The 10 Greatest Albums of the 80s

Not in any particular order...

Thriller- Michael Jackson (1982): It's now fashionable to claim Off the Wall was better, but those folks are on crack. This was a monster that opened doors for black artists and changed pop music. Today's hip hop, pop, and rap are all influenced by Thriller. No Thriller, no Hip Hop and today's pop is different.

Purple Rain- Prince (1984): For a time, people asked "Michael Jackson or Prince?"

The Joshua Tree- U2 (1987): U2 went in a totally different direction than everyone else in the mainstream with Joshua Tree. It was a rejection of plastic modern society and is probably more relevant today than in 1987.

Raising Hell- Run DMC (1986): Rap comes to the suburbs. Blondie introduced it to white America, Grandmaster Flash brought the streets to MTV, but Run DMC brought Hip Hop to the forefront and legitimized it. Although MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice made it mainstream, Run DMC became the first to explode onto the scene.

Appetite for Destruction- GnR (1987): Like U2, Guns n Roses took popular music in a radical direction in 1987. Unlike U2's examination of America and modern materialism, GnR took a darker approach and examined the underworld in a way no had since Exile on Mainstreet.

Back in Black- AC/DC (1980): AC/DC somehow survived the death of Bon Scott and turned that loss into one of the greatest tribute albums ever.

Born in the USA- Bruce (1984): Just about every song on this album became a hit. Bruce became a phenomenon and the embodiment of America. No one bothered to listen to the lyrics of the title track...

Murmur- REM (1983): While pop music was heading in multiple directions during the eighties including hair metal, new wave, hip hop, and some groups which defied categorization (Huey Lewis was played on rock stations that would follow Heart of Rock n Roll with Led Zeppelin), R.E.M. ushered in the alternative movement. Murmur represented an attempt to get back to basics and bring fresh rock n roll back to an audience.

London Calling- The Clash (1980): The west appeared on the verge of utter collapse in the late seventies. High unemployment, stagnant economies, and disheartened populations wanted to go to the disco. London Calling reflects the postwar apocalypse that hit during the seventies. Despite the coming ice age and sun zooming in, the album ends on an uplifting note with "Train in Vain."

Synchronicity- The Police (1983): Synchronicity made the Police the biggest band in the world. The album and its songs was omnipresent from summer of 1983 and into 1984. "Every Breath You Take" is one of the songs that defined the eighties.

Albums of the 90s

Here are the top 10 albums of the 1990s. Basically based on impact. Interestingly, six of the ten came out in 1991 or 1992. They are not listed in any particular order. These are not necessarily my favorite albums. Too lazy to do write-ups...if questions, ask or look it up...

Nevermind- Nirvana (1991)

Ten-Pearl Jam (1991)

Ok Computer- Radiohead (1997)

Automatic for the People- REM (1992)

Actung Baby- U2 (1991)

The Chronic- Dr. Dre (1992)

Metallica- Metallica (1991)

Jagged Little Pill- Alanis Morrisette (1995)

Unplugged- Nirvana (1994)

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)- And then she went crazy...

More Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Worthy Acts

A month or so back, I listed the Top 10 most deserving acts not in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame (See: http://cicero390.blogspot.com/2010/03/rock-n-roll-hall-of-fame-generally-does.html).  Some folks grumbled about missing acts...so, here is the first installment of acts that could make an argument for induction. I listed the pros and cons for each. They are in alphabetical order.

This is just the first installment...more to follow later.

Joan Baez


Pro: At the forefront of 60s music, iconic Woodstock moments, master interpreter of music

Con: Folk artist, known for doing other people’s work.

Bon Jovi

Pro: Best of the 80s hard rock bands and the hall likes to include one of every genre, tons of hits and sales, ability to adapt, still making hits today.

Con: They came from the 80s, not many people list them as an influence

Cheap Trick

Pro: Influential, original

Con: Not a ton of hits, so not top of mind

Chubby Checker

Pro: Ushered in a dance craze, “The Twist” and its sequel song, did branch out to other genres

Con: Typecast by The Twist

Phil Collins

Pro: Crap load of hits, influential, great drummer

Con: Lots of love songs, might be too poppy, already in with Genesis

The Cure

Pro: Unique, Influential

Con: Ironically, may not be commercial enough, so not top of mind

Dick Dale

Pro: King of Surf Guitar, At forefront of the genre, Experimented with reverb and other technical aspects of guitar

Con: Disappeared for awhile, genre was very short-lived

Def Leppard

Pro: Along with Bon Jovi, best representative of 80s hard rock, massive success, biggest act of the 80s other than Michael Jackson, unique live shows in the round, influence can be heard in other acts today

Con: Lumped with hair metal, a lot of their stuff sounds alike

Neil Diamond

Pro: Prolific Brill Building song writer, other acts recorded his songs before he branched out, he’s immensely popular and has oodles of hits.

