Full Force - Full Force

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-titled debut album from Full Force. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the band included Brian "B-Fine" George (drums), Junior "Shy Shy" Clark (bass), Curt "Curt T-T" Bedeau (guitar), Gerry "Baby Gee" Charles (keyboards), Paul Anthony George (vocals) and Lucien "Bow-Legged Lou" George Jr. (vocals).

Star Wars and Me

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away...

It was the summer of 1977 and I was twelve years old living in a small town in western New York. On that fateful day, the much younger next door neighbor kid Teddy came up to the group of us who were hanging out playing and excitedly said, "I just saw the coolest movie! There were space ships, and robots, and this guy got his arm sliced off by a laser sword!"

Any Trouble - Where Are All The Nice Girls (35th anniversary)

This year marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of Where Are All The Nice Girls, the debut album from the British rock band Any Trouble. They would follow this a year later with another release on the Stiff records label, then two releases on the EMI America label in 1983 and 1984 (a mix of previously release material and new tracks). They broke up shortly thereafter, but regrouped again in 2007 to release their fifth album. A schedule sixth studio album from a slightly different line up was slated for November of 2015.

For my full review of this album, click here.

Fine Young Cannibals - Fine Young Cannibals (30th anniversary)

Today (December 10th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Fine Young Cannibals, the self-titled debut album from the Birmingham, England, band of the same name. This 1985 release went to number 21 in Canada, number 17 in Switzerland, number 11 in the UK and New Zealand and number 2 in Australia. Here in the US, it spent twenty-eight weeks on the Billboard Album chart and peaked at number 49.

For my full review of this record, please click here.

Queen - Flash Gordon (soundtrack) (35th anniversary)

Today (December 8th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the release of the Flash Gordon soundtrack album, the ninth studio album from Queen. This one spent fifteen weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 23. It also charted at number 29 in Australia and Norway, number 25 in Sweden, number 12 in Japan, number 10 in the UK, number 7 in the Netherlands, number 2 in Germany, and number 1 in Austria.

For my full review of this album, click here.

For more from Queen, click here.

Dolly Parton - 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs (35th anniversary)

Today (December 6th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Billboard Album chart debut of 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs, the twenty-third solo album from country music legend Dolly Parton. Beginning her third decade in the business, the album reached number 1 on the US Country charts, number 11 on the US Billboard Album charts (with a thirty-four week total run), number 36 on the Canadian Country charts, and number 15 on the general Canadian music charts.

For full details on this record, click here.

For more from Dolly Parton, click here.

The Jam - Sound Affects (35th anniversary)

Today (November 28th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Sound Affects, the fifth studio album from the Jam. The album spent eleven weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 72.

For my full review of the album, click here.

For more from the Jam, click here.

Adam and the Ants - Kings of the Wild Frontier (35th anniversary)

This month marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Kings of the Wild Frontier, the second studio album from Adam and the Ants. This 1980 release spent thirty-five weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 44.

For my full review, click here.

For more from Adam Ant, click here.

Rod Stewart - Foolish Behaviour

Today (November 21st) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Foolish Behaviour, the tenth studio album from Rod Stewart. This 1980 release spent twenty-one weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 12. It also charted at number 23 in Germany, 21 in Canada, number 19 in Japan, number 12 in Norway, number 9 in Australia, number 8 in the Netherlands, number 4 in the UK, and number 3 in New Zealand and Sweden.

REO Speedwagon - Hi Infidelity (35th anniversary)

Tomorrow (November 21st) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Hi Infidelity, the ninth studio album from REO Speedwagon. This record was hugely popular as the 80's began, hitting number 1 on the US Billboard Album chart (a spot it held for fifteen weeks) and spending a total of one-hundred and one weeks on the chart as well.

For my full review, follow this link here.

The Jesus and Mary Chain - Psychocandy (30th anniversary)

Tomorrow (November 18th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Psychocandy, the debut album from the Jesus and Mary Chain. This alternative-pop record spent only four weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 188.

For my full review, click here.

