20 Underrated 1980s Albums!

[@noblerecords]

My 90s video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKGufGOJo9Ggf7c The Chris Whitson Collection: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHPcfGaGaqxnjs0si=zeFGD4kn5rIoHEgY

[@JustAFocus]

Other than The Melvins, Opal, and Roky Erickson, I hadn't heard of any of those. Which is why I like this channel; I get to discover some interesting stuff.

[@jeffhartley1989]

Great choices. The Blue Nile's Hats is an absolute classic.

[@vjr5261]

I love that Big Star album sitting in the background there.

[@PanditMusic]

Colossal Youth is a stellar record!! Cobain had it on his list of 50 favorite albums and that’s how I learned about it 20+ years ago. Such a great one. Really love your videos man!

[@tsdalex]

The Blue Nile! Wow this is this stuff that would play on the radio (maybe college radio) in NYC at around 3am Sunday mornings! Made for great decompression while driving home right before the sun starts to rise after hanging out in the city! Great memory trigger! Thanks!

[@cebusapella9125]

There was so much crap stuff on mainstream radio in the 1980s, but it was also a great time to listen to the John Peel show. One of my favourite bands he used to play a lot were Xmal Deutschland, their first 2 albums Fetisch and Tocsin are classic post punk at its best. I also started getting into world music in the 80s, such great stuff where UK and US rock had become so dull generally.

[@MovieCurator13]

"Song to the Siren" on that This Mortal Coil album is featured in one of my favorite movies: "The Lovely Bones." Thanks for sharing that and I am now a fan of Melvins. 😊

[@fluidpower43]

The Blue Nile ~ Hats is one of my holiest of Grails. Such a great album and I've tried to get my hands on an affordable copy.

[@YesNo-yl6ws]

The Downtown Lights is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard in my life

[@bf9616]

Good to see you Dillon! Thanks for the video!

[@timosoininen6587]

Thanks for the great video. Lots of new ones to check out, but there were my favorites like The Wipers, Simply Saucer, Young Marble Giants and Zero Boys.

[@raggeragnar]

Ka-blam ! Here we go again ! Other than Melvins , these are unknown to me. Excellent ! I always love ”new” stuff to check out. It’s one of the reasons I’m always here. Great video.

[@kevinbreheny4648]

Don Blackman is VMP's classics track for May! Looking forward to spinning it.

[@noblerecords]

Oh no way! Thats amazing 🤩

[@orangemargin2481]

There was also a RSD release 5 or 6 years ago but the price is bloated now...

[@A_DeepLoveForOtherMen]

Youth Of America as a song is mindblowing. The guitar work, the anger, the beauty. I haven't heard the record but it's firmly on my want list

[@rebekahbarker4127]

Unbelievable album, another major highlight is when it’s over

[@aethersurfer6793]

Dub reggae when it’s hot weather is the best. Instant chilled party atmosphere.

[@toddgaines9446]

Zero Boys played live on Fourth Street just last summer in Bloomington , IN.(2023) Paul Z killed it. They sounded great!

[@TaminoTheCat]

Thanks to you, I already own "Zero Boys," which is great even if you don't like punk, and "Randy and the Goats." Both great albums. Love your recommendations. Three years and nearly 300 records. I am hooked! Thank you!

[@avenger3611]

Awesome video! Love your underrated finds. As someone who loves the 80s goth scene, appreciated the mortal coil shout out. Excited to check out some of these selections. Not sure if underrated but really love the industrial scene of the time too. Nitzer Ebb, Front 242, and Severed Heads lean more dance mixed with killer noise and experimental sounds.

[@johncoltrane7899]

Just the vid we need! Cheers Dillon.

[@noblerecords]

🙏🙏🙏

[@TedRoberts]

The guitarist from Mistreater was named Larry Nottingham, he taught me guitar in the late 80s and early 90s when we were under the care of the great state of Ohio. He was into old Delta blues when I met him. Sadly he got caught up with some bad folks near his hometown on Creston, Ohio and he passed away under mysterious circumstances. I'm glad e got a shout out from you, I enjoy your videos!

[@noblerecords]

I’ve heard a lot about him through the years, seems like a cool guy.

