The Best Albums from 1981: A Rundown of My Favorites! (Rock, Post-Punk, Funk, Power Pop, New Wave)

[@victorvasquez1923]

Thanks for the shout out to the Sound's From The Lion's Mouth. Cheers H! Oh and the Comsats too.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey, V! High five! Thanks! I loved your Jeopardy post from earlier today! Cheers!

[@toddhill7483]

Recommend if you are not familiar. The Sound, Propaganda. (1979 recordings released in 1999)

[@mutant_blues]

Welcome back! What a great year in music!!! Here are some of my favs: Brian Eno & David Byrne - My life in the Bush of Ghosts The Gun Club - Fire of love Duran Duran s/t King Crimson - Discipline Bauhaus - Mask The Stranglers - La Folie Romeo Void - It's a condition Zounds - The curse of Zounds The Birthday Party - Prayers on Fire The Cure - Faith Rolling Stones - Tattoo you (side B is awesome) This Heat - Deceit Au Pairs - Playing with a different sex Tuxedomoon - Desire The Sound - From the lion's mouth But my absolute favourite is: Holger Czukay - On the way to the peak of normal

[@dannymiles6503]

Yes, My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts its fantastic. I got it upon release in 81 being an Eno, Bowie, Byrne, THeads fan. Its so great, its like after Fear Of Music and Remain In Light, "Ghosts" was a doorway to explore even further after those 2 brilliant THeads records. Love how Oliver Stone uses songs from Ghosts in his superb film Wall Street. The Sound, with Lions Mouth is in my 10 most loved albums of all time. My faves are Fatal Flaw, Winning, Judgement, Contact The Fact, Silent Air, really all thats on there. Masterpiece.

[@greyever7820]

@@dannymiles6503 The Curse of Zounds is from 1982 i guess.

[@dannymiles6503]

@@greyever7820 yes i think it was 82.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there! Really enjoyed seeing your list of favorites! Ah, I need to pick up La Folie from The Stranglers. It's funny, I had Romeo Void's Benefactor pulled for this video and then I realized it was 1982! I really need to find "It's a Condition!" Not familiar with Holger Czukay. Will look that one up! Cheers!

[@ChromeDestiny]

I love Tattoo You as well, some of it is getting a bit more of The Stones with Mick Taylor and the great contributions from Sonny Rollins but a lot of it is side B, the ballad side.

[@sensei021281]

I have a japanese pressing of Japan’s Tin Drum. It sounds AMAZING. I feel like people don’t talk enough about how wonderful this band was!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Oh, nice! I bet a Japanese press of Tin Drum is no doubt STUNNING! I may try to pick up different pressings of that LP if I come across them; just because it's one of my favorite records! And I agree - Japan are sadly overlooked! Thanks for watching!

[@Paneeks1960]

Good morning Hanna. So good to see you again. You covered so many basis, bands and genres. One of the albums that I really liked from 1981 was King Crimson's 'Discipline'. It is so early in the morning now that I cannot think of many others at the moment. But you showed most of them. We could talk alternative for hours. Nicely done. Looking forward to maybe 82? Have a great weekend. Catch up soon~ Rob/Boston

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there, Rob! Right on, I only was able to show a picture of Discipline from KC at the end. Covering '82 is also a possibility; we shall see! So many ideas for future videos floating in my head and so little time! Ha, you know how it is! Enjoy your weekend and hope the new room and setup is working out well! I have to move soon and transport all my rekkids! Fun stuff.

[@gouvyrock]

the second video i saw from you Hanna!!!! the most bands are very cool-i'am also a rock-new wave-goth-punk fan-keep going Hanna , and a lot of courage for you moving on ;) my top three albums are 1)echo and the bunnymen "heaven up here" 2)new order"movement" 3) soft cell"non stop erotic cabaret"

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Patrick! Sorry for the delay. So glad you checked out this video, thank you! I very much enjoy the albums you listed as your favorites here. I still need to get 2 of those in my collection! Cheers!

[@h2ofield]

Nice to see you! Love the Tubes! Completion Backward was them taking a shot at the cooperate world. The debut is amazing and worth checking, as is everything pre1980. Stay well!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks for setting me straight with the Tubes and directing what albums I should seek out first! I appreciate it! Hope all is well and thanks so much for watching!

[@skullivan7610]

Stellar collection as always, Hanna! When it comes to early 80s music I typically gravitate towards post-punk and you had some great picks in this one. I kinda disagree with your comment about DEVO and not taking them seriously. With the direction the world has taken I find their music very prophetic. My Top 3 from 1981 Wall of Voodoo - Dark Continent Siouxsie and the Banshees - Juju The Sound - From the Lion's Mouth

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Skullivan! Seems we are very similar when it comes to gravitating towards post-punk releases from the 80s! Yeah! I will have to check out Wall of Voodoo. Honestly, I haven't listened to them yet! Shame on me! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@charlesmerriam3902]

Hi Hannah! Great list as usual!! 1981- superb year- here is a list of some of my favorites 1) Associates- Fourth Drawer Down 2) Henry Badowski- Life is a grand... 3) Beatniks- Existentialist 4) Chrome- Blood on the moon 5) Robert Calvert- Hype 6) John Foxx- The Garden 7) Severed Heads- Clean 8) Yukihiro Takahashi- Neuromantic 9) Section 25- Always now 10) Second Layer- World of rubber 11) Bill Nelson- Quit dreaming and get on the beam 12) Pete Shelley- Homosapien 13) YMO- Technodelic 14) TC Matic- TC Matic 15) Peter Hammill- Sitting Targets Cheers and have a great weekend!

[@toddhill7483]

Lots of artists I haven't heard of to check out here. Thanks for passing them along.

[@SCjuisy]

Yes, Fourth Drawer Down. I thought i`m the only one who likes that one. It`s a hard listen. Together with Affectionate Punch my favourite from The Associates.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Charles! Quite the list and like Todd said below, so many artists/bands here that I need to explore, too. ahhhh, I forgot to show/mention Pete's Homosapien? Major FAIL on my part. that's one of my favorites! I hope to find that Chrome LP in the future. I've been enjoying them! Very unique. Thank you for sharing!

[@dominicseanmccann6300]

Haha Hype. The man is a Robert Calvert fan...mucho respecto. Got that sat right in front of me; only a cd download, but...section 25 Bill Nelson ..wow. be bop deluxe wasn't it. I like Joe Jackson as well from that 80 / 81 period .forgotten how good that year was!

[@mkraulis]

LC came out in 1981. I listened to a lot of post punk growing up, and a lot of bands ring a bell (mostly from a few of your other videos. When the pandemic hit, like you but on a smaller scale, I took a deeper dive into that genre. Durutti Column became a huge focus for me because I had never heard their stuff growing y.

[@ilijaradovanov3263]

1981. I still remember, one of the best years for me. Won two silver medals at junior nationals in kayak double 500 and 1000 m. After that one of the best summer holidays, 21 days in Rovinj - Croatia. Azra put out their best album, a double masterpiece called Suncana strana ulice Thank you for mentioned me again, I am so glad that my Japan record make you so happy. Hard Promises and Bella Donna are my favorites from your video. Cheers !!!!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Ilija! Yes, this copy of Tin Drum is one I treasure, so thank you so much again! Congrats on winning those medals in 1981, wow! Great memories for you indeed! And I love your two favorite albums from 1981 you listed! Cheers!

[@lawrencefeldman7744]

The Jam- Sound Affects,and The Jam EP, King Crimson Discipline, The Waitresses Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful? Dave Edmunds Twangin' Nick Lowe Nick The Knife. Nearly died when you mentioned Dreamtime by Tom Verlaine. Awesome as usual Hannah!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks for watching, Lawrence, but I believe some of those were released in 1980 or 1982. I really love that Waitresses LP! Patty was so great (R.I.P.). Thanks so much for the comment, my friend!

[@lawrencefeldman7744]

Yeah,timelines and release dates sort of blur. Funny tho',I'm no Journey fan,respect the hell out of them as musicians and,on your citing "Stone In Love"remembered it's sweeping power pop hooks,huge riff,etc,cued it up! My wife first gave me a look like "Journey?!? wtf? but within seconds remembered it as fondly as I did dancing playing air guitar. Then we go into "Hey,could you imagine Big Star,GBV,or The Posies doing this song?" "Midnight Blue" by Lou Gramm elicits same reaction. Seeing as I would have never come to Journey by myself now I believe you have done the near impossible! That's a thing! Your channel and Matt Williamson's Pop Goes The 60s are becoming my go to channels on KZbin. Y'all really know what it is!📻🎙️🎼

[@andrewnelson3751]

Wow, I had to check my collection to see it wasn't stolen and sold to you. Great taste in music. Thanks for PIL G4, SATB, Au Pairs, wand so much more!

[@crispyrobot77]

Also from 1981 are two great music documentaries you may want to see. "Urgh! A Music War" (New Wave, Punk, Pop, Ska) and "The Decline of Western Civilization" (Punk-Black Flag, X, Germs, etc). Both films are a brilliant celebration of the amazing and emerging music of that period. A must see for 1981 vinyl fans like yourself.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

I still need to find and watch Urgh! A Music War. What a year for the music I love!

[@gtv6chuck]

The soundtrack to "Urgh! A Music War" from 1981 is awesome. It basically has almost every New Wave band that mattered, from the Police to The Cramps to Gary Numan, XTC and OMD

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

Cool Beetlejuice toy in the background!🧟😀❤👍

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thank you! The 80s rule, and so does Beetlejuice! Take care.

