gary numan – the pleasure principle – cars
it’s 1979. gary numan releases his debut solo album outside of tubeway army. the pleasure principle lacks guitars completely and it’s still one of my favorite all-time albums. and this giant hit of a song – incredible. always.
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andrew bird – weather systems – lull
it’s 2003. the chicago native releases his first solo album after departing from his previous band, bowl of fire. he may be one of the most impressive musicians to walk this earth. if you haven’t seen him live, well, then you should at least watch this live clip of him performing “lull”.
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the creation – making time
it’s 1966. the english blokes release their first single. after only a couple of years and european success, the band broke up, but rejoined 20 years later. this song is a classic and the best of 60′s garage rock. wes anderson fans will also recognize this song from rushmore.
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orchestral manoeuvres in the dark – organisation – enola gay
it’s 1980. the british new wavers release their sophomore album. “enola gay” was the album’s only single and is still a giant of pop classics. i could recognize those opening synths if they were muffled by bad speakers a mile away. did you know the song is named after the bomber that carried the first atomic bomb dropped on hiroshima in 1945?
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teenage fanclub – bandwagonesque – what you do to me
it’s 1991. the scottish lads release their third studio album. nirvana’s nevermind also came out this year, but in between shopping for second-hand flannel shirts and acting aloof, you better believe i was listening to this album. bandwagonesque = brilliantesque.
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new york dolls – personality crisis
it’s 1973. the new york glam rockers release their debut album. they are widely known to have started the new york punk movement. morrissey is a pronounced megafan. he was the head of their uk fan club in the 70′s and then sponsored their reunion in 2004. in lamest, what’s good enough for morrissey is pretty much good enough for anyone.
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dusty springfield – dusty in memphis – song of a preacher man
it’s 1969. the london sultry songstress releases her fifth and most iconic album featuring one the best songs in music. she recorded the album in memphis and if you look up soul in the dictionary, in some parts you’ll see this album and her face. legend.
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evangelicals – the evening descends – midnight vignette
it’s 2008. these norman, ok folk release their sophomore album. they have yet to release another album, but we sure wish they would. the evening descends is still one of my favorite albums to date. this video for “midnight vignette” exemplifies the band’s quirkiness and playfulness. if you haven’t heard, now you know.
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the breeders – last splash – cannonball
it’s 1993. after the pixies broke up earlier in the year, kim deal returns to the breeders and releases their sophomore album. there is no denying she’s one of the best bassists of our time and no denying this song kicks serious ass. songs by formidable bands have been written and named after her. goddess. period.
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the teardrop explodes – reward
it’s 1981. the liverpool boys release their most renown single. “reward” did so well, mercury records reissued their debut, kilimanjaro, and added it to the album. they released their sophomore album this same year, but their third and last album was released in 1990. i first came across this band because of their ties to echo and the bunnymen, but they certainly stand on their own.
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miles davis – kind of blue – so what
it’s 1959. the jazz legend releases one of the most iconic albums of all time and his best-selling. i’ve personally got a soft spot for this masterpiece and if ever i need inspiring, it’s my go to. genius. genius. genius. period.
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neko case – fox confessor brings the flood – hold on, hold on
it’s 2006. the virginia native, who also rendezvouses with the new pornographers, releases her fourth album. it had been four years since blacklisted, her previous solo effort. she is all-time classic americana music and about as country as i get. crazy good is crazy good, no matter the genre kids.
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gang of four – damaged goods
it’s 1978. the leeds boys release their debut single. they were quickly signed to emi records after the enormous response to this incredible song and they released entertainment!, their debut album, the following year. it featured “anthrax”, their other eminent track, but “damaged goods” will forever hold a place in my all-time.
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bill withers – still bill – use me
it’s 1972. the virginia native releases his second album. he’s probably best known for “ain’t no sunshine”, which he won a grammy for this same year. “use me” is hella funky though and just as soulful and has always incited instant head-bobbing for me.
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the five satins – in the still of the night
it’s 1956. the new haven quartet recorded this tune in the basement of a catholic church and upon its release, doo-wop hit the main stream. this is one of the most notable songs of the genre and is on most everyone’s best songs of all-time lists. classic, classic, classic.
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