[@TedRoberts]

@@noblerecords Larry was an amazing guy, he had a great understanding of the feel of playing guitar. I was able to hear him tell stories about this album and listen to him play his acoustic guitar. He loved Sonny Boy Williamson and Robert Johnson. As he got older he morphed into the guitar slinging blues man he always wanted to be. Loved him like a brother.

[@macorourke2222]

Great video Brother ! I know about half of the Records You talked about. Thanks for sharing Your passion and adventures from Toronto Ontario Canada 😎👍♥️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️🔊🎶🎶🎶🎶🔊🎶🎶🎶🎶✨️✨️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️✨️✨️💯💯💯💯💯✨️✨️✨️

[@sylvainripaud]

Hi Dillon, cool to hear about the 80's.

[@jamieschumacher7989]

Dylan repping underrated unknown bands as always. Thanks for the recommendations.

[@t_albino]

Yes to Don Blackman! That album is killer, no filler. Mind-blowing musicianship all over that record, if I ever see a copy of it around I'd be snapping it up!

[@Rokios]

The Evil One is one of my favourite albums of all time I was so happy when I found my one sealed 5 years ago. It was immediately unsealed and I crank that up a lot.

[@noblerecords]

Oh sweet!

[@paulboggan]

Great list... a few I need to hear. my favourite forgotten 80s gems? JOHN FOXX - metamatic DAVID SYLVIAN- secrets of the beehive STUMP - a fierce pancake HAPPY FLOWERS - oof! that's just 4 off the top of my head

[@noblerecords]

Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@muncher64]

I know many of these. I give a big, big thumbs-up for the minimalist "Colossal Youth" by Young Marble Giants. Look, too, for records by Weekend and The Gist if you like Alison Stratton and/or the two Moxham brothers. ("Fool for a Valentine" is catchy as hell.) Thanks for posting, as always.

[@mikesrockinrelics]

I did a San Fransisco scene video last month and I clearly made the same point at the beginning that you did and still the comments come in lol. Everyone's tastes are subjective. Great video as usual man, plenty I've never heard before and things that will be fun to hunt for. Thanks for the new discoveries.

[@poppeku69]

Thanks a lot again Dillan, that Don Blackam and Scientist alb. is so dope. All the best to you and, your loved ones, bless😊

[@noblerecords]

Thanks so much!

[@motsnrub]

Loving the lists. So much obscure stuff out there that's really good.

[@noblerecords]

Thanks so much!

[@mainzergirl9610]

Super informative, thanks. Several albums that I'll be giving a test drive.

[@thackerc]

The Chameleons - Script of the Bridge (1983) was a hugely influential post-punk record that was greatly overlooked. The whole 2000s post-punk movement seems to have come from them. (Compare Interpol's Turn On The Bright Lights to it) There is even a really good post-punk book that's almost completely thorough, with over 500 pages, but it doesn't mention The Chameleons once.

[@PatrickGoddard]

I loved this list so much. So much in line with my own tastes. Amazing choices. I got some listening to do!

[@goof_yo]

Just listened to the This Mortal Coil album, man that is such an amazing album. Definitely going to have to find it

[@playvinylinthemilkynight1879]

That Scratch Acid record is top notch.

[@Skyjacker_]

* Repo Man - Soundtrack (1984) * Eat - Sell Me a God (1989) * Loop - Fade Out (1989) * Spacemen 3 - Sound of Confusion (1986) * Galaxie 500 - On Fire (1989) * Dinosaur Jr. - You're Living all Over Me (1989) * Echo & the Bunnymen - Heaven up Here (1981) * B.A.L.L. - Trouble Doll (1989)

[@Veronique487]

💜All from This Mortal Coil, I really lived the 80s!🎵good video!👍

[@ryanisdunn]

"Look at how much they probably know how to party." 😆 Seriously, love these videos. Gives me a bunch of new bands to check out while at work this week.

[@driftwoodpile]

Thanks for the recommendations! It'll End In Tears really piqued my interest especially. Love the 4ad stuff. Im a huge Dead Can Dance fan

[@jerrybroyles5125]

Love the great music. As always. Different time but Allah-las is one of my favorites and I just wanted to make sure you've cranked on them. Keep em coming !!!