[@alv4794]

Trust-Elvis Costello, East Side Story-Squeeze, Robyn Hitchcock, Black Snake Diamond Role, Sparks, Whomp That Sucker, The Stranglers, La Folie, The dB’s, Stands for Decibels, The Cramps, Psychedelic Jungle, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Juju, Devo, New Traditionalists, The Plimsouls, The Plimsouls, Split Enz, Waiata

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Al! Why, oh Why did I not feature Waiata?! I have that one, too! Darn it! Good call. I'm hoping to find that Stranglers LP! Excellent taste!

[@dannyhoeykens]

Another video I enjoyed watching. 1981 was a great year to discover music. You've got a stellar collection over there. With albums like From The Lions Mouth, Heaven Up Here, Fire Of Love, Tin Drum you can't go wrong. I would like to add Television Personalities - And Don't The Kids Just Love It, Rickie Lee Jones - Pirates and the debut of a Belgian new wave band called TC Matic, they are probably completely unknown in the States, but they're worth mentioning cos they sound like nothing else with weird vocals, John Lydon sounds like a singer compared to this guy, but I love it. Also a record that had some popularity back then was Fisher Z - Red Skies Over Paradise and is now slightly forgotten.

[@toddhill7483]

I forgot about Television Personalities. Great album. Check out Propaganda from The Sound. (1979 recordings released in 1999) Stellar. I can't believe they were on "the shelf" for so lomg.

[@dannyhoeykens]

@@toddhill7483 Thanks for the recommendation. Didn't know about that album. The sound were so underrated. I once saw them live. Adrian Borland went ballistic on the lame audience.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Danny! Good call on television Personalities! I don't own that album yet. I'm hoping to find an original at some point. I have a nice CD comp of theirs as well as They Could Have Been Bigger Than the Beatles! Thanks for the additional recommendations on TC Matic and Fisher Z. I'm intrigued to check them out based on your descriptions! rock on! Thanks so much for watching!

[@garybrowser6885]

Hanna, gotta say I think you did an incredible job keeping this under 40 minutes ! I would say that 1981 was a STATEMENT year - it was that important with music, visuals and experimentation. I watch a lot of youtube and nobody can hold a candle to how you do these. The way you combine the informed and informal with a great humorous thread throughout - you're untouchable with this series. If I was going to recommend just one of these - I would pick 'From the Lion's Mouth' by The Sound. It has a fragile beauty that totally envelops the listener. So thorough as always - Penthouse & Pavement by Heaven 17 is probably the one album I'd throw into the mix. Awesome as always Hanna and well worth the wait.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Gary! I need to hear Heaven 17. I guess I have overlooked them all this time. Oh, trust me, the initial version of this video was 56 minutes long! Since I'm a rambler, I do edit many bits out...for everyone's sake! Haha! Seems like it's difficult for me to do a short video! I'm so happy to read that you're enjoying this yearly focus series. It's been a blast compiling all of the albums! I love your top pick - From the Lion's Mouth. Absolutely stunning album and I love how you described it. Thank you for the comment! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@jeremymorrow9477]

Psychedelic Jungle! Yes yes yes!! Was surprised to see some deep cuts at the end there with Cabs, Felt, Crass, Neubauten, and This Heat. Nobody can say you guys don't try out a little bit of everything. Well done.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there, Jeremy! Thanks for catching more of my videos. I enjoy the comments! I have been wanting to get more Felt in my collection but their records are tough to find out in the wild! Luckily some of their albums were reissued in the past few years.

[@iggybiggy03]

I just watched your 1980, and 1981 videos, lots of great stuff there. I noticed not even one mention of Oingo Boingo. They had an their first EP in 1980, and Only A Lad, their first full length album that came out in 1981. It was interesting to me that you mentioned SOOO many other new wave bands that Oingo Boingo fans also dig.

[@johnnykempt]

Great show as usual. You have great taste. The Cuban Heels " Work Our Way To Heaven ". Classic under the radar Scottish band. A missing link. Half of them went on to Simple Minds. Great to see you mention The Sound. One of the greatest under the radar bands ever. From The Lions Mouth is faultless. I fronted The Sound Revisited in New Zealand in January 2020, with Mike Dudley from The Sound on drums and Malcolm Foster from The Pretenders and Sinple Minds, on bass. We were going to tour the USA in April of that year, but oh wel....... Keep up the great work. Sitting here cleaning vinyl as I watch :)

[@robertorosano9496]

It's amazing your toy's beetlejuice . I love your videos and vinyl records. Thank you from Brazil

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thank you so much for watching, Roberto! ❤️

[@teckertime]

Wow! Great Picks. 1981 was an amazing year for music. 20/20 Look Out is a fun power pop record, you don't see often. The Pretenders II is my all time favorite from 1981. Your collection is really growing! Keep on Rockin.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there! Yeah, 20/20 records in general I hardly ever see. I was lucky enough to find this one and their debut during the same record store trip a few years ago! I approve of Pretenders II being your top pick of 1981! Well chosen! :-)

[@toddhill7483]

Great Pretenders album. Solid follow up to their amazing debut album.

[@martinevensen406]

Heaven up here one of my favorite albums ever. But it seemed everybody forgot it. Except you and I, thanx

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Martin! Thanks for watching. Glad you're a fellow Echo & the Bunnymen fan. Gotta have that record. It's ace! Cheers!

[@Turtle152]

I'm glad you showed the labels, I never realized how much I associate certain label logos with certain artists. The Chrysalis logo immediately makes me think of Blondie, the A&M logo immediately makes me think of Styx.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

I need to try to remember to consistently show labels in my videos! To continue the conversation, with Elektra I always think of the Doors, X, or Television; the best R.E.M. years - I.R.S.! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! Thanks again!

[@marktait2371]

yeh turtle same here have blondie best of chrys. same found jtull. 1988 20 years 3cd boxset a and m many great acts joe jackson police etc. even have original herb brasil 66 supertramp irs rem gave singles cd to friend w bsides of course never got back but ok the label over the years many greats elektra same have doors best of double cd 80s any vinlys so expensive only one i have is hotel bought for like 10 dollars probably 10 years ago now any doors vinyls like 30 at least same columbia 70s country music fever 77 boxset has all the stars 70 77 6 lps same dylan always associate with

[@jeffwhite3625]

Tom Verlaine, The Sound, Killing Joke, The Shoes 3rd record, we wore the grooves out on that record when it came out. Au Pairs , Felt, This Heat !! excellent stuff and I love that you still appreciate more commercial and accessible music like ELO and J Geils Band. Another great video Hanna.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks, Jeff! I need to get some This Heat in my collection! Glad you enjoyed my 1981 featurette! :-)

[@treff9226]

Don't sleep on the latest WHO album - excellent return to form! Roger got his vocal power back! Good, tight, rockin' tuneage on this one. Would always be up for a new Pete solo album - hear you on that one! Great channel! We would NEVER fight over the stereo selections.....NEVER!

[@RPS67]

Great video as usual. You always make me aware of many that I miss. This was the first year that I bought music in any quantity. It always felt like a let-down after the peaks of 1978-80. But you really highlight how much great music 1981 produced. It was the year of my first concert too, Echo & the Bunnymen. Trust was the beginning of my Costello obsession. And yes, The Boy Named I.F. is worth a purchase. You mention so many wonderful albums. Flowers of Romance is a challenge for sure. The title track is one of my favorites by PIL. Their last gasp of being truly innovative, even though they did more good music. Not just no Jah Wobble, but no bass at all, I think that is what adds to the challenge. Josef k! You really do have great taste. Orange Juice, Aztec Camera, nice references. Almost enough to ignore that Phil Collins album. Lol. As a 15-year-old, I managed to see The Birthday Party on their farewell tour. It was unlike anything I have seen to this day. My recommendation to enjoy Nick Cave is to jump to 2004 and Abboitoir Blues/Lyre Of Orpheus maybe the tracks There She Goes My Beautiful World and Nature Boy to start. I think he has made some of his best music in the last 15 years. So many wonderful albums in your collection Joy Division/Undertones/Black Flag/Robyn Hitchcock/Tom Tom Club/Comsat Angels/Grace Jones/Gang of Four/Au Pairs/New Order even Cabaret Voltaire. I feel like a teenager again. Did I miss you noting Homosapien by Pete Shelley? I swear I saw you show it in another video. If you are still wanting to add some great 1981 music to your life I would recommend (you may have these but just couldn't show everything) - Fire Engines - Lubricate Your Living room Another from the Scottish renaissance. Their only release aside from a couple of singles. Largely instrumental with some yelps and whoops. Very catchy. There was a CD compilation called Fond that has everything they released. The (English) Beat - Wha'ppen The 2nd Beat album is often overlooked but the one I play the most. You will know the singles, but check out the wonderful Dream Home In NZ. Nuclear war is coming to Europe and New Zealand may be the only safe place. And two EPs that are both perfect - The Clean - Boodle Boodle Boodle I think I mentioned the re-release that just came out. If you are still wavering, stop everything and get it now! 5 essential tracks. The Fall - Slates Being a 10" and only 24 minutes long it was never listed as an album or single so often gets overlooked. But pound for pound it may be the best thing the Fall created. Especially the rerelease that adds another 7 tracks. Again thanks for sharing and thanks for reading if you got this far

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Richard! Love reading your comments. You are an expert! So, this was a special year for you if your first concert ever attended was Echo & the Bunnymen. That's incredible! Glad you are also enjoying E. Costello's latest. Must be his best in decades, in my opinion anyway. I'm glad you can overlook that I showed Phil Collins (LOL). In my defense, it's not my record, and I was trying to make sure there was something for everyone here! Thanks for the Nick Cave LP recommendation. I have read too that his music gets better over time. I will be sampling that one. Yeah, some of my horrible misses in this video offering is that I failed to show Pete's Homosapien, as well as Split Enz's Waiata, and Any Trouble. Darn it! And those EPs from the Fall and The Clean are definitely on my wish list! I won't ignore that English Beat release, either! Enjoy the last few hours of the weekend! see you next time!

