1985: Kate Bush, Tears for Fears, A-ha, Grace Jones & more | The Album Years Podcast (Part 3)

[@thealbumyearspodcast]

Send us your album reviews and questions for inclusion on future episodes of The Album Years, we'd love to hear from you! fanlist.com/thealbumyears

[@fredericbove699]

To me, A-ha is a totally underrated band. Their songs are beautifully crafted (the sun always Shines on TV is a masterpiece of a song).

[@michaelantonyaustin]

A-ha have the ability to embrace melancholy and darkness beautifully, wrapping it up with a brilliant Pop sensibility. It’s all there on HHAL but they perfect it arguably on Scoundrel Days.

[@OurFamilyInMotion]

The Working Hour from the Tear For Fears album is so incredible.

[@MrThebigcheese75]

Could be my favorite TFF song.

[@jordankokocinski506]

Very beautiful song. Just transports me...

[@travisbickle2004]

It’s outstanding.

[@tonyvallejo6156]

Yess my favorite TFF song. Every track from the Big Chair is excellent but that song is just something else. The sax solo at the end is heavenly.

[@leszekmarynowski9835]

The Hounds of Love album is absolutely timeless. It has not aged at all. The comparison with Dark Side of the Moon is very valid. Gentlemen, great job! I love this podcast.

[@kevinetheridge7201]

There are many great albums, but only a few masterpieces and Hounds of love is one of them.

[@seanaperry77]

Love Prefab Sprout

[@atquinn1975]

Songs From the Big Chair is an amazing album. Obviously, the songs are incredibly strong, but also the arrangements and production are mind-blowing.

[@dobieprime]

I can't wait till the guys get to Seeds of Love. But, I'm kind of afraid of it also. I consider Seeds of Love to be a masterpiece. It is one of my, me at 60 years old, top ten albums of all time. It totally just engulfs me and takes me places.

[@blackmoofou6385]

@@dobieprime I think Steven really rated seeds having done the Atmos mix. I think it was recorded using 3 24 track mixers making 72 usable tracks. I can't imagine how complex the mix must have been.

[@bluescoobyblue]

Discovered this podcast by complete accident.... thank god I grew up in this era, such a diverse range of music.....I won't do the obvious and compare and contrast to modern day music

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

85 was a special year for me, left school, started work the TFF and A-ha albums remind me of that time listening to them on a walkman

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

Scritti Politti - Cupid & Psyche '85. Wood Beez completely blew me away in 1984 and the album is so darn BRILLIANT!!!! Green's beautiful soothing voice and the New York grooves are FULL!

[@ericmckayrq]

I love the China Crisis album from that year too

[@ericsbar7960]

Prefab Sprout is one of the great band! More people should listen to them

[@Roudaki677]

So glad you mentioned Tony Mansfield and New Muzik!

[@blackmoofou6385]

Way ahead of his time I love all 3 of the New Musick albums they deserve much more acclaim.

[@Roudaki677]

Love all 3 albums also. Listening to the third album was like being on “twisted tracks”😉

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

Prefab Sprout were beautiful. Like Scritti Politti, their angel like voices were gorgeous. "Appetite" was divinity!

[@hofmanish]

As a matter of fact, Miles used also a track from Slave to the Rhythm as sort of warming-up for the audience before the concert starts. It was the track: Don’t cry - Its only the rhythm. I never forget it, it was on the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1989. The curtain was closed, the lights were out, and that song started on a very very loud level, that was very impressive

[@stephanevillatte5970]

The Cure's Head on the door is one of ...if not their masterpiece to me,each song shows Smith's genius craft,perfection top to bottom,timeless...i hear it like the Sgt Pepper of the 80's ,kiss me is a different beast, a great underrated double album ,with a few ''good filler tracks''.

[@affusojo]

Couldn't agree more. The Head on the Door is my favorite Cure album. I agree that it is a transitional record but I think it shows their full range.

[@ChipMatthews]

For me, The Ninth Wave is what made Hounds of Love. I played side two of that album way more often than I did side one. It's an art pop masterpiece.

