Devo - Oh No! It's Devo

Happy Halloween, readers. Are any of you going to a party in a potato costume?

Today we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Oh No! It’s Devo, the fifth studio album from Devo. It went to number 57 in Australia and number 10 in New Zealand; here in the US it climbed as high as number 47 on the Billboard Hot 200. By this point, the Akron, Ohio, band had moved more to a synthesizer-based electronic sound.

Donald Fagen - the Nightfly

This week (October 29th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of The Nightfly, the first solo album from Steely Dan founder Donald Fagen. This 1982 record went Platinum in both the US and the UK. Chart-wise, it peaked at number 44 in the UK, number 16 in the Netherlands, number 9 in New Zealand, number 8 in Sweden, number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 200 and number 24 on the Billboard R&B charts.

Pat Benatar - Get Nervous

Today (October 29th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Get Nervous, the fourth studio album from rocker Pat Benatar. This Platinum selling album peaked at number 73 in the UK, number 15 in Australia and number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 200 as part of its forty six weeks on that chart.

Benatar’s band had a change up with this release; Charlie Giordano joined the group on keyboards. The rest of the group continued to be Roger Capps on bass, Myron Grombacher on drums, and her newly-wed husband Neil Giraldo on guitars.

The Fixx - Shuttered Room

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Shuttered Room, the debut album from the British new-wave band the Fixx. The group was made up of lead singer Cy Curnin, keyboardist Rupert Greenall, guitarist Jamie West-Oram, bassist Charlie Barrett and drummer Adam Woods.

The album charted at number 77 in Australia, number 54 in the UK, and number 52 in Canada. In the US, its highest chart position was number 106 on the Billboard Hot 200.

Prince - 1999 (30th anniversary)

Today (October 27th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of 1999, one of my favorite albums from one of my favorite musicians ever Prince.

For my gushing review of this seminal 80's album, click here.

To celebrate, I plan to listen to this one and party like it's 1999 all over again.

Chilliwack - Opus X

Hailing out of Vancouver, British Columbia, the Canadian rock band Chilliwack got their start in the late 1960’s. After five albums in the early 70’s that were known mostly only in their native country, they started to cross the border into the US in the later part of the decade.

In October of 1982, they released their tenth studio album Opus X. Today, we will take a look at that album in celebration of its thirtieth anniversary. This Platinum certified record went to number 12 in Canada and number 112 on the US Billboard Hot 200. At the time, the group consisted of Bill Henderson (vocals, guitars, and keyboards), Brian MacLeod (vocals, drums, guitars, and keyboards) and Ab Bryant (bass).

Marvin Gaye - Midnight Love

This month we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Midnight Love, the seventeenth studio album from American R&&B and soul singer Marvin Gaye. The October 1982 release went Gold in the UK where it peaked at number 10. Here in the US, the album sold Platinum three times over and reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 200 and number 1 on the Billboard R&B album charts.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at number 37 on its list of the 100 Greatest Albums of the 1980's. Nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, it was also the final album Gaye would release before his death in April of 1984.

The Flirts - 10¢ a Dance

American record producer, songwriter and musician Bobby “O” Orlando had an idea in the early 80’s for a high-energy new-wave dance sound. He wrote all the songs, played all the instruments and produced all the tracks. He just needed to put faces and voices to his project. After interviewing many session singers, dancers and models, he found himself a blonde, a brunette and a redhead. Sandy, Andrea and Rebecca were the first of a rotating line-up for this girl-group. And thus the Flirts were born.

This month we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of 10¢ a Dance, the debut album from the Flirts. The sound is up-tempo, Euro-influenced dance music with a more new-wave spin.

Supertramp - ...Famous Last Words...

After a few years break coming off their smash hit album Breakfast in America, the British rock band Supertramp returned in October of 1982 with their seventh studio album. Today we will take a look at …Famous Last Words… in honor of its thirtieth anniversary.

The album went Platinum in Canada (reaching number 1 on the charts) and Gold in both the UK (number 6 on the charts) and in the US (number 5 on the Billboard Hot 200). It also hit number 5 in Sweden, number 2 in Norway, and number 1 in both Germany and the Netherlands.

Musical Youth - The Youth of Today

Formed in an inner-city school in Birmingham, UK, Musical Youth consisted of two sets of brothers - Michael (keyboards) and Kelvin (guitars) Grant and Patrick (bass) and Freddie “Junior” (drums) Waite - and their lead singer Dennis Seaton. The Waite boys were the sons of Frederick Waite of the Jamaican group the Techniques; he also wrote a number of the songs for the group in the beginning.