[@nicolek.3614]

“Shoes never got their dues”. Truer words were never spoken. Stumbled on your channel and ❤️ it!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Nicole! Thank you! Glad you're here! So thrilled you're loving my channel. Shoes forever!

[@nicolek.3614]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert ❤

[@PK-gi2qh]

I definitely think "Heaven up here" takes the stack. Nice collection by the way. 81 was a pivotal year in music

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks, P K! Heaven Up Here is definitely one heck of an amazing listen. Prime Echo right there! Thanks for watching!

[@garykristjanson4689]

You have really good taste in music.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

That is very kind of you to say, Gary! Thank you! Really enjoy connecting with you all on our common obsession!

[@henkejohansen4563]

Thanks for another beautiful rundown ... Josef K incl , wow ... But i can't belive that you like Journey ... dreadful band , haha! My top 3 is Motorhead 'no sleep til Hammersmith' , Kraftwerk 'computer love' and Grace Jones 'nightclubbing'

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

I keep looking for a vinyl copy of Grace Jones’ Nightclubbing! It’s rare to find her records…at least around here. And I don’t love Journey , but I also don’t hate them! 😉😉 Thanks, Henke!

[@nickarcia]

So much awesomeness

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Right on, Nick! I know you have deep love for this era, too!

[@nicholasbuttery511]

1.Duran Duran`s first Album Duran Duran ,2 Modern Romance Adventures in Clubland. 3 Depeche Mode Speak and Spell.

[@MatthewJohnson-zx9zs]

1981 brings to mind ELO's Time album. One of the songs (The Way Life's Meant to Be) even has this lyric As I wander around this wreck of a town Where people never speak aloud With its ivory towers and its plastic flowers I wish I was back in 1981

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Matthew! Many of you have mentioned ELO's Time record. Guess I'm gonna need to sample that LP, and soon! Still working on the ELO collection! Hope your weekend is going well so far! See you next time!

[@alencarmaiaalvim6541]

Hi, Hanna! Great selection. Rush-Moving Pictures is one of my favorite albums from 1981. Fun Fact: When I was a kid I knew the song ''Tom Sawyer'' that was used in the opening of the TV series MacGyver (1985-1992) in the Brazilian version. 1981 was a year of great album debuts by excellent bands such as Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, New Order and Phil Collins in solo careers. The Who-Face Dances isn't one of my top 5 favorite albums by the band, but ''You Better You Bet'' is one of the best songs and I love it! I like an album by a Canadian power trio called Triumph-Allied Forces which is excellent Hard Rock. Hanna, a suggestion about the best albums in your collection from 1991 or 1992? Beetlejuice approves! Nice list. Greetings from São Paulo, Brazil and rock on!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Alen! Thanks for being so loyal to my channel and sharing your thoughts as always! Hope your weekend got off to a great start! "You Better You Bet" is indeed an excellent tune and I still love hearing it on the radio. Not in my top 5 albums of theirs, either, but still has some great tracks! Ohhh, 1991 is one of my favorite years in music. So many great ones from My Bloody Valentine, Smashing Pumpkins, Teenage Fanclub, and MORE! That may be a year I cover in the future for sure! And Beetlejuice approves indeed! Since you like hard rock, be sure to watch my next video where I will be showing a lot of hard rock and even some 80s metal!

[@j.frankparnell6195]

It is so great to see someone with musical tastes as eclectic as mine. If you haven't seen it, watch Urgh! A Music War. So many of the bands that you mention are in that film, including a great redition of Come Again by the Au Pairs.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

I love that you mentioned this. I actually just found the Urgh! soundtrack/comp on vinyl at a record show. Can't wait to talk about it later on! The Au Pairs are one of my favorite post punk bands!

[@j.frankparnell6195]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert For the longest time it was very hard to find the movie on any format due to legal issues. There is also rumor that each of the bands had three tracks recorded, so there may be even more unreleased footage out there somewhere.

[@spoteach]

My top 3. The Sound - From The Lions Mouth / Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Architecture & Morality / The Stranglers - The Gospel According To The Meninblack My 3 recommandations for you, Hanna. Kim Wilde - Kim Wilde / Split Enz - Waiata (aka Corroboree) / T.C. Matic - T.C. Matic

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Gunter! I'm bummed that I missed out on showing Split Enz - Waiata! I have it! Darn! I need to check out OMD and Kim Wilde further. Thanks for the list and watching!

[@STEVEHEROLD]

i dont even know where to begin with this one. 1981 is the year i first started really buying my own music. The Who were my favorite band (thanks to my older brother.) I bought the Face Dances cassette and listened to it nonstop that summer. Also remember seeing the video for The Waiting and asking my brother who that was. Went out and bought that cassette too. Also love the Agent Orange mention another of my favorite bands. You’re right just an absolute killer year for music. And yes always gotta give love to the CD format. And hey you even included a screenshot of Van Halen’s Fair Warning album at the end 😉. Great stuff Hanna. Thanks for sharing as usual.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

hi there, Steve! Hope you're having an enjoyable week! Always love reading your comments. Dude The Who...YES. So cool that you listened to Face Dances on cassette nonstop the summer of '81! Great memory you shared! And speaking of Van Halen...watch my video I posted today. Haha!

[@3cheaptrick]

Heavy Metal Soundtrack ' Rick Springfield 's Working Class Dog ' Pat Benatar Precious Time ' Foreigner 4 ' Billy Squire Don't Say No ' Journey Escape ' April Wine Power Play ' Olivia Newton John Physical ' and Styx Paradise Theatre .Great job on your pick of Albums You Rock . Rich

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Killer list! I guess I didn't know ONJ's Physical came out that year! I appreciate the kind words and the comment! Rock on!

[@ThomasMarkMcArthur]

A great year for releases and a good selection there.

[@ivankarczewski8582]

Great video! My favourites are The Wipers, The Sound and Siouxsie. Thank you.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Excellent picks from that year, Ivan! Thanks for stopping by!

[@ivankarczewski8582]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert Thank you, you are welcome, great content :)

[@collectrify]

Great video! From 1981, the album that I still listen to the most from beginning to end is Time, by ELO.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

I can't believe all the mentions for ELO's Time! Where have I been and why don't I have this one yet? Reminds me that I really need to work on my ELO vinyl collection! Take care!

[@johncollier9280]

Hey Hanna-Lookin' forward to hearin' DB's 'n Au Pairs-thank you! My 1981 pick is Jon & Vangelis-The Friends Of Mr. Cairo, includin' the songs I'll Find My Way Home 'n State Of Independence. I love State Of Independence so much I filled up a cassette 'n listened repeatedly. The other song I did that with is The Who-Substitute, with the 2 different versions alternatin'. Songs so magnificent it's a pleasure to hear again 'n again back to back!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey John! I certainly hope that you enjoy the dB's and Au Pairs! Two stellar bands and can't go wrong with their albums from this year! Thanks for watching, as always!

[@rosevilleca38.75]

My favorite 3 albums from 1981 are: Ultravox - Rage in Eden, Echo & the Bunnymen - Heaven Up Here and U2 - October.

[@greyever7820]

Matt Johnson

[@davidellis5141]

@@greyever7820 The The

[@greyever7820]

@@davidellis5141 Burning Blue Soul was credited to Matt Johnson, not The The i guess.

[@davidellis5141]

@@greyever7820 Not trying to correct you , just wanted others to know who he became. I'm a big fan. 👍

[@greyever7820]

@@davidellis5141 I see. Me too! Gracias!

[@Axel_Foley1970]

Great Video! My Top Three and I am sure I have missed something. 3. Modern English - Mesh and Lace 2. Echo & The Bunneymen - Heaven Up Here 1. Rush - Moving Pictures So many great albums but these I will listen to over and over.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there, TS! Nice top 3! I especially love #3 and #2! One day I will find that Modern English LP on vinyl! I appreciate the comment!

[@davidmcginlay1603]

Great selection as usual Hanna. Try Fra Lippo Lippi - In Silence, Grace Jones - Nightclubbing, Billy Squier - Don't Say No, Van Halen - Fair Warning and Rickie Lee Jones - Pirates. All worth a listen...

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Ah, I believe I still need to check out Fra Lippo Lippi! I recall seeing someone posting an album of theirs on Instagram and I was curious! I've been looking for Nightclubbing by Grace for a bit! And I'll be showing plenty of Van Halen in my next video. Not really in my wheelhouse, but I bought a record collection! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! thanks, David!

[@ralphbeijers1347]

Hi Hanna, nice video! My favorite albums: 1. This Heat “Deceit” 2. Comsat Angels “Sleep nomore” 3. New Order “Movement” 4. Gang of Four “Solid gold” 5. Byrne/Eno “My life in the bush of ghosts” Also great releases by Tuxedomoon (“Desire”), The Sound, Undertones, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Psychedelic Furs, Japan, David Byrne (“Songs from the Catherine Wheel”), Split Enz (“Waiata””), Gary Numan (“Dance”), King Crimson (“Discipline”), TC Matic, Elvis Costello (“Trust”). And I almost forgot to mention The Associates “Fourth drawer down”….