[@MisAnnThorpe]

Likewise. I didn't particularly like the singles from "The Hounds of love", apart from "The Big sky".

[@liamrab6]

watching you without me is my favourite song on it by far

[@hofmanish]

I saw Prefab Sprout in 1990, Amsterdam, Paradiso venue… unforgettable…they performed almost entirely their album from that year: Jordan The Comeback. To me their best album. (Thnks to Thomas Dolby)

[@NickMartin-xy1rc]

David Gamson was in Scritti Politti. That album also featured the guitar work of Nicky Moroch and Alan Murphy,

[@MisAnnThorpe]

I think Robert Quine also played on Cupid & Psyche '85.

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

I love The Associates and "Perhaps" - "Waiting For The Love Boat" is fierce

[@MrThebigcheese75]

So pleased to hear Steven talking about Shriekback, Care is superb, and This Big Hush from Oil & Gold is an all time favorite of mine with Faded Flowers, I think Big Night Music is better. Life in the loading bay is a great later album too.

[@alexc3744]

I’m not good at years - but to hear that The Dreaming and PG4 were released this year… wow! Two of my favourite albums of all time. Can’t wait to hear what else came out. Always enjoy your guys erudite and informed take on music. Doest’t matter toms if you love something I don’t or you’re ambivalent about something I love… the appreciation of art needs to be talked about and needs to be discussed. And the fact you turn me on to stuff I haven’t heard before and I can listen to and investigate is such a wonderful thing, keep up the great work. Much thanks to you Tim and Steven! 👍🏻

[@Bernhard2024]

a-ha`s Hunting High and Low album is my favorite of 1985.

[@MisAnnThorpe]

Grace Jones says in her memoirs - that she'd previously said she would never write - that "Slave to the rhythm" was probably the most expensive single ever recorded. It's one of my favourite singles ever.

[@nickmellor344]

Spot on analysis of what makes Steve McQueen great: I’d add that the incredibly tight, muscular Prefab Sprout rhythm section of drummer Neil Conti and Paddy’s brother Martin keep it anchored and prevent Paddy and Wendy from floating away into the ether.

[@jvgerner]

@5:08 Never thought I had to disagree with Steven, but here I have to. "Don't need to hear...Watching You Without Me" " A let down"? That is just a superb track as part of the entire Ninth Wave epic. The beautiful fretless base, the background violins, Kate's almost frail voice, everything about this track sort of reels you in and takes you to different dimensions. Especially when listened to on headphones. It's unearthly beautiful. No part of the Ninth Wave should be skipped.

[@hofmanish]

Scritti Politti…awesome record. Totally over the top produced and in a perfect way. If you want it smooth, perfect, tight….do it right! And so they did. This record is one of my reverence albums when I ‘m looking for new speakers

[@stevemuzak8526]

Every music lover should listen to this podcast. It's a goldmine.

[@drssexy2142]

well the only ppl who r gona see your message are the ones who have already watched it. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

[@douglasstruthers8307]

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Kate Bush in the 80s here in Canada courtesy of some music junkies working at Records on Wheels. Otherwise, it is stupefying how the US, in particular, never embraced Kate Bush en masse. Kate Bush was a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR, especially "Listen" which remains on so many of my playlists - timeless. Thanks for putting me onto the Prefab Sprout album which I missed in 1985. Yes, nice to have some Canadian content with Jane Siberry who was highly respected here.

[@JCW-jx6ld]

These conversations are fantastic, reliving my youth 🤗

[@bobby666666]

Love Jane Siberry a stunning artist. So many other great albums this year including Kate Bush, Prefab Sprout and New Order.

[@drssexy2142]

yes dear they mentioned them all in the video, werent u watching?

[@evanjazzista]

How they overlooked Arcadia's _So red the rose_ is beyond me. Still, thanks for discussing Kate Bush, Prefab Sprout, Tears For Fears and A-ha.

[@bowness1]

Some things were edited out and some things we didn't have time to discuss in detail. Shamefully, the great Boys & Girls by Bryan Ferry didn't get a mention at all.