Con: There is a cheese factor and he is considered A.C. as opposed to rock.

Dire Straits

Pro: Mark Knofler, great guitar work, solid music, huge in the 80s

Con: Not top of mind

The Dominoes

Pro: Important Doo wop group from 50s

Con: Important Doo wop group from the 50s

Duran Duran

Pro: Massively popular 80s band; great representatives of that post punk New Wave sound

Con: 1980s; seen as pretty boys

Peter Gabriel

Pro: Unique and popular

Con: Weird, already in with Genesis

Sammy Hagar

Pro: Classic rocker representing multiple genres

Con: Already in with VH, influence outside VH is probably minimal

Merle Haggard

Pro: He is more Rock n Roll than most Rock artists, Cash is in

Con: He’s country with little to no crossover

My Favorite Aught Albums

Overall a weak decade...

Audioslave- Audioslave (2002)

All That You Can’t Leave Behind -U2 (2000)

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb- U2 (2004)

The Rising- Bruce Springsteen (2002)

Magic- Bruce Springsteen (2007)

American IV: The Man Comes Around -Johnny Cash (2002)

American Idiot-Green Day (2004)

Gladiator Soundtrack (2000)

Welcome Interstate Managers-Fountains of Wayne (2003)

Have a Nice Day- Bon Jovi (2005)

Nostradamus- Judas Priest (2008)

Albums of the Decade: The Aughts

Here are ten of the most important albums to be released from 2000-2009. They are arraigned chronologically.

The Marshall Mathers LP- Eminem (2000): Hip Hop had gone stale and then Eminem came along. Ten years later, Hip Hop is once again stale.


Kid A- Radiohead (2000): It took less than a week for Kid A to go platinum. Would not be an accurate list without Radiohead.


U2- All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000): U2 decided to get out of electronic music and return to form. The end result was a monster.


Songs in A Minor- Alicia Keys (2001): Keys mixed blues with jazz and R&B. The comparisons to Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Billie Holiday followed.

American IV: The Man Comes Around- Johnny Cash (2002): This album signalled the greatest comeback in music history. All of a sudden, a 70-year-old was a superstar once more.


A Rush of Blood to the Head- Coldplay (2002): After this album, they were being compared to U2. This made Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.


The Rising- Bruce Springsteen (2002): Reinvigorated after a decade of experimentation, Springsteen returned with one of his strongest albums ever harkening back to his 80s glory.

Elephant- The White Stripes (2003): Garage rock lives! The White Stripes are one of the last of the rock bands.


American Idiot- Green Day (2004): American Idiot is probably the album of the decade. Green Day really connected to its audience as well as the zeitgeist of mid-decade America.


Magic- Bruce Springsteen (2007): This is generally considered the best (or second best) album of 2007. The album is about disillusionment with society, condemns the Iraq War, and could almost be a companion piece to American Idiot.

Songs of the Year 2009

Here is my list of songs of the year. I tried to go with a variety of genres as opposed to whatever I liked…

Check My Brain- Alice in Chains: It’s 1995 again. The 90s are making a major comeback. We seem to have jump skipped right over the 80s and right to the flannel.

East Jesus Nowhere- Green Day: If you are religious, this is not for you. Green Day goes off on organized religion and sings “of blasphemy and genocide.”

I Got a Feeling- Black Eyed Peas: They had quite a year. This song touched a chord. The basic premise is everyone is stressed, so let’s spend all our money and drink.

(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To- Weezer: Classic Weezer.

Mean Old Man- Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee covers Kris Kristofferson and still sounds good.

No Rest for the Wicked- Cage the Elephant: Everyone has heard this one even if they don’t know it. It’s appeared in a few commercials. Interesting that a bunch of white guys around 20 are the ones doing the Mississippi Delta thing.

Oh Yeah- Chickenfoot: Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, and Chad Smith bring back 80s hard rock. Since they are the only ones doing it, they had a hit record.