[@Stonecutter334]

Interesting trivia. In 1981 Elvis and Squeeze were very tight friends. For the Trust tour of the US that year Squeeze were the opening band. I saw 3 of these shows in NYC at the Palladium. Each night Glen came out to sing From a Whisper to a Scream with Elvis and the mighty Attractions. It was called the English Mugs tour and somewhere around i have the poster they gave out of both bands together. I like your wide range of interests. Fun seeing so many old favorites.

[@patrickmccloskey2552]

Hanna, great video dedicated to a great year. 1981 was around the time I started paying attention to music and I can distinctly remember Pat Benetar and Foreigner 4 playing on the clock radio in the kitchen while eating breakfast. Radio stations in Fayetteville North Carolina were not the hot bed of music that I now gravitate towards. For 1981 lps you didn’t mention I would add: David Bowie “ChangesTwoBowie”, Eurthmics “in the Garden”, Oingo boingo” only a lad, OMD “Architecture & Mortality”& U2 “October”.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks so much , Patrick! I am really behind on checking out O.M.D. I don't know why I haven't looked into them further. I featured pics of a few of those at the end in the slideshow, but yeah, I am still missing quite a few! U2 October I'm waiting to find a copy at the right price! Keep spinning all that great vinyl in your collection!

[@g-mann5522]

Your selections bring back fond memories. Totally agree with you on the brilliance of Elvis Costello (particularly his early stuff - everything up to and including Imperial Bedroom I thought was amazing). I love Trust and I agree it is underrated. East Side Story by Squeeze is definitely another classic. In fact I saw Squeeze opening for EC that year on their “English Mugs” tour. Fantastic show! Another amazing show that year, one of my all-time favourite sets, was Stiff Little Fingers at the Commodore Ballroom. They made their entrance with the instrumental “Go For It” playing over the PA in the background (something that wasn’t really done very much in those days). After donning their gear they erupted into the opening riffs of “Roots, Rockers….” with many a Pete T air jumps in tow! Unbelievable. Re: Gun Club FOL. Groundbreaking album. Even in 1981, listening on the local university station, JLP sounded so different from the UK dominant punk and post punk stuff that was in high rotation. Undertones “Positive Touch” is a desert island disc for me. Love the Beatles influences updated, so many great quirky pop moments, and great vocals by Feargal Sharkey. Could go on and on with (most of ) your selections! Here’s a few more that I would add to that list: - The Vapors - Magnets. This is a truly underappreciated album in my opinion. Melodically rich yet dark and suffocating at the same time. I think it’s a bit of a concept album, very dystopian. The cover says it all. Some amazing songs on this album. - The Distractions - Nobody’s Perfect. Not sure if this was 1980 or 1981 but this is an absolute power pop classic from start to finish. From Manchester I think. - Madness - 7. The same great songs but significantly more biting lyrics, channeling Ray Davies and Paul Weller. Excellent album and a huge step forward. - The Clash - Sandinista. Lots of mixed reviews but this is an excellent set. Not all their experimentation worked but still chockful of great tunes. If this was released as a double LP it would have been an undisputed classic. - A few others….Romeo Void (Never Say Never EP), TV21 (A Thin Red Line). The Human League (Dare) and Go-Go’s (Beauty And The Beat) were also noteworthy and groundbreaking pop albums.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Oh man, pretty incredible that you saw Squeeze open for E. Costello. Prime period for them both, wow! And I also adore Imperial Bedroom from EC! Right on about JLP. Gun Club were so unique. They definitely stood out next to other groups at that time. They deserve more credit. Loved reading about your SLF concert experience, too! I was born in the wrong era, darn it! As far as Romeo Void, I'm looking for more of their stuff. I just have Benefactor so far. I gotta give Sandinista a thorough listen. Fantastic recommendations, my friend! Appreciate you being here!

[@scottstrychnine]

I've had the first Human Sexual Response album for years but just recently found out that the drummer was Malcolm Travis who played in Sugar. Rich Gilbert was also in the band, who play with Frank Black and the Catholics and is a great guitarist. I only have one or two Shoes albums but haven't heard the one you showed, I'll have to check it out. For the Scientists, I'm a big fan of their first two singles/EPs, one was reissued recently (also on Numero) and the other is a bit tough to find. I had a cool Australian punk compilation in high school that had these so they carry some memories. Love that debut The Church album. Great collection! I'll have to think on my top 3 but likely records you showed or mentioned (love that Agent Orange album). Have a good weekend -scott

[@toddhill7483]

Also love that first Church album and follow up The Blurred Crusade.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Scott! Yes, Jim below also shared that fun tidbit regarding Malcolm Travis! I had no idea! Oh, definitely check out this Tongue Twister LP by Shoes. It's a winner! And as far as Australian bands...I have such love for many groups that originated there, so I'm think of doing a little video on that in the future! And I'll check out the other Scientists release that Numero put out. really digging them! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this superb year! Cheers!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Stay tuned for lots of Church love in a later video, Todd! Those early LPs are simply incredible!

[@yokerecords803]

Great video Omaha! While I would probably need to give it a lot more thought, my top 5 might be: 1. Discharge-Why? 2. Black Flag-Damaged 3. The Replacements-Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash 4. UK Subs-Diminished Responsibility 5.The Flesh Eaters-A Minute To Pray, A Second To Die

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thank you! Glad you checked out this video! Looks like I need to check out the Flesh Eaters from your list! Take care!

[@BriansVinylRecords]

Great video Hanna. So much good music from 1981. My top three are AC/DC For Those About To Rock, Ozzy Osbourne Diary of a Madman, and Def Leppard High N Dry. So many more... Rock on Hanna.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks, Brian! Hard rockers for your top 3! Awesome! What a fantastic year, right? :-)

[@BriansVinylRecords]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert yes. there are a few more hard rockers I'd toss on that list too.

[@milesdufourny4813]

Hanna, I was fortunate (and old enough) to see Echo & the Bunnymen on the U.S. tours for their first four albums. I have to say, during 1981 - 1983 they were absolutely one of the best live bands around. Funny thing is that them and The Teardrop Explodes were supposed to play at Hurrah late in 1979 (before their first albums were released) anyway that night my brother and I went to the Palladium to see Spizzenergi, the fall and the Buzzcocks and when that show was over we rushed up to Hurrah on W.62 Street only to find out the show was cancelled because neither band could get working Visas.....that would have been a fantastic night. As far as Echo & the Bunnymen go, I still listen to the first three albums the forth one wore thin on me and I stopped listening to it about 1985. Glad to see you're back to posting videos.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Miles! sorry for the delayed response here! I'm so very jealous you got to see Echo on their early tours. No doubt those were mind-blowing experiences! With Echo I am definitely obsessed with their first 4. They really were on fire in the 80s! So glad you're here and I'm glad to be back!

[@milesdufourny4813]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert I just got your message. I'm on my way home so I can go watch the hockey game at 10:00 (EST). I downloaded the Heartbreakers L.A.M.F. (Definitive Collection) on Amazon Music last night and plan on listening to it tomorrow. Lately I've been listening to the first two Roxy Music albums and the first two ENO albums. I've got a download of a great ENO documentary (ENO - The Man Who Fell To Earth) and I've got to watch that too. Have a nice weekend and keep collecting music.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Wow, what a coincidence ! I was just listening to a Roxy Music comp...the early years one!

[@milesdufourny4813]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert I bought the 45th Anniversary edition of the first album back in 2018 (at Bull Moose Music in Windham, Maine) I was going up to my friend's place in Harrison, Maine. The last time I was up there was New Years 2019.

[@tinaferrazzoli8006]

Hello Hanna; Hope all is well, that you & Chris are handling the frost.1981 was a good year for vinyl releases. Following in the procession of popular rock LP's. Nice to see one of your favorite bands shown on the hoodie (nice color pattern ) during the video. Many notable LP's from 1981 shown & discussed. We have always enjoyed videos with good content, & this one has plenty. Many wonderful releases from 1981 encompassing rock & the multi sub genre's. The Who, Squeeze, The Police, JoanJett, Pretenders, Rolling Stones, to name a few. Soon the record room will need an expansion. Busting at the seams. HA! Good to see the production manager again. Stay Healthy, Warm. Tina & Pat!~

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

My friends Tina and Pat! Greetings once again! I am humbled by your kind words regarding my content! Thank you! Haha, I still have a few open cubes in these shelves, but yes, no doubt I will have to do some purging down the road and/or buy another shelving unit! The collecting never ends!

[@mercurialmagictrees]

"Ghost in the Machine", "Heaven Up There" and "Movement" - New Order are my favorite 1981 records.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Absolutely terrific top 3 list right there. I'm hoping to find Movement on vinyl at some point. Hopefully this year! Cheers!

[@Tfaceu]

Hi Hanna - Nice "Rundown" of some great LPs from the "last" of the Golden-Years - I have many of your chosen ones - as I mention earlier - I think 1981 was magnificent, and last year 2021 - is IMHO the best Yera In Music since 1981 - I have a "List-Thing" going on Spotify, where my goal is to see how many years from 1964 to 2021 I can fill a Top 100 List of Songs - and in my "Archive" Top ? LPs the same years - Puh! - but - It is a Lot-of-Fun, and I rediscover many songs and LPs in the prosess

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Terje! The last of the "golden years", eh? I think there's plenty more goodness from the 80s and early 90s (but I also know what you mean)! And I'm thrilled you provided your list here! The longer the better because there are. plenty I missed and I don't recognize some of these, so off to Apple Music I go to have some fun sampling! Rock on!