[@noblerecords]

Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@tonyrenouf7898]

...worth it for the 'zam rock- rant warning alone!....great stuff Dillon...lots of headphone/dishes fodder here....

[@noblerecords]

Enjoy!

[@brewstergallery]

I'd say Mistreater slides up next to Truth and Janey and Poobah too. By the way I am so goddamned jealous that you have an original of that LP ! The Wipers first 3 LP are absolute must haves for ANY collector and the rest are dynamite too. Roky , even when he's fried puts out great unique powerful music. Melvins kick ass too. All your picks are solid gems. How about the Obsessed ??

[@ventonthorn3455]

The Primitives - Lovely (1988) I don't know if some of my favorites are underrated or not, but I never hear anyone talk about this band. Great power pop, sometimes dipping one toe into punk. Solid all the way through.

[@jonsrecordcollection7172]

"Crash" has possibly the best NA NA NA NA NA NA chorus in a song ever.

[@ventonthorn3455]

@@jonsrecordcollection7172 The whole album is packed full of "na na na", "doo doo da doo" and "sha la la lala" Now I'm off to listen to "Crash" and "way Behind Me" for about the millionth time.

[@jameshellard7042]

Did you ever check out the Max Q album? 1989 I think. It was Michael Hutchence of INXS and producer Ollie Olsen. It’s still hands down one of my favourite records. I’d love to hear what you think of it. All the best, mate, keep up the good work.

[@djb8816]

I like the show! I collect records as well. I go to used record stores, thrift shops, antique stores, and buy online. I’ve found some gems along the way. I’ve collected since the mid 1980’s But in my collection, I have stuff from the 1950’s up

[@Econojam]

Simply Saucer a big fave. Produced in Daniel Lanois' basement. Scratch Acid became Jesus Lizard. Singer is now an actor too. Outskirts O.I. are friends of Bevis Frond aka Nick Saloman, it's on his label. This Mortal Coil is Cocteau Twins. Opal is not with Hope but with the great Kendra Smith who was in the Dream Syndicate. Dave Roback was central in Rain Parade.

[@playvinylinthemilkynight1879]

I was going to comment on the Opal correction, you beat me to it. This Mortal Coil is not Cocteau Twins. Some of the songs on that album feature the members of Cocteau Twins.

[@fuzzle9392]

You need some "Tangle Edge", "S.T. Mikael", Magic Mushroom Band, amongst others for bands worth having in your collection who released in the 1980's.

[@trevordoolan5011]

When seeing "20 Underrated 1980's Albums" my first thought was The Blue Nile. Though initially i thought of there debut "A Walk Across The Rooftops", but "Hats" will do just as good. My second thought was Talk Talk "Spirit Of Eden". I think UK Goth kinda comes from a different place than the U.S. Goth. In the UK bands like The Cure, The Jesus And Mary Chain, The Sisters Of Mercy, The Mission, All About Eve and even Siouxsie And The Banshees (who are regularly regarded as the pioneers of UK Goth) etc. are considered as Goth. This Mortal Coil do kinda fit into that UK mindset of Goth. This Mortal Coil are a kind of 4AD Record Label project, featuring artists from Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Modren English and The Pixies, etc., and it does get put into that UK Goth / Dreem Pop sound. If there's one Album album I would really like to add to that underrated list, it would be Aslan "Feel No Shame". .

[@stack_of_records]

From the 80s I can recommend Plan 9... good neo psych. Opal ... that is really good. Have two records from them.

[@BadEnglishRecs]

That Roky Erickson I'd like to get someday. Night of the vampire is SO good!

[@tonyvance3556]

Gonna have to find that Terry Brooks album!!

[@krchilcoat1]

Let's get crazy man, do 20 underrated albums for each individual year. I know you have the collection to do it!

[@phoenixcube]

yay for the outskirts of infinity, a fine band

[@vjr5261]

Zero Boys is still producing. Pretty cool for sure 👍

[@coffinlin9244]

Thank you for introducing Scientist!