Outlaw Pete- Bruce Springsteen: Bruce channels old school cowboy tales into an 8 minute epic.

That’s Not My Name- The Ting Tings: This reminds me of “Mickey” from the early 80s. Who hasn’t forgotten a girl’s name the morning after?

Uprising- Muse: Muse brings back the synthesizer and sings about rebellion. This should be the Tea Party Movement’s anthem. It’s a mishmash of everything that has come before and gets played as bumper music on every sporting event out there.

#21 John Lennon

John Lennon was a rock star, songwriter, artist, author, peace activist, and cultural icon. Along with Paul McCartney, he formed the most influential writing tandem in history. He provided a counterpoint to McCartney while with the Beatles. Lennon was the witty, sarcastic one. After the band broke up, Lennon launched a successful solo career.

Lennon’s post-Beatles life can be broken into two periods. The first period ran from 1970-1975. During this period, John released the bulk of his solo material (some came out before the Beatles broke up). The first post Beatles album, Plastic Ono Band, was emotionally charged which allowed Lennon to vent. The next album, Imagine, provided an anthem for the anti-war crowd. Some of his songs created controversy. “Working Class Hero” was banned for using the word “fucking.” Many stations did not bother to listen to the message in “Woman is the Nigger of the World” and simply banned it outright.

John’s political activism often got him in trouble. His anti-war stance during the Vietnam period found him on the receiving end of the Nixon White House. Lennon underwent several years of deportation proceedings as a result of a late 60s drug bust. Lennon also made friends with several radicals (some of which robbed him blind).

After several years of political wars, John went on sabbatical to raise his son, Sean. Lennon re-emerged in 1980. He recorded Double Fantasy with Yoko and prepared to return to public life. On December 8, 1980, he was murdered by a deranged fan outside his home.

Lennon’s assassin came from Hawaii. He applied for a gun despite having served time in a mental institution. The Hawaiian police did a shoddy background check. Additionally, the gun made it through airport x-ray machines and metal detectors. Once in New York, the murderer met Lennon out front the former Beatles’ home, The Dakota, and got his autograph. Later that evening, he shot Lennon in the back.

There was a memorial and moment of silence for Lennon six days later on December 14. He was later cremated. Three posthumous albums and a number of collections followed. John's son, Julian scored a hit in the mid-1980s. Yoko occasionally appears for interviews and makes some public appearances. For his part, John has become linked to John and Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. He was the last victim of the 60s. However, unlike the others named, Lennon’s death was not a political act. Instead, it was a deranged loser which clearly represents the culture of the late 1970s.

Rock n Roll Moment: The “Lost Weekend” In 1973, John and Yoko split for a time. John took up with his personal assistant, May Pang. He spent the next 18 months inebriated and called that period, his “lost weekend.”

Essential Lennon:
Plastic Ono Band (1970)
Imagine (1971)
Rock n Roll (1975)
Double Fantasy (1980)
Lennon (1990)- Box Set

Lennon’s Top 10:

Mother
Working Class Hero
Imagine
Jealous Guy
Instant Karma
Power to the People
Mind Games
(Just Like) Starting Over
Watching the Wheels
#9 Dream

#22 Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is the only person inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame three times. Before going solo, Clapton was a member of the blues based “Yardbirds.” He left the band when they went commercial. He then joined the super group “Cream” which broke apart as egos clashed. Clapton then went solo after a brief stint in Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes.

Clapton’s music has always been blues based. However, he was always willing to incorporate other styles including pop and reggae. Next to Hendrix, Clapton is rock's greatest guitarist. Fans compared him to god and some considered him god. Despite major substance abuse problems, Clapton’s career has been steadily successful from the 1970s through today. It’s his ability to both originate and incorporate while sticking to his blues roots that makes Clapton so successful.

Rock n Roll Moment: Clapton’s memory blanked while under the influence. He does not remember doing TV commercials as well as other events in his life. As a result, he opened a rehab clinic of his own.

Essential Clapton:

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)- w/Derek and the Dominoes
461 Ocean Blvd (1974)
Slowhand (1977)
Crossroads (1988)- Box Set
Journeyman (1989)
Unplugged (1992)
From the Cradle (1994)
Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)

Clapton’s Top 10:

Layla (With Derek and the Dominoes)
I Shot the Sheriff
After Midnight
Cocaine
Lay Down Sally
Wonderful Tonight
Promises
Pretending
Let it Rain
It’s in the Way that You Use It

#23 David Bowie

David Bowie is the great chameleon. His image is forever changing. Bowie emerged from Britain’s Art Rock scene in the late 60s and his first album was barely noticed. However, he caught people’s attention in 1969 with “Space Oddity” which coincided with the moon landing. After which, he spent some time searching for a direction.