[@jasonegeland1446]

Many of your records are stellar. I especially love Japan. I'm 47 and have been a monstrous fan of Japan and Sylvian since I was around 15 or 16. Really enjoy revisiting many of these albums! Siouxsie will always be way up there as well! I wish we could all get paid to talk about cool music all day. Obviously this would be the absolute dream career.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

I totally agree that listening to/talking about music all day would be a dream career indeed! :-) I will be doing a Siouxsie and the Banshees album ranking video later on! Happy Friday!

[@CookieMusic43]

Hi Hanna, My top 5 albums from 1981 are in no particular order; Abba - The Visitors Squeeze - East Side Story Bow Wow Wow - See Jungle! See Jungle! etc ELO - Time Adam & the Ants - Prince Charming

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hiya Richard! I'm gonna head over to your channel and your Adam & the Ants video after I respond to some of these. I know I said I would last week! I don't know why I haven't picked up Prince Charming yet, but I guess I don't see it often, and when I do, it's in bad shape! Ah, I forgot about ABBA! Good call! Great top 5!

[@CookieMusic43]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert There's no rush to watch the video, Hanna. If you like Kings of the Wild Frontier you will like Prince Charming. Abba's The Vistors is my favourite album of 1981. Did you get to hear their new album? I still can't believe we got a new Abba album. I love it, it just keeps getting better and better!

[@marktait2371]

rich i finally got east side story 3 weeks ago had to pay 12.99 but original copy basically mint plus lyrics credits etc. had just been put out recent bin the day happened to go to indie store only go once a month so lucked out on that one also have tutti fruitti singles also so e s.s. a must have

[@CookieMusic43]

@@marktait2371 great album, Mark. My all time favourite Squeeze album is Argy Bargy though

[@gaboquintana3628]

What a great selection ! evidence that 1981 was a awesome year

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks, Gabo! Appreciate you stopping by. It's hard to top 1981! Rock on!

[@myquealer]

I have nearly all the albums you showed from your collection and none of the albums you showed from Chris's. There are plenty of other channels to see those. Your channel is one of the only ones I've found with the good stuff. Keep it coming.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Mike, thank you so much for the comment! I'm glad you are digging my taste in music. Sometimes I feel like an oddity in this KZbin music community. Your comment reaffirms that are people who dig these same bands, too!

[@myquealer]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert I hope you'll do an RSD 2022 list video. You've turned me on to several lesser known power-pop and power-pop adjacent bands that I didn't know about. There are likely a couple RSD titles I skimmed over that I should pick up.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Mike! I'm not sure I'll put out an formal RSD list video, but I will do a video if I end up finding what I want that day. Looking forward to April! I'm definitely eyeing a couple on that list. The Ramones 80s albums box set looks pretty stellar. Sticker shock I'm sure, though!

[@myquealer]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert Yeah, I skipped past the Ramones box the first time through, figuring it would be the first six albums (not noticing the years listed), which I already have. I have 3 of the 6 albums included, plus there's a rarities disc. I figure I'll be getting that one. BullMoose shows the price as $150. Could be worse.... Other things on my list include: Jonathan Richman - Modern Lovers 88 Damned - Strawberries Heartbreakers - The L.A.M.F. demo sessions Rubinoos - Rubinoos Lou Reed - I'm So Free: The 1971 RCA Demos Wipers - Over The Edge - Anniversary Edition Patti Smith - Curated By Record Store Day Nick Cave - Live Seeds Superchunk - Incidental Music: 1991 - 1995 Gerard Way - Hesitant Alien Sun's Signature - Sun's Signature It's going to be an expensive day (and then a few more from the June list)...

[@ericarmstrong6540]

Personal favorite from 1981: King Crimson's Discipline. "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts" by Eno and David Byrne is also a favorite from that year. Nice video.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there, Eric! Glad you enjoyed this video! That Eno/Byrne LP is definitely on my list. Great favorites! Thanks for the comment.

[@mr.gorgenchuck6501]

5. Wipers - Youth of America 4. Siouxsie and the Banshees - JuJu 3. Flipper - Album/Generic Flipper 2. Minutemen - The Punchline 1. The Fall - Hex Enduction Hour

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there! I think Hex Enduction Hour by the Fall was released in '82. I believe Generic Flipper was, too. Unless I'm totally wrong! Otherwise I dig all these albums! Yeah! :-)

[@mr.gorgenchuck6501]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert Oops! Well, here’s some albums I enjoy...

[@greenpalmradiation6413]

Aside from a few reggae albums I love, you pretty much covered all my bases! Great round up. My top 5 favorites from 1981 would be English Beat, Rush, Stiff Little Fingers, Echo and the Bunnymen, and The Police. There is a special place in my heart for Penguin Cafe Orchestra, if you like that kind of thing. Did you mention Suburban Lawns (I know them from you!)? Shout outs also to Stranglers, Shoes, dB's, and OMD!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey again! Loving your top 5 picks from this year. I need to check out Penguin Cafe Orchestra (interesting name)! Well shit...the debut of Suburban Lawns was released in '81? Don't know how the hell I overlooked that. However, I missed several others, too. There's just too many! Good call!

[@kurtj98]

Au Pairs, Japan, and Echo..OMG!! SO much love!!

[@kurtj98]

And oh SNAP, HSR, and Birthday Party!! Will you marry me?

[@kurtj98]

Such a great break down of 81!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Kurt! too much greatness from this year, right? I can barely handle it! Glad you loved my breakdown of this top year. Solid throughout! Take care!

[@JBLClassic]

Wow, what a great year for music! I remember my Kindergarten teacher writing "1981" on the chalkboard and telling us it is 1981. I was thinking what the heck does that even mean! Anyhow, you covered most of the greats, but I'll add Fad Gadget "Incontinent" Once again, excellent video Hanna. Take Care, Frank

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Frank! Happy Friday! Love that you mentioned Fad Gadget. I only have one of their LPs so far but hoping to add more this year if I'm lucky! The hunt continues! Be well!

[@johnmills2134]

Hats off to you for moving a picture over Rush. The final song on the album is " Vital Signs ". The band always made a point of leaving some room for an experiment. Vital Signs showed they weren't going to stay in Tom Sawyer mode. RUSH were big fans of the Talking Heads and the Police. They were not beyond taking in influences from other sources. Your partner is a huge AC/DC fan, so am I. I'm sorry I didn't see them live. Best, never stop the music.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks, John! Enjoyed reading your thoughts. What do you think of the newer AC/DC material? Cheers!

[@fizzlebomber674]

that's a dope hoodie, very niiice!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thank you! I'm definitely a Depeche Mode fan girl! :-)

[@richardbooth6063]

Neat video Hanna…most records I never heard of…lol !! My favorites would be Van Halen, The Rolling Stones & Joan Jett because I am pretty much a classic rock fan. (The Who favorite band for me too !!!) But I remember liking Echo & the Bunnymen & Psychadelic Furs. And of course Tom Petty & U2. I was in my 20’s then. Whew !!! it takes me a while to watch your videos because I am pausing to go to Amazon Prime and hearing what you recommend. I don’t like all of it but I give it a listen anyway…because it’s so much fun !!!! Thanks for your efforts…You are amazing !!!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Richard! Glad to hear from another massive Who fan! High five! Uh-oh, make sure you pace yourself with Amazon prime purchases, hehe! I know I tend to spend a lot of money on there! Nice to hear you're sampling a lot of the bands/titles I featured! This was a fun video to compile! 1981 was a top year for sure! See you next time!

[@spinjennies]

My faves... O.M.D. - Architecture & Morality Psychedelic Furs - Talk Talk Talk New Order - Movement Plimsouls - s/t X - Wild Gift U2 - October Kraftwerk - Computer World Squeeze - East Side Story Simple Minds - Empires & Dance The Church - Of Skins & Heart Echo & The Bunnymen - Heaven Up Here Oingo Boingo - Only a Lad Comsat Angels - Sleep No More Siouxsie & The Banshees - Juju

[@toddhill7483]

Some great albums on your list. That debut from The Church is golden. Wild Gift a punk classic. Was fortunate enough to see The Plimsouls during their abbreviated existence.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there! Thanks for sharing your faves here. Our taste definitely overlaps! I think I need to hear more from O.M.D. I will rectify that! Cheers and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@marktait2371]

spin jen awesome list had most of in previous collection great list all really good records

[@brads2362]

Great stuff, Hanna! My favorite album of 1981 is pretty unheralded, so I've got to preach a little when the subject comes up. Midnight Oil's Place Without a Postcard! Most know them only for their 1987 hit, Beds Are Burning, but they have an entire catalogue of amazing material. Place Without a Postcard is their transition from post-punk to their signature sound and is both raw and catchy as hell. Highlight tracks: Don't Wanna Be the One, Someone Else to Blame, Written in the Heart.

[@greyever7820]

Hi, Place without a postcard is from 1980.

[@brads2362]

@@greyever7820 Wikipedia and their official site says '81.

[@greyever7820]

​@@brads2362 Yes sir my fault, sorry. 1980 was Bird Noises. Terribly sorry.