[@davidbenasulin]

Just discovered this channel and already passed to some friends! It was a pleasure to listen to these 52 minutes of comments, music apreciation, insights! Keep on! So many music jewels to be talked and remember to the world!

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

Arcadia's "So Red The Rose" is THE best album of 1985 for me. Absolute ART!!!! ... Along with "Cupid & Psyche '85" ... Dead Or Alive - "Youthquake and the beautiful "Hunting High And Low" from A-ha

[@cb73]

So glad you talked about prefab sprout!

[@passenger62]

There's a name missing from your retrospective reviews of No Jacket Required and Cupid and Psyche '85, and that's David Frank of The System. He was an extremely influential musician during this period.

[@GenrePeak]

I could listen to Tim and Steven talk about records for hours. I love breaking down the time and era and equipment used by the famous artists of the day. Well done.

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

Yes, I'm about the same age as Tim, but they continually showcase albums that I've never heard of from years ago - such a great source for discovering great music.

[@GottkaiserFhqwhgod]

Seeing "A Secret Wish" on the pile and then seeing it getting skipped. A shame.

[@ctrlzyx2]

Seriously. Ditch the grace Jones. Claudia rules.

[@andrewfiske3558]

This podcast is beyond brilliant and it should have millions of followers. Unbelievable and insightful analysis by true experts. Keep up the great work!

[@drssexy2142]

Except that Wilson is the kind of person that will say something as if its a fact, when actually he's just guessing. Lots in inaccuracies in these vids.

[@craigroberts6374]

Ok. Finally the shout out to Arcadia. Thank you. I still listen to that album.

[@cremersalex]

'Steve McQueen' is probably my favorite pop album of the '80s.

[@steffNewtown]

Really interesting channel. Your knowledge of this music that I have cherished for years, combined with the complementarity of your words is one of my most beautiful experiences on KZbin. I hope you don't forget one of the best records of 1985 and the decade, A Secret Wish from Propaganda. 🙏👍🤘🏻🤩

[@bowness1]

We did discuss it in detail (a great album), but I fear the edit has meant it's got submerged in the Grace Jones section.

[@nicolasbascunan4013]

Maybe the best music podcast ever ❤

[@wireshy]

For the life of me I don’t understand how The Cult’s “Love” and Love And Rockets “Seventh Dream From A Teenage Heaven” aren’t in this discussion. Truly gobsmacked. But crack on. Love your videos!

[@yorgosstasinoulias1561]

Night time by Killing Joke should be in the last category! Anyway, another great episode as always!

[@bowness1]

We do discuss it in another 1985 episode.

[@michelelamberti1327]

What a year. Unreal.

[@gregb.5056]

Jane Siberry was a fixture on Canadian media, though we have rules that force broadcasters to carry a defined amount of Canadian content, so that gives a boost to artists that wouldn't normally get much of a hearing.

[@todd6851]

She's great.

[@harrybartok]

I really enjoyed this review. I was 28 in 1985 and it was probably the last year I would visit a record store and be excited by the music on offer. This was a great year. I bought the latest releases by Kate Bush, Tears, Simple Minds, Frankie, Meat is Murder, Dire Straits, Style Council, Sting, Waterboys, Scritti Politti, Jeff Beck, and Prefab Sprout. I was living in the US and these were great albums that the American critics did not always appreciate.

[@stevecowder4774]

1985 was chock filled with so many hot and different music scenes that there was something for everyone’s taste. Same could be said for that entire decade, but ‘85 seemed to contain a whole new turning point for many bands and artists. And Tears For Fears would forever be put on the map with their release of the explosively successful ‘ Songs from the Big Chair. ‘ No matter the radio play burnout, this highly, innovative album will always be a legendary standout for the ‘80s. Loved their breakdown of it.