[@malcolmlawrence8978]

You guys (or anyone with any pull and discrimination... no idea why SST is not on it...) need to reissue the Opal. PLEASE. The lead singer, Kendra Smith, is not only an amazing vocalist and lyricist, but is the original bass player of LA's Dream Syndicate. EVERYTHING she did before she vanished is wonderful and hard to find. The Nico of my generation.

[@casteliero]

Hats is amazing record. Very underrated

[@noblerecords]

So good! Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@tgtrout]

Y'all need to check out "Beyond Barbeque" by Lawndale on the SST label. Incredible surf punk!

[@Empty-r7x]

I once volunteered in Oxfam because they had an awesome vinyl collection and I wanted to get the first opportunity to buy anything decent that came in. They used scouring pads and window cleaner to ‘sterilise’ every single one. SCOURING PADS.

[@MrJonnyartist]

Thanks, lots to check out. Half of Scratch Acid went on to be The Jesus Lizard.

[@paulcollins5586]

The Dancing Did - and did those feet. Classic.

[@matieking]

Colossal youth is so good, only record i knew haha. Really my jam

[@noblerecords]

Great!

[@KevinJStoll]

Dillon, Will you let us know when Riding Easy Records reissue the Mad Jack vinyl ? I checked their web site and all they have is streaming right now. I left a message asking them when they thought they would set up a pre-order for Mad Jack. Let me know man. Thanks, Kevin

[@noblerecords]

I’m sure I will talk about it!

[@Foghorn908]

If you like The Blue Niles Hats album you should really check out their first album A Walk Across The Rooftops. It’s a friend of mine’s favorite album.

[@vjr5261]

This Mortal Coil is a fantastic album.

[@nothingimportant4504]

I’m sure you know this: half of the band Scratch Acid moved to Chicago and formed the Jesus Lizard.

[@noblerecords]

Yep!

[@xanner_hates_jazz]

Hi! Here are some other underrated Albums: Thinkman - The Formula The The - Infected The Fixx - Calm Animals.

[@BrianHaselden-ek7jv]

Scratch Acid evolved into Jesus Lizard, whose albums are also great and a little more accessible.

[@Carlo.WTF416]

Scientist is bomb, but def another kinda reggae. When I try to get people to venture out from Bob, my go to is Garnett Silk! Incredibly tuneful singer with a much stronger voice imp

[@gradjepatatje69]

An album from the 1980s that did not get the attention it deserved is Badlands' debut album Badlands.

[@seancurran3603]

Thank you so much for Mistreater!! How did I not know?!!! And I call myself a metal fanatic; I'm so ashamed.

[@vjr5261]

Good to see you.

[@noblerecords]

You too!

[@bigsweetc6]

Dylan have you heard the other Opal record “Early Recordings” …. I think most the songs pre date the LP. It’s beautiful and sounds a lot more like Velvets w/ Nico.

[@JohnAnthony0857]

One of the most underrated? Scruffy the Cat "Tiny Days"

[@thePrisoner1000]

The Wipers, the godfather of grunge.

[@dumafuji]

You got a wide ranging taste. I like.

[@thenash76]

Mistreater is a smokin' record!

[@BenMadisonTheDummy]

Can we just take a moment and talk about those Klipschorns? I know this is a record channel but I don't think you've ever done a tour of your audio gear which is obviously impressive.

[@noblerecords]

Thanks! Here it is… kzbin.info/www/bejne/q16cgqCrlL-dZsksi=-krYD1yHRDCDRCp8

[@bradb7371]

Apollo Ra - Ra Pariah album is one I would add to your list

[@vjr5261]

Mine was Peter Tosh , Legalize it

[@beccachannel1083]

YMG were simply brilliant

[@beccachannel1083]

Also check out Alison Statton's other music, including Weekend.

[@vinylrecordinfo]

Oh man Dillon, missed opportunity to talk about Winterhawk Revival!!

[@noblerecords]

Yeah it’s ok. I think it’s appropriately rated

[@vinylrecordinfo]

I assume you mean appropriately rated in your top 20 80’s albums right? Haha

[@thePrisoner1000]

Nice speakers!

[@Muzzerie]

The Blue NIle is not something I'd see from you. Amazing back to back albums, their first two.