[@brads2362]

@@greyever7820 No worries. Just glad others are listening to early Midnight Oil!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks, Brad! Yes, you were able to give praise to Midnight Oil at the right time here! Not sure if I've ever actively looked for their vinyl. I only have heard the album with "Beds Are Burning" on it, so I have some more exploring to do for sure! From your description, Place Without a Postcard is definitely one I want to check out! Thanks for watching! :-)

[@the80slivehere]

🙂👍. Hi Hanna! TGIF made even better by your video. Cool stuff! Too many favorites! I like Ultravox Rage in Eden (with the original cover art work that you showed in the photo montage). Heck, I love all Ultravox. As most can tell, I dig the Psychedelic Furs and the album you showed. Teardrop Explodes Wilder was a cassette that I played to death before I put my darling little head on my pillow back in the day. I still adore it. My older brother got me into The dB's. The band was gateway to me for more Power Pop. I am a longtime Chris Stamey fan. Wow! There really was something for everyone in the photo montage at the end. No shame in the wonderful CD format for this musical era! Have a great weekend! - Heather

[@davidellis5141]

I saw The Teardrop Explodes on the Wilder Tour and the crowd started talking real loudly during Tiny Children & Juluan said " Shut Up & listen to this beautiful song ! " It was cool.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Heather! TGIF indeed! Yes, I love your little avatar! Big Psych Furs fan indeed, high five! Wow, what you said about the dB's was my experience, too. I was all about Big Star and the dB's. After listening to those 2 fabulous groups nonstop, I started going down the power pop rabbit hole! Chris Stamey is such a talented dude! And long live CDs! I keep hearing from several that they will be making an even bigger comeback. We shall see. Take care!

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

Nice to hear about POSITIVE TOUCH by The Undertones, i really love that record since i was13 (54 now...)

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Glad you love the Undertones and yes, that is a spectacular album. Love listening to it every few months. A classic! Thanks for watching!

[@willieluncheonette5843]

Hi Hanna. Punk rock Willie can certainly relate to X, Black Flag and Devo.. Love the first two Gun Club LP's too. The Wipers are just sensational!! I do believe ALL their albums are excellent and can't say that about many bands, if any. Pretenders are wonderful too and Chrissie is my fav female rock singer of the 80's. Gang of Four are terrific too. Lucky enough to see them live back in the day. Saw PIL live too with the original band and the Cramps- both unforgettable. BTW there are lots of great punk and hardcore albums and EP's in 1981

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Willie! I hope to find more Wipers on vinyl in the future. What a talented group. I love that Chrissie is your favorite female vocalist of the 80s . She might be mine, too! Oh man, very jealous you got to see Cramps and PiL back in the day . Must've been pure fire! I know I probably missed loads of punk releases to mention from 1981! Take care.

[@marktait2371]

lunch awesome you got ro see those shows only one i attended of those was x mid 80s and 90s john doe same club 80s right there wirh band x ramones the dads dixie dregs bad brains fishbone modern english all great bands x also cramps came to.same club but never attended show same iggy mid 80s and b52s

[@willieluncheonette5843]

@@marktait2371 never saw X live so you got one up on me.

[@BriansFunHouse]

Excellent video! 1981 is one of my favorite musical years for sure. Something about those 01 years..1971, 1981, 1991..seems like musicians really get influenced by the ending of a decade and start a new one with releasing great songs. DEVO, The Police, Killing Joke, The Pretenders, what a year!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks so very much, Brian! Glad you agree that 1981 was one of the best years for music! And the 01 years...great observation! Rock on!

[@darbacon1]

Love The Tubes! They are definitely worth checking out! The early stuff is great!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks, Darcy! Looks like there are some Tubes fans hanging out here indeed! I will definitely check out their early material! Rock on!

[@darbacon1]

Check out What do you want from life, and White punks on dope.

[@waxreliquary]

Wow, Kraftwerk, The Birthday Party (I really like them and Nick Cave solo stuff). Echo and the Bunnymen, Black Flag, Duran Duran...such good stuff. That AC/DC LP is a good album. I don't care for all of their stuff, but their earlier releases are good. I really enjoy you creating these videos featuring different years. Brings back some great memories. Robyn Hitchcock is amazing as is The Soft Boys. What a great songwriter. Would love to find some vinyl at the thrifts by him. Crossing my fingers! I too still love CDs, nothing bad about them at all. Not heard The Who's "Face Dances." Do need to check out their later music. "Hooligans" is fantastic. Was thrilled to score a copy for less than $10 a while back. Hmm...regarding The Tubes, I couldn't get into them, found a couple of their LPs at the thrift. The only song that I liked was "She's a Beauty." The Gun Club is good and catchy. Siouxsie and the Banshees is my favorite goth band. Sold my Siouxsie vinyl back in the '90s. Had some 12 inch imports of theirs too. All gone. I could cry. The Police are excellent and I'm a huge fan. I never see their vinyl at record stores. Drooling over your Killing Joke vinyl. So good. Keep up the interesting and fun videos, always enjoyable.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thank you, Nicola! :-) I wonder if I will be able to tolerate some of Nick Cave's solo work a little better than the Birthday Party. I really had some luck finding Robyn Hitchcock's vinyl the last two years. I'll keep an eye out for you. Any titles in particular you'd especially love to own? I don't think I've ever come across an original Underwater Moonlight. I have reissues of that and Can of Bees. I did find a pretty rare comp of theirs at a record show in Seattle, though. Wow, Hooligans for less than $10 is a great score! Way to go! I love that Siouxsie & the Banshees are your favorite goth band! Ohhhh, such a bummer that you sold their vinyl back in the 90s! Ouch ouch! You really never see the Police records in stores? Bizarre! I come across Synchronicity all the time. One I hardly ever see by them on vinyl is Regatta de Blanc. I'll respond to your e-mail most likely tomorrow! :-)

[@vikingbrace]

Nice that you put Bella Donna on this list. I love that album. So solid. Definitely has it’s own vibe.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks so much for watching! Bella Donna is indeed a classic and in my opinion, anything Stevie does is worth hearing! Big fan! I just read a neat article on her today regarding her friendships of some newer music artists, as well as old.

[@garysvinyldungeon2764]

Hanna , great video, very informative.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thank you so much, Gary! I think I noticed you had a new video the other day. I need to catch up! Be well!

[@actfray]

Hi Hanna! Great list; there are a lot of bands you mentioned that I'll have to check out. I was 20 in 1981 and still leaned toward more mainstream music. Having said that, here are some of my favorites from that year, in no particular order: 1. Rick Springfield - "Working Class Dog" 2. Bee Gees - "Living Eyes" (criminally overlooked record because radio stations in the U.S. refused to play it). 3. Dave Edmunds - "Twangin'..." 4. Squeeze - "East Side Story" (probably my favorite in their catalogue). 5. George Harrison - "Somewhere In England" 6. Electric Light Orchestra - "Time" 7. Art Garfunkel - "Scissors Cut" 8. Hall & Oates - "Private Eyes" 9. The Police - "Ghost In the Machine" 10. ABBA - "The Visitors" 11. Elvis Costello - "Trust" Side note - I saw The Who in 1980 at the Greensboro Coliseum. Tickets were $12!! I was on the floor with a great view. Loudest band I've ever seen, but a great show. Craig in NC

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Craig! So neat that you got to see The Who in 1980. I wish I had been born in a different decade. I've seen The Who 3x, but not in their prime and without 2 key members! I enjoyed reading your list of favorites! Thank you for taking the time to share it! Not much mention of Rick Springfield anymore. He had some great power pop tunes, that's for sure. Take care!

[@richardpeiser4359]

Hey, O!...Great call on Squeeze("killer song/killer album")....The pop perfection of this band simply can't be matched... Their best work rivals The Beatles, talk about high expectations!....Keep rocking the 80's and Take Care, Ghostrider Rick

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Richard! Ah, great to hear of such praise for Squeeze! Whenever I mention them to people, they're like, "who?" When I remind them of "Tempted," then the lightbulb goes on! Thank you for checking out this one in this series! It's a blast doing these!

[@richardpeiser4359]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert Hi, Omaha...I was thinking of some threads you might want to consider exploring in the future---just for starters, maybe an "Ultimate 80's Mix Tape"...... Choose 15-20 songs from your collection that would "get down on it" (don't forget "Mexican Radio" by Wall Of Voodoo and "Jeopardy" by the Greg Kihn Band) ... I'm curious about your pix! ... Take Care, Ghostrider Rick

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@GrandmasHandbag]

Hey Hanna, what a mammoth undertaking - and all for a year i might have casually (incorrectly!!) written off as 'meh'. I think that is what the joy is with your year series videos - you lay the facts out for all to see. And facts are it was a sh!t hot year for music! Can absolutely feel the aftershocks of punk in many artists, less musically than that the artists were liberated to follow their vision and achieve a proficiency/mastery as 1981 rolls into view. And that's before you even get to peaking movements like Power Pop! So many good albums, too little time to list, so I will just say it's fantastic to see you continuing to fly the Church Flag, and for the Scientists you probably wanna check out 1983's 'Blood Red River' (or the comp 'Blood Red River 1982-84') - it's where they went deeper off their punk roots into the 'swamp-rock'/proto-grunge sounds. In a way some of it has a punk/roots Gun Club feel, but different again). Thank you for making this video (and I don't envy you filing everything back away). Cheers- Dean

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Dean! Great to have you visit, as always! I appreciate the recommendations for Blood Red River by Scientists. That's definitely the sound I'd like to explore more of by them! And regarding filing this massive stack away...I just got to doing that today, before I filmed a new video! 1981 was a memorable year for music indeed. Plenty of standouts indeed! :-)

[@dougcallaghan6075]

Hi Hanna, Great video. A favourite year of mine as well. My #1 for that year is Elvis's Trust. Beautifully recorded and incredible bass. The Attractions in top form (esp. Steve Nieve). Love Clubland, New Lace Sleeves, White Knuckles. #2 would be East Side Story by Squeeze. Loved that band on this one and the previous, Argy Bargy. Other faves that you showed: The Pretenders II (Message of Love - that ending - superb!), The Police. On the mainstream side: Rush, Stevie, Phil Collins, The Who, The Cars - I had them all. Some you might have missed: Human League: Dare, Ultravox: Rage in Eden (The Thin Wall was cool), Rickie Lee Jones: Pirates (amazing, sad, jazz-pop), Eno/Byrne - My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (good companion to Remain in Light). Cheers.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Happy Friday evening to you, Doug! I love that you chose Costello's Trust as your #1! And your #2 - solid as well. One I can't find from Squeeze for some reason is Cool for Cats. Maybe I'll get lucky finding it at a record show this year. I'm looking forward to being able to check a few off my list! I'm going to sample that Eno/Byrne LP tonight. So much music out there. Never bored! :-) Cheers!