[@rloewen]

Note about Shout... whether the single was edited down or not there was a US Radio version which was shorter

[@styles8007]

I personally think Kate Bush's "The Kick Inside " is her best. Tears for Fears is truly remarkable band. I personally think "Songs From the Big Chair" is very Proggy, especially the track "Listen " very melodic. A-ha " Hunting High and Low" is truly amazing album. Their follow-on album "Scoundrel Days" in my humble opinion is their best. Every track is outstanding. Thanks for sharing the album reviews. Cheers from Indiana.

[@MisAnnThorpe]

Even the pretty awful "Maybe maybe" (always thought it sounded like a rip off of "I got you babe"), gets a pass because of that line about being thrown out of the Rover! "The Soft rains of April" is stunning.

[@kostasmad1431]

Amazing podcast once more...I can listen these 2 talk for hours....So vast and holistic knowledge of music....

[@GustavoJacob]

Tears for Fears were scheduled to perform at Live Aid in Philadelphia, I think they even appear in the poster for the event, for some reason that I can't remember they couldn't make it on time. Simple Minds did perform though.

[@ericgagne4995]

The finest album reviews on air. Very accurate comments as well. 😊

[@gerardfletcher1203]

shout shout. 12 inch mix over 6 minutes of pop bliss. kate prince we were spolied. this pod cast is must listen. 2 brillant. minds

[@saturninebear]

Once again, it's almost creepy how similar our music paths are. I seem to be totally in tune with both of you on all of this.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

The production on Slave to the rhythm is like no other, sounds just pop out of nowhere on that thing. Its an audiophile recording

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

A-ha's "Hunting High And Low is a masterpiece. The album is so less "pop" than "Take On Me" ... "Living A Boys Adventure Tale" is just immensely beautiful. 1985 for me is the last year of the 80s before it started going down hill.

[@JMG72ARG]

I'm going with The Cure head in the door, and the Cocteau Twins ep Aikea Guinea for 1985...Also, Brothers in arms which was mentioned in the previous video.

[@jontaylor5482]

This might be your best episode yet. Great to hear music from this era getting proper evaluation. I never feel that the sound of records from the mid-80s get enough love - I doubt we’ll hear their like again. They have a depth and breadth I don’t hear anywhere else and when that sound is in the hands of great artists, you can’t lose. Can I also put in a word for the beautiful art design on these albums - I was particularly struck by the Jane Siberry cover - will definitely seek that out on vinyl. Thanks for doing this - loved it! 👍

[@kimberlywalker3970]

I have or still have a ton of albums released in 1985: 1. Mr. Mister - Welcome to the Real World 2. Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair 3. The Outfield - Play Deep 4. Phil Collins - No Jacket Required 5. INXS - Listen Like Thieves (My Favorite) 6. Robert Palmer - Riptide 7. Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms It seems 1985 was a better year than I thought 💖💖

[@carstenhorn5075]

So entertaining so far! I love so much music from that year. Did I miss Misplaced Childhood or is that still coming?

[@thealbumyearspodcast]

That's coming on the next episode!

[@carstenhorn5075]

@@thealbumyearspodcast Great, thanks!

[@craighedges1008]

For clarification a-ha’s Hunting High and Low was originally produced by Tony Mansfield but was rejected by the record label and was remixed. Tony’s original versions have since been released and they aren’t that different to the remixed versions, some of Tony’s versions of the songs are better. On the subject of Tony Mansfield I can highly recommend New Musik’s second album from 1981 ‘Anywhere’ The big singles ‘Take on me’ and ‘Sun always shines’ were recorded later and produced by Alan Tarney who previously had written ‘We don’t talk anymore’ for Cliff Richard as well and producing a bunch of stuff for him. Tarney would also produce the majority of a-ha’s 80’s output.

[@cupoftea011]

Love the the selections however I am amazed that Safe’s “Promise was ovelooked 😮

[@craigchapman8220]

Another great show. Thank you both.

[@jordankokocinski506]

49:37 - been waiting for some Cocteau Twins chat!