[@noblerecords]

Awesome stuff!

[@enders357]

Just starting this video but if there’s no Spacemen 3 or Jesus and Mary Chain we riot 😉😉😉😂

[@noblerecords]

I feel like JMC is properly rated 🤷‍♂️ As I said, not a definite list. Just some I picked

[@stuart3744]

Scratch acid, I have a copy fantastic, it was playing in rhythm records in Camden london and I had to have it, singer went on to form the Jesus lizard

[@stoneybass5981]

Hats is a fantastic album!

[@J.G.Wentworth69420]

Lmao... Old school Mall goth That's gotta be the next nostalgia trip

[@noblerecords]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I almost forgot about the mall goths

[@petercena9497]

Deface the Music - Utopia Great Beatles soundalike.

[@peterkarlsson1825]

The Sound - From the Lion's Mouth

[@jamesrobinson9176]

Flying Beagle

[@enders357]

Do you know Spiderland by Slint? I think you’d really like it. The whole record is great but Good Morning Captain is the one to listen to if you’re just checking it out

[@noblerecords]

Yes! Love it! But I don’t have a copy currently, looking for an original!

[@used003]

i have that young marble giants!

[@noblerecords]

So good!

[@mikel5582]

Interesting video. I was 17 for most of 1980 and was growing very disappointed with what turned out to be, in my opinion, the worst decade for music ever. Part of that was that classic rock bands started to majorly suck and I didn't have exposure to the creative new genres that were emerging. These are certainly some obscure records you're recommending. I remain intrigued by the breadth of knowledge from a guy without a single gray hair or wrinkle. 👍🙃✌️

[@noblerecords]

Oh my, well I’m bald and have many grey beard hairs 🤣 but thank you. I agree, the 80s weren’t a great decade for music. The 70s were much better. Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@lauher21]

Man I love Cooker by Lee Morgan

[@biffboffo]

Trashcan Sinatras "Cake" and The Ocean Blue "S/T" are my sleepers. Both from 1989. Both kind of culty and pricey to get on vinyl. I'm a big sample spotter and funk person, but I don't like that Blackmon record at all. I've also lost my taste for Weldon Irvine. Just a couple hot takes.

[@jonsrecordcollection7172]

I went to high school in Mechanicsburg near Harrisburg, PA (graduated 1990) & I think The Ocean Blue played a school dance at my high school or junior high school before they got big. Another band that played a school dance near me was Public Affection, which was a New Wave group from York, PA that evolved into Live. Public Affection's only release, a cassette called The Death of a Dictionary, was early R.E.M. style "college rock," but you could still hear how *intense* Ed Kowalczyk was on lead vocals even before Live. Two 1980s bands from Lancaster, PA were The Innocence Mission (from Lancaster Catholic High & had some Catholic imagery in their lyrics) and suddenly tammy!, a group that predated Ben Folds Five in being a rock band centered around (and named after) its piano player.

[@brianjames5685]

cool. Open up a second tab so I can check out what I've not heard. Get the credit card out. Make sure the mrs ain't about. I ordered Mistreater. I heard it years ago but I guess I forgot how amazing it is. Last week I got Tom Rush - "Got a mind to ramble" (yes it does make one want to ramble), Forty seven times it's own weight - "cumolo nimbus" and George Smallwood & Marshmellow band - "Just for you" ( both from Jazzman records) and Grupo Los Yoyi (from Mr Bongo records). Pretty sure they were all Dylan's fault, I mean recommendations lol.

[@supasoulproductions]

Blackman album is great, very Clintonesque!

[@noblerecords]

Yes!

[@digitalzomby]

I haven't heard many people mention Terry Brooks & Strange over the years... awesome... I bought To Earth With Love and High Flyer Lps in the early 80s.

[@noblerecords]

Great stuff 🎸

[@tituschalk]

Just to chuck out a few suggestions which maybe aren’t as obscure but can be a little overlooked, especially in the U.S.: - Nitty Gritty, Turbo Charged - Richard and Linda Thompson, Shoot Out the Lights - Witchfinder General, Death Penalty - ABC, Lexicon of Love. Look forward to investigating all your suggestions Dillon!