[@marktait2371]

hey doug hsve to.agree just few weeks ago.found east side story wanted for a long time finally.found nice copy original.lyrics was only 10 discount that day human league out there big dollars internet somewhere friend dj had the remix club vinly but he sold many years ago.would be cool one to have eno byrne just recently delving into.old cds indie radio out ttbable in box original cd have to reviisit found old cassette also.heads tom tom j harrison has wide eyes open ps all great records you mentioned

[@isherrod13]

Nice list.I had most of these back in the day.I loved your article.If you have not already:early Scritti Politti,Crime and the City Solution,Pale Fountains,Lounge Lizards,Slovenly,The Longshoremen,Meat Beat Manifesto and the list goes on and on.Oh yeah,don't sleep on Man...Or Astro Man.Cheers

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Mark! Excited to hear you loved my article! I need to explore more from these bands you listed indeed. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the weekend!

[@JulianOrchardfan]

My favourite album of that year is The Human Switchboard album Who's Landing In My Hanger. That year Hanna was big for me,my late parents got me my first record player and i bought my first album The Doors Greatest Hits and first single Dont You Want Me Baby? by The Human League. Take care.😀👍

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Kelly! Well hell, how have I not heard of Human Switchboard? Listening now and I'm falling in love with their sound. This is superb! Looks like I'll be adding them to the want list! Thanks so much for sharing your memories of this fantastic year! :-)

[@dannymiles6503]

So you had a little trouble in town, Now youre keepin some demon down, Hanna, that part, their voices, that music, those lyrics, is so good it stays with you your whole life. I so agree, and also with you on The Cars 1st album WowI! I love that so dearly and The Pretenders 1st Wow. The Comsats 1st album is their best and with you on Trust by ElvisC. How do you follow up the beauty of Get Happy? With that Trust beauty. With Devo's New Trads, listen to Going Under, its so superb that it was on a Miami Vice episode, (Heart Of Darkness i think) . Lastly, from up on the plateau of the greatest albums of that era, Lions Mouth. Ive worn out 2 copies ive had since 81. My fave song is Fatal Flaw, then Judgement, Winning, Contact The Fact.. Actually all of them. Thankyou so well done again, loved it

[@davidellis5141]

The Comsats debut was Waiting For A Miracle not Sleep No More - It featured Independence Day which they did a new version of on Land in 1983. A great song .

[@dannymiles6503]

@@davidellis5141 it is Waiting For A Miracle that i am referring to when i mentioned their first and best album.

[@dannymiles6503]

@@davidellis5141 it was Independence Day that i remember as a hit that drew interest for The Comsats debut. On buying the album, the tide turned as most fans found that there were other songs on the debut that went deeper and further. On The Beach, Baby, Total War, Postcard and more. A brilliant debut album.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey Danny! Always appreciate reading your thoughts. And yeah, "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" - I still get chills whenever I hear it playing! Everything about it is superb! I've been looking for Waiting for a Miracle by Comsat Angels but no luck yet! Your love for the Sound's From the Lion's Mouth is strong indeed! Wow, two copies you've worn out! Thrilled you enjoyed this video! Thank you!

[@davidellis5141]

@@dannymiles6503 I met Stephen Fellows when he was managing Gomez & peppered him with Comsats talk. I told him I was bummed they faded out On The Beach right as it was going into instrumental bliss but he & the band didn't want to be viewed as self indulgent. No surprise he was a successful manager having been on Polydor , Arista & Island. He knew the game ..

[@crispyrobot77]

X - definitely a very special and unique band.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Yes, X are one of my long-time favorites! :-)

[@MsKalachakra]

Hi Hanna, nice of you to show things like Rush and Birthday Party. I know with hard rock and metal maybe lyrics are kind of dumb sometimes but I don't really speak english so I can't focus too much on that lol. 1981 is so vast is hard to keep track, still missing post punk like Au Pairs in my collection and you show a couple of goth albums or bands I didn't know about. Some are really hard to find so maybe I have another album not exactly the one you show by a particular band. You have a great collection now.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Alejandro! What's new?! Yeah, unfortunately some of these post-punk albums of this year are hard to track down. I'm still working on acquiring several from the slideshow I included at the end! I highly recommend that Au Pairs release! Incredible album! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@MsKalachakra]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert Well my collection is much larger, it's strange but since the pandemic started used records prices went down here in Guatemala, so I got a lot of New Wave, Power pop, 80s/early 90's alternative, hip hop etc and some post punk also, lots of obscure bands. however I still have to use discogs for things like Au Paris and other grails. I'll be moving to a new home very soon, a bigger place, so I'm pretty sure my vinyl and CD's would look spectacular there hehe.

[@actfray]

By the way, I really enjoyed your article in Big Stir Magazine. It was cool learning how you first got exposed to The Who and The Byrds. And I was psyched to see Matthew Sweet's "In Reverse" included in your Top Ten! It's my favorite album of his. I was introduced to the genre courtesy of The Raspberries. I'm ancient enough to remember hearing "Go All The Way" on AM radio when I was 11 years old. I bought the 45 and haven't looked back since.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

I'm thrilled that you were able to order a copy of that special Big Stir issue! Glad you enjoyed reading my article; means a lot! That's really cool that In Reverse is also your favorite of Matthew Sweet's catalog. I'm sad that it hasn't been reissued yet! And God bless the Raspberries! :-)

[@johnwilding4664]

Ok: you didn't lose me. Hannah: To paraphrase the AC/DC song: I salute you! Some of my favorites from 1981: The Kinks-Give the People What They Want-saw the tour in September of that year. A bit surprised that you overlooked that one! King Crimson-Discipline - took me a while, but a BRILLIANT album Bob Dylan-Shot of Love - one of his best and a woefully underrated album. I also have Face Dances with the poster and it took me some time to get into it-my favorite tracks are still the 2 by the OX: You and The Quiet One. I saw Pete Townsend on his Psychoderelict tour at Massey Hall in July 1993-brilliant show. Would love to see another solo album from him. I have tickets to the Who at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday, October 2, 2022-looking forward to it. Take care, john

[@ChromeDestiny]

Face Dances has had some great reissues, each with slightly different bonus tracks, last year's RSD edition being the most recent. I like the outtakes and Pete's demos for it more than a lot of the actual album but it does have it's moments.

[@toddhill7483]

Indeed that Kinks album is a good one, as is Discipline. Face Dances solid from start to finish.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Thanks, John! Glad I didn't lose you when I perhaps showed some lesser appreciated albums! Yeah, I definitely should have shown that Kinks release. I missed a bunch. since there were so many to feature, naturally a few got past me! The Quiet One off of Face Dances is a great track! Made for a fantastic live tune as well! Jealous that you got to see Pete on that Psychoderelict tour! Congrats on scoring tix to see The Who in October! Woo hoo! See ya next time!

[@sspbrazil]

John McGeoch’s guitar work on JuJu is fantastic.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

YES! I think he's by far my favorite guitarist that was in Siouxsie & the Banshees. I also LOVE his work with Magazine. Interesting that he became a nurse in the 90s and left music. He is missed!

[@NoisyBeast]

“Weird Love”, 1986, is my favorite alb by The Scientists, and Beasts Of Bourbon (another band w/ Kim Salmon) are also pretty cool. Check out their “Sour Mash”, 1988 album. My Top 5 for 1981 are Wipers “Youth Of America” / The Replacements “Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash” / The Gun Club “Fire Of Love” / Black Flag “Damaged” / Agent Orange “Living In Darkness”. Looking forward to see your overview of 1982; another great year for music! :^)

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Happy Friday! Thanks so much for providing your favorite LP by the Scientists. I'll definitely check that out because I'm on a Scientists exploration now! Haha, I dig the band name Beasts of Bourbon. Salmon is so great! Your top 5 is epic. Love these picks! Well done! Not 100% certain if I'll cover 1982, but the seed has been planted! :-)

[@peterwillett2536]

Great video. 1981 was such a pivotal year in music. It's so unlikely that they'll ever be another time like the late 70s/early 80s when so many new and different "rock" sounds were falling on so many ears via commercial and non-commercial broadcast radio. At the time, there was a lot of music that found a home on both Top 40 and college radio. Certainly not every artist, but enough that if even if you were even barely paying attention you knew something special was happening. So many great records from such a great variety of musicians. I was a HS senior/college freshman in '81, and I can't think of those days without swooning a little. The Tubes "hits" were fantastic. Look for a Tubes comp. Side 2 of Trust and Tattoo You are superb. Great year for post-punk, as you point out. Thanks.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Peter! Such a pivotal year indeed. blows my mind. was a bit of a task to cover considering how many landmark albums were released that year! Thanks for the recommendation on the Tubes comp. Seems there is a lot of praise for them in the comments here! I need to get on the bus! So many fabulous post-punk releases in 1981, right? rock on! See you next time!