In 1972, Bowie moved away from Syd Barrett influenced Art Rock and created an androgynous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. Bowie was so wrapped up in the role, people did not know where Ziggy started and Bowie ended. Bowie’s creation launched the glam scene. Presentation, image, and the visual became as important as the music. Shortly after creating Ziggy Stardust, Bowie killed him.

By the mid-70s, Bowie was scoring pop hits. He altered his music and persona and alienated and confused his listeners. Then, he went to Berlin to look for the next thing and ran into Iggy Pop and Brian Eno. The albums he created represented the successful “Berlin Trilogy.”

By 1980, Bowie was a successful pop star that appeared in decline. Then came MTV. Music Television suited Bowie perfectly. One of the first hit videos on the channel was Bowie’s surreal “Ashes to Ashes.” He also recorded “Under Pressure” with Queen. Bowie then decided to change it up again and did a pop album. 1983’s “Let’s Dance” spawned several hits. David Bowie was now one of the biggest stars around and played Live Aid in 1985. The rest of the decade was at best uneven. Although, he did get to play Pontius Pilot in The Last Temptation of Christ. Bowie has appeared in a number of films including Labyrinth, The Prestige, and Zoolander.

After doing a farewell tour of sorts, Bowie formed Tin Man. This minimized Bowie and made him part of a group. Although the band was good, it did not catch on. Once again, Bowie confused people.

In the 90s, Bowie went electronic and bordered on industrial. He did perform the old stuff at the Freddy Mercury Tribute in 1992. He also played “Heroes” at the Concert for New York following the 911 attacks. Bowie was one of the show's highlights. In 2004, he suffered a heart attack, but continues to show up from time to time. His most notable appearance in recent years was with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall. He is a member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and continues to act and record.

Rock n Roll Moment: Bowie outed himself as a bisexual in 1972...long before it was hip. He later recanted.

Essential Bowie:

Hunky Dory (1971)
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust (1972)
Aladdin Sane (1973)
Young Americans (1975)
Station to Station (1976)
Low (1977)
Heroes (1977)
Lodger (1978)
Let’s Dance (1983)

Bowie’s Top 10:

Space Oddity
The Man Who Sold the World
Changes
Life on Mars?
Ziggy Stardust
Suffragette City
The Jean Genie
Rebel Rebel
Young Americans
Heroes

#24 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles defined the Motown Sound. They were the first major Motown act to break. Frontman Smokey Robinson went on to become one of music’s greatest songwriters and producers. The Miracles music encompassed doo wop, soul, R&B, rock, and disco and scored 16 Top 20 hits including two #1s (Love Machine and Tears of a Clown). Smokey left the group in 1971 and they experienced continued success. For some reason, Smokey was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, but the Miracles were excluded.

Rock n Roll Moment: Smokey and the Miracles wrote Ooo Baby Baby during an impromptu jam in the middle of a show.

Essential Smokey:
Hi! We’re the Miracles (1961)
Going to a Go-Go (1965)
One Dozen Roses (1971)

Smokey’s Top 10:

Shop Around
You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me
Ooo Baby Baby
The Tracks of My Tears
Going to a Go-Go
I Second That Emotion
The Tears of a Clown
Love Machine- Pt 1
Do It Baby
My Girl Has Gone

#32 B.B. King

B.B. King essentially influenced every blues and blues based guitarist that followed him. After a failed trip to Memphis, King decided to learn music. His hard work paid off. In 1949, he earned a recording contract. By the 50s, King was one of the most important R&B artists. His biggest hit came in 1968 with “The Thrill is Gone.” King continued to work throughout the 70s. He recorded less frequently by the 1980s. However, in 1988, he recorded “When Love Comes To Town” with U2. It was a smash. Today, he occasionally performs at festivals. In 2008, he performed at the Kennedy Center Honors in honor of Morgan Freeman.

Rock n Roll Moment: He named his guitar “Lucille.”

