On That Note: Album Series Take 5’s, Part 2

[cyclones500]

Meat Puppets
“Up on the Sun”
March 21, 1985

In most cases, I don’t maintain a strict ranking for “top of year” lists, because my preference tends to fluctuate. But if someone says “favorite albums of 1985,” this almost always comes to mind first.

It has unique resonance for me. Every time I return, it takes me back to the feeling of hearing it for the first time.

Meat Puppets II (released 1984) was (mostly) a massive shift from the band’s debut album, but this is the first LP we can hear the band developing a post-post-punk identity. Subsequent releases varied in sonic approach, stylistic focus and “mood." This was step 1.

(If not others cite this album, I might add a couple more tracks later)

 

[cyclones500]

The Flaming Lips
“Clouds Taste Metallic”
Sept. 19, 1995

From the “not for all tastes” file, initially I thought this fell short of the promise/highlights of the previous album, “Transmissions From the Satellite Heart.”

Over time, CTM grew on me more and more, and I think it is more consistent work and psychedelic-metal elements more pronounced. It's a superior work overall.

It also has a playful “animal/zoo” theme running through some tracks.

 

[cyclones500]

Camper Van Beethoven
“Telephone Free Landslide Victory”
June 1985

It gets a bit heavy on the middle-eastern/ukranian instrumentals, but definite high points and solid for a debut.





--> Cover of Black Flag song (released in '79) ... and it couldn't be more different musically.

 

[Buster28]

1985 singles of note for me:

"I Can't Wait" by Stevie Nicks from the album Rock a Little. I loved this album, but especially this single.



"She Sells Sanctuary" by the Cult. Somehow, I missed this song in the 80s. Once I discovered it, I was an immediate fan of it. Fabulous 80s alternative!



"There's No Love in Tennessee" by Barbara Mandrell. This single was from her Greatest Hits album that was released that summer. The video is a live performance by Mandrell at the Music City News Country Awards, marking her first live performance anywhere since the car accident that severely injured her on September 11, 1984. She was VERY pregnant at the time of the performance (hence the blue tent she was wearing). The song is not her best, but the event of this particular appearance is significant, considering there was some question as to whether or not she'd ever return to the stage.

 

[madguy30]

SIAP.

Foo Fighters debut and Silverchair Frog Stomp. Both plant me right back into middle school. Simple times.

 

[cyclones500]

The Long Ryders
“State of Our Union”
(Summer 1985)

An honorable mention choice.