[@widespoon2599]

Choosing my top 5 from 1981 is an enjoyable conundrum. At this moment they are Killing Joke - What's This For, Simple Minds - Sons and Fascination, A Certain Ratio - To Each, Grace Jones - Nightclubbing . . and New Order - Movement. Next week it could include albums by Human League, The Fall, Japan, Soft Cell, Psychedelic Furs, Yello, Ultravox, John Foxx, Bill Nelson, Fad Gadget, The Cure, Siousxie & The Banshees, Echo & The Bunnymen (the 12" of A Promise has a fantastic B side - Broke My Neck) Cabaret Voltaire and (The) Associates . . although Fourth Drawer Down is more of a compilation.

[@fartingpixie5144]

Here’s mine In no particular order 1. Deceit - This Heat 2. Odyshape - The Raincoats 3. Youth of America - Wipers 4. Tadaima. - Akiko Yano 5. The Flowers of Romance - Public Image Ltd 6. Prayers on Fire - The Birthday Party 7. Kollaps - Einstürzende Neubauten 8. Beauty and the Beat - Go-Go’s 9. Solid Gold - Gang of Four 10. Architecture & Morality - OMD 11. Tin Drum - Japan 12. A Long Vacation - Eiichi Ohtaki 13. BGM / Technodelic - YMO 14. Mark of the Mole - The Residents 15. Sleep No More - The Comsat Angels 16. Pirates - Rickie Lee Jones 17. Marauder - Blackfoot 18. East Side Story - Squeeze 19. Meishi Kuuna! - INU 20. Aventure - Taeko Ohnuki

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Oooo, I love that there are several in your list that I have not heard before! Definitely adding these to the sample list. You know your stuff! Fantastic!

[@amberfollett3791]

Flower of Romance, oh my gosh! My son, when he was little, loved that song! He and his younger sisters would dance and sing to it for hours. As for the Tubes, their first is, by far, the best. The boys in my high school band were forever singing White Punks on Dope. X is one of my favorite L.A. bands, seen them many times. Love those harmonies! While I love all their albums, their first is the best for me. Love Ray's organ. It's what makes the album special.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hey there, Amber! Great to hear from you again. Ah yes, lots of recommendations/praise for that first Tubes album here. So, I definitely need to go and listen to it! Thank you! I imagine it won't be too hard for me to find, either. I recall seeing many Tubes LPs on my numerous digs! Nice memory of your son singing Flowers of Romance when he was young! I appreciate you checking in! :-)

[@paulsimister944]

It always nice to see your face pop up in my stream, especially when it's one of your videos focused on a year or genre. You've got your work cut out to convince me 1981 was a good year let alone a great year. Looking at your five favourites, I only know Heaven Up Here. The UK music press pushed this hard, so I bought it, but I wasn't convinced by the band until Ocean Rain. I started recording my plays at the start of last year, and from 1965 onwards, 1981 and '83 tie as joint bottom. The studio albums I can recommend are Wha'ppen - The (English) Beat The Poet - Bobby Womack The Completion Backwards Principle - The Tubes Hard Promises - Tom Petty October - U2 Live albums do better with Tokyo Live - Al Green Indian Summer - Al Stewart Songs in the Attic - Billy Joel Nine Tonight - Bob Seger Reckoning - Grateful Dead Live in New Orleans - Maze* Live in Concert - Sad Cafe Reach up and touch the sky - Southside Johnny * My #1 of the year Beyond that, you're probably looking at outside my top 750 to 1000 albums I'll watch what you think later tonight or tomorrow and head over to my streaming service. I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes Paul

[@paulsimister944]

I should have added a compilation, Singles 45s and Under by Squeeze. Its my favourite of theirs.

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Hi Paul! Ocean Rain from Echo definitely left the biggest impression on me as well and, in fact, is my favorite of their discography! High five! I'll have to explore some of these live albums you listed. Sorry that you weren't sold on 1981! Definitely in my top 5 favorite years for music!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

I love that comp, too!

[@ForARide]

Hi Hannah, I discovered your channel quite a while ago, and was always eager to respond on some of your clips, but unfortunately since my Covid vaccination 1 1/2 years ago I'm severely ill, and I have many problems to manage. Anyway, what I really like about your channel (apart from your excellent taste in music), is that you reply to almost every comment, whereas a lot of other uploaders can't be bothered. Echo & The Bunnymen was my first real gig ever (1980 - jeez, that was ages ago), since then I've been a regular gig go-er, seen plenty of great bands and artists such as Iggy, Siouxsie, Stranglers, Gun Club, Suicide, Cabaret Voltaire, Hüsker Dü, PIL, Sonic Youth etc. But of all the people I've seen, one stands out: the one and only John Cale! It must have been 1983 or 84, the Welsh Wizard still in his drug fuelled days performing with his band. Never before or after have I witnessed such an outrageous and exciting gig. Cale was totally out of his mind, unpredictable, rolling around on the floor, screaming out 'Waiting For The Man'. That wasn't a musician or performer on stage, that was an (ex-) junkie, showcasing the horrors of being on turkey, full of anger, desperation, fear, sadness and pain (I've never done H, tried various other substances, but never H, and never will). Cale's charisma and stage presence were simply overwhelming, I had witnessed something absolutely amazing, that that guy on stage was one of the very few real Godfathers of Punk and Alternative Music. I discovered John Cale by pure chance, heard him on the radio with Dead Or Alive from his 1981 album Honi Soit (when do you ever get to hear John Cale on the radio?). About a week later I found his long out of print solo debut album Vintage Violence on a tiny flea market, and I'm sure that lp was there waiting for me! I had already delved into The Velvet Underground, had a best of album, and through that got hold of Lou Reed's Transformer and Street Hassle albums. But the more I delved into Cale's back catalogue, the more I was convinced that this guy was the real catalyst behind the Velvets revolutionary and groundbreaking sound. I soon found out, that after his forced exit due to Lou Reed, John Cale went on to arrange and produce Nico's album triology The Marble Index, Desertshore and The End, laying the foundations of what was later to become Goth. He furthermore produced those milestone debut albums by The Stooges, Patti Smith and The Modern Lovers, leading up the path on the way to Punk and Alternative Music. His own solo output is characterized through his limitless musical versatility, styles varing from Rock, Pop, Punk, Alternative, Goth, Industrial, Electronica, Jazz, Blues, Country, Avantgarde, Classical and Neo-Classical, etc. Not only is JC one of the most influential characters in the early shaping of what was to become Punk and Alternative Music, but easily one of the most versatile musicians in modern music. Yet, on the other hand he is possibly the most underrated musician in Rock history, it beggars belief. My personal Music God! I don't know whether you are familiar with any of his music or productions, but in case that's not the case, I can only recommend you to give this man a listen. I'd be dying to know your opinion about him, maybe you could let me know sometime, cheers. P. S.: I've got tons of Cale uploads and various playlists trying to showcase Cale's musical genius. Maybe you like to pop around my channel and go ForARide on a JC excursion. I think you won't be disappointed, but be prepared to expect the unexpected. Congrats to your 10 000 subscribers, here's another one. Keep up your great uploads, there's a few of your uploads I still need to comment on (esp. Post-Punk and Goth). Cheers, and take care!

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Are you having cardiac issues after your vaccine? It's extremely rare to have any long-term effects or an allergic reaction from the Covid vaccine. Sorry you are not well. I appreciate the thoughtful comment praising John Cale. Unfortunately I don't have any of his solo records yet. He's been one on my list I'd like to finally explore. His work with the Velvets was astounding! Cheers, and appreciate the comment! Yay to post-punk and goth!

[@ForARide]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert no, it's not cardiac issues. It's the Guillain-Barré Syndrome, an autoimmune reaction, where the nerves are being attacked and lay bare without any functional isolation. That caused enormous pain and it led to strong paralization of my limbs. I spent almost a year in hospital and rehab, mainly in a wheel chair. Since May last year I'm at home, had to give up my workshop as self employed cobbler. I claim to have been the only 'Punk cobbler' in Berlin. First thing in the morning I'd turn on my iPod, and either the Sex Pistols or the Velvets would be blasting out of the loudspeakers. But also the likes of John Coltrane, Astor Piazzolla, Beethoven or Linton Kwesi Johnson would penetrate the airwaves. Loads of customers would enquire about certain songs unknown to them, so I would offer them to swap mp3's of their and my music. That's how I got to know loads of bands and artists formerly unknown to me. With some of the customers I became friends and we would attend various gigs together. But all of that is now part of the past, fortunately I'm out of the wheel chair, but I still rely on crutches to get around. There were quite a few gigs I had to miss out on, such as Mudhoney, the Dandy Warhols, Shellac etc., due to my inability to stand longer than ten minutes. Luckily I'll be able to see my hero John Cale at the end of February, the venue is seated. Possibly the last chance of seeing the old Maestro. Anyway, it's great to see younger people like you, passing on the baton of great music and good taste. Long live Punk, long live Rock and long live your wonderful channel!

[@Oldschool7166]

I got Police “Ghost in the Machine” Christmas 1981. Other 1981’s : Since you like power pop, I strongly recommend Great Buildings “Apart from the Crowd” . It’s Danny Wilde and Phil Solem long before their Rembrandts days . Cheap Trick “All Shook Up “ and I think The Producers first album came out in ‘81 as well

[@TheOmahaIntrovert]

Oh, I have the first two Producers albums. I'll have to check out the release date on the first, but such a bummer if I missed the opportunity to show that one! I need to look up Great Buildings! If its power pop, I know I'd dig 'em! Thanks for the comment and watching! I know my videos can be quite long! Cheers!

[@Oldschool7166]

@@TheOmahaIntrovert cheers .👍🏻 oh the Knack “Round Trip” too. The song “Africa” is epic!