Charlie Sexton - Pictures For Pleasure

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Pictures For Pleasure, the debut album from Texas singer/songwriter/guitarist Charlie Sexton. Recorded when he was just sixteen years old and already an accomplished guitar player, this 1985 release hit number 26 in Australia and number 15 on the US Billboard Album chart (with a thirty-four week total
run).

the Jazz Singer (soundtrack) (35th anniversary)

Today (November 10th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the soundtrack from The Jazz Singer. This 1980 album spent one-hundred and fifteen weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 3. It generated a number of hit singles as well for its singer/actor star Neil Diamond.

For more of my review on this record, click here.

The Dream Academy - The Dream Academy

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-titled debut album from the Dream Academy. This London trio consisted of Gilbert Gabriel (keyboards and vocals), Nick Laird-Clowes (guitar, harmonica and vocals) and Kate St. John (piano, tenor sax, oboe, accordion, and vocals). The Dream Academy, co-produced by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, hit number 58 in the UK and number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 (with a thirty-seven week total run).

Big Audio Dynamite - This Is Big Audio Dynamite

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of This Is Big Audio Dynamite, the debut album from Big Audio Dynamite. The group was created by former Clash guitarist/vocalist Mick Jones. The group included Dan Donovan (keyboards), Don Letts (vocals and sound effects), Greg Roberts (drums and backing vocals) and Leo Williams (bass). This 1985 release went to number 103 on the US Billboard Album chart (with a thirty-five week total run), number 27 in the UK and number 8 in New Zealand.

ABBA - Super Trouper

Today (November 3rd) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Super Trouper, the seventh studio album from the Swedish pop group ABBA. This 1980 release spent thirty-eight weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 17. It also charted at number 11 in Germany, number 8 in France, number 7 in Canada, number 5 in Australia and New Zealand, number 3 in Austrai, and number 1 the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

Alan Parsons Project - The Turn of a Friendly Card (35th anniversary)

This month marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of The Turn of a Friendly Card, the fifth studio album from the Alan Parsons Project. This 1980 progressive rock album, which told the story of a middle-aged man who gambles it all and loses, spent fifty-eight weeks total on the US Billboard Album charts and peaked at number 13. It also generated two Top-20 hit singles.

For the full review, please click here.

For more from the band, please click here.

Pat Benatar - Seven the Hard Way

Today (October 30th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Seven the Hard Way, the sixth studio (and seventh overall) album from Pat Benatar. This 1985 release rolled on up to number 69 in the UK, number 42 in France, number 36 in Canada, number 32 in Sweden and number 19 in Australia. Here in the US, it spent twenty weeks on the Billboard Album chart with a top spot of number 26.

Oingo Boingo - Dead Man's Party

Today (October 28th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Dead Man's Party, the fifth studio album from Oingo Boingo. This 1985 release spent sixteen weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 98.

ZZ Top - Afterburner (30th anniversary)

Tomorrow (October 28th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Afterburner, the ninth studio album from ZZ Top. This 1985 release spent a total of seventy weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 4.

For more from this classic 80's album, click here.

And for even more ZZ Top, click here.

Aretha Franklin - Aretha

Today (October 25th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Aretha, the twenty-eighth studio album from the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. This 1980 release spent thirty weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 32. It also reached number 6 on the US Billboard R&B chart and won her a Grammy award for Best Female R&B Vocal.

Krush Groove (soundtrack) (30th anniversary)

Welcome to another edition of Soundtrack Saturday.

Today we're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the soundtrack from Krush Groove, the rap-infused film starring the Fat Boys, Run-D.M.C., Sheila E. and Kurtis Blow. The album spent a total of twenty weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 79.

For my full review, click here.

Simple Minds - Once Upon a Time

Today (October 21st) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Once Upon a Time, the seventh studio album from Simple Minds. The multi-Platinum seller from 1985 scored at number 7 in Australia, France and Switzerland, number 4 in Sweden, number 3 in Canada and New Zealand, number 2 in Italy, and number 1 in the Netherlands and the UK. Here in the US, it spent forty-two weeks on the Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 10.