Essential King:

Singing The Blues (1956)
Indianola Mississippi Seeds (1970)
The Ultimate Collection (2005)

BB King’s Top 10:

Three O’Clock Blues
When Love Comes to Town (with U2)
Worried Life
The Thrill is Gone
Paying the Cost to be the Boss
Please Love Me
You Upset Me Baby
Don’t Answer The Door
Sweet Sixteen (part 1 and 2)
Chains and Things

#37 Simon and Garfunkel

Folk music became huge in the early 60s between Elvis induction into the army and Beatlemania. Simon and Garfunkel found their calling during this period. The childhood friends decided to do music. After a false start, they recorded “Sounds of Silence” in 1966. They continued to release hit singles. In 1968, they worked on the soundtrack to “The Graduate.” In 1969, “Mrs. Robinson” won the Grammy for Record of the Year. Their last major hit occurred in 1970. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” capped their career. The two split in 1970. Paul Simon continued to record (see #56) and was very successful. Art Garfunkel recorded and acted. Simon was clearly more successful. They’d reunite occasionally through the years including the 1981 Central Park concert, the 2003 Grammy Awards, and a two month tour in 2003. They toured again in 2005 and plan a 2009 tour.

Rock n Roll Moment: They played to 500,000 fans at their 1981 Reunion Concert in Central Park.

Essential Simon and Garfunkel:

Sounds of Silence (1966)
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme (1966)
Bookends (1968)
Bridge Over Troubled Waters (1970)

S&G’s Top 10:

The Sound of Silence
Homeward Bound
I Am A Rock
A Hazy Shade of Winter
Scarborough Fair
Mrs. Robinson
The Boxer
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Cecilia
America

#38 The Velvet Underground

Although not commercially successful, the Underground is one of the most influential acts in history. In one sense, they were the American version of Pink Floyd. They loved experimentation and their music was nihilistic. They could be considered the first “Alternative” band long before R.E.M. created college radio. After the breakup, Lou Reed and John Cale experienced success as solo artists.

Rock n Roll Moment: The Velvet Underground were part of Andy Warhol’s underground art scene in the 1960s.

Essential Velvet Underground:

The Velvet Underground and Nico (1967)
White Light/White Heat (1968)
The Velvet Underground (1969)
Loaded (1970)

Velvet Underground’s Top 10:

Heroin
I’m Waiting for the Man
Sunday Morning
White Light/White Heat
Candy Says
Pale Blue Eyes
Sweet Jane
All Tomorrow’s Parties
There She Goes Again
The Black Angel’s Death Song

#39 Aretha Franklin

If this was a popular music list, Aretha would be in the top 10 and maybe the top 5. However, the Queen of Soul is relegated to #39 on the rock list. Aretha’s versatility led her to branch from soul to rock to gospel to R&B to pop to jazz. She was voted greatest singer of all time and is the first woman in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. In 2009, she created a fashion fad with the hat she wore at Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Rock n Roll Moment: Aretha got into a tiff with Beyonce recently. Beyonce called Tina Turner “queen.” Aretha took it as an insult because Aretha is the Queen of Soul.

Essential Aretha:

I Never Loved A Man the Way I Love You (1967)
Lady Soul (1968)
Amazing Grace (1972)
Who’s Zoomin’ Who (1985)

Aretha’s Top 10:

I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)
Respect
Baby I Love You
Natural Woman
Chain of Fools
Think
Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)
Spanish Harlem
Rock Steady
Freeway of Love

#42 Nirvana

It’s hard to believe that Nirvana’s recording career lasted only 5 years. They released their debut, “Bleach” in 1989 and their final album, “Unplugged in New York”, came out in 1994. However, their impact was huge. Nirvana is considered the flagship band of Generation X. They just happened along at the right time. People were tired of the old 80s scene and were moving toward Hip Hop and Country. Then, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” came out and that spelled the end of the plastic 80s. Their album, “Nevermind” beat out Michael Jackson on the pop charts and quickly became the most important album in years. The band was not sure if they liked being successful and it took it’s toll on front man Kurt Cobain. In 1994, he committed suicide.

Rock n Roll Moment: Smells Like Teen Spirit launched the 90s Rock Revolution.