The Kids From "Fame" - Songs

Welcome to another edition of Soundtrack Sunday. Usually that means going to the movies, but today we will go to the small screen and a show about big dreams. Before there was Glee, there was Fame - one of my favorite shows from the early part of the 80’s (I never missed an episode).

With a strong showing in sales for the debut release (click here for my review of that album) and the start of its second season on NBC, it was no surprise that the Kids From “Fame” would return with another album. Songs was released in October of 1982 with more music taken from season 1 and early season 2 episodes.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Welcome to another edition of Seventies Saturday. Today (October 20th) is a special one as we also celebrate the sixty-second birthday of Florida-born American rocker Tom Petty.

Petty and his band the Heartbreakers made their recording debut on the November 9th, 1976, self-titled release. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers did not initially take off in the US; only after a UK tour and reaching number 24 on the charts there did it spark in the States (where it ultimately went to number 55 on the US Billboard Hot 200 in 1978). It also charted at number 57 in Australia and number 18 in New Zealand.

INXS - Shabooh Shoobah

This month we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Shabooh Shoobah, the third studio album from Australian rockers INXS.

Besides hitting number 5 in their homeland (and spending a total of 94 weeks on those charts), this was the first album by the band to be released worldwide. In the US, it became a Gold seller and reached number 46 on the Billboard Hot 200.

Bad Manners - Forging Ahead

This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of Forging Ahead, the fourth studio album from the English 2-Tone/Ska band Bad Manners. It was also the group’s last on Magnet Records, the label they started out on. The 1982 album peaked at number 78 on the UK charts.

The group at the time consisted of Buster Bloodvessel (lead vocals), Louis Alphonso (guitar), David Farren (bass), Martin Stewart (keyboards), Brian Tuitt (drums), Chris Kane and Andrew Marson (saxophones), Paul Hyman (trumpet), and Winston Bazoomies (harmonica, backing vocals).

Sylvia - Just Sylvia

Country singer Sylvia followed her 1981 debut album Drifter with the 1982 follow-up album Just Sylvia, a title that referred to her performing under just her first name. Today we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the record. It would be her best-selling album to date, going Gold in both the US and Canada. Chart-wise, it hit number 51 in Canada, number 56 on the US Billboard Hot 200 and number 2 on the US Billboard Country chart.

Spandau Ballet - Journeys To Glory

Today (October 16th) we celebrate the fifty-third birthday of English guitarist, songwriter and actor Gary Kemp. He and his bass-playing younger brother Martin Kemp (who celebrated his fifty-first birthday last week on October 10th) were the foundation of Spandau Ballet along with singer/keyboardist Tony Hadley, saxophonist/guitarist Steve Norman and drummer John Keeble.

Spandau Ballet released their first album Journeys to Glory on March 6th, 1981, just ten days after completing its recording. The album hit number 12 in New Zealand and number 5 in their native UK (where it eventually achieved Gold sales status). It generated a trio of hit singles in the UK as well.

Ultravox - Quartet

Today (October 15th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Quartet, the sixth studio album from the English band Ultra ox (it was also the third one to feature Midge Ure as the lead singer for the group). The record went to number 61 on the US Billboard Hot 200, number 38 in New Zealand, number 19 in Norway, number 13 in Germany and number 6 in the UK.

Happy Birthday, Thomas Dolby

Today (October 14th) we celebrate the fifty-forth birthday of English musician and producer Thomas Dolby.

Born in London, Thomas Morgan Robertson got his first start in music in the choir when he around 10 years old. He soon learned how to play guitar (with folk tunes) followed by piano (which included an interest in jazz). He got into synthesizers in the middle of the 1970's and that changed his musical direction yet again.

KISS - Creatures of the Night

Today (October 13th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Creatures of the Night, the tenth studio album for KISS. It was the last with Ace Frehley credited as a member (until 1998's Psycho Circus) even though he did not play on the record and the first album for lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent who would officially join the band on the next album.

Peter Godwin - Dance Emotions

In the later part of the 1970's, Peter Godwin was part of a progressive-glam band Metro along with Duncan Browne. Together, they did a trio of albums from 1976 to 1980.

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Dance Emotions, his first solo EP from 1982

Adam Ant - Friend or Foe (30th anniversary)

Today (October 11th) marks the thirtieth anniversary release of Friend or Foe, the first solo album by Adam Ant after disbanding his former group earlier in 1982.

For my full review of this album, you just need to click here.

As for me, since I don't drink and don't smoke, I plan to celebrate by giving this one a spin.

Stephanie Mills - Tantalizingly Hot

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Tantalizingly Hot, the sixth studio album by American R&B and Broadway star Stephanie Mills.