Donna Summer - The Wanderer

Today (October 20th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of The Wanderer, the eighth studio album from Donna Summer and her first release on the Geffen Records label. This 1980 release spent eighteen weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 13. It also went to number 55 in the UK, number 54 in Germany, number 18 in Australia and Norway, number 16 in New Zealand, number 15 in Sweden, and number 12 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

Morris Day - Color of Success (30th anniversary)

Today (October 18th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Color of Success, the first solo studio album from Morris Day. This 1985 release

spent thirty-one weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 37. It also rose all the way to number 7 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

For the complete album review, click here.

For more from Morris Day, click here.

Bruce Springsteen - The River

Today (October 17th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of The River, the double-length fifth studio album from Bruce Springsteen. This multi-Platinum 1980 release flowed to number 65 in Ireland, number 31 in West Germany, number 28 in Japan, number 8 in Australia, number 5 in Spain, number 3 in France, number 2 in the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden and the UK, and number 1 in Canada and Norway. Here in the US, it spent one hundred and eight weeks on the Billboard Album charts that included four weeks at the number 1 spot.

The Alarm - Strength

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Strength, the second studio album from the Alarm. The album peaked at number 18 in the UK. Here in the US, it spent thirty-six weeks on the US Billboard Album chart with a top spot of 39.

INXS - Listen Like Thieves

Today (October 14th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Listen Like Thieves, the fifth studio album from INXS. The multi-Platinum seller hit number 46 in the UK, number 30 in Switzerland, number 24 in Canada, number 11 on the US Billboard Album chart (it spent fifty-five weeks total on that chart), number 4 in New Zealand, and number 1 (holding that spot for two weeks) in Australia.

The Jets - The Jets (30th anniversary)

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-titled debut album from the Jets, the brothers and sisters of the Wolfgramm family. The record hit the US Billboard Album chart in early 1986 and then had a seventy week run with a peak of number 21.

For more from this record, click here.

Prince - Dirty Mind

Today (October 8th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Dirty Mind, the third studio album from Prince. This certified Gold selling record spent fifty-two weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 45; it also went to number 7 on the US Billboard R&B Album chart. This critically acclaimed album was ranked number 87 on Pitchfork Media's Top 100 Albums of the 1980s and number 206 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time list.

Talking Heads - Remain in Light (35th anniversary)

Tomorrow (October 8th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Remain in Light, the fourth studio album from Talking Heads. The album spent twenty-seven weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 19.

For my full review, click here.

For more from Talking Heads, click here.

Mike + the Mechanics – Mike + the Mechanics

Today (October 5th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-title debut album from Mike + the Mechanics. The 1985 release hit number 26 on the US Billboard Album chart with a fifty-three week long run on the chart. Around the globe, it hit number 78 in the UK, number 36 in Australia, number 10 in Canada, and number 9 in Germany.

The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta

Today (October 3rd) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Zenyatta Mondatta, the third studio album from the Police. This 1980 Platinum selling release went to number 14 in Austria, number 8 in Sweden, number 5 in Germany, number 3 in New Zealand, number 2 in Canada and the Netherlands, and number 1 in Australia, France and the UK. Here in the US, it spent one hundred and fifty-three weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 5.

ABC - How to Be a...Zillionaire! (30th anniversary)

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of How to Be a...Zillionaire!, the third studio album from ABC. The album spent forty-one weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 30.

For the full review of this favorite of mine from 1985, click here.

For more from ABC, click here.

Midnight Star - The Beginning

This month marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of The Beginning, appropriately enough the debut album from Midnight Star. The group got its start when friends began playing together while at Kentucky State University in 1976. This 1980 release came out on Solar Records, home of a number of R&B acts during that decade.

The Jacksons - Triumph (35th anniversary)

Today (September 26th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Triumph, the thirteenth studio album from the Jacksons. This 1980 record made it to number 10 on Billboard Album chart(with a twenty-nine week total time on that chart) and number 1 on the US R&B album charts; in the UK it went to number 13. World-wide it sold 1.9 million copies and generated five singles.

For more on this album, click here.

For more on this talented family of brothers as a group, click here.

Barbra Streisand - Guilty (35th anniversary)

Today (September 23rd) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Guilty, the twenty-second studio album from the legendary Barbra Steisand. The album hit number 1 all over the world, including on the US Billboard Album chart. It spent forty-nine weeks on the US Billboard Album chart as well.

For further details on this one, click here.

For more from Barbra, click here.

