Katrina and the Waves - Katrina and the Waves

Today (March 29th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-titled third studio album from Katrina and the Waves. This 1985 release from the English band hit number 28 in the UK and spent thirty-two weeks on the US Billboard Album chart with a top spot of 25. This was the band's first release on a major record label (Capitol), and it was made up entirely of tracks that had appeared on their first two Canadian independent label releases from 1983 and 1984.

Digital Underground - Sex Packets

Today we have another guest post from my buddy Herc who is helping me infuse a little bit of the 90's into Martin's View. As before, I will sprinkle in my own comments in italics with an MM: label. Take it away, Herc...

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The Power Station - The Power Station

Today (March 25th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-titled album debut from the Power Station. This one spent forty-four weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 6. It also reached number 38 in Sweden, number 16 in Switzerland, and number 12 in the UK.

Howard Jones - Dream Into Action

Today (March 23rd) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Dream Into Action, the second studio album from Howard Jones. This 1985 release went to number 20 in Germany, number 19 in Switzerland, number 2 in the UK and number 1 in Sweden. Here in the US, it spent forty-five weeks on the Billboard Album charts with a peak spot of 10.

Journey - Departure (35th anniversary)

Tomorrow (March 23rd) marks the thirty fifth anniversary of Departure, the sixth studio album from Journey. It spent fifty-seven weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 8.

For the complete album review, click here.

For more from Journey, click here.

Depeche Mode - Violator

This is the first of, hopefully, a number of guest blog posts written by my online buddy Herc (the link to his blog can be found along the right column and also here). He does a lot of music-based posts as well so you should check him out. I'll sprinkle my own comments in via italics.

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Today (March 19th) marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Violator, Depeche Mode's seventh studio album. This 1990 release spent seventy-four weeks on the US Album Chart, peaking at number 7. Attesting to the band's global popularity, Violator made the Top 5 in the UK, Austria, Canada, Germany and Switzerland while topping the chart in France.

Rachel Sweet - Protect The Innocent

This month marks the thirty fifth anniversary of Protect the Innocent, the second studio album from Rachel Sweet. This one spent eleven weeks on the US Billboard Album chart back in 1980 and peaked at number 123.

Air Supply - Lost In Love

This month marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Lost In Love, the fifth studio album from Air Supply. The album went to number 22 in New Zealand and number 21 in the band’s native home of Australia. Here in the US, it spent one hundred and four weeks on the Billboard Album chart with a peak spot of 22; it also went two times Platinum in sales.

The Cretones - Thin Red Line

This month marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Thin Red Line, the debut album from the Los Angeles new-wave rock band the Cretones. The group included Mark Goldenberg (formerly of the Eddie Boy Band) on vocals and guitar, Peter Bernstein on bass and vocals, Steve Beers on percussion, and Steve Leonard on keyboards and vocals. The album spent ten weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 125.

Billy Joel - Glass Houses (35th anniversary)

Today (March 10th) marks the thirty fifth anniversary of Glass Houses, the seventh studio album from Billy Joel.

For my full album review, click here.

For more Billy Joel, click here.

Mary Jane Girls - Only Four You

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Only Four You, the second and final studio album from the Mary Jane Girls. It was released just ten months after their self-titled debut (click here for that review) and was even stronger on the chart. It hit number 67 in Canada, number 28 in New Zealand, number 18 on the US Billboard Album chart (with a total run of thirty-eight weeks) and number 5 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

DeBarge - Rhythm of the Night

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Rhythm of the Night, the fourth studio album from the R&B family DeBarge. This Platinum seller went to number 94 in the UK, number 21 in New Zealand, and number 19 in Canada. Here in the US, it spent forty-eight weeks on the Billboard Album chart (peaking at number 19) and went to number 3 on the Billboard R&B chart.

Nu Shooz - Tha's Right (30th anniversary)

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Tha's Right, a rare five song EP from the husband-wife musical team of John Smith and Valerie Day, collectively known as Nu Shooz.

For my full thoughts on this 1985 release, click here.