R.E.M. - Murmur (30th anniversary)

Today (April 13th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Murmur, the debut album from R.E.M.

This is a classic alternative album that first grew popular on the college radio music scene of 1983. Click here for my complete review of the album.

Madness - Madness

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Madness, a self-titled, US exclusive compilation album from the British ska-pop band. The goal was to take advantage of the popularity the group was having with one of their singles that was popular on MTV at the time. Seeing as how the record rose to number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 200, this was a good move for the label to make at the time.

The dozen tracks were taken from the earlier albums by Madness, most which were unavailable in US record stores without some kind of specialty import ordering.

Cameo - Style

Today (April 11th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Style, the ninth studio album from R&B/funk band Cameo. Following a little more than a year after their previous release Alligator Woman (click here for that review), this 1983 record charted at number 53 on the US Billboard Hot 200 and number 14 on the US Billboard R&B charts.

Savatage - Sirens

The American heavy metal band Savatage was formed by Florida brothers Criss (guitars) and Jon (vocals) Olivia in the late 1970’s. Joining them were bassist Keith Collins and drummer Steve Wacholz. This week (April 11th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Sirens, their first studio album.

I decided to go with the original vinyl cover, since I do things old-school here on the blog. The later 1985 vinyl re-release and 1988 CD release have a more elven/fantasy type drawing to it that seems like a cross between The Hobbit and Lord of the Flies (see below).

Red Rockers - Good As Gold

This week (April 8th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Good As Gold, the second full-length album from the New Orleans natives Red Rockers. The line-up of the group changed slightly prior to this album as Jim Reilly came on board as the new drummer. The rest of the quartet was founders John Thomas Griffith (rhythm guitar and vocals), James Singletary (lead guitar) and Darren Hill (bass).

Heaven 17 - The Luxury Gap

Today (April 8th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of The Luxury Gap, the second studio album from UK synth pop group Heaven 17. This Platinum seller reached number 72 on the US Billboard Hot 200, number 20 in the Netherlands, number 18 in France, number 17 in Sweden, number 11 in New Zealand, number 7 in Germany and number 4 in the UK.

Prince - For You

Today (April 7th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the release of For You, the debut album of Minneapolis mega-musician Prince. At age 19, he composed, arranged and produced the entire album. He also played all the instruments on the record. It peaked at number 163 on the US Billboard Hot 200.