[@anonymous30962]

Love this series, can't wait for 1986...😊

[@noahschuutz2064]

Already out on Spotify

[@mikekaraoke]

Same here, the last year of the mid 80's 😀

[@nicolasbascunan4013]

Can’t wait for 1723

[@stephanlandshuter5237]

Can you really say that Kate Bush came from a previous generation? She's just three years older than Curt Smith or Roland Orzabal. Anyway, I love your discussions about music and artists. Greetings from Germany.

[@LilOlFunnyBoy]

I expect he means musical generation not their ages.

[@robertadamgilmour3375]

I don't know how much of a difference the new version of Associates - Perhaps makes (a remaster with two new edits) but I really loved it, it's not as good as Sulk but I liked it better than Affectionate Punch and Fourth Drawer Down. "Perhaps", "The Stranger In Your Voice" and "Don't Give Me That I told You So Look" are amazing.

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

I loooove The Cure "Head On The Door" - More pop but still very interesting at the same time

[@dominicmurphyestates5975]

Awesome podcast, total class 🤗 I would also love to hear them talk about bands like Ozrics, orb, Gong and Hillage. Probably on the cards one day 🙏

[@gusradiorec]

Que increíble ver como se vivieron esos años en Europa a nivel musical, mientras en Latinoamérica llegaba todo filtrado por la cultura del "hit" importada de EE.UU., incluso se editaban compilados que podían incluir una canción de The Cure, otra de Rush, INXS, etc. Pero se nos privaba de bandas o solistas como Jane Siberry, brillante album "The Speckless Sky", afortunadamente si llegaron The Mission UK, Tears For Fears, pero era algo muy esporádico. Tremendo desarrollo The Album Years.

[@kevinetheridge7201]

3 of my favourite albums mentioned “Hounds of love” “Steve McQueen” and “Songs from the big chair” sorry 4 with “ lowlife”

[@blackmoofou6385]

I'm really enjoying this podcast I'm honestly looking forward to each episode. Great work Steven and Tim and you've made me look back at records I dismissed at the time being an eighties kid. ❤️ Interested when you go back to the early eighties what you make of New Musiks albums. Oh and Jordan the Comeback is my fave Prefab Sprout album bought it cos of the beautiful embossed cover.

[@rasardo1]

Another excelent show but.. still missing some masterpieces :) - The Church: 'Heyday" - Felt: 'Ignite :The Seven Cannons...' - Mathilde Santing: 'Water Under the Bridge' - Legendary Pink Dots: 'Asylum' - Alésia Cosmos: 'Aeroproducts' - Nico + The Faction - 'Camera Obscura'

[@hofmanish]

Just in caseI forget to mention: I love your posts, its such a delight listening to you guys. By the way, Miles used the song “Perfect Way” on one if his own records: Tutu (1986)

[@ChristopherCreek-dr4ts]

Love this series. Love you guys. xxxx

[@markorchard2272]

Truly great podcast as always! (but with reference to 'Jig Of Life' and the Gaelic sound, surely you know KB's mother was Irish and an Irish dancer?)

[@bowness1]

I do. As a quarter Irish myself, I like it (and Watching me Without You). Steven doesn't, though he did love The Waterboys flirtations with jigs.

[@chrisknowlton9460]

Thank you for discussing Dif Juz Extractions! A masterpiece of moody, echoing guitars, dubby bass, jazzy rhythms and otherworldly ambience! When I met Robin Guthrie backstage on HOLV tour I mentioned them. He said they were his "favorite group." I don't think it's true only two people bought it. Dif Juz were included on the Lonely is an Eyesore album and video, so they got good exposure. I wonder if 4AD will ever do a reissue like theyve been doing for Lush, Pale Saints, Cocteaus, Breeders, etc.

[@drumvc8060]

Brilliant as always 🥳

[@martinlawrence8427]

Loving this podcast chaps. Thanks! 👏👏🔥

[@nickpolak6270]

Here's another vote for DIf Juz!!

