catalog number SAB 001. Tracklist: A1. “L’épice” (9:20) A2. “Arrakis” (9:35) B1. “Bitonio” (7:10) B2. “EROS” (10:10) Credits: Laurent Bertaud — drums Jean Geeraerts — electric guitar, acoustic guitar Bruno Sabathe — piano, synthesizer Alain Termol — percussion Thierry Tranchant — […]
Anywhere is the second album by English electro/art-pop band New Musik, released in March 1981 on GTO. et Tracklist: A1. “They All Run After the Carving Knife” (4:55) A2. “Areas” (4:11) A3. “Churches” (4:53) A4. “This World of Walter” (2:56) A5. “Luxury” (3:47) A6. “While You Wait” (5:05) B1. “Changing Minds” (4:52) B2. “Peace” (5:14) B3. […]
Rage in Eden is the fifth album by English art rock/New Wave band Ultravox, released in 1981 on Chrysalis Records. Tracklist: A1. “The Voice” (6:00) A2. “We Stand Alone” (5:37) A3. “Rage in Eden” (4:11) A4. “I Remember (Death in the Afternoon)” (4:56) B1. “The Thin Wall” (5:38) B2. “Stranger Within” (7:26) B3. “Accent on […]
In the Garden is the debut album by English art-pop duo the Eurythmics, released in 1981 on RCA. Tracklist: A1. “English Summer” (4:02) A2. “Belinda” (3:58) A3. “Take Me to Your Heart” (3:35) A4. “She’s Invisible Now” (3:30) A5. “Your Time Will Come” (4:34) B1. “Caveman Head” (3:59) B2. “Never Gonna Cry Again” (3:05) B3. […]
Radiant is the third album by American soul/pop nine-piece Atlantic Starr, released in 1981 on A&M. Tracklist: A1. “When Love Calls” (4:32) A2. “Think About That” (5:04) A3. “Does it Matter?” (4:34) A4. “Send For Me” (5:27) B1. “Mystery Girl” (4:32) B2. “Am I Dreaming?” (5:35) B3. “Under Pressure” (4:05) B4. “My Turn Now” (4:30) Credits: […]
Eider Stellaire is the debut album by the French Zeuhl band Eider Stellaire, self-released in 1981 with the catalog number K 001. The album presents a dense strain of Zeuhl-fusion built on relentless bass patterns, rapidfire drum shifts, and contoured electric piano figures. Guitar assumes a prominent voice across extended ensemble passages, while wordless dual-voice […]
Take My Time is the debut album by Scottish pop singer Sheena Easton, released in 1981 on EMI. In North America, the album was eponymously issued with a truncated, reshuffled tracklist. Tracklist: A1. “Don’t Send Flowers” Phil Pickett (3.02) A2. “Cry” Frank Musker, Garth Murphy (3.32) A3. “Take My Time” Paul Bliss, Phil Palmer (2.39) […]
Camera Camera is the tenth studio album by English art rock/New Wave trio Renaissance, released in 1981 on IRS. Tracklist: A1. Camera Camera (6:01) A2. Faeries (Living at the Bottom of the Garden) (3:45) A3. Remember (4:33) A4. Bonjour Swansong* (3:40) A5. Tyrant Tula (5:58) B1. Okichi San (6:00) B2. Jigsaw (5:00) B3. Running Away From […]
Stephanie is the fifth album by American soul/pop vocalist Stephanie Mills, released in 1981 on 20th Century-Fox. Tracklist: A1. “Winner” (4:50) A2. “Two Hearts” (4:44) A3. “Don’t Stop Doin’ What ‘Cha Do” (4:48) A4. “Top of My List” (3:42) B1. “I Believe in Love Songs” (4:14) B2. “Night Games” (5:47) B3. “My Love’s Been Good […]
Deception Is an Art is the second of two albums by Scottish art-pop musician/songwriter Ali Thomson, released in 1981 on A&M. Tracklist: A1. “Safe and Warm” (3:27) A2. “Foolish Child” (3:55) A3. “Don’t Hold Back” (3:57) A4. “Art Gallery” (3:17) A5. “Shells Lay Scattered” (5:53) B1. “The One and Only” (3:24) B2. “Man of the Earth” […]
October is the second album by Irish rock band U2, released in 1981 on Island Records. Tracklist: A1. “Gloria” (4:12) A2. “I Fall Down” (3:39) A3. “I Threw a Brick Through a Window” (4:54) A4. “Rejoice” (3:38) A5. “Fire” (3:50) B1. “Tomorrow” (4:39) B2. “October” (2:20) B3. “With a Shout” (4:02) B4. “Stranger in a […]
The Judgement of Paris is an album by American New Wave eccentric Kevin Dunn, recorded with backup combo the Regiment of Women and released in 1981 on UK small-press Armageddon Records. A stateside issue appeared on DB Records with an altered tracklist. Tracklist (Armageddon): A1. “Creep” (3:55) A2. “Tootsie 1” (2:32) A3. “Private Sector” (4:59) […]
Nah=Poo – The Art of Bluff is the first and only full-length album by Liverpudlian New Wavers Wah!, released in 1981 on Warner-subsidiary Eternal. Subsequent releases would bear variations of the nameplate with mastermind Pete Wylie as the one constant member. Tracklist: A1. “The Wind-Up” (4:45) A2. “Otherboys” (3:54) A3. “Why D’You Imitate The Cutout?” […]
A Product Of… is the debut album by English art-funk sextet Thompson Twins, released in 1981 on Fame/Hansa. Tracklist: A1. “When I See You” (4:05) A2. “Politics” (2:24) A3. “Slave Trade” (3:28) A4. “Could Be Her…Could Be You” (3:50) A5. “Make Believe” (3:30) A6. “Don’t Go Away” (3:05) B1. “The Price” (4:28) B2. “Oumma Aularesso […]
The League of Gentlemen is an album by the namesake art-punk foursome headed by Robert Fripp and featuring former XTC keyboardist Barry Andrews. The album was released in 1981 on E’G. Avant-garde vocalist Danielle Dax guests on the track “Minor Man.” This was the guitarist’s second use of the nameplate, having earlier played in an […]
Go Ahead is the second of two back-to-back albums by English funk combo Linx, released in 1981 on Chrysalis. Chic mastermind Nile Rodgers plays guitar on one track. Tracklist: A1. “So This Is Romance” (4:47) A2. “I Don’t Want to Learn” (3:28) A3. “I Wanna Be With You” (4:46) A4. “Urban Refugee” (4:34) A5. “I […]
The Complete Score from the Broadway Production of “The Catherine Wheel” is a 69-minute musical score by David Byrne for the title-sake dance production by choreographer Twyla Tharp, released on cassette in 1981 on Sire. A 41-minute distillation of the score, Songs From “The Catherine Wheel,” appeared concurrently on vinyl. Tracklist: A1. “Light Bath” (1:11) […]
Immunity is the third solo album by English musician/producer Rupert Hine, released in 1981 on A&M. His former Quantum Jump cohort Trevor Morais appears on three tracks. Tracklist: A1. “I Hang On to My Vertigo” (4:40) A2. “Misplaced Love” (4:14) A3. “Samsara” (5:15) A4. “Surface Tension” (4:19) A5. “I Think a Man Will Hang Soon” (4:17) […]