Oingo Boingo - Oingo Boingo (EP)

Yesterday (September 17th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the self-titled major-label debut from Oingo Boingo. This four song extended-play album from 1980 appeared on IRS Records and was issued in both vinyl and cassette formats.

Thompson Twins - Here's To Future Days (30th anniversary)

Today (September 17th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Here's To Future Days, the sxith studio album from the Thompson Twins. It spent a total of thirty-five weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 20.

For my full review, click here.

For even more from the Thompson Twins, click here.

Kate Bush - Hounds of Love (30th anniversary)

Today (September 16th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Hounds of Love, the fifth studio album from Kate Bush. This one spent twenty-seven weeks on the US Billboard Album chart back in the latter part of 1985 and early 1986, peaking at number 30.

For the full review of the album, click here.

Stevie Wonder - In Square Circle

Today (September 13th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of In Square Circle, the twentieth studio album from Motown legend Stevie Wonder. This multi-Platinum 1985 release rose to number 16 in the Netherlands, number 12 in Austria, number 11 in France, number 8 in Australia and Germany, number 7 in Canada and New Zealand, number 5 on the US Billboard Album chart (with a fifty week total chart run) and in the UK, number 4 in Switzerland, number 3 in Italy, Norway and Japan, number 2 in Sweden, and number 1 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

David Bowie - Scary Monsters (35th anniversary)

Today (September 12th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Scary Monsters, the fourteenth studio album from David Bowie. It spent twenty-seven weeks total on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 12.

For more on this album, click here.

For even more Bowie, click here.

Starship - Knee Deep in the Hoopla

Today (September 10th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Knee Deep in the Hoopla, the first studio album from Starship (the band formerly known by Jefferson Starship and, before that, Jefferson Airplane). The line-up for the group was Mickey Thomas (vocals), Grace Slick (vocals), Donny Baldwin (drums and vocals), Craig Chaquico (guitars) and Pete Sears (bass). The Platinum selling 1985 album hit number 65 in the Netherlands, number 45 in Germany, number 43 in New Zealand, number 29 in Switzerland, number 22 in Sweden, number 15 in Canada and number 7 on the US Billboard Album chart (with a total of fifty weeks on that latter chart).

Michael Stanley Band - Heartland

Today (September 8th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Heartland, the fifth studio album from the Michael Stanley Band. The 1980 release, the band's first on the EMI America label, spent thirty-two weeks total on the US Billboard album chart, peaking at number 86.

André Cymone - AC

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of AC, the third studio album from André Cymone. This 1985 record spent eight weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 121.

Loverboy - Lovin' Every Minute of It

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Lovin' Every Minute of It, the fourth studio album from Loverboy. This double-Platinum seller went to number 54 in Germany, number 22 in the band's native home of Canada, and number 13 on the US Billboard Album chart (with a forty-four week total run on that chart).

Paul Simon - One-Trick Pony (35th anniversary)

Welcome to another edition of Soundtrack Sunday.

Today (August 29th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the release of One-Trick Pony, a film written by and starring singer-songwriter Paul Simon as a once-popular folk singer who has not had a hit in a decade. The soundtrack for One-Trick Pony was the fifth solo album for Simon. The record spent twenty-six weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 12.

For my full album review, click here.

For more from Paul Simon, click here.

the B-52's - Wild Planet (35th anniversary)

Today (August 27th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Wild Planet, the second studio album from the B-52's. This 1980 release hit number 18 on the US Billboard Album chart with a total run of twenty-seven weeks on that chart.

For my full review, click here.

For more from the B-52's, click here.

Miami Sound Machine - Primitive Love

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Primitive Love, the multi-Platinum selling second English-language album and ninth overall from the Miami Sound Machine. It hit number 41 in Sweden, number 30 in the Netherlands, number 23 on the US Billboard Album chart (with seventy-five weeks total on that chart) and number 1 on the US Billboard Latin chart.

The Family - The Family (30th anniversary)

Today (August 19th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-title debut album The Family. The album did fairly well on the Billboard R&B charts, spending a total of twenty nine weeks on the chart and peaking at number 14. It also spent twenty-two weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 62.

For the complete review of the album, click here.

For more from the Family, click here.