[@hofmanish]

Slave to the Rhythm (and Welcome to the pleasure dome, a secret wish..) did sound great mainly due to Stephen Lipson/Trevor Horn and their Fairlight CMI…. I think those albums are for 80 to 90 % Synclavier/Fairlight/PPG Wave 2.3 albums… nevertheless absolutely brilliant albums

[@mikekaraoke]

Yea-Trevor Horn, Stephen Lipson are legends!

[@Emlizardo]

Listening to "Slave to the Rhythm" now, I realize Trevor Horn didn't use an "80's" drum sound. Instead it's got a normal, lovely-sounding kit, with a snare drum that doesn't sound like a giant sheet of wet plastic being smacked by a boat paddle. I think this has helped it age well.

[@BrandonMilner]

This is my first exposure to these two. I have issue with most music podcasts as they “dumb down” how they discuss music for non musicians. These do it less than some but I really wish they’d stop doing it. Stop telling me how the album “feels” to you. I know you love it. I want to hear how it works. How it was made and how it fits together. As a musician I crave more detail.

[@ghwr]

Brilliant as ever.

[@davidgormley7990]

The Clock Comes Down The Stairs is a fabulous album. A classic.

[@monoluxemusic]

My friends and I always figured Dif Juz was pronounced like "Diffuse" (and... amazing year for music).

[@reubenmcnabb6072]

Hounds of Love and Slave to the Rhythm are both great albums

[@Lellos_]

Great stuff!

[@joachimvanzoelen4236]

Love your shows! When discussing the work of Kate Bush, why don't you even mention the Kick Inside? Now there was an album that announced in no uncertain terms that our lives would NEVER be the same again...

[@joachimvanzoelen4236]

@DorisDay-lw4xs They reference earlier albums as well - by way of comparison

[@mdp303]

Tears for Fears were at Live Aid. Early when it was raining with Oleta Adam’s guesting

[@DJTomOke]

I thought Cupid & Psyche was clean and then I listened to Provision 🤯

[@herbertmathews]

Love Jane Sibbery. Had this album when it came out. I was in Vancouver at the time played this to death

[@StonedJesus]

Marillion? IQ? Killing Joke? The Smiths? hopefully part 4 is in works...

[@thealbumyearspodcast]

Coming up on next week's episode!

[@irrelevant8639]

killing joke :)

[@bowness1]

@@irrelevant8639 I think The Smiths may be in Part 1. Marillion and Killing Joke were discussed and hopefully will survive the edits.

[@StonedJesus]

@@thealbumyearspodcast oh heck yeah!!! what a year, huh?

[@rich13h]

Yes, Simple Minds were on Live Aid in the US. They were the ones having the guts to open with a new song.

[@stevesmith3990]

Hounds of Love is awesome, I must play my original vinyl of side 2 again soon. As for the other records, the 80's were crap for music compared to the 70's.

[@andredelucas8576]

There could be a list of all the albums mentioned in all the episodes

[@AdamJRichardson]

I've been listening to the podcast since ep1 and just heard you reference the YT channel so sub'd here too. We have somewhat different tastes in music but I always find your conversations interesting and pick up new albums or artists. Having the visual of the album cover is helpful here as sometimes you say it too quickly (or don't say it all!) on the pod :)

[@anthonychilds8193]

Can't wait until someone releases the box set of Paddy McAloon's home recordings. I love the Shriekback mention but I have the opposite opinion of Oil and Gold. I agree with Tim their current music is quite good. The only album of theirs I think is sub-par is Go-Bang! and it's a listenable album. Oil and Gold IS uneven but despite being an attempt at radio hits is still weird. Dream Academy still one of my favorites. I absolutely struggle with Scritti Politti Cupid & Psyche but am fascinated by its beloved status within the music community/critical acclaim. A-Ha albums are so worth hearing diving into; I actually think they are more melancholic and somber than SW's thought of them being optimistic. Siberry also, highly under-rated, vastly ignored by the music buying public. Fans of Happy Rhodes (and vice-versa) should check out Siberry. They don't sound remotely alike, but you will appreciate who they are and their singular sonic careers (and maybe Jane will get notable reissue treatment like Rhodes has).

[@memopinzon]

Bonny goes hard.