Essential Nirvana:

Bleach (1989)
Nevermind (1991)
In Uetero (1993)
Unplugged (1994)

Nirvana’s Top 10:

Sliver
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Come As You Are
Lithium
In Bloom
Heart Shaped Box
About A Girl
Pennyroyal Tea
All Apologies
Rape Me

#44 Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac has gone through so many incarnations, it’s hard to believe they are still around. The name derives from the rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood (drums) and John McVie (bass). They began in the 1960s as a blues act led by Peter Green. Bob Welch (not the pitcher) led the band in the early 70s as they transitioned from blues to pop. Then, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined. The duo propelled Mac to super stardom. However, the band experienced inner turmoil as two couples made up the group. Lindsey and Stevie were breaking up and Christie and John McVie were divorcing during their peak years.

After the “Rumours” album, they went experimental with “Tusk.” They continued to be popular throughout the 80s and then Buckingham left. They toyed around with different lineups before he returned in the late 90s. The band is currently working on a new album.

Rock n Roll Moment: The “Rumours” album was based on the real life trials and tribulations of two couples (and band mates) breaking up.

Essential Mac:

Fleetwood Mac (1975)
Rumours (1977)
Tusk (1979)
Tango in the Night (1987)
The Dance (1997)

Fleetwood Mac’s Top 10:

Oh Well
Rhiannon
Landslide
Monday Morning
Dreams
Don’t Stop
Go Your Own Way
The Chain
Gold Dust Woman
Tusk

#45 Talking Heads

David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison made up the avant-garde rock band, The Talking Heads. The group formed in 1974 and remained together until 1991. They combined everything into their music. Unlike most popular bands, the group managed to earn good reviews for their music. David Byrne’s whimsical wordplay and their stage show helped them rise from the New York punk scene to one of the most important acts in history.

Rock n Roll Moment: The film “Stop Making Sense” was based on a tour. The show started with Byrne and a radio with cassette player. Throughout the show, more was added. By the end, it was a full blown concert.

Essential Talking Heads:

Talking Heads: 77 (1977)
More Songs About Building and Food (1978)
Remain in the Light (1980)
Stop Making Sense (1984)

Talking Heads’ Top 10:

Psycho Killer
Once in a Lifetime
Life During Wartime
Burning Down the House
Take Me To The River
And She Was
Wild Wild Life
This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)
Uh-Oh Love Comes To Town
Love---Building On Fire

Green Day vs. Walmart

Why does Walmart refuse to sell CDs with explicit lyrics when they sell Rated "R" movies?

#50 Elvis Costello

Elvis came from the London pub scene. He combined rock with punk with new wave in creative ways. He has the ability to reinvent himself on a dime and is one of rock’s edgiest writers. Costello’s look has been described as a “menacing Buddy Holly.” His first great song , “Allison” is sarcasm wrapped in pop. Throughout his career, Costello has delved into soul, country, baroque, and politics. Recently, he toured with The Police.

Rock n Roll Moment: Elvis got banned from SNL in 1977. He was a last minute replacement for the Sex Pistols (visa problems-go figure). Instead of playing a song the record company wanted, Elvis broke into “Radio Radio” instead. For that, he was banned for a dozen years.

Essential Elvis Costello:

My Aim Is True (1977)
This Year’s Model (1978)
Armed Forces (1979)
Get Happy (1980)
Imperial Bedroom (1982)

Costello’s Top 10:

Alison
Pump It Up
Radio Radio
I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down
Shipbuilding
Watching the Detectives
Accidents Will Happen
Peace, Love, and Understanding
Veronica
Oliver’s Army

Rock Countdown Recap 51-100

51. The Yardbirds
52. George Harrison
53. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
54. Billy Joel
55. Paul McCartney
56. Paul Simon
57. CSNY
58. REM
59. Radiohead
60. Prince

61. The Sex Pistols
62. Aerosmith
63. Pearl Jam
64. Guns n Roses
65. Sly and the Family Stone
66. Bob Marley
67. Sam Cooke
68. The Grateful Dead
69. Wilson Pickett
70. Jeff Beck

71. Steely Dan
72. CCR
73. Blondie
74. Ozzy Osbourne
75. Rush
76. Bill Haley and The Comets
77. The Animals
78. Fats Domino
79. Dion
80. Genesis

81. Bon Jovi
82. Carlos Santana
83. ZZ Top
84. The Mamas and the Papas
85. Lynyrd Skynrd
86. Allman Brothers Band
87. Dire Straits
88. Judas Priest
89. Coldplay
90. Green Day

91. KISS
92. Smashing Pumpkins
93. Rage Against The Machine
94. Soundgarden
95. Motley Crue
96. Def Leppard
97. Weezer
98. Tool
99. Foo Fighters
100. Ringo