The 1982 record was her first on the Casablanca Records label and included production work by James Mtume, Reggie Lucas, and Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson. It peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 200 and number 10 on the Billboard R&B charts.

Missing Persons - Spring Session M (30th anniversary)

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Spring Session M, the first full-length studio album from the California new-wave band Missing Persons.

You can click here for my full review of this album.

To celebrate, I am going to throw this one on and go walking in L.A. with my destination unknown.

TV: Once Upon A Time (season 2, ep. 2)

Last week, the people of Storybrooke adjusted to finding out the truth behind the Evil Queen's plot. Some sought revenge in the form of a deadly wraith. When the creature was banished, it pulled Emma along with it. Mary Margaret followed with the pair ending up in what remains of the Fairytale Land. Now they are in the presence of Mulan and Princess Aurora who are looking for answers.

Last night, season 2 continued with an episode entitled "We Are Both".

Madness - The Rise & Fall

Today (October 8th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of The Rise & Fall, the fourth studio album from the English pop/ska group Madness. The album spent twenty two weeks on the UK charts, topping out at number 10. It also went to number 34 in Norway, number 29 in New Zealand and number 1 in Sweden. Many of the songs fit into a theme of nostalgia of childhood.

Single Bullet Theory - Single Bullet Theory

The group that would be known as Single Bullet Theory got its start in 1976 in Richmond, Virginia, under the name of X-Breed. After an EP release in 1976 and touring as the opening act for Patti Smith in 1979, the group finally signed with CBS records and put out their first full-length album.

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of the 1982 Single Bullet Theory record.

Lionel Richie - Lionel Richie

After a number of years as lead singer for the Commodores, Lionel Richie decided to try his hand as a solo artist. Today (October 6th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-titled solo debut release Lionel Richie. The album was a multi-Platinum seller. It went to number 41 in Sweden, number 21 in the Netherlands, number 18 in Australia, number 9 in the UK, number 5 in Canada and number 3 in New Zealand. Here in the US, it reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 200 and number 1 on the Billboard R&B charts.

Jefferson Starship - Winds of Change

Awhile back, someone I converse with on Twitter pondered how a band could go from "White Rabbit" to "We Built This City". The answer would be part of the transition from Jefferson Airplane to just Starship and that would include the middle period of Jefferson Starship.

Yesterday (October 4th) marked the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Winds of Change, the seventh studio album by the group under the name of Jefferson Starship. It was also the first album since the return of Grace Slick to the group. It reached number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 200.

Survivor: Philippines (episode 3)

Last week, Matsing suffered another loss and went to tribal, losing the increasingly difficult Roxy. Meanwhile, Lisa struggled with feelings of isolation and Jonathan found the hidden immunity idol for Kalabaw.

This week's episode is entitled "This Isn't a We Game" which brings to mind someone looking further than just getting through with alliances until the merge. Someone is thinking end game already.

Let's get to the recap.

Hall & Oates - H2O

Coming off their 1981 smash Private Eyes (click here for that review), Daryl Hall and John Oates proved they had the momentum as Platinum selling artists. Their next release, their eleventh studio album which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary today (October 4th), was H2O.

The album went to number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 200, the highest rank of any of their albums on that chart. It also went to number 24 in the UK. A number of singles were released from it, including another number 1 and one of their biggest hits.

Lindsey Buckingham - Law and Order

Happy sixty-third birthday today (October 3rd) to American singer-songwriter and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. This Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was ranked in Rolling Stone magazine’s 2011 list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

In 1981, while still working with Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham released his first solo album Law and Order. He composed eight of the eleven tracks and played numerous instruments (guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, percussion) on the record. It rose to number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and generated a hit single.

Human League - Hysteria

Happy fifty-seventh birthday today to Phil Oakey, English composer-songwriter, producer and lead singer of the Human League.

After the highly successful 1981 album Dare, a key album in the new-wave synth-pop movement (click here for my review), the British band had a hard time getting the next full-length album going. They put out a couple EPs including 1983's Fascination! (click here for that review) during the interim. Finally, on May 7th of 1984, they released their fourth studio album Hysteria.

TV: Once Upon A Time (season 2, ep. 1)

Back in May, we left Storybrooke, Maine, in a state where the curse was broken and magic was returning to the land.

Last night, season 2 picked up right where season 1 left off with an episode entitled "Broken".

Eddie Rabbitt - Radio Romance

Today (October 1st) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Radio Romance, the eighth studio album from singer-songwriter Eddie Rabbitt. This release went to number 31 on the US Billboard Hot 200 and number 5 on the Billboard Country charts.